Search

Abstract Malignant melanoma (MM) is known for its abundance of genetic alterations and a tendency for rapid metastasizing. Identification of novel plasma biomarkers may enhance non-invasive diagnostics and disease monitoring. Initially, we examined copy number variations (CNV) in CDK genes (CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CDK4) using MLPA (gDNA) and ddPCR (ctDNA) analysis. Subsequently, low-coverage whole genome sequencing (lcWGS) was used to identify the most common CNV in plasma samples, followed by ddPCR verification of chosen biomarkers. CNV alterations in CDK genes were identified in 33.3% of FFPE samples (Clark IV, V only). Detection of the same genes in MM plasma showed no significance, neither compared to healthy plasmas nor between pre- versus post-surgery plasma. Sequencing data showed the most common CNV occurring in 6q27, 4p16.1, 10p15.3, 10q22.3, 13q34, 18q23, 20q11.21-q13.12 and 22q13.33. CNV in four chosen genes (KIF25, E2F1, DIP2C and TFG) were verified by ddPCR using 2 models of interpretation. Model 1 was concordant with lcWGS results in 54% of samples, for model 2 it was 46%. Although CDK genes have not been proven to be suitable CNV liquid biopsy biomarkers, lcWGS defined the most frequently affected chromosomal regions by CNV. Among chosen genes, DIP2C demonstrated a potential for further analysis.

Aim of this paper is to evaluate short and long-term changes in T2 relaxation times after radiotherapy in patients with low and intermediate risk localized prostate cancer. A total of 24 patients were selected for this retrospective study. Each participant underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging on seven separate occasions: initially after the implantation of gold fiducials, the required step for Cyberknife therapy guidance, followed by MRI scans two weeks post-therapy and monthly thereafter. As part of each MRI scan, the prostate region was manually delineated, and the T2 relaxation times were calculated for quantitative analysis. The T2 relaxation times between individual follow-ups were analyzed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance that revealed a significant difference across all measurements (F (6, 120) = 0.611, p << 0.001). A Bonferroni post hoc test revealed significant differences in median T2 values between the baseline and subsequent measurements, particularly between pre-therapy (M0) and two weeks post-therapy (M1), as well as during the monthly interval checks (M2 - M6). Some cases showed a delayed decrease in relaxation times, indicating the prolonged effects of therapy. The changes in T2 values during the course of radiotherapy can help in monitoring radiotherapy response in unconfirmed patients, quantifying the scarring process, and recognizing the therapy failure.

Aims. Currently, the only method used to differentiate between MIBC and NMIBC is transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT). Magnetic resonance and Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) would allow for discrimination between NMIBC and MIBC. We evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of VI-RADS in the diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and discuss its value in everyday urological practice. Methods. 64 patients with bladder cancer (BC) were enrolled into this prospective study. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) was performed before transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) and evaluated using the VI-RADS score. Score were compared to histopathology results. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of this system using both cut-off VI-RADS ≥ 3 and ≥ 4. Results. Sensitivity of 92.3% (95%CI: 64.0; 99.8), specificity of 81.4% (95%CI: 69.1; 90.3), positive predictive value of 52.2% (95%CI: 30.6; 73.2) and negative predictive value of 98.0% (95%CI: 89.1; 99.9) was determined using cut off VI-RADS ≥ 3, while sensitivity of 76.9% (95%CI: 46.2; 95.0), specificity of 91.5% (95%CI: 81.3; 97.2), positive predictive value of 66.7% (95%CI: 38.4; 88.2), and negative predictive value of 94.7% (95%CI: 85.4; 98.9) was determined using cut-off VI-RADS ≥ 4. Based on our results, we consider the optimal cut-off point to be VI-RADS ≥ 3 with the overall prediction accuracy of 83.3% (95%CI: 72.7; 91.1). Conclusions. We acknowledge that mpMRI provides valuable information with regard to BC staging, however, despite its high overall accuracy, we do not consider the VI-RADS could replace TURBT in discrimination between non-muscle invasive and MIBC.

Aim. The aim of this study was to identify whether NfL and CXCL13 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations at diagnostic lumbar puncture can predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in terms of relapses, higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity. Methods. We conducted a single-centre prospective observational cohort study at the MS center, University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. CSF NfL (cNfL) and CXCL13 concentrations were examined (ELISA method) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) at the time of diagnostic lumbar puncture. Results. A total of 44 patients with CIS or early RRMS were enrolled, 31 (70.5%) of whom were women. The median age at the time of CSF sampling was 31.21 years (IQR 25.43-39.32), and the follow-up period was 54.6 months (IQR 44.03-59.48). In the simple and multiple logistic regression models, CXCL13 levels did not predict relapses, MRI activity or EDSS > 2.5. Similarly, cNfL concentrations did not predict relapses or MRI activity in either model. In the multiple regression, higher cNfL levels were associated with reaching EDSS > 2.5 (odds ratio [OR] 1.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.003). Conclusions. Our data did not confirm cNfL and/or CXCL13 CSF levels were predictive factors for disease activity such as relapses and MRI activity at the time of diagnostic lumbar puncture in patients with RRMS. While cNfL CSF levels predicted higher disability only after adjustment for other known risk factors, elevated CSF CXCL13 did not predict higher disability at all.

Mutations in BRAT1 are associated with neurodevelopmental delay and neurodegeneration. Here, the authors show that BRAT1 is a component of Integrator and is important for processing of specific RNAs. They further demonstrate that BRAT1 mutant patient-derived cells exhibit reduced levels of the Integrator catalytic subunit and increased levels of misprocessed UsnRNAs and impaired RNA processing.

Despite the progress in the understanding how COVID-19 infection may impact immunocompromised patients, the data on inborn errors of immunity (IEI) remain limited and ambiguous. Therefore, we examined the risk of severe infection course and hospital admission in a large cohort of patients with IEI. In this multicenter nationwide retrospective survey-based trial, the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected by investigating physicians from 8 national referral centers for the diagnosis and treatment of IEI using a COVID-19-IEI clinical questionnaire. In total, 81 patients with IEI (including 16 with hereditary angioedema, HAE) and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled, and were found to have a 2.3-times increased (95%CI: 1.44–3.53) risk ratio for hospital admission and a higher mortality ratio (2.4% vs. 1.7% in the general population). COVID-19 severity was associated with the presence of clinically relevant comorbidities, lymphopenia, and hypogammaglobulinemia, but not with age or BMI. No individuals with HAE developed severe disease, despite a hypothesized increased risk due to perturbed bradykinin metabolism. We also demonstrated a high seroconversion rate in antibody-deficient patients and the safety of anti-spike SARS CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma. Thus, IEI except for HAE, represent significant risk factors for a severe COVID-19. Therefore, apart from general risk factors, immune system dysregulation may also be involved in the poor outcomes of COVID-19. Despite the study limitations, our results support the findings from previously published trials.

Defects in DNA single-strand break repair are associated with neurodegenerative disease. Here the authors reveal that mutations in ARH3 interfere with the catabolism of mono-(ADP-ribose) and lead to its accumulation on core histones following repair of endogenous or exogenous DNA single-strand breaks.

This pilot pre-clinical study demonstrates the applicability of a new type of pneumatic cardiac triggering (PCT) for cardiac imaging. The pilot research compares the novel FPGA-based pad monitoring system for cardiac triggering using ballistocardiography (BCG) with conventional systems based on electrocardiography (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG). The implemented system enables cardiac triggering without the need to fix the sensors to the patient's body. This unique approach has the potential to reduce the preparation time for examination and the examination itself and to increase patient's comfort. The pilot pre-clinical study was conducted on 10 subjects at the Siemens Prisma 3T MRI Scanner within the CEITEC Multimodal and Functional Imaging Laboratory - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, upon the approval of the Ethics Committee. In total, 748 peaks (heart beats) were detected, with 7.347 correctly identified as true positive peaks, 140 incorrectly detected as false positive peaks, and 106 missed peaks (false negative). For all subjects, the total accuracy reached 96.31% and F1 score reached 98.18%. The applicability of the proposed BCG system was also analyzed in terms of objective (BRISQUE, NIQE, PIQE) and subjective evaluation of the images by 10 experts. The study compares images from two basic cardiac sequences - TRUE FISP (Free Induction Decay Steady-State Precession) and PSIR (Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery) sequences. The BCG system achieves comparable results with the most frequently used and most accurate clinical ECG system used as gold standard. The results prove that the BCG signal captured by our new sensor can be used as a substitute for ECG signal during MRI exam with reliability of 97%.

This first-ever study demonstrates the applicability of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) system for MR cardiac triggering of cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3 Tesla. The unique patented system senses body movements caused by cardiac activity using a non-invasive ballistocardiography (BCG) sensor. The pilot research compares a novel FBG-based system with clinically used triggering systems based on electrocardiography (ECG) and pulse oximetry (POX). The pilot pre-clinical study was conducted on 8 subjects at a Siemens Prisma 3T MR Scanner. The study compares images from two basic cardiac sequences, TRUE FISP (Free Induction Decay Steady-State Precession) and PSIR (Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery), using objective methods and subjective evaluation by clinical experts. The study presents original results that confirm the applicability of optical sensors in the field of cardiac triggering having a number of advantages in comparison to conventional solutions, such as no eddy current interference, ease of placement of the sensor on the patient's body, and senor reusability. The proposed FBG-based system achieves comparable results with the most frequently used and most accurate ECG-based and POX-based clinical systems. In terms of subjective evaluation by experts, the FBG system outperformed the POX-based system used in clinical practice.

Wavelet transform (WT) is a commonly used method for noise suppression and feature extraction from biomedical images. The selection of WT system settings significantly affects the efficiency of denoising procedure. This comparative study analyzed the efficacy of the proposed WT system on real 292 ultrasound images from several areas of interest. The study investigates the performance of the system for different scaling functions of two basic wavelet bases, Daubechies and Symlets, and their efficiency on images artificially corrupted by three kinds of noise. To evaluate our extensive analysis, we used objective metrics, namely structural similarity index (SSIM), correlation coefficient, mean squared error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and universal image quality index (Q-index). Moreover, this study includes clinical insights on selected filtration outcomes provided by clinical experts. The results show that the efficiency of the filtration strongly depends on the specific wavelet system setting, type of ultrasound data, and the noise present. The findings presented may provide a useful guideline for researchers, software developers, and clinical professionals to obtain high quality images.

This study describes a pilot clinical validation of a new low-cost system for the continuous monitoring of the human body's cardiorespiratory activities within the magnetic resonance examination area. This study primarily focuses on monitoring cardiac activity and the related cardiac triggering. The patented system tested by the authors is based on seismocardiography (SCG). The study was conducted on 18 subjects on a Siemens Prisma 3T MR scanner. Standard anatomical and diffusion sequences were used to test cardiac activity monitoring. A wide range of commonly used diagnostic sequences were used to test imaging of the heart by means of cardiac triggering. System functionality was verified against a commercially available electrocardiography (ECG) system. Monitoring of cardiac activity (detection of the R-R interval in ECG and the AO-AO interval in SCG) was objectively evaluated by determining the overall probability of correct detection (ACC), sensitivity (SE), positive predictive value (PPV), and harmonic mean between SE and PPV, i.e. F1. Imaging quality control using Cardiac Triggering was performed by subjective evaluation of images by the physicians. The study conducted clearly confirmed the functionality of the system in terms of continuous cardiac activity monitoring. In all 18 subjects, a mean PPV > 99 % was achieved; F1 > 99 %; SE > 99 %; ACC > 98 %; 1.96σ

This publication describes an original simple low-cost MR fully-compatible and safe fiber-optic breathing sensor (FOBS), which can be used for respiratory triggering and for monitoring the development of respiratory rate within the MR environment and can, thus, serve as prevention from the hyperventilation syndrome. The sensor is created by encapsulation of the Bragg grating into conventional nasal oxygen cannulas. The sensor is immune to minor patient movements, thus limiting movement artifacts to a minimum. Thanks to this fact it can be used for the retrospective/prospective respiratory gating. The sensor is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can thus be used in any magnetic field (1.5T, 3T, and 7T). The sensor prototype has been tested in both laboratory and real magnetic resonance (3T) environments relative to conventional pneumatic respiration references (PRR). The data measured were statistically evaluated using the objective Bland-Altman method (BAM) and the functionality of the proposed solution was confirmed. Respiratory Triggering functionality was confirmed by the radiologic doctors on the basis of analyzing images using the most used respiratory triggered T2 TSE 3D sequences and by objective method using the Blind/Referenceless Image Spatial Quality Evaluator (BRISQUE).

Multifunctional adapter and chaperone protein Daxx participates in the regulation of a number of mainly transcription-related processes. Most notably in a complex with chromatin-remodelling ATPase ATRX, Daxx serves as a histone H3.3 chaperone at telomeric regions and certain genes. In this report we document that Daxx interacts with another chromatin-remodelling, ATPase Brg1. We confirm the Daxx-Brg1 association both in vitro and in cells and show that Daxx interacts with Brg1 in high-molecular-weight complexes. Ectopic co-expression of Daxx with Brg1 and PML could shift disperse nuclear localisation of Brg1 into PML bodies. Mapping the Daxx-Brg1 interaction revealed that Daxx preferentially binds the region between Brg1 N-terminal QLQ and HSA domains, but also weakly interacts with its C-terminal part. Brg1 interacted with both the central and N-terminal parts of Daxx. SiRNA-mediated down-regulation of Daxx in SW13 adrenal carcinoma cells markedly enhanced expression of Brg1-activated genes CD44 or SCEL, suggesting that Daxx either directly through Brg1 and/or indirectly via other factors is a negative regulator of their transcription. Our findings point to Brg1 as another chromatin-remodelling protein that might similarly, as ATRX, target Daxx to specific chromatin regions where it can carry out its chromatin- and transcription-regulating functions.

Aims. Currently, the only method used to differentiate between MIBC and NMIBC is transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT). Magnetic resonance and Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) would allow for discrimination between NMIBC and MIBC. We evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of VI-RADS in the diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and discuss its value in everyday urological practice. Methods. 64 patients with bladder cancer (BC) were enrolled into this prospective study. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) was performed before transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) and evaluated using the VI-RADS score. Score were compared to histopathology results. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of this system using both cut-off VI-RADS = 3 and = 4. Results. Sensitivity of 92.3% (95%CI: 64.0; 99.8), specificity of 81.4% (95%CI: 69.1; 90.3), positive predictive value of 52.2% (95%CI: 30.6; 73.2) and negative predictive value of 98.0% (95%CI: 89.1; 99.9) was determined using cut off VIRADS = 3, while sensitivity of 76.9% (95%CI: 46.2; 95.0), specificity of 91.5% (95%CI: 81.3; 97.2), positive predictive value of 66.7% (95%CI: 38.4; 88.2), and negative predictive value of 94.7% (95%CI: 85.4; 98.9) was determined using cut-off VI-RADS = 4. Based on our results, we consider the optimal cut-off point to be VI-RADS = 3 with the overall prediction accuracy of 83.3% (95%CI: 72.7; 91.1). Conclusions. We acknowledge that mpMRI provides valuable information with regard to BC staging, however, despite its high overall accuracy, we do not consider the VI-RADS could replace TURBT in discrimination between non-muscle invasive and MIBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim of this study was to identify whether NfL and CXCL13 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations at diagnostic lumbar puncture can predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in terms of relapses, higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity. Methods. We conducted a single-centre prospective observational cohort study at the MS center, University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. CSF NfL (cNfL) and CXCL13 concentrations were examined (ELISA method) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) at the time of diagnostic lumbar puncture. Results. A total of 44 patients with CIS or early RRMS were enrolled, 31 (70.5%) of whom were women. The median age at the time of CSF sampling was 31.21 years (IQR 25.43-39.32), and the follow-up period was 54.6 months (IQR 44.03-59.48). In the simple and multiple logistic regression models, CXCL13 levels did not predict relapses, MRI activity or EDSS > 2.5. Similarly, cNfL concentrations did not predict relapses or MRI activity in either model. In the multiple regression, higher cNfL levels were associated with reaching EDSS > 2.5 (odds ratio [OR] 1.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.003). Conclusions. Our data did not confirm cNfL and/or CXCL13 CSF levels were predictive factors for disease activity such as relapses and MRI activity at the time of diagnostic lumbar puncture in patients with RRMS. While cNfL CSF levels predicted higher disability only after adjustment for other known risk factors, elevated CSF CXCL13 did not predict higher disability at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue behaviour of nodular cast irons is described in specialized literature quite well but the majority of fatigue tests in high cycle region has been made at symmetrical bending or at symmetrical tension-compression loading. The role of loading cycle asymmetry is very important because the fatigue limit of nodular cast irons is substantially influenced by mean static stress. Unfortunately, the number of papers describing the influence of mean static stress is quite low. The aim of the presented paper consists in presenting the results of long-term research of nodular cast irons at high cycle region at different loading cycle asymmetry. Several heats with various heat treatments leading to various structures of matrix were used for fatigue tests performed mainly at symmetrical tension-compression loading and at repeating tensile loading. From S-N curves the fatigue limits for 107 cycles were determined and then used for the calculation and construction of the Haigh and the Smith diagrams. Nodular cast irons seem to be more sensitive to mean static stress than structural steels. It was found that, in contrast to many papers, the dependence of upper stress on mean stress is not linear but parabolic with the exponent lower than 1 whose value is linear function of UTS.

The presented work deals with a high-strength variant of nodular cast iron, so-called ADI (austempered ductile iron). This material ranks among prospective structural materials and is more and more applied in all important branches of machine industry. Recently it has even been applied to castings for cyclically loaded components, i.e. gears and traversing wheels, crankshafts of motor-cars, vans and trucks, swivel pins, rail brakes, pressure pipes in oil industry etc. The microstructure composition of an ADI matrix consists especially of bainitic ferrite and stabilized austenite. However, in dependence on transformation dwell some amount of martensite can appear as well.In this work the relation between mechanical properties and microstructure composition of the matrix mixture was studied in detail for the case of ADI transformed at 380 °C, with emphasis on fatigue properties.

The gold standard for serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) determination is the single molecule array (SIMOA), the use of which is limited by availability and cost. The VEUS method is a fully automated, user-friendly diagnostic system requiring no sample preparation, with high reported sensitivity, multiplexing capability, and rapid diagnostics. The aim of this study was to compare the SIMOA and VEUS methods for determining sNfL levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A single-centre cross-sectional study was conducted at the MS Centre of University Hospital Ostrava. Patients were enrolled in the study from January 18 to January 31, 2024. Inclusion criteria were: 1) diagnosis of MS according to the revised 2017 McDonald criteria, 2) age ≥18 years, and 3) signed informed consent. The NF-light V2 diagnostic kit (SIMOA, Quanterix) and the Singleplex Neurology assay kit (VEUDx, EZDiatech) were used to determine sNfL concentrations. The two methods were compared by use of Spearman correlation, Passing–Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. A total of 49 patients were included in the study, of whom 39 (79.6 %) were female. The median sNfL concentration was 7.73 (IQR 5.80–9.93) ng/L determined by SIMOA and 1.31 (IQR 1.18–1.65) ng/L by VEUS. We did not find a correlation between SIMOA and VEUS (r s = 0.025, p = 0.866). Passing–Bablok regression demonstrated a systematic and proportional difference between the two methods. A significant disagreement between them was also confirmed by the Bland–Altman plots. On average, sNfL values measured by SIMOA were 3.56 ng/L (95 % CI 0.78 to 6.34) higher than those measured by VEUS. Our investigation uncovered noteworthy disparities between the SIMOA and VEUS techniques in determining sNfL levels. Specifically, the VEUS technique systematically produces lower estimates of sNFL levels. This substantial variance emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating assay methods when quantifying sNfL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of excellent both mechanical and technological properties, austempered ductile iron (ADI) is ranked with very perspective structural materials. Recently it has been applied even to castings for dynamically loaded components and a considerable part of ADI production is applied also in military industry. The structure of ADI matrix, mostly created by the mixture of bainite and stabilized austenite, strongly depends on transformation conditions, i.e. temperature and the length of isothermal transformation dwell. An ADI transformed at 380 °C during a temporal range from 2 minutes to 9 hours was studied in details, with emphasis on structural composition and fatigue properties. The highest level of fatigue properties was obtained for the transformation dwell of 60 minutes when the maximum portion of austenite was found in ADI structure.

Results of Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in animals from six Central European countries (Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) spreading over 610 402 km2 with a population of 11.8 million heads of cattle were analysed. In the monitoring period, 1990 to 1999, M. tuberculosis from animals was isolated only in two countries (Poland and Slovak Republic) from 16 animals with tuberculous lesions. These comprise nine heads of cattle (Bos taurus), four domestic pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica) and three wild animals, an African elephant (Loxodonta africana), agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) and terrestrial tapir (Tapirus terrestris), originated form a zoological garden Gdansk in Poland. Steady decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis in humans was recorded during the monitoring period in all countries. The human population of the study countries was 68.03 million. In the period monitored, infection caused by M. tuberculosis was identified in a total of 241 040 patients with a decreasing incidence of tuberculosis found in all countries. The lowest relative bacteriologically confirmed disease was found in theCzechRepublic,SlovakRepublic andSlovenia. Given the low number of infected domestic and wild animals, the epidemiological and epizootiological situation may be considered auspicious.

The study was undertaken in Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia laying between Baltic and Adriatic seas on 610 402 km2. Mycobacterium bovis infection was diagnosed in 70 animals belonging to 17 species other than cattle. The set of wild animals comprised 12 European bison (Bison bonasus), one red deer (Cervus elaphus), five wild boars (Sus scrofa), and one European wild goat (Capra aegagrus) bred in a game park. Further positive animals included two farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) and one bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) owned by a circus. The infection was also demonstrated in 18 domestic animals belonging to 3 species living on farms where bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed in cattle. This set included 12 domestic pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica), two domestic sheep (Ovis ammon f. aries), and four dogs (Canis lupus f. familiaris). The set of animals bred in zoological gardens consisted of 30 animals belonging to 9 species as follows: three bison (Bison bison), four tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), one cassowary (Casuarius casuarius - isolate identified by the biological assay in guinea pigs only), eight sitatungas (Tragelaphus spekei), three elands (Taurotragus oryx), one gnu (Connochaetes taurinus), eight reticulated giraffes (Giraffa cameloparadlis reticulata), one puma (Puma concolor), and one Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus bucculentus). Although, considering the population sizes, absolute numbers of the infected individuals are rather low, wild animals or such animals bred in captivity should be regarded as possible reservoirs of the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis. Tests for bovine tuberculosis are therefore necessary before transportation of all wild animals. Any lesion arousing suspicion of tuberculosis found on necropsy of wild animals must be laboratory examined for the presence of mycobacteria.

The post-eradication incidence of bovine tuberculosis in seven Central European Countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) was studied between 1990 and 1999. The majority of cattle to the age of 24 months were screened by tuberculin skin test on annual basis. Tuberculous lesions observed during meat inspection at abattoirs were further laboratory examined by direct microscopy, cultivation and histology for the presence of mycobacteria. Data describing the incidence of the disease in animals for the whole period were obtained from all countries except Bosnia and Herzegovina, where data were obtained after the year 1995. Between the years 1990 and 1999, bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed in a total of 1 084 cattle herds. Nine hundred and seventy five (89.9%) outbreaks of the disease were reported in small herds (10 cows) and 109 (10.1%) outbreaks in large cattle herds (>10 cows). The last outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was diagnosed in Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, 1993, 1995, 1999 and 1999, respectively. Bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed under proper quarantine in Slovenia in 37 fattening bulls imported from two European countries before animals were introduced to the targeting farms.

Background: This retrospective analysis evaluated the long-term outcome of spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment for hemangioblastomas. Materials and methods: Between 2010 and 2018, 5 patients with 18 Von-Hippel Lindau-related pial-based spinal hemangioblastomas were treated with fractionated SBRT. After precisely registering images of all relevant datasets, we delineated the gross tumor volume, spinal cord (including intramedullary cysts and/or syrinxes), and past radiotherapy regions. A sequential optimization algorithm was used for dose determinations, and patients received 25-26 Gy in five fractions or 24 Gy in three fractions. On-line image guidance, based on spinal bone structures, and two orthogonal radiographs were provided. The actuarial nidus control, surgery-free survival, cyst/syrinx changes, and progression-free survival were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Toxicities were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Results: The median follow-up was 5 years after SBRT. Patients displayed one nidus progression, one need of neurosurgery, and two cyst/syrinx progressions directly connected to symptom worsening. No SBRT-related complications or acute adverse radiation-related events occurred. However, one asymptomatic radiological sign of myelopathy occurred two years after SBRT. All tumors regressed; the one-year equivalent tumor volume reduction was 0.2 mL and the median volume significantly decreased by 28% (p = 0.012). Tumor volume reductions were not correlated with the mean (p = 0.19) or maximum (p = 0.16) dose. Conclusions: SBRT for pial-based spinal hemangioblastomas was an effective, safe, viable alternative to neurosurgery in asymptomatic patients. Escalating doses above the conventional dose-volume limits of spinal cord tolerance showed no additional benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrathecal IgM synthesis has been identified as an adverse prognostic factor in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, some studies have not confirmed this association. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of intrathecal IgM synthesis for prediction of disease activity and disability in patients after the first demyelinating event of MS. We conducted a single-centre prospective observational cohort study at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. Intrathecal IgM synthesis was demonstrated by the presence of cerebrospinal fluid-restricted oligoclonal IgM bands and calculated using the Reiber, Auer, and Öhman formula and IgM index. A total of 61 patients with a clinically isolated syndrome or early relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled into the analysis of which 37 (61 %) were women. The median age at the disease onset was 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25 – 42), and the median disease duration was 2.8 years (IQR 2.4 – 3.5). Thirty-eight (62 %) patients experienced a second relapse of MS with a median of 312 days (IQR 192 – 424), and 29 (47.5 %) developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity during the follow-up. Intrathecal IgM synthesis did not affect the risk of a second relapse or evidence of MRI activity in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. There was no significant difference in disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and progression index in patients with or without intrathecal IgM synthesis. This prospective cohort study did not demonstrate that intrathecal IgM synthesis is a risk factor for a second relapse or MRI activity. It was not associated with higher disability in patients after the first demyelinating event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) manifests as a change in mental status without a coma (NCSE proper) or comatose NCSE. Hypocretin-1/orexin-A (H/O) is involved in alertness and sleep maintenance. Sleep impairment and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) have a negative impact on cognitive functions and activities of daily living (ADL)., Methods: Patients meeting the NCSE criteria underwent cerebrospinal fluid and brain magnetic resonance imaging examinations, polysomnographies (PSG), multiple latency sleep tests (MSLT), and completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to evaluate cognitive functions, and the Barthel Index was used to assess ADL in the acute phase (V1) and three months follow-up (V2)., Results: From May 2020 to May 2023, we enrolled 15 patients, eight (53.3 %) women, with a median age of 69 (14) years. The median H/O CSF concentration was 250 (63.6) pg/ml; however, only three CSF samples (20 %) decreased below the borderline concentration of 200 pg/ml. Fourteen out of 15 patients (93.3 %) completed the PSG study. The median of wakefulness after sleep onset was 167 (173.5) min, sleep efficiency (SE) was 62.9 (63) %, sleep latency (SL) was 6 (32) min, REM sleep was 2.85 (7.2) %, and REM first episode latency was 210.5 (196.5) minutes. The medians of the stages N1 NREM were 4.65 (15) %, N2 NREM 68.4 (29.9) %, and N3 NREM 21.8 (35.5) %. MSLT mean latency was 7.7 (12.6) minutes. A significant negative correlation exists between H/O CSF concentrations and the stage N1 NREM (r s  = -0.612, p = 0.02), and the proportion of cumulative sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90 % in total sleep time (TST) t90 (r s  = -0.57, p = 0.03). MSLT had significant negative correlation with TST (r s  = -0.5369, p = 0.0478), with SE (r s  = -0.5897, p = 0.0265), with apnea-hypopnea index (r s  = -0.7631, p = 0.0002) and with deoxygenation index (r s  = -0.8009, p = 0.0006). A positive correlation exists between MSLT and SL (r s  = 0.6284, p = 0.0161) and between ESS and t90 (r s  = 0.9014, p = 0.0004). The correlation between H/O CSF concentrations and EDS, cognitive performance, and ADL was not proved., Conclusions: Patients after NCSE exhibited sleep impairment and excessive daytime sleepiness. Hypocretin-1/orexin-A concentrations decreased only in 20 % of these cases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)