bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of current equine welfare issues in Ireland: Causes, desirability, feasibility and means of raising standards
Authors: COLLINS J. A. , HANLON A. , MORE S. J. , WALL P. G. , KENNEDY J. , DUGGAN V. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Significant potential threats to the health and welfare of horses exist in Ireland when supply exceeds demand and the identification system for horses is not yet robust.Objectives: To secure engagement with stakeholder groups and determine their perception of equine welfare in Ireland and encourage the development of inclusive, rather than imposed, policy solutions.Methods: A 3 round, web‐based Policy Delphi incorporating novel vignette methodology was conducted from November 2007–March 2008 to canvass opinion (in both quantitative and qualitative forms) on the perceived most significant equine welfare issues. Vignettes (narratives depicting potential compromise to equine welfare) were employed. Quantitative data were collected in the form of scoring on a 9 point Likert scale with labelled end‐points, qualitative information as text subsequently analysed for themes.Results: All 44 respondents completed all rounds. Major equine welfare issues were identified as welfare of horses during the disposal process and at unregulated gatherings. Assessed quantitatively on a 9 point Likert scale (0 = minimal; 8 = maximal), respondents scored the desirability and feasibility of improving standards, median 8 and 6, respectively, for both issues identified. Basic themes identified in respondents' quotes as reasons to raise equine welfare standards were ideological, protection of animal welfare, safe‐guarding the reputation of the equine industry and safety (of people, horses and environment). Themes for reasons for low standards were societal norms, fiscal pressures, indolence, indifference and ignorance. Themes underpinning potential means for achieving meaningful change (solutions) were legislation, enforcement, education/training, fiscal remedies, increasing awareness and a combination of these.Conclusions: Mechanisms aimed at raising standards must be based on an understanding of motivational drivers for currently low standards.Potential relevance: The challenge is to translate the findings and this heightened awareness into meaningful change to the benefit of horses and those who care for them.
A rapid molecular method for diagnosing epidemic dermatophytosis in a racehorse facility
Authors: CHUNG T‐H. , PARK G‐B. , LIM C‐Y. , PARK H‐M. , CHOI G‐C. , YOUN H‐Y. , CHAE J‐S. , HWANG C‐Y. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study: Identification of the species and strain of dermatophyte can play an effective role in control of disease outbreaks by establishing the source of infection. Current methods of identification are based on cultural and microscopic methods, often involving weeks before a positive identification are made. A rapid molecular diagnostic method would therefore be an important laboratory technique, but requires confirmation in equine clinical practice.Objectives: To test the sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostic methods applied to a racehorse herd from the Korean Racehorse Authority (KRA).Methods: A total of 57 DNA samples were collected from hairs and crusts of skin lesions in KRA racehorses with histories and clinical signs suggestive of dermatophytosis, which was confirmed by dermatophyte‐specific PCR amplification analysis using the primer pair for the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene.Results: Thirty‐eight racehorses were definitively diagnosed with dermatophytosis using molecular and traditional diagnostic methods. PCR fingerprinting profiles using simple repetitive (GACA)4 primers showed that all diagnosed horses had the same pattern profile. Oligonucleotide sequencing of CHS1 gene PCR products confirmed Trichophyton mentagrophytes as the infectious agent.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the PCR‐based molecular diagnostic method is sensitive and specific and offers fast precise diagnosis of dermatophytosis in horses.
In vitroeffects of lidocaine on the contractility of equine jejunal smooth muscle challenged by ischaemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: GUSCHLBAUER M. , HOPPE S. , GEBUREK F. , FEIGE K. , HUBER K. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Post operative ileus (POI) in horses is a severe complication after colic surgery. A commonly used prokinetic drug is lidocaine, which has been shown to have stimulatory effects on intestinal motility. The cellular mechanisms through which lidocaine affects smooth muscle activity are not yet known.Objectives:To examine the effects of lidocaine on smooth musclein vitroand identify mechanisms by which it may affect the contractility of intestinal smooth muscle.Hypothesis:Ischaemia and reperfusion associated with intestinal strangulation can cause smooth muscle injury. Consequently, muscle cell functionality and contractile performance is decreased. Lidocaine can improve basic cell functions and thereby muscle cell contractility especially in ischaemia‐reperfusion‐challenged smooth muscle.Methods:To examine the effects of lidocaine on smooth muscle function directly, isometric force performance was measuredin vitroin noninjured andin vivoischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle tissues. Dose‐dependent response of lidocaine was measured in both samples. To assess membrane permeability as a marker of basic cell function, release of creatine kinase (CK) was measured byin vitroincubations.Results:Lidocaine‐stimulated contractility of ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle was more pronounced than that of noninjured smooth muscle. A 3‐phasic dose‐dependency was observed with an initial recovery of contractility especially in ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle followed by a plateau phase where contractility was maintained over a broad concentration range. CK release was decreased by lidocaine.Conclusion:Lidocaine may improve smooth muscle contractility and basic cell function by cellular repair mechanisms which are still unknown. Improving contractility of smooth muscle after ischaemia‐reperfusion injury is essential in recovery of propulsive intestinal motility.Potential relevance:Characterisation of the cellular mechanisms of effects of lidocaine, especially on ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle, may lead to improved treatment strategies for horses with POI.
Repeatability of subjective evaluation of lameness in horses
Authors: KEEGAN K. G. , DENT E. V. , WILSON D. A. , JANICEK J. , KRAMER J. , LACARRUBBA A. , WALSH D. M. , CASSELLS M. W. , ESTHER T. M. , SCHILTZ P. , FREES K. E. , WILHITE C. L. , CLARK J. M. , POLLITT C. C. , SHAW R. , NORRIS T. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryReasons for performing study:Previous studies have suggested that agreement between equine veterinarians subjectively evaluating lameness in horses is low. These studies were limited to small numbers of horses, evaluating movement on the treadmill or to evaluating previously‐recorded videotape.Objectives:To estimate agreement between equine practitioners performing lameness evaluations in horses in the live, over ground setting.Methods:131 mature horses were evaluated for lameness by 2–5 clinicians (mean 3.2) with a weighted‐average of 18.7 years of experience. Clinicians graded each limb using the AAEP lameness scale by first watching the horse trot in a straight line only and then after full lameness evaluation. Agreement was estimated by calculation of Fleiss' (κ). Evaluators agreed if they picked the same limb as lame or not lame regardless of the severity of perceived lameness.Results:After only evaluating the horse trot in a straight line clinicians agreed whether a limb was lame or not 76.6% of the time (κ= 0.44). After full lameness evaluation clinicians agreed whether a limb was lame or not 72.9% of the time (κ= 0.45). Agreement on forelimb lameness was slightly higher than on hindlimb lameness. When the mean AAEP lameness score was >1.5 clinicians agreed whether or not a limb was lame 93.1% of the time (κ= 0.86), but when the mean score was ≤1.5 they agreed 61.9% (κ= 0.23) of the time. When given the task of picking whether or not the horse was lame and picking the worst limb after full lameness evaluation, clinicians agreed 51.6% (κ= 0.37) of the time.Conclusions:For horses with mild lameness subjective evaluation of lameness is not very reliable.Potential relevance:A search for and the development of more objective and reliable methods of lameness evaluation is justified and should be encouraged and supported.
Detection and genetic characterisation of vanA‐containing Enterococcus strains in healthy Lusitano horses
Authors: MOURA I. , RADHOUANI H. , TORRES C. , POETA P. , IGREJAS G. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryLusitano horses were investigated in order to detect the presence of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci. vanA isolates showed high level vancomycin (Minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC ≥128 mg/l) and teicoplanin resistance (MIC 64 mg/l), as well as resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline. The tet(L) and erm(B) genes, associated with tetracycline and erythromycin resistance, respectively, were found in all vanA isolates. The intestinal tract of Lusitano horses can be a potential reservoir for vanA‐containing enterococci.
A review of tendon injury: Why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk?
Authors: THORPE C. T. , CLEGG P. D. , BIRCH H. L. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryTendon injury is one of the most common causes of wastage in the performance horse; the majority of tendon injuries occur to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) whereas few occur to the common digital extensor tendon. This review outlines the epidemiology and aetiology of equine tendon injury, reviews the different functions of the tendons in the equine forelimb and suggests possible reasons for the high rate of failure of the SDFT. An understanding of the mechanisms leading to matrix degeneration and subsequent tendon gross failure is the key to developing appropriate treatment and preventative measures.
Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens reduces alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring rats
Authors: Henderson Michael B. , Green Alan I. , Bradford Perry S. , Chau David T. , Roberts David W. , Leiter James C. 
Published: July 2010

Object
The authors tested the hypothesis that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) decreases alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring (P) rats after each animal has established a stable, large alcohol intake and after P rats with an established intake have been deprived of alcohol for 4–6 weeks.

Methods
Bipolar stimulating electrodes were bilaterally placed in the NAcc using stereotactic coordinates. In the first study, P rats (9 animals) were allowed to establish a stable pattern of alcohol intake (about 5–7 g/day) over approximately 2 weeks, and the acute effects of DBS in the NAcc (140–150 Hz, 60-μsec pulse width, and 200-μA current intensity) on alcohol intake and alcohol preference were studied. Each animal acted as its own control and received 1 hour of DBS followed by 1 hour of sham-DBS or vice versa on each of 2 sequential days. The order of testing (sham-DBS vs DBS) was randomized. In the second study, each animal was allowed to establish a stable alcohol intake and then the animal was deprived of alcohol for 4–6 weeks. Animals received DBS (6 rats) or sham-DBS (5 rats) in the NAcc for 24 hours starting when alcohol was reintroduced to each animal.

Results
Deep brain stimulation in the NAcc, as compared with a period of sham-DBS treatment in the same animals, acutely decreased alcohol preference. Furthermore, alcohol consumption and preference were significantly reduced in the DBS group compared with the sham treatment group during the first 24 hours that alcohol was made available after a period of forced abstinence.

Conclusions
The NAcc plays a key role in the rewarding and subsequent addictive properties of drugs of abuse in general and of alcohol in particular. Deep brain stimulation in the NAcc reduced alcohol consumption in P rats both acutely and after a period of alcohol deprivation. Therefore, DBS in the NAcc coupled with other neurophysiological measurements may be a useful tool in determining the role of the NAcc in the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit. Deep brain stimulation in the NAcc may also be an effective treatment for reducing alcohol consumption in patients who abuse alcohol and have not responded to other forms of therapy.
Deep brain stimulation compared with bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity: a decision analysis study
Authors: Pisapia Jared M. , Halpern Casey H. , Williams Noel N. , Wadden Thomas A. , Baltuch Gordon H. , Stein Sherman C. 
Published: July 2010

Object
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity, although failure rates may be high, particularly in patients with a BMI > 50 kg/m2. With improved understanding of the neuropsychiatric basis of obesity, deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers a less invasive and reversible alternative to available surgical treatments. In this decision analysis, the authors determined the success rate at which DBS would be equivalent to the two most common bariatric surgeries.

Methods
Medline searches were performed for studies of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and DBS for movement disorders. Bariatric surgery was considered successful if postoperative excess weight loss exceeded 45% at 1-year follow-up. Using complication and success rates from the literature, the authors constructed a decision analysis model for treatment by LAGB, LRYGB, DBS, or no surgical treatment. A sensitivity analysis in which major parameters were systematically varied within their 95% CIs was used.

Results
Fifteen studies involving 3489 and 3306 cases of LAGB and LRYGB, respectively, and 45 studies involving 2937 cases treated with DBS were included. The operative successes were 0.30 (95% CI 0.247–0.358) for LAGB and 0.968 (95% CI 0.967–0.969) for LRYGB. Sensitivity analysis revealed utility of surgical complications in LRYGB, probability of surgical complications in DBS, and success rate of DBS as having the greatest influence on outcomes. At no values did LAGB result in superior outcomes compared with other treatments.

Conclusions
Deep brain stimulation must achieve a success rate of 83% to be equivalent to bariatric surgery. This high-threshold success rate is probably due to the reported success rate of LRYGB, despite its higher complication rate (33.4%) compared with DBS (19.4%). The results support further research into the role of DBS for the treatment of obesity.
Alterations of pulsation absorber characteristics in experimental hydrocephalus
Authors: Park Eun-Hyoung , Dombrowski Stephen , Luciano Mark , Zurakowski David , Madsen Joseph R. 
Published: July 2010

Object
Analysis of waveform data in previous studies suggests that the pulsatile movement of CSF may play a role in attenuating strong arterial pulsations entering the cranium, and its effectiveness in attenuating these pulsations may be altered by changes in intracranial pressure (ICP). These findings were obtained in studies performed in canines with normal anatomy of the CSF spaces. How then would pulsation absorbance respond to changes in CSF movement under obstructive conditions such as the development of hydrocephalus? In the present study, chronic obstructive hydrocephalus was induced by the injection of cyanoacrylate gel into the fourth ventricle of canines, and pulsation absorbance was compared before and after hydrocephalus induction.

Methods
Five animals were evaluated with simultaneous recordings of ICP and arterial blood pressure (ABP) before and at 4 and 12 weeks after fourth ventricle obstruction by cyanoacrylate. To assess how the intracranial system responds to the arterial pulsatile component, ABP and ICP waveforms recorded in a time domain had to be analyzed in a frequency domain. In an earlier study the authors introduced a particular technique that allows characterization of the intracranial system in the frequency domain with sufficient accuracy and efficiency. This same method was used to analyze the relationship between ABP and ICP waveforms recorded during several acute states including hyperventilation as well as CSF withdrawal and infusion under conditions before and after inducing chronic obstructive hydrocephalus. Such a relationship is reflected in terms of a gain, which is a function of frequency. The cardiac pulsation absorbance (CPA) index, which is simply derived from a gain evaluated at the cardiac frequency, was used to quantitatively evaluate the changes in pulsation absorber function associated with the development of hydrocephalus within each of the animals, which did become hydrocephalic. To account for normal and hydrocephalic conditions within the same animal and at multiple time points, statistical analysis was performed by repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results
The performance of the pulsation absorber as assessed by CPA significantly deteriorated after the development of chronic hydrocephalus. In these animals the decrement in CPA was far more significant than other anticipated changes including those in ICP, compliance, or ICP pulse amplitude.

Conclusions
To the extent that the free CSF movement acts as a buffer of arterial pulsation input to flow in microvessels, alterations in the pulsation absorber may play a pathophysiological role. One measure of alterations in the way the brain deals with pulsatile input—the CPA measurement—changes dramatically with the imposition of hydrocephalus. Results in the present study suggest that CPA may serve as a complementary metric to the conventional static measure of intracranial compliance in other experimental and clinical studies.
A ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm in a 13-month-old boy with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ahn Jun Hyong , Phi Ji Hoon , Kang Hyun-Seung , Wang Kyu-Chang , Cho Byung-Kyu , Lee Ji Yeoun , Kim Gi Beom , Kim Seung-Ki 
Published: July 2010

This 13-month-old boy, in whom Kawasaki disease had been diagnosed at the age of 6 months, presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. The authors performed an emergency craniectomy and clip occlusion of the aneurysm, which was found to be partially thrombosed. The patient was discharged 4 weeks postoperatively without apparent neurological deficit.
Intracranial saccular aneurysms in the pediatric population are rare, and are occasionally associated with various systemic disorders. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculopathy of unknown origin, but cerebral arteries are usually spared from the disease process. This is the second case report of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in a patient with Kawasaki disease, providing a novel clinical feature that the authors call Kawasaki syndrome.
Effects of sodium selenite and amiloride on calvarial calcification in closing small cranial defects
Authors: Yιlmaz Derviş Mansuri , Hacιyakupoğlu Ersin , Hacιyakupoğlu Sebahattin , Polat Sait , Özgür Hülya , Sencar Leman , Dağlιoğlu Kenan 
Published: July 2010

Object
Fresh autogenous bone graft is the most preferred osteoplastic material, whether the purpose is cosmetic, psychological, or for the protection of the brain. These grafts are not rejected and do not react immunologically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autogenous fat rolled with bone dust derived from the bur hole in closing small cranial defects. Additionally, the authors examined the morphological and biochemical effects of Na selenite and amiloride on calvarial calcification.

Methods
The study group consisted of 20 domestic pigs. These animals were randomly divided into 4 groups. A bur hole with a diameter of 10 mm was made at the right parietal region in all animals, and then the periosteum around the bur hole was cauterized following exposure of the dura mater. The dura was coagulated with bipolar cautery. Group 1 (controls): only a bur hole was opened, and it was then closed with a mixture of the bone dust that had been created during the opening of the bur hole and fat tissue that was taken from the animal's neck. Group 2 (amiloride): 1 nmol/g body weight of amiloride was applied subcutaneously within 15 minutes after closure of the bur hole with bone dust and fat, and then amiloride was applied once a day for 4 weeks. Group 3 (Na selenite): 30 nmol/g body weight of Na selenite was applied subcutaneously within 30 minutes after closure of the bur hole with bone dust and fat, and then Na selenite was applied once a day for 4 weeks. Group 4 (amiloride and Na selenite): 1 nmol/g body weight of amiloride was applied subcutaneously at 15 minutes, and 30 nmol/g body weight of Na selenite was applied subcutaneously at 30 minutes after closure of the bur hole with bone dust and fat, and these 2 injections were repeated once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, the animals were anesthetized to evaluate the closure of the bur hole. Tissue samples were obtained for ultrastructural and biochemical examination.

Results
The defect was covered with diffuse connective tissue in the control group. Although multiple capillary vessels were present, the authors did not observe osteogenic differentiation. Histological examination of the second group revealed osteogenic changes. Although new matrix was formed, calcification was not detected. The authors observed fibroblast, collagen fibers, and dense connective tissue filled with capillary in the third group of pigs, which had undergone Na selenite application. Calcification was not detected in this group. Both connective and osteogenic tissue were observed in specimens obtained in the fourth group, which had undergone amiloride and Na selenite application.

Conclusions
The authors experimentally evaluated the supplementary osteogenic effects of Na selenite and amiloride by using them separately and together. The findings seem promising as a lead-in to new studies in restoring cranial defects.