Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sweat composition in Arabian horses performing endurance exercise on forage-based, low Na rations.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Excessive sweat loss during endurance exercise may lead to electrolyte disturbances and previous research suggests dietary factors may affect hydration status. While investigating the effect of dietary fibre type on hydration status, sweat samples were collected which allowed for the evaluation of sweat composition in horses consuming forage-based, low sodium (Na) rations. OBJECTIVE To investigate sweat composition in Arabian horses performing endurance type exercise while fed forage-based, rations low in Na. METHODS Six 2-year-old Arabian horses were fed, according to a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square, either grass hay (G), 50:50 grass hay:alfalfa hay (GA), or 50:50 grass hay: chopped fibres (GM) without any additional electrolyte supplementation. After 14 days on each diet, horses performed a 60 km treadmill exercise test. Sweat was collected from sealed pouches on the dorsal thorax after each of four 15 km exercise bouts. RESULTS Intake (g/day) of Na (2.5 ± 0.4), Cl (72 ± 16), and Mg (18 ± 3) were not different between diets but K and Ca intakes (g/day) were greater (P < 0.05) on GA (246 ± 35; 101 ± 14) than G (176 ± 38; 59 ± 14) or GM (168 ± 33; 62 ± 15). There was no effect of diet on sweat pH (7.65 ± 0.04) or concentrations (mmol/l) of K (46 ± 3), Cl (133 ± 7), Ca (8.5 ± 1.1), or Mg (2.3 ± 0.3); yet diet did influence sweat Na concentration (P < 0.05, G 88 ± 5 mmol/l, GA 104 ± 5, GM 96 ± 6). Na and Cl concentrations were lower than those previously reported. CONCLUSIONS Differences in sweat constituents due to diet were observed, but more importantly both Na and Cl concentration are lower than those previously reported perhaps due to low dietary Na intake or breed of animal.
Enhanced osseointegration of endosseous implants by predictable sustained release properties of strontium.

UNLABELLED Studies have shown that strontium (Sr) incorporated into surfaces may enhance osseointegration. Thus, we suggested that a sustained Sr release from implant surfaces could improve bone healing. This study verifies and further investigates the effect of a novel Ti-Sr-O functionalized implant surface prepared from a magnetron co-sputtering platform with a continuous release of Sr. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four experimental Ti-Sr-O groups, which differed from each other in Sr contents and pre-wash procedures, were tested. Implants were prepared with a Ti-Sr-O coating by means of magnetron co-sputtering and compared to Grade 4 titanium. Composition, morphology and mechanical stability were analyzed; Sr-release data were gained from in vitro washout experiments. In vivo investigations were carried out in a rat model and analyzed histologically regarding bone-to-implant contact and new bone formation 30 days after implantation. RESULTS Structural differences were detected between the two basis Ti-Sr-O coatings with 6.7 at. % and 8.9 at. % Sr, respectively. Different release profiles were observed with 8.9 at. % Sr coating exhibiting the highest long-term release of Sr. Median values of new bone formation and bone-to-implant contact was found to be 60.1% and 91.6%, respectively, for the best group compared to 16.6% and 70.6% for the Grade 4 titanium reference. The increase in new bone formation was found to correlate with the amount of Sr released in vitro. CONCLUSION The results show that sputtered Ti-Sr-O coatings with sustained release of Sr may improve osseointegration, and could thus have impact on practical applications for medical implants.
Effect of Once-Yearly Zoledronic Acid Five Milligrams on Fracture Risk and Change in Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density

The HORIZON-PFT (Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once-Yearly-Pivotal Fracture Trial) was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 36-month trial in 7765 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The results demonstrated that a once-yearly intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid (ZOL) 5 mg over a period of 3 years significantly reduced the risk of vertebral, hip, and other fractures. Several risk factors for fracture in postmenopausal women have been identified. Some investigators have suggested that ZOL may be more effective across individual categories of risk factors, and that there may be an interaction between these factors and treatment. This study investigated the possible association of individual baseline risk factors with greater treatment efficacy during ZOL 5 mg treatment in patients from HORIZON-PFT. The study subjects received a single intravenous infusion of ZOL 5 mg (treatment group, [n = 2822]) or placebo (control group, [n = 2853]) at baseline, 12 and 24 months. The primary study outcomes were new vertebral fracture and hip fracture. Secondary outcomes included nonvertebral fracture and change in femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Evaluated baseline risk factors were age, BMD, race and geographic region, body mass index (BMI), renal impairment (creatinine clearance), concomitant osteoporosis medications, and previous bisphosphonate therapy. The data were adjusted using logistic regression analysis. ZOL treatment was associated with greater reduction in the risk of vertebral fracture (significant treatment-factor interactions) in younger women ( 30 gm/cm 2 ) (P = 0.02), and those with normal creatinine clearance (P = 0.04). Treatment-factor interactions were not significant for hip or nonvertebral fracture or for change in BMD. These findings show that once-a-year therapy with ZOL for postmenopausal osteoporosis is more effective in preventing vertebral fracture in younger women, and those with higher BMI or normal renal function.
Activity of the equine rectus abdominis and oblique external abdominal muscles measured by surface EMG during walk and trot on the treadmill.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY The rectus abdominis (RA) and oblique external abdominal (OEA) muscles are both part of the construction of the equine trunk and thought to be essential for the function of the spine during locomotion. Although RA activity at trot has previously been investigated, the relationship between OEA and RA at walk and trot has not yet been described. OBJECTIVES To document abdominal muscle activities during walk and trot, and test the hypothesis that muscle activity at walk would be smaller than at trot. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six horses (8-20 years old, 450-700 kg) were used for surface electromyography (EMG) measurements, with EMG electrodes placed caudal to the sternum (RA) and at the level of the 16th rib (OEA). On all hooves, the withers and the sacrum reflective markers were placed to determine motion cycles. Normal distribution of data was tested using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Student's t test was used to compare left-right and walk-trot differences (P < 0.05). RESULTS Minimum, maximum and mean EMG values recorded at walk were significantly higher at trot than at walk in all horses for OEA and in 5/6 horses for RA. At walk, EMG activity ranged from 8-44 mV (RA) and 7-54 mV (OEA). At trot, EMG activity ranged from 18-150 mV (RA) and 27-239 mV (OEA). There were statistically significant differences between maximum activities of left and right OEA and RA muscles at walk in all horses, and in 4/6 horses at trot. CONCLUSIONS Muscle activities of OEA and RA are smaller at walk than at trot. At walk, the OEA/RA ratio is lower than at trot. There are more significant correlations between muscle activities of both RA and OEA and limb movements at walk than at the trot.
Síndrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño en población infantil: diferencias en su expresión entre niños con hipertrofia amigdalar y con enfermedad concomitante

Objetivo: Comparar la expresion clinica y polisomnografica del sindrome de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueno (SAHS) en ninos con hipertrofia amigdalar y enfermedad concomitante. Pacientes y metodos: Se estudio a 42 ninos con SAHS ­con una edad media (± desviacion estandar) de 8 ± 4 anos, indice de masa corporal (IMC) de 19,6 ± 5,2 kg/m2, cuello de 29 ± 4 cm y percentil de IMC de 67 ± 36­, 26 sanos (grupo A) y 16 con enfermedad concomitante (grupo B). Resultados: Al comparar los grupos A y B no se observaron diferencias en la edad (7,7 ± 3,9 frente a 8,4 ± 3,9 anos; p = no significativa [NS]), el sexo, el IMC (17,6 ± 4 frente a 20,4 ± 6 kg/m2; p = NS), el perimetro del cuello (29,3 ± 4,7 frente a 30,7 ± 3,5 cm; p = NS) ni el percentil de IMC (61 ± 37 frente a 76 ± 34; p = NS). En el grupo A fue mas frecuente la hipertrofia amigdalar (p = 0,02), y en B, las alteraciones del macizo facial (p = 0,008), macroglosia (p = 0,04) y dolicocefalia (p = 0,04). No se observaron diferencias en las variables neurofisiologicas ni en el indice de alteracion respiratoria, aunque el grupo A presento mayor saturacion de oxigeno basal (97 ± 1,7 frente a 95 ± 2%; p < 0,007), menor indice de desaturaciones/h (7 ± 7 frente a 15 ± 10; p = 0,007) y menor porcentaje de tiempo de sueno con saturacion de oxihemoglobina inferior al 90% (2,2 ± 4 frente a 16,4 ± 4; p = 0,01). Fueron tratados con amigdalectomia 23 pacientes del grupo A (88,5%) frente a 7 (44%) del B (p = 0,003). En el grupo B, 7 pacientes recibieron tratamiento con presion positiva continua de la via aerea (44%) y 2 con BiPAP®, frente a uno (3,8%) en el grupo A (p = 0,003). Se realizo cirugia maxilar a 3 ninos del grupo B. La evolucion clinica y poligrafica fue mas favorable en el grupo A (p = 0,04). Conclusiones: Los ninos con SAHS cursan con infecciones de repeticion, retraso ponderal, hiperactividad y manifestaciones neuropsiquicas, mientras que son poco frecuentes la somnolencia y la obesidad, la cual se asocia a enfermedad concomitante. Aunque la mayoria necesitara cirugia, hasta un tercio precisara tratamiento con presion positiva continua de la via aerea/BiPAP®. Ademas, los ninos con SAHS y enfermedad concomitante no muestran caracteristicas especiales en su expresion clinica, aunque tienden a ser mas obesos, con mayores alteraciones del macizo facial y mayor hipoventilacion nocturna.
Neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine markers of inflammation associated with performance in endurance horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY The inflammatory and neuroendocrine response to endurance exercise and relationship of these parameters to performance is not well documented in horses. HYPOTHESES OR OBJECTIVES: Evidence of systemic inflammation is associated with poor performance in horses competing in endurance events. METHODS Blood was collected prior to and at the finish or elimination point from horses competing in both the 80 and 160 km American Endurance Ride National Championship competitions in 2006. Immunoreactive alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified utilising radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively. The concentration of total thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured fluorometrically. RESULTS Thirty horses were included in the study. Endurance exercise was associated with a significant increase in TBARS in the 80 km group but not the 160 km group. TNF-α and α-MSH did not significantly change as a result of exercise in either distance group. Precompetition TBARS was significantly higher in horses that failed to finish the 80 km race, as well as when distances were combined. In addition, precompetition α-MSH was significantly lower in nonfinishers in the 160 km group. Furthermore, competition speed was positively correlated with precompetition α-MSH in the 80 km and negatively correlated with precompetition TNF-α when distances were combined. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones appear to correlate with endurance performance in horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones may be predictive of athletic performance in endurance horses. Future studies evaluating the effect of training on these markers in endurance horses are warranted.
Non-dietary Marks in the Anterior Dentition of the Krapina Neanderthals

A sample of 82 anterior teeth from Krapina (Croatia) was studied using a light binocular microscope and a scanning electron microscope to document the presence of non-dietary dental scratches. The patterns of distribution, location and orientation of these marks suggest two different aetiologies: scratches on the labial-occlusal enamel border appear to be related to the action of clenching abrasive materials between teeth, while the scratches primarily in the centre of the labial face correspond to cutmarks as described by other researchers. These scratches may have been produced when flake tools involved in processing materials held between the anterior teeth came into contact with the labial enamel face. Alternatively, they may simply reflect some consistent operation which pulled hard objects across the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth. In either case, the marks on the central face of the labial surface provide evidence for manual dexterity in the Neanderthals. Of the seven Krapina individuals which show a predominant pattern, one shows a pattern of left oblique marks, while six provide evidence of right-handedness. Coupled with other Neanderthal or Upper Pleistocene individuals with these patterns, right-handedness is the dominant pattern in 90 per cent of the documented cases. One complicating factor in the analysis of these scratches in the Krapina hominids is that marks of a similar morphology are found in several anterior teeth of Ursus spelaeus from the site. While resembling the marks on the hominid incisors, the scratches on the bears lack a dominant orientation on the labial face and appear to be more variable in their widths. Despite the occurrence of some similarities in the enamel scratches between ursids and hominids at Krapina, the study of anterior dental marks provides information about manipulative activities which are unique to ancient humans. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Int. J. Osteoarchaeol. , 7: 133–149 (1997) No. of Figures: 9. No. of Tables: 5. No. of References: 34.
Influenza in the tropics

Purpose of review Data on influenza in tropical countries remain scarce compared with that in temperate countries. However, the emergence of avian influenza virus (H5N1) and the 2009 pandemic represented a major stimulus for advances in knowledge about influenza in many of these countries. This review summarizes recent data on viral and epidemiologic aspects of the condition in tropical countries. Recent findings Avian influenza and the influenza pandemic of 2009 have contributed to pioneer production of data on influenza in the tropical settings. Preliminary data on epidemiology, genetic diversity, and antiviral resistance of influenza viruses (seasonal and pandemic) in tropical countries have been published recently. Summary The seasonality of influenza is very diverse in tropical countries. Recent studies on the subject confirm the year-round activity of these viruses in many countries and the regular occurrence of epidemic outbreaks in others. The use of molecular diagnostic methods has led to prevalence rates comparable to those seen in temperate countries. Phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin of influenza isolates allows understanding of the evolution and divergence of avian (H5N1) and human influenza viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B) in tropical settings. Influenza viruses resistant to oseltamivir and zanamivir have been detected in tropical countries despite the rare use of these drugs in the treatment of influenza in people living in these areas.
Comparative Study of Mechanical Characteristics of Plastic AFOs

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are categorized four ways with respect to their shape: posterior spring, anterior spring, side-stay and spiral. In this article the flexibility of these types of AFOs fitted to the limb is measured using a muscle training machine. A comparison of the flexibility of different types of AFOs is made.
Control of ectoparasites in horses

THIS article discusses the control of the important ectoparasitic diseases of horses. The elimination of ectoparasites will, in most cases, resolve the associated clinical disease. However, occasionally additional therapy may be required to manage the concurrent dermatosis. In a number of ectoparasitic conditions hypersensitivity can develop, which may require appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the carpus and proximal metacarpal region of 50 lame horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There is limited information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the carpus and proximal metacarpal region of lame horses. OBJECTIVES To document MRI findings in horses with lameness localised to the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region. METHODS Clinical records of horses that underwent MRI of the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region at the Animal Health Trust between January 2003 and September 2010 were reviewed. Magnetic resonance images of all horses and available radiographs, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images were assessed. When possible, MRI findings were related to the results of other diagnostic imaging techniques. RESULTS Seventy-two MR studies of 58 lame limbs in 50 horses from a broad range of work disciplines and ages were reviewed. The most commonly detected primary abnormality was decreased signal intensity in T1- and T2-weighted images in the medial aspect of the carpal bones and/or the proximomedial aspect of the metacarpal bones (n = 29). Nine horses had syndesmopathy between the second and third metacarpal bones. In 6 horses the primary abnormalities were identified in the palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone (McIII). Significant abnormalities of the suspensory ligament (SL) with associated lesions in the adjacent palmar cortex of the McIII were seen in 4 limbs. Ligament and associated osseous abnormalities between the second and third carpal bones and second and third metacarpal bones were detected in 4 limbs. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Magnetic resonance imaging enabled diagnosis of a variety of lesions not detected by conventional imaging in horses from a wide range of work disciplines. The distribution of injury types differed considerably from previous studies.
Findings in a Dental Survey of 354 Preparatory School Boys

In 1938 an investigation of various medical, psychological, and anthropological aspects of a group of students entering the first year class at a boys' preparatory school was begun, and during the next 2 years the members of each entering class were added to the survey. A thorough dental examination of each student was included as a part of the study of every individual in order to determine his dental status, to investigate the desirability of giviur, a thorough dental examination to members of such a group, and to determine what relationships might exist between certain of the dental data and the material derived from other parts of the survey. This report is concerned only with presenting a statement of our findings at the initial dental examination of 354 boys, and offers an opinion in regard to the desirability of giving such an examination to students of this economic level. In most institutions, and also in many colleges, some sort of dental inspection is made at the time of the annual medical examination: the report by Diehl (1) indicates the kind of findings which result from the dental examination of college students. Various community studies, notably that at Hagerstown by Klein and Palmer (2) have also been made, and indicate the amount of dental disease to which attention can be called, but variations in the criteria and the techniques employed have made it difficult to compare the results of many surveys. One hundred and three students, who were entering the first year class at the school were selected for the first group to be studied; in 1940 the 117 members of the first year class were examined, and in
Seasonal Variation of Metabolic Thermogenesis in Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) over a Latitudinal Gradient

Phenotypic flexibility of various morphological and physiological characters is widespread in animals. Resident endothermic animals of temperate climates provide a natural experiment in phenotypic flexibility. In this study, we took an integrative approach to assess seasonal and geographic influences on metabolism in Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). We measured resting metabolic rate (RMR), masses of internal organs, mitochondrial respiration capacities in liver and muscle, cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activities in liver and muscle, and circulating levels of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in summer and winter sparrows at two sites from southeastern (Wenzhou) and northeastern (Qiqihar) China that differ in climate. Body masses of tree sparrows were significantly higher in winter than in summer at both sites but did not differ with latitude. RMRs of tree sparrows varied significantly with both latitude and season, with RMRs of Qiqihar birds being higher than those of Wenzhou birds and with RMRs being higher in winter than in summer. Consistently, dry masses of brain, lung, liver, gizzard, small intestine, rectum, and total digestive tract varied significantly with either latitude or season. State 4 respiration and COX activity in liver and muscle were remarkably higher in Qiqihar and increased significantly in winter. Circulating levels of plasma T3 also showed significant seasonal and latitudinal variation and was higher in Qiqihar in winter than in other groups. These data suggest that tree sparrows mainly coped with cold by enhancing thermogenic capacities through heightened activity of respiratory enzymes and higher levels of plasma thyroid hormones (T3). These results are consistent with a pronounced seasonal and latitudinal phenotypic flexibility mediated through physiological and biochemical adjustments in Eurasian tree sparrows.