bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Experiments (DOE) for the Optimization of Titania–hydroxyapatite Functionally Graded Coatings
Authors: Cannillo Valeria , Lusvarghi Luca , Sola Antonella
Published: June 2009

Titania–hydroxyapatite functionally graded coatings were deposited on titanium alloy substrates by plasma spraying. Because it was necessary to spray together the titania and the hydroxyapatite powders to obtain the graded system, the first target of the present study was to optimize the process parameters in order to obtain a high‐quality coating. A 23 Design of Experiments was applied to define the optimal values of plasma torch power, hydrogen flux, and spraying distance. This defined set of parameters (38 kW, 5 SLPM, and 90 mm, respectively) was used to spray the most promising graded coating, which was characterized and postheat treated.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder in children: The role of nurse practitioners
Authors: Sturm Rebecca
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To review the characteristics of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) in children, differential diagnoses, screening and assessment tools, interventions, and outcomes. The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in caring for children with OCD and the need for more research are discussed.

Data sources: Review of published literature on the topic.

Conclusions: OCD is now recognized as a common psychiatric disorder that may go unrecognized during childhood, leading to interference with a child's development and daily functioning. Early identification and treatment of OCD are crucial for a child's psychosocial functioning and quality of life.

Implications for practice: NPs familiar with OCD in children can identify patients and make informed judgments about assessment, treatment, and referral.
Hypertensive management in the elderly patient at risk for falls
Authors: Sirkin Amy J. , Rosner Noel G.
Published: June 2009

Purpose:Seventy percent of people over 65 years of age have hypertension, and one third of elders fall each year. These conditions frequently coexist, and each carries a risk for substantial functional decline or mortality. This article reviews the risks of and interventions to reduce falls in the elderly patient with hypertension.

Data sources:A systematic review of the published and unpublished literature and consensus panel recommendations through January 2008 are discussed.

Conclusions:Hypertension management in the frail elder at risk for fall must include a thoughtful assessment of the relative risks and benefits of treatments that are most likely to preserve function, independence, and quality of life. Stringent adherence to guidelines may not be appropriate for all patients. The periodic use of a standardized fall risk screening tool can assist the nurse practitioner (NP) to identify patients at risk for falls and adjust medication management accordingly.

Implications for practice:This article will assist the NP to weigh management options in the context of the complex elderly patient.
The unique role of advanced practice nurses at the National Institutes of Health: Results of a 2006 survey
Authors: Wallerstedt Dawn B. , Sangare Janet , Bartlett Linda D. , Mahoney Sheila F.
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To characterize the role of advanced practice nurses (APNs), particularly nurse practitioners (NPs), in the practice setting of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a Federal biomedical research facility.

Data sources: APNs with prescriptive authority employed at the NIH were surveyed using an adaptation of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) “2004 Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey.” A total of 56 of 93 surveys were returned (63% response rate), and of these, 54 (96%) were completed by NPs.

Conclusion: In the 20 years they have been at NIH, the number of NPs has grown from less than 10 to more than 100. NIH NPs combine clinical research responsibilities with the provision of comprehensive medical management to patients enrolled on NIH protocols, blending clinical, research, educational, and administrative tasks into a unique and multifaceted role. There is a high level of satisfaction among NPs employed at the NIH, and they are considered an integral part of the research team.

Implications for practice: This survey shows the variability in practice opportunities available to NPs in a research environment and the impact they have on public health.
Chest pain with angiographic clear coronary arteries: A provider's approach to cardiac syndrome X
Authors: Larsen Wes , Mandleco Barbara
Published: June 2009

Purpose: To present information about cardiac syndrome X (CSX) including its (a) definition, (b) etiology and pathology, (c) epidemiology, (d) symptomatology, (e) diagnosis, (f) treatment, and (g) prognosis. Clinical recommendations will also be presented.

Data sources: Articles used in this review were found by searching CINAHL, Medline, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science (ISI), Academic Search Premier, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition.

Conclusions: The causes of CSX remain unknown; however, CSX is easy to diagnose and can be treated. Medication therapy and risk factor modification can greatly improve the quality of life by decreasing pain occurrence and lessening pain intensity.

Implications for practice: Too often, providers reassure patients of a healthy heart because of normal coronary arteries despite persistent chest pain and ST segment changes on the electrocardiogram. Chest pain, one of the primary signs and symptoms of CSX, can be reduced through common medications and interventions if the diagnosis of CSX is initiated.
Feasibility of a patient‐driven approach to recruiting older adults, caregivers, and clinicians for provider–patient communication research
Authors: Lingler Jennifer H. , Martire Lynn M. , Hunsaker Amanda E. , Greene Michele G. , Amanda Dew Mary , Schulz Richard
Published: June 2009

Purpose: This report describes the implementation of a novel, patient‐driven approach to recruitment for a study of interpersonal communication in a primary care setting involving persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), their family caregivers, and their primary care providers (PCPs).

Data sources: Patients and caregivers were centrally recruited from a university‐based memory clinic, followed by the recruitment of patient's individual PCPs. Recruitment tracking, naturalistic observation, and survey methods were used to evaluate recruitment success.

Conclusions: About half of the patients and caregivers (n = 54; 51%) and most of the PCPs (n = 31; 76%) who we approached agreed to an audiorecording of the patient's next PCP visit. Characteristics of patient, caregiver, and PCP participants were compared to those of nonparticipants. Patient characteristics did not differ by participation status. Caregivers who volunteered for the study were more likely to be female and married than were those who declined to participate. Compared to nonparticipants, PCPs who agreed to the study were appraised slightly more favorably by patients' caregivers on a measure of satisfaction with care on the day of the visit. The vast majority of participating PCPs (95%) reported that the study had little or no impact on the flow of routine clinical operations.

Implications for research: Findings support the feasibility of a patient‐driven approach to recruitment for studies involving multiple linked participants. Our discussion highlights possible advantages of such an approach, including the potential to empower patient participants while achieving maximum variability within the pool of clinician participants.
Nursing staff’s description of a good encounter in nursing homes
Authors: Wadensten Barbro , Engholm Rosa , Fahlström Gunilla , Hägglund Doris
Published: June 2009

Background.  It has been stated that there is too little research on what constitutes good communication and good encounters in nursing homes.

Aim and objectives.  The aim of the present study was to examine nursing staff members’ views on what is important in caring encounters with older people living in nursing homes.

Design.  A qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews with staff in a nursing home in Sweden.

Method.  Focus group interviews, analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results.  Three main themes emerged describing nursing staff members’ opinions about the content of good encounters: ‘Caring encounters from the perspective of equality’, ‘Caring encounters from the perspective of integrity’ and ‘Caring encounters from the perspective of promoting security’.

Conclusions.  The nursing staff had theoretical knowledge of what constitutes a good caring encounter, but they seemed to need more supervision and training to develop their ways of encountering older people as well as to become stronger in their professional role. When performing such training with staff, the methodology of appreciative inquiry could be a powerful tool.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important to help staff become empowered and to help them develop and improve their encounters with older care recipients.
On Hotheads and Dirty Harries
Authors: Seip Elise C. , van Dijk Wilco W. , Rotteveel Mark
Published: June 2009

Recent research has shown that individuals are prepared to incur costs to punish non‐cooperators, even in one‐shot interactions. However, why would people punish non‐cooperators with no apparent benefits for the punishers themselves? This behavior is also known as altruistic punishment. When defection is discovered, an individual evaluates this act as unfair, which could result in anger. We argue that although unfairness and anger are often intertwined, it is primarily the experience of anger and not the perception of unfairness that produces altruistic punishment. We briefly present recent data in line with the hypothesis that identifies anger as the underlying mechanism of altruistic punishment. Furthermore, additional influences regarding the occurrence of altruistic punishment, e.g., intentionality of the interaction partner, the role of satisfaction, and individual differences, are discussed.
Empathy toward Strangers Triggers Oxytocin Release and Subsequent Generosity
Authors: Barraza Jorge A. , Zak Paul J.
Published: June 2009

Empathy is related to a variety of prosocial behaviors, but the brain mechanisms producing the experience of empathy have not been fully characterized. This study investigated whether the experience of empathy raises oxytocin levels and affects subsequent generosity toward strangers. Short video clips of an emotional scene and an unemotional scene were used as stimuli. Participants rated the emotions they experienced and then played a $40 ultimatum game to gauge their generosity. We found that empathy was associated with a 47% increase in oxytocin from baseline. We also found the empathy–oxytocin response was stronger in women than in men. Higher levels of empathy were also associated with more generous monetary offers toward strangers in the ultimatum game. Our findings provide the first evidence that oxytocin is a physiologic signature for empathy and that empathy mediates generosity.
Experimental Game Theory and Behavior Genetics
Authors: Cesarini David , Dawes Christopher T. , Johannesson Magnus , Lichtenstein Paul , Wallace Björn
Published: June 2009

We summarize the findings from a research program studying the heritability of behavior in a number of widely used economic games, including trust, dictator, and ultimatum games. Results from the standard behavior genetic variance decomposition suggest that strategies and fundamental economic preference parameters are moderately heritable, with estimates ranging from 18 to 42%. In addition, we also report new evidence on so‐called “hyperfair” preferences in the ultimatum game. We discuss the implications of our findings with special reference to current efforts that seek to understand the molecular genetic architecture of complex social behaviors.
Agent‐based Computer Simulations of Language Choice Dynamics
Authors: Hadzibeganovic Tarik , Stauffer Dietrich , Schulze Christian
Published: June 2009

We use agent‐based Monte Carlo simulations to address the problem of language choice dynamics in a tripartite community that is linguistically homogeneous but politically divided. We observe the process of nonlocal pattern formation that causes populations to self‐organize into stable antagonistic groups as a result of the local dynamics of attraction and influence between individual computational agents. Our findings uncover some of the unique properties of opinion formation in social groups when the process is affected by asymmetric noise distribution, unstable intergroup boundaries, and different migratory behaviors. Although we focus on one particular study, the proposed stochastic dynamic models can be easily generalized and applied to investigate the evolution of other complex and nonlinear features of human collective behavior.
Neural Basis of Preference for Human Social Hierarchy versus Egalitarianism
Authors: Chiao Joan Y. , Mathur Vani A. , Harada Tokiko , Lipke Trixie
Published: June 2009

A fundamental way that individuals differ is in the degree to which they prefer social dominance hierarchy over egalitarianism as a guiding principle of societal structure, a phenomenon known as social dominance orientation. Here we show that preference for hierarchical rather than egalitarian social relations varies as a function of neural responses within left anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortices. Our findings provide novel evidence that preference for social dominance hierarchy is associated with neural functioning within brain regions that are associated with the ability to share and feel concern for the pain of others; this suggests a neurobiological basis for social and political attitudes. Implications of these findings for research on the social neuroscience of fairness, justice, and intergroup relations are discussed.
Lethal Altruists
Authors: Tobeña Adolf
Published: June 2009

Suicide bombers are the most spectacular example of an impregnable morality toward one's own group that co‐exists alongside a radical amorality toward members of another group. Suicide bombers carry out massacres with the utter conviction that they are acting in accordance with values associated with the greatest good. Suicidal attacks are conceived as a form of lethal altruism, a damaging drift from human cooperative tendencies and one that requires a detailed understanding. Strong altruism is a main component of a cluster of temperamental traits that may distinguish individuals with propensities to put themselves at the threshold of major progroupal sacrifices. Among all populations there will be pockets of extreme moralizing altruists willing to make high investments in others, investments involving great personal risk. A research framework is outlined to study other constitutionally based traits (dominance, boldness, aggressiveness, machiavellianism, narcissism, messianism, credulity/religiosity) that may also contribute to the different roles played by self‐recruited members in combative cells that in turn are crucial for the ties they establish and the tactics employed. Individually oriented research may reveal profiles distinguishing between potential inducers and performers of martyrdom. As a rule, machiavellistic leaders do not usually squander their personal choices on group commitments; on the contrary, their gift for simulating altruism is used for individual gains. Potential martyrs, on the other hand, are by definition squanderers. Evidence accrued in recent years in fields going from behavioral economics to cognitive neuroimaging makes such an endeavor feasible.
What Motivates Participation in Violent Political Action
Authors: Ginges Jeremy , Atran Scott
Published: June 2009

In standard models of decision making, participation in violent political action is understood as the product of instrumentally rational reasoning. According to this line of thinking, instrumentally rational individuals will participate in violent political action only if there are selective incentives that are limited to participants. We argue in favor of an alternate model of political violence where participants are motivated by moral commitments to collective sacred values. Correlative and experimental empirical evidence in the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict strongly supports this alternate view.
From Dehumanization and Objectification to Rehumanization
Authors: Fiske Susan T.
Published: June 2009

Social neuroscience offers a window into the mental origins of empathy. People must appreciate another mind in order to empathize. People first categorize the other as human, assuming a mind, and then differentiate among social categories according to universal dimensions of perceived traits: warmth and competence. The least warm and competent groups (poor people, homeless, drug addicts) may even be denied humanity and a meaningful mind, according to both neural and behavioral responses to allegedly disgusting outcasts. Other groups may be instead envied and viewed as tools or automatons, that is, objectified. The patterns can reverse when perceivers must consider the other's preferences, that is, appreciate the other's mind.
When the Self Becomes Other
Authors: Kross Ethan
Published: June 2009

How can people adaptively analyze and “work through” negative feelings without ruminating? This paper will briefly review findings from an integrative program of research, which suggests that a critical factor determining whether people's attempts to adaptively reason about negative experiences succeed or fail is the type of self‐perspective they adopt. That is, whether people analyze their feelings from a self‐immersed or self‐distanced perspective. The implications of shifting self‐perspectives for subjective experience, autonomic nervous system reactivity, and neural activity are discussed.
The Covariance between Genetic and Environmental Influences across Ecological Gradients
Authors: Conover David O. , Duffy Tara A. , Hice Lyndie A.
Published: June 2009

Patterns of phenotypic change across environmental gradients (e.g., latitude, altitude) have long captivated the interest of evolutionary ecologists. The pattern and magnitude of phenotypic change is determined by the covariance between genetic and environmental influences across a gradient. Cogradient variation (CoGV) occurs when covariance is positive: that is, genetic and environmental influences on phenotypic expression are aligned and their joint influence accentuates the change in mean trait value across the gradient. Conversely, countergradient variation (CnGV) occurs when covariance is negative: that is, genetic and environmental influences on phenotypes oppose one another, thereby diminishing the change in mean trait expression across the gradient. CnGV has so far been found in at least 60 species, with most examples coming from fishes, amphibians, and insects across latitudinal or altitudinal gradients. Traits that display CnGV most often involve metabolic compensation, that is, the elevation of various physiological rates processes (development, growth, feeding, metabolism, activity) to counteract the dampening effect of reduced temperature, growing season length, or food supply. Far fewer examples of CoGV have been identified (11 species), and these most often involve morphological characters. Increased knowledge of spatial covariance patterns has furthered our understanding of Bergmann size clines, phenotypic plasticity, species range limits, tradeoffs in juvenile growth rate, and the design of conservation strategies for wild species. Moreover, temporal CnGV explains some cases of an apparent lack of phenotypic response to directional selection and provides a framework for predicting evolutionary responses to climate change.
Gene Flow, Invasiveness, and Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Crops
Authors: Warwick Suzanne I. , Beckie Hugh J. , Hall Linda M.
Published: June 2009

The main environmental concerns about genetically modified (GM) crops are the potential weediness or invasiveness in the crop itself or in its wild or weedy relatives as a result of transgene movement. Here we briefly review evidence for pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow from GM crops to non‐GM or other GM crops and to wild relatives. The report focuses on the effect of abiotic and biotic stress‐tolerance traits on plant fitness and their potential to increase weedy or invasive tendencies. An evaluation of weediness and invasive traits that contribute to the success of agricultural weeds and invasive plants was of limited value in predicting the effect of biotic and abiotic stress‐tolerance GM traits, suggesting context‐specific evaluation rather than generalizations. Fitness data on herbicide, insect, and disease resistance, as well as cold‐, drought‐, and salinity‐tolerance traits, are reviewed. We describe useful ecological models predicting the effects of gene flow and altered fitness in GM crops and wild/weedy relatives, as well as suitable mitigation measures. A better understanding of factors controlling population size, dynamics, and range limits in weedy volunteer GM crop and related host or target weed populations is necessary before the effect of biotic and abiotic stress‐tolerance GM traits can be fully assessed.
Predation on Dependent Offspring
Authors: Martin Thomas E. , Briskie James V.
Published: June 2009

Predation on dependent offspring (i.e., offspring that depend on parents for care) forms a critical source of natural selection that may shape a diversity of life history traits. Selection from predation risk on dependent offspring can influence life history strategies of both offspring and parents. Such selection may act on both the form of plastic responses (e.g., the shape of norms of reaction) and mean expression of traits. Consideration of both levels of responses is key to understanding the ecological and evolutionary role of predation on dependent offspring. Here, we discuss how plastic responses and mean expression of life history traits may respond to selection from predation on dependent offspring in nests of birds (i.e., nest predation). We then review the expected effects and evidence for a diversity of life history traits, including clutch size, egg size, renesting rates, onset of incubation, parental incubation behavior, development rates and period lengths, parental feeding behavior, nestling begging, and nest conspicuousness. The evidence demonstrates a broad role of nest predation on both phenotypic plasticity and mean expression of diverse traits, but evidence remains limited to a few studies on a limited variety of species for almost all traits, and much broader experimental tests are needed.
Reason within Passion
Authors: Nir Lilach , Knafo Ariel
Published: June 2009

The relationship between core values and political opinions has been well documented but its implications for citizens’ awareness of the reasons that ground competing opinions are less well understood. This study examines the effect of value priorities on rating different rationales for a government decision to end a war. The relationship is tested among Israelis in the days following the aftermath of the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah war in Lebanon. Consistent with previous research, values, such as universalism, predicted dovish or hawkish positions on the ceasefire. In addition, however, different value priorities correlated, as expected, with their respective rationales for an opinion on the ceasefire. Moreover, both supporters and opponents evaluated valid (versus invalid) reasons as more important, regardless of their personal position. Overall findings suggest that, even in conflict, reasoned considerations resonate with the opinions of ordinary citizens.
The Need for a Cognitive Neuroscience of Naturalistic Social Cognition
Authors: Zaki Jamil , Ochsner Kevin
Published: June 2009

Understanding the minds of others is one of the great challenges humans face. Accordingly, much work in cognitive neuroscience has explored the brain systems engaged when perceivers share and make inferences about the internal states of social targets. These studies, however, typically use divergent and highly simplified stimuli and methods and as a consequence have produced largely non‐overlapping sets of results and artificially constrained theories about the processes involved in perceivers’ abilities to understand targets. Here we suggest that these difficulties may stem from two main sources: the lack of meaningful behavioral data about the brain bases of perceivers’ accuracy in inferring target states and qualitative differences between the social stimuli used in neuroimaging paradigms and the social information perceivers encounter in the real world. We advocate more focus on studies of naturalistic social cognition, which could overcome these limitations and complement current approaches, and discuss work in our laboratory that has demonstrated the feasibility and utility of such a focus. Finally, we discuss the relevance of naturalistic social cognition to diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorder. Overall, using naturalistic paradigms in neuroimaging will be critical to modeling the way the brain actually understands other minds.
The Use of Supernatural Entities in Moral Conversations as a Cultural–Psychological Attractor
Authors: Tófalvy Tamás , Viciana Hugo
Published: June 2009

Social behavior in most human societies is characterized by the following of moral rules explicitly justified by religious belief systems. These systems constitute the diverse domain of human sacred values. Supernatural entities as founders or warranty of moral principles may be seen as a form of “conversation stoppers,” considerations that can be dropped into a moral decision process in order to prevent endlessly reconsidering and endlessly asking for further justification. In this article we offer a general naturalistic framework toward answering the question of why supernatural entities are so attractive in moral argumentation. We present an explanatory model based on the phenomena of multiple channels of moral reasoning, the suspension of epistemic vigilance, and relevance assumptions through the attractiveness of the sacred, moral dumbfounding, and the expression of social coalitionary commitment. Thus, in light of much of current cognitive theory, sacred values make sense as basins in the evolutionary landscape of human morality.
Neurobiological Substrates of Social Cognition Impairment in Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Soliva Joan Carles , Carmona Susanna , Fauquet Jordi , Hoekzema Elseline , Bulbena Antoni , Hilferty Joe , Vilarroya Oscar
Published: June 2009

Social cognitive neuroscience is beginning to unravel a neuroanatomy of social cognition, networks of brain regions especially involved in social cognition and social functioning. It is widely acknowledged that social functioning and social cognition are impaired in attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although an impressive amount of neuroscientific research has been conducted in ADHD, little effort has been made to link those deficits in social cognition and functioning to the well‐known brain abnormalities detected in structural and functional neuroimaging studies. We review seven functional and magnetic resonance studies conducted at our laboratory in ADHD samples during the last 5 years in order to scrutinize whether the putative neuroanatomic regions underpinning social cognition are affected in ADHD. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the caudate nucleus, the ventral striatum, and the cerebellum are among those regions that displayed functional or morphometric abnormalities in our ADHD samples. The OFC is clearly involved in social cognition, and several features of OFC dysfunction may be related to the social cognition and function impairment in ADHD. In contrast to the OFC, the role of the caudate nucleus, the ventral striatum, and the cerebellum is elusive. However, on one hand, there is converging evidence from human and animal neuropsychology, neuroscience, and psychiatry that support the role of such areas in social cognition, mainly through its involvement in emotional processing. On the other hand, the morphometric and functional ADHD abnormalities in these regions could account for the impoverished social functioning and the deficient social cognition skills of ADHD children.
Evolutionary Theory of Cancer
Authors: Attolini Camille Stephan‐Otto , Michor Franziska
Published: June 2009

As Theodosius Dobzhansky famously noted in 1973, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution,” and cancer is no exception to this rule. Our understanding of cancer initiation, progression, treatment, and resistance has advanced considerably by regarding cancer as the product of evolutionary processes. Here we review the literature of mathematical models of cancer evolution and provide a synthesis and discussion of the field.
The Genetics and Ecology of Reinforcement
Authors: Ortiz‐Barrientos Daniel , Grealy Alicia , Nosil Patrik
Published: June 2009

Reinforcement, the evolution of prezygotic reproductive barriers by natural selection in response to maladaptive hybridization, is one of the most debated processes in speciation. Critics point to “fatal” conceptual flaws for sympatric evolution of prezygotic isolation, but recent theoretical and empirical work on genetics and ecology of reinforcement suggests that such criticisms can be overcome. New studies provide evidence for reinforcement in frogs, fish, insects, birds, and plants. While such evidence lays to rest the argument over reinforcement's existence, our understanding remains incomplete. We lack data on (1) the genetic basis of female preferences and the links between genetics of pre‐ and postzygotic isolation, (2) the ecological basis of reproductive isolation, (3) connections between prezygotic isolation between species and within‐species sexual selection (potentially leading to a “cascade” of effects on reproductive isolation), (4) the role of habitat versus mate preference in reinforcement, and (5) additional detailed comparative studies. Here, we review data on these issues and highlight why they are important for understanding speciation.
Musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors among veterinarians in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Smith DR , Leggat PA , Speare R
Published: June 2009

Objective  Although musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent one of the most important occupational health issues in contemporary society, few studies have specifically investigated this problem among veterinarians.

Design  An anonymous questionnaire survey mailed to all veterinarians registered with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland during 2006.

Results  Almost two‐thirds of respondents (63%) had experienced MSD of the lower back, 57% had experienced neck‐related MSD, 52% had experienced shoulder‐related MSD and 34% had experienced MSD of the upper back during the previous 12 months. MSD was statistically correlated with a range of psychosocial factors, including stress associated with career structure, time pressures, client's attitude, lack of recognition by the public, lack of recognition by colleagues, lack of understanding from family or partners and work stress because of insufficient holidays each year.

Conclusion  Overall, this study has demonstrated significant correlations between MSD and psychosocial risk factors among a large cohort of veterinarians, apparently for the first time in the published literature. The results also suggest that personal and workplace issues may contribute more to the development of MSD among veterinarians than many of the previously recognised ergonomic risk factors.
Splenic lymphoma in a short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Gentz EJ , Richard MJ , Stuart LD
Published: June 2009

A 23‐year‐old, male short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) housed at a North American zoo was successfully treated for flea‐associated anaemia, but subsequently died. Cause of death was presumptive septicaemia secondary to splenic lymphoma. This is only the fifth case of neoplasia reported in this monotreme species, and the first from outside of Australia.
Australian surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild birds between July 2005 and June 2007
Authors: Haynes L , Arzey E , Bell C , Buchanan N , Burgess G , Cronan V , Dickason C , Field H , Gibbs S , Hansbro PM , Hollingsworth T , Hurt AC , Kirkland P , McCracken H , O’Connor J , Tracey J , Wallner J , Warner S , Woods R , Bunn C
Published: June 2009

Objective  To identify and gain an understanding of the influenza viruses circulating in wild birds in Australia.

Design  A total of 16,303 swabs and 3782 blood samples were collected and analysed for avian influenza (AI) viruses from 16,420 wild birds in Australia between July 2005 and June 2007. Anseriformes and Charadriiformes were primarily targeted.

Procedures  Cloacal, oropharyngeal and faecal (environmental) swabs were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the AI type A matrix gene. Positive samples underwent virus culture and subtyping. Serum samples were analysed using a blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for influenza A virus nucleoprotein.

Results  No highly pathogenic AI viruses were identified. However, 164 PCR tests were positive for the AI type A matrix gene, 46 of which were identified to subtype. A total of five viruses were isolated, three of which had a corresponding positive PCR and subtype identification (H3N8, H4N6, H7N6). Low pathogenic AI H5 and/or H7 was present in wild birds in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. Antibodies to influenza A were also detected in 15.0% of the birds sampled.

Conclusions  Although low pathogenic AI virus subtypes are currently circulating in Australia, their prevalence is low (1.0% positive PCR). Surveillance activities for AI in wild birds should be continued to provide further epidemiological information about circulating viruses and to identify any changes in subtype prevalence.
Therapeutic efficacy of topical hydrocortisone aceponate in experimental flea‐allergy dermatitis in dogs
Authors: Bonneau S , Skowronski V , Sanquer A , Maynard L , Eun HM
Published: June 2009

Objective  To evaluate the treatment efficacy of a topical spray containing hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) on dogs with flea‐allergy dermatitis (FAD).

Design  A controlled clinical study was conducted on dogs with experimentally induced FAD. Sixteen laboratory beagles with mild to moderate clinical signs were divided into two groups. The test group received HCA by topical spray once daily for 7 days, while the control group did not. Pruritic events (time and frequency) were videotaped and then scored. Clinical signs (erythema, papules, excoriation and alopecia) present on four anatomical regions were monitored and their severity directly assessed.

Results  After 2 days, pruritus was reduced by 94% in the treatment group and by 24% in the control group (P = 0.014) in cumulative time, and by 86% versus 34% (P = 0.034) in frequency. The HCA spray also resulted in significant improvements in overall clinical signs: 23% versus 0% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 3 and 43% versus 15% in the control group (P = 0.0006) on day 7. During the 7‐day trial, no drug‐related adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions  Topical treatment with HCA showed a rapid and potent antipruritic effect on dogs with FAD. HCA also demonstrated significant overall therapeutic effects on FAD‐associated skin lesions.
Serum cobalamin concentrations in healthy cats and cats with non‐alimentary tract illness in Australia
Authors: Barron PM , Mackie JT , Evans NA , Langer N
Published: June 2009

Objective  To determine a reference range for serum cobalamin concentration in healthy cats in Australia using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and to prospectively investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in cats with non‐alimentary tract disease.

Design  Prospective study measuring serum cobalamin concentrations in clinically healthy cats and cats with non‐alimentary tract illness.

Procedure  Blood was collected from 50 clinically healthy cats that were owned by staff and associates of Veterinary Specialist Services or were owned animals presented to Creek Road Cat Clinic for routine vaccination. Blood was collected from 47 cats with non‐alimentary tract illness presented at either clinic. Serum cobalamin concentration was determined for each group using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Results  A reference range for Australian cats calculated using the central 95th percentile in the 50 clinically healthy cats was 345 to 3668 pg/mL. Median serum cobalamin concentration in 47 cats with non‐alimentary tract illness (1186 pg/mL; range 117–3480) was not significantly different to the median serum cobalamin of the 50 healthy cats (1213 pg/mL, range 311–3688). Using the calculated reference range one sick cat with non‐alimentary tract illness had a markedly low serum cobalamin concentration.

Conclusion  Although hypocobalaminaemia is uncommon in sick cats with non‐alimentary tract illness in Australia, its occurrence in this study warrants further investigation.
Activated coagulation times in normal cats and dogs using MAX‐ACTTM tubes
Authors: See AM , Swindells KL , Sharman MJ , Haack KL , Goodman D , Delaporta A , Robertson I , Foster SF
Published: June 2009

Objective  To establish reference values for activated coagulation time (ACT) in normal cats and dogs, by visual assessment of clot formation using the MAX‐ACTTM tube.

Subjects  We recruited 43 cats and 50 dogs for the study; 11 cats and 4 dogs were excluded from the statistical analysis because of abnormalities on clinical examination or laboratory testing including anaemia, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), or insufficient plasma volume for comprehensive laboratory coagulation testing.

Procedure  Blood samples were collected via direct venipuncture for MAX‐ACT, packed cell volume/total solids, manual platelet estimation and PT/APTT measurement. Blood (0.5 mL) was mixed gently in the MAX‐ACT tube at 37°C for 30 s, then assessed for clot formation every 5 to 10 s by tipping the tube gently on its side and monitoring for magnet movement. The endpoint was defined as the magnet lodging in the clot. The technique was tested with 10 dogs by collecting two blood samples from the same needle insertion and running a MAX‐ACT on each simultaneously.

Results  In normal cats the mean MAX‐ACT was 66 s (range 55–85 s). In normal dogs the mean was 71 s (range 55–80 s). There was no statistical difference between the first and second samples collected from the same needle insertion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance  In both cats and dogs, a MAX‐ACT result >85 s should be considered abnormal and further coagulation testing should be performed. Additionally, failure to discard the first few drops of the sample does not appear to significantly affect results.
Acute toxicity in five dogs after ingestion of a commercial snail and slug bait containing iron EDTA
Authors: Haldane SL , Davis RM
Published: June 2009

This case series of five dogs describes the effects of ingesting large amounts of an iron EDTA snail‐bait product. In all cases signs of toxicity occurred between 6 and 24 h after ingestion and included abdominal pain and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Two of the dogs had pretreatment serum iron levels measured and in both cases the levels were above normal limits. All of the dogs were treated with iron chelation therapy and supportive care including intravenous fluids, analgesics, gastric protectants and antibiotics. Chelation therapy with desferrioxamine mesylate did not cause adverse effects in any of the dogs and all survived to discharge. The effects of iron EDTA snail bait in dogs requires further study and minimum toxic doses need to be established.
Freezing equine semen: the effect of combinations of semen extenders and glycerol on post‐thaw motility
Authors: Scherzer J , Fayrer‐Hosken RA , Aceves M , Hurley DJ , Ray LE , Jones L , Heusner GL
Published: June 2009

Objective  We evaluated combinations of two commercial semen extenders and three concentrations of glycerol to determine the combination that yielded the highest post‐thaw sperm motility.

Design  A randomised 2 × 3 block design was used.

Procedure  Semen was collected from four stallions (6 collections per stallion). The sample was diluted with either a dried skim‐milk glucose extender (EZ Mixin Original Formula) or a chemically defined, milk‐free diluent (INRA 96), and each was used in combination with 2%, 3% or 4% glycerol in standard commercial freezing medium. Sperm motility was assessed by microscopy in fresh and post‐thaw semen.

Results  There was a significant difference between the two extenders in the motility of spermatozoa after cryopreservation (48.9% for INRA 96; 38.6% for EZ Mixin OF; P < 0.0001). Glycerol at 4% in freezing medium yielded the highest post‐thaw motility, significantly better than 2% (P < 0.05). Three of four stallions had significantly higher post‐thaw motility using INRA 96 relative to EZ Mixin OF (P < 0.01), and two of four stallions had significantly higher post‐thaw motility using 4% glycerol (P < 0.05). The combination of INRA 96 and 4% glycerol in freezing medium gave the highest average post‐thaw motility of 51.5%.

Conclusion  In this study, INRA 96 combined with 4% glycerol yielded an average recovery of progressively motile sperm consistently above the 35% target.
Rapid, large‐scale and inexpensive genotype differentiation of Mus musculus castaneus and domesticus sub‐species
Authors: MCCORMICK HELEN M. , WILKINS RICHARD J.
Published: June 2009

A robust rapid method is described for differentiating Mus musculus castaneus and domesticus sub‐species based on the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms in three regions of the mtDNA genome.
Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS): a practical approach to medical and surgical considerations in cataract extractions
Authors: Storr‐Paulsen Allan , Nørregaard Jens Christian , Børme Kim Kamp , Larsen Allan Boye , Thulesen Jesper
Published: June 2009

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery is characterized by iris fluttering, iris prolapse towards the incisions, and a progressive pupillary constriction leading to high rates of complications. The syndrome has been reported following the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with α‐1a adrenergic receptor inhibitors, especially tamsulosin. The present paper describes the syndrome and discusses its pharmacological background. Several techniques to prevent and to deal with the syndrome are presented.
The Lausanne recommendations: a Dutch experience
Authors: Bessem B , Groot F P , Nieuwland W
Published: June 2009

Objective:

This study presents the results of 28 months of preparticipation cardiovascular screening using the Lausanne recommendations, which include a personal and family history, physical examination and electrocardiogram (ECG).

Design:

From January 2006 to April 2008 the data of the Lausanne screenings carried out at the University Centre of Sports Medicine in Groningen were collected.

Participants:

825 cardiovascular screenings were performed of which 397 were excluded. Exclusion criteria were age under 12 or over 35 years, multiple screenings (only the first was included) and known cardiovascular disease.

Main outcome measures:

Negative screening result, (false) positive screening result, medical consumption and number needed to screen.

Results:

A total of 371 (87%) athletes had a negative screening result. Fifty-five athletes (13%) underwent additional (stage 2) testing and seven (1.6%) further (stage 3) testing. Only 27 athletes (6.3%) were referred for additional testing based only on abnormalities of their ECG. Forty-seven athletes (11%) had a false-positive screening result. Ten athletes (2%) had a positive screening result and three (0.7%) were ultimately restricted from sports participation. Stage 2 medical consumption was 62%, 20% and 18% for one, two and three or more additional tests, respectively. Stage 3 medical consumption was 1.6%. The number of athletes needed to screen to find a single athlete with a potentially lethal cardiovascular disease was 143.

Conclusion:

This study found that when the Lausanne recommendations are implemented in The Netherlands, screening results resemble those found in previous studies. The number of athletes needed to screen to detect one athlete with a potentially lethal cardiovascular disease is also within an acceptable range.
RESTRICTED MESH SIMPLIFICATION USING EDGE CONTRACTIONS
Authors: ANDERSSON MATTIAS , GUDMUNDSSON JOACHIM , LEVCOPOULOS CHRISTOS
Published: June 2009

We consider the problem of simplifying a planar triangle mesh using edge contractions, under the restriction that the resulting vertices must be a subset of the input set. That is, contraction of an edge must be made onto one of its adjacent vertices, which results in removing the other adjacent vertex. We show that if the perimeter of the mesh consists of at most five vertices, then we can always find a vertex not on the perimeter which can be removed in this way. If the perimeter consists of more than five vertices such a vertex may not exist. In order to maintain a higher number of removable vertices under the above restriction, we study edge flips which can be performed in a visually smooth way. A removal of a vertex which is preceded by one such smooth operation is called a 2-step removal. Moreover, we introduce the possibility that the user defines "important" vertices (or edges) which have to remain intact. Given m such important vertices, or edges, we show that a simplification hierarchy of size O(n) and depth O( log (n/m)) can be constructed by 2-step removals in O(n) time, such that the simplified graph contains the m important vertices and edges, and at most O(m) other vertices from the input graph. In some triangulations, many vertices may not even be 2-step removable. In order to provide the option to remove such vertices, we also define and examine k-step removals. This increases the lower bound on the number of removable vertices.
GENERALIZED HARDY–RELLICH INEQUALITIES IN CRITICAL DIMENSION AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: ADIMURTHI  , SANTRA SANJIBAN
Published: June 2009

In this paper, we study the Hardy–Rellich inequalities for polyharmonic operators in the critical dimension and an analogue in the p-biharmonic case. We also develop some optimal weighted Hardy–Sobolev inequalities in the general case and discuss the related eigenvalue problem. We also prove W2,q(Ω) estimates in the biharmonic case.