I know of no changes to 1.4.5 specifically in this area. But it is certainly possible that one or more of the security changes has impacted this.
So, maybe some sleuthing will help understand what is happening.
If it is indeed the database that is different, what is the name representation in the database for the 1.4.4 uploaded image and what is it for the 1.4.5 one? Maybe the difference will be a clue.
How exactly are the files added? What SEO plugins are enabled? Normally the Zenphoto upload process would strip the ampersand from the filename.
What is happening when the file does not display? Do you get a broken image? a PHP error? etc.