Investigation of high gamma-glutamyltransferase syndrome in California Thoroughbred racehorses.

Background: Increases in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity have been reported in Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and associated with maladaptation to training but the underlying etiology remains unknown.

Hypothesis/objectives: Classify the etiology of high GGT syndrome in racing TBs by assessment of pancreatic enzymes, vitamin E concentrations, and both a candidate gene and whole genome association study. We hypothesized that a genetic variant resulting in antioxidant insufficiency or pancreatic dysfunction would be responsible for high GGT syndrome in TBs.

Comparison of skeletal scintigraphy and standing F-NaF positron emission tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 33 Thoroughbred racehorses.

This retrospective, methods comparison study aimed to compare skeletal scintigraphy and F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of abnormalities in the fetlocks of Thoroughbred racehorses. Thirty-three horses (72 limbs) imaged with both scintigraphy and F-NaF PET, for investigation of lameness or poor performance related to the fetlock, were included. Seven observers, including experienced racetrack practitioners, surgery and imaging residents, and a board-certified veterinary radiologist, independently reviewed all data for evidence of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in 10 different regions of interest.

Longitudinal monitoring of fetlock lesions in Thoroughbred racehorses using standing 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography.

Objective: To assess the repeatability of equine 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) findings, and to evaluate the ability of PET to monitor the progression of areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in the fetlocks of Thoroughbred racehorses.

Animals: 25 racehorses with clinical signs related to fetlock injuries.

Procedures: This study is a prospective, longitudinal clinical study.

Impact of antithrombin III and enoxaparin dosage adjustment on prophylactic anti-Xa concentrations in trauma patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism: a randomized pilot trial.

The impact of antithrombin III activity (AT-III) on prophylactic enoxaparin anti-factor Xa concentration (anti-Xa) is unknown in high-risk trauma patients. So too is the optimal anti-Xa-adjusted enoxaparin dosage. This prospective, randomized, pilot study sought to explore the association between AT-III and anti-Xa goal attainment and to preliminarily evaluate two enoxaparin dosage adjustment strategies in patients with subprophylactic anti-Xa.

FGFR and PTEN signaling interact during lens development to regulate cell survival.

Lens epithelial cells express many receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that stimulate PI3K-AKT and RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways ultimately activate the phosphorylation of key cellular transcription factors and other proteins that control proliferation, survival, metabolism, and differentiation in virtually all cells. Among RTKs in the lens, only stimulation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) elicits a lens epithelial cell to fiber cell differentiation response in mammals.

Clinical evaluation of the locking compression plate for fetlock arthrodesis in six thoroughbred racehorses.

Objective: To report use of a locking compression plate (LCP) for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic disruption of the suspensory apparatus.

Study Design: Retrospective case study.

Animals: Racing Thoroughbreds (n=6) with a catastrophic breakdown injury of the suspensory apparatus.

A clinical evaluation of a headless, titanium, variable-pitched, tapered, compression screw for repair of nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures in thoroughbred racehorses.

Objective: To report clinical evaluation of headless compression screws for repair of metacarpal/metatarsal (MC/MT3) condylar fractures in horses.

Study Design: Retrospective case study.

Sample Population: Racing Thoroughbreds (n=16) with nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures of MC/MT 3.