bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Triglyceride Levels Over Time and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Young Men
Authors: Tirosh Amir , Shai Iris , Bitzur Rafael , Kochba Ilan , Tekes-Manova Dorit , Israeli Eran , Shochat Tzippora , Rudich Assaf
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—The association between changes in triglyceride concentrations over time and diabetes is unknown. We assessed whether two triglyceride determinations obtained 5 years apart can predict incident type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Triglyceride levels at baseline (time 1) and 5 years later (time 2), followed by subsequent follow-up of 5.5 years, were measured in 13,953 apparently healthy men (age 26–45 years) with triglycerides <300 mg/dl (<3.39 mmol/l).

RESULTS—During 76,742 person-years, 322 cases of diabetes occurred. A multivariate model adjusted for age, BMI, total cholesterol–to–HDL cholesterol ratio, family history of diabetes, fasting glucose, blood pressure, physical activity, and smoking status revealed a continuous independent rise in incident diabetes with increasing time 1 triglyceride levels (Ptrend < 0.001). Men in the lowest tertile of time 1 triglyceride levels who progressed to the highest tertile over follow-up (low-high) exhibited a hazard ratio (HR) of 12.62 (95% CI 3.52–31.34) compared with those remaining in the lowest tertile at both time points (reference group: low-low). Whereas men who were at the top triglyceride level tertile throughout follow-up (high-high) had a HR for diabetes of 7.08 (2.52–14.45), those whose triglyceride level decreased to the lowest tertile (high-low) exhibited a HR of 1.97 (0.67–6.13). Alterations in triglyceride levels during follow-up were associated with changes in BMI, physical activity, and eating breakfast habit (P < 0.05), but remained an independent modifier of diabetes risk even after adjustment for such changes.

CONCLUSIONS—Two measurements of fasting triglyceride levels obtained 5 years apart can assist in identifying apparently healthy young men at increased risk for diabetes, independent of traditional risk factors and of associated changes in BMI and lifestyle parameters.
Postoperative analgesic effects of epidural administration of neostigmine alone or in combination with morphine in ovariohysterectomized dogs
Authors: Marucio Rodrigo L. , Luna Stelio P. L. , Neto Francisco J. Teixeira , Minto Bruno W. , Hatschbach Eduardo
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate analgesic effects of epidurally administered neostigmine alone or in combination with morphine in dogs after ovariohysterectomy.

Animals—40 healthy bitches.

Procedures—After acepromazine premedication, anesthesia was induced. Dogs randomly received 1 of the following 4 epidural treatments 30 minutes before ovariohysterectomy (n = 10/group): saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control), morphine (0.1 mg/kg), neostigmine (10 μg/kg), or morphine-neostigmine (0.1 mg/kg and 10 μg/kg, respectively). Analgesia was assessed for 24 hours after surgery by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS; scale of 0 to 10) or numeric descriptive scale (NDS; scale of 0 to 24) and by the need for supplemental analgesia (morphine [0.5 mg/kg, IM] administered when VAS was ≥ 4 or NDS was ≥ 8).

Results—Significantly more control dogs (n = 8) received supplemental analgesia, compared with the number of neostigmine-treated dogs (1); no dogs in the remaining groups received supplemental analgesia. Compared with values for the control dogs, the NDS scores were lower for morphine-neostigmine–treated dogs (from 2 to 6 hours and at 12 hours) and for morphine-treated dogs (all time points). The NDS scores were lower for morphine-treated dogs at 3, 12, and 24 hours, compared with values for neostigmine-treated dogs. The VAS was less sensitive than the NDS for detecting differences among groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Epidurally administered neostigmine reduced the use of supplemental analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in dogs. However, analgesic effects were less pronounced than for epidurally administered morphine or morphine-neostigmine. Adding neostigmine to epidurally administered morphine did not potentiate opioid-induced analgesia.
Composition and electrophoretic mobility of plasma lipoproteins of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Asadi Farzad , Shahriari Ali , Asadian Peyman , Pourkabir Malihe , Samadaei Mahzyar
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine the lipid composition and electrophoretic pattern of plasma lipoproteins in samples obtained from healthy 1-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Animals—34 healthy camels raised under similar farming and dietary conditions.

Procedures—Plasma samples were subjected to density-gradient ultracentrifugation for separation of plasma lipoproteins, including very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Purity of the separation was assessed by use of polyacrylamide gel disk electrophoresis. Concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids were measured in each lipoprotein fraction, and lipoprotein electrophoretic patterns were determined in plasma samples.

Results—Phospholipid was the major constituent of VLDL (mean ± SD concentration, 10.62 ± 1.2 mg/dL), LDL (24.66 ± 3.12 mg/dL), and HDL (38.08 ± 0.76 mg/dL). Low-density lipoprotein, VLDL, and HDL were important plasma lipoprotein carriers for cholesterol (67.94 ± 9.51%), triglyceride (55.83 ± 7.81%), and phospholipid (51.91 ± 1.55%), respectively. On the basis of electrophoresis results, relative percentages of α- and β-lipoproteins were 31.72 ± 4.88% and 68.3 ± 4.68%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The lipoprotein profile in 1-humped camels differed substantially from that of other ruminants. Results may be useful in the evaluation of metabolic disorders in camels.
Quantitative analysis of scintigraphic findings in tibial stress fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Valdés-Martínez Alejandro , Seiler Gabriela , Mai Wilfried , Bolt David M. , Mudge Margaret , Dukti Sarah A. , Hubert Jeremy D.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To develop a quantitative method of interpreting tibial scintigrams of Thoroughbred racehorses with tibial stress fractures that may facilitate diagnosis of fractures and to provide prognostic information regarding future performance of affected horses.

Animals—35 Thoroughbred racehorses.

Procedures—Static bone-phase scintigrams of tibial stress fractures were quantitatively analyzed by use of ratios of the mean radionuclide counts per pixel in a region of interest (ROI) drawn around the area of increased uptake of radiopharmaceutical to mean counts per pixel in a second ROI drawn around an apparently normal area of the tibial diaphysis. In horses with unilateral fractures, ratios for the contralateral tibia were determined by use of 2 ROIs drawn at the same positions as the ROIs in the fractured tibia. Ratios were compared between fractured versus apparently normal tibias, between horses that returned to racing versus those that did not, and among horses with various grades of lameness. The association between ratios for fractured tibias and intervals between diagnosis and return to racing was also assessed.

Results—Mean ratio of ROIs in apparently normal tibias was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.50); that in tibias with stress fractures was 3.55 (95% CI, 2.50 to 4.60). These ratios were significantly different. None of the associations between ratios for fractured tibias and grades of lameness or performance outcomes were significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tibial stress fracture scintigrams can be quantitatively analyzed. A prospective study with a controlled rehabilitation period is necessary to evaluate the possible applications of this method.
Comparison of mean bone densities of three preparations of the distal portion of the equine third metacarpal bone measured by use of quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Drum Marti G. , Les Clifford M. , Park Richard D. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Kawcak Christopher E.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate whether cutting equine subchondral bone to demarcate specific regions of interest (ROIs) influences the mean density for that bone as measured via quantitative computed tomography (QCT).

Sample population—2 metacarpophalangeal joints from equine cadavers.

Procedures—The distal portion of the third metacarpal bone of each intact metacarpophalangeal joint was scanned via CT to simulate in vivo conditions. Each joint was subsequently disarticulated and dissected, and the distal portion of the dissected third metacarpal bone in air was scanned. Then, six 1-cm2 areas representing ROIs were cut into the distal condylar surfaces to depths of approximately 1 cm, and the bone was scanned again. Three-dimensional CT models of the 3 bone preparations were generated for each third metacarpal bone on the basis of data from each set of scan images, and densities of the 6 ROIs were measured. Mean bone densities for the 6 ROIs were compared among models of intact, dissected, and cut third metacarpal bone scans.

Results—Mean bone density was significantly lower in cut bone preparations, compared with that in intact or dissected bone. Differences between mean bone densities for intact and dissected bone preparations were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cutting subchondral bone to demarcate specific ROIs prior to CT imaging significantly lowered mean bone density as measured via QCT and thus introduced substantial artifacts. These findings have direct implications on techniques for CT modeling of equine subchondral bone in the characterization of joint diseases in horses.
Herd characteristics and management practices associated with seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis infection in dairy herds
Authors: Tavornpanich Saraya , Johnson Wesley O. , Anderson Randall J. , Gardner Ian A.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To investigate herd characteristics and management practices associated with a high seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) in dairy herds in central California.

Sample Population—60 randomly selected cows from each of 21 dairy herds.

Procedures—Sera of selected cows were tested for antibodies against MAP by use of an ELISA test kit. Cows with a test sample-to-positive control sample (S:P) ratio of ≥ 0.25 were considered seropositive, and herds with ≥ 4% seropositive cows were considered high-seroprevalence herds. Data on herd characteristics and management practices were collected via interviews with owners. Bayesian logistic regression was used to model the predictive probability of a herd having a high seroprevalence on the basis of various herd characteristics and management practices.

Results—9 of 21 (43%) herds were classified as high-seroprevalence herds. Five variables (history of previous signs of paratuberculosis in the herd, herd size, exposing cattle to water from manure storage lagoons, feeding unsalable milk to calves, and exposing heifers ≤ 6 months old to manure of adult cows) were included in the predictive model on the basis of statistical and biological considerations. In large herds, the predictive probability of a high seroprevalence of MAP infection decreased from 0.74 to 0.39 when management changed from poor to good practices. In small herds, a similar decrease from 0.64 to 0.29 was predicted.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The seroprevalence of MAP infection in California dairies may be reduced by improvements in herd management practices.
Associations between health and productivity in cow-calf beef herds and persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus, antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus, or antibodies against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus in calves
Authors: Waldner Cheryl L. , Kennedy Richard I.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To measure associations between health and productivity in cow-calf beef herds and persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), antibodies against BVDV, or antibodies against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus in calves.

Animals—1,782 calves from 61 beef herds.

Procedures—Calf serum samples were analyzed at weaning for antibodies against type 1 and type 2 BVDV and IBR virus. Skin biopsy specimens from 5,704 weaned calves were tested immunohistochemically to identify persistently infected (PI) calves. Herd production records and individual calf treatment and weaning weight records were collected.

Results—There was no association between the proportion of calves with antibodies against BVDV or IBR virus and herd prevalence of abortion, stillbirth, calf death, or nonpregnancy. Calf death risk was higher in herds in which a PI calf was detected, and PI calves were more likely to be treated and typically weighed substantially less than herdmates at weaning. Calves with high antibody titers suggesting exposure to BVDV typically weighed less than calves that had no evidence of exposure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—BVDV infection, as indicated by the presence of PI calves and serologic evidence of infection in weaned calves, appeared to have the most substantial effect on productivity because of higher calf death risk and treatment risk and lower calf weaning weight.
Evaluation of the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on cells from canine cancer cell lines
Authors: Kisseberth William C. , Murahari Sridhar , London Cheryl A. , Kulp Samuel K. , Chen Ching-Shih
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine whether exposure of canine cancer cells to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors S(+)-N-hydroxy-4-(3-methyl-2-phenyl-butyrylamino)benzamide (OSU-HDAC42) or suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) results in increased histone acetylation and decreased cell viability and whether any changes in viability involve induction of apoptosis or alterations in progression of the cell cycle.

Sample Population—9 canine cancer cell lines.

Procedures—Cells from 9 canine cancer cell lines were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle, OSU-HDAC42, or SAHA, then assays of cell viability were performed. Histone acetylation was assessed by use of western blot analysis. Apoptosis was assessed via ELISA to detect fragmentation of cytoplasmic nucleosomal DNA and western blot analysis to detect cleavage of caspase 3. Cell cycle analysis was performed by use of propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry.

Results—Concentrations of OSU-HDAC42 and SAHA required to achieve 50% inhibition of cell viability (IC50) were reached in cells of 6 and 4 canine cancer cell lines, respectively, and ranged from approximately 0.4 to 1.3μM for OSU-HDAC42 and 0.6 to 4.8μM for SAHA. Cells from T-cell lymphoma, mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma lines were most sensitive to HDAC inhibition, with IC50s of < 1μM for OSU-HDAC42 and < 5μM for SAHA. Induction of apoptosis was indicated via cleavage of caspase 3 and increases in cytoplasmic nucleosomes and the subG1 cell population.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Micromolar concentrations of HDAC inhibitors OSU-HDAC42 and SAHA induced histone acetylation, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in canine cancer cells. In general, OSU-HDAC42 was more potent than SAHA.
In vitro evaluation of a custom cutting jig and custom plate for canine tibial plateau leveling
Authors: Marcellin-Little Denis J. , Harrysson Ola L. A. , Cansizoglu Omer
Published: July 2008

Objective—To design and manufacture custom titanium bone plates and a custom cutting and drill guide by use of free-form fabrication methods and to compare variables and mechanical properties of 2 canine tibial plateau leveling methods with each other and with historical control values.

Sample Population—10 canine tibial replicas created by rapid prototyping methods.

Procedures—Application time, accuracy of correction of the tibial plateau slope (TPS), presence and magnitude of rotational and angular deformation, and replica axial stiffness for 2 chevron wedge osteotomy (CWO) methods were assessed. One involved use of freehand CWO (FHCWO) and screw hole drilling, whereas the other used jig-guided CWO (JGCWO) and screw hole drilling.

Results—Replicas used for FHCWO and JGCWO methods had similar stiffness. Although JGCWO and FHCWO did not weaken the replicas, mean axial stiffness of replicas after JGCWO was higher than after FHCWO. The JGCWO method was faster than the FHCWO method. Mean ± SD TPS after osteotomy was lower for FHCWO (4.4 ± 1.1°) than for JGCWO (9.5 ± 0.4°), and JGCWO was more accurate (target TPS, 8.9°). Slight varus was evident after FHCWO but not after JGCWO. Mean postoperative rotation after JGCWO and FHCWO did not differ from the target value or between methods.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The JGCWO method was more accurate and more rapid and resulted in more stability than the FHCWO method. Use of custom drill guides could enhance the speed, accuracy, and stability of corrective osteotomies in dogs.
Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of pain-related behaviors following routine neutering in dogs
Authors: Wagner Ann E. , Worland Grace A. , Glawe J. Christopher , Hellyer Peter W.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate the degree of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing elective castration or ovariohysterectomy (OHE); determine whether an association exists between surgeon experience, incision length, or surgery duration and degree of postoperative pain; and determine whether analgesic treatment decreases expression of postoperative pain behaviors.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—426 client-owned dogs undergoing OHE or castration.

Procedures—Dogs underwent OHE or castration performed by an experienced veterinarian or a fourth-year veterinary student. Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: no perioperative analgesic treatment (n = 44), preoperative administration of morphine (144), preoperative administration of nalbuphine (119), and postoperative administration of ketoprofen (119). Dogs were evaluated while in the hospital before anesthesia and for 4 hours after surgery and once a day at home for 3 days after surgery.

Results—Dogs in all 4 groups had significant increases in overall pain scores after surgery, compared with baseline scores. There were significant differences among groups, with control dogs having significantly higher increases in overall pain scores than dogs in the other groups. Factors that did not influence the frequency or severity of pain-related behaviors included breed, individual hospital, anesthetic induction protocol, surgeon experience, and duration of surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that dogs expressed behaviors suggestive of pain following OHE and castration, that analgesic treatment mitigated the expression of pain-related behaviors, and that surgeon experience and surgery duration did not have any effect on expression of pain-related behaviors.
Effects of anesthesia and surgery on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens
Authors: Reese Michael J. , Patterson Erin V. , Tucker Sylvia J. , Dubovi Edward J. , Davis Rolan D. , Crawford P. Cynda , Levy Julie K.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine the effects of anesthesia and surgery on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens.

Design—Prospective controlled trial.

Animals—32 specific-pathogen–free kittens.

Procedures—Kittens were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: neutering at 7, 8, or 9 weeks of age or no neutering. All kittens were inoculated with modified-live virus vaccines against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), and feline calicivirus (FCV) at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age and inactivated rabies virus (RV) at 14 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FPV, FHV, and FCV were determined at 8, 9, 11, 14, and 17 weeks of age; RV titers were determined at 14 and 17 weeks of age.

Results—Serologic responses of kittens neutered at the time of first vaccination (8 weeks) were not different from those of kittens neutered 1 week before (7 weeks) or 1 week after (9 weeks) first vaccination or from those of kittens that were not neutered. In total, 31%, 0%, 69%, and 9% of kittens failed to develop adequate titers against FPV, FCV, FHV, and RV, respectively, by 17 weeks of age.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Neutering at or near the time of first vaccination with a modified-live virus vaccine did not impair antibody responses in kittens. Many kittens that were last vaccinated at 14 weeks of age had inadequate antibody titers at 17 weeks of age. Kittens may be vaccinated in the perioperative period when necessary, and the primary vaccination series should be extended through at least 16 weeks of age.
Evaluation of outcome associated with subcutaneous and intramuscular hemangiosarcoma treated with adjuvant doxorubicin in dogs: 21 cases (2001–2006)
Authors: Bulakowski Eric J. , Philibert Jeff C. , Siegel Sheri , Clifford Craig A. , Risbon Rebecca , Zivin Kara , Cronin Kim L.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate outcome associated with subcutaneous and intramuscular hemangiosarcomas treated with adjuvant doxorubicin in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—21 dogs.

Procedures—Records of dogs with histologically confirmed hemangiosarcoma, no detectable metastasis at initial evaluation, and adequate local tumor control were included. Age, sex, number of treatments, treatment interval, radiation therapy, and concurrent use of cyclophosphamide or deracoxib were evaluated for associations with disease-free interval (DFI) or survival time. Three to 6 cycles of doxorubicin were planned. Disease-free interval was defined as time of definitive surgery to time of local recurrence, metastasis, or both. Survival time was defined as the beginning of the DFI to time of death.

Results—17 tumors were subcutaneous, and 4 were intramuscular. Median age was 9 years. Median weight was 31.1 kg (68.4 lb). Five dogs received adjuvant radiation therapy. Median DFI for subcutaneous tumors was 1,553 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 469 days to not estimable). Median DFI for intramuscular tumors was 265.5 days (95% CI, 123 to 301 days). Median survival time for subcutaneous tumors was 1,189 days (95% CI, 596 days to not estimable). Median survival time for intramuscular tumors was 272.5 days (95% CI, 123 to 355 days). For dogs with subcutaneous tumors, younger age (< 9 years) was associated with longer DFI and survival time. Dogs with subcutaneous tumors that did not receive radiation therapy had longer DFI.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs with subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma had a more favorable outcome, compared with dogs with intramuscular hemangiosarcoma, when treated with adequate local control and adjuvant doxorubicin.
Association of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings with outcome in dogs suspected to have ischemic myelopathy: 50 cases (2000–2006)
Authors: Risio Luisa De , Adams Vicki , Dennis Ruth , McConnell Fraser J. , Platt Simon R.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine whether clinical signs or magnetic resonance imaging findings were associated with outcome in dogs with presumptive ischemic myelopathy.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—50 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. A neurologic score from 1 (normal) to 5 (most severe degree of dysfunction) was assigned on the basis of neurologic signs at the time of initial examination. Follow-up information was obtained from the medical records and by means of a telephone questionnaire completed by owners and referring veterinarians.

Results—Median neurologic score at the time of initial examination was 3 (range, 2 to 5). Median follow-up time was 584 days (range, 4 to 2,090 days). Neurologic score at the time of initial examination and extent of the lesion seen on magnetic resonance images (quantified as the lesion length-to-vertebral length ratio and as the percentage cross-sectional area of the lesion) were significantly associated with outcome. Sensitivity of using a lesion length-to-vertebral length ratio > 2.0 or a percentage cross-sectional area of the lesion ≥ 67% to predict an unsuccessful outcome was 100%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that severity of neurologic signs at the time of initial examination and extent of the lesions seen on magnetic resonance images were associated with outcome in dogs with ischemic myelopathy.
Pituitary-adrenal function in dogs with acute critical illness
Authors: Martin Linda G. , Groman Reid P. , Fletcher Daniel J. , Behrend Ellen N. , Kemppainen Robert J. , Moser Valerie R. , Hickey Kathy C.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate pituitary-adrenal function in critically ill dogs with sepsis, severe trauma, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—31 ill dogs admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at Washington State University or the University of Pennsylvania; all dogs had acute critical illness for < 48 hours prior to admission.

Procedures—Baseline and ACTH-stimulated serum cortisol concentrations and baseline plasma ACTH concentrations were assayed for each dog within 24 hours after admission to the ICU. The change in cortisol concentrations (Δ-cortisol) was calculated for each dog. Morbidity and mortality data were recorded for each patient.

Results—Overall, 17 of 31 (55%) acutely critically ill dogs had at least 1 biochemical abnormality suggestive of adrenal gland or pituitary gland insufficiency. Only 1 (3%) dog had an exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation. Dogs with Δ-cortisol ≤ 83 nmol/L were 5.7 times as likely to be receiving vasopressors as were dogs with Δ-cortisol > 83 nmol/L. No differences were detected among dogs with sepsis, severe trauma, or GDV with respect to mean baseline and ACTH-stimulated serum cortisol concentrations, Δ-cortisol, and baseline plasma ACTH concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Biochemical abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis indicative of adrenal gland or pituitary gland insufficiency were common in critically ill dogs, whereas exaggerated responses to ACTH administration were uncommon. Acutely ill dogs with Δ-cortisol ≤ 83 nmol/L may be more likely to require vasopressors as part of the treatment plan.
Complications associated with the use of vascular access ports in dogs receiving external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Mayer Monique N. , Grier Candace K. , Yoshikawa Hiroto , Ringwood P. Brendon
Published: July 2008

Objective—To assess the perioperative and postoperative complications associated with use of vascular access ports (VAPs) in the jugular and lateral saphenous veins of dogs requiring frequent anesthetic episodes for radiation therapy.

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—40 dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital.

Procedures—VAPs were used in 23 dogs, and intravenous catheters inserted in a peripheral vein were used in 17 dogs. The frequency of perioperative and postoperative complications associated with VAP use and the frequency of infection associated with intravenous catheter use were recorded. Results of bacterial culture of VAP tips and amount of time required for VAP placement and removal and for anesthetic induction were also recorded.

Results—VAP-associated perioperative complications included malposition of the catheter tip in 4 of 23 (17.4%) dogs. The VAP-associated postoperative complications included seroma formation in 7 (30.4%) dogs, breakage of port-anchoring sutures in 3 (13.0%) dogs, suspected fatal catheter-related septicemia in 1 (4.3%) dog, and temporary partial withdrawal occlusion in 18 of 255 (7.1%) anesthetic episodes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Placement of VAPs provided ready access in dogs receiving radiation therapy. Most complications were minor and self-limiting; however, a low risk of serious complications existed. Use of fluoroscopy to assess position of the catheter tip is recommended to decrease the risk of malposition. Immediate removal of a VAP is recommended when clinical signs of infection develop. Removal of a VAP at the completion of radiation therapy should be performed unless the benefit of continued vascular access outweighs the risks.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 predicts outcome and vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Grace H. , Kellner Christopher P. , Hahn David K. , Desantis Brianna M. , Musabbir Muhith , Starke Robert M. , Rynkowski Michal , Komotar Ricardo J. , Otten Marc L. , Sciacca Robert , Schmidt J. Michael , Mayer Stephan A. , Connolly E. Sander
Published: July 2008

Object

Despite efforts to elucidate both the molecular mechanism and the clinical predictors of vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH), its pathogenesis remains unclear. Monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that has been firmly implicated in the pathophysiology of vasospasm and in neural tissue injury following focal ischemia in both animal models and human studies. The authors hypothesized that MCP-1 would be found in increased concentrations in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with ASAH and would correlate with both outcome and the occurrence of vasospasm.

Methods

Seventy-seven patients who presented with ASAH were prospectively enrolled in this study between July 2001 and May 2002. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, MCP-1 levels were measured in serum daily and in CSF when available. The mean serum and CSF MCP-1 concentrations were calculated for each patient throughout the entire hospital stay. Neurological outcome was evaluated at discharge or 14 days posthemorrhage using the modified Rankin Scale. Vasospasm was evaluated on angiography.

Results

The serum MCP-1 concentrations correlated with negative outcome such that a 10% increase in concentration predicted a 25% increase in the probability of a poor outcome, whereas the serum MCP-1 levels did not correlate with vasospasm. Concentrations of MCP-1 in the CSF, however, proved to be significantly higher in patients with angiographically demonstrated vasospasm.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a role for MCP-1 in neurological injury and imply that it may act as a biomarker of poor outcome in the serum and of vasospasm in the CSF.
Close is not Close Enough: Drowning and Rescues Outside Flagged Beach Patrol Areas in Australia
Authors: Wilks Jeff , de Nardi Monica , Wodarski Robert
Published: July 2008

The international lifesaving practice of placing flags on patrolled beaches to mark the safest place to swim under direct supervision is well established. This article confirms the fact that swimmers staying between the patrol flags who find themselves in need of assistance are most
likely to be successfully rescued. However, the common belief that swimming in some close proximity to the flags will provide the same benefits if assistance is required is shown by Australian rescue and drowning data to be erroneous. Recognizing that a large proportion of beach users will
disregard safety information about swimming between the flags, this article also reports on Surf Life Saving Australia initiatives to provide broad patrol coverage beyond the flags. Tourists are identified as a key "at risk" group for water safety information and for practical assistance on
the beach.
Effect of Spinner Dolphin Presence on Level of Swimmer and Vessel Activity in Hawai'ian Bays
Authors: Courbis Sarah
Published: July 2008

Questions have been raised about the effects human activity in Hawai'ian bays has on dolphins. Concerns about the effects of this activity have led the National Marine Fisheries Service to begin the process of enacting regulations to reduce the impacts of swimmers and vessels on Hawai'ian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). One step in evaluating potential effects is to determine if dolphin presence attracts swimmers and vessels into bays. In this study, numbers of vessels and swimmers in Kealake'akua, Honaunau, and Kauhako Bays were measured and related to spinner dolphin presence. In Kauhako Bay, mean number of swimmers per scan sample was significantly higher when dolphins were present, and in Honaunau Bay, mean number of kayaks per scan sample was significantly higher when dolphins were present. In addition to measuring the relationship between dolphin presence and vessel and swimmer presence, it is important to track vessel and swimmer numbers over time and to determine patterns of use in individual bays. This establishes trends in human use of bays and allows management on a more individual bay basis. During this study, Kealake'akua Bay experienced significantly more vessel and swimmer activity than Kauhako Bay. Numbers of one- to three-person kayaks, motorboats <6 m, and zodiacs were highest in Kealake'akua Bay. Numbers of swimmers from shore were higher in Honaunau Bay than in Kauhako Bay. Overall, numbers of vessels and swimmers in the bays were higher than in previous decades, and swimmers comprised the majority human activity in the bays.
TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN IRAN: A STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR DECREASING ACCIDENTS
Authors: Ghazinoory Sepehr , Kheirkhah Amir Saman
Published: July 2008

“Hazardous materials” refer to those substances that seriously endanger human lives and/or the environment. The transportation of these materials will be inevitable in the increasingly industrialized economy of Iran. Nonetheless, numerous deadly accidents caused by the movement of these materials necessitate the design and implementation of preventive plans on several levels. This article looks into the present condition of transportation of hazardous materials in Iran and the resulting accidents. Optimal condition for the general transportation system of hazardous materials is delineated with due focus on transportation risk as the main parameter. Strategies for reaching the optimal condition are laid out and the impacts of these strategies on the reduction of accidents are analyzed.
ANALYSIS OF MAIN DYNAMIC PARAMETERS OF SPLIT POWER TRANSMISSION
Authors: Janulevičius Algirdas , Giedra Kazimieras
Published: July 2008

The review carried out had shown one basic approach of split power transmission to the organization of drive which is applied to stepless transmissions of tractors and parallel hybrid cars. In the split power transmission the power split device uses a planetary gear. Tractor engine power in the split power transmission is transmitted to the drive shaft via a mechanical and hydraulic path. The theoretical analysis of main parameters of the split power transmission of the tractor is presented. The angular velocity of sun and coronary gears of the differential set is estimated by solution of the system of equations in which one equation is made for planetary differential gear, and another ‐ for hydrostatic drive. The analysis of the transmission gear‐ratio dependencies on the ratio of hydraulic machines capacities is carried out. Dependence of the variation of angular velocity of the coronary and the sun gears on the ground speed of the tractor is presented. Dependence of sum shaft torque and its constituents, carried by mechanical and hydraulic lines, on sum shaft angular velocity and ground speed of tractor and engine speed is also presented.
A METHOD FOR MODELING THE SHOCK OF A RUBBER BUFFER WITH A RIGID BODY
Authors: Penkov Bozhin
Published: July 2008

The aim of this paper is to introduce a robust methodology for the analytical calculation of acceleration by shock of a rigid body with a rubber buffer. It consists of two stages. At first it is necessary to determine some mechanical properties of the viscoelastic material (rubber) by quasistatic tests. The second stage includes shock testing of a rubber buffer and modeling this process with a theoretical model. The proposed methodology provides good accuracy by comparison of the received experimental and theoretical results.
NEW AUTOMATIC IMPULSE EXTINGUISHING DEVICE
Authors: Suslavičius Vladimiras , Bogdevičius Marijonas
Published: July 2008

A simple way to increase the extinguishing water surface area is to atomize water into fine drops. The smaller drops are developed, the better use of water properties can be implemented and less water is consumed in fire fighting. The automatic impulse extinguishing is created. The main aim of the investigation is to develop the approach to investigate the dynamic and hydrodynamic processes in the extinguishing device. The mathematical model of the extinguishing device is presented, where the flow of liquid and gas and the interaction of liquid with the gas are taken into account. The flow of fluids in a hydraulic system is described by a system of equations of a hyperbolic type, which is solved by a characteristics method. An instance of the mathematical simulation of the activity of extinguishing device is shown.
CITY TRANSPORT MONITORING AND ROUTES OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Daunoras Jonas , Bagdonas Vaclovas , Gargasas Vytautas
Published: July 2008

The article analyses the problem of further development of geographic informational systems with traffic monitoring channel (GIS‐TMC) in order to present the road users with effective information about the fastest (the shortest in respect of time) routes and thus to improve the use of existing city transport infrastructure. To solve this task it is suggested to create dynamic (automatically updated in real time) street passing duration base, for support of which a city transport monitoring system operating in real time is necessary, consisting of a network of sensors, a data collection communications system and a data processing system. In the article it is shown that to predict the street passing duration it is enough to measure speed of transport in the characteristic points of the street. Measurements of traffic density do not significantly improve accuracy of forecasting the street passing time. Analytical formulas are presented meant to forecast the street passing time.
ANALYSIS OF CALCULATION METHODS USED FOR ACCURACY EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS OF ROAD ACCIDENT EXAMINATION
Authors: Nagurnas Saulius , Mickūnaitis Valentinas , Pečeliūnas Robertas , Vestartas Aurelijus
Published: July 2008

For examination of road accidents often calculations are being performed according to mathematical equations having many variables, real values of which are of stochastic nature and they depend on many accident factors. Therefore it is important to know limits of determination of final values of every being analysed parameter of car movement and their probabilistic characteristics. This paper presents some cases of simulation of some road situations by mathematical methods of calculations, which now are widely used for evaluation of accuracy of values of the calculated parameter (in this paper ‐ the braking distance). Also here is presented some analysis of these methods. The paper presents the following cases of car braking: braking with making attempts to prevent a collision with another car, braking through impact‐to‐pedestrian prevention and conventional (rectilinear) car braking. The main attention in the analysis of the mentioned road situations is paid to veracity of the car braking distance, i.e. to limits of variation of values of this parameter and also to influence of accidental factors on the final result which is being looked for. Some conclusions on the expediency of application of the described methods of calculations to analysis of road accidents are present.
THE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON CREATION OF FREIGHT VILLAGE IN HORMOZGAN PROVINCE
Authors: Afandizadeh Shahryar , Moayedfar Reza
Published: July 2008

The purpose of the present study is to study the feasibility of creating a freight village (multimodal terminal) in patronage grounds of the special economic zone of Shahid Rajaie port in Hormozgan Province. To do so, first, some explanations have been presented in terms of familiarization and study of a freight village and its structural models in different countries of the world. Then, the current status of patronage grounds in the special economic zone of Shahid Rajaie port has been studied. Therefore, the proposed models for the special economic zone of Shahid Rajaie port have been implemented and have undergone sensitivity analysis, and finally the results of the analyses and the assessment of different options of sensitivity analysis on the present parameters in the model have been presented.
THE MODERN WHEELSET DRIVE SYSTEM AND POSSIBILITIES OF MODELLING THE TORSION DYNAMICS
Authors: Lata Michael
Published: July 2008

The article deals with the view of modern wheelset drive construction design in the first part. Next part deals with dynamics of the wheelset individual drive torsion system in electric traction vehicles, explained by the drive model in several variants. The basics of time simulation of the transition dynamics effects have been explained and the frequency analysis of the system has been shown. Identification of transition dynamics effects in the wheelset drive enables to evaluate precisely the loading on individual parts during the design stage, to apply the results in anti‐skid protection and probably also to disclose some effects due to wear in the wheel‐rail contact.
A NEW DELAY PARAMETER DEPENDENT ON VARIABLE ANALYSIS PERIODS AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS. PART 2: VALIDATION AND APPLICATION
Authors: Akgüngör Ali Payidar
Published: July 2008

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the performance of the proposed model in Part 1 for variable demand, time and oversaturated conditions. To accomplish this objective and test the proposed model, an experimental study was performed. The proposed delay model for oversaturated traffic conditions was calibrated and verified by the TRAF‐NETSIM microscopic simulation program. In the calibration and verification of the proposed model, the simulation study was performed to produce various traffic and time conditions using 48 different scenarios. The delays obtained from the simulations and the proposed model were statistically compared using linear regression analysis. The results indicated that there was a good relationship R2 = 0.989 at 95 % confidence level between the delays generated by the simulations and the delays estimated by the proposed model.
OPTIMIZATION OF LOADING FACILITIES AT THE TERMINAL
Authors: Bagdonienė Danutė
Published: July 2008

The problems of stock management and proper choice of transport facilities are defined and analysed taking into account the relationship between cost of transportation and vehicle's capacity and size of cargo lots. By using mathematical statistical methods, the optimal vehicle's capacity for a particular lot on the routes for taking the cargo out as well as the periodicity of cargo delivery are determined.
A study of grip endurance and strengh in different elbow positions
Authors: Shyam Kumar A. J. , Parmar V. , Ahmed S. , Kar S. , Harper W. M.
Published: July 2008

Background

The aim of our study was twofold. The first was to investigate the optimum position of the elbow while measuring grip endurance. The second was to investigate the optimum position of the elbow while measuring peak grip strength. The American Society of Hand Therapists advocate estimation of grip strength with the elbow flexed at 90° with the subject in the sitting position . As far as we are aware, there have been no reports in English literature regarding studies done to evaluate the position of the elbow while measuring grip endurance.

Materials and methods

A total of 45 healthy adults (16 males, 29 females) participated in this study. A computerised handgrip analyser was used to measure the peak strength in the non-dominant hand, followed by measurement of the grip endurance. These measurements were conducted in 90° of flexion and full extension of the elbow for each participant.

Results

Mean endurance in flexion was 71.0 N (SD 22.9) and in extension was 68.7 N (SD 27.4). Mean peak grip strength in flexion was 262.8 N (SD 73.1) and in extension was 264.1 N (SD 82.0). T test analysis showed no statistical significance for elbow positions for grip endurance (P = 0.67) and peak gip strength (P = 0.93).

Conclusion

Practical implications from this study are that grip endurance training can be undertaken with the elbow in 90° of flexion or full extension.
Profiles of Latino Adaptation at Elite Colleges and Universities
Authors: Rivas-Drake Deborah , Mooney Margarita
Published: July 2008

Drawing on frameworks of blocked opportunity, social identity, and immigrant adaptation processes, we tested competing hypotheses about Latino achievement, focusing on variation in the ways in which Latino students at elite colleges perceive and navigate minority status. Using data from 916 participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen, cluster analyses identify three profiles of perceived opportunity and social exclusion. Students in the assimilation profile do not believe minority status impacts opportunity. Those in the accommodation profile believe unequal opportunity can be overcome by individual effort. Finally, students in the resistance profile are most skeptical about opportunity for minorities, and these students also report more on‐campus ethnic prejudice than their peers. As freshmen, perceived prejudice predicted lower grades only for students in the accommodation profile; however, accommodators later report higher academic achievement than resisters as sophomores. We discuss the conceptual utility of examining multiple beliefs about opportunity in concert.
The “Manifesto” of New-Confucianism and the revival of virtue ethics
Authors: Jiyuan YU
Published: July 2008

In 1958, a group of New-Confucians issued “A Manifesto for a Re-Appraisal of Sinology and Reconstruction of Chinese Culture.” Equally in 1958, the British philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe published her classical paper “Modern Moral Philosophy.” These two papers have the same target — modern Western morality — and the solutions they proposed respectively. Yet Anscombe’s paper did not mention Confucianism, and the “Manifesto” ignored Aristotelian tradition of virtue. Furthermore, from 1960s to 1990s, the revival movement of Confucianism and the revival movement of Aristotelian ethics have not had much dialogue. This paper seeks to explain this phenomenon by comparing these two historically important documents. In particular it tries to understand why the “Manifesto” fails to see the similarities between Aristotle and Confucius.
Endurance and non-endurance: From the perspective of virtue ethics
Authors: Shaoming CHEN
Published: July 2008

By analysing the two relevant psychological phenomena of “endurance” and “non-endurance,” this essay aims to reveal the ethical implications of a Confucian approach, namely regarding non-endurance as an impulse of primary virtue. Based on this case study, the author then explores the significance of moral cultivation or psychological training in establishing moral personality and the complexities of such a process. Meanwhile, “love” in Confucian ethics means sympathy for the inferior rather than affection for the revered. Hopefully, this study may deepen our understanding of virtue ethics.
How is the arrival of things possible?
Authors: Hua’nan GONG
Published: July 2008

Ancient Chinese thought inquired primarily into how the achievement of things is possible rather than into what a thing as a thing is. It held that man should participate in the achieving or generation of things in order to realize his self-achievement. A thing is understood as an event. Because all things and man are united as one, it is possible for man to enter into things by tasting and feeling rather than by relying on the sense of sight. This may provide a possible new means of rescuing things from the numericalization and phenomenalization that sweep over the world today.
Is scientific research driven by opportunity, problems, or observations?
Authors: Tong WU
Published: July 2008

With the recent rise of the philosophy of scientific practices, SSK (Sociology of Scientific Knowledge), and feminist approaches to the philosophy of science, a new perspective is gradually coming into being, holding that the starting point for scientific research is opportunity. Opportunistic features in solar neutrino experiments, Opportunistic features of complexity studies emerging from economics, and the measurement of insects’ flight can prove the above perspective from different angels. It is important and significant to determine whether the starting point for scientific research is opportunity, a problem, or an observation.