bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Disease Specific Metabolic Fingerprints in Early Osteoarthritis
Authors: Peffers M. , Riggs C. , Phelan M. , Clegg P. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studySynovial fluid (SF) is located in joint cavities, tendon sheaths and bursae. In joints it comprises a serum filtrate with additional contributions from articular cartilage, synovium and bone. Low molecular weight metabolites represent the end product of the cell regulatory processes. Synovial fluid represents a potential source of disease specific metabolites that could aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and be used in its early diagnosis.ObjectivesWe hypothesise that there are different metabolomic profiles that can be identified in early OA SF and some of these metabolites are potential biomarkers.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsSynovial fluid was used from the metacarpophalangeal joints of 9 normal and 9 OA Thoroughbred horses following macroscopic, microscopic and synovitis scoring. SF was analysed with Proton (1H)‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with a 600 MHz Avance III equipped with a cryoprobe and chilled sample‐jet autosampler. The software we use is Topsin 3.1 and IconNMR 4.6.7. The following methods were used in order to identify changes in lipids and small molecules; 1D Nuclear Overhauser Effect, Longitudinal Encode‐decode and Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill. Data analysis was undertaken using unsupervised statistical methods and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).ResultsThe results demonstrated clustering on principle component analysis between normal and OA samples. Seven metabolites were identified as significantly different in OA P<0.05; mobile lipid 1, methyl group, 2 lactates, proline and 2 citrates. Furthermore total lipid load correlated very closely to Mankin's scoring. Using IPA we identified metabolic pathways relating to altered glycolysis in early OA.ConclusionsWe identified the metabolic fingerprint of early OA which may allow for better phenotyping of disease states and thereby facilitate targeting of improved treatment regimes.Ethical animal research: Samples were collected at post mortem examination with informed owner consent. Sources of funding: Wellcome Trust and the MRC and Arthritis Research UK as part of the MRC – Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA). Competing interests: None declared.
Sensitivity of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Relation to Histopathological Findings in Six Horses with Compressive Lesions of the Spinal Cord
Authors: Vanschandevijl K. , Nollet H. , Vercauteren G. , Ducatelle R. , Deprez P. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an electrophysiological technique used to elicit motor evoked potentials (MMEPs) to evaluate the functional integrity of the descending motor fibres in the spinal cord. Successful application of the technique was reported in horses with spinal cord compression. However, limited data are available on the correlation of TMS with histopathological changes.ObjectivesTo determine sensitivity of TMS for assessing the integrity of the spinal cord in horses with compressive lesions of the spinal cord.Study designCase series.MethodsThe study was conducted on 6 horses with spinal ataxia grade III‐V/V admitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University. The horses underwent TMS, radiography of the cervical or thoracolumbar vertebral column, and myelography (4/6). All horses were subjected to euthanasia and the spinal cord examined histopathologically.ResultsIn 5/6 horses MMEPs with abnormal onset latencies in both extensor carpi radialis muscles and cranial tibialis muscles were recorded, suggesting a cervical spinal cord lesion. Radiography revealed cervical vertebral malformation (4/5) with cervical vertebral canal stenosis (3/5) and tumour/osteomyelitis (1/5). In 1/6 horse MMEPs with normal onset latencies in extensor carpi radialis muscles and prolonged onset latencies in tibialis cranialis muscles were recorded, suggesting a thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion. Radiography revealed deformation of the 7th and 8th thoracic vertebrae. Myelography showed reduction in dural diameter and dorsal contrast column (4/4). Histopathological examination of the spinal cord confirmed compressive type lesions in all 6 horses with degenerative changes in the white matter of all funiculi, ballooning of myelin sheets, swollen axons, loss of axons and astroglial activation.ConclusionsIn this case series abnormal function of descending motor pathways as registered by TMS showed 100% sensitivity with the histopathological characteristics of compressive lesions in the spinal cord, but the number of horses is limited and further research is warranted.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: the study was performed on material collected during clinical procedures. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Source of funding: Not applicable. Competing interests: None declared.
Diffusion of Radiodense Contrast Medium after Perineural Injection of the Palmar Digital Nerves
Authors: Nagy A. , Malton R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyLimited information exists on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following palmar digital nerve blocks.ObjectivesTo demonstrate potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves using 2 different volumes of contrast medium and 2 different injection sites.Study designExperimental.MethodsTwelve mature horses were used. Perineural injection of the palmar digital nerves were performed at the level of or 2 cm proximal to the proximal aspect of the ipsilateral ungular cartilage, using 1.5 or 2.5 ml radiodense contrast medium. In total 96 injections were performed. Four standard radiographic views of the pastern were obtained immediately after injections and 10 and 20 min later. Images were analysed subjectively and objectively.ResultsAfter distal injections, the contrast medium was more localised around the injection site; after proximal injections the contrast patch had greater proximal‐distal length. The greatest proximal diffusion was to 31.7% of the length of the proximal phalanx (from distal) after distal injections and to 70% after proximal injections. The larger volume resulted in significantly greater proximal diffusion than the smaller volume at the distal, but not at the proximal injection site (P<0.01). There was significant proximal diffusion with time after proximal and distal injections (P<0.01). In most limbs numerous radiopaque lines of various thickness extended proximally from the contrast patches; subjectively, their number and thickness were greater at the distal injection site.ConclusionsPalmar digital nerve blocks at the level of the ungular cartilage using ≤2.5 ml local anaesthetic solution may improve proximal interphalangeal joint and pastern region pain. If using a more proximal site, distal fetlock region pain may be improved. Due to diffusion into lymphatic vessels, too small a volume at the distal injection site may not provide sufficient analgesia.Ethical animal research: Written consent had been obtained from a representative of the horses' owner prior to starting the study. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
An Epidemiological Investigation of the Aid of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Determining Long‐Term Prognosis for Soundness Following Palmar/Plantar Digital Neurectomy for Chronic Foot Pain
Authors: Wylie C.E. , Payne R.J. , Bathe A.P. , Greet T.R.C. , Head M.J. , Boys‐Smith S.J. , Powell S.E. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyAccurate diagnosis of chronic foot pain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows appropriate case selection for palmar/plantar digital neurectomy (PDN).ObjectivesTo report follow‐up for chronic foot pain treated by PDN, with and without MRI diagnosis.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThe electronic patient records of all animals that underwent PDN were reviewed. Follow‐up was obtained from owners using a structured postal/telephone questionnaire. Chi squared/Fisher's exact tests or 2‐sample t tests were used, with statistical significance set as P<0.05.ResultsOne hundred and nine PDN cases were undertaken. Follow‐up response rate was 72.5%. From these 79 cases, 52 had MRI (MRI+) and 27 did not (MRI−). There was no significant difference in case distribution between the 2 groups: predominantly horses, Warmbloods, geldings, used for full competitions, except MRI+ were younger than MRI− (median 9.99 and 11.71 years respectively, P = 0.004). Median follow‐up time for MRI+ was 31.4 months, and for MRI− was 36.8 months. There was no significant difference in outcome. In total, 78.9% MRI+ achieved their intended use, compared with 73.1% MRI−. For those intended for exercise, 83.7% MRI+ reached a level of exercise, compared with 87.5% MRI−. Median length of exercise maintenance was 25.2 months for MRI+ and 24.0 months for MRI−. For MRI+ there was one suspected and one confirmed neuroma and 4 neuritis cases. Two MRI− animals developed neuritis. Complications requiring euthanasia occurred in 2 MRI− cases: complete rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon in a bilateral forelimb lameness and one previous chronic laminitic with solar prolapse.ConclusionsThese results are comparable with previous reports of 80% of MRI+ returning to previous athletic use for 20 months. Achievement of intended use, length of exercise maintenance and complication rate was similar with and without MRI diagnosis, although both catastrophic complications occurred in animals which did not undergo MRI.Ethical animal research: Ethical approval obtained: AHT47‐2013. Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: C.E. Wylie is funded by The Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust. Competing interests: None declared.
A Retrospective Study of Sagittal Plane Slab Fractures of the Third Carpal Bone in Racing Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Tallon R.E. , Bladon B.M. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studySagittal plane slab fractures of the third carpal bone are a recognised injury in the racehorse. One study [1] reported 32 horses with sagittal fractures, 69% raced again. Surgical management appeared beneficial, with all horses that underwent inter‐fragmentary compression racing again.ObjectivesTo document the success rate following sagittal slab fracture of the third carpal bone in UK‐based racehorses, and to compare conservative and surgical management.Study designRetrospective study.MethodsInclusion criteria were Thoroughbred racehorses with a simple sagittal slab fracture of the third carpal bone. Exclusion criteria were comminuted fractures, radial carpal bone fractures and short incomplete linear lucencies. Fractures were classified as complete, incomplete or uncertain. Time from injury to next race was recorded. Success rates were compared by Fisher's exact test.ResultsForty horses were identified. Two were subjected to euthanasia and 3 have <6 months follow‐up. Eleven were managed nonsurgically of which 4 (36%) were complete (5 uncertain) and 7 (64%) raced, 154–508 days following injury (median 242 days). Twenty‐seven horses underwent surgery to place a single 3.5 mm (n = 26) or 4.5 mm (n = 1) lag screw under arthroscopic guidance, of which 18 (67%) were complete. Thirteen (48%) raced again 147–711 days following surgery (median 256 days) P = 0.48. Of 23 horses with complete fractures 13 (57%) raced again, compared with 5/15 (33%) horses with incomplete fractures P = 0.2. Of horses with complete fractures, 10/18 (55%) underwent surgery and raced again compared to 3/4 (75%) horses managed conservatively P = 0.62.ConclusionsThe results confirm that the prognosis for athletic function is favourable but do not suggest that surgery is beneficial, or necessary for complete fractures. The numbers managed conservatively are small and it was not clear radiographically if the fracture was complete in 5/11 horses.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Evaluation of Several Screening Tests for Determination of the IgG Concentration of Foals with the Turbidimetric Immunoassay as Reference Method
Authors: Zandstra G.J. , Wijnberg I.D. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyThe measurement of immunoglobulins is important in foals, as individuals with evidence of failure of passive transfer are at increased risk of infection and death during the first month of life.ObjectivesTo identify which test is most suitable for determining the foal's IgG concentration as applied in practice. A distinction was made between hospitalised foals and healthy low risk foals in the field.Study designProspective study including 46 foals <7 days old, divided into 4 groups based on age and health status. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated manually. Significance was set at P<0.05.MethodsSeveral screening tests were compared to the IgG concentration measured by turbidimetric immunoassay: serum and plasma total protein, albumin and protein spectrum including gamma globulin concentration (GGC) measured by chemistry analyser, total protein by refractometer, glutaraldehyde coagulation test and a semi‐quantitative enzyme immunoassay (SNAP). IBM SPSS Statistics 20A was used. A one‐way ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for determining significant differences among tests and between groups. Correlations between the turbidimetric immunoassay and the screening tests were calculated using linear regression with a 95% CI.ResultsGroup differences were not found. The most accurate alternative test was the combination of total serum protein measured by a chemistry analyser (R 0.83) and GGC (R 0.84) with sensitivity and specificity of 79 and 100% and 95 and 93% respectively. A total serum protein of ≥49 g/l and a GGC of ≥6 g/l corresponded with an IgG concentration of ≥8 g/l.ConclusionsAccording to this study, the most reliable alternative test suitable in a clinical setting for the determination of IgG concentration was measuring total serum protein by a chemistry analyser in combination with serum GGC.Ethical animal research: The research was approved by the Animal Welfare Committee of Utrecht University (approval number 2012.II.05.078). Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Aerobic Respiratory Isolates From Young New Zealand Horses
Authors: Toombs‐Ruane L.J. , Riley C.B. , Rosanowski S.M. , Kendall A.T. , Benschop J. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyDecreased efficacy of veterinary antimicrobials and increased prevalence of multi‐drug resistance (MDR) is of concern, but little is known of antimicrobial resistance encompassing the New Zealand (NZ) equine population. Recent concerns have arisen over the emergence of multi‐resistant bacteria [1], especially on NZ stud farms where antibiotics are frequently used for respiratory disease without veterinary input [2].ObjectivesTo describe bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity results from respiratory samples submitted of young horses (4 weeks to 3 years old).Study designRetrospective study of clinical pathology records.MethodsA database search for isolates and sensitivity of respiratory samples from young horses (April 2004–July 2014) was conducted. The results of in vitro sensitivity testing by Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion were tabulated for major bacterial species isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to describe clustering of multi‐drug resistance (MDR) and selected demographic variables.Results237/289 eligible respiratory samples had at least one aerobic bacterial isolate. Most of the 774 bacterial isolates were Gram‐positive (68%). Streptococcus species were the most common genus isolated (40% of isolates). Sensitivity of Streptococcus spp. to penicillin, gentamicin and ceftiofur was >85%, but only 53% to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxone. Gram‐negative sensitivity to ceftiofur, tetracycline, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxone was <75%. MDR was found for 16% of isolates and in 39% of horses.ConclusionsPenicillin is an appropriate first‐line antimicrobial for use in most NZ young horses with suspected bacterial respiratory infection. However, based on findings of MDR, submission of samples for culture and monitoring of sensitivity should be used to inform antimicrobial selection.Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Sources of funding: Massey University McGeorge Fund; New Zealand Equine Research Foundation. Competing interests: None declared.
Development and Evaluation of A Molecular Diagnostic Method to Rapidly Detect Histoplasma Capsulatum Var. Farciminosum (Causing Epizootic Lymphangitis) from Equine Clinical Samples
Authors: Scantlebury C.E. , Pinchbeck G.L. , Loughnane P. , Ashine T. , Aklilu N. , Stringer A.P. , Gordon L. , Christley R.M. , McCarthy A.J. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyHistoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (HCF), causing epizootic lymphangitis (EZL), is endemic in parts of Africa including, Ethiopia, Senegal and Gambia. Despite its high prevalence, impact on animal welfare and socio‐economic importance, there is little evidence upon which to build practical disease control strategies. The performance and availability of diagnostic tests currently used by clinicians is problematic. Methods such as pattern recognition of clinical signs and microscopy lack specificity and other reported methods are either not commercially available or not readily feasible in these settings (e.g. culture). This is a significant barrier to further understanding this disease within endemic countries.ObjectivesTo validate a nested PCR method to confirm the presence of HCF in equine clinical samples.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsTwenty‐nine horses with suspected EZL were included from topographically varied regions of Ethiopia. Clinical data, lesion location drawn onto equine silhouettes, blood samples and aspirates of pus from cutaneous nodules were obtained before treatment provided by SPANA clinic. Blood and clinical data were collected from a further 20 horses with no cutaneous EZL lesions. Giemsa stained impression smears of pus were examined microscopically. Aliquots of heat‐inactivated pus and blood were inoculated onto Whatman FTA cards and imported to the UK with Defra approved licensing. A nested PCR targeting the ITS region, was used to identify samples containing HCF and PCR products were sequenced.ResultsHCF was confirmed in heat‐inactivated FTA card pus samples from 24 horses, additionally, 23 blood samples were positive from EZL suspected cases. Bioinfomatic analyses suggested that there was diversity within the ITS region among these HCF products.ConclusionsThese PCR techniques allow the rapid diagnosis of HCF directly from equine clinical samples. The identification of HCF in blood raises questions about the pathogenesis of HCF in horses and warrants further investigation.AcknowledgementsWe thank the SPANA Ethiopia team; participating cart‐horse owners; the Ethio‐Belgian project; Addis Ababa University; Gabrielle Laing and the PHE UK Mycology reference laboratory.Ethical animal research: Ethical approval for the project was awarded from the University of Liverpool and The College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University. Sources of funding: SPANA UK (registered charity), the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool and an Sfam studentship. Competing interests: Dr Stringer was veterinary director at SPANA while this project was conducted and provided consultative and logistical input.
A Neglected and Emerging Helminthosis: A Case of Equine Fasciolosis
Authors: Getachew M.A. , Innocent G. , Reid S.W.J. , Burden F. , Love S. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyAlthough fasciolosis is an important livestock disease worldwide, the public health importance of human fasciolosis has increased in recent years and it is recognised as an important re‐emerging zoonotic disease, its epidemiology and pathogenicity in donkeys, and the epidemiological role they may play have not been determined.ObjectivesTo investigate the epidemiology and pathogenicity of fasciolosis in donkeys.Study designCross‐sectional coprological and retrospective post‐mortem study.MethodsFaecal samples collected from 803 randomly selected working donkeys from the central region of Ethiopia were analysed by a sedimentation‐centrifugation‐flotation technique. Further data on liver‐flukes and associated pathologies were obtained by routine post mortem examinations of 112 donkeys, subjected to euthanasia on welfare grounds or died. Data were analysed using a generalised linear model and multivariate binary logistic regression in R statistical package with significance level of statistical tests set at P<0.05.ResultsInfection prevalences of 44.4% and 41.9% were obtained in coprologically and post mortem examined donkeys, respectively, irrespective of their age. Both Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica were identified with the mean infection intensity of 30 flukes. Older donkeys (≥8 years) were found harbouring a significantly higher worm burden (P<0.0001). Gross and histopathologies of hyperplasia and thickening of the bile ducts, fibrosis of large portal areas and irregular bile duct proliferation and hypertrophy were noted.ConclusionsThe high infection prevalence of fasciolosis and the associated hepatic pathologies in working donkeys shows not only the susceptibility of donkeys and the impact it has on their health, but also indicates the important role they can play in the epidemiology of both livestock and human fasciolosis. These further demonstrate the need for these animals to be considered in the overall epidemiological studies and for sound control strategies and prevention of fasciolosis.Ethical animal research: The research underwent ethical review and the use of animals was approved by the Directors of The Donkey Sanctuary. Consent of the owners was obtained to use their animals. Source of funding: The Donkey Sanctuary. Competing interests: None declared.