bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Observations of Silent Carriers of Streptococcus Equi in A Swedish Yard
Authors: Gröndahl G. , Båverud V. , Ljung H. , Melys V. , Aspán A. , Riihimäki M. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyWhen managing strangles in horses, it is crucial to detect chronic infection with Streptococcus equi (SE), i.e. silent carriers.ObjectivesEvaluate diagnostics for SE carriers over time in a farm.Study designLongitudinal observational study.MethodsSixty‐three Icelandic horses isolated on an island were studied 4 to 26 months after remission of acute strangles, including repeated clinical examination and collection of blood, nasopharyngeal lavage (NPL), and guttural pouch lavage (GPL) samples. Twenty‐two horses were treated with penicillin locally and systemically. Serology for S. equi was examined by iELISA [1]. Nasopharyngeal lavage and GPL samples were investigated for S. equi and S. zooepidemicus by real‐time PCR [2].ResultsThirty‐three per cent were SE carriers after 15 months, despite repeated penicillin treatment. In 16/18 carriers, GPL samples were PCR‐positive, but not NPL samples, whereas the opposite was true in 2 horses. Several carriers with persistent aerocystitis were not detected by 3 consecutive NPL samples. Five of 18 carriers were seronegative (27.8%) at 15 months. Following conservative treatment, 7 of these 18 carriers were still carriers at 20 months, 8 were negative, and 3 were lost for sampling. Only GPL samples were positive at this point, and only 1/7 carriers were seropositive.ConclusionsTo detect chronic carriers of strangles, RT‐PCR analysis from both GPL and NPL samples may be necessary. Serological screening at individual level often misses individual carriers in long‐term cases.Ethical animal research: The testing was approved by the Swedish Ethical Committee on Animal Experiments and horse owners gave their informed consent for inclusion of animals in the study. Source of funding: The Swedish‐Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research. Competing interests: None declared.
Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations and Responses to Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone in Ageing Horses
Authors: Breuhaus B.A. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyThyroid hormones (THs) decrease with age in healthy dogs and cats, although they tend to remain within established reference ranges. Thyrotropin (TSH) is increased in elderly people, with or without mild alterations in THs.ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that geriatric horses will have lower THs and/or higher TSH compared with younger horses.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsResting THs and TSH, and responses to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) were compared between young and old horses. Data from 71 normal, healthy horses that had participated in prior research projects were examined, and found to contain 42 horses 3–10 years of age, 16 horses >15 years and 10 horses >20 years. All samples had been assayed in the same previously validated radioimmunoassays. Statistical analysis was performed with commercial software.ResultsAlthough lower, THs were not significantly different between young and old horses when compared with the Mann–Whitney rank sum test. However, TSH concentration was significantly higher in horses aged >20 (median 0.52 ng/ml) or >15 years (0.44 ng/ml) compared to younger horses (0.33 ng/ml). TRH stimulation tests were performed in 19 of the younger horses, 7 of the horses >20, and 11 of the horses >15. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA on ranks revealed no significant differences in TH responses to TRH. The TSH response to TRH appeared to be slightly greater in the older horses, but did not quite reach significance (P = 0.06).ConclusionSimilar to reports in elderly humans, aged horses have higher serum TSH concentrations than younger horses.Ethical animal research: All horses in this study were part of a NCSU IACUC approved study. Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: College of Veterinary Medicine North Carolina State University, USA Equestrian. Competing interests: None declared.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Geriatric Horses and Ponies
Authors: Ireland J.L. , Christley R.M. , McGowan C.M. , Clegg P.D. , Pinchbeck G.L. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyRespiratory disease is a common cause of morbidity in geriatric horses, with a high prevalence of respiratory clinical signs; increasing with increasing horse age. However, owners frequently do not attribute these signs to disease and may not seek veterinary attention.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in the British geriatric equine population using a risk‐screening questionnaire (RSQ) and identify factors associated with RAO.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsOwners of geriatric horses/ponies enrolled in a previous cohort study were sent a postal questionnaire, combining a validated RSQ with questions regarding management, preventive healthcare, and respiratory‐specific clinical signs. An RSQ score of >0.87 was the positive cut‐off for RAO. Factors associated with RAO were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe useable response rate was 43.1%, providing data for 285 horses/ponies (median age 23.3 years). Coughing within the preceding year (27.0%) was the most prevalent owner‐reported clinical sign. Among the study population, the apparent prevalence of RAO using the RSQ was 20.7%. 10.5% of horses/ponies were reported to have veterinary‐diagnosed RAO (median age at diagnosis 13 years), of which 33.3% had a positive RSQ score. Data from 273 animals were included in the multivariable model, and factors associated with increased risk of RAO were ridden exercise ≥4 days/week (odds ratio [OR] 3.64; P = 0.005) compared to no exercise; residing on a farm (OR 4.99; P = 0.04) compared to residing on the owner's home premises and having had a respiratory infection within the past 12 months (OR 4.87; P<0.001).ConclusionsRisk‐screening questionnaire score‐determined RAO prevalence was considerably higher than the proportion of animals previously diagnosed with RAO. This suggests under‐diagnosis of respiratory problems in geriatric horses, much of which may be unrecognised or undiagnosed RAO. Risk factors identified differ from those previously reported for the general equine population.Ethical animal research: This study was granted institutional ethical approval from the University of Liverpool and the Animal Health Trust. Return of a completed postal questionnaire was taken as informed owner consent. Sources of funding: The original cohort study was funded by the Horse Trust and this study was funded by the Animal Health Trust. Competing interests: None declared.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Australian Virulent Rhodococcus Equi Isolates Collected Between 1991 and 2014
Authors: Allen J.L. , Herbert G. , Muscatello G. , Gilkerson J.R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyBronchopneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi is an important disease of young horses throughout the world. Although early diagnosis and treatment improves the prognosis, this also increases the amount of antimicrobial usage and therefore increases the likelihood of resistance developing.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the level of resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents of 97 virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates.Study designAnalysis of archived samples.MethodsVirulent Rhodococcus equi isolates were collected between 1991 and 2014 from clinically affected horses and from air samples collected in the breathing zone of foals. Antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates was assessed using a disc diffusion assay with a panel of agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for rifampicin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and neomycin using a novel resazurin‐based microtitre assay.ResultsResistance to rifampicin was detected in 3 of the isolates (2 collected in 2013 and one in 2014) by both methods. The MIC for these isolates was 64 μg/ml (n = 2) and 16 μg/ml (n = 1). All isolates collected prior to 2013 had MICs<0.125 μg/ml, which was the limit of detection in this assay. Although no isolates were resistant to tetracycline, there was a general increase in MIC in isolates collected in recent years. No isolates were resistant to either neomycin or erythromycin, with MIC values ranging between 0.25 and 2 μg/ml for neomycin and 0.125–1 μg/ml for erythromycin.ConclusionsThe success of the macrolide‐rifampicin combination relies on the synergistic action of these 2 agents. Resistance to rifampicin will reduce the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment. It is of serious concern that the resistant isolates were all recently collected. Hopefully, recent research will lead to fewer asymptomatic foals receiving antimicrobials which will in turn reduce the likelihood of ongoing development of resistance.Ethical animal research: All organisms in this study were received by the laboratory from diagnostic accessions. Sources of funding: Funding for the study was provided by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the University of Melbourne. G. Herbert was the recipient of a RN McCarthy scholarship from the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Competing interests: None declared.
Ultrasonographic Identification of the Pulmonary Veins in Adult Horses
Authors: van Loon G. , Vandecasteele T. , Vandevelde K. , Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Cornillie P. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyIn man, pulmonary veins (PV) are of major importance in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology as ectopy often originates in atrial myocardial sleeves extending in the PV wall. In addition, PV size on ultrasound is used to assess left atrial volume overload. In horses, PV anatomy and ultrasound have hardly been studied.ObjectivesTo study PV anatomy and establish a standard approach for echocardiographic identification of the PV from a right and left parasternal view.Study designAnatomical and echocardiographic description.MethodsFirstly, post mortem left atrial and PV silicone corrosion casts were made in 10 horses to investigate normal PV anatomy. Secondly, left and right parasternal ultrasound images and silicone casts were made in 3 horses, to compare images and casts.ResultsFour major PV ostia were identified on the casts, draining specific lung areas. From a right parasternal longitudinal view, ostium III was identified between the right atrial wall and right pulmonary artery, and ostium II left‐dorsal to it. From a left parasternal oblique short‐axis view, ostium III, its antrum and side‐branches were used as anatomical landmarks (adjacent to the right atrial wall). Slightly more caudal, ostium II was visualised with, in one horse, its antrum and 2 branches. Ostium I was only seen in one horse, slightly ventral to ostium II. Ostium IV was always identified in cross‐section on a left short‐axis view, left to the pulmonary artery bifurcation.ConclusionsA standard echocardiographic approach allows identification of pulmonary veins in adult horses. Left oblique and short axis views were superior although right long‐axis views also showed ostiums II and III. These data allow reference values to be established for pulmonary venous size and flow, and to investigate new treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation.Ethical animal research: Post mortem study with owner's informed consent; ultrasound with owner's informed consent. Study performed following the local ethical guidelines. Source of funding: Ghent University (institutional). Competing interests: None declared.
Post Exercise Cardiac Troponin I Release and Clearance in Normal Standardbred Racehorses
Authors: Rossi T.M. , Pearl D.L. , Pyle W.G. , Maxie M.G. , Kavsak P.A. , Physick‐Sheard P.W. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyThere are currently no studies detailing cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release and clearance in normal horses post exercise using an analytically validated assay. These data are essential for selecting appropriate sampling times in equine athletes with suspected myocardial damage.ObjectiveTo plot the magnitude and time course of cTnI release and clearance, using a validated cTnI assay, after maximal effort.Study designDescriptive longitudinal study.MethodsFive clinically normal Standardbred racehorses in full race training were included in the study. Physical examinations were performed on subjects and blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture pre‐exercise. Horses were exercised in harness at race intensity in groups on a training track. A second blood sample was taken immediately post exercise and an intravenous catheter was then placed in a jugular vein. Hourly blood samples were taken for 24 h. All samples were collected in red top serum Vacutainer® tubes and allowed to clot for 30 min before being centrifuged and serum harvested. Serum samples were stored at −80°C until analysis. All samples were analysed using the Abbott ARCHITECT STAT High Sensitivity cTnI® assay.ResultsMean resting cTnI level was 1.33 ± 0.6 ng/l (range, 0.82–2.33 ng/l). All horses exhibited an increase in cTnI level after exercise with peak elevation occurring 2–6 h post exercise (mean, 4.6 ± 1.7 h). Mean peak increase in cTnI level was 11.96 ± 9.41 ng/l (range, 1.72–23.76 ng/l). All horses returned to baseline levels within 24 h.ConclusionsAll horses experienced an increase in cTnI post exercise, with the peak occurring 2–6 h post exercise. Further studies are needed to determine the significance of these increases.Ethical animal research: The study protocol was approved by the University's Animal Care Committee. Explicit informed consent was obtained in writing for all client‐owned animals. Source of funding: Equine Guelph. Competing interests: Dr Kavsak has received grants/honoraria/consultant/advisor fees from Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Point of Care, Beckman Coulter, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Randox Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. He is listed as an inventor on patents filed by McMaster University related to laboratory testing in acute cardiac care. No funding was received from the manufacturer of the assay evaluated in this study.
Extinction biases inQuaternaryCaribbean lizards
Authors: Kemp Melissa E. , Hadly Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimIntrinsic qualities that might affect extinction risk are not well understood for lizards (suborderLacertilia), a highly diverse and globally distributed group of reptiles (orderSquamata). We use theQuaternary fossil record ofCaribbean lizards to explore a commonly studied trait, body size, and its relationship to extinction.LocationTheCaribbean.MethodsWe compiled a body size database for over 300 species. We assessed whether the present‐day body size distribution of lizards differed from the body size distribution of the fossil record. We also compared body sizes of extant lizards with extinct lizards, and we used theInternationalUnion forConservation ofNature (IUCN)RedList to evaluate whether threatened species are larger than non‐threatened species. We examined whether there were geographic or phylogenetic biases to extinction in this system.ResultsQuaternary extinctions were size‐biased, with a higher incidence of extinction in large‐bodied lizards; the same relationship exists between threatened and non‐threatened present‐day lizards. Biases in the fossil record do not drive this trend, as the body sizes of present‐day lizards do not differ from those preserved in the fossil record. While there is no geographic variability in extinction, we find that there is lineage specificity, as the majority of extinctions occur within the family Leiocephalidae. At the family level, size alone does not explain extinction trends for most families, but our data suggest that large‐bodied species in each family have a higher extinction risk than their smaller counterparts.Main conclusionsSize‐biased extinction trends in lizards mirror phenomena in other taxonomic groups, but additional life‐history traits may play a role at the family level. We highlight the utility of fossil datasets in understanding extinction dynamics and underscore the urgency of a thorough assessment of extinction risk for insular lizards.
Climate and land‐use drivers of invasion: predicting the expansion of Vespa velutina nigrithorax into the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Bessa Ana S. , Carvalho João , Gomes Alberto , Santarém Frederico 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

The yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) has been identified as a major threat to European entomofauna. Species distribution models have been used to assess its invasiveness risk. No studies were, however, developed specifically for peripheral regions, where unique biodiversity can be threatened by this species.

This study aims to address that particular issue by incorporating non‐commonly used drivers and by forecasting regions in Iberian Peninsula where the species has high risk of expansion. Climatic, anthropogenic and land‐use variables were considered. The species potential distribution was assessed using a generalised linear model.

Overall, the model predicted the northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula suitable for the species expansion. Only the driest regions at the south are conservatively predicted to not be occupied by the yellow‐legged hornet. Precipitation and temperature have the highest influence in Vespa velutina nigrithorax distribution, with land‐use also playing an important role in its expansion at regional scale.

These results highlighted the threat of this species to beekeeping activities. Due to high species richness and endemicity levels, peripheral regions integrated in Biodiversity Hotspots need special attention and control measures.
Glass Microspheres for Optics
Authors: Yano Tetsuji , Kishi Tetsuo , Kumagai Tsutaru 
Published: September 2015

Preparation and application of glass spheres as resonators are discussed. Surface‐tension mold (StM) and localized‐laser heating (LLH) techniques have been developed to fabricate glass super spheres and true spheres, respectively. These prepared glass spherical particles have been examined to evaluate their suitability for whispering gallery mode (WGM) oscillators or laser cavities. Super spherical glass acts as a WGM oscillator using its equatorial plane. An equatorial circle roundness > 0.99 provides a high Q‐value to lead laser oscillation. LLH demonstrates its excellent capability to prepare “true spheres” on a transparent substrate under gravity. A tellurite glass sphere prepared by the LLH technique exhibits a few‐mW‐order threshold for lasing at the 1.06‐μm region. An added‐on terrace and an installed bubble in the sphere serve as an input/output gate and as a “non‐WGM” coupling input gate for laser action, respectively. Glass is showed to have strong potential with respect to both preparation and utilization of spherical shapes for optics.
Acetylcholinesterase‐inhibitor hydrolysates obtained from ‘in vitro’ enzymatic hydrolysis of mannoproteins extracted from different strains of yeasts
Authors: Spontón Pablo G. , Spinelli Roque , Drago Silvina R. , Tonarelli Georgina G. , Simonetta Arturo C. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIn vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of peptides obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of mannoproteins extracted from strains of yeasts was investigated. Yeast mannoproteins were extracted from strains belonging to the genera Brettanomyces, Candida, Pichia and Saccharomyces isolated from dairy products. They were obtained by heat treatment in citrate buffer and purified by affinity chromatography with concanavalin A. Each purified extract was subsequently hydrolysed with proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, pepsin, chymotrypsin and proteinase K) applied individually or in combination, thus generating smaller peptides. Inhibitory activity of the latter against AChE was determined. The molecular weight of mannoproteins, determined by SDS‐PAGE, was between 6.5 and 30 kDa. As regards AChE inhibition, a preliminary screening of all hydrolysed extracts was performed, yielding variable results with 59% maximum inhibition. Subsequently, when inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was determined, the extracts showed higher inhibitory activity (between 6.75 and 12.3 mg mL−1). Results showed that the mannoproteins separated from yeast strains of food origin generated bioactive peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis, which can be of interest to the manufacturing of food with potential functional properties.
Malic acid and oxalic acid spraying enhances phytic acid degradation and total antioxidant capacity of mung bean sprouts
Authors: Jin Xiaolin , Yang Runqiang , Yan Xiaokun , Zhou Yulin , Wang Xinkun , Gu Zhenxin 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIn this study, effects of two organic acids spraying on the growth profiles, phytic acid content, antioxidant capacity, phytase activity and related genes expression during mung bean germination were investigated. Results showed that both oxalic acid and malic acid spraying were effective ways to improve the degradation of phytic acid by inducing phytase activity and the related genes expression, but no significant difference was found in phytic acid content between the two treatments. The contents of total phenolics and MDA (malondialdehyde) in oxalic acid spraying were higher, whereas ascorbic acid content and sprout length in malic acid spraying was higher. Both organic acid treatments could increase antioxidant capacities, but higher antioxidant capacities were found in oxalic acid spraying due to higher total phenolics content and antioxidant enzyme activity.
CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGIC SEQUELAE OF AIDS RETROVIRUS INFECTION
Authors: TINDALL B. , COOPER D. A. , BURCHAM J. , GOLD J. , PENNY R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Sydney AIDS Project is a prospective immunoepidemiological study of 911 homosexual and bisexual men enrolled between February 1984 and January 1985. Clinical, immunological, and serological studies are performed on these subjects every six months. At enrolment, 39.9% of subjects were seropositive for antibodies to AIDS retrovirus (ARV). Of these 352 seropositive subjects, 28.1% were symptomless with normal immune profiles, 23.6% were symptomless with an immunodeficiency, 18.8% had a clinical illness but normal immune profile, and 29.6% had a clinical illness and immunodeficiency. Of the symptomless subjects, 27.8% were seropositive for antibodies to ARV. Clinically, seropositivity was significantly associated with enlargement of three or more non‐inguinal lymph node groups, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly. Immunologically, seropositivity was significantly associated with lower absolute numbers of lymphocytes and T4 + lymphocytes and a lower T4 +:T8 + ratio, compared with seronegative subjects. Seropositive subjects with a clinical illness had a significantly lower percentage of T4 + lymphocytes and lower T4 +:T8 + ratio than did those who were symptomless. However, the absolute number of T4 + cells was not significantly different between subjects with a clinical illness and those who were symptomless. Subjects whose sera were positive by immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay but were negative by radioimmune precipitation assay had a lower number and percentage of T4 + lymphocytes than subjects who were positive by all three tests. These results demonstrate a wide variety of clinical and immunological responses to ARV infection. Prospective study of these subjects will enable us to define further the natural history of ARV infection and factors associated with progression.