A retrospective case-control study of horse falls in the sport of horse trials and three-day eventing

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Serious injuries to horses and riders in horse trials (HT) and three-day events (3DE) are usually associated with falls of horses, which invariably involve falls of the riders. Many potential causes for these falls have been discussed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the risk factors for horse falls on the cross-country phase of horse trials and three-day events. METHODS: Using retrospective data, significant risk factors identified with unvariable analysis (P value <0.2) were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Significant risk factors (P value <0.05) were included in the final model. RESULTS: It was revealed that a number of course, obstacle and rider variables were significantly and independently associated with the risk of falling. Falling was associated with obstacles sited downhill (Odds ratio [OR] 8.41) and with obstacles with ditches in front (OR = 5.77). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between course variables and the risk of falling was characterised and showed a significantly increased risk with increasing numbers of jumps on the course and for jumping efforts later in the course. In contrast, after allowing for the total number of obstacles on the course, an increase in the total number of jumping efforts appeared to have a protective effect. A later cross-country start time was associated with a decreased risk of a horse fall. Amateur event riders were approximately 20 times more likely to fall than professional riders. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study has identified a number of risk factors associated with horse falls and highlights areas that can be altered to improve safety in cross-country competitions.     

Retrospective study of 24 cases of septic calcaneal bursitis in the horse

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Wounds to the plantar aspect of the tarsus present a diagnostic and treatment challenge. This study was undertaken to describe specific features of traumatic wounds involving the calcaneal bursa, with a view to determining which clinical examination findings and diagnostic tests results could provide reliable indicators of prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To report clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome of 24 cases of septic calcaneal bursitis; and to determine the importance of the involvement of specific anatomical structures in relation to the prognosis for survival and return to athletic function. METHODS: Records of 24 horses that had suffered traumatic wounds involving the calcaneal bursae were reviewed and divided into 3 groups, based on the bursa involved and presence or absence of involvement of the tuber calcanei. Clinical, diagnostic imaging and surgical findings were recorded for each case. Differences between groups and outcome were examined for significance with Chi-squared, Fisher's Exact or Kruskal-Wallis tests, as appropriate. RESULTS: Wounds involving only the subcutaneous bursa had an excellent prognosis for survival. Seventy-five percent of horses with wounds involving the intertendinous calcaneal bursa survived. Involvement of the tuber calcanei presented a fair to guarded prognosis, with only 44% of horses with involvement of this structure surviving. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to other studies of septic synovial structures, the time between initial injury and referral did not affect the outcome. Correct identification of invasion of the calcaneal bursa(e) and/or tuber calcanei in wounds to the plantar aspect of the tarsus allows for more accurate pronostication. Damage to the tuber calcanei presents a poorer prognosis than for cases that involve only the soft tissue structures in the region. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates the importance of correct anatomical identification of structures involved in wounds in the region of the calcaneal bursa. The use of radiography, ultrasonography and synoviocentesis are essential in these cases to provide the most appropriate treatment for the horse and accurate prognosis for the owner.     

Resection of the common digital extensor tendon in a gelding

A four-year-old gelding was lame owing to a chronic septic common digital extensor tendon and sheath. The horse had been treated by open surgical lavage but the sepsis had recurred after three months. Physical, ultrasonographic, cytological and histological examinations confirmed chronic septic tenosynovitis and tendonitis. The entire intrathecal component of the common digital extensor tendon was resected under general anaesthesia and the synovial lining of the sheath was ablated. Postoperatively the horse regained good limb function and became sound.     

Persistence of cellulitis-associated Escherichia coli DNA fingerprints in successive broiler chicken flocks

Avian cellulitis in broiler chickens is primarily caused by Escherichia coli. Previous research found that the E. coli isolates of cellulitis origin were unique to each ranch, suggesting that these E. coli were endemic within the ranch environment. To test the hypothesis that the E. coli associated with cellulitis are endemic in the litter of the broiler house, we designed a study to determine whether E. coli DNA fingerprints associated with cellulitis persist over successive flocks that are grown in the same house. In addition, we assessed the impact of different cleaning and disinfection strategies on this persistence. Two broiler houses were followed on each of five farms over 3-4 flocks. A total of 353 E. coli isolates from cellulitis lesions were analyzed in this study, and 314 of these isolates (89%) were DNA fingerprinted by PFGE. In each ranch, there were several DNA fingerprint patterns that were present over successive flocks, regardless of the cleaning and disinfection strategy utilized. Isolates persisted as long as 191 days, implying that these E. coli are capable of persisting in the broiler house environment for long periods of time. In addition, these E. coli isolates were associated with cellulitis lesions in successive flocks. Thus, the isolates of E. coli that are associated with cellulitis in broiler chickens appear to be endemic in the litter environment of the broiler house.     

盐酸处理蚕卵酯酶A4的活性变化及其与滞育性的关系

从家蚕C108品种蚕卵精制酯酶A4,首次测定了产卵后24～96h浸酸蚕卵酯酶A4的ATPase活性。蚕卵经盐酸处理后在体外5℃1～2d或体外25℃1～3h出现酶活性峰。与低温活化蚕卵比较,产卵后24～96h的浸酸蚕卵,在体外5℃酶活性峰出现时间提早了8．5～22d,在体外25℃提早了3～9h。浸酸后蚕卵迅速解除滞育,滞育发育时间显著缩短。将不同卵龄未浸酸蚕卵与盐酸处理蚕卵酯酶A4的ATPase活性峰出现时间差制成曲线,在体外5℃或25℃的结果几乎都完全与5℃冷藏时蚕卵的滞育发育时间曲线重叠。盐酸处理蚕卵酯酶A4的活性变化与蚕卵活化有高度相关性。     

Using the recommended stocking density to predict equine pasture management

Best management practices for equine pastures include following the recommended stocking density, rotating, clipping, dragging manure, soil testing, and renovating as needed. Assuming these practices are implemented collectively, pasture resources can contribute significantly to annual forage needs. A survey was mailed to New Jersey pasture property owners in January 2000 to assess pasture management practices and determine the relationship between the recommended stocking density and individual management practices. Our survey indicates that many horse pasture managers follow individual recommendations, but generally do not implement multiple management practices. About 69% of survey respondents currently have between 0 and 20 horses. About 28% of respondents have between 6 and 10 acres of pasture, while only 20% have between 11 and 20 acres. Our analysis reveals a decreasing tendency to follow the recommended stocking density as horse numbers increase, but no difference as the number of acres of pasture changes. Our survey indicated that 66% soil test and about 45% fertilize every three years or greater while 50% lime pastures in intervals exceeding three years. The most commonly implemented management practice is mowing pastures (89%), while 54% of respondents rotate pastures. Despite the large proportion of managers that mow or rotate their pastures, there was generally only a small likelihood of these managers following the recommended stocking density and mowing, and no relationship between rotating and the recommended stocking density. Our results also indicate that at most about one-third of pasture managers have access to or own some piece of equipment used in pasture renovation or maintenance, although 92% make annual pasture expenditures. Consequently, pasture managers need additional information regarding the benefits of following best management practices to achieve the synergistic effect of multiple management practices on pasture productivity and persistence.     

Regional seroprevalence of bluetongue virus in cattle in Illinois and western Indiana

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of bluetongue virus (BTV) and the geographic distribution of seropositive cattle herds in Illinois and western Indiana. SAMPLE POPULATION: 10,585 serum samples obtained from cattle in 60 herds during 3 transmission seasons (2000 through 2002). PROCEDURES: In a longitudinal study, serum samples were tested for BTV antibodies by use of a competitive ELISA. Four geographic zones were created by use of mean minimum January temperature. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model with a random effect for herd was used to estimate seropositive risk for zone, age of cattle, herd type, and transmission season. RESULTS: Overall, BTV antibodies were detected in 156 (1.5%) samples. Estimated seroprevalence in 2000, 2001, and 2002 was 1.49%, 0.97%, and 2.18%, respectively. Risk of being seropositive for BTV was associated with geographic zone and age. Seroprevalence increased progressively from northern to southern zones, with no evidence of BTV infection in the northernmost zone. In the southernmost zone, annual seroprevalence ranged from 8.65% to 11.00%. Adult cattle were 2.35 times as likely as juvenile cattle to be seropositive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overall seroprevalence was lower than has been reported for Illinois cattle. Bluetongue virus antibodies were distributed heterogeneously in this region. Only in the southernmost zone was seroprevalence consistently > 2%. Regionalization of BTV risk based on state borders does not account for such variability. Serologic data could be combined with landscape, climate, and vector data to develop predictive models of BTV risk within transitional regions of the United States.     

Determination of daminozide in apples by gas chromatography/chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A method using gas chromatography/chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC/CIMS) for the determination of daminozide residues in apples has been developed. Daminozide was separated from the sample matrix by water extraction and cation exchange, converted to the methyl ester by treatment with HCl-methanol, and determined by GC/CIMS using succinonitrile as an internal standard. The detection level was 0.05 ppm. Recoveries were 92-104% from apples spiked at the 0.05-0.5 ppm levels. Of the 25 apple samples analyzed, only 2 were positive for daminozide (1.04 and 0.32 ppm).     

Reaction of nitrosoguanidine (N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine) with tobacco mosaic virus and its RNA

"Nitrosoguanidine" (N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine) acts on polynucleotides in neutral aqueous solution, methylating guanine in the 7-position, and, to a much lesser extent, adenine. In 67 percent dimethylformamide the effect on the purines decreased, and what seems to be 3-methyl-cytosine appeared. In formamide solution no base changes were detected. Nitrosoguanidine had little mutagenic effect on tobacco mosaic virus RNA in water; it had greater effect in dimethylformamide, and even greater in formamide; it was a strong mutagen only when it acted on intact tobacco mosaic virus particles. Thus, neither the methylation of guanine nor the cytosine modification represents the main mutagenic event.