The diagnostic value of electrocardiogram in the left variants of desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) may play a crucial role in the diagnosis of left-sided variants of desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. This article discusses the most common ECG changes, such as T-wave inversion and low QRS voltages, and new ECG signs such as Q-waves, low voltages in specific leads, posterior fascicle block, and R/S ratio ≥ 0.5 in V1.

Implantable cardiac monitor in heart failure: just a toy or a useful tool?

The use of implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) has gradually entered clinical practice in various fields. In addition to the consolidated indications in the study of syncope, cryptogenic stroke and in the management of patients with arrhythmias (suspected or defined), today a possible role for these devices in patients with heart failure (HF) is emerging. The rationale for the use of these devices in HF can be identified in three key areas: (i) identification of silent atrial fibrillation and reduction of the risk of stroke, (ii) stratification of the risk of brady-tachy arrhythmias and consequent reduction of the risk of sudden death, and (iii) identification of patients at risk of imminent exacerbation of HF and their early management with reduction of hospitalizations and episodes of clinical deterioration.

A systematic review on the application of precision livestock farming technologies to detect lying, rest and sleep behavior in dairy calves.

Welfare studies are increasingly involving the application of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) sensors, rather than the use of animal-based indicators directly assessed. PLF technology has the advantage to constantly monitor behavior over a long period of time, thus enabling the assessor to identify changes in animal time budgets in real-time. In calves, lying behavior is essential: new-borns have been reported to spend 70-80% of their daily time lying.

The use of high expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry.

The EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the use of high-expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry. A dossier was provided by the applicant as the basis for an assessment of the extent to which the method is able to provide a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the currently allowed methods for pigs and poultry. According to legislation, to be approved in the EU, new stunning methods must ensure (1) the absence of pain, distress or suffering until the onset of unconsciousness, and (2) that the animal remains unconscious until death.

Welfare of sheep and goats during killing for purposes other than slaughter.

Sheep and goats of different ages may have to be killed on-farm for purposes other than slaughter (where slaughter is defined as killing for human consumption) either individually (i.e. on-farm killing of unproductive, injured or terminally ill animals) or on a large scale (i.