Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are polymorphic structures on platelet membrane glycoproteins that may induce alloimmune responses after transfusion or pregnancy. Knowledge of HPA distribution in different populations is essential for improving transfusion practice and managing platelet transfusion refractoriness.

Purpose: Udder health is particularly critical during early lactation, when cows are more susceptible to inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate associations between the somatic cell count (SCC), automated in-line milk parameters, and blood biochemical indicators, and to evaluate their potential as complementary biomarkers of udder health in early-lactation dairy cows. Material-Method: The study included 59 Holstein cows at 20-100 days in milk. Milk yield, electrical conductivity, milk composition, and rumination time were recorded using an automatic milking system. Blood samples were collected on the same day and analysed for biochemical and electrolyte parameters. Associations between SCC and milk or blood indicators were assessed using correlation analysis. The ability of selected parameters to discriminate between low and high SCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Milk electrical conductivity showed a significant positive correlation with SCC (r = 0.330, p < 0.05) and the highest diagnostic accuracy among milk traits (AUC = 0.770). SCC was positively associated with gamma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase, while creatinine showed a negative correlation. Potassium and chloride concentrations were associated with SCC , with potassium demonstrating acceptable discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.707). Other indicators showed limited individual diagnostic value. Conclusion: Integrating SCC with automated milk monitoring and blood biochemical profiling provides a broader understanding of physiological changes associated with mastitis and supports the potential development of complementary mastitis monitoring strategies.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the interval of colostrum collection after calving on the quality of colostrum in dairy cows, as assessed by Brix values and estimated immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration. Material-Method: The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm. Cows were selected clinically healthy, 1–5 lactations, straightaway after calving. Colostrum samples (n=166) were collected and grouped according to collection interval into three groups: <2 h, 2 to 6 h, and >6 h after-calving. Colostrum quality was assessed using a Brix refractometer (%) and IgG concentration (g/L) was calculated. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Brix values were lowest (21.6%) in colostrum collected >6 h postcalving than compared with groups at <2 h (24.8%) and 2–6 h (24.1%) (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was 79.1 (standard deviation (SD=31.4)) g/L and 71.3 (SD=33.3) g/L in groups <2 h and 2–6 h, compared with group >6 h (42.7 (SD=13.1) g/L; p < 0.01). Brix values correlated with estimated IgG concentration (rₛ = 1.00, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Colostrum collection interval significantly influences colostrum quality in groups, with a marked reduction observed more than 6 hours postcalving. Brix refractometry reliably reflects IgG concentration and represents a practical tool for colostrum quality assessment in dairy herds.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of regrouping stress in dairy cows using Innovative Technology (IT) data and blood biochemical markers. Material-Method: IT data (eating and rumination time, activity, milk yield and composition) and blood samples were collected from 12 cows—6 controls (maintained in stable groups for ≥7 days) and 6 experimental cows (regrouped post-calving). Sampling occurred 24 hours before, 24 hours after, and 7 days after regrouping, with an additional collection 1 hour post-regrouping for the experimental cows. Serum was analyzed for cortisol, CRP, NEFA, and liver function parameters (AST, GGT, ALB). Results: Behavioral indicators in the investigated group changed markedly, with eating time peaking at 12 hours post-regrouping and rumination time showing an opposite trend. Physiological responses included a significant rise in cortisol (+57.7%) and transient NEFA and CRP spikes in the investigated group, while AST and GGT increased moderately and albumin decreased slightly; the control group remained largely stable. ROC analysis identified cortisol (AUC = 0.735, p = 0.005) as the most informative biomarker, and CRP as significant but inversely associated (AUC = 0.241, p = 0.003), achieving strong discrimination when evaluated under the correct direction (Youden’s J = 0.500 at ≤ 7.73). NEFA and AST showed moderate, non-significant discrimination, whereas GGT and ALB exhibited weak classification performance. Conclusion: Regrouping induces measurable stress in dairy cows, affecting both physiology and productivity. IT-based monitoring offers a practical approach for assessing stress and animal welfare on farms.

Purpose: Sudden death of dairy cows caused by Clostridium perfringens poses a significant challenge for dairy farmers, often remaining undiagnosed because of nonspecific clinical signs and a rapid progression of the disease. This report aims to enhance the understanding and management practices for preventing sudden mortality by investigating pathological findings in affected cows. Material-Method: This report involves three Holstein-Friesian cows from a Lithuanian dairy farm that experienced unexplained sudden deaths. Clinical observations prior to death included a sharp reduction of milk production and lethargy. Post-mortem examinations were conducted to identify the causes of death, with a focus on pathological findings in the gastrointestinal tract and microbiological analyses. Results: A herd management program “Lely” (Maassluis, Netherlands) monitored that on one occasion the cow's milk yield had dropped by 99,18% within the first twenty-four hours since the occurrence of clinical signs. The autopsy revealed extensive gastrointestinal lesions indicative of Clostridium perfringens infection, including severe hemorrhagic enteritis of the intestinal wall and significant fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Clostridium perfringens in the intestinal contents. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical need for improved diagnostic approaches for Clostridium perfringens - related diseases in dairy cattle. Early detection and timely intervention can significantly enhance the herds health and reduce mortality rates. Additionally, comprehensive post-mortem examinations play a vital role in understanding the impact of infections on dairy herds and guide the development of effective preventive measures.

Objectives: Highly effective CFTR modulator therapy has transformed cystic fibrosis (CF) care worldwide. However, in Lithuania CFTR modulators became available only in October 2024 with the introduction of elexacaftor/ tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI). This study aimed to assess early clinical, inflammatory, and respiratory changes over one year in children initiating ETI for the first time. Methods: This prospective observational single-center study included children aged 2–17 years with at least one F508del mutation. Clinical assessment, sweat chloride, fecal elastase, inflammatory blood markers, spirometry (FEV1), and Lung Clearance Index (LCI2.5) were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Paired comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Fifteen patients (median age 7 years) were analyzed. All reported clinical improvement. Cumulative inpatient days decreased from 134 to 84. BMI increased modestly but significantly (15.21 to 15.86, p=0.023), while fecal elastase remained unchanged. Sweat chloride decreased significantly from month 1 onward (p<0.05), with greater reductions in F508del homozygous patients. Inflammatory changes were delayed: neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased at 6 and 12 months, while total leukocytes decreased only at 12 months; CRP and platelets remained stable. Mean baseline FEV1 was normal (99.8% predicted) and increased significantly within the first three months, remaining higher than baseline at 12 months. LCI2.5 showed a non-significant decrease (10.68 to 9.12). Conclusion: ETI induced rapid clinical and FEV1 improvement in previously modulator-naive children, while inflammatory markers, growth, and pancreatic function showed limited early response. Minimal LCI change suggests persistent small airway disease. These findings highlight that spirometry alone may overestimate early treatment success, supporting multidimensional monitoring.

Background: May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA) is a rare autosomal dominant MYH9-related disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and Dohle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in leukocytes. Fewer than 200 cases have been reported worldwide, largely due to underrecognition and misdiagnosis. Clinical manifestations are usually mild and nonspecific, such as minor bleeding or easy bruising. Because clinical signs may be subtle, diagnosis relies heavily on laboratory evaluation. Detailed morphological analysis of peripheral blood smear remains a key tool for distinguishing MHA from other causes of thrombocytopenia. Objective: To demonstrate the diagnostic value of peripheral blood smear evaiuation in identifying suspected May-Hegglin anomaly in two related patients with idiopathic inherited thrombocytopenia. Method: Two related patients repeatedly presenting to the emergency department for unrelated complaints. They underwent complete blood count analysis and peripheral blood smear examination following automated analyzer flags indicating platelet abnormalities. Digital cell morphology was performed using a CellaVision analyzer. Morphologic findings, hematołogic parameters, and relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed and compared with established diagnostic features of MayHegglin anomaly. Result: Both patients had persistent mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia (40-56x10^9/L) with elevated mean platelet volume (12-13.4 fL), and the automated analyzer repeatedly flagged,,giant platelet/ platelet clumps". Peripheral blood smear examination revealed enlarged platelets and well-defined spindle-shaped pale blue Dohle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. These inclusions were consistentiy observed across multiple visits over several months and were not associated with acute infection, trauma, or inflammatory changes in leukocytes. One patient underwent surgery without hemorrhagic complications. The familial occurrence, along with consistent morphological findings, strongly supports a diagnosis of MYH9-related thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Persistent macrothrombocytopenia with clearly visible Dohle-like inclusions in leukocytes provides strong morphological evidence of MYH9-related thrombocytopenia. Systematic evaluation of peripheral blood smear allows the laboratory to identify these characteristic features. Early recognition supports accurate diagnosis, informs clinicians, and helps prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. This report highlights the critical role of the laboratory in identifying rare inherited thrombocytopenias.

The present work aims to explore the impact of the photoperiod and germination time on the quality of oat sprouts for food consumption. To that purpose, oat (Avena sativa L.) sprouts were germinated from seeds at two different photoperiods (12 and 24 h of exposure to light) throughout nine days. Samples of germinated oat sprouts were analyzed for changes in nutritional and physicochemical composition, viz. vitamin C (ascorbic acid), carotenoids, vitamin B3 (niacin), plumule height, dry-matter, dietery fibers, total oil and total protein content. When comparing with the original oat seeds, significant increase in the content of vitamins, carotenoids and dietery fibers, and a decrease in dry matter was observed in germinated oat sprouts over the time. Results showed that both the photoperiod and germination time had a significant impact on the analyzed parameters. The germinating regime of 12 h light per day for 9 days proved to be the most appropriate for obtaining oat sprouts with the highest value of carotenoids and vitamin B3 and the second highest value of vitamin C. The germinating regime of 12 h light per day for 9 days also the highest mean plumule height response was obtained from treatment 3 with an average of 7.1 cm.

Eye diseases are common in veterinary clinical practice and are most often treated with topical ophthalmic preparations. Increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents is driving the search for safe and effective alternatives to traditional treatment methods. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate gel-based ophthalmic formulations based on poloxamer 407 and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, containing propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium, by assessing their physical and chemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity in vitro. Propolis extracts were prepared using a solvent consisting of ethanol and choline chloride, and the developed formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity, refractive index, gelation temperature, SIRC cell viability and apoptosis, and antimicrobial activity against clinical and reference bacterial strains. The developed formulations exhibited physicochemical properties suitable for ophthalmic preparations and antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Most of the concentrations of the active ingredients tested were well tolerated by SIRC cells, although higher concentrations of the ethanol propolis extract caused a greater cytotoxic effect. The results obtained indicate that gelled ophthalmic formulations based on propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium are promising for the further development of topically acting ophthalmic preparations; however, their biological efficacy and safety must be confirmed. The results obtained indicate that gelled ophthalmic formulations based on propolis extracts and diclofenac sodium are promising for the further development of topical ophthalmic preparations; however, their bioavailability and safety must be confirmed by further in vivo studies.

Periodontitas- tai lėtinė uždegiminė liga, kuri nulemia aplink dantis esančių audinių (periodonto) destrukciją. Konservatyvaus periodontito gydymo metu gali būti panaudojami vietinio poveikio preparatai, siekiant papildomai pagerinti klinikinius rodiklius, išvengti galimo chirurginio gydymo poreikio ateityje bei palaikyti periodonto audinių sveikatą. Šiame tyrime analizuojama augalinės kilmės multikomponentė medžiaga- proantocianidinai. Proantocianidinai, išgauti iš Pelargonium sidoides šaknų sausojo ekstrakto, yra pagrindiniai komponentai, atsakingi už ekstrakto poveikį. Šio darbo tikslas- ištirti proantocianidinų panaudojimo galimybes periodontito ligos atvejais. Darbe atlikta proantocianidinų, bakterijų bei dantenų ląstelių tarpusavio sąveikavimo mechanizmo analizė, norint išsiaiškinti biocheminį poveikį periodonto audiniams. Taip pat atliktas dvigubai aklas atsitiktinių imčių kontroliuojamas klinikinis tyrimas, panaudojant proantocianidinus konservatyvaus periodontito gydymo metu. Šiame darbe tiriamas proantocianidinų selektyvus antibakterinis poveikis prieš periodonto patologinę mikroflorą, teigiamas citoprotekcinis bei proliferacinis poveikis dantenų ląstelėms. Iki šiol pirmasis atsitiktinės imties kontroliuojamas klinikinis tyrimas, vertinantis proantocianidinų iš Pelargonium sidoides DC šaknų sausojo ekstrakto poveikį, parodė teigiamą klinikinį efektą konservatyvaus periodontito gydymo metu.