Precrastination and individual differences in working memory capacity.

When ordering tasks, people tend to first perform the task that can be started or completed sooner (precrastination) even if it requires more physical effort. Evidence from transport tasks suggests that precrastination can reduce cognitive effort and will likely not occur if it increases cognitive effort. However, some individuals precrastinate even when it increases cognitive effort. We examined whether individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) influence this suboptimal choice. Participants retrieved two cups of water along a corridor, in the order of their choosing. We measured the frequency of choosing the close cup first (precrastination) while varying water levels in each cup (attention demand) located at different distances. Results showed that the tendency to select the far cup first (avoid precrastination) increases when the close cup is full (high attention demand) vs. not full (low attention demand). Post-hoc results showed high (vs. low) WMC individuals more frequently bypass decisions with relatively higher costs of cognitive effort, avoiding precrastination when the attentional demand of carrying the close (vs. far) cup is relatively high (close-cup full and far-cup half full), but not when it is relatively low (far-cup full). However, there was no evidence that WMC could explain why some individuals always precrastinated, at costs of cognitive effort. Instead, individuals who always precrastinated reported automatic behavior, and those who avoided precrastinating reported decisions of efficiency. Learning, the relationship between precrastination and tendencies to enjoy/engage in thinking or procrastinate, and evidence that precrastination required more cognitive effort in our task, are discussed.

A New Low Dose of Tranexamic Acid for Decreasing the Rate of Blood Loss in Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in children undergoing scoliosis surgery. Although TXA is safe and effective, significant adverse events have been reported. Using the lowest effective dose of TXA is advisable. We evaluated a new low dosing regimen for TXA based on an improved pharmacokinetic model and therapeutic plasma concentration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this new low dosing regimen in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion when compared with a control group who did not receive TXA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 90 consecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion at our institution from 2017 to 2020. Forty patients received TXA at the new dosing regimen (10 mg/kg load, 5 mg/kg/h infusion) and 50 patients were in the non-TXA control group. The same 2 orthopaedic surgeons, working as a team, performed all surgical procedures. We assessed the use of TXA as an independent risk factor for estimated blood loss and transfusion requirement after adjusting for age, surgical duration, body mass index, major coronal curve, and sex. RESULTS: A comparison of the intraoperative cumulative blood loss in the 2 groups showed a significantly lower blood loss in the TXA group. (583.5±272.0 vs. 479.5±288.7 mL, P=0.03) This difference persisted when blood loss was calculated as percent of total blood volume and per vertebral level. Transfusion requirements were lower in the TXA group (4/50 patients vs. 0/40 patients, P=0.13). No patient in the TXA group required a blood transfusion during their hospitalization. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to provide evidence that a new low dosing regimen of TXA can significantly reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements for idiopathic scoliosis patients and supports the need for a prospective, randomized clinical trial to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Metabolic derangements and reduced survival of bile-extracted Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus).

BACKGROUND: Across China and Southeast Asia, an estimated 17,000 bears are currently farmed for bile, primarily for traditional medicines. Depending on country, bile is extracted daily via transabdominal gallbladder fistulas, indwelling catheters, or needle aspiration. Despite claims that bears do not develop adverse effects from bile extraction, health issues identified in bears removed from bile farms include bile-extraction site infections, abdominal hernias, peritonitis, cholecystitis, hepatic neoplasia, cardiac disease, skeletal abnormalities, and abnormal behaviors. We present a comprehensive assessment of the effects of bile farming by comparing serum biochemical and hematological values of bears from farms that were bile-extracted (BE) and bears from farms not bile-extracted (FNE) with bears from non-farm captive (ZOO) and free-range (FR) environments. We hypothesized BE bears would have significant laboratory abnormalities compared to all non-extracted bear groups. We also hypothesized BE bears would have reduced long-term survival compared to FNE bears despite removal from farms. RESULTS: BE bears exhibited the highest values and greatest variation (on a population level) in laboratory parameters compared to all non-extracted bear groups particularly for alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (CREA), and total white blood cell count. Significant differences were detected between bear groups when accounting for season, sex, and/or age. BE bears exhibited greater mean serum GGT compared to all non-extracted bear groups, and the odds of having elevated TBIL were 7.3 times greater for BE bears, consistent with hepatobiliary disease. Biochemical parameter elevations in BE bears persisted up to 14 years post-rescue, consistent with long-term effects of bile-extraction. BE bears that arrived with elevated CREA and ALKP had median survival times of 1 and 4 years respectively, and regardless of laboratory abnormalities, BE bears had significantly shorter survival times compared to FNE bears. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide strong evidence that bile extraction practices not only represent a temporary constraint for bears' welfare, but confer distinct long-term adverse health consequences. Routine laboratory panels may be insensitive to detect the extent of underlying illness in BE bears as these bears have significantly reduced survival regardless of biochemical assessment compared to FNE bears.

Outcome of horses with enterocolitis receiving oncotic fluid support with either plasma or hetastarch.

The objective of this study was to determine whether there was an association between type of colloid administered and survival of horses with enterocolitis (N = 92). A retrospective review of medical records of horses with enterocolitis treated with plasma or hetastarch (HES) between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011 was performed. Data collected included signalment, outcome, physical and clinicopathologic findings, and volume and type of colloid administered. Sixty-nine horses (75%) were treated with plasma and 23 horses (25%) were treated with HES. After accounting for confounding variables, horses treated with plasma (80% survival) were more likely to survive to discharge than horses treated with HES (47% survival; P = 0.041) despite similar disease severity at admission. This study provides support that use of natural colloids may be superior to treatment with synthetic colloids in horses with enterocolitis. A prospective, multi-center trial comparing outcome of critically ill equine patients treated with natural or synthetic colloids is warranted.

Issue des chevaux avec entérocolite recevant un traitement de support par fluide oncotique avec soit du plasma ou de l'héta-amidon. L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer s'il y avait une association entre le type de colloïde administré et la survie de chevaux avec entérocolite (N = 92). Une revue rétrospective des dossiers médicaux de chevaux avec entérocolite traités avec du plasma ou de l'héta-amidon (HES) entre le 1er janvier 2005 et le 31 décembre 2011 fut effectuée. Les données amassées incluaient l'anamnèse, l'issue, les trouvailles physiques et clinico-pathologiques, ainsi que le volume et le type de colloïde administré. Soixante-neuf chevaux (75 %) furent traités avec du plasma et 23 chevaux (25 %) furent traités avec du HES. Après avoir pris en considération les variables confondantes, les chevaux traités avec le plasma (80 % de survie) étaient plus susceptibles de survivre jusqu'au congé que les chevaux traités avec HES (47 % de taux de survie; P = 0,041) malgré la similarité de la sévérité de la condition lors de l'admission. Cette étude fournie des arguments que l'utilisation de colloïdes naturels serait supérieure au traitement avec des colloïdes synthétiques chez des chevaux avec entérocolite. Une étude prospective, multicentres comparant l'issue de patients équins sévèrement malades traités avec des colloïdes naturels ou synthétiques est requise.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Effect of prewarmed crystalloid fluids and an in-line fluid warming device on fluid outflow temperatures at ambient temperatures of 21-22°C and 3.5°C.

Equine veterinarians frequently treat patients in non-climate-controlled (i.e., hospitalized) settings. In colder environments, intravenous (IV) fluid administration can contribute to patient hypothermia. The objective of this study was to evaluate three IV fluid warming mechanisms to determine their effect on fluid outflow temperatures at ambient temperatures of 21-22°C and 3.5°C. In this study, fluid outflow temperatures were measured using three warming mechanisms: (1) pre-warmed fluids at 42°C, (2) an in-line warming device placed 163 cm away from the Luer-lock fluid line adaptor (location 1) on the fluid line, and (3) an in-line warming device placed 88 cm away from the Luer-lock fluid line adaptor (location 2) on the fluid line. These warming mechanisms were compared to outflow temperatures measured using no warming mechanism at ambient temperatures of 21-22°C and 3.5°C with flow rates of ∼12 L/hour (gravity flow bolus) and 999 mL/hour. All outflow temperatures were measured with a thermistor. At ∼12L/hour, the use of pre-warmed fluids increased outflow temperatures at both ambient temperatures of 21-22°C and 3.5°C ambient temperatures and an in-line warming device placed at location 1 significantly increased outflow temperatures in 3.5°C ambient temperatures. At 999 mL/hour, use of pre-warmed fluids or an in-line warming device, placed at either location, increased outflow temperatures at ambient temperatures of 21°C or 3.5°C.

Expanding Access to Patient Care in Community Pharmacies for Minor Illnesses in Washington State.

Introduction: As the shortage of primary care providers widens nationwide, access to care utilizing non-physician providers is one strategy to ensure equitable access to care. This study aimed to compare community pharmacist-provided care for minor ailments to care provided at three traditional sites of care: primary care, urgent care, and emergency department, to determine if care provided by pharmacists improved access with comparable quality and reduced financial strain on the healthcare system. Methods: Pharmacy data was provided from 46 pharmacies and 175 pharmacists who participated across five pharmacy corporations over a 3-year period (2016-2019). Data for non-pharmacy sites of care was provided by a large health plan, matching episodes of care for conditions seen in the community pharmacy. Cost-of-care analysis was conducted using superiority study design and revisit data analysis was conducted using noninferiority study design. Results: Median cost-of-care across traditional sites of care was $277.78 higher than care provided at the pharmacies, showing superiority. Noninferiority was demonstrated for revisit care when the initial visit was conducted by a pharmacist compared to traditional sites. Discussion: The authors conclude community pharmacist-provided care for minor ailments improved cost-effective access for patients with comparable quality and reduced financial strains on the healthcare system.

Analysis of the interplay of physiological response to food intake and drug properties in food-drug interactions.

The effect of food on oral drug absorption is determined by the complex interplay among gut physiological factors and drug properties. The currently used dissolution testing and classification systems (biopharmaceutics classification system, BCS or biopharmaceutics drug disposition classification system, BDDCS) do not account for dynamic changes in gastrointestinal physiology caused by food intake. This study aimed to identify key drug properties that influence food effect (FE) using supervised machine learning approaches. The analysis showed that drugs with high logP, dose number, and extraction ratio have a higher probability of positive FE, while drugs with low permeability and high efflux saturation index have a greater likelihood of negative FE. Weakly acidic drugs also showed a greater probability of positive FE, particularly at pKa >4.3. The importance of drug properties in predicting FE was ranked as logP, dose number, extraction ratio, pKa, and permeability. The accuracy of FE prediction using the models was compared with BCS and extended clearance classification system (ECCS). Overall, the likelihood or magnitude of FE depends on physiological changes to food intake such as altered bile acid secretion rate, intestinal metabolism, transport kinetics, and gastric emptying time, which should be considered along with drug properties (e.g., solubility, logP, and ionization) in predicting FE of orally administered drugs.

Continuous Epidural Analgesia (CEA) via Single Catheter Providing Profound Analgesia for Pediatric Patients Following Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

INTRODUCTION: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure to correct scoliosis in children. Continuous epidural analgesia (CEA) is a proposed means of providing analgesia following PSF. Whether a single epidural catheter with the tip in the upper thorax can provide adequate analgesia for PSF, which often spans the upper thoracic to lower lumbar regions, is unresolved in the literature. METHOD: In this single-center, retrospective study, we reviewed 69 consecutive patients undergoing PSF for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with CEA at our institution from October 1, 2020 to May 26, 2022. Data for the entire cohort was divided into two time intervals before and after epidural removal, group epidural (Epi) and group no epidural (No Epi). Daily intravenous and oral opioid morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/kg) plus mean and maximal visual analogue pain scores (VAS 0-10) were recorded from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge to the end of postoperative day (POD) three.  Results: 57 patients were included in the study. Opioid usage was 4.5 times greater in the 19 hours following removal of the epidural catheter when compared to the entire period (mean 65 hours) the epidural was in place (Group Epi 0.154 OME/kg vs Group No Epi 0.690 OME/kg, p<0.001). 51% (29/57) of patients did not require opioids (intravenous or oral) while the epidural was in place, all patients required opioids after epidural removal. Mean opioid usage while the epidural was in place was 9.3 OME, equivalent to approximately 6 mg of oxycodone. Mean and maximum pain scores increased significantly after removal of the epidural on POD 3 (mean pain score: Epi 3.4 (1.8) vs No Epi 4.1 (1.7); p<0.001) (max pain score: Epi 4.9 (2.5) vs No Epi 6.3 (2.1); p<0.001).  Conclusions: This is the first study we are aware of to report pain scores and cumulative opioid requirements for PSF patients receiving CEA with a single epidural catheter before and after epidural removal. Opioid usage increased over four times in the 19 hours after epidural removal compared to the total opioid requirements while the epidural was infusing. Mean and maximum pain scores increased significantly after removal of the epidural on POD 3. This study firmly establishes that CEA with a single epidural catheter can provide profound analgesia for patients having PSF for AIS.

Pear psylla and natural enemy thresholds for successful integrated pest management in pears.

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), is the most economically challenging pest of commercial pears in Washington and Oregon, the top producers of pears in the United States. The objective of this study was to quantify economic injury levels and thresholds for pear psylla. We used the relationship between pear psylla adult and nymph densities, and fruit downgraded due to psylla honeydew marking to identify injury levels. We calculated economic injury levels using the cost of downgraded fruit and average management costs (spray materials and labor). Using economic injury levels, we determined economic thresholds for pear psylla, which include predicted pest population growth, natural enemy predation, and anticipated delays between when pest populations are measured and when managers apply interventions. Economic thresholds generated by this study were 0.1-0.3 second-generation nymphs per leaf and 0.2-0.8 third-generation nymphs per leaf depending on predicted price and yield for insecticide applications at 1,300 pear psylla degree days in the second generation and 2,600 pear psylla degree days in the third generation. Natural enemy inaction thresholds identified by this study were 6 Deraeocoris brevis or 3 Campylomma verbasci immatures per 30 trays or 2 earwigs per trap for third-generation optional insecticide applications.

The Joint Awareness Score: A Shortened, Simplified, Improved Alternative to the Forgotten Joint Score.

Background: The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a 12-question patient-reported outcomes measure created to measure a patient's awareness of their artificial joint. The FJS has attained wide usage, though it is not without weaknesses. Our patients report that the semantics of the English translation are flawed and that the 5 answer options for each question are poorly differentiated. Additionally, the FJS will result in no score if 3 or more questions are unanswered. This prompted the development of an alternative patient-reported outcomes measure, the Joint Awareness Score (JAS), that builds upon the core concept of joint awareness underlying the FJS, but that is easier to understand and shorter to complete. We completed an exploratory, pilot study to evaluate this outcomes instrument. Our hypothesis is that the JAS will correlate strongly with the FJS and could be used as a substitute. Methods: Knee arthroplasty patients in a prospective registry were administered the FJS and the JAS. Internal consistency and correlation were calculated with Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: This study included 174 patients. Cronbach's alpha for FJS was 0.97 for 6 months and 0.97 for 12 months, whereas JAS was 0.89 at 6 months and 0.85 at 12 months. Pearson correlation comparing FJS and JAS at 6 months was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 0.92) and 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.78, 0.92) at 12 months. Conclusions: The Joint Awareness Score is a new patient-reported outcomes measure that is a substitute for the FJS, with half the number of questions, improved semantics, and simplified answers.

Peripheral Nerve Blockade for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients: The Addition of a Proximal Single-Injection Sciatic Nerve Block Provides Improved Analgesia.

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that the addition of a single-injection proximal sciatic nerve block to an adductor canal block would significantly reduce pain scores and opioid requirements compared to a group of patients that received only an adductor canal or femoral nerve block for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in pediatric patients. The primary end-point is the number of patients achieving a Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) (pain score less than four) for the entire 24-hour postoperative period in patients with and without a proximal sciatic block. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 144 consecutive pediatric patients, ages 10 to 18 years, undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with peripheral nerve blockade for postoperative analgesia from 2016-2020 at a pediatric orthopedics children's hospital. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts with and without a proximal sciatic nerve block: group A/F: adductor canal or femoral CPNB and group AS: adductor canal CPNB and a proximal single-injection sciatic nerve block. Results: There was strong evidence for an increase in the number of patients who reported a pain score less than four for the entire 24-hour postoperative period in the group that received the additional proximal sciatic block. (PASS: A/F 13/62 (21%) vs AS 43/82 (52%), p<0.001) There was strong evidence for a reduction in mean and maximum pain scores and opioid requirements in the first 24-hours after surgery in the proximal sciatic group. Conclusion: The addition of a proximal sciatic nerve block was associated with significantly reduced mean and maximum pain scores and opioid requirements after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in pediatric patients and supports a randomized clinical trial to confirm these findings. Based on the results of this study we recommend the addition of a proximal sciatic nerve block, anterior or posterior, to an adductor canal block to provide improved analgesia and reduced opioid requirements in the 24-hours after MPFLR in pediatric patients.

Loss of Rbl2 (Retinoblastoma-Like 2) Exacerbates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Background The postmitotic state of adult cardiomyocytes, maintained by the cell cycle repressor Rbl2 (retinoblastoma-like 2), is associated with considerable resistance to apoptosis. However, whether Rbl2 regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains unknown. Methods and Results Here, we show that ablation of Rbl2 increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis following acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, leading to diminished cardiac function and exaggerated ventricular remodeling in the long term. Mechanistically, ischemia/reperfusion induced expression of the proapoptotic protein BCL2 interacting protein 3 (Bnip3), which was augmented by deletion of Rbl2. Because the Bnip3 promoter contains an adenoviral early region 2 binding factor (E2F)-binding site, we further showed that loss of Rbl2 upregulated the transcriptional activator E2F1 but downregulated the transcriptional repressor E2F4. In cultured cardiomyocytes, treatment with H2O2 markedly increased the levels of E2F1 and Bnip3, resulting in mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis. Depletion of Rbl2 significantly augmented H2O2-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in vitro. Conclusions Rbl2 deficiency enhanced E2F1-mediated Bnip3 expression, resulting in aggravated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our results uncover a novel antiapoptotic role for Rbl2 in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that the cell cycle machinery may directly regulate apoptosis in postmitotic cardiomyocytes. These findings may be exploited to develop new strategies to limit ischemia/reperfusion injury in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

Effect of season and geographic location in the United States on detection of potential enteric pathogens or toxin genes in horses ≥6-mo-old.

We investigated the effects of season and geographic location on detection of nucleic acids of potential enteric pathogens (PEPs) or their toxins (PEP-Ts) in feces of horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States. Results of 3,343 equine diarrhea PCR panels submitted to Idexx Laboratories for horses >6-mo-old were reviewed. Submission months were grouped into 4 seasons, and states were grouped into 4 geographic regions. Logistic regression was performed to assess effects of season and region on detection rates of PEPs and PEP-Ts. Agresti-Coull CIs were determined. Detection rate of Salmonella enterica was higher in the South in summer compared to all other regions, and was also higher in the South in fall compared to the Midwest and Northeast. The Neorickettsia risticii detection rate was lower during summer in the West and higher in fall in the Midwest. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. was lower during spring, summer, and winter in the West. Differences were not identified for detection rates of Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis, Rhodococcus equi, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus. Overall, our data support seasonal and regional differences in detection rates of S. enterica, N. risticii, and Cryptosporidium spp. in horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States.

The type of anticoagulant used for plasma collection affects in vitro Rhodococcus equi assays.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of Rhodococcus equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is usually evaluated in vitro. Anticoagulants (AC) used for plasma collection can negatively impact bacterial replication but their effect on R. equi growth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to establish the effect that AC routinely used in veterinary medicine (ACD, K2EDTA, Li Heparin, and Na Citrate) have on in vitro R. equi growth. To assess this, in vitro assays commonly used to test HIP efficacy (direct effect on microorganism and macrophage infection), were performed using each AC and non-treated bacteria. RESULTS: There was no direct effect of ACD, Li Heparin or Na Citrate on R. equi growth. These AC significantly (p < 0.05) delayed growth for 12 h following opsonization. The number of R. equi colonies after macrophage infection was significantly (p < 0.05) lower 72 h post-opsonization with Na Citrate. K2EDTA inhibited the formation of R. equi colonies by 12 h in all the assays. In conclusion, AC should be taken into consideration when interpreting in vitro results as their negative effect on bacterial growth may be mistakenly interpreted as HIP efficacy. ACD and Li Heparin appear more appropriate for the selected assays.

Soil health indicators for Central Washington orchards.

Soil health assessment can be a critical soil testing tool that includes biological and physical indicators of soil function related to crop and environmental health. Soil health indicator minimum data sets should be regional and management goal specific. The objective of this study was to initiate the steps to develop a soil assessment tool for irrigated orchard soils in Central Washington, United States including defining objectives, gathering baseline data and selecting target indicators. This study measured twenty-one biological, physical and chemical properties of soils in irrigated Central Washington apple orchards including indicators of water availability, root health, fertility, and biological activity. Soil factors were related to fruit yield and quality. Principal components and nonlinear Bayesian modeling were used to explore the relationship between soil health indicators and yield. Soil indicators measurements in Washington state orchards varied widely but generally had lower organic matter, available water capacity, wet aggregate stability and higher percent sand than in other regions. Linear mixed effects models for available water capacity and percent sand showed significant effects on yield, and models for root health ratings and Pratylenchus nematodes had moderate effects. The minimum dataset of soil health indicators for Central Washington orchards should include measurements of water availability (available water capacity, percent sand) and of root health (bean root health rating, Pratylenchus nematodes) in addition to standard fertility indicators to meet stakeholder management goals.

The Effect of Water Flavor on Voluntary Water Intake in Hospitalized Horses.

Hospitalized horses are at risk for colic due to several factors, all of which may reduce voluntary water intake (VWI) further contributing to the development of colic during hospitalization. Our objectives were to determine if using flavored water (sweet feed, peppermint, or apple-flavored electrolyte) increases VWI of hospitalized horses and to determine if horses consumed more flavored water versus plain water. We hypothesized that (1) in hospitalized horses the availability of flavored water results in more VWI than the availability of unflavored water and that (2) average intake of flavored water is larger for flavored versus unflavored within the experimental (flavored) group. Four groups of hospitalized horses (n = 10/group) were recruited. All horses were provided two buckets of water. Control horses were provided two buckets of plain water. The other three groups were provided one bucket of plain water and one bucket of flavored water (sweet feed, peppermint, or a commercial apple-flavored electrolyte). The total and the flavor-specific water consumed was recorded during a 72-hour period. There was weak evidence to suggest that the use of flavored water increases median total water intake of hospitalized horses by a factor of 1.76 [95% CI: 0.98 to 3.11] for sweet feed (P = .05) and 1.85 [95% CI: 1.03 to 3.33] for peppermint (P = .04). The results strongly supported that horses consumed more sweet feed-flavored water (27.0 mL/kg/day [95% CI: 14.6 to 39.3] more water) compared with plain water (P = .0001).

Microbial Variability of Commercial Equine Probiotics.

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts, therefore the presence of viable microorganisms is essential. Previous studies reported inconsistencies when comparing contents of probiotics marketed for use in animals with label claims. However, to the author's knowledge the variability of the same product between different lots has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the content and inter-lot variability of commercial equine probiotic products using culture dependent and independent techniques. Eleven probiotics marketed for use in horses were evaluated for microbial content using culture-dependent and independent techniques. The content was then compared to microorganisms listed and quantities on the label of the probiotic. Statistical analyses were performed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. None of the 11 probiotics met their label claim. Nine of the 11 did not have statistically significant inter-lot variability. Several products lacked microorganisms listed on the label based on both culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses.

Effect of an In Vitro Proximal Gastrointestinal Tract on Viability of Commercially Available Equine Probiotics.

Probiotics, by definition, are live micro-organisms and should remain viable when they reach the intended site of action which is typically the cecum and/or colon. In humans, probiotics often need enteric protection to survive transit through the proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Typically, equine probiotics do not advertise enteric protection and to the author's knowledge the viability of equine probiotics after exposure to the proximal GI tract has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an in vitro simulation of the equine proximal GI tract on probiotic viability. We hypothesized that the simulated proximal GI tract would adversely effect microbial viability and that the adverse effects would be partially ameliorated by increasing the gastric pH to 4. A total of 11 products were evaluated of which six had at least one micro-organism that was adversely effected by exposure to the proximal GI tract and four of which had at least one micro-organism that was adversely affected when the gastric pH was increased to 4.0. Results from this study indicate that some micro-organisms in equine probiotics do not appear to be adversely affected by exposure to the equine proximal GI tract.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Storage at -20°C and Proximal Gastrointestinal Conditions on Viability of Equine Fecal Microbiota Transplant.

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a technique used to restore normal intestinal microbial communities, has been successful in treating humans with Clostridioides difficile colitis. Subsequently, FMT is being used in veterinary patients with suspected intestinal dysbiosis. Unfortunately, little data are available regarding best practices for FMT in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of storing manure prepared for equine FMT (MP-FMT) at -20°C for up to 4 weeks and passage through a simulated proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract on the viability of MP-FMT. The results of this study indicate that storage at -20°C for greater than 1 week and exposure to conditions consistent with the proximal GI tract significantly decreased viability of the microbial population, with gram-negative enteric bacteria most significantly impacted. This preliminary evaluation indicates that further work is necessary to determine best practices to preserve the viability MP-FMT in horses.

Detection of pathogens in blood or feces of adult horses with enteric disease and association with outcome of colitis.

BACKGROUND: Rates of detecting ≥1 potential enteric pathogens (PEP) or toxins (PEP-T) in feces, blood, or both of horses ≥6 months of age with enteric disease and impact of multiple detections on outcome of horses with colitis has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine detection rates of PEP/PEP-T in feces, blood, or both of horses with enteric disease and effect of detecting multiple agents on outcome of horses with colitis. ANIMALS: Thirty-seven hundred fifty-three fecal samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and 239 fecal and blood samples submitted to Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSUVDL). METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of PEP/PEP-T testing results was performed to determine rates of detection of 1 or more PEP/PEP-T. Impact of detecting multiple agents on outcome was assessed in 239 horses hospitalized for colitis. RESULTS: One or more PEP/PEP-T was detected in 1175/3753 (31.3%) and 145/239 (60.7%) of samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and MSUVDL, respectively. In a hospitalized cohort, survival to discharge was lower (76%) in horses with 1 agent, compared to horses with either no (88%) or multiple (89%) agents. There was no difference (P = .78) in days of hospitalization between horses with 0 (1-17), 1 (1-33), and > 1 positive (1-20) result. There was no difference in cost of hospitalization (P = .25) between horses with 0 ($2357, $1110-15 553), 1 ($2742, $788-11 005), and >1 positive ($2560, $1091-10 895) result. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Detection rates of PEP/PEP-T in horses with colitis vary with cohorts and tests performed. Detection of more than 1 PEP or PEP-T did not affect outcome.