[Tenascin expression in activated lymphatic cells and gastrointestinal tracts].
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Digestive System↗
Biomedical subjects
W Back
Publications and source records attributed to W Back.
Predictive value of foal kinematics for the locomotor performance of adult horses.
The gait of 24 horses was recorded on a treadmill when they were trotting at 4 m sec-1, first when they were four months old and again when they were 26 months. The data recorded at four months were used to predict the locomotion of the adult horses, and the predictions were assessed against the data recorded at 26 months. The locomotion of the foals and the adults appeared to be closely related, when the differences in segment length and joint angles due to growth were taken into account. The duration of swing, the total range of protraction and retraction, and the maximum tarsal flexion could be used to predict adult locomotion, because they correlated very well between the foals and adults. The durations of stance and stride in the foals had to be linearly and dynamically scaled to the height at the withers to become predictive for the adult values. The duration of swing, and the total range of protraction and retraction and the maximum tarsal flexion are also indicators of the quality of gait and as a result studies of foal kinematics can be used objectively to predict the locomotor performance of adult horses.
Animals↗
How the horse moves: 1. Significance of graphical representations of equine forelimb kinematics.
The kinematics of 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses were recorded at the trot (4 m/s) on a high-speed treadmill to study the coordination of joints within the equine forelimb. Joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick, and marker diagrams were used to show forelimb motion graphically. Because the kinematic data referred to the joint angles of the horse standing squarely and were time-standardised to the duration of the stride cycle, mean joint curves could be calculated for the total group. The motion of each segment in the equine forelimb during a complete stride is described and its function in intralimb coordination evaluated. It appeared that the rotation of the scapula and the cranio-caudal movement of the distal forelimb are synchronous and pendular. The carpal joint rapidly snaps into overextension at the beginning of the stance phase to enable the forelimb to work as a propulsive strut. The fetlock joint acts as an elastic spring, thereby conserving energy and, at the same time, absorbs oscillations generated by initial ground contact. Furthermore, the coordination between carpal and fetlock joints in the swing phase appears to be strongly influenced by inertia. Using the graphic tools evaluated in this paper, we were able to visualise the kinematics of the equine forelimb and relate these to specific functions of the forelimb in locomotion. This information can be used to select kinematic variables for clinical studies in which equine forelimb function has to be described and quantified.
Animals↗
How the horse moves: 2. Significance of graphical representations of equine hind limb kinematics.
Kinematic data of the equine hind limb are presented graphically and related to functional aspects of the hind limb in locomotion. The trot of 24 two-year-old Dutch Warmblood horses was recorded at 4 m/s on a high-speed treadmill using kinematic analysis equipment. Joint angle-time, angle-angle, stick and marker diagrams were used to present graphically the data following standardised procedures. As the kinematic data were expressed with reference to the joint angles of the horse standing squarely and were time-standardised to the duration of the stride cycle, mean joint curves for the total group could be calculated and therefore describe the function of the different segments of the equine hind limb. The motion of the hind limb in the sagittal plane appeared to be pendular around a rotation point in the acetabulum. During the stance phase the extension of the fetlock joint and stance flexion of the stifle, tarsal and coffin joints illustrate the shock absorption of the hind limb. In the swing phase the reciprocal apparatus, which forms the coupling mechanism between stifle and tarsal joint, also influences the fetlock joint because synchronous flexion and extension between these 3 joints were demonstrated. By graphically presenting hind limb motion we were able to illustrate the relation between kinematics and function. This graphic analysis can be used in clinical studies involving quantification of equine hind limb coordination in the sagittal plane.
Animals↗
[Recommendations for changing microbiological examination parameters in filling bottled water to comply with the mineral and drinking water regulation].
Microbiological Pollutions in Mineral, Spring and Table Waters have different potency according to health hazards or to noncompliance with good manufacturing practices. Therefore, the microbiological parameters of mineral water and table water directives should be reexamined for their suitability. Only Escherichia coli is an indicator of faecal pollution and therefore an indicator of health hazards. Enterobacteriaceae (coliform and noncoliform), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and elevated colony counts mainly suggest noncompliance with good manufacturing practices. Sulphite-reducing clostridia and faecal streptococci are worthless indicators at the moment because of inadequate analytical methods. In addition, investigations on Staphylococcus aureus are recommended at least for bottled waters which are declared to be suitable for the preparation of infant food. From this point of view, different procedures for penalty and marketing are also discussed.
Colony Count, Microbial↗
Kinematic differences between the distal portions of the forelimbs and hind limbs of horses at the trot.
In literature, it has been hypothesized that the concussion at impact in the equine forelimb is larger than that in the hind limb, and therefore, eventually more clinical lameness may develop in the distal portion of the forelimbs. As the functional anatomy of the distal forelimb and hind limb segments is similar, a study was undertaken to compare the kinematics of hoof and fetlock in the forelimbs and hind limbs. For this purpose, the trot of 24 clinically normal (sound) horses on a treadmill (4 m/s) was recorded, using modern gait analysis equipment. It appeared that vertical hoof velocity at impact and the resulting vertical hoof acceleration were higher in the forelimb than in the hind limb. In contrast, horizontal hoof velocity at impact and the resulting horizontal acceleration were higher in the hind limb. Just after impact, the fetlock was more rapidly extended in the forelimb than the hind limb. The peak maximal and minimal accelerations of that joint also were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the forelimb than in the hind limb. Results of this study indicate that, at the beginning of the stance phase, the distal portion of the forelimb is subjected to more kinematic stress than the distal portion of the hind limb. The higher angular velocity of the fetlock can be interpreted as more rapid loading of this joint, whereas the higher peak accelerations represent the higher oscillatory changes in fetlock movement. It is known from literature that repetitive impulsive joint loading and rapid oscillations in joint movement, even within physiologic limits, contribute to development of osteoarthrosis. Therefore, the differences between distal forelimb and hind limb kinematics found in this study may be related to the generally known higher incidence of chronic lameness in the forelimbs.
Animals↗
Kinematic detection of superior gait quality in young trotting warmbloods.
This study was conducted to identify objective criteria to select young horses with a good gait, which is a prerequisite for good performance in adult horses. The trot of 24 26-month-old Dutch Warmbloods, led on a loose shank, was subjectively scored by a judge and objectively assessed on a treadmill by using kinematic analysis equipment. It appeared that forelimb and hind limb stride and swing duration, scapula rotation, forelimb maximal fetlock extension, forelimb maximal retraction, hind limb maximal protraction, maximal stifle flexion, and maximal tarsal flexion significantly correlated with a generally accepted gait score in which length, suppleness, and strength are judged. Moreover, the ranking of the individual horses on the basis of gait quality according to their objectively measured kinematic variables was similar to the subjective ranking given by the judge. Thus, a complete picture was obtained of the variables in equine locomotion that determine the quality of the trot in warmbloods.
Animal Husbandry↗
The isolated perfused kidney of the pig: new model to evaluate shock wave-induced lesions.
Little is known about the mechanisms and determining factors of shock wave-induced kidney trauma. After classification of the renal lesion in a canine model, we attempted to establish an ex vivo model using the isolated kidney of the pig perfused by Tyrode's solution under physiologic conditions. After shock wave application on the Modulith SL 20, vessel lesions were evaluated by microangiography to determine the size and frequency of dye extravasation in the different areas of the organ. Variation of the focus localization caused different patterns of lesions that characterized the pathway of the shock wave. In particular, constant petechial extravasation in the cortex was observed. The generator voltage correlated with the diameter and the frequency of the lesion area. The number of shock waves primarily affected the incidence of vessel rupture in the regions adjacent to the focal zone. Light microscopy revealed dose-dependent necrosis of tubular cells up to gap-like parenchymal defects. Even after application of the minimal shock wave doses, electron microscopy demonstrated vacuolization of tubular cells in the shock wave focus. Traumatic junctions between capillaries and the tubulur system can explain clinically observed macrohematuria without renal hematomas. With this model, it was possible to evaluate localization and dose dependence of shock wave-induced kidney trauma with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Further advantages of the model were easy availability and the fact that studies on living animals were not necessary. Therefore, standardization and comparison of different lithotripters becomes possible.
Angiography↗
Histomorphologic and ultrastructural findings of shockwave-induced lesions in the isolated perfused kidney of the pig.
The aim of this investigation was the development of an easily reproducible model with which to evaluate shockwave-induced renal tissue damage using light and electron microscopy. Kidneys (n = 45) from freshly slaughtered pigs were perfused under physiologic conditions and treated with shockwaves at different doses (2-250 shockwaves; 12-20 kV) on the Modulith SL 20 lithotripter. The dose-dependent alterations in tissue structure were characterized by disintegration of tubular cells leading to circumscribed gap-like defects resulting from reticular fiber disruptions. Even after low shockwave doses, cellular and subcellular alterations could be observed. Our findings in this ex vivo model verify the development of considerable strictly localized, dose-dependent shockwave-induced damage of the renal parenchyma. On morphologic grounds, we cannot confirm a primary lesion or rupture of blood vessel walls as the cause of the shockwave lesions. The destruction of tubular cells in combination with disruption of peritubular and pericapillary reticular fiber coats results in capillarotubular leaks, which can explain even severe transitory macrohematuria after clinical shockwave lithotripsy without renal hematoma formation.
Animals↗
[DNA cytophotometry of oxyphilic thyroid tumors].
Paraffin-embedded surgical specimen from 47 Hürthle cell tumours of the thyroid gland were examined for DNA content by image cytometry to assess the diagnostic and prognostic utility of ploidy determination in oxyphilic tumors. Both adenomas (31 cases) and carcinomas (16 cases) were studied. As a control for the algorithm of DNA-interpretation, 10 randomly selected normal thyroid tissues were analysed. All control cases showed normal diploid DNA content. Among the Hürthle cell tumours, aneuploid peaks were present in 15 adenomas (48%) and in 13 carcinomas (81%). These findings demonstrate a limited value of aneuploidy as diagnostic feature for malignancy in Hürthle cell tumours of the thyroid. In view of prognosis, there is no unfavourable predictive prognostic value for abnormal DNA content in histologically benign Hürthle cell tumours. No metastases or recurrences occurred in this group during a mean follow up period of 4.4 years. Three patients with aneuploid carcinomas and local recurrences or metastases had higher levels of basic DNA indices. This suggests that aneuploidy has a prognostic value for histologically defined carcinomas.
Adenoma↗
Experimental basis of shockwave-induced renal trauma in the model of the canine kidney.
Using the new electromagnetic shockwave source of the Modulith SL 20 shockwave-induced renal trauma was evaluated by acute and chronic studies in the the canine kidney model. In a further study the electromagnetic shockwave source of the Lithostar Plus Overhead module was tested. Overall, 92 kidneys were exposed to shock waves coupled either by water bath (Modulith lab type) or by water cushion (Modulith prototype, Lithostar Overhead) under ultrasound localization. The generator voltage ranged between 11 and 21 kV, the number of impulses between 25 and 2500. After application of 1500/2500 shocks the extent of the renal lesion depended strictly on the applied generator voltage and was classified into 4 grades: Grade 0, no macroscopic trauma detectable (at 11-12 kV); grade 1, petechial medullary bleeding (at 13 kV); grade 2, cortical hematoma (at 14-16 kV); and grade 3, perirenal hematoma (17-20 kV). Whereas at low and medium energy levels the number of shocks played only a minor role, at maximal generator voltage (20 kV) even 25 impulses induced a grade 2 and 600 shocks a grade 3 lesion, emphasizing the importance of shockwave limitation in the upper energy range. In shockwave-induced renal trauma a vascular lesion was predominant and cellular necrosis was secondary. Coupling with a water cushion resulted in a 15%-20% decrease in the disintegrative and traumatic effect, which was compensated for by increasing the generator voltage by 2 kV. Long-term studies showed complete restitution following grade 1 and 2 trauma, whereas after a grade 3 lesion a small segmental and capsular fibrosis without hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus was observed. Based on the characteristic ultrasound pattern found in the first study, the threshold for induction of grade 1 lesion was investigated. With both lithotripters a wide range for induction of a grade 1 lesion (Modulith 234-411, Lithostar Plus 220-740) and also a significant overlapping with grade 0 and 2 lesions was seen at low energy settings (levels 2-4). In contrast, the range of shocks (Modulith 96-150, Lithostar Plus 90-142) and overlapping was minimal when high energy was used (levels 7-9). Finally, the disintegration-trauma coefficient combining the results obtained in a standard stone model with those of the canine kidney model was introduced.
Animals↗
Kinematic gait analysis in equine carpal lameness.
Gait analysis plays a major role in the clinical evaluation of equine lameness. It is generally accepted that the clinician expresses the grade of lameness as a subjective score. In this study lameness was objectively assessed using a standardized transient lameness model, in which lameness was induced by intra-articular injection of bacterial endotoxin into the radiocarpal joint of ponies. Lameness was scored by an experienced clinician, and locomotion was recorded simultaneously using a CODA-3 apparatus. The obtained kinematic gait parameters correlated well with the clinical lameness score and also provided possibilities to objectively study the locomotor disturbances of the lame limb in more detail at the walk and trot.
Animals↗
Quantification of the locomotion of Dutch Warmblood foals.
To get an in-depth insight into the ontogeny of the equine locomotor apparatus, the locomotion of 28 Dutch Warmblood foals was recorded at the walk, trot and canter on a treadmill using a CODA-3 apparatus. A great similarity in joint angle-time diagrams was found, although considerable differences in kinematic gait parameters of individual foals could be detected. These results contribute to an objective comparison of the locomotor performance of foals.
Animals↗
Kinematics of the standardbred trotter measured at 6, 7, 8 and 9 m/s on a treadmill, before and after 5 months of prerace training.
A kinematic study was performed on a group of 8 Standardbred stallions. Recordings were done using a modified CODA-3 optoelectronic kinematic analysis system with the horses running on a treadmill at speeds of 6, 7, 8, or 9 m/s. Linear and temporal gait characteristics, joint angle diagrams and the trajectories of the hoof in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement were studied. Two consecutive recording sessions were held at an age of 21-23 months, and a third was held 5 months later after an intensive training period. Joint angle diagrams appeared to show a similar pattern for all horses though certain individual characteristics could be identified. Only a few kinematic parameters appeared to have significantly changed after the 5-month training period (p < 0.05). The hoof trajectories showed marked and consistent differences between front and hind hooves, but the most striking feature was the very individual character of the patterns exhibited, leading to the assumption that these patterns could possibly be used as the 'fingerprint' of the horse.
Animal Husbandry↗
[Classical fowl plague and milder influenza infections in birds and mammals].
Wild waterfowl are currently considered the largest reservoir of the various haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) subtypes of influenza virus. Until now thirteen different H-types and nine different N-types have been detected in these populations. In the first instance, virus transmission from fowl to other animal species and to man is not causing disease problems. However, small changes at the molecular level of a given HN-subtype recently caused a dramatic increase in virulence for chickens. Genes fragments coding for haemagglutinin or neuraminidase can be exchanged between viruses which propagate in the same individual. This phenomenon-'genetic reassortment'-is of major epidemiological significance when it occurs in pigs. New influenza epidemics in the human population consistently originate in areas where waterfowl, pigs and human beings live close together. At the moment, the virological and serological diagnosis of influenza A infections is based ELISAs for antigen and antibody detection. Both ELISAs employ a monoclonal antibody directed against a conserved antigenic determinant of the influenza A nucleoprotein. The use of these tests can simplify the diagnosis of and screening for influenza A infections, particularly in those species which harbour several H- and N-subtypes.
Animals↗
[Cecum amputation in a blond d'Aquitaine bull].
A caecal torsion of 720 degrees was diagnosed in a one-and-a-half-year-old blonde d'Aquitaine bull. A partial amputation of the caecum had to be performed. The diagnosis and surgery of this case are described against the background of the usual dilatations and rotations of the caecum and ansa proximalis.
Animals↗
Increased detection of HPV 16 virus in invasive, but not in early cervical cancers.
Human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV 16) DNA is found in about 50% of cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and this association has raised the possibility of a causal role for HPV 16 in cervical carcinogenesis. We have tested this hypothesis by assaying a series of biopsies (n = 119) ranging from normal mucosa to infiltrating SCC with the PCR-technique for the presence of HPV 16 DNA. While HPV 16 DNA was detected in 50% of our cases with invasive SCC, the incidence of HPV 16-positive samples was about 10% in all other biopsies ranging from normal mucosa to cases of carcinoma in situ. HPV 16 therefore appears to be involved in late tumor promotion but not in early tumor development.
Base Sequence↗
[Intravascular form of angiomyolipoma of the kidney. Case report and review of the literature].
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Adult↗