bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits of combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide are independent of baseline glycated haemoglobin level and duration of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rodbard H. W. , Buse J. B. , Woo V. , Vilsbøll T. , Langbakke I. H. , Kvist K. , Gough S. C. L. 
Published: September 2015

AimTo evaluate, using post hoc analyses, whether the novel combination of a basal insulin, insulin degludec, and a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, liraglutide (IDegLira), was consistently effective in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), regardless of the stage of T2D progression.MethodsUsing data from the DUAL I extension [insulin‐naïve patients uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), n = 1660, 52 weeks] and DUAL II (patients uncontrolled on basal insulin plus OADs, n = 398, 26 weeks) randomized trials, the efficacy of IDegLira was investigated with regard to measures of disease progression stage including baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), disease duration and previous insulin dose.ResultsAcross four categories of baseline HbA1c (≤7.5–9.0%), HbA1c reductions were significantly greater with IDegLira (1.1–2.5%) compared with IDeg or liraglutide alone in DUAL I. In DUAL II, HbA1c reductions were significantly greater with IDegLira (0.9–2.5%) than with IDeg in all but the lowest HbA1c category. In DUAL I, insulin dose and hypoglycaemia rate were lower across all baseline HbA1c categories for IDegLira versus IDeg, while hypoglycaemia was higher with IDegLira than liraglutide, irrespective of baseline HbA1c. In DUAL II, insulin dose and hypoglycaemia rate were similar with IDegLira and IDeg (maximum dose limited to 50 U) independent of baseline HbA1c. The reduction in HbA1c with IDegLira was independent of disease duration and previous insulin dose but varied depending on pre‐trial OAD treatment.ConclusionsIDegLira effectively lowered HbA1c across a range of measures, implying suitability for patients with either early or advanced T2D.
Harmonisation of Dental Education in Europe – a survey about 15 years after visitation of dental schools participating in the DentEd project
Authors: Harzer W. , Tausche E. , Gedrange T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe DentEd Thematic Networks (TNP) were funded from the EU to converge and harmonise the dental curricula. Forty‐four dental schools participated in this visitation process between 1998 and 2002. The aim of the survey was to evaluate the implementation of the Dented outcomes in the curricula and if the concept of core competences are integrated in the curriculum.Material and MethodIn October 2012, questionnaires were sent out to all dental schools participated in the visitation process of Dented and Dented evolves. The main question blocs were as follows: structure of the curriculum and facilities, education of students, content and quality of education, assessment, research, European involvement and value of visit for the school.ResultsTwenty‐five dental schools (57%) answered to the questionnaire. The responder represented 20 European countries of 22, whose schools were involved (91%). The self‐assessment report was stimulating the continuation of curriculum improvement. Most of them acknowledge that major competences are essential outcome for the graduated dentist. Twelve schools (58%) rated the value of the DentEd visit with strong positive influence.DiscussionThe visits showed strengths, weaknesses and threats. Three‐quarter of all schools implemented the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). But most of them did not realize the unit of ECTS with modules among the Bologna process.ConclusionThe self‐assessment report was a core issue for the continuation of curriculum improvement. The challenge for the ongoing curriculum improvement is the implementation of the module system among the Bologna recommendations.
Serotonergic enhancement of circadian responses to light: role of the raphe and intergeniculate leaflet
Authors: Smith Victoria M. , Jeffers Ryan T. , Antle Michael C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLight serves as the primary stimulus that synchronizes the circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to the external day/night cycle. Appropriately timed light exposure can reset the phase of the circadian clock. Some serotonergic drugs that bind to the serotonin 1A receptor can enhance phase shifts to light. The mechanism by which this potentiation occurs is not well understood. In this study, we examined where one of these drugs, 8‐[2‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl]‐8‐azaspiro[4.5]decane‐7,9‐dione dihydrochloride (BMY7378), might be working in the hamster brain. Systemic (5 mg/kg), intra‐dorsal raphe and intra‐median raphe (both 15.6 nmol in 0.5 μL), but not intra‐SCN (7.8 nmol or 15.6 nmol in 0.5 μL) injections of BMY7378 significantly potentiated phase shifts to light. Potentiation of photic shifts persisted when serotonergic innervation of the SCN was lesioned with infusions of the serotonin neurotoxin 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine into the SCN. Light‐induced c‐Fos expression in the rostral and caudal intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) was attenuated with systemic BMY7378, suggesting that the IGL may be involved in this response. Both complete IGL lesions and depletion of serotonergic innervation of the IGL prevented systemic BMY7378 from potentiating photic phase shifts. Together, these findings suggest that the mechanism by which BMY7378 enhances photic responses is by changing the activity of the raphe nuclei to influence how the IGL responds to light, which subsequently influences the SCN as one of its downstream targets. Identification of the network that underlies this potentiation could lead to the development of useful therapeutic interventions for treating sleep and circadian disorders.
Lateralization of Aggression during Reproduction in Male Siamese Fighting Fish
Authors: Forsatkar Mohammad Navid , Dadda Marco , Nematollahi Mohammad Ali 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA preference for the left‐eye use during aggressive interactions has been widely reported in the literature, even though in some cases the direction of lateralization varies among individuals within populations. Laterality of aggression in male Siamese fighting fish has been described in a number of studies, yet very little is known about lateralization of aggression during reproduction and/or parental care in fish. Here, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the different reproductive phases and lateralization in eye use during aggressive interactions in males of Siamese fighting fish. Lateralization in eye use is influenced during the early reproductive state, before and after the bubble nest construction stages. We found that nest‐holding males preferentially used the right eye before and after bubble nest construction independent of the sex of the intruder. During the later reproductive phases, aggressiveness increased whereby the direction of lateralization rather than the degree was influenced supporting the hypothesis that reproductive state influences behavioral consistency in Siamese fighting fish.
Mate Choice and Colored Beak Spots of King Penguins
Authors: Keddar Ismaël , Altmeyer Sophie , Couchoux Charline , Jouventin Pierre , Dobson F. Stephen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe theory of sexual selection explains sexual dimorphisms in ornaments used in mate choice. Mutual mate choice is a form of sexual selection that might explain sexually monomorphic ornamental traits. Under mutual mate choice, both sexes select partners based on the same ornament. We tested the mutual mate choice hypothesis in a mutually ornamented seabird, the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), through observations of the pair formation process in the field. Penguins that were ready to mate formed displaying pairs at the edge of the colony. Some of these pairs moved into the breeding colony and produced an egg (definitive pairs), while other pairs separated and often switched to another potential partner (temporary pairs). Colored ornaments were quantified using color vision modeling. We predicted that birds would mate assortatively by their elaborate ornamental traits (specifically, colors of beak spots, auricular patches of feathers, and breast patch of feathers). We also predicted that definitive pairs would exhibit more elaborate ornaments than temporary pairs. The mutual mate choice hypothesis was supported by assortative pairing for color of the beak spots, but not for color or size of the auricular patches or for the color of the breast patch. An alternative hypothesis was also consistent with our results, that female choice for a male ornamental trait and superior female condition associated with the same trait produced assortative pairing patterns. More UV‐ and yellow‐colored beak spots for females in definitive than temporary pairs supported the female choice hypothesis over the mutual mate choice hypothesis, but previous experimental results from altered beak spot colors supported the latter. Evidence to date thus supports both the mutual mate choice and female choice hypotheses.
Turning Outside In: Infolded Selves in Cuban CreoleEspiritismo
Authors: Espírito Santo Diana 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPractitioners of Cuban Creoleespiritismoconceive of the spirits they work with as parts of their extended Selves: paradoxically both present from birth, manifest as aptitudes and personality traits and as needing to be “made” through their development as mediums. In continuity with other practices of the Afro‐Cuban religious environment in which it is immersed, espiritismo sustains a spiritual cosmos that is porous and capable of absorbing and transforming its potentially dangerous Other—such as “foreign” spirits or those sent by witchcraft. This is accomplished through processes associated with the development and expansion of the Self. However, through the expression of these spirits (both innate and foreign) in, and through, bodies, things, and actions, they are integrated into the Selves of their mediums (“infolding”) as they are simultaneously personified and differentiated from them (“outfolding”). I argue that this process of “outfolding” affords a largely unique model of Self‐making in this context, one that can be better understood through a look at how aspects deemed to be potentials of the Self ́s internal constitution are carefully worked into becoming instantiated, lived components of it,outside of it.
Measures of Redox Balance in Horses Undergoing Corrective Surgery Involving Strangulating Lesions of the Small Intestine
Authors: Bardell D.A. , Archer D.C. , Milner P.I. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyColic remains a life‐threatening condition in the horse. Ischaemia and reperfusion following correction of small intestinal strangulation may produce oxidative stress. The ability to withstand oxidative stress depends on antioxidant levels and may be linked to horse survival.ObjectivesTo measure peripheral antioxidant levels in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy with small intestinal strangulation.Study designCase–control study.MethodsBlood and plasma were collected from horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy for small intestinal strangulation and stored at −80°C. Controls involved non‐colic horses. Total plasma glutathione was measured spectrophotometrically at 412 nm using the 5,5′‐dithiobis‐(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB, Ellman's reagent) reaction. Samples containing scavenger (to remove reduced glutathione, GSH) were used to measure oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Glutathione reductase (GR) activity (u/l) was measured as the rate of GSH production at 412 nm. Glutathione peroxidise (GPx) activity (u/l) was measured as the change in optical density (340 nm) following the consumption of NADPH after GSSG production. All assays were purchased from BioAssay Systems (Hayward, California). Clinical data including arterial blood gas analysis were collected on admission.ResultsGlutathione reductase activity in horses with strangulating small intestinal lesions was significantly reduced compared to control horses (12.2 ± 1.1 u/l vs. 15.9 ± 0.8 u/l, P = 0.03, n = 6) whereas GPx activity did not significantly differ between colic and control horses (155.7 ± 48.7 u/l vs. 167.3 ± 30.1 u/l, P = 0.84, n = 6). Total glutathione, reduced or oxidised glutathione did not differ significantly between control and colic horses. A positive correlation existed between GR activity and Ca2+ (r = 0.93) and K+ (r = 0.75) whereas a strong negative correlation was present between GR activity and HCO3− (r = −0.92) and PaCO2 (r = −0.96).ConclusionsReduced plasma glutathione reductase activity with small intestinal strangulation indicates oxidative stress and may be related to systemic electrolyte/bicarbonate abnormalities.Ethical animal research: Study approval No. VREC219a. Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: Supported by the School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool. Competing interests: None declared.
Is There Evidence for Functional 5‐Hydroxytryptamine 4 (5‐HT4) Receptors in the Equine Jejunum? An In Vitro Study to Explore Options for Use of Human Prokinetic Drugs, Acting as 5‐HT4 Receptors, in Horses
Authors: Delesalle C.J.G. , Callens C. , Van Colen I. , Lefebvre R.A. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studySelective 5‐HT4 receptor agonists such as prucalopride are used as human prokinetics, since activation of 5‐HT4 receptors on intestinal cholinergic neurons facilitates acetylcholine release. 5‐HT4 receptors, linked to adenylyl cyclase, act via generation of cAMP. None of the 4 in vitro studies on 5‐HT in horses provided evidence for neuronal 5‐HT4 receptors, but none used the protocol as described in human studies [1–4].ObjectivesTo investigate whether functional 5‐HT4 receptors are present in the equine small intestine.Study design and methodsIn vitro organ bath set up, applying electrical field stimulation (EFS) in longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips.ResultsResults were similar in both muscle layers. In the presence of 0.3 mmol/l NG‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester and 0.3 μmol/l apamine, excluding effects of the inhibitory transmitters NO and ATP, EFS induced voltage‐dependent on‐contractions; these were neurogenic as they were abolished by 3 μmol/l tetrodotoxin. At a voltage inducing 50% of the maximal amplitude, the submaximal EFS‐induced contractions were cholinergic as atropine (1 μmol/l) abolished them. Prucalopride (0.3 μmol/l) did not increase the amplitude of these submaximal EFS‐induced contractions. Even in the presence of the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX, previously shown to enhance the effect of neuronal 5‐HT4 receptors by inhibiting breakdown of their 2nd messenger cAMP [5], prucalopride (3 μmol/l) had no influence. Also 5‐HT (10 μmol/l), a full agonist at 5‐HT4 receptors, tested in the presence of methysergide and granisetron to exclude interaction with other 5‐HT receptor subtypes, did not enhance EFS‐induced submaximal contractions.ConclusionsThere is no evidence for presence of 5‐HT4 receptors on the cholinergic neurons of the equine small intestine. These results question the application of 5‐HT4 prokinetic drugs in horses.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: the study was performed on material collected at an abattoir. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Ethmoidal Infection with Aspergillus spp. in 3 Horses: Successful Treatment by Transendoscopic Removal of Mycotic Plaques Alone or in Combination with Systemic Itraconazole
Authors: Theelen M.J.P. , Siegers E.W. , Ensink J.M. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyEthmoidal infection with Aspergillus spp. is rarely reported in horses. Three horses suffering from unilateral infection with Aspergillus spp. of the ethmoid with varying underlying conditions are described.Study designCase series.MethodsDiagnosis was made by endoscopy of the ethmoid (presence of white mycotic plaques on a layer of thick yellow mucus) and confirmed by fungal culture (A. fumigatus) and/or cytology. Clinical details and outcome were obtained from the medical records and by contacting owners.ResultsHorse 1 and 2 had a progressive ethmoid haematoma (PEH) and had been treated for over 5 months with repeated formalin injections (one horse after initial surgical debulking of the PEH that also invaded the maxillary and sphenopalatine sinuses) before the infection with Aspergillus was diagnosed. The third horse, presented with poor performance and nasal discharge, had congenitally abnormal anatomy of the right dorsal nasal passage and right ethmoids. In the 2 horses with PEH the mycotic plaques were removed transendoscopically successfully. After 6 weeks the infection was no longer present at endoscopy in both horses (follow‐up endoscopy: Horse 1 no relapse >16 months and Horse 2 no relapse >7 months). In the third horse, it was not possible to remove all mycotic plaques, therefore systemic treatment with itraconazole (3 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h for 8 weeks orally) was started. After 8 weeks, the clinical signs had resolved and endoscopy showed that the Aspergillus infection had cleared (follow‐up: no relapse >14 months). No side effects were seen with systemic itraconazole treatment.ConclusionsIn horses with underlying ethmoidal conditions, secondary infection with Aspergillus spp. may occur. Transendoscopic removal of the mycotic plaques alone may be successful and if this approach is not feasible or unsuccessful, systemic treatment with itraconazole can be considered.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: retrospective study of clinical records. Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Source of funding: Utrecht University. Competing interests: None declared.
Equine Cyathostominae Can Develop to Infective Third Stage Larvae on Straw Bedding
Authors: McGirr E.C. , Denwood M.J. , McGoldrick J. , Love S. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyTo determine whether horses could become infected with cyathostomins when bedded in deep litter straw.ObjectivesThe specific objective of the study was to determine whether cyathostomin eggs could hatch and develop to infective larval stages on straw bedding.Study designExperimental study.MethodsFour horticultural incubators were set up to simulate 3 straw bedding scenarios, and one grass turf control. Faeces were placed on 12 plots, and larval recoveries performed on samples of straw/grass over a 17‐day period. The plots within incubators A, B, and C contained dry straw, watered straw, and deep litter straw, respectively. Plot 1 of each incubator contained a faecal pat of a horse that tested negative for strongyle eggs – these were to serve as negative control plots. Plots 2 and 3 of each incubator contained a faecal pat from horses that had average faecal worm egg counts (FWEC) of 269 epg and 921 epg, respectively. A thermostat within each incubator was set to maintain an environmental temperature of approximately 20°C.ResultsNo L3 larvae were recovered from the control plots of each incubator, and none were recovered from any of the plots within Incubator A. L3 larvae were first detected on plots 2 and 3 of Incubator B on Day 8, and on plot 3 of incubators C and D on Day 10.ConclusionsIt is evident that equine Cyathostominae can develop to infective L3 larvae on straw bedding, but only when the straw is moist. Therefore, it may be speculated that a horse bedded in deep litter straw may become infected by ingesting the infective L3 larvae contaminating the straw.Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Source of funding: E.C. McGirr was supported by a World Horse Welfare Undergraduate Bursary 2014. Competing interests: None declared.
Head and Pelvic Movement Asymmetries at Trot in Riding Horses Perceived as Sound by Their Owner
Authors: Rhodin M. , Egenvall A. , Andersen P.H. , Pfau T. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyRecent studies evaluating owner sound horses have identified a large proportion of horses with motion asymmetries but the prevalence, type and magnitude of asymmetries have not been investigated. The increasing use of objective lameness evaluation necessitates a further characterisation of the differences between lameness and motion asymmetries.ObjectivesTo investigate prevalence, and quantify type and magnitude of motion asymmetries during straight‐line trot in riding horses, perceived sound by their owners.Study designCross‐sectional prospective study.MethodsVertical head and pelvic movement symmetry was measured in 220 Warmblood riding horses, all functioning in daily work and considered sound by their owners; 100 of these individuals had been included in a previous report [1]. Body‐mounted uni‐axial accelerometers were used and differences between maximum and minimum head (HDmax, HDmin) and pelvic (PDmax, PDmin) vertical displacement between left and right forelimb and hindlimb stances were calculated during straight‐line trot. Previously used symmetry thresholds (absolute differences >6 mm for the head and >3 mm for the pelvic variables) were used.ResultsThe thresholds for symmetry were exceeded for 159 horses (72%) for at least one variable, HDmax (n = 41, mean 12.7 mm, s.d. 5.5), HDmin (n = 58, mean 14.3 mm, s.d. 7.1), PDmax (n = 87, mean 6.5 mm, s.d. 3.10), PDmin (n = 77, mean 5.7 mm, s.d. 2.1). Contralateral and ipsilateral concurrent fore‐ and hindlimb asymmetries were detected in 41 and 49 horses, respectively.ConclusionsA surprisingly large proportion (72%) of horses perceived as sound by their owner showed movement asymmetries during straight‐line trot. It is not known to what extent these asymmetries are related to pain or mechanical abnormalities as opposed to ‘normal variation’ and this leads to 2 potential welfare problems – either too many horses in training are actually ‘lame’ or many horses categorised as ‘lame’ have no locomotor system disease.Ethical animal research: This study was conducted within guidelines of the participating sites institutional animal care and use procedures (C 206/10, C48/13) and informed consent for data collection was obtained from the horse owners prior to the study. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.