Locomotor Disorders Research Articles

Increases in the completeness of disease records in dairy databases following changes in the criteria determining whether a record counts as correct

BackgroundThe four Nordic countries: Denmark (DK), Finland (FIN), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE), all have national databases in which mainly records of treated animals are maintained. Recently, the completeness of locomotor disorder records in these databases has been evaluated using farmers’ recordings as a reference level. The objective of the present study was to see how previous estimates of completeness figures are affected by the criteria determining whether a recording in the database is to be judged correct. These demands included date of diagnosis and disease classification. In contrast with the previous study, a period of time between the date of disease recording in the database and by the farmer was allowed. Further, the calculations were brought to bear on individual locomotor diagnoses instead of a common locomotor disease complex code.MethodsRandomly selected dairy herds (≥ 15 cows) were invited to participate. During two 2-month periods in 2008 the farmers recorded the diseases they observed on the farm and their recordings constituted a farmer database (FD). These recordings were compared to disease recordings in the National Databases (ND). Earlier calculations of completeness for locomotor complex cases assuming an exact match on date were compared with ±7 day and ±30 day discrepancies calculated in this study.ResultsThe farmers in DK, FIN, NO and SE recorded 426, 147, 97 and 193 locomotor disorders, respectively. When a window of ±7 days was allowed there was a relative increase in completeness figures lying in the range of 24–100%. Further increases were minor, or non-existent, when the window was expanded to ±30 days. The same trend was seen for individual diagnoses.ConclusionIn all four of the Nordic countries a common pattern can be observed: a further increase in completeness occurs when individual locomotor diagnoses recorded by the farmer are permitted to match any locomotor diagnosis recorded in the ND. Completeness increased when both time span and different diagnoses within the locomotor complex were allowed.

Effect of health disorders on the hazard of culling on the first or second lactation in Iranian dairy herds

We conducted a longitudinal retrospective study in order to assess the effect of health disorders (HDs) on culling in the 1st or 2nd lactation cows, in Iranian dairy herds. In total, 7067 first- and second-parity Holstein cows, from 32 Iranian dairy herds, which calved from March 2007 to March 2008, were followed until the next calving or culling. Parametric survival models with time-dependent covariates were used to capture the effect of HDs with different duration and recurrence episodes on the risk of culling. Mastitis, locomotor disorders, ovarian cysts, abortion, diarrhea, rumen disorders, displaced abomasum and respiratory disorders were associated with an increased risk of culling. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2.78 (2.31; 3.35), 3.4 (2.79; 4.13) and 1.62 (1.15; 2.78) for mastitis, locomotor disorders and ovarian cysts as common HDs, respectively. Parity and milk-yield were identified as confounder and effect modifier, respectively. The risk of culling in the presence of uterine infection or traumatic reticulo-peritonitis increased with decreasing milk yield.

82. Mice injected with Escherichia coli as neonates have hyperactive behavior and an increased microglial inflammatory profile

Newborns surviving an early-life insult may have greater vulnerability to neuro-developmental complications including autism. We hypothesize that early-life infection (ELI) causes alterations in microglia and that a secondary immune challenge causes over-activation of these cells leading to prolonged cytokine production and behavioral complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which a neonatal Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) infection in neonatal BALB/c mice causes locomotor and anxiety disorders and increases the inflammatory reactivity of microglia. To accomplish this goal, three day old mice were injected subcutaneously with either saline or E. coli . Brain inflammation was confirmed 24 h after injection by RT-PCR. One and two months after neonatal injection, mice were tested in an open field behavior test. ELI mice traveled a greater distance and spent more time moving than their PBS-injected counterparts. To determine the level of inflammatory reactivity in microglia, adult mice were peripherally injected with saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to provide a secondary immune challenge. Microglia were isolated 4 or 24 h after challenge, and mRNA analysis revealed that microglia from adult ELI mice had an amplified inflammatory profile following challenge compared to controls. Furthermore, there was increased Iba-1 immunoreactivity in the amygdala and hippocampal regions of ELI mice 48 h following LPS. In conclusion, early-life infection led to hyperactive behavior and elevated microglial reactivity following a secondary immune challenge.

Necropsy as a means to gain additional information about causes of dairy cow deaths

High mortality among dairy cows constitutes a problem both financially and in relation to animal welfare. Knowledge about causes of death is a fundamental step toward reducing cow mortality. Several studies have evaluated causes of dairy cow deaths. However, the vast majority of studies describing causes of death are based on questionnaires with farmers or veterinarians. It is uncertain to what degree such information is sufficient and reflects the true cause of death or euthanasia. In this study, proximate causes of death were evaluated based on a thorough necropsy of a random sample of 79 Danish dairy cows at an incineration plant. The necropsy was combined with information about the farmer’s perception regarding the cause of death and information about disease treatments from the Danish Cattle Database. Pneumonia and locomotor disorders were found to be the most predominant proximate causes of death. Often the death occurred after a prolonged period during which the cow suffered several different disorders, even though this was often not noticed by the farmer. Causes of death stated by the farmers agreed with the necropsy results in 50 to 64% of cases. Information about disease treatments from the Danish Cattle Database agreed with the necropsy results in 34 to 39% of cases. All 3 sources of information about cause of death agreed in only 1 out of 4 cases, and even when the farmer and the disease recordings did agree with the necropsy results, the latter often gave additional information about the cause of death. In many situations, therefore, a necropsy may be a valuable tool when trying to control excessive cow mortality in a herd.

97 Method of psychological and reflex treatment of locomotive disorders (stroke, humeroscapular periarthritis, hip arthrosis)

Hypertrophic burn scars remain a significant burden for patients and a challenge for clinicians.Assessement of the efficacy of combined Pulsed Dye Laser and Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser therapy on hyperthophic scars and correlation with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen.Twenty five pediatric subjects were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of age-matched subjects admitted for surgical repair of inguinal hernia. For the assessment of the results of laser treatment we used the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and Patient-Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). We also correlated clinical results with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen.All subjects reported the laser treatment resulted in improvement and were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. No adverse events were reported. The levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen in our patients with scars before laser threatment were higher in comparison to controls. We also found statistically significant decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scarsOur study clearly shows that combined CO2-AFL treatment for burn scars improve texture, colour, function and alleviate pruritus. We believe that decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars, reflects reduced dynamic of scar.

Validation of Nordic dairy cattle disease recording databases—Completeness for locomotor disorders

The Nordic countries Denmark (DK), Finland (FIN), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) all have unique national databases holding the disease records of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to estimate and compare completeness for locomotor disorders in the four Nordic national databases. Completeness figures for farmer-recorded disease events were calculated on two different levels: the first refers to disease events that were observed on the farm regardless of whether a veterinarian had been involved (FARMER); the second refers to farmer records of cases attended by a veterinarian, i.e. to veterinarian-treated disease events (VET). A sample of herds with 15 or more cows was obtained from a simple random sample of dairy farms in FIN, NO and SE, and from a systematic random sample in DK. There were 105, 167, 179 and 129 participating farmers in DK, FIN, NO and SE, respectively, and during two 2-month periods in 2008 these farmers recorded the disease events they observed on the farm. Data from the four national databases were extracted in May 2009. The two data sources, farmer recordings and national databases, were managed in a comparable way in all four countries, and common diagnostic codes were created and added to match recordings appearing in both datasets. In all 555 farmers completed data records in the first data-recording period, and 515 farmers did so in the second period. In DK, FIN, NO and SE, 55%, 77%, 82% and 75%, participating farmers completed the recordings during the first recording period, respectively; the corresponding figures for the second recording period were 71%, 82%, 83% and 91%.To calculate completeness, disease cases recorded in the national databases were compared with the farmer recordings using an exact match for the locomotor complex defined as same country, herd identification number (id), cow id, and event date at the levels of FARMER and VET. Completeness at FARMER level were 0.22, 0.21, 0.23 and 0.12 in DK, FIN, NO and SE, respectively. At VET level they were 0.37, 0.27, 0.34 and 0.17. To compare differences in completeness between countries exact 95% confidence intervals were calculated. There were significant differences in completeness between DK and SE at both FARMER and VET level. The completeness indicate that the ability to estimate true disease occurrences in the four national databases varies and is in general poor. Completeness should be taken into account when disease occurrences in different countries are compared.

Interleukin-6 as a therapeutic target in locomotor disorders

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates immune response, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Although IL-6 plays several important physiological roles, deregulated overproduction of IL-6 causes various clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. In the locomotor disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), IL-6 overproduction has been shown to be involved in inflammatory manifestations as well as joint destruction. Thus the blocking IL-6 signaling may be a therapeutic approach in those diseases. Various therapeutic antibodies targeting IL-6 have been developed, and tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, precedes the others in clinical use. TCZ, even in monotherapy, has been demonstrated to induce DAS28 remission frequently in patients with RA and suppress the radiographic progression of joint damage. TCZ more significantly reduced radiological progression in patients with risk factors for rapid progression (i.e. high urinary C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide, high urinary pyridinoline/deoxypyridinoline ratio, low body mass index, and presence of joint space narrowing at baseline) than those without the risk factors. Furthermore, early decreases in serum type IIA procollagen amino terminal propeptide, CRP, and/or matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) within 12 weeks can predict for the preventive effects of TCZ on one year progression of joint destruction in RA. Although long-term treatment with TCZ is well tolerated, it goes without saying that it is beneficial not only for the patients but also for medical economy. To test the possibility of drug free remission introduced by TCZ, Drug free REmission after cessation of Actemra Monotherapy (DREAM) study was conducted. A total of 187 patients, who had received TCZ in the previous clinical trials (the mean treatment duration was 4.3 years), were enrolled, and discontinued TCZ. Remission, defined as DAS28 less than 2.6, was maintained in 10% of the patients without any drug over 52 weeks. Furthermore, low serum IL-6 (<35 pg/mL) and normalization of MMP-3 levels at cessation of TCZ were identified as independent predictive markers for the longer duration of drug free remission. In addition, retreatment with TCZ in the patients, who responded to initial TCZ monotherapy, and experienced loss of efficacy after cessation of TCZ, was well tolerated and showed excellent efficacy equivalent to that observed at the initial treatment with TCZ. In the near future, tailor made therapy for individual patients will be developed on the basis of genome wide association study results, gene expression profile in peripheral blood cells and/or various biomarkers.

Akupunktur in der Orthopädie

Large randomized controlled trials have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture in comparison to various control treatments for low back pain, osteoarthrosis, shoulder pain, tension type headache, and migraine. For most of these diseases the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture has been proven. A few smaller controlled trials exist for tennis elbow and osteoarthrosis of the hip. The use of acupuncture for other locomotive disorders is based on textbook literature and expert opinion. Current data show that acupuncture is a relatively safe method. Internationally several guidelines for chronic low back pain have integrated acupuncture. In Germany acupuncture has been reimbursed by the state insurance system for chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis since 2007 and the estimated costs are between EUR300-700 million annually. Acupuncture is offered by at least 12,000 medical doctors and acupuncture is mostly used for locomotive disorders.

Understanding ageing effects using complexity analysis of foot–ground clearance during walking

Ageing influences gait patterns which in turn can affect the balance control of human locomotion. Entropy-based regularity and complexity measures have been highly effective in analysing a broad range of physiological signals. Minimum toe clearance (MTC) is an event during the swing phase of the gait cycle and is highly sensitive to the spatial balance control properties of the locomotor system. The aim of this research was to investigate the regularity and complexity of the MTC time series due to healthy ageing and locomotors' disorders. MTC data from 30 healthy young (HY), 27 healthy elderly (HE) and 10 falls risk (FR) elderly subjects with balance problems were analysed. Continuous MTC data were collected and using the first 500 data points, MTC mean, standard deviation (SD) and entropy-based complexity analysis were performed using sample entropy (SampEn) for different window lengths (m) and filtering levels (r). The MTC SampEn values were lower in the FR group compared to the HY and HE groups for all m and r. The HY group had a greater mean SampEn value than both HE and FR reflecting higher complexity in their MTC series. The mean SampEn values of HY and FR groups were found significantly different for m = 2, 4, 5 and r = (0.1–0.9) × SD, (0.3–0.9) × SD and (0.3–0.9) × SD, respectively. They were also significant difference between HE and FR groups for m = 4–5 and r = (0.3–0.7) × SD, but no significant differences were seen between HY and HE groups for any m and r. A significant correlation of SampEn with SD of MTC was revealed for the HY and HE groups only, suggesting that locomotor disorders could significantly change the regularity or the complexity of the MTC series while healthy ageing does not. These results can be usefully applied to the early diagnosis of common gait pathologies.

Importância do desenvolvimento ósseo na avicultura

O crescimento de um animal depende particularmente do desenvolvimento muscular. Entretanto, para que este desenvolvimento ocorra é necessária à existência do suporte ósseo. Normalmente há um perfeito sincronismo de crescimento de cada sistema, priorizando-se o maior desenvolvimento de um ou outro tecido em um determinado momento (tempo, idade). Entretanto, para as linhagens modernas de frangos de corte, e principalmente nos machos, a taxa de crescimento do tecido muscular é extremamente elevada, iniciando-se em uma fase muito precoce pós-eclosão sobre um suporte esquelético muito imaturo, tendo como conseqüência o aparecimento de desordens locomotoras. A presente revisão teve como objetivo apresentar uma visão geral do tecido ósseo e suas propriedades, bem como os metabolismos a esse relacionado, destacando a importância para avicultura industrial.

Detection and characterization of a new astrovirus in chicken and turkeys with enteric and locomotion disorders

In the present paper, we report the unexpected discovery of a new virus in samples from chicken and turkey flocks with clinical disorders such as tenosynovitis, enteric problems, or runting and/or stunting-like conditions. Since 1987, several virus isolation attempts on samples from these flocks resulted in the same macroscopic characteristic lesions in embryonated specific pathogen free eggs, being mortality with bright-red discolouration of legs and wing-tips, a swollen dark-red liver and oedema. Initial work suggested the presence of an agent with characteristics of a non-enveloped RNA virus. Further work, which is described in this paper, showed that the isolated strains formed a new group of avian nephritis viruses, which is genetically and antigenically distinct from known avian astroviruses. Inoculation of a representative strain (isolate 19) of this new group of avian nephritis viruses, provisionally named avian nephritis virus-3, in specific pathogen free layer chicks resulted in diarrhoea, runting and stunting, and even mortality.

Quality of life among the elderly with locomotor disabilities in Sweden and Poland in the 1990s

To estimate the proportion of locomotor disabilities in two elderly populations in Sweden and Poland, respectively. To estimate the perceived quality of life (QoL) in the disabled groups in samples from each country using a model developed by Carol Estwing Ferrans. The study comprised three parts: an epidemiological screening test for identification of individuals with a locomotor disability, an analysis of background data of importance and home visits with evaluations of quality of life and functional capacity. Home visits were made using the Quality of Life Index, (QLI) of Ferrans and Powers and a functional scale, the Standardized Practical Equipment (SPE). Data were collected for the period 1991-1996. In the population part of the study, with 1,380 respondents (78%) comprising elderly Swedish persons, 288 reported a locomotor disability. This can be compared with 425 among 1,045 respondents (52%) in a Polish elderly group. The tests at the home visits (Sweden, n=89; Poland, n=84) showed that both men and women in the Swedish group reported significantly higher scores for the total QLI (max. 30.00) with men reporting 26.68 points compared to 19.73 and women reporting 21.39 points compared to 19.40 and for three of the four subscales. Also, the Polish group scored lower for balance and mobility (SPE). The study provides an important view of the life situation measured with the QLI tool and the SPE for elderly persons with locomotor disorders in Sweden and Poland during the mid-1990s. The results are congruent with epidemiological reports on the poor health situation in Poland, particularly during that time. A new investigation among the elderly with locomotor disorders in the two countries today might provide different results.

Prevalence and risk factors of claw lesions and lameness in pregnant sows in two types of group housing

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

Clinical evaluation of meloxicam versus ketoprofen in cats suffering from painful acute locomotor disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and palatability of meloxicam 0.5mg/ml oral suspension, compared to ketoprofen tablets in cats suffering from painful acute locomotor disorders. This single blinded, positively-controlled, randomised, multicentre trial involved 121 client owned cats. Cats received either meloxicam (0.5mg/ml oral suspension) at 0.1mg/kg on day 1 followed by 0.05mg/kg q 24h on days 2-5, or ketoprofen 5mg tablets at 1.0mg/kg q 24h for 5 days. The efficacy of the two treatments was assessed subjectively by clinicians on day 6 using a clinical sum score (CSS). Palatability and accuracy of dosing were also assessed. The baseline CSS was not significantly different between the groups, and after 5 days of treatment the CSS had decreased to a similar extent, reflecting a reduction in pain. There were no significant differences between the CSS of each group at day 6. Both treatments were well tolerated. Meloxicam was significantly more palatable than ketoprofen, and allowed for more accurate dosing. Meloxicam and ketoprofen are a safe and efficacious treatment for acute locomotor disorders in cats. Meloxicam (Metacam) may be associated with superior compliance in clinical practice due to the higher palatability, which results in better ease of administration.

The Effects of Warm-Water Bath on Muscle Atrophy that is Cause of Locomotor Disorders

The Effects of Warm-Water Bath on Muscle Atrophy that is Cause of Locomotor Disorders

Valid and Reliable Instruments for the Clinical Assessment of the Effect of an Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Balance

Balance, a complex integration of the somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems, has a substantial impact on functional ability in persons with locomotor disorders or sports-related injury. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), by virtue of their observable impacts on the somatosensory system, are likely to influence balance. To investigate the effect of AFOs on balance, valid, reliable, and clinically justifiable balance measures need to be identified and used. The purpose of this article is to review the psychometric properties of those outcome measures with established clinical utility in the assessment of balance and to identify the potential balance measures for use in orthotic management, both clinically and in future research. This review includes the testing procedures and psychometric data for the following outcome measures: Berg Balance Scale, Pediatric Balance Scale, Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Single-Leg Stance Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Balance Error Scoring System. Assessments are discussed related to the target subjects: adult with locomotor disorder, pediatric with locomotor disorder, or athlete. All measures in this review were found to have at least acceptable psychometric properties. Of all the measures reviewed within the locomotor dysfunction category, the Timed Up and Go Test seems to have the most sound psychometric properties as a measure of dynamic balance and seems to be the most sensitive balance measure used thus far in research investigating the effects of AFOs on balance. Of the recommended measures of balance for the athletes, both the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Balance Error Scoring System have similar psychometric pros and cons and limited use in orthotics research. Utilization of more than one measure is suggested, so that assessment can be made of more than one health-related domain.

Adapted physical education in the Hungarian educational system: a conceptual framework

Declining health status of youth assumes considerable proportions. The continuously growing number of children with bad body positions, overweight and obesity, diabetes and asthma has been subject to several national or international publications. The number of state surveys, assessments of the situation and action plans has been arising, but real action has been keeping us waiting. Hungary, as a unique country among the neighboring countries, has realized the school-integrated rehabilitation of children suffering from internal and locomotor disorders. Schools in Hungary the Adapted Physical Education (APE), as a part of Physical Education (PE) have been helping disabled children finding their way back to their healthy fellows. In this case study we would like to present the interpretation of the definition, the goals and tasks of APE how and in what way they differ from the European approach and also introduce the definitions are used in Hungarian educational terminology (Physiotherapy, PE, Light Physical Education - as LPE and APE). We consider it to be important to show those substantial points which fundamentally differentiate Physiotherapy, APE and LPE. With setting the goals and tasks we would like to make it clear, that APE is an integral part of PE as a school subject in Hungary. That is the reason why with setting the fundamental goals and tasks, the goals and tasks of PE have to be considered as a starting-point. Compared to international publications a wider interpretation of APE in our study also provides an opportunity to establish an integral European way of thinking.

AAOP State-of-the-Science Evidence Report: The Effect of Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Balance—A Systematic Review

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are typically designed to limit the motion of the ankle joint in one or more planes. Given that balance may be compromised when joint range of motion is restricted, an understanding of the relative effects of AFOs on balance performance is clinically relevant. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate existing evidence related to the effects of AFOs on static and dynamic balance. A search of appropriate medical databases was conducted, and 37 articles were found to satisfy predetermined inclusion criteria. Articles were categorized under two main areas: those investigating the use of AFOs designed for sporting applications (sports orthoses, 18 studies) and those investigating orthoses that are intended to facilitate ambulation in subjects with locomotor disorders (ambulatory orthoses, 19 studies). Combined results suggest that sports orthoses may facilitate certain aspects of balance in subjects with ankle instability and that balance is unlikely to be compromised when able-bodied subjects wear AFOs as a prophylactic measure. No evidence exists to suggest that any one design of sports orthosis is superior to another in terms of performance on balance measures. Results of studies involving ambulatory orthoses indicated that their effects on balance were largely dependent on the design characteristics of the orthosis used. Rigid AFOs seemed to facilitate static balance tasks, although the level of confidence in this outcome was relatively low. Under dynamic conditions, rigid AFOs seemed to compromise balance for the tested populations; confidence in this outcome was rated as moderate. A high level of confidence was ascribed to the statement that leaf spring AFOs, which allow controlled motion in the sagittal plane, seemed to facilitate both static and dynamic balance in the studied cohorts.

Antipsychotic drugs prevent the motor hyperactivity induced by psychotomimetic MK-801 in zebrafish ( Danio rerio)

Glutamate N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as dizocilpine (MK-801), elicit schizophrenia-like symptoms in humans and a behavioral syndrome in rodents, characterized by hyperlocomotion and stereotyped actions, which is antagonized by antipsychotic drugs. Animal models of schizophrenia have been established and used for the development of new antipsychotic drugs. In this work we characterized the behavioral effects of MK-801 and investigated the effect of typical and atypical antipsychotic treatments on locomotor activity as well on the hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 in zebrafish. MK-801 (20 μM) increased the locomotor behavior as measured by the number of line crossings, distance traveled, and the mean speed in the tank test after 15, 30, and 60 min of exposure. All tested antipsychotics counteracted MK-801-induced hyperactivity on all parameters analyzed and at doses that, given alone, had no effect on spontaneous locomotor activity. The results suggest a similar profile between typical and atypical antipsychotics in the reversal of locomotor disorders induced by MK-801. Moreover, an anxiolytic effect was verified at 30 and 60 min of MK-801 exposure, which was not reversed by antipsychotics tested in this work. In addition, olanzapine, which alone caused an anxiolytic response, when given with MK-801 potentiated the latter's effect on anxiety. In this work we demonstrated the value of the zebrafish, a simple to use animal model, in developing some behavioral features observed in schizophrenia, which may indicate a new approach for drug screening.

Reducing use of antimicrobials — Experiences from an intervention study in organic dairy herds in Denmark

With the aim of phasing out the use of antimicrobials 23 Danish organic dairy producers from the same organic dairy company participated in Stable School farmer groups from February 2004 to March 2005 in order to go through a common learning and development process towards their common goal. Data on production and herd health were evaluated from two years before to three years after the start of the Stable Schools. For comparison, data was collected from the remaining 35 herds delivering to the same dairy company, 118 organic dairy herds delivering to other dairies and 115 conventional herds. On average, the project herds were smaller with lower production and had half the incidence rate of mastitis treatment than the organic herds from other dairies before the start of the project. The incidence rate of mastitis treatments was reduced considerably from 20 treatments per 100 cow years to 10 treatments per 100 cow years after the project period. Somatic cell count (SCC) and scores for acute and chronic intramammary infections did not change significantly during the study period, and milk production increased at the same rate as in the other herd groups. The incidence rate of mastitis treatments or the reduction of the incidence rate could be related to the herd SCC or the prevalence of blind quarters. The incidence rates of locomotive disorders and reproductive disorders were lower in the project herds compared with herds from other dairies before the project start, and the differences increased during the project period though the reduction of the incidence rates in the project herds was not statistically significant. It is concluded that the farmers participating in the Stable Schools managed to reduce the use of antimicrobials in their herds also after the project period without apparent negative effects on production and udder and herd health.