bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival time following hospital discharge in dogs with palliatively treated primary brain tumors
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Jones Jeryl C. , Zimmerman Kurt L. , Robertson John L. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To analyze survival time and identify prognostic factors associated with outcome following discharge in dogs with primary brain tumors treated palliatively.
Design—Prospective case series.
Animals—51 dogs with 5 histopathologic types of brain tumors.
Procedures—Owners with dogs examined from 2004 to 2008 were invited to participate if dogs had CT or MRI evidence of a brain mass that was histopathologically confirmed as a neoplasm upon death, dogs survived for ≥ 48 hours after hospital discharge, and treatments following discharge were limited to administration of prednisone or phenobarbital. Prognostic factors, including signalment, clinical signs (including duration), tumor type, tumor location, degree of peritumoral edema, lesion burden, and prescribed treatment, were evaluated. Survival time was estimated and animal- and tumor-specific variables evaluated as potential prognostic factors.
Results—The median survival time in all dogs was 69 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 18 to 201 days). Multivariate analyses identified neuroanatomic location as the only significant prognostic variable, with the survival time of dogs with infratentorial tumors (n = 18) being significantly shorter (median, 28 days; 95% CI, 19 to 68 days) than survival time of dogs with supratentorial (33) tumors (median, 178 days; 95% CI, 119 to 270 days). Seizures were the most common clinical sign associated with supratentorial tumors (24/33 [73%]) and central vestibular dysfunction with infratentorial tumors (12/18).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs with palliatively treated primary brain tumors, particularly those with tumors in the cerebellum, pons, or medulla, had a poor prognosis. However, dogs with supratentorial tumors had survival times > 3 months.
Constrictive myelopathy secondary to hypoplasia or aplasia of the thoracolumbar caudal articular processes in Pugs: 11 cases (1993–2009)
Authors: Fisher Stephen C. , Shores Andy , Simpson Stephen T. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To report thoracolumbar caudal articular process malformations with secondary constrictive fibrosis of the spinal cord in Pugs.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—11 Pugs with neurologic dysfunction resulting from constriction of fibrous tissue secondary to thoracolumbar caudal articular process malformation and 5 Pugs with no neurologic dysfunction.
Procedures—Medical records of dogs with myelopathy presumably caused by constriction of fibrous tissue secondary to thoracolumbar caudal articular process malformation at 2 referral institutions between 1993 and 2009 were reviewed. Dogs were included in the study if hypoplastic or aplastic thoracolumbar caudal articular processes were present on radiographs, CT images, or MRI images.
Results—The most common neurologic examination findings were paraparesis with ataxia or paraplegia but no evidence of hyperpathia along the vertebral column. All dogs' neurologic lesion localization was to the T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Median age at examination was 7. 7 years (range, 2 to 11 years). Five of 11 dogs had a history of unrelated trauma. Four of 11 dogs had urinary or fecal incontinence. Eight of 11 dogs underwent surgical exploration. Despite surgical intervention, all dogs that survived surgery continued to have neurologic deficits.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the present study, presence of aplastic or hypoplastic articular processes in the thoracolumbar region did not always produce neurologic signs. However, fibrous constrictive myelopathy should be considered in Pugs with pelvic limb gait and postural reaction deficits and lack of hyperpathia upon palpation of the vertebral column. Additional studies are warranted to further characterize the disease process and determine the most effective means of treatment.
Use of a barbed suture for laparoscopic closure of the internal inguinal rings in a horse
Authors: Ragle Claude A. , Yiannikouris Stavros , Tibary Ahmed A. , Fransson Boel A. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Case Description—A 4-year-old castrated Arabian horse was evaluated for a history of a right-sided nonstrangulating inguinal hernia that was manually reducable.
Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed a right-sided hydrocele and bilateral enlargement of the inguinal rings detectable by both external digital and rectal palpation.
Treatment and Outcome—Biportal laparoscopic internal inguinal ring closure was performed with a continuous suture line of unidirectional barbed suture applied with a mechanical suturing instrument. The barbed suture contributed to a secure closure with the added benefit of not requiring knots to be tied at either the beginning or end of the suture line. Follow-up physical examination and laparoscopy confirmed healing of the surgical sites and a reduction in size of the inguinal rings. The horse exercised for 20 months following surgery without recurrence of the inguinal hernia.
Clinical Relevance—In horses, laparoscopic application of unidirectional barbed sutures should be considered among the treatment options for recurrent inguinal herniation. This technique was accomplished with only 2 portals/side, in contrast to the additional 3 to 4 portals that are most commonly required. The use of a barbed suture with a mechanical suturing instrument offered added security to the closure. The difficulties of dual instrument suturing and intracorporeal knot tying were eliminated, dramatically reducing the challenges of performing suture reduction of the internal inguinal ring.
Singularity-free model of electric charge in physical vacuum: non-zero spatial extent and mass generation
Authors: Dzhunushaliev Vladimir , Zloshchastiev Konstantin 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
We propose a model of a spinless electrical charge as a self-consistent field configuration of the electromagnetic (EM) field interacting with a physical vacuum effectively described by the logarithmic quantum Bose liquid. We show that, in contrast to the EM field propagating in a trivial vacuum, a regular solution does exist, and both its mass and spatial extent emerge naturally from dynamics. It is demonstrated that the charge and energy density distribution acquire Gaussian-like form. The solution in the logarithmic model is stable and energetically favourable, unlike that obtained in a model with a quartic (Higgs-like) potential.
Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Before Cardiac Surgery in Routine Care
Authors: Valkenet Karin , de Heer Frederiek , Backx Frank J.G. , Trappenburg Jaap C.A. , Hulzebos Erik H.J. , Kwant Simone , van Herwerden Lex A. , van de Port Ingrid G.L. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training (IMT) before cardiac surgery has proved to be a promising intervention to reduce postoperative pneumonia in a randomized controlled trial setting. Effects of IMT in routine care have not been reported.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of IMT before cardiac surgery on postoperative pneumonia in routine care at a Dutch university medical center using propensity scoring.DesignThis was an observational cohort study.MethodsAll candidates for cardiac surgery were preoperatively stratified by a physical therapist for low risk or high risk for postoperative pulmonary complications. Patients at high risk either engaged in an unsupervised IMT program (20 minutes a day) at home for at least 2 weeks before surgery (group 1) or received usual care (no IMT) (group 2). Results in terms of outcome measures were adjusted with propensity scores to reduce bias caused by nonrandom treatment assignment.ResultsThe results showed that of the 94 patients at high risk in group 1, 1 patient (1.1%) developed a postoperative pneumonia. In group 2, 8 out of the 252 patients at high risk (3.2%) developed this pulmonary complication (adjusted odds ratio=0.34, 95% confidence interval=0.04–3.38). No significant differences were found regarding median (25th–75th percentile) ventilation time (7 [5–9] hours versus 7 [5–10] hours), length of stay in the intensive care unit (23 [21–24] hours versus 23 [21–25] hours), or total postoperative length of stay (7 [6–11] days versus 7 [5–9] days).LimitationsThe most important limitations of this study were confounding, incomplete data collection, and a low incidence of the primary outcome.ConclusionsPropensity scoring is believed to be a valuable tool of great potential interest to researchers in the field of observational studies. Whether IMT in routine care resulted in less postoperative pneumonia cannot be concluded.
Forecasting the range expansion of a recolonising wild boar Sus scrofa population
Authors: Saito Masayuki , Koike Fumito , Momose Hiroshi , Mihira Tosaku , Uematsu Seiji , Ohtani Toru , Sekiyama Kiichiro 
Published: January 2013

Recolonising native mammals have the potential to cause environmental and agricultural damage. However, if their future distribution can be predicted, effective control measures can be scheduled beforehand to prevent the onset of damage. In this study, we predicted the future range expansion of recolonising wild boar Sus scrofa populations in the Chiba Prefecture, Japan, using simulations. Wild boars were extinct in the Chiba Prefecture until the 1970s, but since then, a new naturalised population has spread, probably due to release for hunting. Recently a small, isolated, naturalised population was found in the northern part of the prefecture, which was considered to be a new release. We divided the Chiba Prefecture (5,156 km2) into 3‐km grids and, based on nuisance control records, we examined the ‘presence’ of wild boar populations from 2002 to 2007 and in 2010. We simultaneously estimated habitat suitability and dispersal probability of the source population via range‐expasion modelling. We predicted the future distribution by the use of stochastic simulations for 20 years after 2010. According to the simulations, the wild boar populations will expand into the southern and northern regions of the Chiba Prefecture at a rate of 2,153 km/year, and crop damage should be expected in these areas in the future. Range expansion into the northern region of the prefecture will be completed by around 2025. If the northern isolated population is removed, it will be possible to delay the range expansion for about five years. The eradication of a small isolated population in the northern Chiba Prefecture may have significant economic benefits because the crop production in this area is relatively large.
Neuropathic arthropathy caused by syringomyelia
Authors: Deng Xiaofeng , Wu Liang , Yang Chenlong , Xu Yulun 
Published: January 2013

Object
Neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot joint) caused by syringomyelia is rare and commonly misdiagnosed. Few cases have been reported by neurosurgeons. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical and imaging presentations of neuropathic arthropathy and to discuss the effect of surgical management of the primary neurological deficits on neuropathic arthropathy.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed clinical and imaging data of 12 patients with neuropathic arthropathy caused by syringomyelia who were referred to the department of neurosurgery between January 2003 and September 2012. Radiographs revealed destruction, dislocation, disorganization, and increased density or debris in the joints. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a syrinx of the spinal cord in all patients, with Chiari malformation in 11 patients and tethered spinal cord in 1 patient. Neurosurgical operations were performed in 5 of 12 patients, including posterior fossa decompression in 4 patients and syrinx-subarachnoidal shunt placement in 1 patient. Surgical management of the neuropathic joints was not performed in any of the patients. All patients were followed up, with a mean duration of 39 months.

Results
Sixteen joints were involved, including 10 elbows, 3 shoulders, 2 interphalangeal joints, and 1 wrist. The side of the syrinx on cervical axial MRI was consistent with the side of the affected limb in every patient. Five patients who underwent neurosurgical treatments stated improvement in neurological dysfunctions and no deterioration in symptoms related to neuropathic arthropathy. In the 7 patients without neurosurgical treatments, 5 reported aggravation of neuropathic arthropathy manifestations, with deterioration of neurological symptoms in 4 of the 5 patients. The condition of the other 2 patients remained stable.

Conclusions
The elbow is the most frequently involved joint in neuropathic arthropathy caused by syringomyelia, followed by the shoulder. The authors speculate that the side of the syrinx determines the side of the neuropathic arthropathy. A detailed medical history and a careful physical examination are crucial for differentiating neuropathic arthropathy from other joint lesions. This study suggests that early management of the primary neurological condition may play an important role in preventing the development of neuropathic arthropathy and avoiding disease progression.
Hip Arthroscopy Distraction Without the Use of a Perineal Post: Prospective Study
Authors: Mei-Dan Omer , McConkey Mark Owen , Young David Alexander 
Published: December 2012

Hip arthroscopy is being used with increasing frequency as the understanding of arthroscopic management of groin pain improves. To access the hip joint arthroscopically, traction must be placed on the leg. In most cases, countertraction is provided with a padded post in the groin. Complications of traction are often attributed to the post and include perineal or pudendal neuropraxias and skin complications.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of a traction technique that avoids a perineal post. A supine position is used with the foot in a standard traction boot. The patient is moved down the table such that his or her perineum is located 7 to 10 cm proximal to the traction post. The post is also located 5 to 10 cm lateral to midline. The operative table is placed in 15° to 20° of Trendelenburg. With this position, enough friction is generated between the patient’s upper body and bed to allow successful hip distraction without the post contacting with the perineum. One hundred seventy patients (111 men and 59 women) were followed prospectively and evaluated for possible side effects of this traction technique immediately postoperatively and 1 and 14 days and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Patients were examined at each visit. No significant complications related to traction occurred during follow-up.
The described technique has been used in more than 2000 hip arthroscopies without a documented groin or perineal complication. It allows easy positioning and access to the central compartment.
Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Dendrite Growth Using Phase-Field Method with a Magnetic Field Effect
Authors: Rasheed A. , Belmiloudi A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we present a new model developed in order to analyze phenomena which arise in the solidification of binary mixtures using phase-field method, which incorporates the convection effects and the action of magnetic field. The model consists of flow, concentration, phase field and energy systems which are nonlinear evolutive and coupled systems. It represents the non-isothermal anisotropic solidification process of a binary mixture together with the motion in a melt with the applied magnetic field. To illustrate our model, numerical simulations of the influence of magnetic-field on the evolution of dendrites during the solidification of the binary mixture of Nickel-Copper (Ni-Cu) are developed. The results demonstrate that the dendritic growth under the action of magnetic-field can be simulated by using our model.
Perceptions of Constraints to Leisure Time Physical Activity among Latinos in Wake County, North Carolina
Authors: Casper Jonathan M. , Harrolle Michelle Gacio 
Published: January 2013

Purpose. Examine and compare constraints to physical activity (PA) among Latinos based on age, gender, income, and self-reported leisure time PA (LTPA). Design. Cross-sectional survey. Partnered with a North Carolina nonprofit advocacy organization who recruited community leaders (promotores) to administer the survey to Latino constituents. Setting. Latino communities in Wake County, North Carolina. Subjects. Respondents (N = 457) were mostly women (58%), with a mean age of 34 years (SD = 11), low income (70% < $39K/year); 78% were born outside the United States, with a majority from Mexico (52%). Measures. Sociodemographics; Stanford Brief PA Survey; constraints on PA were measured with 20 items assessing seven constructs (accessibility, facilities, knowledge, partners, psychologic, safety, and time). Analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, t-tests, and analysis of variance. Results. Half of the sample was inactive. Eighty-one percent indicated that they would like to be more active and perceived lack of accessibility, partners, and knowledge of PA resources as the most constraining factors. Respondents in low-income categories cited significantly higher psychological and accessibility constraints. Inactive LTPA respondents perceived significantly higher constraints overall, with knowledge and accessibility having the largest effect sizes. No differences were found based on age and gender. Conclusions. This study highlighted that among Latinos, there may be an opportunity to increase activity levels by targeting knowledge about PA resources, increasing access to opportunities for PA, and enhancing the social environment for PA. Such efforts that target these constraints to increase PA may ultimately improve health.
An Intervention to Increase Compliance with a Tobacco-Free University Policy
Authors: Fallin Amanda , Johnson Andrew O. , Riker Carol , Cohen Elisia , Rayens Mary Kay , Hahn Ellen J. 
Published: January 2013

Purpose. To test the effects of a population-based self-efficacy message card campaign on compliance with a tobacco-free campus policy. Setting. This study was conducted at a large public university in the South. Subjects. Three hundred twelve observational periods at 39 campus sites. Intervention. The message card campaign, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, consisted of distributing approximately 6000 efficacy-enhancing cards over 3 days. The intent of the cards was to increase awareness of the policy and resources available to help individuals stop smoking or remain comfortable while on campus. Measures. Policy compliance was measured using the Tobacco-Free Compliance Assessment Tool. Field notes were used to assess campaign reaction. Analysis. Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted to compare number of cigarette butts in hot spot areas before and after the intervention. A rate ratio was also calculated using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software to compare cigarette butts collected per day before and after the intervention at each of the study sites. Results. The median number of cigarette butts per day after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention (1.9 vs. 4.7, χ2: 8.1, p = .004). Eighteen sites (66.6%) had a post-pre ratio of .11 to .75, indicating a decrease in cigarette butts per day. Conclusion. An efficacy-enhancing message card campaign shows promise in improving compliance with tobacco-free campus policies.
A Content Analysis of Preconception Health Education Materials: Characteristics, Strategies, and Clinical-Behavioral Components
Authors: Levis Denise M. , Westbrook Kyresa 
Published: January 2013

Purpose. Many health organizations and practitioners in the United States promote preconception health (PCH) to consumers. However, summaries and evaluations of PCH promotional activities are limited. Design. We conducted a content analysis of PCH health education materials collected from local-, state-, national-, and federal-level partners by using an existing database of partners, outreach to maternal and child health organizations, and a snowball sampling technique. Setting. Not applicable. Participants. Not applicable. Method. Thirty-two materials were included for analysis, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. A codebook guided coding of materials' characteristics (type, authorship, language, cost), use of marketing and behavioral strategies to reach the target population (target audience, message framing, call to action), and inclusion of PCH subject matter (clinical-behavioral components). Results. The self-assessment of PCH behaviors was the most common material (28%) to appear in the sample. Most materials broadly targeted women, and there was a near-equal distribution in targeting by pregnancy planning status segments (planners and nonplanners). “Practicing PCH benefits the baby's health” was the most common message frame used. Materials contained a wide range of clinical-behavioral components. Conclusion. Strategic targeting of subgroups of consumers is an important but overlooked strategy. More research is needed around PCH components, in terms of packaging and increasing motivation, which could guide use and placement of clinical-behavioral components within promotional materials.
The Implementation of Interconception Care in Two Community Health Settings: Lessons Learned
Authors: Handler Arden , Rankin Kristin M. , Peacock Nadine , Townsell Stephanie , McGlynn Andrea , Issel L. Michele 
Published: January 2013

Purpose. This study reports on an evaluation of the implementation of a pilot interconceptional care program (ICCP) in Chicago and the experiences of the participants in their first postpartum year. Design. A longitudinal, multi-method approach was used to gather data to measure success in achieving project benchmarks and to gain insights into women's experiences after an adverse pregnancy outcome. Setting. The ICCP interventions were provided in two different health care settings. Subjects. Low-income African-American women with a prior adverse pregnancy outcome were recruited to participate. Data on services delivered are available for 220 women; linked interview data are also available for 99 of these women. Intervention. The ICCP focused on the integration of social services, family planning, and medical care provided through a team approach. Measures. An interview questionnaire asked detailed information about interconceptional health status, attitudes, and behaviors. A services database documented all services delivered to each participant. Key informant interviews were conducted with the ICCP project staff. Analysis. Simple frequencies were generated. Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare participants and benchmarks at the two different sites. Results. The planned delivery of interventions based on women's unique interconceptional health needs was often replaced by efforts to address women's socioeconomic needs. Although medical care remained important, participants viewed themselves as healthy and did not view medical care as a priority. Women's perceptions of contraceptive effectiveness were not always in sync with clinical knowledge. Conclusions. Interconceptional care is a complex process of matching interventions and services to meet women's unique needs, including their socioeconomic needs.