bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study on objective quantification and anatomical modelling ofin vivohead and neck positions commonly applied in training and competition of sport horses
Authors: ELGERSMA A. E. , WIJNBERG I. D. , SLEUTJENS J. , Van Der KOLK J. H. , Van WEEREN P. R. , BACK W. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Head and neck positions (HNP) in sport horses are under debate in the equine community, as they could interfere with equine welfare. HNPs have not been quantified objectively and no information is available on their head and neck loading.Objectives:To quantifyin vivoHNPs in sport horses and develop o a model to estimate loading on the cervical vertebrae in these positions.Methods:Videos were taken of 7 Warmbloods at walk on a straight line in 5 positions, representing all HNPs during Warmblood training and competition. Markers were glued at 5 anatomical landmarks. Two‐dimensional angles and distances were determined from video frames for the 5 HNPs and statistically compared (P<0.05). A new simulation model was developed to estimate nuchal ligament cervical loading at these HNPs.Results:The mean angles were significantly different between the 5 HNPs for the line between C1 and T6 with the horizontal and for the line connecting the facial crest (CF) and C1 with the vertical, while the vertical distance from CF to the lateral styloid process of the radius (PS) was significantly different between all 5 positions (P<0.05). The estimated nuchal ligament loading appeared to be largest at the origin of C2 for all HNPs, except for the ‘hyperextended’ HNP5; the ‘hyperflexed’ HNP4 showed the largest loading values on the nuchal ligament origins at all locations.Conclusions:HNPs can be accurately quantified in the sagittal plane from angles and distances based on standard anatomical landmarks and home‐video captured images. Nuchal ligament loading showed the largest estimated values at its origin on C2 in hyperflexion (HNP4).Potential relevance:Modelling opens further perspectives to eventually estimate loading for individual horses and thus ergonomically optimise their HNP, which may improve the welfare of the sport horse during training and competition.
Activity of the equine rectus abdominis and oblique external abdominal muscles measured by surface EMG during walk and trot on the treadmill
Authors: ZSOLDOS R. R. , KOTSCHWAR A. , KOTSCHWAR A. B. , RODRIGUEZ C. P. , PEHAM C. , LICKA T. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReason for performing study: The rectus abdominis (RA) and oblique external abdominal (OEA) muscles are both part of the construction of the equine trunk and thought to be essential for the function of the spine during locomotion. Although RA activity at trot has previously been investigated, the relationship between OEA and RA at walk and trot has not yet been described.Objectives: To document abdominal muscle activities during walk and trot, and test the hypothesis that muscle activity at walk would be smaller than at trot.Materials and methods: Six horses (8–20 years old, 450–700 kg) were used for surface electromyography (EMG) measurements, with EMG electrodes placed caudal to the sternum (RA) and at the level of the 16th rib (OEA). On all hooves, the withers and the sacrum reflective markers were placed to determine motion cycles. Normal distribution of data was tested using a Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test and Student's t test was used to compare left‐right and walk‐trot differences (P<0.05).Results: Minimum, maximum and mean EMG values recorded at walk were significantly higher at trot than at walk in all horses for OEA and in 5/6 horses for RA. At walk, EMG activity ranged from 8–44 mV (RA) and 7–54 mV (OEA). At trot, EMG activity ranged from 18–150 mV (RA) and 27–239 mV (OEA). There were statistically significant differences between maximum activities of left and right OEA and RA muscles at walk in all horses, and in 4/6 horses at trot.Conclusions: Muscle activities of OEA and RA are smaller at walk than at trot. At walk, the OEA/RA ratio is lower than at trot. There are more significant correlations between muscle activities of both RA and OEA and limb movements at walk than at the trot.
Osseous spinal pathology and epaxial muscle ultrasonography in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: STUBBS N. C. , RIGGS C. M. , HODGES P. W. , JEFFCOTT L. B. , HODGSON D. R. , CLAYTON H. M. , Mc GOWAN C. M. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Themultifidusmuscle plays a key role in spinal stabilisation.Multifidusatrophy ipsilateral to the side of osseous pathology has been demonstrated in man and pigs but has not been investigated in horses.Objectives:To measure cross‐sectional area (CSA) left/ right symmetry of equinemultifidusultrasonographically and relate asymmetry ofmultifiduswith osseous spinal pathology in Thoroughbred racehorses. We hypothesised that ipsilateralmultifidusCSA would be reduced when osseous pathological changes are present leading to left/right asymmetry in CSA.Materials and methods:Twenty‐two racehorses presented for euthanasia for primary reasons other than back pain were examined clinically. Ultrasonographic images on left/right sides were acquired at 5 thoracolumbosacral levels and CSA's ofmultifidusorsacrocaudalis dorsaliscalculated. At necropsy, osseous pathological of the TL spine and pelvis were recorded by spinal level, anatomical site, and graded (0–3) according to severity. The mean typical measurement error in estimatingmultifidus/sacrocaudalis dorsalisCSA was used to determine the significance of left/right asymmetries. An association betweenmultifidusCSA asymmetry and asymmetrical grading of pathological lesions was sought using Pearson's χ2analysis.Results:All horses had significant left/right asymmetry ofmultifidusCSA at >2 spinal levels, most commonly at L5 with total of 74 sites affected (22 horses). Seventeen horses had severe (grade 3) pathology, 16 of these had ipsilateral atrophy ofmultifidus/sacrocaudalis dorsalis. There was a significant association between pathological grade and degree ofmultifidusasymmetry.Conclusions:Severe osseous pathological changes were common in this population of Thoroughbred racehorses and were associated with measurable left/right asymmetry inmultifidusat or close to the level of pathology.Potential relevance:Ultrasonography ofmultifidusmay be a useful clinical tool in diagnosis of back problems in horses.
Specific immuno‐extraction followed by enzymatic detection (SIEFED) of myeloperoxidase and mitochondrial complex I in muscular microbiopsies: preliminary results in endurance horses
Authors: FRANCK T. , VOTION D.‐M. , CEUSTERS J. , De La REBIÈRE de POUYADE G. , MOUITHYS‐MICKALAD A. , NIESTEN A. , FRAIPONT A. , VAN ERCK E. , GOACHET A. G. , ROBERT C. , SERTEYN D. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Intense exercise in horses induces an increase of creatine kinase (CK) and stimulation of neutrophils which release the strong oxidant enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO) into the blood. It is not known whether active MPO is found in equine muscles and whether oxidant activity of neutrophils could affect muscular tissues and mitochondrial activity.Objectives:Specific immuno‐extraction followed by enzymatic detection (SIEFED) methods will be employed for the first time to assess both the normal range of MPO and mitochondrial complex I (MCI) activities in equine muscular microbiopsies and to study the variation of these activities induced by endurance races.Materials and methods:Forty‐six microbiopsies were taken from 8 endurance Arabian horses (age: 10 ± 2 years) in thetriceps brachii(n = 23) or in thegluteus mediusmuscle (n = 23). Myeloperoxidase and MCI activities were measured in muscle extracts by enzyme immunocapture assays or SIEFED methods. Further, 7 endurance horses were sampled in thetriceps brachiimuscle before (T0) and after (T1) a 120 km endurance race (mean speed: 15.4 ± 1.4 km/h).Results:The 46 microbiopsies from 8 horses revealed mean values for active MPO concentration and MCI activity of 21 ± 14 ng/mg proteins and 0.0172 ± 0.0066 mOD/min/μg proteins, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the 2 muscles. In 3 out of the 7 horses sampled after exercise, the 120 km endurance race induced a severe increase of muscle MPO activity (+118 ± 45% vs. T0), a large decrease of MCI activity (−63 ± 18% vs. T0) associated with a high mean plasma CK level (4642 ± 658 iu/l). In the 4 remaining horses, the 120 km endurance race did not modify the MPO and MCI activities and moderately increased the plasma CK level.Conclusions:Preliminary observations showed a possible link between MPO activity and mitochondrial functions.
Morphological, haemato‐biochemical and endocrine changes in young Standardbreds with ‘maladaptation’ to early training
Authors: LELEU C. , HAENTJENS F. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:The demands in the Standardbred trotters industry require young, still growing horses, to be trained well above light exercise level. During that period, the risk of occurrence of energy imbalance and maladaptation to training is high. In man, the lack of energy homeostasis is considered as the basic problem in the development of chronic fatigue.Objective:To find objective biomarkers of early maladaptation to training in young racehorses under field conditions.Materials and methods:Sixty‐five 2‐year‐old Standardbreds were followed during their first 3 months of training in 5 different training centres. Monthly measurement of morphological variables (weight, height at withers, body condition score, body composition), basic haemato‐biochemical variables and endocrine levels (testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, leptin, IGF1, prolactin) were undertaken. Feeding levels and training programmes were also evaluated. At the end of the 3 month period, on the basis of an abnormal weight loss, 14 young horses were suspected of maladaptation to training (MT group). Morphological, haemato‐biochemical, endocrine changes were compared between MT group (n = 14) and control group (C group, n = 40). Analysis of variance was calculated to study the effects of time and maladaptation to training.Results:Compared to C group, MT group showed a significant higher weight loss in relation to a higher loss of fat mass and body condition score (P<0.05). MT group presented higher GGT and white cell counts and lower red cell counts (P<0.05). Finally, MT group showed significant lower levels of T4 (P = 0.03) than C group.Conclusion:Some young horses presented signs of energy imbalance which were also associated with haematobiochemical and endocrine changes. Those markers might be useful for identification of maladaptation to training.
Physiological measurements and prevalence of lower airway diseases in Trotters with dorsal displacement of the soft palate
Authors: COUROUCE‐MALBLANC A. , DENIAU V. , ROSSIGNOL F. , CORDE R. , LELEU C. , MAILLARD K. , PITEL P.‐H. , PRONOST S. , FORTIER G. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is one of the most common obstructive conditions of the upper respiratory tract in the racehorse. This condition has a complex aetiology which may be caused or exacerbated by pharyngeal inflammation. Additionally, lower respiratory airway diseases may be associated with DDSP thereby contributing to exercise intolerance in these horses.Objective:The aim of this study was to measure physiological variables during a standardised exercise test and to assess the prevalence and consequences of lower respiratory airway disease in horses with DDSP.Methods:A total of 46 horses were included in this study: 22 in the control and 24 in the DDSP groups. All horses performed a SET with measurement of heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration. One hour post exercise, respiratory samples were collected for cytological and bacteriological analysis.Results:During exercise, the DDSP group had higher blood lactate concentration than the control group. According to BAL results, 50 and 63% of control and DDSP group horses, respectively, had evidence of inflammatory airway disease (IAD). In the DDSP group, 42% of horses had a syndrome of tracheal inflammation (STI) with 71% of this group having bacteria isolated at >105 CFU/ml.Conclusions:Horses with DDSP showed evidence of a high prevalence of IAD and STI with an associated positive bacteriology in 55% of the cases. Even if DDSP is treated by surgery, the authors' recommendation would be to investigate the possibility of lower respiratory airway problems which may also be impacting the horse's performance and/or surgery efficiency.
Assessment of the exercise tests used during overground endoscopy in UK Thoroughbred racehorses and how these may affect the diagnosis of dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions
Authors: ALLEN K. J. , FRANKLIN S. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Overground endoscopy is being performed with increasing frequency in the UK. A previous study has shown that the type of exercise test may affect the diagnosis of upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions. The successful clinical application of overground endoscopy systems requires understanding of appropriate field exercise testing protocols.Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the exercise test parameters used during overground endoscopy in UK Thoroughbred racehorses and to investigate potential effects of these on the diagnosis of URT obstructions.Methods: The exercise test parameters used and the endoscopic observations of the URT during exercise were recorded for 140 Thoroughbred racehorses referred for the investigation of abnormal respiratory noise and/or poor athletic performance.Results: The exercise test parameters varied widely between horses. The presenting complaint was easiest to reproduce in horses with a history of abnormal noise in training and hardest to reproduce in those referred for investigation of poor performance with no abnormal noise. No associations between the presence or not of an URT obstruction and exercise test parameters was identified. For horses referred for abnormal noise during racing DDSP was more likely to be observed when longer distances were performed.Conclusions: It is difficult to standardise exercise tests in the field when multiple premises are used and when training gallops differ markedly to racecourses. It was not possible to establish exercise test protocols which should be used for all Thoroughbred racehorses. Therefore, at present the best advice for horses which make abnormal noise during a race or have poor race performance, can only be to replicate race conditions as closely as possible. For horses that race over longer distances this will require the use of a circular gallops (e.g. racecourse) if only short gallops are available at the trainer's premises.
Metabolic changes in four beat gaited horses after field marcha simulation
Authors: WANDERLEY E. K. , MANSO FILHO H. C. , MANSO H. E. C. C. C. , SANTIAGO T. A. , McKEEVER K. H. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Mangalarga‐Marchador is a popular 4‐gaited Brazilian horse breed; however, there is little information about their metabolic and physiological response to exercise.Objectives:To measure physiological and metabolic responses of the Mangalarga‐Marchador to a simulated marcha field test and to compare these responses between 2 types of marcha gaits (picada and batida).Methods:Thirteen horses were used in the study and randomly assigned to either the picada or batida gait for the simulated marcha field test (speed ∼3.2 m/s; 30 min; load ∼80 kg).Measurements:Included body composition, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), glucose (GLUC), lactate (LACT), packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP), albumin, urea, creatinine, total and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, alanine, glutamate and glutamine (GLN). Measurements were obtained pretest (control/fasting), immediately after simulation (T0), and 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and 240 (T240) min after the simulation. Lactate (LACT) was measured at T0, T15and T30. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey's test andttests with significance set at P<0.05.Results:Significant acute changes were observed in HR, RR, [GLUC], [LACT], [TPP], PCV and [GLN] (P<0.05) relative to control. Heart rate fell below 60 beats/min at T15and RR recovered to pretest values by T240. Significant increases in [GLUC], [LACT], PCV and [TPP] and a decrease in [GLN] were observed at T0. Treatment and interaction effects were also observed between marcha types and time of sampling for HR, RF, PCV, and [LACT] (P<0.05). These parameters were large in picada.Conclusion:The simulation of field‐test produced changes in some physiological and blood parameters in marcha horses, with some degree of dehydration during recovery period. Also, it was demonstrated that picada horses spend more energy when compared with batida horses at the the same speed.Potential relevance:Batida horses expend less energy when compared with picada horses, which will need special attention in their training and nutritional management.
Experimental mild pulmonary inflammation promotes the development of exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage
Authors: McKANE S. A. , SLOCOMBE R. F. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Histological studies of exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) reveals inflammatory infiltrates within areas of lung that contain haemorrhage. This has resulted in the hypothesis that pulmonary inflammation could cause EIPH or contribute to an increased risk or severity of EIPH.Objectives:To determine whether experimentally‐induced pulmonary inflammation predisposes the lung to haemorrhage during exercise, by evaluating the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology of normal and inflamed regions of lung following high speed treadmill exercise.Materials and methods:Transendoscopic airway inoculations of 0.01% acetic acid were used to induce mild localised inflammation within bronchopulmonary segments. Horses underwent high speed exercise 24 h after inoculation. Following exercise, inoculated sites and corresponding segments in the opposite lung underwent BAL. The cytology results from inflamed and control bronchopulmonary segments were compared, using pairedttests.Results:Erythrocytes were present in BAL samples from 12.5% (1/8) control segments compared with 75% (6/8) inoculated segments following exercise, indicating a significant increase (P = 0.04) in the relative risk of EIPH following the development of pulmonary inflammation. Samples from inoculated segments had significantly higher percentages and numbers of neutrophils (12.1 ± 1.0% and 601 ± 98 cells/μl) than control samples (4.3 ± 0.3% and 214 ± 52 cells/μl). Significantly higher erythrocyte numbers were observed in samples from inoculated segments (14,304 ± 6862 cells/μl) compared with control samples (3.5 ± 3.5 cells/μl).Conclusions:The results showed inflammation increased the risk of developing pulmonary haemorrhage during exercise. These findings do not conflict with current theories on the common causes of EIPH, but suggest that care should be taken when recommending exercise in horses suspected to be suffering from pulmonary inflammatory disease. In addition, specific therapy to reduce pulmonary inflammation may benefit horses prone to the development of EIPH.
Reviewe: Genetics and genomics in equine exercise physiology: an overview of the new applications of molecular biology as positive and negative markers of performance and health
Authors: BARREY E. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryEquine breeding selection has been developed by applying quantitative genetic methods for calculating the heritability of the complex traits such as performance in racing or sport competitions. With the great development of biotechnologies, equine molecular genetics has come of age. The recent sequencing of the equine genome by an international consortium was a major advance that will impact equine genomics in the near future. With the rapid progress in equine genetics, new applications in early performance evaluation and the detection of disease markers become available. Many new biomolecular tools will change management of horse selection, disease diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this review is to present new developments in equine genetics and genomics for performance evaluation and health markers after a short summary of the previous knowledge about the genetic components of the exercise performance traits.
Cross-fault sealing, baffling and fluid flow in 3D geological models: tools for analysis, visualization and interpretation
Authors: Freeman S. R. , Harris S. D. , Knipe R. J. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The effective computation and visualization of cross-fault sealing or flow, and parameters that infer or control that distribution, is a key step in the production of more reliable exploration and production simulation models. A better understanding of the impact of fault-related flow or baffling through visualization can lead to the development of more robust and useful geological models that better define the likely range in flow behaviour. A range of visualization tools are available, from the traditional fault plane juxtaposition map to the vector visualization of cross-fault fluid flux. Each tool has its applications and limitations.
In this contribution we discuss the application of these different techniques and highlight situations where these are particularly successful. A number of existing visualization approaches will be reviewed and improvements to those techniques are shown. A series of existing property visualization techniques are critiqued, such as the imaging of shale gouge ratio (SGR) and fault transmissibility multipliers (TMs) on the fault faces, both of which are limited in their ability to act as a proxy for cross-fault fluid flux in many circumstances. Fault rock property visualizations, such as hydraulic resistance and fault transmissibility, are presented. More direct and hence more powerful indications of probable cross-fault fluid flux are also described, such as the effective cross-fault transmissibility (ECFT) and the effective cross-fault permeability (ECFP). These static proxies for cross-fault fluid flux are compared against back-calculated and visualized cross-fault fluid flux values derived from either streamline or full flow simulation data. The ECFT is shown to provide a useful and rapid indication of likely fluid flux from the static model; however, the direct imaging of cross-fault fluid flux derived from simulation results allows for a far better understanding of how the faults have contributed to the reservoir flow simulation result.
Visualizations of the fault- and flow-related properties: (a) on the fault face; (b) in the grid cells adjacent to the fault face; (c) as vectors; or (d) as fault-wide summations, all provide useful insights for different parts of the reservoir evaluation workflow.
This contribution highlights a series of new and efficient techniques to image and hence improve the understanding and modelling of fault sealing in both exploration and production settings.