bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors forToxoplasma gondiiInfection on Finishing Swine Reared in the Umbria Region, Central Italy
Authors: Veronesi F. , Ranucci D. , Branciari R. , Miraglia D. , Mammoli R. , Fioretti D. P. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryToxoplasma gondiiis a worldwide zoonotic protozoan parasite and pork is considered the major meat source ofToxoplasmainfection in humans. To determine the prevalence of infection ofToxoplasma gondiiin pigs reared in the Umbria Region (Central Italy), blood samples of 960 pigs from 10 different farms (96 for each farm) were randomly collected and tested for antibodies (IgG) againstT. gondiiusing an IFA assay. Sera were screened at 1/16 titrr and the endpoint titre was determined. Farm management questionnaires were completed and used to develop descriptive statistics on the tested farms as well as to determine measures of association for risk factors for the presence ofT. gondii‐seropositive pigs. A total of 155 seropositive pigs (16.14%) were identified; within herds prevalence ranged from 8.33 to 25%. The statistical analysis identified all‐in‐all‐out housing and cleaning method as risk factors forToxoplasmainfection.
Effect of two feeds and submaximal exercise on plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine
Authors: GABBARD MARIE L. , WICKLER S. J. , COGGER E. A. , STIFFLER D. 
Published: June 2010

Summary4 Arabian horses were used in a randomised, repeated measure design to examine plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine responses to 2 common feeds and subsequent exercise. On each of 4 sampling periods, 2 horses were fed one of 2 isoenergetic meals, either 100% corn or 100% alfalfa, at 22% of their estimated daily energy requirement. Two hours after the meal, each horse was exercised submaximally in 3 consecutive 10 min runs of increasing intensity. Mean ± s.e. heart rates were 132 ± 2, 140 ± 1 and 147 ± 2 beats/min, respectively. Norepinephrine values (nmol/l) were higher in resting horses fed alfalfa (mean ± s.e. 1.98 ± 0.25) than in those fed corn. Epinephrine values were not different between diets (4.48 ± 1.00 alfalfa and 3.86 ± 0.84 corn). During exercise, norepinephrine increased from 2.00 ± 0.45 to 3.24 ± 0.74 for alfalfa and from 0.80 ± 0.17 to 1.79 ± 0.29 for corn fed horses. There was a significant effect of meal with norepinephrine values being higher on alfalfa than on corn. During exercise, epinephrine levels did not change and there was no effect of feed type. These results indicate that a single high soluble carbohydrate meal, fed at 22% of NRC estimates, did not increase sympathetic activity during submaximal exercise.
Climatic energy demand of horses
Authors: MORGAN EMMA KARIN M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the climatic energy demand i.e. the non‐evaporative heat loss expressed in watts per square metre (W/m2) of horses at low temperatures. Five horses were used; 4 Standardbred trotters and 1 Shetland pony stallion. The horses were fed for maintenance and light work and housed in a warm environment (15–20°C). Measurements were made in a climate chamber at 6 different temperatures; ‐3, 6, 15, 20, 30 and 37°C. Each horse was in the climate chamber for 1.5 h on each occasion. The measuring period was 1 h. A hygrometric tent inside the climate chamber was used to measure evaporative heat loss. Ambient air temperature, radiant temperature, deep body temperature, skin and coat temperatures were measured and, together with cutaneous evaporative heat loss, used to calculate the non‐evaporative heat loss. The lower critical temperature (LCT) was estimated for each horse in the study. The average LCT of horses acclimatised to an indoor temperature of 15–29°C was 18.2°C. At LCT the average total heat loss was 127 W/m2. The corresponding partitioned heat loss was 96 W/m2 non‐evaporative and 31 W/m2 evaporative. The results show an average maximal tissue thermal resistance of 0.076 K·m2/W and an average thermal resistance of the coat of 0.087 K·m2/W. The climatic energy demand for these horses was 3 W/m2·°C for temperatures below LCT in dry and calm conditions. For a 500 kg horse this additional energy requirement could be met by an extra 0.15 kg hay/°C below LCT. Smaller and lighter weight horses need relatively more feed in cold conditions.
Physiological responses of donkeys to treadmill exercise and conditioning: a pilot study
Authors: FOSTER ERICA L. , MATTHEWS NORA S. , TAYLOR T. S. , POTTER G. D. , WELFARE R. E. , ERICKSON S. W. , WILLIAMS J. D. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryFive healthy standard donkeys were subjected to exercise tests on a treadmill before and after conditioning. After the pre‐conditioning trial, the donkeys worked 3 days/week for 60 min pulling a cart at increasing trot duration and 2 days/week for 20 min in a round pen for the 28 day conditioning period. During the trial, donkeys worked at 1.5–2 m/s on an 11% grade for a distance of 1830 m. Heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature were recorded before, 10 min into exercise, immediately following and 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min after exercise. Arterial samples for blood gas measurements and venous samples for measurement of lactate [La−], glucose and triglyceride concentrations also were collected.Mean blood [La−] in unconditioned donkeys increased from 1.25 mmol/l at rest to 3.48 mmol/l at 1 min after exercise. Conditioning resulted in decreased heart rate and lactate and blood glucose concentrations during recovery. There were no effects of exercise or conditioning on triglyceride concentrations or blood gas values.
Kinematics of blood lactate concentration during an incremental treadmill test in saddle horses
Authors: GALLOUX P. , BARREY E. , AUVINET B. , VALETTE J. P. , WOLTER R. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetics of blood lactate concentration in 5 saddle horses during an incremental test on an inclined treadmill (3%). In order to mimic field conditions, the exercise test consisted of five 3 min bouts at increasing speeds (7.5, 8.3, 9.2 and 10 m/s); each bout being followed by 1 min rest. Blood samples were taken prior to each step, every minute during each step and every 30 s during each rest period. At low intensities of exercise, stability of blood lactate concentration was sometimes observed during the first minutes of the bout, followed by an increase in the second part. At higher intensities, blood lactate concentration rose more quickly and no stability was observed. Lactate concentration in the blood sample taken at t3′30 during the rest period, often reached a higher value than in the preceeding bout. The VLa4 calculated from blood lactate concentrations obtained at t3′ and t3′30 were not significantly different (P>0.05); mean ± s.d. 9.8 ± 0.7 and 9.8 ± 0.6 m/s, respectively. By using the blood lactate concentrations obtained at t4', the VLa4 appeared higher (mean ± s.d. 10.1 ±0.7 m/s).
Blood gas changes during incremental and sprint exercise
Authors: CHRISTLEY R. M. , EVANS D. L. , HODGSON D. R. , ROSE R. J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryWe investigated and compared arterial blood gas and ventilatory changes during rapid acceleration sprint and during incremental treadmill exercise. Seven clinically normal racehorses completed standardised incremental exercise tests and rapid acceleration tests at speeds calculated to elicit 115% V̇o2max. Arterial oxygen tension decreased (P<.001) between 15 s (mean ± s.d. 103.8 ± 14.3 mmHg) and 30 s (85.0 ± 7.7 mmHg) after the onset of rapid acceleration exercise, but did not change significantly during the remainder of the sprint. This was accompanied by an increase in Paco2 of 5.9 mmHg (P<.05). Despite reductions in Sao2 during exercise, Cao2 did not change due to increases in haemoglobin concentration. Heart rate increased rapidly (P<.001) during the first 15 s of exercise and thereafter remained constant. The mean maximum speed during the incremental test (11.4 ± 0.5m/s) was not significantly different to the speed calculated to elicit 115% V̇o2max during the sprint test (12.2 ± 0.8 m/s). The mean peak HR and Hb during the sprint test were significantly less than during the incremental test. However, there were no significant differences in the maximum or minimum values achieved for other variables.We conclude that rapid acceleration exercise is accompanied by rapid changes in blood gas variables, reaching steady state within 45 s. Blood gas responses during the simpler incremental test describe maximal changes during high‐intensity sprint exercise.
High‐altitude effects on respiratory gases, acid‐base balance and pulmonary artery pressures in equids
Authors: GREENE HOLLY M. , WICKLER S. J. , ANDERSON T. P. , COGGER E. A. , LEWIS C. C. , WYLE A. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryArterial and venous blood were analysed at rest and post exercise for pH, Pco2, and Po2, and bicarbonate ([HCO3−]), base excess (BE), and strong ion difference (SID) were calculated in response to a 10 day sojourn to 3800 m. Pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) were measured at rest Post exercise samples were restricted to venous blood. The equids (n = 6) experienced a profound hypoxia‐hypocapnia and a respiratory alkalosis. Pao2 decreased 42% and Paco2 41%. Paco2 increased to 80% of initial values after 8 days at altitude. Arterial [HCO3−] decreased by 34%; however, it returned to normal by Day 4. Base excess decreased initially, but increased at altitude with time. Strong ion difference was decreased during the altitude exposure and continued to be depressed even after return to low altitude. Pulmonary artery pressure increased 63% on Day 1 of exposure (from 27.9 ± 2 to 45.4 ± 3 mmHg); Days 2 and 6 averaged 36.3 ± 3 and 37.5 ± 3 mmHg. Thirty‐six hours after return to 225 m, most variables (except [SID] and post exercise BE) returned to normal. The most profound changes in the indicators of gas exchange, at altitude, occurred during the first 3 days and only [HCO3−] returned to normal during the subsequent acclimatisation to altitude.
Comparison of exercise variables measured during intensity of simulated training to variables at maximal effort in Standardbreds
Authors: PRINGLE J. , MacMILLAN K. , BRIAND H. , STäMPFLI H. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe heart rate changes during routine training in a group of 8 actively racing Standardbreds were used to simulate the training work on a treadmill (ST) and indices of exercise compared to maximal effort (MAX) on the treadmill. The following parameters were recorded during treadmill work: heart rate, velocity, O2 consumption, respiratory and stride frequency, and stride length. Blood lactate concentrations were measured before and after each work test.Heart rate during simulated training was mean ± s.d. 87.8 ± 5.5% heart rate in MAX, one of the 8 horses working <80% of maximal HR and 2 of the 8 horses working above 90% maximal heart rate. Mean ± s.d. oxygen consumption during the ST was 75.1% ± 8.4% MAX, but correlated poorly against percentage heart rate for individual horses (r2 = 0.02). At similar velocities for the ST and MAX, only respiratory frequency differed significantly (P>0.05), being higher during the ST.Most horses worked at intensities based on heart rate consistent with proposed guidelines of 80–90% of maximal heart rate. However, in 3 of the 8 horses work intensity of insufficient or excessive amounts may have occurred.
Effects of electrolyte and glycerol supplementation on recovery from endurance exercise
Authors: II H. C. SCHOTT , DüSTERDIECK KATJA F. , EBERHART SUSAN W. , WOODY KRISTINA A. , REFSAL K. R. , COENEN M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIncomplete recovery from endurance exercise after an overnight rest period is reflected by persisting weight loss and an elevated plasma aldosterone concentration, even in successful competitors. To determine whether supplementation with high doses of electrolytes, with or without glycerol, enhances recovery, the following were measured in 6 Arabian horses before and after completion of a 60 km treadmill exercise test simulating an endurance ride and after 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of recovery: bodyweight; plasma osmolality; plasma concentrations of protein, electrolytes, aldosterone and cortisol; and urine and faecal electrolyte concentrations. Before and during the exercise test, horses were supplemented with a total of 2.4 ml/kg bwt of water (W); 0.2 g/kg bwt KCl and 0.4 g/kg bwt NaCl in 2.4 ml/kg bwt of water (E); or 0.2 g/kg bwt KCl and 0.4 g/kg bwt NaCl in 2.4 ml/kg bwt (3 g/kg bwt) of glycerol (GE). Although weight loss after completion of the simulated ride was greater (P<.01) for W (3.2%) than for E and GE (1.0 and 0.9%, respectively), horses supplemented with E or GE experienced further weight loss by 24 h after the simulated ride (2.2 and 2.1% for E and GE, respectively) while body weight with W remained unchanged (3.0%) from the finish value. After 48 h of recovery, bodyweight was not different from the starting values with E and GE but remained decreased (P<.01) with W throughout the recovery period (2.2% persisting weight loss after 72 h of recovery). Plasma osmolality and plasma Na+and Cl−concentrations increased (P<.01) and plasma protein concentration decreased (P<.01) after the exercise test with E and GE but were unchanged with W. Plasma osmolality and protein and electrolyte concentrations returned to pre‐exercise values within 12 h of recovery with the exception of a persistent increase in plasma Na+concentration with GE. The greatest plasma aldosterone concentration was measured after 12 h of recovery with W (1357 pmol/l) and was greater (P<.02) than that with E and GE (24 and 304 pmol/l, respectively). Urine production during the simulated ride increased (P<.01) with GE and resulted in loss of ˜20% and essentially 100% of supplemented Na+and K+, respectively. In contrast, electrolyte losses in faeces were unaffected by electrolyte or glycerol supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation with high doses of electrolytes as hypertonic oral pastes attenuated weight loss during a simulated endurance ride (by enhancing voluntary water intake); however, it did not prevent development of significant weight loss during the initial 24 h of recovery. Glycerol administration resulted in no benefits, and actually increased urine electrolyte losses, in comparison to supplementation with electrolytes alone.
Effect of walking velocity on forelimb kinematics and kinetics
Authors: KHUMSAP S. , CLAYTON H. M. , LANOVAZ J. L. , BOUCHEY M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryA database of biomechanical variables obtained from normal horses walking at a range of velocities is needed for comparison with the variables obtained from lame horses in which velocity cannot be predetermined. The objective was to investigate velocity‐dependent changes in selected kinematic variables, ground reaction forces (GRF) and net joint energies in the forelimb and to develop statistical equations to calculate expected values of these variables for horses walking at different velocities. Five sound horses walked at a range of velocities (0.82 to 1.91 m/s) over a force plate. Kinematic data were recorded simultaneously for 51 trials. Kinematic, GRF and energetic variables were determined using standard methods. Correlation and simple regression analyses between velocity and measured variables were performed. An increase in walking velocity was correlated with an increase in stride length and decreases in stride and stance duration. Vertical, braking and propulsive impulses decreased as a consequence of the large reduction in stance duration, even though peak vertical, braking and propulsive GRFs increased. There was no significant increase in energy generation at any of the forelimb joints, indicating that muscle activity was not the source of the increase in GRFs. Changes in the longitudinal GRFs appeared to be influenced by velocity‐dependent increases in head and neck oscillations. The equations obtained in this study can be used to calculate the expected normal variables from a range of walking velocities and to detect deviations from normal values in lame horses.
Evaluation of the force acting on the back of the horse with an English saddle and a side saddle at walk, trot and canter
Authors: WINKELMAYR B. , PEHAM C. , FRÜHWIRTH B. , LICKA T. , SCHEIDL M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Force transmission under an English saddle (ES) at walk, trot and canter is commonly evaluated, but the influence of a side saddle (SS) on the equine back has not been documented.Hypothesis: Force transmission under a SS, with its asymmetric construction, is different from an ES in walk, trot and canter, expressed in maximum overall force (MOF), force in the quarters of the saddle mat, and centre of pressure (COP). The biomechanics of the equine back are different under a SS compared to ES.Methods: Thirteen horses without clinical signs of back pain ridden in an indoor riding school with both saddles were measured using an electronic saddle sensor pad. Synchronous kinematic measurements were carried out with tracing markers placed along the back in front of (withers, W) and behind the saddle (4th lumbar vertebra, L4). At least 6 motion cycles at walk, trot and canter with both saddles (ES, SS) were measured. Out of the pressure distribution the maximum overall force (MOF) and the location of the centre of pressure (COP) were calculated.Results: Under the SS the centre of pressure was located to the right of the median and slightly caudal compared to the COP under the ES in all gaits. The MOF was significantly different (P<0.01) between saddles. At walk, L4 showed significantly larger (P<0.01) vertical excursions under the ES. Under the SS relative horizontal movement of W was significantly reduced (P<0.01) at trot, and at canter the transversal movement was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In both trot and canter, no significant differences in the movement of L4 were documented.Conclusions and potential relevance: The results demonstrate that the load under a SS creates asymmetric force transmission under the saddle, and also influences back movement. To change the load distribution on the back of horses with potential back pain and as a training variation, a combination of both riding styles is suitable.
Bacteremia Due to Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacter cloacae
: Role of Carbapenem Therapy
Authors: Lee Ching-Chi , Lee Nan-Yao , Yan Jing-Jou , Lee Hsin-Chun , Chen Po-Lin , Chang Chia-Ming , Wu Chi-Jung , Ko Nai-Ying , Wang Li-Rong , Chi Chih-Hsien , Ko Wen-Chien 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Enterobacter cloacae
is an important nosocomial pathogen. However, few studies specifically dealing with the clinical characteristics and outcome of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
E. cloacae
infections have been published. During an 8-year period in a medical center, of 610
E. cloacae
bacteremic isolates, 138 (22.6%) with ESBL genes were designated the ESBL group, and 120 (19.6%) cefotaxime-nonsusceptible isolates without the ESBL phenotype and genes were designated the control group. Of the former group of isolates, 133 (96.3%) carried the
bla
SHV-12
gene, 3 (2.1%) had
bla
CTX-M3
, and 2 (1.4%) had both the
bla
SHV-12
and
bla
CTX-M3
genes. After patients under the age of 18 years were excluded, there were 206 adults with
E. cloacae
bacteremia, and these consisted of 121 patients in the ESBL group and 85 in the control group. More episodes of hospital-onset and polymicrobial bacteremia, increased severity of illness, more cases of bacteremia onset in intensive care units (ICUs), and longer stays in the hospital and ICU after bacteremia onset were noted in the ESBL group. However, the crude and sepsis-related mortality rates in two groups were similar. Of the ESBL group, the in-hospital sepsis-related mortality rate of patients definitively treated by a carbapenem was lower than that of those treated by noncarbapenem β-lactams (5/53, or 9.4%, versus 13/44, or 29.5%;
P
= 0.01) though the difference was not significant in the hierarchical multivariate analysis (
P
= 0.46). Among 62 patients with follow-up blood cultures within 14 days of bacteremia onset, breakthrough bacteremia was more common in those treated by a noncarbapenem β-lactam agent than in those treated by a carbapenem (18/31, or 58.0%, versus 3/31, or 9.6%;
P
< 0.001). Thus, carbapenem therapy for ESBL-producing
E. cloacae
that cause bacteremia may provide therapeutic benefits.
Bile Acids Improve the Antimicrobial Effect of Rifaximin
Authors: Darkoh Charles , Lichtenberger Lenard M. , Ajami Nadim , Dial Elizabeth J. , Jiang Zhi-Dong , DuPont Herbert L. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Diarrhea is one of the most common infirmities affecting international travelers, occurring in 20 to 50% of persons from industrialized countries visiting developing regions. Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is the most common causative agent and is isolated from approximately half of the cases of traveler's diarrhea. Rifaximin, a largely water-insoluble, nonabsorbable (<0.4%) antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis, is approved for use for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea caused by diarrheagenic
E. coli
. However, the drug has minimal effect on the bacterial flora or the infecting
E. coli
strain in the aqueous environment of the colon. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect and bioavailability of rifaximin in aqueous solution in the presence and absence of physiologic concentrations of bile acids. The methods used included growth measurement of ETEC (strain H10407), rifaximin solubility measurements, total bacterial protein determination, and assessment of the functional activity of rifaximin by monitoring inhibition of bacterial β-galactosidase expression. Solubility studies showed rifaximin to be 70- to 120-fold more soluble in bile acids (approximately 30% in 4 mM bile acids) than in aqueous solution. Addition of both purified bile acids and human bile to rifaximin at subinhibitory and inhibitory concentrations significantly improved the drug's anti-ETEC effect by 71% and 73%, respectively, after 4 h. This observation was confirmed by showing a decrease in the overall amount of total bacterial protein expressed during incubation of rifaximin plus bile acids. Rifaximin-treated samples containing bile acids inhibited the expression of ETEC β-galactosidase at a higher magnitude than samples that did not contain bile acids. The study provides data showing that bile acids solubilize rifaximin on a dose-response basis, increasing the drug's bioavailability and antimicrobial effect. These observations suggest that rifaximin may be more effective in the treatment of infections in the small intestine, due to the higher concentration of bile in this region of the gastrointestinal tract than in the colon. The water insolubility of rifaximin is the likely explanation for the drug's minimal effects on colonic flora and fecal pathogens, despite
in vitro
susceptibility.