bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of Hong Kong Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry
Authors: Wong Hai Ming , Bridges Susan M. , Yiu Cynthia K.Y. , McGrath Colman P.J. , Au Terry K. , Parthasarathy Divya S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  To develop and validate an instrument, the Hong Kong Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (HKREALD‐30).Methods:  The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD‐99) was translated into Chinese and modified in the pretest. A total of 200 parents of pediatric dental patients were interviewed using this modified scale and administered additional three sets of self‐reported questionnaires. The 99 items of the scale were reduced to 30 (HKREALD‐30). Concurrent validity was tested by comparing the HKREALD‐30 scores with the participants’ educational level, pattern of dental visits and reading habits. Convergent validity was tested by examining the association between HKREALD‐30 and the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Dentistry (TOFHLiD). The test–retest reliability and internal consistency of HKREALD‐30 were also evaluated.Results:  A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found between HKREALD‐30 and participants’ reading habits. HKREALD‐30 was also highly correlated with TOFHLiD (Spearman’s rho = 0.693, P < 0.01). In the regression model, HKREALD‐30 was positively associated with TOFHLiD (P < 0.05) after controlling for participants’ characteristics. The intra‐class correlation coefficient of HKREALD‐30 was 0.78 and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84.Conclusion:  Initial testing of HKREALD‐30 suggested that it is a valid and reliable instrument for the basic screening of oral health literacy among Chinese people in Hong Kong.
Minimal intervention concept: a new paradigm for operative dentistry
Authors: Dallı Mehmet , Çolak Hakan , Mustafa Hamidi M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe current treatment philosophy is to prevent and detect dental disease at the earliest stage in order to avoid invasive treatment. With the current understanding of the nature of dental disease and its process, the treatment philosophy is now changing to a more conservative approach and the concept of minimal intervention is gaining popularity in modern dentistry throughout the world. It is now established that demineralized but non‐cavitated enamel and dentine can be healed and traditional surgical approach of drilling and filling may no longer be necessary as this only treats the symptoms of the disease and not the cause. However, when surgical intervention is indicated, the least invasive techniques such as preventive resin restoration and minimal cavity preparation are utilized. The aim of this article is to give dental professionals an overview of the concepts of minimal intervention dentistry and recent innovations in dental technology in both the diagnosis and treatment of dental caries.
Acute pancreatitis in two five‐day‐old Appaloosa foals
Authors: OLLIVETT T. L. , DIVERS T. J. , CUSHING T. , PRIEST H. , DAWSON D. R. , PETERS R. , STOKOL T. 
Published: February 2012

SummarySevere acute pancreatitis (SAP) in foals is rare and treatment has not been documented. This paper describes the clinical, haematological and ultrasonographic findings as well as attempted treatment of SAP in two 5‐day‐old Appaloosa fillies. Clinical signs, including colic, diarrhoea and coma, may be mistaken for sepsis or neonatal encephalopathy. Hyperlipaemic serum and peritoneal fluid, and elevated serum and peritoneal fluid amylase and lipase activities aided the diagnosis. Severe acute pancreatitis should be included as a differential in an acutely ill foal with diarrhoea, colic, cerebral cortical dysfunction and hyperlipaemia.
Pancreatic endocrine function in newborn pony foals after induced or spontaneous delivery at term
Authors: HOLDSTOCK N. B. , ALLEN V. L. , FOWDEN A. L. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:During the switch from parenteral to enteral nutrition at birth, endocrine glands such as the pancreas must assume a glucoregulatory role for the first time if the neonate is to survive the transition to extrauterine life.Objectives:To determine the adaptations in pancreatic endocrine function during the neonatal period in term pony foals delivered by different methods.Methods:By measuring insulin and glucagon concentrations, pancreatic α and β cell responses to exogenous glucose (0.5 g/kg bwt) and arginine (100 mg/kg bwt) and to endogenous muzzling for 90 min were determined periodically over the first 10 post natal days in foals born spontaneously (n = 8) or by induction of labour with oxytocin at term (n = 7).Results:Pancreatic α and β cell function changed with post natal age in a manner related to the method of delivery. Induced foals had 2–3 fold greater β cell responses to exogenous glucose and arginine, despite similar glucose and α‐amino nitrogen clearances compared with spontaneously delivered foals. Pancreatic β cell responses to glucose decreased by 50% while those to arginine doubled with increasing age in induced but not spontaneously delivered foals. In contrast, pancreatic α cell responses to arginine doubled with increasing age in foals born spontaneously but not by induction. These differences in pancreatic endocrine cell function with delivery method were associated with 2–3 fold higher cortisol levels in the induced foals and with differences in the absolute and age‐related changes in basal concentrations of glucose, α‐amino nitrogen and insulin.Conclusions:Induced delivery leads to changes in pancreatic β cell sensitivity to glucose and/or tissue insulin resistance in association with persistent neonatal hypercortisolaemia.Potential relevance:The altered post natal development of pancreatic endocrine function with induced delivery may compromise glucoregulation and adaptation to enteral nutrition in neonatal foals with potential consequences long after birth.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function in pony foals after neonatal ACTH‐induced glucocorticoid overexposure
Authors: JELLYMAN J. K. , ALLEN V. L. , FORHEAD A. J. , HOLDSTOCK N. B. , FOWDEN A. L. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study: The effects of overexposure to glucocorticoids during early life of the foal on the subsequent HPA programming of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are unknown.Objectives: To test the hypotheses that excess glucocorticoid exposure in early life subsequently increases both basal plasma concentrations of cortisol and the adrenocortical responsiveness to exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).Methods: Foals received either saline (0.9% NaCl, n = 9) or long‐acting ACTH (0.125 mg i.m. b.i.d., n = 6) for 5 days from Day 1 to increase endogenous cortisol concentrations. Long‐term indwelling catheters were inserted under local anaesthesia into the jugular veins of foals aged 2 and 12 weeks. After recovery, short‐acting ACTH1‐24 was given as a single i.v. injection (2 µg/kg bwt) and blood samples were taken at 5–30 min intervals before and after ACTH administration to measure plasma cortisol concentrations.Results: Basal plasma cortisol concentrations were higher in ACTH‐ than in saline‐treated foals at age 3 weeks, but not at 13 weeks. There were no significant differences in either the time profile or the area under the cortisol curve in response to ACTH between the 2 groups.Conclusions: These data suggest that ACTH‐induced overexposure to glucocorticoids during early post natal life of the foal does not have a programming effect on HPA axis function at 13 weeks. In foals, the effects of ACTH‐induced overexposure to glucocorticoids, if any, may not become apparent until much later in life in a long‐lived species such as the horse.Potential relevance: These studies suggest that clinical and other stressful conditions that raise plasma cortisol concentrations during early life are unlikely to programme cardiovascular and metabolic function in horses in the short term.
Parturition, dystocia and foal survival: A retrospective study of 1047 births
Authors: McCUE P. M. , FERRIS R. A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReason for performing study:An understanding of the normal events of foaling, causes of dystocia and clinical outcomes is important for equine practitioners.Objectives:The goals of the present study were to: 1) evaluate factors that influence gestation length; 2) report duration of Stage II labour; 3) determine the frequency of dystocia and premature placental separation; and 4) determine the relationship between problems at foaling and foal survival.Materials and methods:Foaling records of 1047 mare births were evaluated.Results:The average gestation length was 341 ± 0.3 days, with no effect of mare age or breed observed. Mares carrying male fetuses had a longer gestation (P≤0.001) than mares carrying female fetuses. A majority (52.8%) of mares foaled at night between 2000 h and 0200 h when the facility was quiet. Dystocia occurred in 10.1% of all births and the incidence rate was higher in Thoroughbred mares than in Quarter Horse mares. The most common cause of dystocia was abnormalities of fetal posture. A delay in foal delivery beyond 40 min of Stage II of labour was associated with a significant increase in foal mortality. In addition, an increase in foal morbidity and mortality was noted when the interval from birth to standing or birth to nursing was prolonged.Conclusion:Early detection and rapid appropriate intervention are critical to foal survival in an equine dystocia.Potential relevance:Equine veterinarians should counsel horse owners that early recognition of a foaling problem and rapid, appropriate intervention are critical to the survival of a foal.
The impact of birthweight on mare health and reproductive efficiency, and foal health and subsequent racing performance
Authors: WHITTAKER S. , SULLIVAN S. , AUEN S. , PARKIN T. D. H. , MARR C. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Although low birthweight is a risk factor for neonatal illness, the impact of high birthweight on the health of foals and mares, and on the foals' long‐term athletic capability, is unknown.Objectives:To investigate whether: 1) foals that are excessively heavy are associated with an increased prevalence of maternal illness in the first monthpost partumand reproductive dysfunction in the following season; 2) excessively light or heavy foals are at an increased risk of illness in the first month of life; and 3) birthweight is associated with racing success.Methods:Veterinary records from 230 Thoroughbred mares and 409 foalings were reviewed. Data relating to foaling, foal and mare health during the first monthpost partumand subsequent breeding efficiency were extracted. Foals' racing records were obtained and the association between birthweight and these outcomes examined.Results:Mares with heavy foals had a higher prevalence of minor nonreproductive problems than those with light and average foals. Compared to average foals, placental weight was lower in the light group and higher in the heavy group. Light foals took longer to stand, nurse and pass meconium, whereas gestation period and duration of Stage 2 parturition were longer in heavy foals. Heavy foals were at increased risk of nonseptic musculoskeletal conditions and conformational defects. Birthweight was not associated with racing outcomes.Conclusions:High birthweight was associated with increased prevalence of neonatal musculoskeletal conditions but birthweight did not have a major impact on mares' health and reproductive efficiency, or foals' racing success.Potential relevance:These data add to the understanding of the impact of birthweight on short‐ and long‐term health outcomes in mares and foals.
Relationship between infection, inflammation and premature parturition in mares with experimentally induced placentitis
Authors: LEBLANC M. M. , GIGUÈRE S. , LESTER G. D. , BRAUER K. , PACCAMONTI D. L. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study:Ascending placentitis results in premature birth and high foal mortality. By understanding how placentitis induces premature delivery, it may be possible to develop diagnostic markers and to delay premature delivery pharmacologically, thereby decreasing perinatal foal mortality.Objective:To identify relationships between bacterial infection, inflammation and premature parturition in mares with experimentally induced placentitis.Materials and methods:Experiment 1: Concentrations of allantoic fluid prostaglandins (PGs) F2αand E2were measured in 8 mares after intracervical inoculation withStreptococcus equissp.zooepidemicus(at Days 285–291 of gestation) until parturition and compared with controls (n = 4).Experiment 2: mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐8 in the chorioallantois from inoculated mares inExperiment 1were compared with 7 mares that foaled normally.Results:Bacterial inoculation resulted in 7 aborted fetuses and birth of one premature, viable foal. Infection was associated with inflammation of the chorioallantois in the region of the cervical star, isolation of bacteria and high concentrations of PGE2and PGF2αin allantoic fluid obtained within 48 h of delivery (P = 0.04). Chorioallantois from all mares expressed mRNA for IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β. Experimentally infected mares expressed more mRNA for IL‐6 (P = 0.003) and IL‐8 (P = 0.009) in the cervical star region and more mRNA for IL‐6 (P = 0.004) in tissues from placental horns than control mares.Conclusions and clinical relevance:Bacterial placentitis may result in liberation of cytokines from the chorioallantois and prostaglandin formation leading to abortion or birth of a precociously mature foal.
Intraoperator, intraobserver and interoperator variability of echocardiographic measurements in healthy foals
Authors: SLACK J. , DURANDO M. M. , BELCHER C. N. , COLLINS N. , PALMER L. , OUSEY J. , BIRKS E. K. , MARR C. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReason for performing study:The repeatability of various echocardiographic measurements is unknown.Objectives:To determine the intraoperator, intraobserver and interoperator variability of echocardiographic measures in healthy foals.Methods:Echocardiographic examinations were carried out on 6 healthy foals by 3 experienced echocardiographers. Intraoperator variability was determined by having a single echocardiographer obtain and measure images from 6 foals scanned on 3 consecutive days. Interoperator and intraobserver variability were determined by having 3 echocardiographers each obtain images from an additional 6 sedated foals. Within‐day interoperator variability was determined by having each echocardiographer measure their own images. Intraobserver variability was determined by having a single echocardiographer measure images obtained by all 3 echocardiographers. The coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error were calculated for each measure.Results:The variability for most measurements was either very low (CV<5%) or low (CV = 5–15%). Measurements of right ventricular internal diameter (RVID) in systole and E‐point to septal separation (EPSS) showed moderate (CV 15–25%) to high variability (CV>25%) in all 3 categories. Measurements of the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and velocity time integral from the right parasternal long axis view of right outflow tract in the fourth intercostal space showed moderate intraoperator variability. Measurements of the LVET, RVID in diastole and left atrial appendage (LAA) showed moderate interoperator variability and measurements of the RVID in diastole and acceleration time from the short axis view of the right outflow tract in the right third intercostal space showed moderate interobserver variability.Conclusion:The intraoperator, intraobserver and interoperator variabilities for most echocardiographic measurements in foals are low.Potential relevance:Most standard transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in foals have a low enough variability to warrant their use in serial clinical evaluations or experimental studies. Repeated measurements of RVID, EPSS, LVET and LAA should be interpreted with caution.
Allopregnanolone infusion induced neurobehavioural alterations in a neonatal foal: Is this a clue to the pathogenesis of neonatal maladjustment syndrome?
Authors: MADIGAN J. E. , HAGGETT E. F. , PICKLES K. J. , CONLEY A. , STANLEY S. , MOELLER B. , TOTH B. , ALEMAN M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Increased plasma progestagen concentrations have been reported in foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS). These steroids may cross the blood–brain barrier and have dampening effects in the central nervous system.Objectives: To evaluate if the infusion of a progesterone derivative (allopregnanolone) in a healthy neonatal foal would induce clinical signs compatible with NMS.Methods: A healthy neonatal foal from a healthy mare with a normal gestation (length, no complications), birth and placenta was infused with allopregnanolone to observe its neurobehavioural effects. Heparinised blood samples were collected pre‐ and post infusion to determine various progestagen concentrations using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. A second healthy neonatal foal was infused with ethanol and saline for comparison of clinical observations.Results: Infusion of allopregnanolone resulted in obtundation, lack of affinity for the mare and decreased response to external stimuli. These effects were short‐lasting and associated with measurable concentrations of progestagens.Conclusions and potential relevance: Infusion of a steroid metabolite to a healthy neonatal foal resulted in neurobehavioural alterations compatible with those observed in foals with NMS. These findings suggest that increased progestagen concentrations may be responsible for some of the behavioural changes observed in foals with NMS.
Association of admission L‐lactate concentration in hospitalised equine neonates with presenting complaint, periparturient events, clinical diagnosis and outcome: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: BORCHERS A. , WILKINS P. A. , MARSH P. M. , AXON J. E. , READ J. , CASTAGNETTI C. , PANTALEON L. , CLARK C. , QURA'N L. , BELGRAVE R. , TRACHSEL D. , LEVY M. , BEDENICE D. , SAULEZ M. N. , BOSTON R. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the study: Admission L‐lactate concentration is a useful and commonly measured biomarker not previously prospectively evaluated in a large multicentre study of critically ill neonatal foals.Objectives: To evaluate overall outcome and the association of survival and L‐lactate concentration at admission ([LAC]ADMIT) by periparturient history, presenting complaint and clinicians' major diagnosis for ill neonatal foals.Methods: Thirteen university and private equine referral hospitals enrolled 643 foals over the 2008 foaling season. Case details, historical, clinical and clinicopathological data were entered into standardised spreadsheets then unified for analysis.Results: Overall survival was 79% (505/643). Risk of nonsurvival increased with each 1 mmol/l increase in [LAC]ADMIT (odds ratio 1.14, P<0.001). Mean arterial pressure had a small (r2= 19.1) but significant (P<0.001) association with [LAC]ADMIT. Foals experiencing known dystocia or premature placental separation had increased [LAC]ADMIT (P<0.001). Single umbilical problems (excluding uroperitoneum), meconium impaction only and failure of passive transfer of immunity only had 100% survival. Six clinicians' major diagnoses had increased odds of nonsurvival for each 1 mmol/l increase in [LAC]ADMIT: ‘sepsis’; ‘unspecified enterocolitis’; ‘unspecified colic’; ‘unspecified trauma’; ‘immune related (not failure of passive transfer of immunity)’ and ‘respiratory only’.Conclusions and potential relevance: Survival of critically ill foals is good but varies with peripartum history, presenting complaint and clinicians' major diagnosis. L‐lactate concentration at admission proves its utility as a valuable prognostic biomarker in neonatal foals and its utility appears to vary with peripartum history and clinicians' major diagnosis.
Feeding the foal for immediate and long‐term health
Authors: BECVAROVA I. , BUECHNER‐MAXWELL V. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe nutrition and nutritional status of the mare, as well as foal's nutrient intake from colostrum, milk and creep feed, are critical factors that are known to influence the growth period of the foal. Long‐term effects of mare and foal nutrition are not well recognised or understood in the horse but may have the greatest impact on the animal's health and use when mature. Both under‐ and overfeeding can negatively influence important characteristics such as bone development and neurological function. The risk of developing debilitating diseases such as metabolic syndrome may also be increased by mare, fetal and early foal feeding, supporting the importance of providing a balanced diet to mare and foal throughout gestation and beyond.
Selective inhibitory action of Biginelli-type dihydropyrimidines on depolarization-induced arterial smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Cernecka Hana , Veizerova Lucia , Mensikova Lucia , Svetlik Jan , Krenek Peter 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers have some disadvantages such as light sensitivity and relatively short plasma half-lives. Stability of dihydropyrimidines analogues could be of advantage, yet they remain less well characterized. We aimed to test four newly synthesized Biginelli-type dihydropyrimidines for their calcium channel blocking activity on rat isolated aorta.

Methods
Dihydropyrimidines (compounds A–D) were prepared by the Biginelli-like three-component condensation of benzaldehydes with urea/thiourea and dimethyl or diethyl acetone-1,3-dicarboxylate, and their physicochemical properties and effects on depolarization-induced and noradrenaline-induced contractions of rat isolated aorta were evaluated.

Key findings
Dihydropyrimidines A and C blocked KCl-induced contraction only weakly (−log(IC50) = 5.03 and 3.73, respectively), while dihydropyrimidine D (−log(IC50) = 7.03) was almost as potent as nifedipine (−log(IC50) = 8.14). Washout experiments revealed that dihydropyrimidine D may bind strongly to the L-type calcium channel or remains bound to membrane. All tested dihydropyrimidines only marginally inhibited noradrenaline-induced contractions of rat isolated aorta (20% reduction of noradrenaline Emax), indicating a more selective action on L-type calcium channel than nifedipine with 75% inhibition of noradrenaline Emax at 10−4m nifedipine).

Conclusions
Compounds A and, particularly, D are potent calcium channel blockers in vitro, with a better selectivity in inhibiting depolarization-induced arterial smooth muscle contraction than nifedipine.