Tendon injuries (tendinopathies) are common in human and equine athletes and characterized by dysregulated collagen matrix, resulting in tendon damage. We have previously demonstrated a functional role for microRNA29a (miR29a) as a post-transcriptional regulator of collagen 3 expression in murine and human tendon injury. Given the translational potential, we designed a randomized, blinded trial to evaluate the potential of a miR29a replacement therapy as a therapeutic option to treat tendinopathy in an equine model that closely mimics human disease. Tendon injury was induced in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of 17 horses. Tendon lesions were treated 1 week later with an intralesional injection of miR29a or placebo. miR29a treatment reduced collagen 3 transcript levels at week 2, with no significant changes in collagen 1. The relative lesion cross-sectional area was significantly lower in miR29a tendons compared to control tendons. Histology scores were significantly better for miR29a-treated tendons compared to control tendons. These data support the mechanism of microRNA-mediated modulation of early pathophysiologic events that facilitate tissue remodeling in the tendon after injury and provides a strong proof of principle that a locally delivered miR29a therapy improves early tendon healing.

Recovery from GA improves with multiple anaesthetic episodes in horses. Clinicians can advise clients that horses are likely to have better GA recovery on repeated GA recovery due to improved balance and coordination and reduced knuckling. Additionally, there is no change in anaesthetic morbidity with six repeated GA events over a 14-week period.

<p>Coastal Plain rivers represent sites of extraordinary ecological and biogeochemical importance for many reasons. One such reason is that large wood (LW), which serves to regulate sediment and biogeochemical processes as well as enhance geomorphic complexity, is readily transported and deposited in such systems.  However, most research on LW dynamics has taken place in low order, montane river systems and thus little is known of LW dynamics and the interactions of LW and channel morphology in higher order, coastal plain river systems. One of the challenges to understanding wood dynamics in such systems is the ability to locate and quantify subaqueous wood. This research, funded by the National Science Foundation, presents a case study of the Lumber River, an Atlantic coastal plain blackwater river located in North Carolina, USA in which we investigate wood dynamics. Specifically, we use a SONAR-based approach to mapping subaqueous wood in association with channel bedform. Using a canoe/kayak mounted SONAR unit we develop high resolution images of bed morphology and sub-aqueous wood, and report on the results of remote sensing algorithms that aim to extract wood geometry/volume, which is then assessed within the context of the bed morphology. This will help us gain a better understanding of the relationships between channel morphology and wood transport/deposition in low-gradient, high order river channels, and provide more accurate inputs to wood/carbon transport models.</p>