bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying a Critical Case of Equine Colic at Primary Examination – Results from a Prospective Multi‐Centre Study
Authors: Thomas J.S.M. , Curtis L. , Freeman S.L. , England G.C.W. , Burford J.H. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThere is no current evidence on how mild and critical cases of colic can be differentiated at primary examination. Previous research has focused on clinical variables assessed post referral.ObjectivesTo identify features of the primary clinical presentation which differentiate between a critical and mild‐medical colic.Study designProspective multi‐centre cross‐sectional study.MethodsPaper‐based and online questionnaires were distributed to 850 practices which treat horses, to collect data on the primary presentation of colic cases over 13 months. Critical cases were defined as horses which died, were subjected to euthanasia, had surgery, or required intensive care. Mild‐medical cases were defined as those resolving with medical treatment on a single visit. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the data. Univariable analysis was performed using Mann‐Whitney U tests and Chi‐squared tests to assess the degree of association between clinical variables and the dependant variables ‘critical’ and ‘mild‐medical’.Results161 veterinarians submitted 1048 colic case forms; 240 critical cases and 535 mild‐medical cases were identified. There was evidence of difference (P<0.000) for cardiovascular variables (heart and respiratory rates, capillary refill time, and mucous membrane colour), signs of pain and abdominal borborygmi between mild‐medical and critical cases. Critical cases had a higher mean heart rate (60 beats/min [range 21–125]) than mild‐medical cases (42 beats/min [range 18–120]). The median total abdominal borborygmi score was lower at 3 (range 0–12) for critical, compared with 7 (range 0–12) for mild‐medical cases. The use of diagnostic tests were significantly different (P<0.0001), with more tests performed in critical cases. Rectal examination and nasogastric intubation were not performed in 17.5% and 52.6% of critical cases, respectively.ConclusionsThere were significant differences in the primary presentation of critical and mild‐medical colic cases. Veterinary surgeons’ diagnostic approach varied between cases.Ethical animal research: The study was reviewed and approved by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham Ethics Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: Laila Curtis was funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. The survey was supported by a grant from the Petplan Charitable Trust. Boehringer Ingelheim assisted with survey distribution. Competing interests: None.
Cytokine Concentration in Foals’ Serum Pre‐ and Post Suckling
Authors: Mariella J. , Castagnetti C. , Prosperi A. , Scagliarini A. , Adriani G. , Peli A. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyColostrum acts as a source of immunomodulatory molecules for the neonate. Little information is available about the transfer of cytokines via colostrum in the foal.ObjectivesTo investigate the transfer via colostrum of IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐8 and IFN‐γ.Study designProspective observational study.MethodsJugular venous blood pre‐ (T0) and post suckling (T24) and colostrum were collected from 14 healthy foals and their dams. The cytokines’ concentration was measured with an ELISA test. Serum IgG concentration was measured in foals at T24 with an immunoturbidimetric assay. Since data were not normally distributed, nonparametric tests for statistical analysis were used. The Wilcoxon t test evaluated the difference in each cytokine concentration between T0 and T24. Spearman rank correlation tested the association between cytokines’ concentration in T24 serum and in colostrum, between T24–T0 (ΔT) serum concentration and colostrum concentration, and between cytokines serum concentration at T24 and IgG concentration.ResultsAll the foals had a complete transfer of passive immunity. A statistically significant difference was found between serum IL‐4 concentration at T0 and at T24. The significant correlations found were: serum IL‐4 concentration at T24 with IL‐4 concentration in colostrum, serum IL‐13 concentration at T24 with IgG serum concentration, and IL‐4 concentration in colostrum with ΔT serum IL‐4 concentration.ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that IL‐4 is transferred via colostrum to the foal, as reported for TNF‐α [1]. The presence of IL‐8 in the foal's serum at T0 suggests an endogenous production. The IL‐13 concentration is close to zero for the major part of serum and colostrum samples suggesting a subject‐dependent immunologic response. The IFN‐γ is present both in colostrum and in T0 serum suggesting that foals are not deficient at birth.Ethical animal reasearch: Studies approved by the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna. Oral informed consent was given by the owners. Sources of funding: University of Bologna. Competing interests: None.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalance of Five Commercially Available Formulations of Omeprazole: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sykes B.W. , Underwood C. , Mills P.C. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThe pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of different formulations of omeprazole have not been published.ObjectivesTo compare the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of 4 commercially available formulations of omeprazole to an existing reference formulation.Study designA single dose cross‐over bioequivalence study.MethodsSix adult Thoroughbred horses were used. Two generic buffered formulations (OG and AG), one commercial enteric coated formulation (GZ) and one compounded enteric coated formulation (BO) were compared to the reference buffered formulation (GG). Each formulation was administered at a total dose of 2 g (equivalent to 4 mg/kg bwt for a 500 kg horse) in a cross‐over design. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 min, the plasma was separated and frozen. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were determined by UPLC‐MS. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were performed using PK Solver.ResultsThe mean (± s.d.) area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC0‐t/0‐inf_obs) (μg/ml*min), Cmax (μg) and Tmax (min) for each formulation was; OG – 59.4 ± 20.1, 0.37 ± 0.12, 87.5 ± 38.4; AG – 77.3 ± 53.7, 0.34 ± 0.24, 170.0 ± 62.0; GZ – 102.9 ± 51.1, 0.86 ± 0.68, 67.5 ± 29.6; BO – 88.0 ± 37.4, 0.59 ± 0.39, 95.0 ± 47.1; GG – 57.5 ± 35.3, 0.41 ± 0.22, 57.5 ± 19.9.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that differences are present between commercially available formulations of omeprazole. Caution should be exercised in extrapolating results of clinical studies from one formulation to another.Ethical animal research: This study was performed under an ethics permit issued by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and in accordance with relevant state laws and legislation. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: This study was funded by a grant from the Grayson‐Jockey Club Research Foundation. Competing interests: The manufacturers of Gastrozol (GZ), Abgard (AG) and BOVA (BO) have previously funded research by B.W. Sykes. None of the companies contributed to the present study.
Ultra‐High Field MRI Clinical Anatomy of the Equine Fetlock to Aid Clinical Image Interpretation
Authors: Al Mohamad Z.A. , Voute L.C. , Marshall J.F. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyInterpretation of clinical diagnostic imaging of the equine musculoskeletal system requires accurate reference anatomical materials. In the case of MRI, this includes images acquired from low and high field systems. Using ultra‐high field MRI, higher resolution images with small slice thickness and gap suitable for reconstruction in any anatomical plane can be produced.ObjectivesTo describe the normal equine metacarpophalangeal joint using ultra‐high field MRI and compare ultra‐high and high field MR images.Study designLimbs (n = 14) from horses (n = 5) with no history of orthopaedic disease were frozen at ‐20°C until imaging. Fetlock joints were scanned using an ultra‐high field (7T) MRI unit. T1 (280 slices, thickness = 0.356 mm) and T2 (140 slices, thickness = 0.713 mm) weighted sequences were acquired. Limbs were scanned using a 1.5T MRI unit in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes using T1 (60 slices, thickness 2.2–3.5 mm) and T2 (60 slices, thickness 2.2–3.5 mm) sequences. Images were analysed using OsiriX software.ResultsUltra‐high field MR images visualised the fine detail of trabecular and subchondral bone, the articular cartilage surface of P1 and McIII, the short, oblique, straight and oblique sesamoidean ligaments including origins and insertions, the fasicular structure of superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon and ligaments and the regional neurovascular structures. Whilst T1 high field images visualised the majority of tissues, structural detail was reduced compared to ultra‐high field imaging, margins were less well defined in some instances, e.g. articular cartilage, and a number of smaller structures were indistinct, e.g. short and cruciate sesamoidean ligaments.Conclusions7T MRI produced images of the fetlock with excellent anatomical detail. Future publication of open‐source ultra‐high field MRI files could aid the interpretation of 0.3T and 1.5T field MR images, especially with the capacity to reconstruct image slices orientated exactly to match those of interest.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated but permission was given for post mortem examination and the use of materials in research. Sources of funding: The Royal Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau. Competing interests: None.
Interobserver Agreement of Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Pathology
Authors: Whitmore J.K. , Dakin S.G. , Weller R. , Mair T.S. , Sherlock C.E. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyStanding magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) is commonly used to evaluate the distal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) of lame horses. There is paucity of information comparing interobserver agreement of this imaging modality.ObjectivesTo determine the interobserver agreement for assessment of the DDFT on sMRI using a newly developed grading system. It was hypothesised that different lesion types would be more frequently observed at different anatomical locations of the DDFT, and that interobserver agreement would be better for the presence of a lesion compared to lesion grading.Study designA retrospective study assessing interobserver agreement.MethodssMRI studies of 40 equine front feet were retrospectively graded by 2 observer teams using a newly developed grading system based on previous studies. Individual DDFT parameters and an overall DDFT grade were scored. A Pearson's Chi‐square test quantified the association between anatomical location and lesion type and interobserver agreement was quantified by calculating weighted‐kappa statistic.ResultsObserver team B found a statistically significant association between anatomical location and lesion type but observer team A did not. Interobserver agreement was fair to moderate for the majority of individual DDFT parameters. For most parameters, better interobserver agreement was found for presence of a lesion than for lesion grading. Interobserver agreement was fair for the overall DDFT grade.ConclusionsInterobserver agreement was acceptable for overall DDFT grade and was better for the presence of an overall grade. Interobserver agreement was also acceptable for most DDFT parameters and was better for assessing whether a lesion was present compared to the grading of lesions. This study highlights the value of a standardised grading system for assessing the DDFT on sMRI, and provides a method to improve the repeatibilty and reliability of future studies using sMRI.Ethical animal research: This project was granted ethical approval by the RVC Ethics and Welfare Committee as part of James Whitmore's final year research project. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
An Online Survey to Characterise Spending Patterns of Horse Owners and to Quantify the Impact of Equine Lameness on a Pleasure Horse Population
Authors: Uprichard K.L. , Boden L.A. , Marshall J.F. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyTreatment of equine lameness frequently requires a period of rest and restricted exercise. The financial impact of restricted exercise should be considered when making investigation and treatment decisions.ObjectivesTo describe and quantify the cost and time commitment associated with horse maintenance in the UK and to quantify the incidence of lameness and number of days of exercise lost.Study designOnline survey of UK horse owners.MethodsAn online survey was performed between June and November 2013. The questionnaire contained 35 open and closed questions related to 1) owner age, gender, geographical location; and 2) type and use of horse, purchase price, location, travel, healthcare and maintenance costs; and 3) lameness episodes within the last 12 months.Results560 respondents fully completed the questionnaire, 98.2% were female aged between 16 and 54 years old. Horses (62.5% geldings, 37.1% mares, 0.8% stallions) were of mixed breed with a median age of 13 years. Horses were predominantly used for general purpose riding. Most horses were kept on or within 5 miles of the owner's residence (77.4%) and 65% of owners spent >10 h per week on horse maintenance. Median basic maintenance cost was £2660 per year or £7.29 per day including routine healthcare, dentistry, farriery, feed, housing, and insurance fees. Most horses (71.3%) experienced an episode of lameness within the previous 12 months. The median duration of restricted exercise (days wasted) was 70 (range 0–880) days.ConclusionsThis unique dataset quantifies the financial and time outlay required with horse ownership. Determining the number of wasted days and basic average cost per day has allowed us to quantify the cost of inactivity. Considerable cost is associated with a period of inactivity following an episode of lameness, which should be taken into account when considering investigation and treatment options.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow. Sources of funding: The Geoffrey Serth Charitable Trust. Competing interests: None.
Tarsocrural Arthroscopy for Osteochondrosis Dissecans: Clinical Features of a Referral Hospital Population and Prevalence of Abnormalities within the Plantar Pouch
Authors: James O.A. , Payne R.J. , Bathe A.P. , Greet T.R.C. , Wylie C.E. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThere is limited information on tarsocrural arthroscopy for osteochondrosis dissecans lesions (OCD) in Great Britain, and routine examination of the plantar pouch has not been described.ObjectivesTo describe clinical features of cases undergoing tarsocrural arthroscopy for OCD and estimate the prevalence of abnormalities within the plantar pouch.Study designRetrospective case review.MethodsCase records of all horses that had tarsocrural arthroscopy for OCD at Rossdales Equine Hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2013 were included (n = 99). Descriptive data and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were constructed in Microsoft Excel.ResultsWarmbloods/Warmblood‐crosses were significantly over‐represented compared to the normal hospital population, comprising 42.4% (CI 32.7–52.2%) of the study (P<0.001), followed by Thoroughbreds/Thoroughbred‐crosses (33.7%, CI 25.0–43.7%), 22 other horse breeds and one pony. Cases were predominantly male (70.7%, CI 63.6–81.3%) with 48.5% geldings, 19.2% colts and 3.0% stallions. Median age was 2.9 years (0.1–13.5 years) and median weight was 523 kg (112–919 kg). Most were nonracing sports horses (40.4%, CI 30.7–50.1%), or unbroken (27.0%, CI 18.5–36.0%) with the remainder used for breeding, general purpose or racing. Reasons for presentation were lameness (52.7%, CI 42.5–63.0%), effusion (36.3%, CI 26.4–46.1%), or survey radiographs (11.0%, CI 4.6–17.4%). Tarsocrural arthroscopy was most frequently performed bilaterally (41.8%, CI 32.1–51.6%), followed by left hind (35.7%, CI 26.2–45.2%), then right hind (22.4%, CI 14.2–30.7%). Irrespective of pathology in the dorsal pouch, examination of the plantar pouch was performed in 70 joints (50 horses), and in 78.0% (CI 66.5–89.5%) abnormalities were found. Of these, 10 required removal of organised fibrinous debris or osteochondral fragments (25.6% CI 11.9–39.3%), none of which were recorded using diagnostic imaging presurgery.ConclusionsInvestigation of the plantar pouch is indicated in routine tarsocrural arthroscopy for OCD as it often reveals additional pathology, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Further work will evaluate how plantar pouch pathology may influence prognosis.Ethical animal research: Ethical approval obtained, project number AHT48‐2013. Explicit informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: C.E.W. is supported by The Margaret Giffen Trust. Competing interests: None.
Outcome Following Surgical Treatment of 23 Cases of Primary Plantar/Palmar Annular Ligament Desmopathy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nieuwenhuis G.M. , O'Meara B.J. , James F.M. , Bladon B. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyLittle exists in the literature regarding the outcome of endoscopically‐guided desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) where injury to the PAL was the only diagnosis.ObjectivesTo report the return to previous level of exercise in horses treated with endoscopically guided PAL resection in which PAL injury was considered to be the primary condition.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of surgical cases at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were cases that had undergone surgical transection of the palmar/plantar annular ligament under general anaesthesia and endoscopic guidance using a No. 12 scalpel blade where annular ligament injury was the only notable finding at surgery. Follow‐up was obtained by a telephone questionnaire.ResultsTwenty‐three horses were included in the study. Twenty horses were noted to have restriction to passage of the arthroscope within the digital flexor tendon sheath at the time of surgery. Following the initial 3‐month post operative rest period 21 horses were sound. Three horses did not return to their previous level of activity due to unrelated lameness issues and 2 returned to a lower level of competition due to owner preference. Of the remaining 18 horses, 16 returned to their previous level of athletic performance. Two horses had recurrent or persistent lameness associated with the residual PAL desmopathy.ConclusionsIn this case series surgical treatment of primary PAL injury carries a good prognosis (89% return to previous level of exercise) in contrast to a previously reported study (<50% of horses were able to return to athletic function) [1].Ethical animal research: Ethical committee approval not currently required by this congress: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
The aquarium hobby: can sinners become saints in freshwater fish conservation?
Authors: Maceda‐Veiga Alberto , Domínguez‐Domínguez Omar , Escribano‐Alacid Josep , Lyons John 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aquarium hobby is popular worldwide, but it has positives and negatives for freshwater fish conservation. The most damaging impacts of the aquarium trade on ecosystems are overharvesting and invasive species. Consequently, many conservationists and academics have the perception that aquarium hobbyists are generally harmful to species conservation. Without overlooking these major drawbacks of the aquarium hobby, we aim to establish common ground between hobbyists and conservationists by correcting some misconceptions and showing the benefits of serious aquarium hobbyists in the conservation of freshwater fishes and their habitats. Our overview illustrates that the aquarium hobby is not insensitive to the pernicious effects of this enduring hobby on natural systems and that serious aquarists and their associations can directly assist and fund scientific research, increase conservation awareness among the general public and even participate in ex situ and in situ conservation programmes for native fish species at national or international levels. Whilst the relationship between conservationists and the aquarium hobby has often been antagonistic in recent years, ultimately most biologists and aquarists share a love of the species they study or maintain, and this common interest could be the basis for a more positive and productive relationship.
Pharmacology and mechanisms of action of new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Salem Joe‐Elie , Sabouret Pierre , Funck‐Brentano Christian , Hulot Jean‐Sebastien 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe new oral anticoagulants are announced as an important therapeutic revolution, particularly after their approval by authorities for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. However, the pharmacology of these new drugs is not homogeneous. In this review, we summarize the main pharmacological characteristics of the new direct anti‐Xa and anti‐IIa agents.
Influence of boron on seed yield and seed quality of organic white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Stoltz E. , Wallenhammar A.‐C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe effects of boron (B) application on flower development, nectar production, germination and seed yield were investigated in organic seed crops of white clover grown in soils with <1 mg B kg−1. Application techniques of a liquid B product were studied in two field experiments in 2009–2011. Three rates of B application to the soil at sowing and three rates of B as a foliar application in the harvest year were compared with untreated control plots. None of the B treatments had a significant effect on seed yield, relative to the control. In one experiment, with a dense crop stand, the results indicated a small (10%) yield increase with B applied to the soil. Seed germination and B concentration of shoots, roots and seeds were unaffected by B application, although the soil concentration increased. In seeds with an average B concentration of 22 mg kg−1, 73% germinated as normal seedlings and 14% were assessed as hard seeds; corresponding values for seeds with an average B concentration of 17 mg kg−1 were 60 and 38% respectively. The results indicate the need for further studies of factors determining B uptake in white clover.