Ultraviolet A radiation and COVID-19 deaths in the USA with replication studies in England and Italy.

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors impacting deaths from COVID-19 is of the highest priority. Seasonal variation in environmental meteorological conditions affects the incidence of many infectious diseases and may also affect COVID-19. Ultraviolet (UV) A (UVA) radiation induces release of cutaneous photolabile nitric oxide (NO) impacting the cardiovascular system and metabolic syndrome, both COVID-19 risk factors. NO also inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV2. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between ambient UVA radiation and COVID-19 deaths. METHODS: COVID-19 deaths at the county level, across the USA, were modelled in a zero-inflated negative-binomial model with a random effect for states adjusting for confounding by demographic, socioeconomic and long-term environmental variables. Only those areas where UVB was too low to induce significant cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis were modelled. We used satellite-derived estimates of UVA, UVB and temperature and relative humidity. Replication models were undertaken using comparable data for England and Italy. RESULTS: The mortality rate ratio (MRR) in the USA falls by 29% [95% confidence interval (CI) 40% to 15%) per 100 kJ m-2 increase in mean daily UVA. We replicated this in independent studies in Italy and England and estimate a pooled decline in MRR of 32% (95% CI 48% to 12%) per 100 kJ m-2 across the three studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that higher ambient UVA exposure is associated with lower COVID-19-specific mortality. Further research on the mechanism may indicate novel treatments. Optimized UVA exposure may have population health benefits.

Pattern of skin disease in Ethiopian HIV-infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional study in a dermatology referral hospital.

Background: More than 90% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients will develop at least one type of skin disorder during the course of the disease. The prevalence and severity of skin disease commonly seen in HIV-infected patients has decreased in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Few studies in Ethiopia have shown the magnitude of skin problems among adult patients on cART. The aim of this study is to describe the pattern of skin disease among adult patients who are on cART. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study at ALERT Hospital from April 2018 to November 2018. Patterns of clinically diagnosed skin diseases were summarized descriptively. Result: A total of 572 patients were evaluated. In total, 412 (72%) were female and the mean age of study participants was 40 (SD = 10.4). The median CD4 count at the time of diagnosis and start of cART were 178 (R 5-2000) and 168 cells/µl (R 5-1327), respectively. The mean duration of cART was 8 (SD = 3) years. 89.3% of patients were on first line and 7% on second line of cART regimen. Noninfectious inflammatory skin disorders (40.9%) were the most common concomitant diagnosis followed by infectious diseases (34.9%), infestation (7.7%), pigmentary disorders (6.3%) and cutaneous drug eruption (0.7%), respectively. Among the inflammatory skin disorders, 56.5% presented with eczema. One patient had Kaposi sarcoma. Conclusion: Noninfectious inflammatory skin disorders are the most common concomitant skin disease in HIV-infected patients, with eczema being most prevalent. Infectious skin diseases were also common presentations. In our study, AIDS-defining skin conditions were rare.

What is the evidence for interactions between filaggrin null mutations and environmental exposures in the aetiology of atopic dermatitis? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies indicate that gene-environment interactions play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence for gene-environment interactions in AD aetiology, focusing on filaggrin (FLG) loss-of-function mutations. METHODS: A systematic search from inception to September 2018 in Embase, MEDLINE and BIOSIS was performed. Search terms included all synonyms for AD and filaggrin/FLG; any genetic or epidemiological study design using any statistical methods were included. Quality assessment using criteria modified from guidance (ROBINS-I and Human Genome Epidemiology Network) for nonrandomized and genetic studies was completed, including consideration of power. Heterogeneity of study design and analyses precluded the use of meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of 1817 papers identified, 12 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria required and performed formal interaction testing. There was some evidence for FLG-environment interactions in six of the studies (P-value for interaction ≤ 0·05), including early-life cat ownership, older siblings, water hardness, phthalate exposure, higher urinary phthalate metabolite levels (which all increased AD risk additional to FLG null genotype) and prolonged breastfeeding (which decreased AD risk in the context of FLG null genotype). Major limitations of published studies were the low numbers of individuals (ranging from five to 94) with AD and FLG loss-of-function mutations and exposure to specific environmental factors, and variation in exposure definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on FLG-environment interactions in AD aetiology is limited. However, many of the studies lacked large enough sample sizes to assess these interactions fully. Further research is needed with larger sample sizes and clearly defined exposure assessment. Linked Comment: Park and Seo. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:411.

Accelerometer activity tracking in horses and the effect of pasture management on time budget.

BACKGROUND: Accelerometry is an accepted means of quantifying human physical activity. Quantitative physical activity tracking could be beneficial for studies into equine health and disease prevention, for example in relation to obesity management. OBJECTIVES: Validate accelerometer use in grazing horses, determine between-day repeatability, and assess the effects of pasture size on time budget (i.e. duration in each activity category). STUDY DESIGN: Proof of concept. METHODS: Accelerometers (ActiGraph) were positioned at the poll. Horses underwent 5 min of observed activity in three categories: standing, grazing and ambulating. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, used on ten second data epochs, calculated cut points between the activities. A 20-day study was then undertaken on 6 horses at pasture. Time in each category (per day) was deduced; a Mann Whitney U test was performed to compare standard vs. small paddock and day vs. night turn out. RESULTS: Cut-off values with the optimum sensitivity (94.7-97.7%) and specificity (94.7-96.8%) were found to be <127.6 counts for standing, 127.6-702.7 counts for grazing and >702.7 counts for ambulating. Repeatability was analysed descriptively: Median (IQR) of the between-day difference in minutes standing, grazing and ambulating were 46.9 (21.3-87.9), 77.3 (40.2-124.5) and 15.6 (6.8-40.2) respectively. Median times standing and ambulating were significantly different between standard and small paddocks: standing: 8.7 vs. 10.3 h (P<0.001); ambulating: 55.7 vs. 39.6 min (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the median time spent grazing. There were significant differences between day and night: standing: 32.95% vs. 50.97% (P = 0.001), grazing: 60.81% vs. 46.77% (P<0.001) and ambulating: 4.57% vs. 2.40% (P<0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and lack of cross-validation of cut-off points on independent, 'unseen' data. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerometry can differentiate standing, grazing and ambulating in horses. Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates modifying pasture size influences activity budgets; opening avenues into studying obesity management.

Does 'hacking' surface type affect equine forelimb foot placement, movement symmetry or hoof impact deceleration during ridden walk and trot exercise?

BACKGROUND: Both pleasure and competition horses regularly exercise on surfaces such as tarmac, gravel and turf during 'hacking'. Despite this, there is limited evidence relating to the effect of these surfaces upon foot-surface interaction. OBJECTIVES: To investigate forelimb foot placement, hoof vibration and movement symmetry in pleasure horses on three commonly encountered hacking surfaces. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative gait study in a convenience sample. METHODS: Six horses regularly partaking in hacking exercise were ridden in walk and trot on all surfaces. Horses were equipped with one hoof-mounted, accelerometer and four body-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure foot impact and movement symmetry. High-speed (400 FPS) video footage of foot-placement was acquired (dorsal, palmar, lateral views). Foot-impact and movement symmetry were analysed with a mixed effects model and Bowker symmetry tests for foot-placement analysis. RESULTS: Vibration power and frequency parameters increase as perceived surface firmness increases from grass, to gravel, to tarmac (P≤0.001). Vibration power parameters were consistently greater at trot compared with walk (P≤0.001), but the same was not true for vibration frequency (P≥0.2). Greatest movement asymmetry was recorded during grass surface trotting. No significant difference in foot-placement was detected between the three surfaces. MAIN LIMITATIONS: This was a field study using three commonly encountered hacking surfaces. Surface properties change easily with water content and temperature fluctuations so care must be taken when considering other similar surfaces, especially at different times of the year. Six leisure horses were used so the results may not be representative of horses of all types. CONCLUSIONS: Vibration parameters generally increase as perceived surface firmness increases. Increasing speed alters vibration power but not frequency. Further investigations are required to determine the role that this may play in the development of musculoskeletal disease in horses.

The epidemiological status of African swine fever in domestic swine herds in the Tavush Province region, Armenia.

KEEN The factors associated with the spread and persistence of African swine fever (ASF) in the Caucasus region remain to be fully identified. It is assumed that large naive populations of domestic free-ranging and wild pigs are critical to disease transmission and maintenance. Nonetheless, 11 years since its epidemic introduction into the region in 2007, ASF virus (ASFV) is still circulating, suggesting that an endemic cycle has been established based on contact between free-ranging domestic pigs and wild pigs, and that native Ornithodoros ticks probably serve as reservoirs for the virus. Therefore, research is required to gather information on the epidemiological status of ASF in the Caucasus region, focusing particularly on understanding modes of ASFV spread and persistence in this new virus environment. The authors established an ASFV survey targeting domestic pigs in the Tavush province of northern Armenia, an area of the country considered to be at high risk of disease incursion/occurrence. All tested samples collected for this survey were negative for ASF. The probability of observing no reactors by antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a sample of this size (n = 1,506) from a population with an estimated disease prevalence of 1% is very low (< 0.0001). Therefore, it is possible but very unlikely for ASFV to be present among domestic pigs in the Tavush province region.

Les facteurs associés à la propagation de la peste porcine africaine (PPA) dans le Caucase et à sa persistance restent en grande partie à élucider. On suppose que la présence de populations naïves de porcs domestiques en liberté et de porcs sauvages joue un rôle déterminant dans la transmission et le maintien de la maladie. Néanmoins, 11 ans après son introduction épidémique dans la région en 2007, le virus de la peste porcine africaine (VPPA) est toujours présent, ce qui laisse penser qu'un cycle s'est installé à la faveur des contacts entre les porcs domestiques en liberté et les porcs sauvages, les tiques autochtones Ornithodoros faisant probablement office de réservoir viral. Des études sont donc nécessaires pour recueillir des informations sur le statut épidémiologique de la PPA dans le Caucase et plus particulièrement pour comprendre les modalités de la propagation et de la persistance du VPPA dans ce nouvel environnement. Les auteurs rapportent les résultats d'une enquête épidémiologique sur le VPPA conduite chez les porcs domestiques de la province du Tavush, au nord de l'Arménie, zone considérée comme présentant un risque élevé d'incursion et d'émergence de la maladie. Les échantillons prélevés à cette fin ont tous donné des résultats négatifs au test de détection de la PPA. La probabilité qu'un échantillon de cette taille (n = 1 506) ne donne aucune réaction positive à l'épreuve ELISA de détection d'anticorps dans une population pour laquelle la prévalence de la maladie est estimée à 1 % est extrêmement faible (< 0,0001). On peut en conclure que la présence du VPPA parmi les porcs domestiques de la région du Tavush est possible, mais très improbable.

Aún no están perfectamente identificados los factores que intervienen en la propagación y persistencia de la peste porcina africana (PPA) en la región del Cáucaso. Se presupone que la existencia de grandes poblaciones de cerdos salvajes y cerdos domésticos en libertad que no han estado expuestas previamente al patógeno es un factor crucial en la transmisión y el mantenimiento de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, 11 años después de su penetración epidémica en la región, en 2007, el virus de la PPA aún sigue en circulación, hecho que parece apuntar al establecimiento de un ciclo endémico mediado por el contacto entre cerdos domésticos en libertad y cerdos salvajes y también a la probable función de la garrapata autóctona Ornithodoros como reservorio del virus. Por consiguiente, es necesario investigar para reunir información sobre la situación epidemiológica de la PPA en la región del Cáucaso, procurando especialmente aprehender las modalidades de propagación y persistencia del virus en este nuevo entorno. Los autores estudiaron la presencia del virus de la PPA específicamente en cerdos domésticos de la provincia de Tavush, al norte de Armenia, una zona del país considerada muy expuesta al riesgo de incursión o manifestación de la enfermedad. Todas las muestras obtenidas y analizadas para el estudio dieron resultado negativo a la PPA. La probabilidad de no detectar con ELISA ningún ejemplar con anticuerpos en una muestra de tal tamaño (n = 1 506), tomada de una población con una prevalencia de la enfermedad que según los cálculos es del 1%, resulta ínfima (<0,0001). Es por lo tanto posible, pero harto improbable, que el virus de la PPA esté presente en los cerdos domésticos de la zona de la provincia de Tavush.

Use of positive contrast radiography to identify synovial involvement in horses with traumatic limb wounds.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic value of positive contrast radiography in the work-up of suspected synovial infection in horses with limb wounds near synovial structures has yet to be systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the specificity, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive values of positive contrast radiography for identification of synovial infection in a population of horses with limb wounds. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case study comparing the performance of positive contrast radiography to the gold standard of synovial fluid cytology in horses presenting with limb wounds in the vicinity of synovial structures. METHODS: Case records of horses presenting to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Hospital between 2010 and 2015 with limb wounds that may have compromised adjacent synovial structures were analysed. Synovial fluid cytology results were used to categorise synovial structures in infected and noninfected groups. Positive contrast radiography results were compared between infected and noninfected groups and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Fifty horses with 66 synovial structures were included in the study. Positive contrast radiography had a high specificity (86.4%), but only a moderate sensitivity (59.1%) for the identification of synovial infection. In addition, a low positive predictive value (68.4%) and high negative predictive value (80.9%) were observed in this population of horses. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values may differ between different synovial structures and cases. Different conclusions may be drawn from the results in a single population. Sensitivity and specificity of positive contrast radiography may also be influenced by different techniques used by examiners and by inherent characteristics of individual cases. CONCLUSIONS: Positive contrast radiography should be used for the investigation of potential synovial infection in horses with limb wounds, particularly if no synovial fluid sample for laboratory analysis can be obtained. However, it appears that positive contrast radiography is best used in combination with other tests to ensure that a correct and timely diagnosis is made.

Intravenous dexamethasone fails to prolong psoas compartment block when assessed by objective pinprick sensory testing: a prospective, randomised, dose-dependent, placebo-controlled equivalency trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have concluded that i.v. dexamethasone can prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blockade. We hypothesized that a 4 mg dose would equally prolong the duration of psoas compartment blocks (PCBs) when compared with 8 mg, and that both doses would prolong the duration when compared with placebo. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-dependent, equivalency trial with 115 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The patients received a PCB. Subsequently, 15 patients received i.v. normal saline (placebo), 50 patients received i.v. dexamethasone 4 mg, and 50 patients received i.v. dexamethasone 8 mg. The primary outcome was the duration in hours of PCB, determined by serial pinprick assessments. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, time to first analgesic, and opioid consumption. An intention-to-treat-analysis (ITA) and per-protocol analysis (PPA) were performed. RESULTS: The ITA showed that block duration in the 4 and 8 mg groups was equivalent [mean (standard deviation), 18.5 h (8.0) vs 18.1 h (7.1)]. However, neither group differed from placebo [19.6 h (6.7), (4 mg vs placebo), P=0.97; (8 mg vs placebo), P=0.77)]. Postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption were not different between groups. Time to first analgesic was not different between the 4 and 8 mg groups, or the 4 mg and placebo groups. The 8 mg group, however, had a longer time to first analgesic (median of 533 vs 432 min, P=0.047) when compared with placebo, although the significance was not observed in the PPA (P=0.058). CONCLUSIONS: I.V. dexamethasone did not prolong PCB when duration was objectively assessed, or decrease total opioid consumption. However, dexamethasone 8 mg prolonged the time to first analgesic. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02464176.

Effect of a 4-week elastic resistance band training regimen on back kinematics in horses trotting in-hand and on the lunge.

BACKGROUND: Training and rehabilitation techniques aiming at improving core muscle strength may result in increased dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. A system of elastic resistance bands is suggested to provide proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of core abdominal and hindquarter musculature for improved dynamic stability. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of a specific resistance band system on back kinematics during trot in-hand and lungeing at beginning and end of a 4-week exercise programme. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative analysis of back movement before/after a 4-week exercise programme. METHODS: Inertial sensor data were collected from seven horses at weeks 1 and 4 of an exercise protocol with elastic resistance bands. Translational (dorsoventral, mediolateral) and rotational (roll, pitch) range of motion of six landmarks from poll to coccygeal region were quantified during trot in-hand (hard surface) and during lungeing (soft surface, both reins) with/without elastic exercise bands. A mixed model (P<0.05) evaluated the effects of exercise bands, time (week) and movement direction (straight, left, right). RESULTS: The bands reduced roll, pitch and mediolateral displacement in the thoracolumbar region (all P≤0.04). At week 4, independent of band usage, rotational movement (withers, thoracic) was reduced while dorsoventral movement (thoracic, coccygeal) increased. Increased back movement was measured in 80% of back movement parameters during lungeing. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Comparing each horse without and with bands without a control group does not distinguish whether the differences measured between weeks 1 and 4 are related to use of the bands, or only to the exercise regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the elastic resistance bands reduce mediolateral and rotational movement of the thoracolumbar region (increase dynamic stability) in trot. Further studies should investigate the underlying mechanism with reference to core abdominal and hindquarter muscle recruitment and study the long-term effects. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting Information.

Comparison of a standalone consumer grade smartphone with a specialist inertial measurement unit for quantification of movement symmetry in the trotting horse.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine inertial measurement unit (IMU) gait analysis has gained in popularity for use in horses. Similar transducers are now found in consumer grade smartphones. However, to date there are no scientific data evaluating their use for assessment of movement (a)symmetry in the horse. OBJECTIVES: To establish limits of agreement (LoA, mean difference ±2 s.d.) between a validated specialist IMU system and IMU data collected with a consumer grade smartphone for quantification of movement symmetry and range of motion (ROM) of pelvic movement in the trotting horse. STUDY DESIGN: Method comparison study based on quantitative gait data. METHODS: Twenty horses were equipped with a specialist IMU (MTw, Xsens) and a consumer grade smartphone (Apple iPhone6), both securely attached immediately in front of one another in the midline over the sacrum. Horses were trotted in-hand and lunged on both reins on a soft arena surface. Median values for movement symmetry and ROM were determined over a series of strides for each exercise condition. Data collection was repeated in 6 horses to determine the effect of mediolateral sensor positioning on outcome parameters. RESULTS: Valid data from 17 horses resulted in LoA values of -3.7 ± 9.2 mm for MinDiff (difference between left and right hind mid stance), -0.6 ± 6.0 mm for MaxDiff (difference between left and right hind propulsion) and -0.8 ± 7.4 mm for ROM across horses and exercises. LoAs were narrower for straight line exercise and the negative bias was considerably reduced when moving the smartphone to the right of the midline. CONCLUSIONS: The consumer grade smartphone provided meaningful gait data in horses: LoAs in particular for in-hand exercise and when adjusting the mediolateral positioning are similar to published asymmetry thresholds. Owing to the sensitivity to mediolateral positioning, particular care should be taken when placing an IMU over the midline of the horse.

Chitosan nanoparticles for nitric oxide delivery in human skin.

The use of nanoparticle-based transdermal delivery systems is a promising approach to efficiently carry and deliver therapeutic agents for dermal and systemic administration. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule that plays important roles in human skin such as the control of skin homeostasis, skin defense, control of dermal blood flow, and wound healing. In addition, human skin contains stores of NO derivatives that can be mobilized and release free NO upon UV irradiation with beneficial cardiovascular effects, for instance the control of blood pressure. In this work, the NO donor precursor glutathione (GSH) was encapsulated (encapsulation efficiency of 99.60%) into ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) (hydrodynamic size of 30.65 ± 11.90 nm). GSH-CS NPs have a core-shell structure, as revealed by atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in which GSH is protected in the nanoparticle core. Nitrosation of GSH by nitrous acid led to the formation of the NO donor S-nitrosogluthathione (GSNO) into CS NPs. The GSNO release from the CS NPs followed a Fickian diffusion described by the Higuchi mathematical model. Topical application of GSNO-CS NPs in intact human skin significantly increased the levels of NO and its derivatives in the epidermis, as assayed by confocal microscopy, and this effect was further enhanced by skin irradiation with UV light. Therefore, NO-releasing CS NPs are suitable materials for transdermal NO delivery to local and/or systemic therapies.

Active surveillance of African swine fever in domestic swine herds in Georgia, 2014.

Since its introduction to the Republic of Georgia in 2007, African swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread across the Caucasus region, the Russian Federation, and some Eastern European countries. It is assumed that large populations of naïve, domestic, free-ranging and wild pigs are vital to the transmission of the disease. Since its epidemic emergence in the region in 2007, ASFV has continued to circulate, which suggests that an endemic cycle has been established and is maintained by contact between free-ranging domestic pigs, wild pigs, and possibly native Ornithodoros ticks, the most likely reservoirs for the virus. In 2014, a survey was conducted across the Republic of Georgia to determine ASFV prevalence among domestic swine herds. All 1,231 samples collected for this survey tested negative for ASF. The probability of observing no reactors in a sample of this size (n = 1,231) from a population with an estimated disease prevalence of 1% is very low (<0.0001). Therefore, it is possible but very unlikely that ASFV was present among domestic swine during the span of this survey. These data suggest that, in 2014, domestic pig herds were not the source of the virus, and that the ASF endemic cycle may be supported by the circulation of ASFV among feral pigs, wild pigs, and possibly native Ornithodoros ticks.

Depuis son introduction en république de Géorgie en 2007, le virus de la peste porcine africaine s'est propagé dans toute la région du Caucase, dans la fédération de Russie et dans certains pays d'Europe orientale. On estime que la transmission de la maladie nécessite des populations naïves et nombreuses de porcs domestiques, élevés en liberté et sauvages. Depuis son émergence épizootique dans la région en 2007, le virus de la peste porcine africaine a continué de se propager, ce qui semble indiquer qu'un cycle d'endémicité s'est établi et se maintient par contact entre les porcs domestiques en liberté, les porcs sauvages, et vraisemblablement les tiques autochtone du genre Ornithodoros, le réservoir le plus probable du virus. Une enquête a été effectuée en 2014 sur tout le territoire de la république de Géorgie afin de déterminer la prévalence du virus de la peste porcine africaine au sein des troupeaux de porcs domestiques. La totalité des 1 231 échantillons prélevés à cette fin ont donné des résultats négatifs au test de détection de la peste porcine africaine. La probabilité qu'un échantillon de cette taille (n = 1 231) ne donne aucune réaction positive dans une population pour laquelle la prévalence de la maladie est estimée à 1 % est extrêmement faible (< 0,0001). Par conséquent, la présence du virus de la peste porcine africaine chez les porcs domestiques au cours de la période de l'étude est possible, mais très peu probable. Ces résultats suggèrent que le cheptel de porcs domestiques n'a pas été à l'origine du virus en 2014 et que le cycle d'endémicité de la maladie est davantage soutenu par la présence du virus chez les porcs féraux et sauvages ainsi que probablement chez les tiques autochtones du genre Ornithodoros.

Desde que en 2007 penetró en la República de Georgia, el virus de la peste porcina africana se ha extendido por toda la región del Cáucaso, la Federación de Rusia y algunos países de Europa Oriental. Se presupone que, para que haya transmisión de la enfermedad, se requieren grandes poblaciones de cerdos sin exposición previa, domésticos, criados en libertad y salvajes. Desde su aparición epidémica en la región, en 2007, el virus de la peste porcina africana ha seguido circulando, lo que lleva a pensar que se ha arraigado un ciclo endémico, mantenido por el contacto entre cerdos domésticos criados en libertad, cerdos salvajes y posiblemente garrapatas autóctonas del género Ornithodoros, que son los más probables reservorios del virus. En 2014 se llevó a cabo un estudio en toda la República de Georgia para determinar la prevalencia del virus en las piaras de cerdos domésticos. De las 1.231 muestras obtenidas al efecto, todas resultaron negativas para el virus de la peste porcina africana. La probabilidad de no encontrar ningún animal positivo en una muestra de ese tamaño (n = 1.231) de una población con una prevalencia de la enfermedad estimada en un 1% resulta extremadamente baja (<0,0001). Por lo tanto es posible, pero muy poco probable, que el virus de la peste porcina africana estuviera presente en cerdos domésticos durante el periodo cubierto por el estudio. Estos datos parecen indicar que, en 2014, las piaras de cerdos domésticos no eran la fuente del virus, y que tal vez el ciclo endémico de la peste porcina africana repose en la circulación del virus en cerdos asilvestrados y salvajes y, posiblemente, en garrapatas autóctonas del género Ornithodoros.

Changes in movement symmetry over the stages of the shoeing process in military working horses.

Military working horses perform a high proportion of work on road surfaces and are shod frequently to deal with high attrition rates. The authors investigate the influence of shoeing on movement symmetry as an indirect indicator of mechanical differences affecting force production between contralateral limbs. In this quantitative observational study, inertial sensor gait analysis was performed in 23 Irish sport type horses (4-21 years, 1.58-1.85 m) in full ceremonial work at the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. Changes in two movement symmetry measures (SI: symmetry index; MinDiff: difference between displacement minima) for head and pelvic movement were assessed at four stages of routine shoeing: 'old shoes', 'shoes removed', 'trimmed', 'reshod'. Horses were assessed applying shoes to the front limbs (N=10), to the hindlimbs (N=10) or both (N=3). Changes in head movement symmetry between conditions were small and inconsistent. Changes in pelvic movement symmetry were small and showed significant differences between shoeing stages (SI: P=0.013, MinDiff: P=0.04) with most symmetrical pelvic movement after trimming. In military working horses with high frequency shoeing small changes in movement symmetry were measured. All significant changes involved trimming, which indicates that future studies should in particular assess changes before/after trimming and investigate longer shoeing intervals.

Technical innovation changes standard radiographic protocols in veterinary medicine: is it necessary to obtain two dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique views of the equine foot when using computerised radiography systems?

Since the 1950s, veterinary practitioners have included two separate dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (DPr-PaDiO) radiographs as part of a standard series of the equine foot. One image is obtained to visualise the distal phalanx and the other to visualise the navicular bone. However, rapid development of computed radiography and digital radiography and their post-processing capabilities could mean that this practice is no longer required. The aim of this study was to determine differences in perceived image quality between DPr-PaDiO radiographs that were acquired with a computerised radiography system with exposures, centring and collimation recommended for the navicular bone versus images acquired for the distal phalanx but were subsequently manipulated post-acquisition to highlight the navicular bone. Thirty images were presented to four clinicians for quality assessment and graded using a 1-3 scale (1=textbook quality, 2=diagnostic quality, 3=non-diagnostic image). No significant difference in diagnostic quality was found between the original navicular bone images and the manipulated distal phalanx images. This finding suggests that a single DPr-PaDiO image of the distal phalanx is sufficient for an equine foot radiographic series, with appropriate post-processing and manipulation. This change in protocol will result in reduced radiographic study time and decreased patient/personnel radiation exposure.

Lungeing on hard and soft surfaces: Movement symmetry of trotting horses considered sound by their owners.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Lungeing is often part of the clinical lameness examination. The difference in movement symmetry, which is a commonly employed lameness measure, has not been quantified between surfaces. OBJECTIVES: To compare head and pelvic movement symmetry between surfaces and reins during lungeing. STUDY DESIGN: Quantitative gait analysis in 23 horses considered sound by their owners. METHODS: Twenty-three horses were assessed in-hand and on the lunge on both reins on hard and soft surfaces with inertial sensors. Seven movement symmetry parameters were quantified and used to establish 2 groups, namely symmetrical (n = 9) and forelimb-lame horses (n = 14), based on values from straight-line assessment. Movement symmetry values for left rein measurements were side corrected to allow comparison of the amount of movement symmetry between reins. A mixed model (P<0.05) was used to study effects on movement symmetry of surface (hard/soft) and rein (inside/outside with respect to movement symmetry on the straight). RESULTS: In forelimb-lame horses, surface and rein were identified as significantly affecting all head movement symmetry measures (rein, all P<0.0001; surface, all P<0.042). In the symmetrical group, no significant influence of surface or rein was identified for head movement symmetry (rein, all P>0.245; surface, all P>0.073). No significant influence of surface or rein was identified for any of the pelvic movement symmetry measures in either group. CONCLUSIONS: While more symmetrical horses showed a consistent amount of movement symmetry across surfaces/reins, horses objectively quantified as lame on the straight showed decreased movement symmetry during lungeing, in particular with the lame limb on the inside of a hard circle. The variation within group questions straight-line movement symmetry as a sole measure of lameness without quantification of movement symmetry on the lunge, ideally on hard and soft surfaces to evaluate differences between reins and surfaces. In future, thresholds for lungeing need to be determined using simultaneous visual and objective assessment.

Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Hoof conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry are routinely assessed as part of the lameness examination. However, to date, few studies have described these parameters, or the interplay between them, in the general horse population. OBJECTIVES: To assess foot conformation and foot placement in the forelimbs of a group of general purpose horses and investigate the relationships between foot placement, foot conformation and movement asymmetry. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-three horses were included in the study. Measurements were taken from photographs of each forelimb to assess foot conformation. Video footage was recorded simultaneously from perpendicular cameras at both walk and trot and used to categorise foot placement. Inertial sensor data were used to assess head movement asymmetry in trot. RESULTS: There was a high degree of variation in foot placement between and within horses, but a 'lateral heel' placement was most common in walk and a 'lateral' placement most common in trot. Foot placement was associated with dorsal and palmar hoof angles but there was no relationship between foot placement and the other conformation parameters, nor with movement asymmetry. Moderate negative correlations were found between several of the conformation parameters and movement asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship exists between foot conformation and movement asymmetry with decreasing hoof width and hoof length related to increasing amount of movement asymmetry. In the population of horses studied here--deemed to be 'well functioning' by their owners/riders--foot placement was found to be independent of movement asymmetry and, to a large extent, independent of foot conformation.

Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Infrared imaging is becoming popular as an aid to traditional diagnostic tools, its repeatability under practically relevant conditions is still discussed. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesise that time of day, ambient temperature and relative humidity affect thermography readings, and that there is no difference between values from left and right side. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated thermography in a convenience sample. METHODS: Fifteen sound horses were thermographically imaged at 3 time points in the same day (08.00, 12.00 and 16.00 h). Images were taken of the following regions: neck, carpus, distolateral thoracic limbs (cranial and tendon areas), thoracolumbar, pelvis, hock and pelvic limb tendons. Relative humidity and ambient temperature were recorded for each session. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the temperature readings during the 3 imaging sessions in all areas (Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis; all P<0.014). Ambient temperature and relative humidity correlated with thermography readings in the caudal imaging areas (P<0.008 [temperature], P<0.032 [humidity]) of the horses, with an exception of one hock reading, but not in all cranial areas (P<0.365 [temperature], P<0.992 [humidity]) (Spearman's Rho). All but 2 regions (minimum values in the carpus and thoracic tendon areas in the morning session, (P = 0.033, 0.034) did not show significant difference between left and right sides at the same time of day (all P>0.057). CONCLUSIONS: Time of day, ambient temperature and relative humidity must be considered when using infrared imaging. Variations between the left and right sides of the horse can occur and should be considered during the analysis of pathological asymmetry. Ethical animal research: Ethical approval was granted from the Royal Veterinary College Ethics and Welfare committee as part of the first and second author's final year research project. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Funding was provided by the Royal Veterinary College as part of the first and second authors' final year research project. Competing interests: None declared.

Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Training and rehabilitation techniques which improve core muscle strength are beneficial for improvement of dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. The Equiband™ system, consisting of resistance bands attached to a customised saddle pad, is suggested to provide constant proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of abdominal and hindquarter musculature. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effect of the Equiband™ system on back kinematics and movement symmetry. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal intervention study. METHODS: Quantitative analysis of back movement and gait symmetry before/after a 4-week exercise programme. Inertial sensor data was collected from 7 horses at Weeks 0 and 4 of a fixed exercise protocol. Analysis with and without the Equiband™ system was completed at trot in hand on a hard surface, and for both reins on the lunge on a soft surface. Six back kinematic and 3 movement symmetry parameters were calculated according to published methods. Movement symmetry values were side-corrected to allow comparison between reins on the lunge. A mixed model (P<0.05) evaluated the effects of the Equiband™ system over time, and trotting direction on back kinematic and movement symmetry parameters. RESULTS: The Equiband™ system significantly reduced (all P<0.02) roll, pitch and mediolateral displacement in the cranial-mid thoracic region. Across all horses, back displacement and range of motion values were significantly greater (P<0.01) on the lunge than in a straight line, movement symmetry was consistent with having corrected all horses to be left-sided. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest the Equiband™ system may aid dynamic stabilisation of the vertebral column. Ethical animal research: This study was authorised by the Ethics and Welfare Committee of the Royal Veterinary College, London (URN Approval Number 1238). Written consent was obtained from the owner/keeper of each animal. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: N.C. Stubbs and N. Rombach developed the Equiband™ system. The remaining authors have no competing interests.