bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of equine sacral and iliac motion during gait: A comparison between motion capture with skin‐mounted and bone‐fixated sensors
Authors: GOFF L. , Van WEEREN P. R. , JEFFCOTT L. , CONDIE P. , McGOWAN C. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Information regarding movement at the ilium and sacrum in nonlame horses during normal gait may assist in understanding the biomechanics of the equine sacroiliac joint.Objectives:To determine the amount and direction of motion at the ilium and sacrum using 3D orientation sensors during walk and trot in sound Thoroughbreds. To compare results from sensors fixed to the skin with results from sensors fixed to bone‐implanted pins.Methods:Three 3D wireless orientation sensors were mounted to the skin over thetuber sacrale(TS) and sacrum of 6 horses and motion at the ilium and sacrum was recorded for lateral bending (LB) flexion‐extension (F‐E) and axial rotation (AR) during walk and trot. This process was repeated with the orientation sensors mounted to the same pelvic landmarks via Steinmann pins.Results:Mean walk values were greater than trot values using pin‐mounted sensors for all planes of movement (P<0.05). Walk had 1.64 ± 0.22° (mean ± s.e.) more LB than trot (pin‐mounted) yet 0.68 ± 0.22° less than trot when skin‐mounted; 3.45 ± 0.15° more F‐E (pin‐ and skin‐mounted), and 4.99 ± 0.4° more AR (pin‐mounted), but trot had 3.4 ± 0.40° more AR than walk with skin mounting. Using pinned sensors for trot resulted in less LB (2.47 ± 0.22°), F‐E (1.12 ± 0.15°) and AR (10.62 ± 0.40°); and for walk less F‐E (1.12 ± 0.15°) and AR (2.15 ± 0.40°) compared to skin‐mounted. Poor correlation existed between mean values for skin‐ and pin‐mounted data for walk and trot, for all planes of motion.Conclusions:Movements were smaller at trot with bone‐fixated sensors compared to walk, suggesting increased muscular control of movement at the trot. The apparent increase in skin motion at the trot and no clear correlation between skin‐ and bone‐mounted sensors indicates inaccuracies when measuring sacral and iliac movement with skin mounting.
Moderate and high intensity sprint exercise induce differential responses inCOX4I2andPDK4gene expression in Thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle
Authors: HILL E. W. , EIVERS S. S. , McGIVNEY B. A. , FONSECA R. G. , GU J. , SMITH N. A. , BROWNE J. A. , MacHUGH D. E. , KATZ L. M. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:The role of molecular signalling pathways in the phenotypic adaptation of skeletal muscle to different exercise stimuli in the Thoroughbred horse has not been reported previously.Objective:To examineCKM,COX4I1,COX4I2andPDK4gene expression following high intensity sprint and moderate intensity treadmill exercise stimuli in skeletal muscle of Thoroughbred horses.Materials and methods:Two groups of trained 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred horses participated.Group A(n = 6 females, n = 3 males) participated in an incremental step test (moderate intensity) to fatigue or HRmaxon a Sato high speed treadmill (distance = 5418.67m ± 343.21).Group B(n = 8 females) participated in routine ‘work’ (sprint) on an all‐weather gallop (distance = 812.83 m ± 12.53). Biopsy samples were obtained from thegluteus mediuspre‐exercise (T0), immediately post exercise (T1) and 4 h post exercise (T2). For physiological relevance venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma lactate and creatine kinase concentrations. Changes in mRNA expression were determined by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for creatine kinase muscle (CKM), cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV isoform 1 (COX4I1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV isoform 2 (COX4I2) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4) genes. Statistical significance (α<0.05) was determined using Student'sttests.Results:COX4I2mRNA expression decreased significantly inGroup Aand remained unchanged inGroup Bbetween T0vs. T2(−1.7‐fold, P = 0.017; −1.0‐fold, P = 0.859).PDK4mRNA expression increased significantly inGroup Bbut not inGroup Abetween T0vs. T1(3.8‐fold, P = 0.039; 1.4‐fold, P = 0.591). There were no significant changes in the expression inCKMorCOX4I1mRNA abundance in either group.Conclusions:Different exercise protocols elicit variable transcriptional responses in key exercise relevant genes in equine skeletal muscle due to variation in metabolic demand.
Validation and comparison of two methods of measuring lactate in equine plasma
Authors: BUTUDOM P. , FOREMAN J. H. , KLINE K. H. , WHITTEM E. L. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Some methods of lactate (LA) measurement have not been validated appropriately for use in horses.Objectives:To validate 2 LA analysers (YSI 2300 Stat Plus and TDx Lactic Acid Assay) for use with equine plasma and to compare plasma [LA] determined by the 2 methods.Methods:Both instruments were evaluated for linearity, parallelism, recovery and precision using serial dilutions of standard LA solutions and equine plasma and then comparing results with linear regression or pairedttests. Plasma [LA] results were compared in 275 blood samples collected from horses exercising at various intensities using Bland‐Altman analysis. Level of significance was P<0.05.Results:YSI exhibited good linearity for both LA standards and equine plasma (P<0.05) at 0–30 mmol/l. TDx had good linearity at 0–12 mmol/l (P<0.05); with LA standard solutions >12 mmol/l and with equine plasma, linearity was decreased. YSI exhibited good parallelism between LA standards and equine plasma LA measurements throughout the 0–30 mmol/l range (P>0.05). Parallelism was poor with TDx (P<0.05). Mean ± s.d. % recovery was 101.7 ± 3.4% for YSI (acceptable) and 110.6 ± 8.4% for TDx (unacceptable). Within‐run and mean between‐run coefficients of variation (CV) for plasma samples tested from 3.3–29.5 mmol/l were 0.4–3.0% for YSI. CVs for samples tested from 2.8–8.0 mmol/l were 17.4–24.1% for TDx. In 275 plasma samples, [LA] ranged from 0.1–42.7 mmol/l and 0.3–50.6 mmol/l for the YSI and TDx methods, respectively. The difference in plasma [LA] determined by the 2 methods was −1.0 ± 3.2 mmol/l, documenting that the TDx overestimated the YSI results by a mean value of 1 mmol/l.Conclusions:It was concluded that the YSI method was a reliable method for measuring equine plasma [LA] from 0–30 mmol/l. The TDx method was found not to be suitable for use with equine plasma due to greater variability in measurements (high CV).
Effect of head and neck position on outcome of quantitative neuromuscular diagnostic techniques in Warmblood riding horses directly following moderate exercise
Authors: WIJNBERG I. D. , SLEUTJENS J. , Van Der KOLK J. H. , BACK W. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:There has been growing interest in training techniques with respect to the head and neck position (HNP) of the equine athlete. Little is known about the influence of HNP on neuromuscular transmission in neck muscles.Objective:To test the hypothesis that different HNPs have effect on single fibre (SF), quantitative electromyographic (QEMG) examination and muscle enzyme activity directly after moderate exercise.Methods:Seven Warmblood horses were studied using a standard exercise protocol in 5 HNPs: HNP1: unrestrained; HNP2: neck raised; bridge of nose around the vertical; HNP4: neck lowered and considerably flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the chest; HNP5: neck raised and considerably extended; bridge of nose in front of the vertical; HNP7: neck lowered and flexed; bridge of nose pointing towards the carpus. Mean consecutive difference (MCD) of single muscle fibre potentials and motor unit action potential (MUP) variables (amplitude, duration, area, turns and phases) were recorded in each fixed position directly after exercise at rest using commercial EMG equipment. Muscle enzyme activity was measured before and 4, 6 and 24 h after exercise.Results:Mean consecutive difference in all HNPs was higher than in HNP1 (22 µs, P<0.001) of which HNP4 was highest with 39 µs compared to 30 µs in HNP2 (P = 0.04); MCD in HNP 5,7 was with 25 µs lower than in HNP 2 and 4 (P<0.001). Odds ratio for MCD suggestive for conduction delay or block was 13.6 in HNP4 compared to HNP1 (P<0.001). Motion unit action potential variables followed the same pattern as MCD. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased in HNP4 at 4 h (P = 0.014), 6 h (P = 0.017) and 24 h (P = 0.038) post exercise and in HNP5 and HNP7 at 4 h (P = 0.037; 0.029).Conclusions and clinical relevance:HNP4 in particular leads to a higher rise in LDH activity, MCD and MUP variables, indicating that HNPs have effect on variables characterising neuromuscular functionality.
A pilot study on factors influencing the career of Dutch sport horses
Authors: SLOET van OLDRUITENBORGH‐OOSTERBAAN M. M. , GENZEL W. , Van WEEREN P. R. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Welfare concerns over the reasons for interruption or termination of a sporting career in horses have been expressed.Objectives: To study the career of competition horses and factors that influence career length.Methods: In 2004, 46,576 rider‐horse combinations were registered with the Dutch National Equestrian Federation (KNHS) in dressage, show jumping, eventing and endurance. From this population, approximately 1% of horses in each discipline were selected at random and all recorded competition data from the KNHS registration system collected and supplemented by detailed rider/owner telephone enquiry, carried out in July 2009.Results: A total of 520 horses were included aged 7.1 ± 3.2 years; endurance horses were on average slightly older than horses in the other 3 disciplines. A total of 334 horses (64.2%) ended their competition career with their initial rider during the study period; the mean total career time was 3.8 ± 2.8 years. Reasons for this included being sold on (51.5%), veterinary reasons (23.9%), being used for breeding (8.7%), changing to a recreational career (8.1%), rider‐related issues (6.3%) and retirement (1.5%). No follow‐up was available for horses sold. Orthopaedic problems accounted for the majority of the veterinary career‐ending decisions (63.7%). A total of 385 horses (74.0%) had one or more career breaks; main reasons were rider‐related issues (39.2%), others included temporary withdrawal from competition (21.6%), veterinary problems (21.8%), breeding (9.1%) and miscellaneous (8.3%).Conclusions: Veterinary reasons for career breaks or termination of career accounted for 21.8 and 23.9% over the period investigated. They formed the second reason (after selling) why horses stopped competing with their initial rider/owner. Veterinary reasons were the third important cause for a temporary career break.Potential relevance: Further in depth research of the reasons for interruption or termination of an equine career may be useful for the improvement of equine welfare.
Dietary energy source and physical conditioning affect insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in horses
Authors: STEWART‐HUNT L. , PRATT‐PHILLIPS S. , McCUTCHEON L. J. , GEOR R. J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Starch rich (S) feeds reduce insulin sensitivity in untrained horses when compared to high fat (F) feeds, but insulin sensitivity is not affected when S or F are fed during exercise training. The effects of S vs. F on training‐associated alterations in skeletal muscle glucose metabolism are unknown.Objectives: To determine the effects of dietary energy source on training‐associated changes in insulin sensitivity, skeletal muscle GLUT4 protein and hexokinase (HK) and glycogen synthase (GS) activities in horses.Methods: After a baseline period on an all forage diet (Phase 1), horses were adapted to high starch (S) or high fat (F) diets (n = 7/group) for 6 weeks (Phase 2) and then completed 7 weeks of exercise training (Phase 3) on the same diets. To measure insulin sensitivity (SI), minimal model analysis of a frequently‐sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of each phase. Middle gluteal muscle biopsies to measure GLUT‐4 protein content, muscle glycogen and HK and GS activities were taken before and after euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamps administered after each phase. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA.Results: In S, SI was 36% lower (P<0.05) after Phase 2 when compared to Phase 1 but was unchanged in F. After Phase 3, SI was increased (P<0.01) in S and F compared to Phase 2 and did not differ (P>0.05) between diets. Middle gluteal muscle GLUT‐4 protein and post clamp HK activity were increased (P<0.05) in S after Phase 3, with higher (P<0.01) GLUT4 in S than in F. GS activities were unchanged in both diets.Conclusions: Adaptation to S resulted in decreased SI mitigated by moderate physical conditioning. Increased GLUT‐4 protein content and HK activity in S may have contributed to higher SI after training.
The association of various speed indices to training responses in Thoroughbred flat racehorses measured with a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system
Authors: FONSECA R. G. , KENNY D. A. , HILL E. W. , KATZ L. M. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Fitness assessment can be challenging. The use of global positioning systems (GPS) with heart rate (HR) monitors has been promising; however, evaluation of speed parameters during training has not been reported.Objectives:To evaluate speed indices during training in Thoroughbreds using a GPS‐HR monitor.Methods:Thoroughbreds (n = 102) were assessed during training with data collected each work day (WD; sprinting). Speed indices evaluated included maximal velocity (Vmax), duration at Vmax(Vmaxt), acceleration rate (m/s2) from 800 m to Vmax(Acc800‐Vmax), the distance (m) 6 (VmaxD6) and 12 (VmaxD12) s before (acceleration [a]) and after (deceleration [d]) Vmaxand the deceleration rate from Vmaxto the finish (VmaxDFd). Blood for plasma lactate ([LA]) and creatine kinase ([CK]) measurements were taken before (T0), 5 mins (T1) and 6 h after exercise (T2). WD accumulation, jockey, gallop condition, horse gender, age, total distance covered (DistT), maximum HR (HRmax), velocity at 200 beats/min (V200) and velocity at maximum HR (VHRmax) for each WD were evaluated for associations with [LA], [CK], speed indices and racing performance. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA with P<0.05 significant.Results:No speed parameter clearly changed with training. Gallop condition affected Vmax, Vmaxtand all distances covered with Vmaxand distances increasing and Vmaxtdecreasing as gallop surface became firmer. Jockey influenced Vmax, VmaxD6aand all decelerations, while DistT was inversely associated with Acc800‐Vmax, HRmaxand V200and positively associated with Vmax, all accelerations and decelerations. [LA] at T1was positively associated with DistT and VmaxDFd.Conclusions:Speed parameters did not change with training but were affected by jockey, gallop condition and exercise distance. This information may help to modify training to maximise fitness, minimise injury and choose distances best suited for individuals.
Effects of training on equine muscle fibres and monocarboxylate transporters in young Coldblooded Trotters
Authors: REVOLD T. , MYKKÄNEN A. K. , KARLSTRÖM K. , IHLER C. F. , PÖSÖ A. R. , ESSÉN‐GUSTAVSSON B. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Muscular changes caused by training are breed‐specific and studies on the Norwegian‐Swedish Coldblooded Trotter (NSCT) are limited. Knowledge about lactate‐transporters in muscle in this light draught breed used for harness racing is lacking.Objectives:To identify muscular changes associated with training in young NSCTs and investigate muscular distribution of the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and its ancillary protein CD147, which facilitate lactate transport across membranes.Methods:Nine horses were followed from the start of their training period until the end of their 3‐year‐old season. A biopsy sample of the middle gluteal muscle was collected on 4 occasions. On the last 3 sampling occasions, individual VLa4‐values (the speed corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l) were determined in an incremental exercise test on a high‐speed treadmill. One horse was excluded due to lameness. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on all muscle samples to determine fibretypes(I, IIA, IIAX, IIX), oxidative capacity (NADH) and the expression of MCT1 and CD147. The activity of selected metabolic enzymes in the muscle before and after training was determined.Results:The percentage oftype IIXfibres decreased with training while the percentage oftype IIAXfibres increased. The activity of citrate synthase and 3‐OH‐acyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase increased with training. The expression of MCT1 was lower in membranes and cytoplasm oftype IIXfibres compared to all other fibre types both before and after training. The antibody against CD147 stained membranes and cytoplasm of all fibres. The first VLa4‐value was lower than the last 2 in all horses.Conclusions:Muscular changes with training of NSCTs were similar to those reported in Standardbreds, indicating fibre type transitions and increased oxidative capacity. Expression of MCT1 differed among fibre types and was related to the oxidative capacity of the fibres.
Exercise‐induced increases in inflammatory cytokines in muscle and blood of horses
Authors: LIBURT N. R. , ADAMS A. A. , BETANCOURT A. , HOROHOV D. W. , McKEEVER K. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Studies have demonstrated increases in mRNA expression for inflammatory cytokines following exercise in horses and have suggested those markers of inflammation may play a role in delayed onset muscle soreness. However, measurement of mRNA expression in white blood cells is an indirect method. No studies to date have documented the cytokine response to exercise directly in muscle in horses.Hypothesis:This study tested the hypothesis that exercise increases cytokine markers of inflammation in blood and muscle.Methods:Blood and muscle biopsies were obtained from 4 healthy, unfit Standardbred mares (∼500 kg). The randomised crossover experiment was performed with the investigators performing the analysis blind to the treatment. Each horse underwent either incremental exercise test (GXT) or standing parallel control with the trials performed one month apart. During the GXT horses ran on a treadmill (1 m/s increases each min until fatigue, 6% grade). Blood and muscle biopsies were obtained 30 min before exercise, immediately after exercise and at 0.5, 1, 2, 6 and 24 h post GXT or at matched time points during the parallel control trials. Samples were analysed using real time‐PCR for measurement of mRNA expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐gamma), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1). Data were analysed usingttests with the null hypothesis rejected when P<0.10.Results:There were no changes (P>0.10) in IL‐1, IL‐6, IFN‐gamma or TNF‐alpha during control. Exercise induced significant increases in IFN‐gamma, IL1 and TNF‐alpha in blood and significant increases in IFN‐gamma, IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha in muscle. There were no significant changes in mRNA expression of IL‐1 in muscle or IL‐6 in blood following the GXT. These cytokine markers of inflammation all returned to preGXT levels by 24 h post GXT.Conclusion:High intensity exercise results in a transient increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines in muscle and blood.
Effects of Selenium Status and Polymorphisms in Selenoprotein Genes on Prostate Cancer Risk in a Prospective Study of European Men
Authors: Steinbrecher Astrid , Méplan Catherine , Hesketh John , Schomburg Lutz , Endermann Tobias , Jansen Eugène , Åkesson Björn , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Background: Evidence for an association between selenium status and prostate cancer risk is still inconclusive. Anticarcinogenic effects of selenium are supposedly mediated through cellular protective and redox properties of selenoenzymes in vivo. We evaluated the association between serum selenium status and prostate cancer risk in a population with relative low selenium concentrations considering effect modification by genetic variants in selenoprotein genes.
Materials and Methods: A case-control study of 248 incident prostate cancer cases and 492 matched controls was nested within the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort. Baseline blood samples were analyzed for serum selenium and selenoprotein P concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity. Genotyping was carried out for SEP15 (rs5859, rs540049), SEPP1 (rs3877899, rs7579), GPX1 (rs1050450), and GPX4 (rs713041). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results: The OR for prostate cancer was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79-1.01) per 10 μg/L increase of serum selenium concentration. This association was modified by rs1050450 (C&gt;T) in GPX1 (Pinteraction = 0.03), with carriers of one or two T alleles having a significantly reduced OR of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.99). Furthermore, there was an association between rs7579 genotype in SEPP1 and prostate cancer risk (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.99-2.98).
Conclusions: Our results support a role of selenium and polymorphisms in selenoenzymes in prostate cancer etiology, which warrants confirmation in future studies.
Impact: These findings might help to explain biological effects of selenium in prostate cancer development in order to overcome inconsistencies arising from former studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2958–68. ©2010 AACR.
Historical Sources: How People Counted. A Method for Estimating the Rounding of Numbers
Authors: Crockett R. G. M. , Crockett A. C. 
Published: November 2010

Any census — or other enumeration exercise — which yields numerical data (counts) may include data collected using a variety of unspecified counting practices, such as ‘rounding’ to the nearest multiples of a ‘base-unit’, e.g. 5 or 10 or a (half-) dozen, as well as ‘exact’ counts. In general, the greater the age of the data-source, the greater the probability that the recorded data represent ‘rounded’ estimates as opposed to ‘exact’ counts. Also, the greater the number and diversity of the persons involved in data-collection, the greater the probability of variation in counting practice. The presence of ‘rounded’ data in many historical sources produces uncertainty when historians — or others — come to analyse such data. This article presents a new technique for analysing numerical data, one which illuminates our understanding of counting behaviour (whether of enumerators or respondents) and its effects on the resulting data. This method can be used to detect the presence of ‘rounded’ data within a data-set and to determine the frequencies of the counting practices involved. The methodology and its underlying principles are described and the method is illustrated by means of a case-study based on church/chapel attendance data from the Religious Census of 1851 for England and Wales.