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There is mounting evidence that antenatal factors could be important in children who develop atopy and asthma. Immunologic processes appear to operate in early infancy when challenged by exposure to environmental allergens. One possible mechanism is an alteration in cytokines, which are produced in the placenta throughout gestation and serve to protect the placenta by controlling local immunologic events. The investigators measured levels of several cytokines in cord blood in a prospective birth cohort of 407 children. They included interleukins 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 13; interferon-␥; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF␣). At age 6 years, 34% of the study group had been diagnosed with asthma, 21% currently had asthma, and 40% had 1 or more positive skin-prick tests. The most commonly detected cytokines were interleukins 4 (73%), 6 (69%), and 13 (46%) of cord blood samples, and interferon-␥ (37%). Higher levels of interleukins 6 and 10 were associated with perinatal stress as reflected by the need for assisted delivery and lower Apgar scores. There was, however, no relationship between cytokine levels and pregnancy complications that could correlate with chronic fetal stress. Maternal smoking during pregnancy correlated with lower cord blood levels of interleukin 4 and interferon-␥, and also with a higher risk of wheezing at age 6. Higher concentrations of interferon 4, interferon-␥, and TNF␣ were related to a lower risk of physician-diagnosed asthma and atopy at age 6 years. This study provides evidence of attenuated production of cytokines characteristic of peripheral blood T cells in infants at risk of asthma and atopy. The genetic factors determining the expression of peripheral blood T cells in atopic children could also control cytokine production by placental trophoblasts. In addition, cytokine production could be sensitive to adverse environmental exposures such as maternal smoking during pregnancy.

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6Concurrent proximal suspensory desmopathy and injury of the proximal aspect of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in forelimbs and hindlimbs 19The relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and motion symmetry in the equine hindlimb R. F. AGASS, A. M. WILSON, R. WELLER AND T. PFAU 20The effect of hindlimb studs on movement symmetry in horses during lungeing H. SHARP, T. PFAU AND S. HOPKINS 20The relationship between working equids and women in developing countries Foreword and AcknowledgementsThis supplement contains a diverse selection of abstracts addressing clinical research from many disciplines. Topics that are particularly well represented this year include endocrinology, laminitis, critical care and spinal disease. The only consistent feature is the very high standard. This year, BEVA has devoted an extra two sessions to abstracts, but despite this increased time, the selection process was difficult due to the large number of excellent submissions. Over the last 10 years or so, Clinical Research Abstracts have progressively risen in stature and it is now the go-to place for cutting-edge, clinically relevant information delivered in a concise and highly professional manner. This is where Congress attendees will find the snippets of information to take straight back to practice to effect changes in the way of case management. By publishing this supplement in EVJ, BEVA hopes to make this new and relevant research available to those who have not been able to attend the Congress in person. Perhaps, this supplement will inspire some readers to make the trip next year. This year's BEVA Congress Clinical Research Abstracts have involved a more detailed review process than in the past. Brief reports on the abstracts under consideration were obtained from two peer reviewers before being graded, and ultimately selected by a subset of the Congress Scientific Programme Guardians: Renate Weller, Tim Barnett, Tom Witte, Neil Hudson and Janny De Grauw. We hope that the authors will find the feedback from reviewers constructive. I am extremely grateful to the peer reviewers, the CRA sub-committee and to James Crabtree and Matt Smith who completed the Programme Guardian team. David Hicks, Jane Woodley, Sue Wright and Anne Catchpole also deserve thanks for their contributions during the submission, appraisal and production phases of this Special Issue of EVJ. Editor-in-Chief, EVJ and Chairman BEVA 2014 Scientific Programme Guardians Objectives: To compare the sedative and hypoalgesic effects of 4 dosages of butorphanol in xylazine-premedicated donkeys. Celia M Marr Congress Session Sponsors Study design:In vivo experiment. Methods:Six donkeys received intravenous treatments: saline and saline (S-S); xylazine (0.5 mg/kg bwt) and saline (X-S); xylazine and butorphanol 10 μg/kg bwt (X-B10); xylazine and butorphanol 20 μg/kg bwt (X-B20); xylazine and butorphanol 30 μg/kg bwt (X-B30); and xylazine and butorphanol 40 μg/kg bwt (X-B40). Sedation score (0-3), head height above ground (HHAG),...

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