Modelling the effect of race surface and racehorse limb parameters on in silico fetlock motion and propensity for injury.

BACKGROUND: The metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) is the most commonly affected site of racehorse injury, with multiple observed pathologies consistent with extreme fetlock dorsiflexion. Race surface mechanics affect musculoskeletal structure loading and injury risk because surface forces applied to the hoof affect limb motions. Race surface mechanics are a function of controllable factors. Thus, race surface design has the potential to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injury through modulation of limb motions. However, the relationship between race surface mechanics and racehorse limb motions is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of changing race surface and racehorse limb model parameters on distal limb motions. STUDY DESIGN: Sensitivity analysis of in silico fetlock motion to changes in race surface and racehorse limb parameters using a validated, integrated racehorse and race surface computational model. METHODS: Fetlock motions were determined during gallop stance from simulations on virtual surfaces with differing average vertical stiffness, upper layer (e.g. cushion) depth and linear stiffness, horizontal friction, tendon and ligament mechanics, as well as fetlock position at heel strike. RESULTS: Upper layer depth produced the greatest change in fetlock motion, with lesser depths yielding greater fetlock dorsiflexion. Lesser fetlock changes were observed for changes in lower layer (e.g. base or pad) mechanics (nonlinear), as well as palmar ligament and tendon stiffness. Horizontal friction and fetlock position contributed less than 1° change in fetlock motion. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Simulated fetlock motions are specific to one horse's anatomy reflected in the computational model. Anatomical differences among horses may affect the magnitude of limb flexion, but will likely have similar limb motion responses to varied surface mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: Race surface parameters affected by maintenance produced greater changes in fetlock motion than other parameters studied. Simulations can provide evidence to inform race surface design and management to reduce the incidence of injury.

Dynamic properties of a dirt and a synthetic equine racetrack surface measured by a track-testing device.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Racetrack surface is a risk factor for Thoroughbred racehorse injury and death that can be engineered and managed. To investigate the relationship between surface and injury, the mechanical behaviour of dirt and synthetic track surfaces must be quantified. OBJECTIVES: To compare dynamic properties of a dirt and a synthetic surface in situ using a track-testing device designed to simulate equine hoof impact; and to determine the effects of impact velocity, impact angle and repeated impact on dynamic surface behaviour. METHODS: A track-testing device measured force and displacement during impact into a dirt and a synthetic surface at 3 impact velocities (1.91, 2.30, 2.63 m/s), 2 impact angles (0°, 20° from vertical), and 2 consecutive impacts (initial, repeat). Surfaces were measured at 3 locations/day for 3 days. The effects of surface type, impact velocity, impact angle and impact number on dynamic surface properties were assessed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Synthetic surface maximum forces, load rates and stiffnesses were 37-67% of dirt surface values. Surfaces were less stiff with lower impact velocities, angled impacts and initial impacts. The magnitude of differences between dirt and synthetic surfaces increased for repeat impacts and higher impact velocities. CONCLUSIONS: The synthetic surface was generally softer than the dirt surface. Greatly increased hardness for repeat impacts corroborates the importance of maintenance. Results at different impact velocities suggest that surface differences will persist at higher impact velocities. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: For both surfaces it is clearly important to prevent horse exposure to precompacted surfaces, particularly during high-speed training when the surface has already been trampled. These data should be useful in coordinating racetrack surface management with racehorse training to prevent injuries.

Biochemical and molecular markers in renal cell carcinoma: an update and future prospects.

Cancer is a big problem in the developed world as well as in developing countries. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of adult malignancies and 90-95% of neoplasms arising from the kidney. RCC is more common in men than in women (2:1), and it most often occurs in patients between the ages of 50-70 years. In all cancers the cancerous cells release particular kind of proteins (called tumour markers) and blood tests are used to detect the presence of these markers. These tumour markers nowadays are an area of interest for oncologists who search for a possible solution in the detection and treatment of RCC. Different kinds of biochemical and molecular markers such as ferritin, MN/CA9, apoptotic index, p53, IL-2, gamma-enolase, CD44, CD95, chromosome instability and loss of heterozygosity have been tested in RCC, but so far no marker fulfils one or the other criteria to be considered as an ideal marker for RCC. This review gives basic and updated information about the different kinds of biomarkers studied in RCC and about the role implementation of genomics and proteomics in RCC.

TLC separation of potential antifertility agents: N-aryl-N'-2(p-methoxy benzoylbenzofuranyl)thiosemicarbazones.

PIP: A series of 13 N-aryl-N'-2(p-methoxybenzoylbenzofuranyl)thiosemicarbazones, thought to be potential antifertility agents, were separated by thin layer chromatography on Silica gel G plates. The gel was made up in water, spread .2 mm thick, activated at 110 degrees C, and spotted with 1 mcl of the known compounds, or about 10 mcg. The solvent was benzene/chloroform/methanol (9:3:1). After about 65 minutes the plates were dried and stained with ferric chloride or basic lead acetate, and showed a variety of colors after heating at 50 degrees C.^ieng