bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation of the concept of neurosis
Authors: Tringer László
Published: August 2012

The use of the term “neurosis” has been gradually pushed out form the medical literature and from the everyday practice since the eighties of the last century. Instead, the categories of DSM-III, and its new versions, and those of the ICD-10 have become commonly used. The author analyses the advantages and drawbacks of this radical change. He points out that it is not merely the problem of the medical profession. Transformation of the way of diagnostic thinking has been put into a broader social and cultural context. The expression “deconstruction” describes appropriately the process when comprehensive, entire categories resign to small sliced parts of reality. The deconstruction recalls the “Universalia-dispute” of the Middle Ages, namely the question whether the general concepts have real existence, and to what extent. The term “neurosis” as a comprehensive category, which is characteristic of many patients, it has a heuristic value if it is filled up with new contents (anthropology, ontology). Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1327–1333.
Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Stress Effects on Performance of Flexible IZO TFTs
Authors: Alford T. L. , Indluru Anil , Vemuri Rajitha N. P.
Published: August 2012

This study reports the influence of electrical and mechanical stresses on indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin film transistors (TFTs).The deformation is introduced by mounting the samples on cylindrical structures of varying radii creating tensile or compressive strains. The mechanical stresses are parallel and perpendicular to the length of the channel layer. Results reveal that, when the stresses are parallel to the channel length, mobilities increase under tensile stresses and reduce under compressive stresses; while, the effect on sub-threshold is contrary to this. However no changes are observed for mobilities and sub-threshold swings when the stresses are perpendicular to the channel length. The TFTs exhibit stability under the electromechanical stressing with no device failure observed over prolonged stress times.
DNA-Based Hybrids for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Joyce Donna M. , Venkat Narayanan , Ouchen Fahima , Singh Kristi M. , Smith Steven R. , Grote James G.
Published: August 2012

Polymeric materials are widely used in power generation and energy storage applications. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biopolymer-based hybrids have been found to display interesting electrical characteristics, such as a relatively high dielectric constant, good resistivity and dielectric breakdown behavior, and are promising as insulating dielectrics for capacitor applications. This research describes the processing, test structure design, and electrical characterization of DNA-sol-gel hybrids for energy storage applications.
Surface Modifications of Graphene-based Polymer Nanocomposites by Different Synthesis Techniques
Authors: Okan Burcu Saner , Gürsel Selmiye Alkan , Yürüm Yuda
Published: August 2012

With the appropriate surface treatments, graphene sheets can be separated from graphite material and the layer-to-layer distance can be extended. In the present work, graphene nanosheets (GNS) were separated from graphite by an improved, safer and mild method including the steps of oxidation, thermal expansion, ultrasonic treatment and chemical reduction. For the production of advanced polymer nanocomposites, the distinguished properties of GNS were combined with the structural properties of conducting polypyrrole by the proposed simple and low-cost fabrication technique. The changes in surface morphologies and surface functional groups were estimated by controlling the polymer coating on graphite oxide (GO) sheets, expanded GO and GNS.
Análise do perfil de professores da área da saúde que usam a simulação como estratégia didática
Authors: Gomez Margarita Victoria , Vieira Joaquim Edson , Scalabrini Neto Augusto
Published: August 2012

Neste trabalho, relata-se os resultados obtidos no primeiro momento de uma pesquisa que objetiva conhecer o perfil e a formação de professores da área da saúde que usam a simulação como estratégia didática no Laboratório de Habilidades (LabHab) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Com previsão de dois anos, a pesquisa busca contribuir para uma proposta de formação docente que observe as prioridades e a relevância da simulação nas suas atividades didáticas. A ideia é analisar como esse profissional recria seus conhecimentos em grupo para trabalhar a simulação na atuação clínica e observar como ele percebe o alcance dos processos de simulação aprimorados pela tecnologia e pelas propostas de inovação educativa.
Development, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of LASH model
Authors: Beskow Samuel , Mello Carlos Rogério de , Norton Lloyd Darrell
Published: August 2012

Many hydrologic models have been developed to help manage natural resources all over the world. Nevertheless, most models have presented a high complexity regarding data base requirements, as well as, many calibration parameters. This has brought serious difficulties for applying them in watersheds where there is scarcity of data. The development of the Lavras Simulation of Hydrology (LASH) in a GIS framework is described in this study, which focuses on its main components, parameters, and capabilities. Coupled with LASH, sensitivity analysis, parameter range reduction, and uncertainty analysis were performed prior to the calibration effort by using specific techniques (Morris method, Monte Carlo simulation and a Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation -GLUE) with a data base from a Brazilian Tropical Experimental Watershed (32 km²), in order to predict streamflow on a daily basis. LASH is a simple deterministic and spatially distributed model using long-term data sets, and a few maps to predict streamflow at a watershed outlet. We were able to identify the most sensitive parameters which are associated with the base flow and surface runoff components, using a reference watershed. Using a conservative threshold, two parameters had their range of values reduced, thus resulting in outputs closer to measured values and facilitating automatic calibration of the model with less required iterations. GLUE was found to be an efficient method to analyze uncertainties related to the prediction of mean daily streamflow in the watershed.
Doublet Chemotherapy in the Elderly Patient With Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Teo Min Y. , Power Derek G. , Tew William P. , Lichtman Stuart M.
Published: August 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Summarize trends in the treatment of older women with ovarian cancer.Describe the potential value of performing a geriatric assessment prior to treatment in older women with ovarian cancer.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The aging of the population has focused on the need to evaluate older patients with cancer. Approximately 50% of patients with ovarian cancer will be older than age 65 years. Increasing age has been associated with decreased survival. It is uncertain whether this relates to biologic factors, treatment factors, or both. There is concern that undertreatment may be associated with decreased survival. Older patients with ovarian cancer have been underrepresented in clinical trials. Therefore, the evidence base on which make decisions is lacking. Clinicians need to be aware of the currently available data to aid in treatment decisions. Doublet therapy is the most common standard treatment in epithelial ovarian cancer. It usually consists of a taxane and a platinum compound. A series of cooperative group studies in both the United States and Europe established intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin as the most common standard in optimally debulked patients. The recent introduction of intraperitoneal therapy has complicated decision making in terms of which older patients would benefit from this more toxic therapy. In relapsed patients, the issue of platinum sensitivity is critical in deciding whether to reutilize platinum compounds. It is unclear whether single agents or combinations are superior, particularly in older patients. Geriatric assessment is an important component of decision making. Prospective studies are needed to develop strategies to determine the optimal treatment for older patients with ovarian cancer.
Dam safety and research: review of publications relevant to the UK dams industry for 2010–2011
Authors: Vyse Christopher Henryk
Published: August 2012

This article is a review of publications on dam related subjects published during 2010–2011 that are relevant to the UK dams industry.
Upgrading of the bottom outlet facilities at Abberton reservoir
Authors: Morris Rhiannon
Published: August 2012

Essex is one of the driest parts of England and there is a gap in the availability and demand for water. The Abberton scheme is being undertaken to work towards alleviating this problem. Part of the scheme involves increasing the storage capacity at Abberton reservoir, by raising the full supply level of the reservoir by 3·2 m. The reservoir is owned by Essex and Suffolk Water who are part of Northumbrian Water Limited. The project is large in scope and there are many interesting aspects including raising the main dam while maintaining an operational reservoir, modification of the existing drawdown facilities, construction of several col dams, modification to the existing B1026 causeway embankment and the upgrading of the offtake pumping station. This paper focuses on the modification of the bottom outlet located in the valve tower, on the upstream slope of the main dam. The paper describes the arrangement and condition of the existing bottom outlet and discusses its capacity, for both existing and future conditions. It reviews the drawdown capacity at the reservoir and compares it to standards commonly applied elsewhere in the UK. A description is given of some of the studies that were undertaken during design development to explore how the drawdown capability might be improved. Construction is currently underway and the paper concludes with a summary of progress to date.
Investigation and treatment of post-construction incidents at Satpara Dam
Authors: Malik Zaheer Muhammad , Hussain Abid
Published: August 2012

During the initial 5 years, spanning over the partial impounding stages of the Satpara Dam project, two independent post-construction incidents were observed at the project. This paper describes in detail the methods of investigation and treatment conducted for the unusual development of depressions observed slightly upstream of the main dam axis, and sinkholes observed upstream of the project area. The former incident was limited within the shell/shoulder zone and rehabilitated subsequently. The second incident was interconnected with a subsurface subsidence and its subsequent treatment was considered to induce self-healing within the natural foundations over time.
Water Soluble Vitamin E Administration in Wistar Rats with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Tzanetakou Irene P , Doulamis Ilias P , Korou Laskarina-Maria , Agrogiannis George , Vlachos Ioannis S , Pantopoulou Alkisti , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Patsouris Efstratios , Vlachos Ioannis , Perrea Despina N
Published: August 2012

Objective:

A diet rich in fat is associated with hepatic fat deposition [steatosis; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)]. The exact cause of NAFLD however, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a water-soluble formulation of vitamin E on a dietary-induced-NAFLD animal model.

Methods:

Adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were allocated to 2 groups: Controls (Group A, n=6), which received a standard chow diet for 24 weeks and a High Cholesterol group (HC: n=14), which received a standard chow diet enriched with cholesterol for the first 14 weeks of the experiment (t1). At t1, the HC group was divided into: Group HC(B), which received a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol (HSF/HCH) diet and Group HC(C), which followed the same HSF/HCH diet but was also administered water soluble vitamin E (10 IU/kg body weight/day), for 10 more weeks.

Results:

At the end of the study, group HC(C) exhibited significantly lower mean total cholesterol (T-CHOL) than group HC(B) (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between HC(C) and Control groups in blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations. Liver Function Tests did not vary between all groups at the end of the study. Animals in group HC(B) exhibited higher SGOT at the end of the study compared with the beginning of the study (p<0.05). Group HC(B) exhibited the highest scores in steatosis, and grading (according to the NAFLD scoring system) in the histopathological analysis (p≤0.001 in all cases).

Conclusions:

Vitamin E seems to exert a hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective role in the presence of a HSF/HCH atherogenic diet in a rat model.
The First Decade of the New Century: A Cooling Trend for Most of Alaska
Authors: Wendler G. , Chen L. , Moore B.
Published: August 2012

During the first decade of the 21st century most of Alaska experienced a cooling shift, modifying the long-term
warming trend, which has been about twice the global change up to this time. All of Alaska cooled with the exception of
Northern Regions. This trend was caused by a change in sign of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which became
dominantly negative, weakening the Aleutian Low. This weakening results in less relatively warm air being advected
from the Northern Pacific. This transport is especially important in winter when the solar radiation is weak. It is during
this period that the strongest cooling was observed. In addition, the cooling was especially pronounced in Western Alaska,
closest to the area of the center of the Aleutian Low. The changes seen in the reanalyzed data were confirmed from
surface observations, both in the decrease of the North-South atmospheric pressure gradient, as well as the decrease in the
mean wind speeds for stations located in the Bering Sea area.
Intra-Arterial MSC Transplantation Restores Functional Capacity After Skeletal Muscle Trauma
Authors: Roth Philipp von , Duda Georg N , Radojewski Piotr , Preininger Bernd , Strohschein Kristin , Röhner Eric , Perka Carsten , Winkler Tobias
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

Skeletal muscle trauma leads to severe functional deficits, which cannot be addressed by current treatment options. Our group could show the efficacy of local transplantation of mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) for the treatment of injured muscles. While local application of MSCs has proven to be effective, we hypothesized that a selective intra-arterial transplantation would lead to a better distribution of the cells and so improved physiological recovery of muscle function.

Materials and Methodology:

18 female Sprague Dawley rats received an open crush trauma of the left soleus muscle. Autologous MSC were transduced using dsCOP-GFP and 2.5 x 106cells were transplanted into the femoral artery of 9 animals one week after trauma. Control animals (n=9) received a saline injection. Cell tracking, analysis of tissue fibrosis and muscle force measurements were performed after 3 weeks.

Results:

Systemic MSC-therapy improved the muscle force significantly compared to control (fast twitch: 82.4%, tetany: 61.6%, p = 0.02). The histological analysis showed no differences in the quantity of fibrotic tissue. Histological examination revealed no cells in the traumatized muscle tissue 21 days after transplantation.

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrated an effect of systemically administered MSCs in the treatment of skeletal muscle injuries. For possible future therapeutic approaches a systemic application of MSCs seems to present an alternative to a local administration. Such systemic treatment would be preferable since it allows functional improvement and possible cellular concentration at injury sites that are not easily accessible
Effective Dose of CT-Guided Epidural and Periradicular Injections of the Lumbar Spine: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Artner Juraj , Lattig Friederike , Reichel Heiko , Cakir Balkan
Published: August 2012

Spinal injection procedures can be performed blindly or, more accurately, with fluoroscopic or computed
tomography (CT) guidance. Radiographic guidance for selective nerve root blocks and epidural injections allows an
accurate needle placement, reduces the procedure time and is more secure for the patient, especially in patients with
marked degenerative changes and scoliosis, resulting in a narrowing of the interlaminar space. Limiting factors remain the
availability of scanners and the radiation dose. Interventional CT scan protocols in axial CT-acquisition mode for epidural
and periradicular injections help to limit the radiation dose without a significant decrease of image quality. The purpose of
this retrospective study was to analyze the effective radiation dosage patients are exposed during CT-guided epidural
lumbar and periradicular injections. A total amount of n=1870 datasets from 18 months were analyzed after multiplying
the dose length product with conversion factor k for each lumbar segment. For lumbar epidural injections (n=1286), a
mean effective dose of 1.34 mSv (CI 95%, 1.30-1.38), for periradicular injections (n=584) a mean effective dose of 1.38
mSv (CI 95%, 1.32-1.44) were calculated.
Effects of Two In-Office Bleaching Agents with Different pH on the Structure of Human Enamel: An In Situ and In Vitro Study
Authors: Sa Y , Sun L , Wang Z , Ma X , Liang S , Xing W , Jiang T , Wang Y
Published: August 2012

This study evaluated the effects of two in-office bleaching agents (Beyond and Opalescence Boost) with different pH on the structure and mechanical properties of human enamel in vitro and in situ. One hundred and eight enamel slabs were obtained from freshly extracted premolars. The specimens were randomly distributed into nine groups (n=12), and the human saliva (HS) in the volunteers' oral cavities was used to simulate the in situ condition: Beyond + HS, Opalescence Boost (O-Boost) + HS, Control + HS, Beyond + artificial saliva (AS), O-Boost + AS, Control + AS, Beyond + distilled water (DW), O-Boost + DW, and Control + DW. The bleaching treatments were performed on the first and eighth day, and the total bleaching time was 90 minutes. Baseline and final surface roughness (RMS), surface morphology, microhardness, and fracture toughness (FT) were measured before the treatment and on the fifteenth day, respectively. Compared with control groups, surface alterations on enamel were found in the Beyond + AS and Beyond + DW groups under atomic force microscopy evaluation. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test revealed that the RMS showed significant intergroup differences for both storage condition and bleaching agent, whereas microhardness and FT revealed no significant alteration. The results indicated that in-office bleaching agents with low pH values could induce enamel morphology alterations under in vitro conditions. The presence of natural HS could eliminate the demineralization effect caused by low pH.
The Clinical Effectiveness of Various Adhesive Systems: An 18-Month Evaluation
Authors: Moosavi H , Kimyai S , Forghani M , Khodadadi R
Published: August 2012

The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the clinical performance of three different adhesive systems over 18 months in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Thirty patients, with at least three noncarious cervical lesions, were enrolled in the study. One operator randomly restored a total of 90 lesions with resin composite (Herculite XRV). The restorations were bonded with either Optibond FL (OF), three-step total-etch; Optibond Solo Plus (OS), two-step total-etch; or Optibond All-In-One (OA), one step self-etch. The restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline and after six, 12, and 18 months using the eight United States Public Health Services criteria. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests (p<0.05). After 18 months, the retention rate was (OF) 96.5%, (OS) 93.1%, and (OA) 89.7%. Differences among the three adhesive systems for evaluated criteria were not observed in comparison of the mean Alfa score percentages. There was a significant increase in marginal discoloration for (OA) adhesive after 18 months compared with baseline (p=0.011). Other restoration criteria had no statistically significant differences among the three adhesives (p>0.05). With the exception of marginal discoloration, the clinical effectiveness of three types of adhesive systems in NCCLs was acceptable after 18 months. However, using the one-step self-etch adhesive may lead to some marginal discolorations.
The Effect of Polishing Technique on 3-D Surface Roughness and Gloss of Dental Restorative Resin Composites
Authors: Ereifej NS , Oweis YG , Eliades G
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to compare surface roughness and gloss of resin composites polished using different polishing systems.

Five resin composites were investigated: Filtek Silorane (FS), IPS Empress Direct (IP), Clearfil Majesty Posterior (CM), Premise (PM), and Estelite Sigma (ES). Twenty-five disk specimens were prepared from each material, divided into five groups, each polished with one of the following methods: Opti1Step (OS), OptiDisc (OD), Kenda CGI (KD), Pogo (PG), or metallurgical polishing (ML). Gloss and roughness parameters (Sa, Sz, Sq, and St) were evaluated by 60°-angle glossimetry and white-light interferometric profilometry. Two-way analysis of variance was used to detect differences in different materials and polishing techniques. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine correlations between roughness and gloss.

Significant differences in roughness parameters and gloss were found according to the material, type of polishing, and material/polishing technique (p< 0.05). The highest roughness was recorded when KD was used (Sa: 581.8 [62.1] for FS/KD, Sq: 748.7 [55.6] for FS/KD, Sz: 17.7 [2.7] for CM/KD, and St: 24.6 [6.8] for FS/KD), while the lowest was recorded after ML (Sa: 133.6 [68.9] for PM/ML, Sq: 256.5 [53.5] for ES/ML, Sz: 4.0 [1.3] for ES/ML, and St: 7.1 [0.7] for ES/ML). The highest gloss was recorded for PM/ML (88.4 [2.3]) and lowest for FS/KD (30.3 [5.7]). All roughness parameters were significantly correlated with gloss (r= 0.871, 0.846, 0.713, and 0.707 for Sa, Sq, Sz, St, and gloss, respectively). It was concluded that the polishing procedure and the type of composite can have significant impacts on surface roughness and gloss of resin composites.
Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs in West Africa as a model for sustainable partnerships in animal and human health
Authors: Becker Karen M. , Ohuabunwo Chima , Ndjakani Yassa , Nguku Patrick , Nsubuga Peter , Mukanga David , Wurapa Frederick
Published: August 2012

The concept of animal and human health experts working together toward a healthier world has been endorsed, but challenges remain in identifying concrete actions to move this one health concept from vision to action. In 2008, as a result of avian influenza outbreaks in West Africa, international donor support led to a unique opportunity to invest in Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs) in the region that engaged the animal and human health sectors to strengthen the capacity for prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. The FELTPs mixed 25% to 35% classroom and 65% to 75% field-based training and service for cohorts of physicians, veterinarians, and laboratory scientists. They typically consisted of a 2-year course leading to a master's degree in field epidemiology and public health laboratory management for midlevel public health leaders and competency-based short courses for frontline public health surveillance workers. Trainees and graduates work in multidisciplinary teams to conduct surveillance, outbreak investigations, and epidemiological studies for disease control locally and across borders. Critical outcomes of these programs include development of a cadre of public health leaders with core skills in integrated disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination campaigns, laboratory diagnostic testing, and epidemiological studies that address priority public health problems. A key challenge exists in identifying ways to successfully scale up and transform this innovative donor-driven program into a sustainable multisectoral one health workforce capacity development model.
Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid–rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age
Authors: Zicker Steven C. , Jewell Dennis E. , Yamka Ryan M. , Milgram Norton W.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To assess effects of foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)–rich fish oil on cognitive, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal function and other measures of development in healthy puppies.

Design—Evaluation study.

Animals—48 Beagle puppies.

Procedures—Puppies were assigned to 3 groups after weaning (n = 16/group) and received 1 of 3 foods (low-DHA, moderate-DHA, or high-DHA food) as their sole source of nutrition until 1 year of age. Visual discrimination learning and memory tasks, psychomotor performance tasks, and physiologic tests including blood and serum analysis, electroretinography, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were performed at various time points. Anti-rabies virus antibody titers were evaluated 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after vaccination at 16 weeks of age.

Results—Foods had similar proximate analysis results but varied in concentration of DHA from fish oil; the high-DHA food also contained higher concentrations of vitamin E, taurine, choline, and l-carnitine than did other foods. The high-DHA group had significantly better results for reversal task learning, visual contrast discrimination, and early psychomotor performance in side-to-side navigation through an obstacle-containing maze than did the moderate-DHA and low-DHA groups. The high-DHA group had significantly higher anti-rabies antibody titers 1 and 2 weeks after vaccination than did other groups. Peak b-wave amplitudes during scotopic electroretinography were positively correlated with serum DHA concentrations at all evaluated time points.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary fortification with fish oils rich in DHA and possibly other nutrients implicated in neurocognitive development following weaning improved cognitive, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in growing dogs.
Comparative vaccine-specific and other injectable-specific risks of injection-site sarcomas in cats
Authors: Srivastav Anup , Kass Philip H. , McGill Lawrence D. , Farver Thomas B. , Kent Michael S.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To compare associations between vaccine types and other injectable drugs with development of injection-site sarcomas in cats.

Design—Case-control study.

Animals—181 cats with soft tissue sarcomas (cases), 96 cats with tumors at non-vaccine regions (control group I), and 159 cats with basal cell tumors (control group II).

Procedures—Subjects were prospectively obtained from a large pathology database. Demographic, sarcoma location, basal cell tumor, and vaccine and other injectable history data were documented by use of a questionnaire and used to define case, control, and exposure status. Three control groups were included: cats with sarcomas at non-vaccine sites, cats with basal cell tumors, and a combined group of cats with sarcomas at non-vaccine sites and cats with basal cell tumors. χ2 tests, marginal homogeneity tests, and exact logistic regression were performed.

Results—In the broad interscapular region, the frequency of administration of long-acting corticosteroid injections (dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone) was significantly higher in cases than in controls. In the broad rear limb region, case cats were significantly less likely to have received recombinant vaccines than inactivated vaccines; ORs from logistic regression analyses equaled 0.1, with 95% confidence intervals ranging from 0 to 0.4 and 0 to 0.7, depending on control group and time period of exposure used.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This case-control study measuring temporal and spatial exposures efficiently detected associations between administrations of various types of vaccines (recombinant vs inactivated rabies) and other injectable products (ie, long-acting corticosteroids) with sarcoma development without the need to directly measure incidence. These findings nevertheless also indicated that no vaccines were risk free. The study is informative in allowing practitioners to weigh the relative merits and risks of commonly used pharmaceutical products.
Use of fluoroscopically guided percutaneous antegrade urethral catheterization for the treatment of urethral obstruction in male cats: 9 cases (2000–2009)
Authors: Holmes Elaine S. , Weisse Chick , Berent Allyson C.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To describe the technique and determine outcome for male cats with urethral obstruction treated with fluoroscopically guided percutaneous antegrade urethral catheterization (PAUC).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—9 client-owned neutered male cats with urethral obstruction and inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter.

Procedures—Information regarding the procedure and hospitalization was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up was obtained via medical record review or telephone interview.

Results—Diagnoses included iatrogenic urethral tear (n = 6), obstructive urethral calculi (1), urethral ulceration (1), and urethral stricture (1). Seven of the 9 procedures were successful. The 2 patients in which PAUC failed had mechanical obstructions preventing guide wire access across the urethral obstruction. Procedure times ranged from 25 to 120 minutes. No complications were noted in any patients during the procedure. One patient was euthanized because of unrelated disease. Follow-up information was available for 6 of 8 surviving patients. No complications that could be directly attributed to the procedure were noted. All 6 patients had a perineal urethrostomy performed 0 days to 6 weeks following the procedure because of reobstruction of the lower urinary tract. None of these patients had documented urethral strictures and none had recurrence of clinical signs following perineal urethrostomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that PAUC can be a simple, rapid, minimally invasive, and safe technique to facilitate transurethral catheterization in select cases. Patients with iatrogenic urethral tears may be good candidates. Patients with impacted urethral calculi, severe strictures or ulcerations, or a nondistended urinary bladder may be less amenable to PAUC.
Evaluation of a single subcutaneous infusion of carboplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy for dogs with osteosarcoma: 17 cases (2006–2010)
Authors: Simcock James O. , Withers Sita S. , Prpich Cassandra Y. , Kuntz Charles A. , Rutland Bronwyn E.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To evaluate adverse effects and survival times in dogs with osteosarcoma that received a single SC infusion of carboplatin as adjunctive chemotherapeutic treatment following limb amputation or limb-sparing surgery.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—17 client-owned dogs with spontaneously occurring osteosarcoma.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent limb amputation or limb-sparing surgery followed by a single continuous SC infusion of carboplatin (total dose, 300 mg/m2 infused over 3, 5, or 7 days) were evaluated. Signalment, tumor location, type of surgery (amputation or limb-sparing), duration of carboplatin infusion, results of hematologic and serum biochemical analyses, and adverse effects were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results—Median survival time for all dogs was 365 days. Nine dogs had adverse bone marrow–related (hematologic) effects, 1 had adverse gastrointestinal effects, and 7 had infections at the surgical site. No significant differences were detected in survival times of dogs grouped according to tumor location, type of surgery, duration of carboplatin infusion, or development of postoperative infection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Median survival time and adverse effects in dogs with osteosarcoma that received a single SC infusion of carboplatin over a 3-, 5-, or 7-day period as adjunctive treatment following limb amputation or limb-sparing surgery were comparable to those of previously reported chemotherapy protocols requiring IV drug administration over several weeks. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this protocol as adjunctive treatment for osteosarcoma and other tumors in dogs.
Liver lobe torsion in six horses
Authors: Tennent-Brown Brett S. , Mudge Margaret C. , Hardy Joanne , Whelchel Dorothy D. , Freeman David E. , Fischer A. T.
Published: August 2012

Case Description—6 horses were determined to have torsion of a liver lobe at 4 referral institutions over a 21-year period.

Clinical Findings—Clinical findings were nonspecific but often included signs of marked inflammation. Two of the 6 horses were examined because of colic, and 2 were assessed because of peritonitis that failed to respond to treatment; the remaining 2 horses were examined because of nonspecific clinical signs that included inappetence, lethargy, and weight loss. The results of laboratory tests were widely variable, and values for liver enzyme activities were typically within reference limits or only mildly increased. Most affected horses had markedly increased peritoneal nucleated cell counts.

Treatment and Outcome—Exploratory laparotomy and resection of the affected liver lobe was performed in 5 horses. Three of those patients survived to discharge.

Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that diagnosis of liver lobe torsion in horses may be difficult because clinical signs and results of laboratory testing are nonspecific and variable. Most affected horses had markedly abnormal peritoneal fluid. The prognosis for hepatic lobe torsion can be good, and early surgical correction is expected to improve outcome.
Duodenal obstruction caused by duodenal sigmoid flexure volvulus in dairy cattle: 29 cases (2006–2010)
Authors: Vogel Susan R. , Nichols Sylvain , Buczinski Sébastien , Desrochers André , Babkine Marie , Veillette Manon , Francoz David , Doré Elizabeth , Fecteau Gilles , Bélanger Anne-Marie , Badillo Mauricio
Published: August 2012

Objective—To characterize duodenal sigmoid flexure volvulus (DSFV) and determine the prognosis for affected cattle undergoing surgery.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—29 dairy cattle.

Procedures—The medical records were analyzed for history, signalment, clinical signs, medical management, surgical findings, and outcome.

Results—29 cattle were determined to have DSFV between December 2006 and August 2010. Twenty cattle had had an omentopexy or pyloropexy performed 1 day to 2 years before initial evaluation. Cattle were afebrile, tachycardic, and moderately dehydrated, with a small zone of percussion with a ping at the 10th to 12th right intercostal spaces and associated succussion. Biochemical changes were a severe hypokalemic (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L; median, 3.1 mmol/L; range, 2.08 to 3.92 mmol/L), hypochloremic (mean, 69.7 ± 11.1 mmol/L; median, 71.7 mmol/L; range, 49.1 to 94.1 mmol/L) metabolic alkalosis (mean total CO2, 44.5 ± 7.4 mmol/L; median, 45.3 mmol/L; range, 31.5 to 59.6 mmol/L) and hyperbilirubinemia (mean, 32.4 ± 29.0 μmol/L; median, 20.5 μmol/L; range, 7.8 to 107 μmol/L). Surgical findings for DSFV included an empty descending duodenum adjacent to a dorsally displaced and dilated cranial segment of the duodenum, distended abomasum and gallbladder, and a tight volvulus at the base of the duodenal sigmoid flexure. Manual reduction was considered successful if the descending duodenum filled after cranial duodenal massage. Twenty-two patients were successfully treated; the remaining 7 died or were euthanized within 4 days after surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A condition clinically resembling abomasal volvulus but affecting the duodenal sigmoid flexure has been recognized in dairy cattle. When a focal, dorsal right-sided ping and succussion are present combined with severe hypokalemic, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and high bilirubin concentration, DSFV should be suspected, especially when there is a history of prior abomasal fixation. After surgical correction, the prognosis is fair to good.
Estimating the True Rate of Repeat Victimization from Police Recorded Crime Data: A Study of Burglary in Metro Vancouver
Authors: Frank Richard , Brantingham Patricia L. , Farrell Graham
Published: August 2012

Predictive policing seeks to allocate scarce resources where and when they are most needed. Yet analysis is often based on recorded crime data that typically understate the concentration of crime at the same places or against the same people. This study outlines a means of developing more accurate estimates, termed the Recorded Repeats Adjustment Calculator (RRAC), and applies it to burglary data for Metro Vancouver. Whereas repeat burglaries constituted 20% of recorded burglaries, after adjustment they were half of burglaries. Moreover, households with five or more burglaries accounted for less than 1% of recorded but, after adjustment, one in five actual burglaries (21%). These results are closer to those found by crime victim surveys but still likely to be conservative. The study aspires to produce a tool for analysts that produces more accurate information on crime's concentration and, thereby, more informed crime control efforts.
Peer Generation of Multiple-Choice Questions: Student Engagement and Experiences
Authors: Rhind Susan M. , Pettigrew Graham W.
Published: August 2012

A free online system for generation of multiple-choice questions (PeerWise) was implemented in three courses (course A, B, and C) in two different years (second and third year) of a veterinary degree program. Students were asked to author questions, and answer and rate each other's questions. Student experiences of the system were explored using an online survey. The majority of students in both years either agreed or strongly agreed that both authoring and answering questions was helpful for their studies and wanted to use the system again in future courses. Thematic analysis highlighted students' views that engaging with the resource increased breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding and was very useful for revision purposes. There was a statistically significant difference between students in second and third year regarding whether students felt it was necessary for academic staff to be involved in the review process. Thematic analysis of this aspect identified issues relating to confidence in the ability of the peer group and the need for reassurance in the second-year group. Student engagement with the system was correlated with examination performance. In courses A and B there was a positive correlation between number of questions answered and examination performance, in course C there was no correlation. This study highlights the benefits of peer activity around question generation and proposes that such activities are an efficient and effective means to support student learning.
Scepticism, Causal Science and ‘The Old Hume’
Authors: Wright John P.
Published: August 2012

This paper replies to Peter Millican (Mind, 2009), who argues that Hume denies the possible existence of causal powers which underlie the regularities that we observe in nature. I argue that Hume's own philosophical views on causal power cannot be considered apart from his mitigated skepticism. His account of the origin of the idea of causal power, which traces it to a subjective impression, only leads to what he calls ‘Pyrrhonian scepticism’. He holds that we can only escape such excessive skepticism by way of a natural judgment based on the association of ideas, which forms the basis of what he calls ‘a legitimate ground of Assent’.
Why Hume Cannot Be A Realist
Authors: Hakkarainen Jani
Published: August 2012

In this paper, I argue that there is a sceptical argument against the senses advanced by Hume that forms a decisive objection to the Metaphysically Realist interpretations of his philosophy – such as the different naturalist and New Humean readings. Hume presents this argument, apparently starting with the primary/secondary qualities distinction, both in A Treatise of Human Nature, Book 1, Part 4, Section 4 (Of the modern philosophy) (1739) and An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, Section 12 (Of the Academical or Sceptical Philosophy), paragraphs 15 to 16 (1748). The argument concludes with the contradiction between consistent reasoning (causal, in particular) and believing in the existence of Real (distinct and continued) entities. The problem with the Realist readings of Hume is that they attribute both to Hume. So their Hume is a self-reflectively inconsistent philosopher. I show that the various ways to avoid this problem do not work. Accordingly, this paper suggests a non-Realist interpretation of Hume's philosophy: Hume the philosopher suspends his judgment on Metaphysical Realism. As such, his philosophical attitude is neutral on the divide between materialism and idealism.
What's True about Hume's ‘True Religion’?
Authors: Garrett Don
Published: August 2012

Despite his well-known criticisms of popular religion, Hume refers in seemingly complimentary terms to ‘true religion’; in Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, his character Philo goes so far as to express ‘veneration for’ it. This paper addresses three questions. First, did Hume himself really approve of something that he called ‘true religion’? Second, what did he mean by calling it ‘true’? Third, what did he take it to be? By appeal to some of his key doctrines about causation and probability, and to some key features of the characters and content of the Dialogues, I argue, contrary to important recent interpretations by Immerwahr and Falkenstein, that Hume's ‘true religion’ is a doctrine, enunciated by Philo, that he regarded as true in an epistemic sense.
Hume and the Enthusiasm Puzzle
Authors: Coleman James Brian
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a discussion of an apparent inconsistency between Hume's moral theory and his moral evaluations of historical characters in his History of England. While Hume considers enthusiasm to be a religious vice, he praises the characters of some historical enthusiasts, blames others, and regards enthusiasm as having a positive social effect. But according to Hume's moral theory, only a virtue can have positive social effect, or be praiseworthy. The paper refers to the inconsistency between the History and the moral theory as the ‘enthusiasm puzzle’. The paper concludes by explaining the inconsistency as being rooted in a problem with Hume's moral theory.
Impact of Genomic Technologies on Chickpea Breeding Strategies
Authors: Gaur Pooran M. , Jukanti Aravind K. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: August 2012

The major abiotic and biotic stresses that adversely affect yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) include drought, heat, fusarium wilt, ascochyta blight and pod borer. Excellent progress has been made in developing short-duration varieties with high resistance to fusarium wilt. The early maturity helps in escaping terminal drought and heat stresses and the adaptation of chickpea to short-season environments. Ascochyta blight continues to be a major challenge to chickpea productivity in areas where chickpea is exposed to cool and wet conditions. Limited variability for pod borer resistance has been a major bottleneck in the development of pod borer resistant cultivars. The use of genomics technologies in chickpea breeding programs has been limited, since available genomic resources were not adequate and limited polymorphism was observed in the cultivated chickpea for the available molecular markers. Remarkable progress has been made in the development of genetic and genomic resources in recent years and integration of genomic technologies in chickpea breeding has now started. Marker-assisted breeding is currently being used for improving drought tolerance and combining resistance to diseases. The integration of genomic technologies is expected to improve the precision and efficiency of chickpea breeding in the development of improved cultivars with enhanced resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, better adaptation to existing and evolving agro-ecologies and traits preferred by farmers, industries and consumers.
Permutation Entropy and Its Main Biomedical and Econophysics Applications: A Review
Authors: Zanin Massimiliano , Zunino Luciano , Rosso Osvaldo A. , Papo David
Published: August 2012

Entropy is a powerful tool for the analysis of time series, as it allows describing the probability distributions of the possible state of a system, and therefore the information encoded in it. Nevertheless, important information may be codified also in the temporal dynamics, an aspect which is not usually taken into account. The idea of calculating entropy based on permutation patterns (that is, permutations defined by the order relations among values of a time series) has received a lot of attention in the last years, especially for the understanding of complex and chaotic systems. Permutation entropy directly accounts for the temporal information contained in the time series; furthermore, it has the quality of simplicity, robustness and very low computational cost. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the original work, here we analyze the theoretical foundations of the permutation entropy, as well as the main recent applications to the analysis of economical markets and to the understanding of biomedical systems.
Stability of Accelerating Cosmology in Two Scalar-Tensor Theory: Little Rip versus de Sitter
Authors: Ito Yusaku , Nojiri Shin’ichi , Odintsov Sergei D.
Published: August 2012

We develop the general reconstruction scheme in two scalar model. The quintom-like theory which may describe (different) non-singular Little Rip or de Sitter cosmology is reconstructed. The number of scalar phantom dark energy models (with Little Rip cosmology or asymptotically de Sitter evolution) is presented. Stability issue of such dark energy cosmologies as well as the flow to fixed points are studied. The stability of Little Rip universe which leads to dissolution of bound objects sometime in future indicates that no classical transition to de Sitter space occurs. The possibility of unification of inflation with Little Rip dark energy in two scalar theory is briefly mentioned.
Recent Advances on the Neuroprotective Potential of Antioxidants in Experimental Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Koppula Sushruta , Kumar Hemant , More Sandeep Vasant , Kim Byung Wook , Kim In Su , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: August 2012

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain. Although the etiology of PD is not completely understood and is believed to be multifactorial, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are widely considered major consequences, which provide important clues to the disease mechanisms. Studies have explored the role of free radicals and oxidative stress that contributes to the cascade of events leading to dopamine cell degeneration in PD. In general, in-built protective mechanisms consisting of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the CNS play decisive roles in preventing neuronal cell loss due to free radicals. But the ability to produce these antioxidants decreases with aging. Therefore, antioxidant therapy alone or in combination with current treatment methods may represent an attractive strategy for treating or preventing the neurodegeneration seen in PD. Here we summarize the recent discoveries of potential antioxidant compounds for modulating free radical mediated oxidative stress leading to neurotoxicity in PD.