Eight-month repellency and efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin (Seresto® ) collar against the eastern paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) on cats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the repellency and efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin (Seresto® , Elanco) collar over an 8-month period against the eastern paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) on cats. METHODS: Two non-blinded, open gender, randomised, placebo-controlled pen studies were conducted, with 26 cats enrolled in each study. Prior to inclusion, cats were immunised with I. holocyclus holocyclotoxin. Cats were treated on Day 0 with either an imidacloprid/flumethrin or placebo collar. Tick infestations with 20 unfed adult female eastern paralysis ticks commenced on Day 7, and were repeated monthly for 8 months. Repellency was determined by comparing the mean number of attached ticks on imidacloprid/flumethrin treated cats, to placebo collar treated cats at 6 and 24 h post infestation. Efficacy was determined by comparing the mean number of live ticks on imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treated cats to placebo collar treated cats at 72 h post infestation. RESULTS: Efficacy was 100% (P < 0.001) at 72 h, and repellency was greater than 96% (P < 0.001) at 24 h for every tick challenge in each of the two studies, from Day 7 to the final infestation at 8 months for imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treated cats. CONCLUSIONS: In two pen studies, an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar controlled and repelled the eastern paralysis tick (I. holocyclus) on cats for 8-months. The marked repellency effect in addition to controlling tick paralysis would be beneficial in preventing tick bites and their sequelae.

Management of Gustilo-Anderson IIIB open tibial fractures in adults-a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Open tibial fractures are the most common open long bone fracture, despite this, the management of these complex injuries still remains a topic of discussion amongst orthopaedic surgeons. SOURCES OF DATA: We searched the EMBASE, MEDLINE and Google Scholar and a systematic review of 7500 articles, leaving 23 after exclusion criteria were applied, in order to analyse the management of open tibial fractures. AREAS OF AGREEMENT AND CONTROVERSY: Infection was noted to be the most significant concern amongst authors, with definitive external fixation having a high rate of superficial pin-site infection and internal fixation having a high deep infection rate. GROWING POINTS: It is essential to have a combined ortho-plastic approach to the management of these fractures as muscle flaps were the most common form of soft tissue coverage. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: A national pragmatic trial into the management of open tibial fractures is required looking at fixation methods and soft tissue coverage, with at least a 2-year follow-up in order to ascertain the most appropriate management of these fractures and patient-related outcomes.

Investigation of Localized Skin Temperature Distribution Across the Transtibial Residual Limb.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to resolve thermal discomfort as a common complaint in amputees are usually chosen based on the residual limb skin temperature while wearing prosthesis; whereas, less attention has been paid to residual limb skin temperature while outside of the prosthesis. The objective of this study was to explore the localized and regional skin temperature over the transtibial residual limb (TRL) while outside of the prosthesis. METHODOLOGY: Eight unilateral transtibial adults with traumatic amputation were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants sat to remove their prostheses and rested for 30 minutes. Twelve sites were marked circumferentially in four columns (anterolateral, anteromedial, posteromedial, and posterolateral) and longitudinally in three rows (proximal, middle, and distal) over the residual limb and used for attachment of analog thermistors. Skin temperature was recorded and compared for 11 minutes. Furthermore, the relationship of skin temperature with participants' demographic and clinical characteristics was explored. FINDINGS: The whole temperature of the TRL was 27.73 (SD=0.83)°C. There was a significant difference in skin temperature between anterior and posterior columns. Likewise, the distal row was significantly different from the proximal and middle rows. The mean temperature at the middle and distal zones of the anteromedial column had the highest and lowest skin temperatures (29.8 and 26.3°C, p<0.05), respectively. The mean temperature of the whole TRL had no significant relationships (p>0.05) with participants' demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: An unequal distribution of temperature over the TRL was found with significantly higher and lower temperatures at its anterior column and distal row, respectively. This temperature pattern should be considered for thermoregulation strategies. Further investigation of the residual limb temperature with and without prosthesis, while considering muscles thickness and blood perfusion rate is warranted.

Inter- and intra-observer reliability of the new AO/OTA classification of proximal femur fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a global health burden, with an incidence that is projected to increase from 66,000/year currently in the United Kingdom to 100,000/year by 2033. The classification of intertrochanteric fractures is key to the treatment algorithms advising on their surgical management. The AO/OTA classification is the most commonly used system, initially published in 1990 and subsequently shown to have poor inter- and intra-observer reliability, it was revised in 2018 with the main aim of re-classifying and further defining the 31-A2 group. METHODS: 150 plain film anteroposterior and lateral plain film radiographs of intertrochanteric fractures from three hospitals were classified using the 2018 AO/OTA classification of intertrochanteric fractures by six Orthopaedic Surgeons (2 Consultants, 4 Trainees), all were blinded to the definitive surgical treatment for patients. Radiographs were re-classified after a minimum of 3-months, Cohen's Kappa for inter-observer reliability was calculated from first round classifications and intra-observer reliability from first and second classifications. RESULTS: Mean Kappa for inter-observer reliability for AO group classification (e.g. 31-A1) was 0.479 (0.220 - 0.771, for sub-group classification (e.g. 31-A1.1) reliability reduced to 0.376 (0.276 - 0.613). Intra-observer reliability was comparable for both group and sub-group classifications, 0.661 and 0.587 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The revised 2018 AO/OTA classification aimed to simply the classification of intertrochanteric fractures, however it remains unreliable with only a "moderate" inter-observer reliability at group level with this falling to "fair" when sub-group classifications are made. Identification of stable and unstable injuries using the new AO/OTA system remains fraught with difficulties and appears difficult to apply with consistent accuracy.

Incidence of milk leakage after dry-off in European dairy herds, related risk factors, and its role in new intramammary infections.

The incidence of milk leakage (ML) after dry-off (DO) and related risk factors was studied in 1,175 dairy cows from 41 commercial herds in 8 European countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Milk leakage was assessed twice for 30 s each during 3 visits at 20 to 24 h, 30 to 34 h, and 48 to 52 h after DO. Information related to dry-cow management and udder health was collected at herd and cow level, including individual somatic cell count (ISCC) from test-day controls and occurrence of clinical mastitis cases from DO until 30 d in lactation. Mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were used to identify possible risk factors for ML and to study the association between ML and new intramammary infections. Intramammary infections were defined as clinical mastitis cases during the dry period and in the first 30 d in lactation or a rise in ISCC from before to after the dry period (threshold: 200,000 cells/mL) or both. Milk leakage was observed in 24.5% of the cows between 20 and 52 h after DO, where the herd incidence varied between 0.0 and 77.8%. The reduction in number of milkings in the weeks before DO had statistically significant effect on the ML incidence. When the milking frequency was reduced from 3 times/d to 2 or maintained at twice a day, cows had 11 (95% CI = 3.43-35.46) or 9 (95% CI = 1.85-48.22) times higher odds of leaking milk, respectively, compared with cows where the milking frequency was reduced from twice to once a day. Also, the milk production 24 h before DO was associated with ML incidence. Hence, cows with a milk production between 13 and 21 L or above 21 L had 2.3 (95% CI = 1.48-3.53) and 3.1 (95% CI = 1.79-5.3) times higher odds of leaking milk, respectively, compared with cows with a milk production below 13 L. A higher ML incidence was present in the group of cows with an average ISCC in the last 3 mo before DO ≥200,000 cells/mL (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.13-2.41) compared with cows with an average ISCC <100,000 cells/mL. Quarters with ML tended to have 2.0 times higher odds of developing clinical mastitis compared with quarters not leaking milk. Cows with ML tended to have 1.5 times higher odds of intramammary infections (i.e., an increase of ISCC or clinical mastitis) compared with cows without ML.

Real time control of water distribution networks: A state-of-the-art review.

This paper presents a review of the current state of the art of real time control (RTC) of water distribution networks (WDNs). After proving the basic concept and terms of RTC and presenting sensors, regulation devices and controllers typically used in WDNs, the paper goes on by describing the most frequent control objectives, which mainly include service pressure regulation, control of tank filling and energy production in each WDN district. Various control methodologies recently proposed in the scientific literature are presented and discussed, along with experimental and numerical results achieved. Also, aspects related to the cost-effectiveness of RTC are critically analyzed. The paper ends by giving an outlook into potential future developments in the area of RTC for WDNs.

Traditional methods v. new technologies - dilemmas for dietary assessment in large-scale nutrition surveys and studies: a report following an international panel discussion at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, 3 September 2015.

The aim of the present paper is to summarise current and future applications of dietary assessment technologies in nutrition surveys in developed countries. It includes the discussion of key points and highlights of subsequent developments from a panel discussion to address strengths and weaknesses of traditional dietary assessment methods (food records, FFQ, 24 h recalls, diet history with interviewer-assisted data collection) v. new technology-based dietary assessment methods (web-based and mobile device applications). The panel discussion 'Traditional methods v. new technologies: dilemmas for dietary assessment in population surveys', was held at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, September 2015. Despite respondent and researcher burden, traditional methods have been most commonly used in nutrition surveys. However, dietary assessment technologies offer potential advantages including faster data processing and better data quality. This is a fast-moving field and there is evidence of increasing demand for the use of new technologies amongst the general public and researchers. There is a need for research and investment to support efforts being made to facilitate the inclusion of new technologies for rapid, accurate and representative data.

A comparison of the effects of a 4% modified fluid gelatin and a 6% hydroxyethyl starch on haemodilution, colloid osmotic pressure, haemostasis and renal parameters in healthy ponies.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Adverse effects on renal health and haemostasis have been documented in human patients administered hydroxyethyl starches (HESs). Gelatins may represent useful substitutes should similar adverse effects be identified in horses. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a 4% modified fluid gelatin (MFG) with a 6% (130/0.4) HES on haemodilution, colloid osmotic pressure (COP), haemostasis and renal parameters in healthy ponies. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised crossover experiment. METHODS: Three treatments (Treatment A: 10 ml/kg bwt HES; Treatment B: 10 ml/kg bwt MFG; Treatment C: 20 ml/kg bwt MFG) were administered to 6 healthy ponies with a 1 week washout period between treatments. Haematocrit, platelet count, total serum protein, COP, thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen concentration were measured at baseline and at multiple time points up to 24 h post-infusion. Serum creatinine concentration, urine specific gravity (USG), urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC), urine γ-glutamyltransferase:creatinine ratio (UGC) and urine sediment examination (USE) were performed before and at 24 h after each treatment, as well as at 1 week after the final treatment. RESULTS: All treatments resulted in significant haemodilution and increases in COP. Treatment C had a significantly greater effect on haematocrit than the other treatments. The platelet count decreased with all treatments and was significantly lower following Treatment C compared with Treatment B. No clinically relevant differences were observed in any of the TEG parameters within or between treatments. No significant differences in PT, aPTT or fibrinogen concentration were observed among treatments. Serum creatinine concentration, UPC and UGC did not change significantly between pre- and post-study measurements. USG and USE remained within normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: Modified fluid gelatin could be considered as an alternative to HES for volume expansion and oncotic support. Neither MFG nor HES were associated with clinically significant adverse effects on haemostasis or renal parameters.

Factors affecting planned return to work after trauma: A prospective descriptive qualitative and quantitative study.

The use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in trauma is limited. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate qualitative responses and factors affecting planned return to work following significant trauma, for which there is currently a poor evidence base. National ethical approval was obtained for routine prospective PROMs data collection, including EQ-5D, between Sept 2013 and March 2015 for trauma patients admitted to the Sussex Major Trauma Centre (n=92). 84 trauma patients disclosed their intended return to work at discharge. Additional open questions asked 'things done well' and 'things to be improved'. EQ-5D responses were valued using the time trade-off method. Statistical analysis between multiple variables was completed by ANOVA, and with categorical categories by Chi squared analysis. Only 18/68 of patients working at admission anticipated returning to work within 14days post-discharge. The injury severity scores (ISS) of those predicting return to work within two weeks and those predicting return to work longer than two weeks were 14.17 and 13.59, respectively. Increased physicality of work showed a trend towards poorer return to work outcomes, although non-significant in Chi-squared test in groups predicting return in less than or greater than two weeks (4.621, p=0.2017ns). No significant difference was demonstrated in the comparative incomes of patients with different estimated return to work outcomes (ANOVA r2=0.001, P=0.9590ns). EQ-5D scores were higher in those predicting return to work within two weeks when compared to greater than two weeks. Qualitative thematic content analysis of open responses was possible for 66/92 of respondents. Prominent positive themes were: care, staff, professionalism, and communication. Prominent negative themes were: food, ward response time, and communication. This pilot study highlights the importance of qualitative PROMs analysis in leading patient-driven improvements in trauma care. We provide standard deviations for ISS scores and EQ-5D scores in our general trauma cohort, for use in sample size calculations for further studies analysing factors affecting return to work after trauma.

African horse sickness: The potential for an outbreak in disease-free regions and current disease control and elimination techniques.

African horse sickness (AHS) is an arboviral disease of equids transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. The virus is endemic in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and official AHS disease-free status can be obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health on fulfilment of a number of criteria. AHS is associated with case fatality rates of up to 95%, making an outbreak among naïve horses both a welfare and economic disaster. The worldwide distributions of similar vector-borne diseases (particularly bluetongue disease of ruminants) are changing rapidly, probably due to a combination of globalisation and climate change. There is extensive evidence that the requisite conditions for an AHS epizootic currently exist in disease-free countries. In particular, although the stringent regulations enforced upon competition horses make them extremely unlikely to redistribute the virus, there are great concerns over the effects of illegal equid movement. An outbreak of AHS in a disease free region would have catastrophic effects on equine welfare and industry, particularly for international events such as the Olympic Games. While many regions have contingency plans in place to manage an outbreak of AHS, further research is urgently required if the equine industry is to avoid or effectively contain an AHS epizootic in disease-free regions. This review describes the key aspects of AHS as a global issue and discusses the evidence supporting concerns that an epizootic may occur in AHS free countries, the planned government responses, and the roles and responsibilities of equine veterinarians.

High rate of common bile duct stones and postoperative abscess following percutaneous cholecystostomy.

INTRODUCTION: The short and long-term outcomes in patients managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCY) at a single institution are described. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for patients treated between February 2000 and November 2012. Patient charts, imaging and biochemical data were reviewed. Patient demographics, presenting clinical features and treatment variables were noted. Outcome variables were length of admission, 30-day mortality, 30-day unplanned readmission, tube dislodgement, abscess formation, subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and surgery, complications after surgery and median overall survival. RESULTS: PCY was performed for 55 patients for acute cholecystitis where surgical risk was very high. The 30-day readmission rate was 20% (n=11), the 30-day mortality rate was 9% (n=5) and median survival was 59 months (95% confidence interval: 30-88 months). The median follow-up duration was 68 months. Tubes were dislodged in 15 patients (27%) and an abscess occurred after PCY in 5 patients (9%). Subsequent endoscopic common bile duct stone extraction was required in 20 patients (36%). Cholecystectomy was planned in 22 patients and an abscess occurred following the cholecystectomy in 5 (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Although a PCY is lifesaving, significant morbidity can arise during recovery. This study demonstrates a high rate of choledocholithiasis (44%), tube dislodgement (27%) and postoperative abscess (23%) compared with previous reports.

Photoacid Behaviour in a Fluorinated Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore: Ultrafast Formation of Anion and Zwitterion States.†.

The photophysics of the chromophore of the green fluorescent protein in Aequorea victoria (avGFP) are dominated by an excited state proton transfer reaction. In contrast the photophysics of the same chromophore in solution are dominated by radiationless decay, and photoacid behaviour is not observed. Here we show that modification of the pKa of the chromophore by fluorination leads to an excited state proton transfer on an extremely fast (50 fs) time scale. Such a fast rate suggests a barrierless proton transfer and the existence of a pre-formed acceptor site in the aqueous solution, which is supported by solvent and deuterium isotope effects. In addition, at lower pH, photochemical formation of the elusive zwitterion of the GFP chromophore is observed by means of an equally fast excited state proton transfer from the cation. The significance of these results for understanding and modifying the properties of fluorescent proteins are discussed.

Pre-participation cardiovascular screening: is community screening using hand-held cardiac ultrasound feasible?

We evaluated the feasibility and costs of utilising hand-held cardiac ultrasound (HHCU) as part of a community-based pre-participation cardiovascular screening programme. Ninety-seven school children were screened using a personal history, a physical examination, a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a HHCU. A consultant cardiologist independently reviewed and reported the data. Previously undiagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities were identified in nine participants (9%). An additional three participants (3%) were diagnosed with hypertension. The nine abnormalities were identified at a cost of £460 per finding, with a cost of £43 per participant screened. The marginal cost of adding a HHCU to the personal history, physical examination and ECG was £16 per participant. Pre-participation screening in the community using hand-held echocardiography is practical and inexpensive. The additional sensitivity and specificity provided by the ultrasound may enhance screening programmes, thereby reducing false positives and the need for expensive follow-up testing.

Durability of giant hiatus hernia repair in 455 patients over 20 years.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of symptomatic giant hiatus hernia (GHH) aims to improve quality of life (QoL) and reduce the risk of life threatening complications. Previous reports are predominantly those with small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. The present study sought to assess a large cohort of patients for recurrence and QoL over a longer time period. METHODS: This was a follow-up study of a prospectively collected database of 455 consecutive patients. Primary repair of GHH was evaluated by endoscopy/barium meal for recurrence and a standardised symptom questionnaire for QoL. Recurrence was assessed for size, elapsed time, oesophagitis and symptoms. RESULTS: Objective and subjective review was achieved in 91.9% and 68.6% of patients. The median age was 69 years (range: 15-93 years) and 64% were female. Laparoscopic repair was completed in 95% (mesh in 6% and Collis gastroplasty in 7%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.9%. The proportion of patients alive at five and ten years were 90% and 75% respectively. Postoperative QoL scores improved from a mean of 95 to 111 (p<0.01) and were stable over time (112 at 10 years). The overall recurrence rate was 35.6% (149/418) at 42 months; this was 11.5% (48/418) for hernias >2cm and 24.2% (101/418) for <2cm. The rate of new recurrence at 0-1 years was 13.7% (>2cm = 3.4%, <2cm = 10.3%), at 1-5 years it was 30.8% (>2cm = 9.5%, <2cm = 21.3%), at 5-10 years it was 40.1% (>2cm = 13.8%, <2cm = 26.3%) and at over 10 years it was 50.0% (>2cm = 25.0%, <2cm = 25.0%). Recurrence was associated with oesophagitis but not decreased QoL. Revision surgery was required in 4.8% of cases (14.8% with recurrence). There were no interval major GHH complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery has provided sustained QoL improvements irrespective of recurrence. Recurrence occurred progressively over ten years and may predispose to oesophagitis.

From guidelines to standards of care for open tibial fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The standards for the management of open fractures of the lower limb published by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeons (BAPRAS) and British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) were introduced to improve the treatment received by patients after open injury to the lower limb. These Standards were released after BAPRAS/BOA published Guidelines for the management of open tibial fractures. METHODS: We wished to determine the impact of these Standards upon the surgical management of open tibial fractures by comparing patients admitted to an orthoplastic centre in the 45 months concluding December 2009 (the Guidelines era) with those admitted during 2011 (the Standards era). Surgical procedures required during the first 30 days and 12 months after injury were determined. Cases were divided into 'directly admitted patients' (DAP) and 'transferred patients' (TP). Standards-era patients were divided further into those who had surgery exclusively at the orthoplastic centre (orthoplastic patients (OPP)) and those transferred after surgery (TASP). RESULTS: The number of TP trebled in frequency in the Standards era, 25% of whom were transferred before surgery. Significantly fewer surgical procedures were required for DAP and OPP groups compared with TP (and TASP) groups in both eras (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0.05). DAP and OPP groups during the Standards era underwent the fewest procedures, with the vast majority of cases treated with two or fewer procedures in the first 12 months (88% and 80%, respectively, compared with 61% in the Guidelines era). In the Guidelines era, 44% of TP cases and in the Standards era 39% of TP and 29% of TASP groups underwent two or fewer procedures. Approximately two-thirds of open tibial fractures managed in our orthoplastic centre were patients transferred after surgery. The greatest impact of the Standards was evident for those who underwent surgery exclusively in the orthoplastic centre, reflecting a more deliberate combined strategy. CONCLUSION: These findings vindicate the Standards as well as mandating reorganisation and resourcing of orthoplastic services to ensure immediate transfer and early combined surgery. By increasing the capacity to deal with time-dependent initial surgery, the surgical burden that the patient must endure, and which the service must provide, are reduced.

Protection of horses against Culicoides biting midges in different housing systems in Switzerland.

Species belonging to the Culicoides complexes (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), obsoletus and pulicaris, in Switzerland, are potential vectors of both bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). The epidemic of BTV in 2006 and 2007 in Europe has highlighted the risk of introduction and spread of vector-borne diseases in previously non-endemic areas. As a measure of prevention, as part of an integrated control programme in the event of an outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS), it is of utmost importance to prevent, or substantially reduce, contact between horses and Culicoides. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of three protection systems, net, fan, repellent, or combinations thereof, with regard to their potential to reduce contact between horses and Culicoides. Three different equine housing systems, including individual boxes (BX), group housing systems (GR), and individual boxes with permanently accessible paddock (BP) were used. The efficacy of the protection systems were evaluated by comparing the total number counts of collected female Culicoides, of non-blood-fed and blood-fed Culicoides, respectively, with UV black light traps. The study was conducted over 3 summer months during 2012 and 2013 each and focused on the efficacy and practicality of the protection systems. The repellent was tested in 2012 only and not further investigated in 2013, as it showed no significant effect in reducing Culicoides collected in the light traps. Net protection system provided the best overall protection for the total number of female Culicoides, non-blood-fed and blood-fed Culicoides in all tested housing systems. The net, with a pore size of 0.1825 mm(2), reduced the total number of Culicoides collected in the housing systems BP, GR and BX by 98%, 85% and 67%, respectively. However, in the GR housing system, no significant difference between the effectiveness of the fan and the net were determined for any of the three Culicoides categories. The results of the present study demonstrated that horse owners can substantially reduce their horses' exposure to Culicoides, by using net protection in the housing systems BX, BP and GR. In GR housing systems, protection against Culicoides using a fan is also recommended.

Efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene mesh applied to jet stalls housing horses against Culicoides biting midges in South Africa.

The efficacy of alphacypermethrin-treated high density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh applied to jet stalls against Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was determined by mechanical aspiration of midges from horses and using Onderstepoort 220 V downdraught black light traps in four blocks of a 3 × 2 randomised design under South African field conditions. The alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh applied to the stall significantly (P = 0.008) reduced the number of Culicoides midges, predominantly Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer, mechanically aspirated from horses housed in the stall. The mesh reduced the Culicoides midge attack rate in the treated stall compared to the untreated stall and a sentinel horse by 6 times and 14 times, respectively. The number of Culicoides midges and C. imicola collected in light traps from the untreated and alphacypermethrin HDPE mesh-treated stalls did not differ significantly (P = 0.82). Alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh could be used to reduce exposure of horses in jet stalls to Culicoides midges, specifically C. imicola, and the risk of midge-borne Orbivirus transmission.

Influence of disease process and duration on acute phase proteins in serum and peritoneal fluid of horses with colic.

BACKGROUND: The acute phase proteins (APP) serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, and fibrinogen are valuable blood biomarkers in equine inflammatory diseases, but knowledge of factors influencing their concentrations in blood and peritoneal fluid (PF) of horses with colic is needed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of demographics (age, sex, breed), disease process (simple obstruction, strangulating obstruction, inflammatory), disease location, disease duration, hypovolemia, and admission hospital on concentrations of APP, lactate and white blood cell counts (WBC) in horses with colic admitted to 2 referral hospitals. ANIMALS: The study included 367 horses with colic admitted at 2 referral hospitals. METHODS: Prospective multicenter observational study of clinical data, as well as blood and PF biomarkers. Associations between biomarker concentrations and clinical variables were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Increasing pre-admission duration of colic was associated with increased concentrations of APP in blood and PF. Blood concentrations of SAA and fibrinogen were associated with disease process (inflammatory, strangulations, simple obstructions) in more colic duration groups (5-12 and >24 hours) than any of the other biomarkers. No relevant associations between demographic factors, hospital, or hydration status and the measured biomarkers were found. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In horses with colic, concentrations of APP are associated mainly with disease process and duration of colic and may thus be used for assessment of disease independently of demographic or geographic factors. Serum amyloid A may be a diagnostic marker for use in colic differential diagnosis, but further evaluation is needed.