bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cataract surgery is associated with a reduced risk of dementia: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Yu W.‐K. , Chen Y.‐T. , Wang S.‐J. , Kuo S.‐C. , Shia B.‐C. , Liu C. J.‐L. 
Published: September 2014

Background and purposeOur purpose was to determine the association of cataract surgery with subsequent development of dementia in older adults with newly diagnosed cataract.MethodsBy using data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), a population‐based cohort study including 491 226 subjects aged 70 or older with first‐time diagnosis of cataract coded from 2000 to 2009 was conducted. After matching cataract patients receiving cataract surgery with cataract patients without receiving cataract surgery for age, sex, index date, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, interval between first coding of cataract diagnosis and index date, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 113 123 patients in each cohort were enrolled. The main outcome measure was newly diagnosed dementia coded by neurologists or psychiatrists more than 365 days after cataract surgery. Incidence rate and hazard ratio of dementia were compared between the cataract surgery and cataract diagnosis cohorts.ResultsThe incidence rate of dementia was 22.40 per 1000 person‐years in the cataract surgery cohort and 28.87 per 1000 person‐years in the cataract diagnosis cohort. The rate of dementia was significantly lower in the cataract surgery group (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.75−0.79, P < 0.001). Female gender (P < 0.001) and a shorter interval between the date of first coding of a cataract diagnosis and the date of cataract surgery (P = 0.009) were significantly associated with a lower incidence rate of dementia.ConclusionIn an NHIRD cohort of Taiwanese aged 70 years and older with a diagnosis of cataract, patients undergoing cataract surgery were associated with a reduced risk of subsequent dementia compared with those without cataract surgery.
Multi‐Centre Field Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Clodronic Acid for Navicular Syndrome
Authors: Frevel M. , King B. , Kolb D. , Boswell R. , Shoemaker R.S. , Janicek J. , Cole R. , Poole M. , Longhofer S. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyClodronic acid (CA) is a bisphosphonate which inhibits bone resorption through inhibition of formation/dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystals and by direct cellular effects on osteoclasts. The study was conducted to assess the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of CA for the control of lameness associated with navicular syndrome.ObjectivesTo demonstrate the effectiveness of CA in navicular syndrome.Study designRandomised, multi‐centre, double‐masked, placebo controlled field trial in client‐owned horses.MethodsHorses with unilateral or bilateral forelimb lameness (AAEP lameness scale grade ≥2); positive anaesthesia of the distal palmar digital nerve(s); radiographic evidence of navicular syndrome and the absence of other causes of lameness were eligible for enrolment. Horses were randomised to treatment groups in a 3:1 ratio of CA to saline control. Treatment was administered once via intramuscular injection at 1.2 mg/kg bwt (maximum 765 mg CA or 15 ml saline). Efficacy was assessed by comparing lameness grades before and after treatment.Results146 horses of various breeds were enrolled at 6 sites in Germany and US. At 8 weeks, horses in the CA group had a significantly higher success rate than horses in the control group (least squares mean 74.72% vs. 3.30%; P = 0.0028). Efficacy was sustained through 180 days in 66% of horses. Adverse events were few and considered to be mild and transient.ConclusionsClodronic acid was safe and effective in navicular syndrome.Ethical animal research: Owners gave informed consent for their horses’ inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: Dechra Ltd. Competing interests: The late Dr Frevel was a consultant to Omnimedic GbR, which has applied for a patent for the use of clodronic acid for navicular syndrome. Dr Poole is employed by Dechra.
Thyroid Gland Tumours in the Horse: Clinical Diagnostic, Treatment and Histological Characterisation
Authors: Troillet A. , Brehm W. , Scharner D. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyTumours of the thyroid gland are rare in the equine species. In literature varying clinical signs and diagnostic findings are described in single reports and case series. Reported clinical signs are related to upper airway compression or thyroidal metabolic activity. A considerable risk of laryngeal hemiplegia is described when horses were treated with hemithyroidectomy [1].ObjectivesTo review 11 horses referred with a unilateral thyroid neoplasia in order to describe clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome. Histopathology was performed on all resected thyroid lobes.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsRecords from horses with histologically confirmed thyroid tumours treated with unilateral thyroid lobe resection were reviewed (2003–2013). Short‐term outcome was defined for 2 weeks after surgery. Owners’ questionnaire was performed for evaluation of long‐term outcome defined as a minimum of 6 months.ResultsAffected horses were aged between 6 and 21 years. In contrast to literature the majority of tumours were adenocarcinomas (9/11), mainly found in mares (8/9). Histology revealed follicular and parafollicular (C‐cell) mixed growth pattern of the carcinomas. Tumour size, growth rate and sonographic appearance did not correlate to histological characteristics. Ventral displacement of the thyroid lobe and close preparation along the thyroid capsule during surgical resection are inevitable to avoid damage to laryngeal nerves. Seroma formation was the only observed short‐term complication. No long‐term complications occurred.ConclusionsHemithyroidectomy is regarded the treatment of choice in horses with a unilateral thyroid lobe neoplasia with excellent long‐term prognosis. High incidence of malignant tumours particularly in mares has to be considered. Tumour characteristics can only be derived from histopathology and immunhistochemistry.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight 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.
Repeatability of an In‐Feed Sugar Test in Ponies
Authors: de Laat M.A. , Pollitt C.C. , Sillence M.N. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyInsulin resistance (IR) can be difficult to diagnose from basal insulin and glucose concentrations, so a field‐based oral sugar test (OST) is preferred. However, the repeatability of this test has not been reported.ObjectivesTo determine the repeatability of an in‐feed OST in ponies.Study designA repeated measures, longitudinal study.MethodsEight mixed‐breed ponies received an in‐feed OST at 08.00 h, after an overnight fast, once weekly for 3 weeks. D‐glucose powder (0.75 g/kg bwt), wheat bran (200 g) and water (500 ml) were combined, and mixed with lucerne chaff (0.3% bwt). Blood samples were taken before, and 90 and 180 min after, feeding. All meals were consumed. Blood glucose concentration was determined immediately and serum was obtained for insulin determination by equine‐specific ELISA. Fasting glucose, insulin and glucose:insulin ratios were used to classify ponies as IR, compensated IR or normal on each occasion and the results were compared to the OST.ResultsDiagnosis of IR from basal values was consistent in only 3/8 ponies, with a large mean coefficient of variation (CV) of 51% for baseline insulin, across tests. The OST results were repeatable in 7/8 ponies, with mean CV at 25% for the 90 min insulin sample (CV for 7 ponies: 19%). The OST was repeatable on 2/3 occasions in the eighth pony, however, resting hyperinsulinaemia meant that IR was diagnosed on 3/3 occasions using basal values in this pony. There was significant (P<0.05) variability in insulin concentration at 180 min, but not 90 min, across tests.ConclusionsAn OST is more repeatable when assessing IR in ponies than basal values/ratios. Both resting hyperinsulinaemia and insulin responses to oral sugar can be assessed with the OST, which increases the likelihood of accurately diagnosing IR. Blood sampling at 90 min post feeding is recommended for more consistent results.Ethical animal research: The experimental protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of Queensland (SVS/QUT/109/13/QUT). Sources of funding: This study was funded by Queensland University of Technology. Competing interests: None.
The Prevalence of Ocular Diseases in Arabian Horses in Poland
Authors: Paschalis‐Trela K. , Cywińska A. , Witkowski L. , Czopowicz M. , Trela J. , Kita J. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyOcular diseases in horses often require long‐lasting and costly therapies. Without proper treatment they may lead to partial or full blindness, excluding horses from intended use, and thus pose a serious veterinary and economic problem.ObjectivesNo epidemiological data on equine ocular pathologies in Poland was available. The aim of this study was to evaluate their type and prevalence in pure‐bred Arabian horses.Study designThe study involved 615 horses (15% of Arabian population) bred and owned by 3 Arabian state stud farms in Poland. All horses underwent standard clinical and ophthalmic examination and medical history from the previous 5 years was analysed.MethodsThe medical history was based on the data from farms’ veterinary archives in the stables and epidemiological interview given by the resident veterinarian. Every horse underwent general clinical and ophthalmic examination.ResultsThe prevalence of ocular diseases was 9.8% (95% CI: 7.7–12.4%). The following pathologies were diagnosed: equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) – prevalence of 5.5% (95% CI: 4.0–7.6%), non‐ERU related cataract – 3.3% (95% CI: 1.9–4.7%), post traumatic lesions – 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4–1.9%), glaucoma – one case. Seven horses had one nonvisual eye, one was bilaterally blind.ConclusionsEquine recurrent uveitis was the most common ocular disease in this Polish population of Arabian horses. Its prevalence is lower than usually reported in Europe (8–10%) and in the United States (8–25%). However, severe ocular pathologies were observed confirming that they remain an important clinical problem.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: The research was supported by a grant from National Science Centre on the basis of the decision No DEC‐2011/03/B/NZ6/04682. Competing interests: None.
Vaccination with Virus‐Like Particles Induces Long Lasting Protection from Experimentally Induced Sarcoid‐Like Tumours in Horses
Authors: Hainisch E.K. , Harnacker J. , Shafti‐Keramat S. , Kirnbauer R. , Brandt S. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyWe have already demonstrated that vaccination with empty BPV1 capsids termed virus‐like particles (VLP) protects horses from experimental infection with BPV1 virion. Long‐term monitoring of antibody titres in experimental horses and data from other species suggest that this protection is long lasting.ObjectivesTo test protection against experimental infection with BPV‐1 virion in horses that were vaccinated with BPV‐1 L1 VLP approximately 5 years earlier.Study designControlled experiment.MethodsSeven horses, vaccinated 3 times (boosters after 4 weeks and 6 months) in 2007/2008 with doses of BPV1 L1 VLP ranging from 50 μg to 150 μg/dose and 3 unvaccinated control horses were challenged by intra‐dermal inoculation with cow wart derived BPV1 virion (5 × 107 BPV‐1 virions per wheal, 10 wheals per horse). Inoculation sites were monitored for 10 weeks. Blood for serum antibody titre determination by pseudovirion neutralisation assay was taken on the day of challenge and after 6 months.ResultsSix of 7 vaccinated horses had measurable serum antibody titres (1:50 to 1:400). These titres were boosted by inoculation (about one step of dilution). Two of 3 unvaccinated controls remained sero‐negative. One control horse showed sero‐conversion. All control horses developed tumours at all 10 inoculation sites. Tumours appeared approximately 2 weeks after inoculation and reached maximum sizes of up to 8 mm. Regression was complete by 8 weeks after their first appearance in all horses. All vaccinated horses remained completely free from tumours. No influence of dose rate or antibody titre on the level of protection could be determined.ConclusionsBPV‐1 L1 VLP vaccination proves to be fully effective in protecting horses from experimental infection and tumour formation 5 years post immunisation. The protection was complete even in horses with low or unmeasurable antibody titres. This is another step towards establishing a vaccination against equine sarcoids.Ethical animal research: This experiment was approved by the institutional ethics committee and the national authority under license No: GZ: 68.205/0144‐II/3b/2012. Sources of funding: Veterinary University Vienna, Austrian Research Fund (FWF). Competing interests: None.
Is Luteal Blood Flow a Useful Indicator of Mare Suitability as a Recipient in an Embryo Transfer Programme?
Authors: Brogan P.T. , van Nieuwenhuisen J. , Necchi D. , Stout T.A.E. , de Ruijter‐Villani M. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing the studyEmbryo transfer (ET) is an increasingly common component of commercial sport‐horse breeding. While many variables affect the success of ET, optimal selection of recipient mares is essential. Ideally, adequate corpus luteum (CL) function would be evaluated by measuring plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations (≥2.0 ng/ml). In practice however, P4 is rarely measured because it would increase costs, and there is a delay to obtaining a result. Colour‐flow Doppler sonography (CF) has been described as a rapid means of assessing CL function because luteal blood flow correlates with circulating P4 concentrations.ObjectivesTo use CF to assess luteal blood flow at the time of ET in recipient mares, and assess its relationship to P4 concentrations and pregnancy outcome.Study designCohort study.MethodsFifty‐eight Day 8 horse embryos were transferred as part of a commercial programme. B‐mode and CF sonographic examinations were performed immediately prior to ET (ET+0), and blood was collected to measure plasma P4. Measurements were repeated at 4, 11, 18 and 25 days after ET in pregnant mares. Mares scanned not pregnant at Day 4 were re‐checked 2 days later. The CF image of each CL was frozen at peak total area of flow, and repeated 3 times. The cross‐sectional area (corrected for presence of lacunae) and the total area of colour pixels within the CL were analysed using ImageJ software.ResultsPlasma P4 correlated positively (P<0.05) with area of colour pixels (range r = 0.40–0.55) and total CL area (range r = 0.41–0.51) at all time‐points. None of plasma P4, CL area, or CF pixel area were predictive of pregnancy outcome.ConclusionsCL blood flow is not predictive of pregnancy outcome but should help identify mares with an inadequate CL and not therefore suitable for receiving an embryo.Ethical animal research: Data collected during procedures performed as part of routine management. Explicit owner informed consent not stated. Sources of funding: Institutional resident research funding. Competing interests: None.
Association Between ‘Wind‐Test’ Findings and Resting Endoscopic Assessment of Laryngeal Function at Thoroughbred Public Auction in the UK
Authors: Palmer L. , Ramzan P. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyDespite ongoing advances in diagnostic imaging, ‘wind‐testing’ remains the most common screening test for upper respiratory tract obstructions and is an important condition of sale at Thoroughbred public auctions in UK/Europe. Correlations between abnormal respiratory noise and resting laryngeal function have been incompletely investigated to date.ObjectivesTo determine whether associations exist between respiratory noise at lunge and subsequent diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN).Study designRetrospective analysis of records for all post sale wind‐testing undertaken by a single veterinary practice at Tattersalls Newmarket yearling, breeze‐up and horse‐in‐training sales between 2009 and 2013.MethodsDescriptions of abnormal respiratory noise were categorised as ‘inspiratory whistle’, ‘inspiratory harsh’ or ‘pan‐respiratory harsh’, and included lunge direction during which noise was evident. Concurrent examination by 2 veterinary surgeons was a criterion for inclusion of cases. All horses making abnormal respiratory noises underwent resting endoscopy with a consensus score (Lane scale) given for laryngeal function.Results2972 horses underwent post sale wind‐testing and 418 horses (14.1%) underwent resting endoscopic examination due to abnormal respiratory noise. Likelihood of making an abnormal respiratory noise differed significantly between groups (yearlings 10.8%, ‘breeze‐up’ 2‐year‐olds 20.6%, horses‐in‐training 30.1%). Yearlings were significantly more likely (P<0.0001, Chi‐squared/Bonferroni test) to make a ‘harsh’ respiratory noise than horses‐in‐training. Type of noise (whistle) was significantly associated with resting endoscopic evidence of RLN in yearlings (P = 0.009); specificity of ‘whistle’ for RLN in this group was 38.6%. There was no association between lunge direction noise (left, right or both) and RLN.ConclusionsThese results support the widespread belief that harsh respiratory noise when lunged of presumed ‘palatal/pharyngeal’ origin is more likely in yearlings than horses‐in‐training, possibly due to upper respiratory inflammation or immaturity. Inspiratory whistle in both lunge directions is no stronger an indicator of RLN than unidirectional whistle.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight 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.
How do Students Approach Lameness? A Case Study
Authors: Starke S.D. , Pfau T. , May S.A. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyIt is unknown how students develop lameness assessment skills.ObjectivesTo quantify student performance, visual approaches and attitudes to lameness evaluation.Study designComparison of student cohorts.MethodsTwenty 3rd year (inexperienced cohort) and thirteen 4th to 5th year (experienced cohort) students evaluated 30 video clips showing horses on the straight line or circle, followed by a general questionnaire. Eyetracking records (Tobii X102) were collected in parallel. The percentage of correctly evaluated horses was calculated based on verified expert opinion. From the eyetracking records on the straight line, the percentage time spent on different regions on the horse was calculated and compared between cohorts.ResultsFor both cohorts, while the correct detection of lameness per se was high (median ≥92%), detection of the correct limb was lower (median 40–80% depending on quarters and cohort) and detection of sound horses was at chance level (median = 50%). The correct limb was indicated significantly more often by the experienced cohort (P ≤ 0.032) except for forelimb lameness on the circle (P = 0.053). The inexperienced cohort dedicated more time to looking at limb movement, while the experienced cohort focused on head and pelvis movement. Students judged their expected task performance realistically, on average underestimating themselves slightly by around 8%. The task difficulty was rated as a mean (s.d.) of 4.10 (0.48) out of 5 by the inexperienced and 3.35 (0.47) by the experienced cohort.ConclusionsLameness detection skills evolve and improve over the course of the curriculum, with a shift from limb assessment to upper body assessment. Students must learn to reliably determine soundness, and hindlimb lameness proved more difficult than forelimb lameness. Students find lameness detection comparatively difficult, but have a realistic understanding of their skill level, suggesting that they can determine their needs for further practice.Ethical animal research: No animals were used in the study. Video recordings were selected from the archive of R.K. Smith collected during clinical investigations. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: S.D. Starke's PhD was funded by the Mellon Trust via the Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: None.
The Relationship Between Working Equids and Women in Developing Countries
Authors: Upjohn M. , Valette D. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyThere are approximately 100 million working equids in developing countries worldwide. These animals’ role in impoverished communities is generally unrecognised by national and international policy makers and their needs are overlooked in national animal health systems. Additionally, despite increased international development attention on women and livestock, the specific contributions of equids to poor womens’ lives are also unquantified and overlooked.ObjectivesThis study aimed to document the relationship between working equids and women in equine owning communities in Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Pakistan.Study designQualitative semi‐structured focus group discussions elicited opinions from small groups of women (up to 12/group) in selected rural and peri‐urban areas in each country.MethodsAn experienced local language‐speaking community facilitator guided each discussion using a standardised questionnaire based on UK Department for International Development sustainable livelihoods framework asset categories. Women's experiences of working equids’ roles in their lives were audio‐recorded, transcribed in local language and key themes summarised in English.ResultsTwenty‐two discussions (7 in India, 5 each in Ethiopia, Kenya and Pakistan) comprising 259 women took place between February and October 2013. When asked to rank their livestock, all 12 groups in India and Kenya and 17 out of 22 groups overall ranked equids most important, due to their income generation and contribution to household chores, including transporting feedstuffs and water for other livestock species. Whilst specific responsibilities varied between communities, women reported undertaking many equine husbandry activities but lacked access to equine‐specific knowledge and skills training.ConclusionsThe study findings can inform development of targeted training interventions for female working equid owners and users. Further work is required to quantify the contribution to livelihoods of working equids in developing countries to underpin engagement with government stakeholders on the benefit of providing for their needs in animal health and welfare systems.Ethical animal research: Not applicable, no animals were involved in this study. Sources of funding: The Brooke UK. Competing interests: None.