bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the mediastinum
Authors: Dubravcsik Zsolt , Serényi Péter , Madácsy László , Szepes Attila
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in the posterior mediastinum is technically a relatively simple and safe procedure, and it can provide important information for the further management of patients. Aim: To analyze and compare the results of mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with the data available in the literatue. Patients and methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed their prospective database on mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of 49 patients referred to their endoscopy centre between 1 November 2009 and 1 November 2012. For the fine needle aspiration 22 and 25 G needles were used. Two to six needle passes were performed in each patient. All slides were prepared at the endoscopy unit and analyzed at the cytology laboratory. Results: The authors performed mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for enlarged lymph nodes or suspected mediastinal malignancy in all but 4 patients (2 suspected oesophageal cancers, 1 suspected benign oesophageal stenosis with wall thickening and 1 cardia tumour, all with non-diagnostic endoscopic biopsies). Five patients were excluded from the analysis since fine needle aspiration was not performed in them. Benign lesions were suspected based on the endoscopic ultrasound morphology in 7, and malignant disease in 37 patients. In 3 cases samples obtained by biopsy were not informative for cytological analysis. Cytology confirmed all benign lesions and showed malignancy in 28 cases. Cytology failed to reveal malignancy in 6 patients, although it was suspected based upon endoscopic ultrasound finding. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration provided the diagnosis in 15 of the 17 patients when bronchoscopy was non-diagnostic. The diagnostic accuracy of the EUS-FNA was the following: sensitivity 82%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 1.0, negative predictive value 0.54. Only one infectious complication was encountered after fine needle aspiration despite antibiotic prophylaxis. Discussion: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of mediastinal pathology is an accurate, safe and technically relatively easy procedure, however it requires practice and skills in mediastinal anatomy. It has an excellent positive predictive value, a very good sensitivity, but slightly poor negative predictive value. The results of this study are concordant with the literature data. The authors suggest that at least 4 needle passes in the absence of on-site pathologist should be performed in order to minimize the number of false-negative results. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 338–344.
A influência dos aspectos cognitivos e dos processos auditivos na aclimatização das próteses auditivas em idosos
Authors: Pinheiro Maria Madalena Canina , Iório Maria Cecília Martinelli , Miranda Elisiane Crestani , Dias Karin Ziliotto , Pereira Liliane Desgualdo
Published: February 2013

OBJETIVO: Verificar os processos de reconhecimento de fala em tarefa monoaural e de escuta dicótica em tarefa de integração binaural, e compará-los com o processamento cognitivo em idosos antes e após o uso de próteses auditivas. MÉTODOS: Participaram 60 idosos, de ambos os gêneros, com faixa etária entre 61 e 85 anos. Os aspectos cognitivos foram avaliados por meio do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer (ADAS-Cog). Para avaliar o reconhecimento de fala em tarefa monoaural e a escuta dicótica em tarefa de integração binaural, foi utilizado o Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento de Fala (IPRF) e o Teste Dicótico de Dígitos (TDD), antes e após o uso da prótese auditiva. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da estatística descritiva e comparados por meio de testes não paramétricos. RESULTADOS: O reconhecimento de fala no IPRF foi baixo (média de 69,6%), e o TDD apresentou melhor reconhecimento de dígitos à orelha direita (média 74,1%) do que à orelha esquerda (média 61,1%). Nos testes de reconhecimento de fala, houve diferença entre as médias da primeira avaliação e da reavaliação após o uso das próteses auditivas. Não houve associação do IPRF com os aspectos cognitivos. Ocorreu associação do TDD com os dois testes cognitivos, especialmente à orelha esquerda. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os indivíduos estavam aclimatizados, pois houve melhora do reconhecimento de fala após o uso das próteses auditivas. Os indivíduos com alteração cognitiva apresentam pior desempenho no processo de reconhecimento da fala em escuta dicótica.
Current Views on Cognitive Education: A Critical Discussion and Future Perspectives
Authors: Hessels Marco G. P. , Hessels-Schlatter Christine
Published: February 2013

This article is, first of all, a synthesis of the various views on cognitive education (CE) as presented by the guest authors of this issue, and it is also a critical discussion of the field. We discuss how Sternberg’s initial 5 questions were addressed by the authors, and we place these within the larger framework of the scientific literature on CE, metacognition, and dynamic assessment (DA). We try to unveil the strong and weak points of the various approaches, and we discuss some perspectives for the future.
Mediated Learning Experience and Cognitive Modifiability
Authors: Tzuriel David
Published: February 2013

The focus of this article is on the effects ofmediated learning experience(MLE) interactions on children’scognitive modifiability. In this article, I discuss the MLE theory, and selected research findings demonstrating the impact of MLE strategies in facilita ting cognitive modifiability. Research findings derive from mother–child interactions, peer-mediation and cognitive education programs. Mediation for transcendence (expanding) was found consistently as the most powerful strategy predicting cognitive modifiability and distal factors in samples of children with learning difficulties directly predict cognitive modifiability. Findings of peer-mediation studies indicate that children in experimental groups participating in thePeer Mediation with Young Childrenprogram showed better mediational teaching style and higher cognitive modifiability than children in control groups. Application of dynamic assessment as a central evaluation method reveals that the contribution of the cognitive education program was not simply supporting the development of a particular skill practiced during the program; it also involved teaching childrenhow to benefit from mediationin a different setting and consequently improve their cognitive performance across other domains.
Cognitive Education in the Digital Age: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Authors: Shamir Adina
Published: February 2013

Today’s children are living in a digital age, surrounded by computers as sources of information even before they reach school. In response to this reality, scholars and educators are being asked to rethink the role of cognitive education in preparing children for this technological world. The first half of this article, written for this special issue, examines some of the attendant issues within the context of learning for the future. It discusses the need to turn to cognitive theories as the wellsprings for programs capable of training children for a reality where new digital platforms appear daily. The article’s second part focuses on cognitive theories that may provide appropriate foundations for educational programs promoting self-regulated learning (SRL) in the digital age. This article closes by presenting an intervention for peer-mediated learning with computers—a program that emerged from integration of the theories mentioned. Research-based findings indicating the program’s effectiveness are presented.
Beyond Cultural Values: An Implicit Theory Approach to Cross-Cultural Research in Accounting Ethics
Authors: Wong-On-Wing Bernard , Lui Gladie
Published: February 2013

The value dimensional approach for conducting cross-cultural studies in accounting has been subject to various critiques leading to calls for alternative conceptualization and operationalization of culture. The present research responds to those calls by testing the viability of using implicit theories as an alternative to value dimensions for studying cultural differences in the context of morality judgments. Consistent with expectations, results of Experiment I indicate that, independent of cultural values, differences in the implicit theory of causality between Chinese and Americans explained their divergence in inferences about the morality of a fraudster. In Experiments II and III, this effect of implicit theories was compared respectively with that of the individualism/collectivism value dimension and that of the power distance value dimension. Results show that the effect of implicit theories remained significant whereas the effect of both value dimensions was not significant. Implications for future research are discussed.

Data Availability: Please contact the first author.
Dimensional changes of maxillary sinuses and pharyngeal airway in Class III patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery
Authors: Panou Eleni , Motro Melih , Ateş Mustafa , Acar Ahu , Erverdi Nejat
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To evaluate the pharyngeal airway and maxillary sinus volume changes after mandibular setback surgery combined with maxillary advancement and/or impaction surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Seventeen Class III skeletal patients (11 females, 6 males) who required bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were selected. Volumetric measurements were performed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans preoperatively and 3.9 ± 0.87 months postoperatively. All the CBCT scans were assessed and analyzed using MIMICS 14.0 software. Preoperative and postoperative volumes of pharyngeal airway and maxillary sinuses and the relationship between the amounts of surgical movement of the jaws and the above volumes were statistically evaluated.

Results:

The pharyngeal airway area presented no significant change except for the lower and total pharyngeal airway volumes in males, in whom a significant decrease was observed (4196.27 ± 2061.11 mm3 and 3375.53 ± 3624.67 mm3, respectively). No significant change was observed in the minimal cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway. There was a significant decrease in the volume of the maxillary sinuses after the surgery by 3448.09 ± 3315.56 mm3. No correlation was found between the amount of skeletal movement and the change in the volume of pharyngeal airway or maxillary sinuses.

Conclusion:

There was a significant decrease only for lower and total pharyngeal airway volumes in males and a significant decrease in the volume of the maxillary sinuses.
Intracranial pressure and cardiopulmonary variables during isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia at various minimum alveolar concentration multiples in normocapnic dogs
Authors: Chohan Amandeep S. , Greene Stephen A. , Keegan Robert D. , Grubb Tamara L. , Chen Annie V.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To compare effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on intracranial pressure and cardiovascular variables at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 times the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in mechanically ventilated normocapnic dogs.

Animals—6 healthy male Beagles.

Procedures—The individual MAC was determined for each agent with an electrical stimulus. After a minimum of 1 week, anesthetic induction by use of a mask with one of the inhalation anesthetics selected randomly was followed by mechanical ventilation and instrumentation for measurement of intracranial pressure and cardiovascular variables. Heart rate; systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures; central venous pressure; mean pulmonary arterial pressure; pulmonary artery occlusion pressure; cardiac output; intracranial pressure (ICP); core body temperature; end-tidal inhalation anesthetic and carbon dioxide concentration; and arterial blood gas values were measured after attaining equilibrium at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 MAC of each inhalation anesthetic. Cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular resistance, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were calculated.

Results—Mean ICP did not differ within and between anesthetics at any MAC. Compared with equipotent concentrations of isoflurane, the CPP and mean values for systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures were increased at 2.0 MAC for sevoflurane, whereas mean values for mean and diastolic arterial blood pressures and systemic vascular resistance were increased at 1.5 MAC for sevoflurane.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although ICP was similar in healthy normocapnic dogs, CPP was better maintained during 2.0 MAC for sevoflurane, compared with isoflurane.
Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam after intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration of a single dose to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Molter Christine M. , Court Michael H. , Cole Gretchen A. , Gagnon David J. , Hazarika Suwagmani , Paul-Murphy Joanne R.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To compare pharmacokinetics after IV, IM, and oral administration of a single dose of meloxicam to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Animals—11 healthy parrots.

Procedures—Cohorts of 8 of the 11 birds comprised 3 experimental groups for a crossover study. Pharmacokinetics were determined from plasma concentrations measured via high-performance liquid chromatography after IV, IM, and oral administration of meloxicam at a dose of 1 mg/kg.

Results—Initial mean ± SD plasma concentration of 17.3 ± 9.0 μg/mL was measured 5 minutes after IV administration, whereas peak mean concentration was 9.3 ± 1.8 μg/mL 15 minutes after IM administration. At 12 hours after administration, mean plasma concentrations for IV (3.7 ± 2.5 μg/mL) and IM (3.5 ± 2.2 μg/mL) administration were similar. Peak mean plasma concentration (3.5 ± 1.2 μg/mL) was detected 6 hours after oral administration. Absolute systemic bioavailability of meloxicam after IM administration was 100% but was lower after oral administration (range, 49% to 75%). Elimination half-lives after IV, IM, and oral administration were similar (15.9 ± 4.4 hours, 15.1 ± 7.7 hours, and 15.8 ± 8.6 hours, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pharmacokinetic data may provide useful information for use of meloxicam in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. A mean plasma concentration of 3.5 μg/mL would be expected to provide analgesia in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots; however, individual variation may result in some birds having low plasma meloxicam concentrations after IV, IM, or oral administration. After oral administration, meloxicam concentration slowly reached the target plasma concentration, but that concentration was not sustained in most birds.
In vitro effect of pimobendan on platelet aggregation in dogs
Authors: Shipley Eryn A. , Hogan Daniel F. , Fiakpui Nonya N. , Magee Aliya N. , III Henry W. Green , Sederquist Kimberly A.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To determine whether pimobendan has in vitro antithrombotic properties through inhibition of platelets in canine blood samples.

Animals—10 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected from each dog into tubes containing hirudin or sodium citrate. Pimobendan was added to blood samples (final concentration, 0.0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0μM) containing hirudin prior to undergoing collagen- and ADP-induced whole blood impedance aggregometry. Plasma thromboxane concentrations were measured after platelet aggregation. Pimobendan was also added to blood samples (0.0, 0.01, or 10.0μM) containing sodium citrate prior to thromboelastographic evaluation.

Results—Compared with findings for 0.0μM pimobendan, composite platelet aggregation (area under the curve [AUC]) and maximal platelet aggregation (aggregation units [AUs]) at 10.0μM pimobendan were significantly decreased for collagen-induced aggregation (AUC, 349.7 ± 58.4 vs 285.1 ± 72.2; maximal platelet aggregation, 196.2 ± 25.8 AUs vs 161.5 ± 38.0 AUs), and the AUC and velocity of aggregation at 10.0μM pimobendan were significantly decreased for ADP-induced aggregation (AUC, 268.5 ± 35.1 vs 213.4 ± 77.2; velocity of aggregation, 15.7 ± 2.9 AUs/min vs 11.8 ± 3.5 AUs/min). Pimobendan had no significant effect on plasma thromboxane concentration or thromboelastographic variables, regardless of concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In vitro, pimobendan had an antiplatelet effect in canine blood samples at a concentration 1,000-fold higher than that clinically achievable. These antiplatelet properties do not appear to contribute to the positive clinical profile of the drug in dogs. Pimobendan administration would not appear to confer a risk for bleeding and does not have to be avoided in dogs with thrombocytopenia or those concurrently receiving antiplatelet drugs.
Distribution of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-d-glucose in the coelom of healthy bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Authors: Jones Michael P. , Morandi Federica , Wall Jonathan S. , Long Misty J. , Stuckey Alan C. , LeBlanc Amy K.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To determine 2-deoxy-2-fluoro (fluorine 18)-d-glucose (18FDG) biodistribution in the coelom of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

Animals—8 healthy adult bald eagles.

Procedures—For each eagle, whole-body transmission noncontrast CT, 60-minute dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) of the celomic cavity (immediately after 18FDG injection), whole-body static PET 60 minutes after 18FDG injection, and whole-body contrast CT with iohexol were performed. After reconstruction, images were analyzed. Regions of interest were drawn over the ventricular myocardium, liver, spleen, proventriculus, cloaca, kidneys, and lungs on dynamic and static PET images. Standardized uptake values were calculated.

Results—Kidneys had the most intense 18FDG uptake, followed by cloaca and intestinal tract; liver activity was mild and slightly more intense than that of the spleen; proventricular activity was always present, whereas little to no activity was identified in the wall of the ventriculus. Activity in the myocardium was present in all birds but varied in intensity among birds. The lungs had no visibly discernible activity. Mean ± SD standardized uptake values calculated with representative regions of interest at 60 minutes were as follows: myocardium, 1. 6 ± 0.2 (transverse plane) and 1.3 ± 0.3 (sagittal plane); liver, 1.1 ± 0.1; spleen, 0.9 ± 0.1; proventriculus, 1.0 ± 0.1; cloaca, 4.4 ± 2.7; right kidney, 17.3 ± 1.0; left kidney, 17.6 ± 0.3; and right and left lungs (each), 0.3 ± 0.02.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The study established the biodistribution of 18FDG in adult eagles, providing a baseline for clinical investigation and future research.
Ultrasonographic measurement of the pancreas and pancreatic duct in clinically normal dogs
Authors: Penninck Dominique G. , Zeyen Ulrich , Taeymans Olivier N. , Webster Cynthia R.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To obtain ultrasonographic reference values for the thickness of the pancreas and the diameter of the pancreatic duct in clinically normal dogs.

Animals—242 adult dogs with no clinical signs of gastrointestinal tract disease.

Procedures—The maximum pancreatic thickness and the diameter of the pancreatic duct were recorded ultrasonographically at the level of the left lobe, body, and right lobe of the pancreas.

Results—Mean ± SD pancreatic thickness measurements were as follows: left lobe, 6.5 ± 1.7 mm (n = 214); body, 6.3 ± 1.6 mm (155); and right lobe, 8.1 ± 1.8 mm (239). The mean pancreatic duct diameter was 0.6 ± 0.2 mm (n = 42) in the left lobe and 0.7 ± 0.2 mm (213) in the right lobe. The right pancreatic duct was visible in 213/242 (88.0%) dogs, and the left pancreatic duct was visible in 41/242 (16.9%) dogs. However, the body was visible in only 16/242 (6.6%) dogs. Pancreatic thickness and diameter of the pancreatic duct significantly increased with body weight in all lobes, but age was not correlated with the measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonographic reference values for the pancreas and pancreatic duct of dogs were determined. Results of this study indicated that the pancreatic duct was visible, especially in the right lobe of the pancreas. These values may be useful for the assessment of pancreatic abnormalities, such as chronic pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Comparison of acute infection of calves exposed to a high-virulence or low-virulence bovine viral diarrhea virus or a HoBi-like virus
Authors: Ridpath Julia F. , Falkenberg Shollie M. , Bauermann Fernando V. , VanderLey Brian L. , Do YoonJung , Flores Eduardo F. , Rodman Dianne M. , Neill John D.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To compare acute infection of cattle exposed to a high-virulence (HV) bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), low-virulence (LV) BVDV, or HoBi-like virus.

Animals—24 Holstein bull calves.

Procedures—Colostrum-deprived 2- to 4-week-old calves, free of BVDV antigen and antibodies, were allocated into 4 groups (6 calves/group). Calves in 3 groups were exposed to an LV BVDV strain (BVDV2-RS886), an HV BVDV strain (BVDV2–1373), or a HoBi-like virus (D32/00 HoBi), whereas calves in the fourth group were not exposed to a virus but were cohoused with calves exposed to the HoBi-like virus. Circulating WBCs, platelets, rectal temperature, and presence of virus in the blood were monitored.

Results—Infection of calves with any of the 3 viruses resulted in reduced numbers of circulating WBCs. Pyrexia was detected in all calves exposed to HV BVDV or LV BVDV but in only 3 of 6 calves exposed to the HoBi-like virus. Diarrhea was observed in 0 of 6 calves exposed to the HoBi-like virus, 2 of 6 calves exposed to the LV BVDV, and 6 of 6 calves exposed to the HV BVDV. The HoBi-like virus was transmitted from acutely infected calves to naïve cohorts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The HoBi-like viruses are an emerging species of pestivirus isolated from water buffalo and cattle in South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe but not from cattle in the United States. Understanding the clinical course of disease caused by HoBi-like pestiviruses will be important for the design of surveillance programs for the United States.
Effect of cold compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs
Authors: Millard Ralph P. , Towle-Millard Heather A. , Rankin David C. , Roush James K.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To measure the effect of cold compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs.

Animals—10 healthy mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were sedated with hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg, IV) and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg, IV). Three 24-gauge thermocouple needles were inserted to a depth of 0.5 (superficial), 1.0 (middle), and 1.5 (deep) cm into a shaved, lumbar, epaxial region to measure tissue temperature. Cold (–16.8°C) compresses were applied with gravity dependence for periods of 5, 10, and 20 minutes. Tissue temperature was recorded before compress application and at intervals for up to 80 minutes after application. Control data were collected while dogs received identical sedation but with no cold compress.

Results—Mean temperature associated with 5 minutes of application at the superficial depth was significantly decreased, compared with control temperatures. Application for 10 and 20 minutes significantly reduced the temperature at all depths, compared with controls and 5 minutes of application. Twenty minutes of application significantly decreased temperature at only the middle depth, compared with 10 minutes of application.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—With this method of cold treatment, increasing application time from 10 to 20 minutes caused a further significant temperature change at only the middle tissue depth; however, for maximal cooling, the minimum time of application should be 20 minutes. Possible changes in tissue temperature and adverse effects of application > 20 minutes require further evaluation.
Effect of warm compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs
Authors: Millard Ralph P. , Towle-Millard Heather A. , Rankin David C. , Roush James K.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To measure the effect of warm compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs.

Animals—10 healthy mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were sedated with hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg, IV) and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg, IV). Three 24-gauge thermocouple needles were inserted to a depth of 0.5 cm (superficial), 1.0 cm (middle), and 1.5 cm (deep) into a shaved, lumbar, epaxial region to measure tissue temperature. Warm (47°C) compresses were applied with gravity dependence for periods of 5, 10, and 20 minutes. Tissue temperature was recorded before compress application and at intervals for up to 80 minutes after application. Control data were collected while dogs received identical sedation but with no warm compress.

Results—Mean temperature associated with 5 minutes of heat application at the superficial, middle, and deep depths was significantly increased, compared with the control temperature. Application for 10 minutes significantly increased the temperature at all depths, compared with 5 minutes of application. Mean temperature associated with 20 minutes of application was not different at the superficial or middle depths, compared with 10 minutes of application. Temperature at the deep depth associated with 10 minutes of application was significantly higher, compared with 20 minutes of application, but all temperature increases at this depth were minimal.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that application of a warm compress should be performed for 10 minutes. Changes in temperature at a tissue depth of 1.5 cm were minimal or not detected. The optimal compress temperature to achieve therapeutic benefits was not determined.
Effects of route of administration and feeding schedule on pharmacokinetics of robenacoxib in cats
Authors: King Jonathan N. , Jung Martin , Maurer Max P. , Schmid Vincent B. , Seewald Wolfgang , Lees Peter
Published: February 2013

Objective—To establish pharmacokinetics of robenacoxib after administration to cats via the IV, SC, and oral routes.

Animals—24 cats.

Procedures—In a crossover design, robenacoxib was administered IV, SC, and orally (experiment 1) and orally (experiment 2) to cats with different feeding regimens. Blood robenacoxib concentrations were assayed, with a lower limit of quantification of 3 ng/mL.

Results—In experiment 1, geometric mean pharmacokinetic values after IV administration of robenacoxib were as follows: blood clearance, 0.44 L/kg/h; plasma clearance, 0.29 L/kg/h; elimination half-life, 1.49 hours; and volume of distribution at steady state (determined from estimated plasma concentrations), 0.13 L/kg. Mean bioavailability was 69% and median time to maximum concentration (Cmax) was 1 hour for cats after SC administration of robenacoxib, whereas mean bioavailability was 49% and 10% and median time to Cmax was 1 hour and 30 minutes after oral administration to cats after food withholding and after cats were fed their entire ration, respectively. In experiment 2, geometric mean Cmax was 1,159, 1,201, and 692 ng/mL and area under the curve from 0 to infinity was 1,337, 1,383, and 1,069 ng × h/mL following oral administration to cats after food withholding, cats fed one-third of the daily ration, and cats fed the entire daily ration, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—For treatment of acute conditions in cats, it is recommended to administer robenacoxib by IV or SC injection, orally after food withholding, or orally with a small amount of food to obtain optimal bioavailability and Cmax.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase activity in horses after intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide and treatment with matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors
Authors: Fugler Lee Ann , Eades Susan C. , Moore Rustin M. , Koch Catherine E. , Keowen Michael L.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To establish an in vivo method for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 induction in horses via IV administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to evaluate the ability of doxycycline, oxytetracycline, flunixin meglumine, and pentoxifylline to inhibit equine MMP-2 and MMP-9 production.

Animals—29 adult horses of various ages and breeds and either sex.

Procedures—In part 1, horses received an IV administration of LPS (n = 5) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5). Venous blood samples were collected before and at specified times for 24 hours after infusion. Plasma was harvested and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities via zymography. In part 2, horses received doxycycline (n = 5), oxytetracycline (5), flunixin meglumine (5), or pentoxifylline (4) before and for up to 12 hours after administration of LPS. Plasma was obtained and analyzed, and results were compared with results from the LPS-infused horses of part 1.

Results—Administration of LPS significantly increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the venous circulation of horses. All MMP inhibitors significantly decreased LPS-induced increases in MMP activities but to differing degrees. Pentoxifylline and oxytetracycline appeared to be the most effective MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors, whereas doxycycline and flunixin meglumine were more effective at inhibiting MMP-2 activity than MMP-9 activity.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IV administration of LPS to horses caused increased venous plasma activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These MMP activities were reduced by pentoxifylline and oxytetracycline, suggesting that further evaluation of these medications for treatment and prevention of MMP-associated diseases in horses is indicated.
Effect of transportation during periods of high ambient temperature on physiologic and behavioral indices of beef heifers
Authors: Theurer Miles E. , White Brad J. , Anderson David E. , Miesner Matt D. , Mosier Derek A. , Coetzee Johann F. , Amrine David E.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To determine the effect of transportation during periods of high ambient temperature on physiologic and behavioral indices of beef heifers.

Animals—20 heifers (mean body weight, 217.8 kg).

Procedures—Ten heifers were transported 518 km when the maximum ambient temperature was ≥ 32.2°C while the other 10 heifers served as untransported controls. Blood samples were collected from transported heifers at predetermined intervals during the transportation period. For all heifers, body weights, nasal and rectal temperatures, and behavioral indices were measured at predetermined intervals for 3 days after transportation. A week later, the entire process was repeated such that each group was transported twice and served as the control twice.

Results—Transported heifers spent more time near the hay feeder on the day of transportation, had lower nasal and rectal temperatures for 24 hours after transportation, and spent more time lying down for 2 days after transportation, compared with those indices for control heifers. Eight hours after transportation, the weight of transported heifers decreased 6%, whereas that of control heifers increased 0.6%. At 48 hours after initiation of transportation, weight, rectal temperature, and time spent at various pen locations did not differ between transported and control heifers. Cortisol concentrations were higher 4 hours after initiation of transportation, compared with those determined just prior to transportation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated transportation during periods of high ambient temperatures caused transient changes in physiologic and behavioral indices of beef heifers.
Algae - Heavy Metals Biosorbent / Glony - Biosorbent Metali Ciężkich
Authors: Rajfur Małgorzata
Published: February 2013

The publication is a synthetic collection of information on the sorption properties of marine and freshwater algae. Kinetics and sorption equilibrium of heavy metals in algae-solution system, influence of abiotic factors on the process of sorption and desorption of analytes from biomass are discussed. In paper the results of laboratory tests conducted using different species and types of algae, which purpose was to assess their usefulness as natural sorbents, are described. The conclusions drawn from current research confirm the results from literature.
Chemometric Analysis of Heavy Metals Coexistence in Different Plant Matrices in The Upper Silesian Industrial District / Analiza Chemometryczna Metali Ciężkich Pochodzących Z Różnych Matryc Roślinnych Z Terenów Górnośląskiego Okręgu Przemysłowego
Authors: Pieszko Celina , Sajdak Marcin
Published: February 2013

Contents of Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb and Fe in 36 samples of Scots pine collected in 9 sites located in the Upper Silesia Province have been determined using AAS technique. The samples were digested before the analysis. On the basis of cluster analysis the existence of links between the quantitative composition, the sampling sites and the type of the matrix have been found. The coexistence of certain groups of elements was found and described.
Combining Geographic Region with Meta-Analysis to Map the Potential Association between Three Genetic Polymorphisms and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hua Lin , Li Lin , Zhou Ping , Yang Zheng
Published: February 2013

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex trait influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Geographic isolation and natural selection present fundamental forces to diversify genetic backgrounds during human evolution and migration. In this study, we attempted to assess whether human geographic isolation affects the genetic predisposition of CAD.

Methods: We first included 21 genetic association studies of the methyl enetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism C677T and CAD from 16 geographic regions consisting of 9,008 participants and performed a meta-ana - lysis based on the distributions of these studies.

ResultsIt was found that the positive signals for the association of C677T with CAD were mainly enriched in the regions of northern Afri ca (pooled OR=1.73, 95% CI=1.45-2.06, Z=3.17, P<0.0001) and India (pooled OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.30- 2.00, Z=4.38, P<0.0001). To validate the potential geographic effects on the genetic polymorphism of CAD, we then carried out two additional metaanalyses involving 30 and 13 studies on genetic associations of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/ deletion (I/D) and APOA5 gene T1131C polymorphisms for CAD consisting of 22,190 and 12,322 participants, respectively. We found that the associations of T1131C with CAD were concentrated in East Asia (pooled OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.22-1.49, Z=6.00, P<10-5), whereas the associations of I/D polymorphism with CAD were clustering in Europe and America (pooled OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.04-1.39, Z=2.49, P=0.01) and Turkey (pooled OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.05-1.69, Z=2.40, P=0.02).

Conclusions: Our results showed that geographic isolation might have potential effects on the genetic polymorphism of human complex diseases, such as CAD.
The Developmental Stages of An Accumulative Cone of Dry Valley as an Indication of Change in Natural Environment Conditions (Western Pomerania)
Authors: Paluszkiewicz Renata
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is to present the stages of development of an alluvial cone as an indication of change in natural environment conditions. a detailed research was conducted within the upland regions of Drawsko Lakeland. At the valley mouth of one of the erosional-denudational valleys an alluvial cone in question splays out. The imparity between the capacity of the erosional-denudational valley and the capacity of the alluvial cone indicates that the main stage of erosion had taken place before the cone’s deposition. During the beginning stage the material acquired from the dissection was most likely delivered directly to the channel of Dębnica river and was incorporated in the fluvial transport. The cone was formed during the later stage. The results of the radiocarbon analyses reveal that the formation of the alluvial cone and the valley associated with the cone took place during the Subatlantic. It was also estimated that the cone aggraded with the rate of approximately 3,9 mm per year
Global Warming and Climate Change: Science and Politics
Authors: Ollier Cliff
Published: February 2013

The threat of dangerous climate change from anthropogenic global warming has decreased. Global temperature rose from 1975 to 1998, but since then has levelled off. Sea level is now rising at about 1.5mm per year based on tide gauges, and satellite data suggests it may even be falling. Coral islands once allegedly threatened by drowning have actually increased in area. Ice caps cannot possibly slide into the sea (the alarmist model) because they occupy kilometres-deep basins extending below sea level. Deep ice cores show a succession of annual layers of snow accumulation back to 760,000 years and in all that time never melted, despite times when the temperature was higher than it is today. Sea ice shows no change in 30 years in the Arctic. Emphasis on the greenhouse effect stresses radiation and usually leads to neglect of important factors like convection. Water is the main greenhouse gas. The CO2 in the ocean and the atmosphere are in equilibrium: if we could remove CO2 from the atmosphere the ocean would give out more to restore the balance. Increasing CO2 might make the ocean less alkaline but never acid. The sun is now seen as the major control of climate, but not through greenhouse gases. There is a very good correlation of sunspots and climate. Solar cycles provide a basis for prediction. Solar Cycle 24 has started and we can expect serious cooling. Many think that political decisions about climate are based on scientific predictions but what politicians get are projections based on computer models. The UN’s main adviser, the IPCC, uses adjusted data for the input, their models and codes remain secret, and they do not accept responsibility for their projections.
Character of the relationship with Alzheimer patient and the psychological costs of care.
Authors: Wojtyna Ewa , Popiołek Katarzyna
Published: February 2013

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The aim of this study was to determine thedependence between the quality of the caregiver-patient relationship and the psychological costs the caregiver bearsduring the caregiving period. This study encompassed 292 caregivers (104 partners, 117 children and 71 friends or otherspersons).

The study indicated the greatest level of depression and caregiving-related burdens in the spouses group, and the leastin the friends/others group. The most important predictor of the level of burden in the caregiving role turned out to bethe nature of the caregiver-patient relationship; however, a varying set of the significance of individual elements of thisrelationship were indicated in different caregiver groups.
The relationship between general and specific self-efficacy during the decision-making process considering treatment
Authors: Życińska Jolanta , Kuciej Alicja , Syska-Sumińska Joanna
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to confirm the mediation effects of the task-specific self-efficacy on the relationship
between the general self-efficacy and intention and planning considering treatment. The study comprised 265 subjects,
of which 165 were post-mastectomy women and 100 patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The
variables were assessed using the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and tools developed to examine the context
of treatment. The data were analyzed using the bootstrapping procedure. The results confirmed the indirect effects of
task-specific self-efficacy, both in women making a decision to undergo breast reconstruction, and in patients after ACS
formulating intention to change risk behaviours. As smoking was considered to be a moderator in the post-ACS group,
the obtained associations were observed only among the patients declaring quitting smoking. In view of the fact that taskspecific self-efficacy is susceptible to context (e.g. it may depend on quitting smoking), it is useful to assess it in order to
increase treatment effectiveness.
Cognitive aspects of participation: Evidence from two studies
Authors: Stocki Ryszard , Bielecki Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The trouble of proving the effects of participation lies in the mismatch between three aspects of ownership:
physical (possession), legal (ownership proper) and psychological (participation). In our interdisciplinary systemic
model of ownership, we propose 10 relationships related to ownership/participation from: „A is a part of B” - greatest
involvement to „A does not know about B” - the least involvement. „A” and „B” may take different values of: a person,
an institution, a community, a group, an object (material, energetic, informational, purchasing).
Once formalized we can view the studies in participation from one, system theory point of view, and formulate hypotheses
related to many aspects of ownership. A multilevel analysis with multiple measures of both participation and effectiveness
from two data sets has supported the proposed model.
The notion of transcendence and psychoanalysis in Karl Stern’s works
Authors: Szałek Piotr
Published: February 2013

This paper is a study of the essential property of human existence - transcendence, whose characteristics can bederived from Karl Stern’s works. By criticizing the model of contemporary psychology for its mechanistic character, Sterntries to prove that it is psychoanalysis that enables us to found a humanistic base for understanding human transcendencetowards God. In this way, Stern passes over the fact that the humanistic sense of transcendence was established in VictorFrankl’s philosophy of existence. Stern blemishes the basic meanings of Freud’s psychoanalysis, which, as such, is notsuitable for Stern’s procedure of humanization.
The Virtual Communication in the Education System
Authors: Potisková Ingrid
Published: February 2013

The education in the 21st century should be carried out by new method based on information and communication technologies, which in some cases even completely replace the currently practiced methods of teaching. The business simulations are a suitable means for acquiring the skills to establish a company and its further activities in strong competitive environment.
The Accessibility of E-learning Systems for Disabled
Authors: Retová Janette , Pólya Attila
Published: February 2013

This paper provides an overview of conditions which discriminate the use of regular elearning systems by disabled individuals. It also offers information about solutions on the side of provider and teacher which can be categorized as software or application solutions and hardware or assistive technology solutions.
The Selected Aspects of Gender Equality in European Union
Authors: Krošláková Monika , Mečiar Radoslava
Published: February 2013

Despite the laws and regulations that should ensure equal gender treatment, women are still disadvantaged in all businesses and public sector. This discrimination is manifested particularly in the approach to jobs, financial evaluation, political nominations and opportunities of developing their abilities regardless of gender. The gender differences in work and public life remain even today the most visible evidence of inequality between men and women in our society. The gender equality is one of the fundamental principles of EU law and all its member countries committed to be in the compliance with it. This article reviews the current state of gender equality in EU.
Towards the Importance of Theories of Trade as Part of Trade Science
Authors: Francová Zuzana , Breveníková Daniela
Published: February 2013

Theory of trade is a name dealing with trade as a scientific discipline, which is made up of a set of generalised knowledge of trade, of laws determining its essence and operation. This scientific discipline also includes the knowledge of the origin of the relations, operation of these relations, and their means and tools in trade. Theory of trade is a summary of numerous interrelated and partial theories of trade, which are based on the pillars of general economic theory and general trade theory. The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of some of these theories with focus on their historical retrospective as well as to evaluate to what extent each of these theories is justified.
Marketing’s Influence within Companies: Current Issues and their Possible Resolution
Authors: Karlíček Miroslav , Drábik Peter
Published: February 2013

Marketing is a fundamental business function which is directly connected to the company’s long-term performance. However, the marketing function seems to be marginalized in many companies. The main reasons for the relatively low power of the marketing function within the private sector are insufficient control of CMOs over marketing strategy and the marketing mix, lack of convenient measures for capturing the effectiveness and efficiency of marketing investments, the tactical and short-termed orientation of marketing departments, and last but not least the low reputation of the marketing profession. This study analyzes these four factors and proposes steps which can be undertaken by CEOs, marketers themselves and business faculties to leverage the influence of the marketing function and therefore also the overall performance of a company
Multimodal Ultrasonic Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Camacho Jorge , Medina Luis , Cruza Jorge F. , Moreno José M. , Fritsch Carlos
Published: February 2013

Ultrasound is used for breast cancer detection as a technique complementary to mammography, the standard screening method. Current practice is based on reflectivity images obtained with conventional instruments by an operator who positions the ultrasonic transducer by hand over the patient’s body. It is a non-ionizing radiation, pain-free and not expensive technique that provides a higher contrast than mammography to discriminate among fluid-filled cysts and solid masses, especially for dense breast tissue. However, results are quite dependent on the operator’s skills, images are difficult to reproduce, and state-of-the-art instruments have a limited resolution and contrast to show micro-calcifications and to discriminate between lesions and the surrounding tissue. In spite of their advantages, these factors have precluded the use of ultrasound for screening.

This work approaches the ultrasound-based early detection of breast cancer with a different concept. A ring array with many elements to cover 360◦ around a hanging breast allows obtaining repeatable and operator-independent coronal slice images. Such an arrangement is well suited for multi-modal imaging that includes reflectivity, compounded, tomography, and phase coherence images for increased specificity in breast cancer detection. Preliminary work carried out with a mechanical emulation of the ring array and a standard breast phantom shows a high resolution and contrast, with an artifact-free capability provided by phase coherence processing.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Defect Detection in Ceramic Materials
Authors: Akinci Tahir Cetin , Nogay H. Selcuk , Yilmaz Ozgur
Published: February 2013

In this study, an artificial neural network application was performed to tell if 18 plates of the same material in different shapes and sizes were cracked or not. The cracks in the cracked plates were of different depth and sizes and were non-identical deformations. This ANN model was developed to detect whether the plates under test are cracked or not, when four plates have been selected randomly from among a total of 18 ones. The ANN model used in the study is a model uniquely tailored for this study, but it can be applied to all systems by changing the weight values and without changing the architecture of the model. The developed model was tested using experimental data conducted with 18 plates and the results obtained mainly correspond to this particular case. But the algorithm can be easily generalized for an arbitrary number of items.