bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skeletal forelimb measurements and hoof spread in relation to asymmetry in the bilateral forelimb of horses
Authors: Wilson G. H. , Mcdonald K. , O'Connell M. J. 
Published: February 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: Research has highlighted a high frequency of skeletal asymmetries in horses. In addition, research into hoof asymmetries has shown that within a bilateral pair, the hoof with the smaller angle is often subjected to greater loading. There has been limited attention paid to understanding compensatory mechanisms for skeletal asymmetries in the horse; the dynamic structure of the hoof could potentially be acting in a compensatory capacity. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between morphometry of forelimb segments and hoof spread and their incidence of asymmetry. Methods: Ten bilateral measurements of the hoof and forelimb were taken from 34 leisure horses. The relationship between hoof spread and forelimb segment measurements were analysed using a generalised linear model (GLM). Results: In relation to left hoof spread, the GLM identified significant negative relationships with left side measurements (third metacarpal length, elbow height), and significant positive relationships with right side measurements (fetlock height, third metacarpal length, elbow height). In relation to right hoof spread, the GLM identified significant negative relationship with left elbow height, and significant positive relationships with right side measurements (fetlock height, point of shoulder). The difference between the number of horses larger to the left or to the right was found to be significant for point of shoulder height (X2= 4.8, P<0.05), and highly significant for heel height (X2= 9.53, P<0.01) and the third metacarpal length (X2= 7.26, P<0.01). Conclusions and clinical relevance: The study demonstrated considerable asymmetry in left‐right morphometry of the equine limb. The fact that measurements of hoof spread were significantly associated with limb segment measurements could possibly indicate that an interaction exists. Any asymmetry in hoof spread measurements may suggest unequal loading of the limbs, which in turn may contribute to injuries and reduced performance.
Ex vivo calibration and validation of in vivo equine bone strain measures
Authors: Davies H. M. S. 
Published: February 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: Data are required to confirm that strain gauges recording high bone strains in Thoroughbred racehorses provide an accurate record of bone strain. Objective: To test the accuracy and reliability of very high in vivo strain recordings made during fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Strains were recorded during exercise from rosette gauges implanted onto the mid‐shaft dorsal cortex of each third metacarpal bone (MC3) in 6 yearling and 6 mature Thoroughbreds in a previous experiment. Bulk elastic modulus (EUS) was calculated from ultrasound speed and single photon absorptiometry measures. Each cleaned MC3 with the original gauge in situ and new gauges placed in a region of strain similarity (as shown by photoelastic coating) was loaded in a materials testing system (MTS) and strains recorded during loading. Elastic moduli were calculated from strain measures from new rosette gauges on the medial, dorsal, lateral and palmar surfaces (Em; Ed; El; Ep), and bulk moduli calculated from the displacement of the MTS machine heads during loading (Ebt). Peak loads were increased incrementally to failure. Results: Of 14 original gauges tested against new gauges, 11 recorded strains from 80–115% of the new gauges and 3 showed reduced function (31–40%). Ebt were similar to Em, and EUS were similar to El and not significantly different from Ed. Maximum strains at yield were recorded by the medial gauges and ranged from −7500 to −16,000 μɛ. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Similarities between recordings from gauges used in vivo and new gauges confirmed the reliability and likely accuracy (or possible underestimate) of very high strains (exceeding −6000 μɛ) recorded in exercising Thoroughbred racehorses. The similarity between Ebt and Emconfirms that the gauges measured the true distortion of the bone in the MTS. These results confirm that mammalian bone may withstand much greater compressive loads than −4000 μɛ under some conditions at least.
Kinetics and kinematics of the passage
Authors: Weishaupt M. A. , Byström A. , von Peinen K. , Wiestner T. , Meyer H. , Waldern N. , Johnston C. , Van Weeren R. , Roepstorff L. 
Published: February 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: The load acting on the limbs and the load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs while performing specific dressage exercises lack objective assessment. Hypothesis: The greater a horse's level of collection, the more load is shifted to the rear and that during the passage the vertical load on the limbs increases in relation to the accentuated vertical movement of the centre of mass. Methods: Back and limb kinematics, vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 6 Grand Prix dressage horses performing on an instrumented treadmill at the trot and the passage. Horses were ridden by their own professional rider. Results: At the passage, horses moved at a slower speed (−43.2%), with a lower stride frequency (−23.6%) and, therefore, higher stride impulses (+31.0%). Relative stance duration of fore‐ and hindlimbs and suspension duration remained unchanged. While at the trot the diagonal limbs impacted almost simultaneously, the hindlimbs always impacted first at the passage; the time dissociation between landing and lift‐off remained unchanged. Because of the prolonged stride duration, stride impulse and consequently limb impulses were higher at the passage in the fore‐ as well as in the hindlimbs (+24.8% and +39.9%, respectively). Within the diagonal limb pair, load was shifted from the forehand to the hindquarters (percentage stride impulse carried by the forehand −4.8%). Despite the higher impulses, peak vertical forces in the fore‐ and hindlimbs remained unchanged because of the prolonged absolute stance durations in fore‐ and hindlimbs (+28.1% and +32.2%, respectively). Conclusions: Based on the intralimb timing, the passage closely resembles the trot. Compared to other head‐neck positions, the higher degree of collection resulted in a pronounced shift in impulse towards the hindquarters. Despite the higher limb impulses, peak forces acting on the limbs were similar to those observed at the trot. Potential clinical relevance: An understanding of load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs in relation to different riding techniques is crucial to prevent wear‐and‐tear on the locomotor apparatus.
Sequelae and complications ofStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiinfections in the horse
Authors: Whelchel D. D. , Chaffin M. K. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryStreptococcus equissp.equiinfection in the horse, or strangles, commonly results in abscessation of the submandibular, submaxillary or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Although this classical presentation of strangles is associated with a low mortality rate, complications and sequlae may worsen the prognosis and increase mortality rates. This article reviews sequelae and complictions ofS. equissp.equiinfection in the horse, including guttural pouch empyema, bastard strangles and immune mediated diseases such as purpura haemorrhagica, myopathies and myocarditis.
Burkholderia mallei infection in a horse imported from Brazil
Authors: Elschner M. C. , Klaus C. U. , Liebler‐Tenorio E. , Schmoock G. , Wohlsein P. , Tinschmann O. , Lange E. , Kaden V. , Klopfleisch R. , Melzer F. , Rassback A. , Neubauer H. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryA horse imported from Brazil developed a respiratory illness 2 weeks after arrival in Germany. After an initial but inefficient treatment glanders was diagnosed based on serological and molecular biological findings. The present case highlights the potential risk of an importation of glanders in free areas. The fact that veterinarians in countries where glanders has been eradicated for decades are not familiar with the clinical symptoms of the disease, can favour the entry of the disease. In order to prevent the spread of glanders, the sanctions of the veterinary authorities in such cases of the infection are of utmost importance.
Rheological Properties of Chlorinated Polyethylene Blended with Low-cost Grade Natural Rubber
Authors: Wongwitthayakool P. , Saeoui P. , Sirisinha C. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A low-cost grade natural rubber (STR20 NR) was used for partly substituting elastomeric chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and then cured by sulfur. Rheological properties of blends with various blend composition ratios under oscillatory and steady shear flows were investigated. Cure behavior is found to be promoted with increasing NR content. The viscoelastic behavior of CPE/NR blends, as determined from the Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA2000), is controlled strongly by blend composition. Uncured blends show relatively poor storage modulus associated with high damping factor probably due to the thermal degradation of NR phase. By contrast, after curing the NR phase in blends, bulk rheological properties change remarkably. Blends with NR as a major component reveal frequency-independent behavior with a broad linear viscoelastic (LVE) region. Flow properties under capillary shear of uncured blends agree well with those under oscillatory shear, i.e., the greater the NR content, the lower the apparent shear viscosity. Surprisingly, even without the elimination of elastic effect by the Bagley correction, it is still possible to superimpose plots of complex viscosity against test frequency over those of apparent shear viscosity against wall shear rate, which are different from the rheological properties of CPE blended with premium grade of NR (STR5L).
Significance of sperm characteristics in the evaluation of adolescents, adults and older men with varicocele
Authors: Andrade-Rocha FT 
Published: February 2009

Background:
No reports have been published about age-related sperm malformations in varicocele patients.

Aim:
To investigate the distribution of abnormal sperm characteristics in adolescents, adults and older men with varicocele.

Setting and Design:
Records of semen analysis of 143 men aged 14 to 53 years who had evident left-sided varicocele detected by physical examination and confirmed by doppler sonography were selected.

Materials and Methods:
Sperm concentration, vitality, motility, morphology, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and morphology were measured in adolescent males aged 14 to 20 years (n=31), men 21 to 30 years (n=48), 31 to 40 years (n=40) and older men over 40 (n=24) and compared with a control group of fertile men with no varicocele (n=27) and with a group of infertile men with varicocele (n=26).

Statistical Analysis:
One-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare varicocele groups. Comparisons with the control group and infertile group were performed using the unpaired t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. The discriminating ability of significant sperm characteristics in evaluating the sperm quality of varicocele men was also analyzed using receiver operating characteristics curve to select the cut-off level providing the best combination of sensitivity and specificity.

Results:
Varicocele men displayed similar impairment of vitality, motility and HOST. Sperm morphology analysis revealed a prevalence of small head, slightly and severely amorphous head and particularly combined anomalies in the study groups. Sperm concentration fell within the normal range of the World Health Organization manual. Differences were not significant between the study groups and when compared with infertile group (P <0.005). However, a comparative study of the varicocele groups and the infertile group with the control group revealed significant differences in sperm vitality, motility, HOST, morphologically normal sperm, pin-headed, tapered and combined anomalies. Morphologically normal sperm and combined anomalies showed higher accuracy in identifying poor sperm quality in varicocele men (83.7% and 77.9%, at cut-off levels of 9% and 38%, respectively).

Conclusions:
Varicocele harms equally the sperm characteristics of adolescents, adults and older men. Apparently, it affects sperm quality more adversely than it does sperm production.
An injectable cement
Authors: Weitao Y , Kangmei K , Anmin J 
Published: February 2009

Micro-invasive bone grafting is to deliver bone graft materials to the desired site through local puncturation and injection. It has many advantages such as little injury, simple procedures and high efficiency of osteogenesis. Limited sources of graft materials and complicated procedures are the main factors affecting the development of the technique. Therefore, to prepare a stable, economical, efficient and easy-to-use liquid graft material is crucial for the development of the technique.

Purpose:
The potential efficacy of an injectable calcium phosphate cement's handling properties and scaffold for bone repair performance was evaluated in a rabbit femoral condyles model.

Study Design:
A comparative study was conducted between a new cement and a commercially available calcium phosphate cement.

Materials and Methods:
The new cement and commercially available calcium-phosphate cements were compared in terms of the setting time, injection pressure, particle size and compressive strength. Then the cements were delivered to rabbit femoral condyles through local injection and then degradation of cements and bone formation were observed regularly after operation.

Results:
The new injectable cement was superior to currently used cements in terms of permitted manipulation time, injection pressure, particle size, postoperative degradation and efficacy of scaffold for bone repair; nevertheless, the new cement was slightly inferior to currently used cements in compressive strength and the final setting time.

Conclusions:
The new injectable cement is more suitable for the clinical study of micro-invasive bone grafting. It allows a brand new bone grafting procedure and provides a new graft material and thus merits further development and wider application.
Outcomes of renal transplantation in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy in India
Authors: Chacko B , George JT , Neelakantan N , Korula A , Chakko JK 
Published: February 2009

Background:
There is a paucity of data on the course of renal transplant in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) from India. While the natural history of IgAN in the Indian context is rapidly progressive, the post-transplant course remains speculative.

Aim:
To study the graft survival in renal transplant recipients whose native kidney disease was IgAN and the incidence and correlates of recurrent disease.

Settings and Designs:
Retrospective case control study from a Nephrology unit of a large tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:
The outcomes of 56 transplant patients (58 grafts) with biopsy-proven IgAN and of 116 patients without IgAN or diabetic nephropathy, transplanted during the same period were analyzed. Correlates of biopsy-confirmed recurrent disease were determined.

Statistical Analysis:
Means were analyzed by Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test; proportions were determined by Chi-square analysis and graft survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier.

Results:
Five-year graft survival for IgA patients was not significantly different from that in the reference group (90% and 79%,P = 0.6). During a mean follow-up of 42 months (range, 1-144), 28 event graft biopsies were required in 20 grafts of IgAN. Histological recurrence was diagnosed in five of the 20 available biopsies (25%) after a mean duration of 28 months. Recurrence did not correlate with donor status, HLA B35 and A2, recipient age, gender or immunosuppression.

Conclusions:
Renal transplantation is an appropriate treatment modality for IgA nephropathy patients with end-stage renal disease in India, despite the potential for recurrent disease. The posttransplant course is an indolent one when compared to the malignant pretransplant phase.
Thyroid cancer in toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter
Authors: Cerci C , Cerci SS , Eroglu E , Dede M , Kapucuoglu N , Yildiz M , Bulbul M 
Published: February 2009

Background:
Many authors have claimed that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid cancer and believed that the incidence of malignancy is lower in patients with toxic multinodular goiter (TMG) than in those with non-toxic multinodular goiter. But in recent studies, it was reported that the incidence of malignancy with TMG is not as low as previously thought.

Aim:
To compare the thyroid cancer incidence in patients with toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter.

Settings and Design:
Histology reports of patients treated surgically with a preoperative diagnosis of toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter were reviewed to identify the thyroid cancer incidence. Patients having a history of neck irradiation or radioactive iodine therapy were excluded from the study.

Materials and Methods:
We reviewed 294 patients operated between 2001-2005 from toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. One hundred and twenty-four of them were toxic and 170 were non-toxic. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed by elevated tri-iodothyroinine / thyroxine ratios and low thyroid-stimulating hormone with clinical signs and symptoms. All patients were evaluated with ultrasonography and scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Significance of the various parameters was calculated by using ANOVA test.

Results:
The incidence of malignancy was 9% in the toxic and 10.58% in the non-toxic multinodular goiter group. Any significant difference in the incidence of cancer and tumor size between the two groups could not be detected.

Conclusions:
The incidence of malignancy in toxic multinodular goiter is not very low as thought earlier and is nearly the same in non-toxic multinodular goiter.
Miliary tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients not on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Swaminathan S , Padmapriyadarsini C , Ponnuraja C , Sumathi CH , Rajasekaran S , Amerandran VA , Reddy MVK , Deivanayagam CN 
Published: February 2009

Background:
An increase in tuberculosis (TB) incidence has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Aims:
To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of patients with HIV and miliary TB treated with short-course intermittent chemotherapy in the absence of access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Settings and Design:
Prospective study of HIV infected adults referred to a TB clinic between July 1999 and July 2004.

Materials and Methods:
On diagnosis of miliary TB, patients were treated with a standard regimen of two months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide followed by four months of isoniazid and rifampicin (2EHRZ3 /4RH3) thrice weekly and followed up for 24 months. Patients were reviewed clinically every month and two sputa were collected. Chest radiographs and blood investigations were done at two months, end of treatment and every six months thereafter.

Results:
Of 498 patients with HIV and tuberculosis, 31 (6%) were diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis. At diagnosis, sputum smear was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in 14 patients (45%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in 21 (68%). The mean CD4 cell count was 129 ± 125 cells/mm3. Twenty-five patients were declared cured at the end of treatment (81%) while one (3%) died and five (16%) failed. The recurrence rate was 19.4/100 person-years and the median survival was 17 months (95% CI 14 to 20). None of the patients received antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions:
Miliary TB tends to occur among HIV infected patients with severe immunosuppression. Though the initial response to short-course chemotherapy was encouraging, a high recurrence rate and mortality was observed indicating poor prognosis in HIV.
Field rats form a major infection source of leptospirosis in and around Madurai, India
Authors: Priya CG , Hoogendijk KT , Berg MVD , Rathinam SR , Ahmed A , Muthukkaruppan VR , Hartskeerl RA 
Published: February 2009

Aims:
To determine the seroprevalence of leptospires and to isolate Leptospira spp. from field rats and bandicoots in and around Madurai.

Materials and Methods:
Thirteen rats and five bandicoots were trapped alive from fields in and around Madurai. Blood samples were tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies by microscopic agglutination test while the urine and kidney samples were used for isolation of leptospires. The isolated leptospires were tested for pathogenic status (13°C test and PCR) followed by serological and genetic characterization.

Results:
Serology revealed the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in 58% (7/12) of field rats and leptospires were isolated from two urine and six kidney samples. The bandicoots were negative in both serology and culture. Analysis of the isolates from field rats revealed that all the isolates were pathogenic except for one, which was further confirmed by serological and genetic characterization. Six of the seven pathogenic isolates were identified as L. interrogans serogroup Autumnalis serovar Akiyami A and one as L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica serovar Veldrat Batavia 46.

Conclusions:
Serology and isolation reveals that field rats are major natural carriers and shedders of leptospires in and around Madurai.
Cracks and Plasticity
Authors: Brocks Wolfgang 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe paper gives a review of the state‐of‐the‐art of modeling deformation, damage, and fracture of ductile metals on various length scales, namely numerical simulation of micro‐void nucleation and growth, porosity‐based constitutive equations, the cohesive zone model and the macroscopic fracture‐mechanics approach. Links between the various models are outlined and their respective favorable and preferential applications are discussed. The potential of a hierarchical modeling approach from the micro‐ to the macroscale is emphasized.
Compact Inverse‐Opal Electrode Using Non‐Aggregated TiO2 Nanoparticles for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kwak Eun Sik , Lee Wonmok , Park Nam‐Gyu , Kim Junkyung , Lee Hyunjung 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCompact inverse‐opal structures are constructed using non‐aggregated TiO2 nanoparticles in a three‐dimensional colloidal array template as the photoelectrode of a dye‐sensitized solar cell. Organic‐layer‐coated titania nanoparticles show an enhanced infiltration and a compact packing within the 3D array. Subsequent thermal decomposition to remove the organic template followed by impregnation with N‐719 dye results in excellent inverse‐opal photoelectrodes with a photo‐conversion efficiency as high as 3.47% under air mass 1.5 illumination. This colloidal‐template approach using non‐aggregated nanoparticles provides a simple and versatile way to produce efficient inverse‐opal structures with the ability to control parameters such as cavity diameter and film thickness.