Chorea as a First Manifestation in Young Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Who Was Initially Diagnosed With Rheumatic Fever

Chorea is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report on a young patient with chorea who was diagnosed initially with rheumatic fever. Follow up and further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome. Of special interest were the negative antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and the initial diagnosis of rheumatic fever which is still not uncommon problem in our region. The rarity of such presentation with joint and non specific increase of antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer might be the factors that led to an incorrect diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome are very crucial and should be considered with such presentation

Are emerging markets efficient? Evidence from informational content of dividend changes in Polish stock market

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to present the dividend signaling hypothesis, in particular, an empirical analysis of the relationship between the current changes in the level of a dividend paid (t0) and the future profitability of the companies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The dividend signaling hypothesis is empirically tested using the dynamic causality analysis based on the regression approach monitoring for expected earnings changes and past returns with a set of linear and non-linear controls. The conducted analyses comprised the domestic companies quoted on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which paid dividends in 2001-2016. Findings: The empirical results confirm that in the audited period, dividend decisions bring some information about the current situation (t = 0) and future (t = 1, t = 2) of the analyzed companies. It is also worth noting that among the analyzed indicators, the gross profit ratio (PBT) referred either to the market value or the book value of equity was most often in the statistically significant analyzes. In general, our results confirm the validity of the signaling hypothesis in the case of continuation-growth and initiation of payments in the Polish capital market as in the developed market. Practical Implications: We can say that investors, based on "signals" coming out of dividends advertisements, may conclude the future-income potential of a given company. Originality/value: As mentioned, the gross profit ratio (PBT) referred either to the market value or the book value of equity was most often in the statistically significant analyses. Thus, it seems that, contrary to the adopted assumptions in the literature, gross profit (PBT) in dividend signaling is more important than net profit (E).peer-reviewe

Selected electrolytic, haematological and enzymatic parameters in horses during endurance races

Long-distance endurance races are a big challenge for a horse’s body. The prolonged exercise and dehydration associated with it, in adverse circumstances, may dysregulate many metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to assess changes in electrolyte balance in horses during endurance races, and to explain the potential need for electrolyte supplementation. The experiment was performed on fifty-six horses aged 9-15 years. Haematological and biochemical parameters of horse blood were tested before, during and after the completion of a 120 km endurance race. Electrolyte status (Na+, K+, Cl-) was assessed by analysing test results in horses that completed the race without any clinical symptoms of metabolic disorders and received no additional mineral supplements before the race. The following haematological parameters were determined: red blood cell and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, haematocrit and red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC). Enzymatic tests involved the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. A significant increase was found in the levels of haemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activity, but the values of these parameters were within the normal physiological ranges. Other parameters (WBC, RBC, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Na+, K+, Cl-) changed slightly, but were also within the ranges characteristic of sporthorses. The results suggest that horses well prepared for effort do not require additional supplementation of minerals during endurance races under conditions of the Polish climate

Selected electrolytic, haematological and enzymatic parameters in horses during endurance races

Long-distance endurance races are a big challenge for a horse’s body. The prolonged exercise and dehydration associated with it, in adverse circumstances, may dysregulate many metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to assess changes in electrolyte balance in horses during endurance races, and to explain the potential need for electrolyte supplementation. The experiment was performed on fifty-six horses aged 9-15 years. Haematological and biochemical parameters of horse blood were tested before, during and after the completion of a 120 km endurance race. Electrolyte status (Na+, K+, Cl-) was assessed by analysing test results in horses that completed the race without any clinical symptoms of metabolic disorders and received no additional mineral supplements before the race. The following haematological parameters were determined: red blood cell and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, haematocrit and red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC). Enzymatic tests involved the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. A significant increase was found in the levels of haemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activity, but the values of these parameters were within the normal physiological ranges. Other parameters (WBC, RBC, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Na+, K+, Cl-) changed slightly, but were also within the ranges characteristic of sporthorses. The results suggest that horses well prepared for effort do not require additional supplementation of minerals during endurance races under conditions of the Polish climate

Zaburzenia równowagi kwasowo-zasadowej i elektrolitowej oraz zmiany stężenia wskaźników mineralnych surowicy w przebiegu pokarmowej dystrofii mięśni cieląt

Selenium is an essential nutrient, which is crucial for proper body function. Its role is complemented by vitamin E. Nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) is one of the main disorders caused by a selenium deficiency. NMD most often affects calves at the age of 4 to 6 weeks. The study was performed on 40 Holstein-Friesian (HF) calves divided into two groups of 20 animals each. Control group calves were administered an IM injection of selenium and vitamin E on the second day of life. The experimental group comprised calves with symptoms of NMD. Samples of the biceps femoris muscle were collected from six animals in each group for histopathological analyses to confirm changes in muscle parameters. Blood samples were obtained from all animals on three different dates. The following blood parameters were determined in laboratory analyses: pH, pCO 2 , pO 2 , HCO 3 – , BE, O 2 SAT, the concentrations of Na + , K + , Cl – , and Ca and P levels. A drop in pH, an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen, a significant decrease in bicarbonate ion concentrations and hemoglobin oxygen saturation as well as a base deficit were reported in the group of calves demonstrating symptoms of NMD. The above changes point to the development of uncompensated metabolic acidosis due to increased levels of pyruvic acid and lactic acid produced as a result of anaerobic processes that accompany muscle fiber degeneration. Minor fluctuations in sodium and chloride levels were observed throughout the experiment, but their concentrations remained within the norm in animal groups. Potassium levels were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The serum concentrations of inorganic phosphorus and calcium were within the reference range in both groups. In calves, NMD leads to disruptions in the acid-base equilibrium and the electrolyte balance, which are manifested by uncompensated metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Significant changes in calcium and phosphorus levels are not observed in the blood serum of calves affected by NMD

The effect of micronutrient deficiencies on the health status of transition cows

Minerals, in particular micronutrients such as copper, manganese, zinc, selenium and chromium, deliver health benefits for high-yielding dairy cows. The availability of nutrients is particularly important during the transition period (between 3 weeks prepartum to 3-4 weeks postpartum), which is a highly vulnerable time in the production cycle that determines the health status of lactating cows, their milk yield and reproductive performance. In cows, prolonged mineral deficiency can produce subclinical symptoms of nutrient deficiency and, if untreated, can lead to a clinical presentation of the disorder. Less severe deficiencies, in particular micronutrient deficiencies, are more difficult to identify because they induce only minor functional and structural changes in the body, but together with energy metabolism disorders, they can lead to oxidative stress and immunosuppression, in particular in the transition period. Micronutrient supplements reduce the harmful effects of free radicals because the majority of micronutrients form the active centers of antioxidant enzymes. Dietary supplementation promotes reproductive performance, healthy fetal development and immunity. Micronutrients alleviate bacterial infections associated with mastitis, lower somatic cell counts in milk and minimize the risk of metabolic diseases caused by a negative energy balance. This study discusses the role of the major micronutrients in cattle nutrition and their effect on the health status of transition cows