bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Supplemental Vitamin D Among Infants Breastfed for Prolonged Periods
Authors: Taylor James A. , Geyer Leah J. , Feldman Kenneth W.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of vitamin D supplementation in predominantly breastfed children. To identify patient characteristics, parental beliefs, and practitioner policies associated with supplementation.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a practice-based research network. Network pediatricians completed a survey regarding their policy on vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants. Parents of children 6 to 24 months old completed a survey on the initial type of feeding given to the child, length of breastfeeding, formula supplementation, and use of multivitamins. Parents indicated their level of agreement with statements regarding vitamin D supplementation.

RESULTS: Among 44 responding pediatricians, 36.4% indicated that they recommended vitamin D supplementation for all breastfed infants. A total of 2364 surveys were completed on age-eligible children; 1140 infants were breastfed for at least 6 months with little or no formula supplementation. The rate of vitamin D use for these infants was 15.9%. Use of vitamin D was significantly associated with parental agreement that their child's pediatrician recommended supplementation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.8), and that vitamins are unnecessary because breast milk has all needed nutrition (OR: 0.12). Among parents of predominantly breastfed infants who indicated that their child's doctor recommended vitamin D, 44.6% gave the supplementation to their child. Conversely, 67% of parents agreed that breast milk has all needed nutrition, and only 3% of these parents gave vitamin D to their children.

CONCLUSIONS: A minority of breastfed infants received vitamin D supplementation. Educational efforts directed at both physicians and parents are needed to increase compliance with vitamin D supplementation guidelines.
Ethics of Gender Identity Disorder
Authors: Ross Colin A.
Published: December 2009

Gender identity disorder is unique among all DSM-IV-TR diagnoses. It is the only disorder in which treatment is designed to confirm, reinforce, and validate the belief that is the basis of the mental disorder. In all other diagnoses, the symptoms in the diagnostic criteria are viewed as pathological and the goal of treatment is to remove the symptoms. In gender identity disorder, however, the body is altered to match the belief that is said to be a symptom of mental disorder. This is self-contradictory. Either gender identity disorder should be dropped from DSM-V, just as homosexuality was dropped from the diagnostic system, or gender reassignment should be discontinued. The core contradiction in the current approach to gender identity is an ethical problem in the mental health field.
Meta-Analysis of Antidepressant Augmentation: Piling on in the Absence of Evidence
Authors: Yury Craig A. , Fisher Jane E. , Antonuccio David O. , Valenstein Marcia , Matuszak Jeremy
Published: December 2009

Background: Treatment of depression with a single pharmaceutical agent often does not work, and several agents may be tried or combined to increase efficacy. Augmentation involves the addition of one or more medications to an existing antidepressant monotherapy to enhance mood and overall antidepressant response. Approximately 22% of individuals with unipolar depression are prescribed augmentation strategies. This study examined the effectiveness of augmentation strategies. Methods: A Medline search of studies published before January 1, 2007 was conducted to assess the extent of published data on the most frequently prescribed augmentation strategies. Studies with completed original data, sufficient efficacy data, and participants diagnosed with unipolar depression were included. Letters to the editor, preliminary data, data only presented at conferences, and small uncontrolled case reports were excluded. Results: 13 studies contained sufficient data to calculate an effect size. Mean estimated effect size of all 13 studies calculated with random effects was 0.1782 with a 95% confidence interval of −0.2513−0.6076. Conclusions: There are minimal published data examining antidepressant augmentation, and augmentation is a minimally effective treatment option.
Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Underdiagnosed or Fiction?
Authors: Sahling Daniel L.
Published: December 2009

Diagnoses of children with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) have surged in recent years. This article explores three alternative explanations for the increase in these diagnoses: (a) PBD had previously been unrecognized and underdiagnosed by clinicians; (b) the symptoms of PBD are largely a result of iatrogenic effects and side effects of psychostimulant medications, for example, Ritalin and Adderall; and (c) changes to the diagnostic system now classify previously normal behaviors of childhood as symptoms of PBD. After reviewing the evidence, this article concludes that the increase in diagnoses is primarily due to the iatrogenic effects of psychostimulant medications and to the changes to the diagnostic system, and is not a previously unrecognized or underdiagnosed illness of unknown origin.
THE EFFECTS OF CHOICE ON SELF‐CONTROL
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Tibbetts Pamela A.
Published: December 2009

Three adolescents with traumatic brain injury performed a physical therapy task in the absence of programmed consequences or duration requirements. Next, the experimenter gave the participants the options of a smaller immediate reinforcer with no response requirement or a larger delayed reinforcer with a response requirement. Self‐control training exposed participants to a procedure during which they chose between a smaller immediate reinforcer and a progressively increasing delayed reinforcer whose values varied and were determined by a die roll. The participants chose whether they or the experimenter rolled the die. All participants initially demonstrated low baseline durations of the physical therapy task, chose the smaller immediate reinforcer during the choice baseline, and changed their preference to the larger delayed reinforcer during self‐control training.
THERAPIST‐ AND SELF‐MONITORED DRO CONTINGENCIES AS A TREATMENT FOR THE SELF‐INJURIOUS SKIN PICKING OF A YOUNG MAN WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME
Authors: Tiger Jeffrey H. , Fisher Wayne W. , Bouxsein Kelly J.
Published: December 2009

The use of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) has decreased, at least partially due to the development of less effortful alternative behavioral interventions (e.g., noncontingent reinforcement; Vollmer, Iwata, Zarcone, Smith, & Mazaleski, 1993). The effort associated with DRO contingencies may be lessened by incorporating self‐monitoring components in which clients are responsible for the delivery of reinforcers for their own behavior. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of DRO in the treatment of self‐injury when implemented first by the therapist and subsequently by the client.
THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF UNPROMPTED RESPONDING ON THE SKILL ACQUISITION OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Karsten Amanda M. , Carr James E.
Published: December 2009

The recommendation to reserve the most potent reinforcers for unprompted responses during acquisition programming has little published empirical support for its purported benefits (e.g., rapid acquisition, decreased errors, and decreased prompt dependence). The purpose of the current investigation was to compare the delivery of high‐quality reinforcers exclusively following unprompted responses (differential reinforcement) with the delivery of high‐quality reinforcers following both prompted and unprompted responses (nondifferential reinforcement) on the skill acquisition of 2 children with autism. Results indicated that both were effective teaching procedures, although the differential reinforcement procedure was more reliable in producing skill acquisition. These preliminary findings suggest that the differential reinforcement of unprompted responses may be the most appropriate default approach to teaching children with autism.
CHEWING GUM AS A TREATMENT FOR RUMINATION IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM
Authors: Rhine Denise , Tarbox Jonathan
Published: December 2009

Rumination involves regurgitation of previously ingested food, rechewing the food, and reswallowing it. In the current study, a child with autism displayed chronic rumination, resulting in the decay and subsequent removal of several teeth. After several treatments failed, including thickened liquids and starch satiation, the participant was taught to chew gum. His rumination decreased significantly when gum was made available. Results suggest that access to chewing gum may be an effective treatment for rumination in some individuals.
VIDEO MODELING TO TRAIN STAFF TO IMPLEMENT DISCRETE‐TRIAL INSTRUCTION
Authors: Catania Cynthia N. , Almeida Daniel , Liu‐Constant Brian , Reed Florence D. Digennaro
Published: December 2009

Three new direct‐service staff participated in a program that used a video model to train target skills needed to conduct a discrete‐trial session. Percentage accuracy in completing a discrete‐trial teaching session was evaluated using a multiple baseline design across participants. During baseline, performances ranged from a mean of 12% to 63% accuracy. During video modeling, there was an immediate increase in accuracy to a mean of 98%, 85%, and 94% for each participant. Performance during maintenance and generalization probes remained at high levels. Results suggest that video modeling can be an effective technique to train staff to conduct discrete‐trial sessions.
DISCREPANCY IN FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS RESULTS ACROSS TWO SETTINGS: IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION DESIGN
Authors: Lang Russell , O'Reilly Mark , Lancioni Giulio , Rispoli Mandy , Machalicek Wendy , Chan Jeffrey M. , Langthorne Paul , Franco Jesse
Published: December 2009

Functional analyses that were conducted in two settings (playground and classroom) indicated that problem behavior was sensitive to adult attention on the playground and tangible items in the classroom. Attention‐ and tangible‐based interventions were designed based on the results from each of the assessment environments and were compared. The attention‐based intervention was more effective on the playground, and the tangible‐based intervention was more effective in the classroom. Findings are discussed in regards to the generality of functional analysis results across environments.
THE INFLUENCE OF MATCHING AND MOTOR‐IMITATION ABILITIES ON RAPID ACQUISITION OF MANUAL SIGNS AND EXCHANGE‐BASED COMMUNICATIVE RESPONSES
Authors: Gregory Meagan K. , DeLeon Iser G. , Richman David M.
Published: December 2009

Establishing a relation between existing skills and acquisition of communicative responses may be useful in guiding selection of alternative communication systems. Matching and motor‐imitation skills were assessed for 6 children with developmental disabilities, followed by training to request the same set of preferred items using exchange‐based communication and manual signs. Three participants displayed both skills and rapidly acquired both communicative response forms. Three others displayed neither skill; 1 mastered exchange‐based responses but not manual signs, and neither of the other 2 easily acquired either response form.
CALCULATING CONTINGENCIES IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS: ISSUES IN THE APPLICATION OF SEQUENTIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: McComas Jennifer J. , Moore Timothy , Dahl Norm , Hartman Ellie , Hoch John , Symons Frank
Published: December 2009

Analysis and interpretation of behavior—environment relations are increasingly being conducted with data that have been derived descriptively. This paper provides an overview of the logic that underlies a sequential analytic approach to the analysis of descriptive data. Several methods for quantifying sequential relations are reviewed along with their strengths and weaknesses. Data from descriptive analyses are used to illustrate key points. Issues germane to contingency analysis in natural environments are discussed briefly. It is concluded that the conceptual distinctions among contiguity, contingency, and dependency are critical if the logic of sequential analysis is to be extended successfully to a behavior‐analytic account of reinforcement in natural environments.
SHARING THE WEALTH: FACTORS INFLUENCING RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN THE SHARING GAME
Authors: Fantino Edmund , Kennelly Arthur
Published: December 2009

Students chose between two allocation options, one that gave the allocator more and another participant still more (the “optimal” choice) and one which gave the allocator less and the other participant still less (the “competitive” choice). In a within‐subjects design, students' behavior patterns were significantly correlated across the two rounds of decision‐making; however, students allocated more optimally when the allocation involved real rather than hypothetical money, suggesting that both motivational context and individuals' personality and/or experience influence preference patterns. The nature of the putative other participant did not affect the allocation: students allocated in a comparable fashion whether the other participant was said to be male, female, or a computer.
Health Measurement Scales: Methodological Issues
Authors: Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: December 2009

Health scales or indices are composite tools aiming to measure a variety of clinical conditions, behaviors, attitudes and beliefs that are difficult to be measured quantitatively. During the past years, these tools have been extensively used in cardiovascular disease prevention. The already proposed scales have shown good ability in assessing individual characteristics, but had moderate predictive ability in relation to the development of chronic diseases and various other health outcomes. In this review, methodological issues for the development of health scales are discussed. Specifically, the selection of the appropriate number of components, the selection of classes for each component, the use of weights of scale components and the role of intra- or inter-correlation between components are discussed. Based on the current literature the use of components with large number of classes, as well as the use of specific weights for each scale component and the low-to-moderate inter-correlation rate between the components, is suggested in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of the tool.
Methyl Ganoderic Acid DM: A Selective Potent Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitor
Authors: Liu Jie , Shiono Jun , Tsuji Yukiko , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Kondo Ryuichiro
Published: December 2009

Increased osteoclastic bone resorption plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many bone diseases, and osteoclast inhibitors are the most widely used treatments for these diseases. Ganoderic acid DM, the main component of Ganoderma lucidum, has been known for its medicinal effects such as anti-androgen and anti-proliferative activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ganoderic acid DM and its analog (methyl ganoderic acid DM and 7-oxo-methyl ganoderic acid Z) on osteoclastogenesis using RAW264 cell in vitro. Methyl ganoderic acid DM blocked osteoclastogenesis completely at 12.5 μM with low cytotoxicity less than 30%. On the other hands, ganoderic acid DM blocked osteoclastogenesis completely at the higher concentration of 50 μM, but 7-oxo-methyl ganoderic acid Z did not up to 100 μM. These results implicated the carbonyl group at C-3 is essentially for selective osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity, and methyl esters at C-26 should play an important role in enhancing its osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity
Bioenergy II: Biological Pretreatment with Fungi as a Tool for Improvement of the Enzymatic Saccharification of Eucalyptus globulus Labill to Obtain Bioethanol
Authors: Carmona René , Lienqueo María Elena , Salazar Oriana , García Alejandro
Published: December 2009

This study is focused on the effect of the application of biological pretreatment of Eucalyptus globulus Labill wood pieces on the cellulose digestibility by depolymerizing enzymes. Wood chips were incubated with five different white-rot fungi (WRF) for 30, 45 and 60 days at 25°C. The effect of the fungal action was determined as weight losses, changes in chemical composition and released sugars in the wood chips. Enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted in a discontinuous reactor at 37°C, using a commercial cellulase preparation from Trichoderma reesei. The enzyme/substrate ratio was 0.04 g/g. The highest weight losses were obtained using Stereum hirsutum and Lentinus edodes for all the incubation times, reaching 27.2% and 25.8% at 60 days, respectively. The lowest weight losses were produced by Coriolus versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus, reaching 6.0 and 9.1%, respectively after 60 days. For all the tested fungi, the yield of reducing sugars and glucose increased significantly over the untreated controls, with Stereum hirsutum producing after 30 days pretreatment the best values (140 mM reducing sugars and 53 mM glucose); after this time no additional increments were observed. Pre-treated wood pieces showed changes in chemical composition in comparison to control samples. Total extractable substances contents are higher in wood pieces subjected to fungal action. However, lignin and alpha-cellulose values are lower in comparison to control samples. Some net holocellulose consumption could be observed, mainly during pretreatment with S. hirsutum by 45 and 60 days. Altogether these results support the potential of Eucalyptus globulus pre-treatment with S. hirsutum and L. edodes by periods not longer than 30 days, as a tool to increase the wood accessibility to depolymerizing action of hydrolytic enzymes. This preliminary study contributes to the identification of fungal pretreatment conditions for more effective cellulose degradation, a vital step in the utilization of monomer sugars process from cellulose to produce ethanol. Additional analysis of the solid and liquid fractions after saccharification is necessary to complement this information.
The Impact of Gartner’s Maturity Curve, Adoption Curve, Strategic Technologies on Information Systems Research, with Applications to Artificial Intelligence, ERP, BPM, and RFID
Authors: O’Leary Daniel E.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: How does technology maturity and adoption affect samples, research issues, and use of methodologies in information systems? What is a source of some research issues in strategic and emerging technologies? This paper addresses these questions and others using some frameworks generated by a well-known corporate research group.

Gartner Group has been an icon to its corporate clients. However, Gartner has received only limited attention by academics. This paper examines three related frameworks used by Gartner for analyzing information systems (IS) and accounting information systems (AIS) research. Although researchers have previously examined the adoption curve, they generally have ignored the impact of the technology maturity curve and the interaction of the two curves. The paper generates a number of findings, including the finding that where a technology is on the maturity curve limits and facilitates the type of research questions that can be addressed regarding that technology. In addition, Gartner’s “strategic technologies” can provide a basis for understanding which technologies are likely to be appropriate for analysis by researchers.
Cardiovascular Monitoring: Physiological and Technical Considerations
Authors: Casabianca Andrew B. , Becker Daniel E.
Published: December 2009

The American Dental Association and several dental specialty organizations have published guidelines that detail requirements for monitoring patients during various levels of sedation and, in some cases, general anesthesia. In general, all of these are consistent with those guidelines suggested by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force for Sedation and Analgesia by Non-Anesthesiologists. It is well-accepted that the principal negative impact of sedation and anesthesia pertains to the compromise of respiratory function, but attentive monitoring of cardiovascular function is also important. While monitoring per se is a technical issue, an appreciation of its purpose and the interpretation of the information provided require an understanding of basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. The focus of this continuing education article is to address essential physiological aspects of cardiovascular function and to understand the appropriate use of monitors, including the interpretation of the information they provide.
Experimental Determination of the Effect of the Surface Curvature on Rolling Resistance Measurements
Authors: Freudenmann T. , Unrau H.-J. , El-Haji M.
Published: December 2009

REFERENCE: Freudenmann, T., Unrau, H.-J., and El-Haji, M., "Experimental Determination of the Effect of the Surface Curvature on Rolling Resistance Measurements," Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 37, No. 4, October - December 2009, pp. 254-278.

Vehicle and tire manufacturers usually perform rolling resistance measurements on external drums with diameters of 1.71 or 2.0 m. The rolling resistance measured on these test benches is higher than the actual rolling resistance measured on a flat surface. This deviation is caused by the drums’ curvature. In 1979, S. K. Clark aimed to solve this problem by developing a formula, which converts the rolling resistance of a tire measured on a curved surface into the corresponding rolling resistance on a plane. This formula is still used today in ISO and SAE standards. To verify Clark’s universally accepted formula, a research project was initiated at the Universität Karlsruhe. A combined test bench that allows measurements on two external drums of different diameter and a continuous flat track with the same wheel suspension was built up and came into operation. The rolling resistances of six different tires on the three surfaces were measured under variation in operational parameters, such as tire load and inflation pressure. Comparison of converted values from measurements on external drums with flat track measurements showed the necessity for an upgrade of the existing formula. By conducting a multiple regression analysis, which took various tire properties and operational parameters into account, a modified formula was derived. Application of this new formula on the measurement data of the six tires as well as on further measurements showed excellent results.
A Three-Dimensional Constitutive Model for the Dynamic Response of Rubber
Authors: Liu M. , Hoo Fatt M. S.
Published: December 2009

REFERENCE: Liu, M. and Hoo Fatt, M. S., "A Three-Dimensional Constitutive Model for the Dynamic Response of Rubber," Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 37, No. 4, October - December 2009, pp. 226-253.

The development of a constitutive model to describe the dynamic response of a filled rubber compound is presented in this paper. A series of cyclic tension tests were done on the rubber compound with mean strains ranging from 0.2 to 0.5, strain amplitudes ranging from 0.05 to 0.2, and strain rates ranging from 0.1 to 10 s−1. The cyclic strain-controlled test results showed material rate dependence and hysteresis, and this motivated the development of a phenomenological-based, hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model. A Zener model, i.e., a spring in parallel with a Maxwell element, was assumed. The total stress was decomposed into a rate-independent equilibrium stress and a rate-dependent overstress. The springs were modeled as neo-Hookean, while the damper was defined by a nonlinear viscosity function. Material constants for the constitutive model were calculated from the cyclic tension test results. Cyclic tension tests were also performed on a sheet with central hole to check the accuracy of the constitutive model. The constitutive model was implemented into ABAQUS Standard with a user-defined material subroutine. The finite element analysis simulation of the rubber sheet with a central hole demonstrated relatively good agreement with the experimental data.
Laboratory Measurement of Tire Flatspot
Authors: Mani N. K. , Berzins M. A. , Turner J. L.
Published: December 2009

Tires flatspot when they remain loaded without rolling for a period of time. The magnitude of this flatspot and the speed with which it recovers due to subsequent rolling are influenced by the temperature and load histories. Experience indicates that controlled measurement in the laboratory is the best way to measure the flatspot characteristics of tires. However, the laboratory test procedure must be based on the flatspot and recovery conditions the tire experiences in the field for the measurements to truly represent tire performance. Processing of the experimental data to compute the initial flatspot and its decay due to rolling also requires special care since the flatspot decays from the first revolution of the tire after flatspot. Effects of flatspot on a tire can be measured in many ways using low or high speed uniformity measurements or by measuring the radial runout of the tire.

This paper will address the issues involved in flatspot measurement of tires and also present mechanistic explanation of the influence of test conditions on flatspot.
Influence of biopsy specimen size, tissue fixation, and assay variation on copper, iron, and zinc concentrations in canine livers
Authors: Johnston Andrea N. , Center Sharon A. , McDonough Sean P. , Warner Karen L.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine whether metal concentrations in canine liver specimens were influenced by specimen size, assay variability, tissue processing (formalin fixation and deparaffinization), or storage in paraffin blocks.

Sample Population—Liver specimens (fresh frozen and deparaffinized) from 2 dogs with chronic hepatitis (high copper but unremarkable iron concentration [liver 1] and unremarkable copper but high iron concentration [liver 2]) as well as fresh and deparaffinized-archived liver specimens from 20 dogs with various hepatopathies.

Procedures—Fresh frozen liver specimens (obtained via simulated needle-core and wedge biopsy), fresh hepatic tissue, and deparaffinized-archived specimens (0.5 to 14 years old) were analyzed for concentrations of copper, iron, and zinc by atomic absorption flame spectrometry. Clinical severity scores were assigned on the basis of tissue metal concentrations.

Results—Interassay variation of metal standards was < 4%. Measurements of liver tissues on 8 consecutive days yielded high coefficients of variation (3.6% to 50%) reflecting heterogenous histologic metal distribution; variation was highest in liver 1 and deparaffinized-archived tissues. Heterogenous metal distribution was confirmed by histologic evaluation. The largest range of metal concentrations was detected in wedge biopsy specimens. In tissues with high metal concentrations, copper and iron concentrations were significantly lower in needle-core versus wedge biopsy specimens. A higher zinc concentration in deparaffinized-archived specimens masked a low zinc concentration in fresh liver tissue of 10 of 20 (50%) dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Retrospective measurement of copper and iron concentrations but not zinc concentrations in deparaffinized-archived liver specimens provided relevant information. The value of needle-core biopsy specimens for measurement of metal concentrations is questionable.
Evaluation of variants of melanoma-associated antigen genes and mRNA transcripts in melanomas of dogs
Authors: Stell Anneliese J. , Dobson Jane M. , Scase Timothy J. , Catchpole Brian
Published: December 2009

Objective—To characterize variability in melanoma-associated antigen (MAA) genes and gene expression in melanomas of dogs.

Animals—18 dogs with malignant melanomas and 8 healthy control dogs.

Procedures—cDNA was prepared from malignant melanoma biopsy specimens and from pigmented oral mucocutaneous tissues of healthy control dogs. Genomic DNA was extracted from poorly pigmented melanomas. A PCR assay was performed by use of Melan-A, SILV, or tyrosinase-specific primers.

Results—Splice variants of Melan-A and SILV were identified in malignant melanomas and also in healthy pigmented tissues, whereas a tyrosinase splice variant was detected in melanoma tissues only. A short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) insertion mutation was identified in the SILV gene in 1 of 10 poorly pigmented melanomas. Six novel exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 3 synonymous and 3 nonsynonymous) were detected in the tyrosinase gene, and 1 nonsynonymous exonic SNP was detected in the SILV gene.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Variants of MAA mRNA were detected in malignant melanoma tissues of dogs. The importance of MAA alternative transcripts expressed in melanomas and normal pigmented tissues was unclear, but they may have represented a means of regulating melanin synthesis. The tyrosinase splice variant was detected only in melanomas and could potentially be a tumor-specific target for immunotherapy. A SILV SINE insertion mutation was identified in a melanoma from a Great Dane, a breed known to carry this mutation (associated with merle coat color). The nonsynonymous SNPs detected in tyrosinase and SILV transcripts did not appear to affect tumor pigmentation.
Expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 in the left dorsal colon after different durations of ischemia and reperfusion in horses
Authors: Morton Alison J. , Grosche Astrid , Rötting Anna K. , Matyjaszek Sarah A. , Blikslager Anthony T. , Freeman David E.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To identify expression and localization of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 in healthy and ischemic-injured left dorsal colon of horses.

Sample Population—Left dorsal colon tissue samples from 40 horses.

Procedures—Tissue samples that were used in several related studies on ischemia and reperfusion were evaluated. Samples were collected during anesthesia, before induction of ischemia, and following 1 hour of ischemia, 1 hour of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion, 2 hours of ischemia, 2 hours of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion, and 2 hours of ischemia and 18 hours of reperfusion. Histomorphometric analyses were performed to characterize morphological injury. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to characterize expression and localization of COX-1 and COX-2.

Results—COX-1 and COX-2 were expressed in control tissues before ischemia was induced, predominantly in cells in the lamina propria. Ischemic injury significantly increased expression of COX-2 in epithelial cells on the colonic surface and in crypts. A similar significant increase of COX-1 expression was seen in the epithelial cells.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of information on the role of COX-2, upregulation of COX-2 in surface epithelium and crypt cells following ischemic injury in equine colon may represent an early step in the repair process.
Determination of and correlation between urine protein excretion and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio values during a 24-hour period in healthy horses and ponies
Authors: Uberti Benjamin , Eberle D. Bernard , Pressler Barrak M. , Moore George E. , Sojka Janice E.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine whether urine protein-to-creatinine (UP:C) ratio assessment provides an estimate of urine protein excretion (UPE) over a 24-hour period in horses and ponies, establish a preliminary UP:C ratio reference range, and determine UP:C ratio variation over time in healthy equids.

Animals—11 female horses and 6 female ponies.

Procedures—Urine was collected from all equids at 4-hour intervals for 24 hours. Total 24-hour UPE (mg of protein/kg of body weight) and UP:C ratio were determined; these variables were also assessed in aliquots of urine collected at 4-hour intervals. On 2 additional days, urine samples were also obtained from 6 horses (1 sample/horse/d) to determine day-to-day variation in UP:C ratio. Correlation between 4-hour or 24-hour UPE and UP:C ratio values was assessed. Reference ranges for 24-hour UPE, 24-hour UP:C ratio, and 4-hour UP:C ratios were calculated as central 95th percentiles of observed values.

Results—Mean 24-hour UPE (4.28 ± 2.99 mg/kg) and 24-hour UP:C ratio (0.0 to 0.37) had excellent correlation (R = 0.826; P < 0.001) in both horses and ponies; analysis of 4-hour data also revealed good correlation (R = 0.782; P < 0.001) with these variables. Calculated UPE and UP:C ratio reference ranges were similar to established ranges in other species. Day-to-day variability in UP:C ratio was minimal, and all results were within the reference range calculated by use of the 24-hour urine samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Assessment of the UP:C ratio appears to be a reliable method for estimating 24-hour UPE in horses and ponies.
Labor market characteristics of veterinary technician specialists in 2007
Authors: Norkus Christopher L.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine labor market characteristics of veterinary technician specialists (VTSs) during 2007 and identify characteristics significantly related to pay.

Design—Survey.

Sample Population—163 VTSs.

Procedures—A 21-question, multiple-choice survey was sent in early May 2008 to all individuals (n = 345) who had been certified as VTSs and for whom an e-mail address could be identified.

Results—Weighted mean pay rate for respondents was $23.48/h. Pay rate was significantly associated with practice type, whether the respondent had a supervisory or management position, duration of experience as a VTS, duration of experience as a veterinary technician, and duration of employment with the current employer. Pay rate was not significantly associated with age, gender, highest academic degree, geographic region, area of practice (ie, urban vs suburban vs rural), or academy of which the respondent was a member.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Traditional human capital variables such as work experience and job tenure were significantly related to pay rate for VTSs.
Agreement between values for arterial and end-tidal partial pressures of carbon dioxide in spontaneously breathing, critically ill dogs
Authors: Kelmer Efrat , Scanson Lindsey C. , Reed Ann , Love Lydia C.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine agreement between arterial partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and end-tidal partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PETCO2) measured with a nasal catheter in spontaneously breathing, critically ill dogs.

Design—Validation study.

Animals—26 client-owned dogs admitted to an intensive care unit for various conditions.

Procedures—PaCO2 was measured with a commercial blood gas analyzer, and PETCO2 was measured with a sidestream capnograph attached to a nasal catheter. Measurements were obtained twice (ie, with and without supplemental oxygen). Paired values were compared by means of the Pearson correlation method. Level of agreement was assessed by means of the Bland-Altman method.

Results—Mean difference between PaCO2 and PETCO2 when dogs did not receive supplemental oxygen (mean ± SD, 3.95 ± 4.92 mm Hg) was significantly lower than mean difference when dogs did receive supplemental oxygen (6.87 ± 6.42 mm Hg). Mean difference in dogs with a condition affecting the respiratory system (8.55 ± 5.43 mm Hg) was significantly higher than mean difference in dogs without respiratory tract disease (3.28 ± 3.23 mm Hg). There was a significant linear correlation and good agreement between measured values of PaCO2 and PETCO2. Catheter size, ventilatory status, and outcome were not significantly associated with mean difference between PaCO2 and PETCO2.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that nasal capnography is a clinically relevant method of estimating PaCO2 in spontaneously breathing, critically ill dogs, but that values should be interpreted with caution in dogs receiving supplemental oxygen and in dogs with conditions affecting the respiratory system.
Assessment of serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration for differentiation of congestive heart failure from primary respiratory tract disease as the cause of respiratory signs in dogs
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Rush John E. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Fox Philip R. , Reynolds Caryn A. , Gordon Sonya G. , Bulmer Barret J. , Lefbom Bonnie K. , Brown Bill A. , Lehmkuhl Linda B. , Prosek Robert , Lesser Michael B. , Kraus Marc S. , Bossbaly Maribeth J. , Rapoport Gregg S. , Boileau Jean-Sebastien
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine whether serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration is useful in discriminating between cardiac and noncardiac (ie, primary respiratory tract disease) causes of respiratory signs (ie, coughing, stertor, stridor, excessive panting, increased respiratory effort, tachypnea, or overt respiratory distress) in dogs.

Design—Multicenter cross-sectional study.

Animals—115 dogs with respiratory signs.

Procedures—Dogs with respiratory signs were solicited for study. Physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography were used to determine whether respiratory signs were the result of cardiac (ie, congestive heart failure) or noncardiac (ie, primary respiratory tract disease) causes. Serum samples for NT-proBNP assay were obtained at time of admission for each dog. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the ability of serum NT-proBNP concentration to discriminate between cardiac and noncardiac causes of respiratory signs.

Results—Serum NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in dogs with cardiac versus noncardiac causes of respiratory signs. In dogs with primary respiratory tract disease, serum NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in those with concurrent pulmonary hypertension than in those without. A serum NT-proBNP cutoff concentration > 1,158 pmol/L discriminated between dogs with congestive heart failure and dogs with primary respiratory tract disease with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 81.3%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Measuring serum NT-proBNP concentration in dogs with respiratory signs helps to differentiate between congestive heart failure and primary respiratory tract disease as an underlying cause.
Dyspnea caused by epiglottic retroversion in two dogs
Authors: Flanders James A. , Thompson Margret S.
Published: December 2009

Case Description—An 8-year-old castrated male Boxer and a 10-year-old spayed female Yorkshire Terrier were evaluated because of dyspnea. In both dogs, the dyspnea persisted after elongated soft palate resection.

Clinical Findings—Laryngoscopic examination revealed caudal displacement of the epiglottis into the rima glottidis in both dogs. Excessive mobility of the epiglottis during respiration with episodic obstruction of the rima glottidis by the epiglottis was observed during fluoroscopic examination.

Treatment and Outcome—The epiglottis of both dogs was fixed in a horizontal plane by resection of a band of oral mucosa at the base of the epiglottis and closure of the mucosal defect with sutures. Fixation of the epiglottis resolved the dyspnea in both dogs.

Clinical Relevance—Excessive mobility of the epiglottis can predispose to glottic obstruction and cause dyspnea in dogs. Fixation of the epiglottis in a horizontal plane may resolve dyspnea caused by epiglottic retroversion in dogs.
Branchial remnant cysts of mature and juvenile horses
Authors: NOLEN‐WALSTON R. D. , PARENTE E. J. , MADIGAN J. E. , DAVID F. , KNAFO S. E. , ENGILES J. B.
Published: December 2009

This clinical report describes 8 cases of branchial remnant cysts (BRC) in the horse. The horses presented with bimodal age distribution, with 5 cases in mature horses (age 8–21 years) and 3 in foals (age 1, 6 and 10 months). Mature cases presented for dysphagia or intermittent oesophageal obstruction (2/5), and retropharyngeal swelling (3/5), whereas respiratory stridor and visible mass were presenting complaints in the foals. Presence of a right‐sided (5/8) or dorsally located (2/8) palpable retropharyngeal mass of 3–35 cm diameter was noted clinically; one left‐sided mass was identified as an incidental finding at necropsy. Ultrasonography typically revealed a thick‐walled cyst containing hypoechoic fluid with dependent hyperechoic masses consistent with blood clots. Radiographs and upper airway endoscopy were also consistent with a retropharyngeal mass. Fluid cytology revealed chronic haemorrhage in 6/8 cases, and squamous epithelial cells in one case. Histopathology in all cases demonstrated an epithelium‐lined cyst with no smooth muscle or thyroid tissue. Two cases was subjected to euthanasia; one due to concurrent laryngeal anomalies and one due to financial constraints. The remaining 5 cases were treated via surgical excision. Post operatively, right laryngeal hemiplegia was observed in 4/5 cases. All previous reports of BRC in the horse have described juvenile individuals. Brachial remnant cyst should be considered a differential diagnosis for mature horses with masses of the throatlatch area and can be definitively diagnosed by the presence of squamous epithelium in aspirated fluid or by histopathology of the excised mass. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve damage is a common complication of surgery.
Impact of reproductive efficiency over time and mare financial value on economic returns among Thoroughbred mares in central Kentucky
Authors: BOSH K. A. , POWELL D. , NEIBERGS J. S. , SHELTON B. , ZENT W.
Published: December 2009

Reason for performing study: There have been no studies reporting the impact of reproductive efficiency and mare financial value on economic returns.

Objective: To explore the economic consequences of differences in reproductive efficiency over time in the Thoroughbred mare.

Methods: Complete production records for 1176 mares were obtained. Production history and drift in foaling date were calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing the probability of producing a registered foal in 2005. The ‘net present value’ and ‘internal rate of return’ were calculated for economic scenarios involving different initial mare financial values, levels of reproductive efficiency, and durations of investment.

Results: Among mares that did not produce a foal every year (63%), the mean time before failing to produce a registered foal was 3.4 years. The majority of mares drifted later in their foaling dates in subsequent foaling seasons. Increasing mare age, foaling after 1st April, needing to be mated multiple times during the season, and producing a lower number of foals in continuous sequence during previous years decreased the probability of producing a registered foal. Over a 7 year investment period, live foals must be produced in all but one year to yield a positive financial return. Profitability was highest among mares of greatest financial value.

Conclusions: Mares are long‐term investments due to the extended period before there is a return on the investment. Improving our understanding of mare, stallion and management factors that affect the likelihood of producing a live foal are critical to ensuring a positive financial return. Additional work is needed to test the robustness of the study's conclusions when the cost and revenue assumptions are varied.

Potential relevance: This information can assist in assessing mare profitability and developing management strategies to maximise profitability.
Occult metastatic intestinal adenocarcinoma resulting in pathological fracture of the proximal humerus
Authors: JANN H. W. , BRESHEARS M. A. , ALLISON R. W. , PECHMAN R. D. , DAY J. , HART J. C. A. , MOORMAN V. J.
Published: December 2009

Intestinal adenocarcinomas are rare but have been described in the literature. The present case is unusual in both its clinical presentation and in the distribution of metastatic lesions. The sequestrum formation and pathological fracture present are most commonly associated with osteomyelitis in horses and the details of the case highlight the need for differential diagnosis in these particular circumstances and of which clinicians should be aware.
Abnormal umbilical cord attachment sites in the mare: A review illustrated by three case reports
Authors: WILSHER S. , OUSEY J. , ALLEN W. R.
Published: December 2009

Abnormal cord attachment can be a manifestation of an inappropriate fixation position of the conceptus in the uterus, or it may result from disorientation of the conceptus post fixation. The potential for this resulting in fetal and neonatal compromise is reviewed in the light of previous reports and to which 3 cases within the authors' experience are added.
Do horses suffer from irritable bowel syndrome?
Authors: HUNTER J. O.
Published: December 2009

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in man is not a single entity but has several causes. One of the most common forms has similarities with colic and laminitis in horses. Undigested food residues may pass from the small intestine into the colon where bacterial fermentation produces chemicals that lead to disease. In horses the consequences may be disastrous, but in healthy humans such malabsorption may not be harmful. After events such as bacterial gastroenteritis or antibiotic treatment, an imbalance of the colonic microflora with overgrowth of facultative anaerobes may arise, leading to malfermentation and IBS. It is not known whether such subtle changes may likewise be present in the microflora of horses who are susceptible to colic and laminitis. Metabolomic studies of urine and faeces may provide a suitable way forward to identify such changes in the horse's gut and thus help to identify more accurately those at risk and to provide opportunities for the development of improved treatment.
Comparison of radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of patellar chondromalacia in a horse, confirmed by arthroscopy
Authors: McLellan J. , Plevin S. , Hammock P. D. , BonenClark G.
Published: December 2009

Patellar chondromalacia is rarely reported in the horse. In this study, several noninvasive diagnostic modalities were combined to diagnose patellar chondromalacia in a horse, later confirmed by arthroscopy. Radiography failed to demonstrate pathology; nuclear scintigraphy localised the disease process to the left femoropatellar region; and ultrasonography identified pathological changes within the affected joint. It is possible that this disease is underreported in the literature due to the difficulty in accurately diagnosing the condition.
Strategies for the management of donkey jacks in intensive breeding systems
Authors: Canisso I. F. , Morel M. C. G. Davies , McDonnell S.
Published: December 2009

Donkeys are bred throughout the world and often play an important role in agriculture. They are also bred to produce mules. Traditionally, jacks are considered challenging to breed in domestic conditions, whether for natural breeding or semen collection using either jennies or mares. The donkey's natural sexual behaviour significantly differs from that of other domestic animals. This presents challenges for in‐hand donkey breeding, particularly on mule studs where normally only jacks and mares are kept for breeding. This article describes some of the authors' observations on sexual behaviour in donkeys and practical experience of some of the strategies employed to apply this knowledge to breeding management, in order to improve the success of using donkeys for both natural service and semen collection.
Penetrating injury at the thoracic inlet in a Paint‐Arab mare
Authors: Rojman Y. R. , Newkirk E. S. , Grewal J. S.
Published: December 2009

A 12‐year‐old Paint‐Arab mare was admitted for evaluation of a penetrating chest laceration at the thoracic inlet. The left brachiocephalic muscle was transected and the recurrent laryngeal nerve was traumatised. Subsequent to the injury, the horse developed Horner's syndrome on the left side of the neck and face,Grade IVleft laryngeal hemiplegia, dysphagia, cough and subcutaneous emphysema. The defect was closed in multiple layers. Antimicrobial and antiinflammatory therapy was instituted along with local wound care. The mare remained bright and responsive and the wound healed normally. The mare showed no signs of respiratory distress. Dysphagia and ptosis persisted at 30 days post trauma.