bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees
Authors: Oto T. , Obayashi T. , Taguchi N. , Ogawa T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThis study analysed the internal and external factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees.Participants and methodsWe created transcripts from oral presentations by the dental trainees of Hiroshima University Hospital (n = 35, 2012–2013) at a significant event analysis conference. The reflection depths were compared between the trainees of the university hospital and external clinical combination groups. We determined and statistically analysed the reflection depths.ResultsAt the end of training, a Mann–Whitney U‐test revealed a significant difference in the median reflection depths of the groups (U = 66, W = 342 and P = 0.007). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relation between the reflection depth and external training completion (P = 0.024). There were no relations with other factors, including gender and academic background.ConclusionExperiences in external clinics create a close connection between the staff and trainees because communities of practice can cause deeper reflections. We need to create small groups in large‐scale organisations such as university hospitals. This construct can be adapted not only for Japanese dental trainees but also for global dental and other medical trainees.
Neurocysticercosis: An uncommon cause of drug‐refractory epilepsy in North Indian population
Authors: Goyal Manoj , Chand Partap , Modi Manish , Khandelwal Niranjan , Kharbanda Parampreet Singh , Lal Vivek , Singla Veenu , Sehgal Rakesh 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObjectiveBeing a common cause of epilepsy in endemic areas, neurocysticercosis (NCC) is expected to account for a sizable proportion of patients with drug‐refractory epilepsy (DRE) as well. However, data regarding prevalence of DRE in NCC are sparse. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DRE as well as identification of clinical and radiologic factors that lead to DRE in patients with NCC.MethodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary‐care postgraduate teaching institute in Northern India from July 2011 to July 2013. Two hundred patients with epilepsy due to NCC (definite [n = 59, 29.5%] or probable [n = 141, 70.5%]) based on diagnostic criteria by Del Brutto et al. were enrolled in the study in both a prospective (n = 51 [25.5%]) and a retrospective manner (n = 149 [74.5%]), and were followed for a minimum period of 1 year.ResultsThirteen patients with NCC were found to be refractory to drug therapy. Prevalence of DRE was found to be 65 of 1,000 NCC patients with epilepsy in the present study. The risk factors associated with high risk of DRE were male sex (p = 0.035), older age (p = 0.016), pig‐raising practices (p = 0.003), pork eating (p = 0.04), and presence of multiple (>2) (p = 0.0001) or mixed stage lesions (p = 0.007) on neuroimaging. On multivariate analysis, it was found that residing in an area where pig raising is prevalent (p = 0.01) and presence of multiple (>2) (p = 0.004) lesions on neuroimaging are associated with increased risk of DRE.SignificanceNCC is only rarely associated with the development of DRE. The common risk factors associated with increased chance of DRE include pig‐rearing practices and presence of multiple (>2) lesions on neuroimaging.
Dreaming About Love and Danger: A Holistic Bioevolutionary Perspective on Personality, Politics, and Culture
Authors: Ingham John 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article offers a holistic evolutionary perspective on dreaming and early sexual development. Going beyond Freud, and more in line with recent psychoanalysis and academic research, oedipality becomes part of understanding the development of sexual strategy, while dreaming is viewed as an evolved mechanism for moderating and updating affectively charged approach‐avoidance conflicts associated with self‐preservation and reproduction. The article suggests plausible evolutionary assumptions for interpretations of politics and expressive culture.
The Morality of Performance: HIV Disclosure in Speech and Song in South Africa
Authors: Black Steven P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article synthesizes anthropological research on morality and performance, drawing from ethnographic fieldwork with a Zulu choir that was an HIV support group and AIDS activist organization. The article responds to an increasing level of anthropological interest in the topic of morality and contributes to an emerging body of literature on language and experience. The concept of moral assemblages is used to examine the embodied communicative dispositions of choir members amid two overlapping and sometimes conflicting public discourses about HIV disclosure. Building on previous research on how performance makes it possible to address topics otherwise outside cultural boundaries of acceptable speech, the article explores how framing HIV disclosure as performance allowed some South Africans living with HIV to embody the conflicting prescriptions of two distinct public discourses about disclosure.
Appraisal of the Current Evidence for Diagnostic Tests That Differentiate Medical and Surgical Colic
Authors: Curtis L. , Cullen T.E. , England G.C.W. , Burford J.H. , Freeman S.L. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyEarly identification of surgical cases of colic is critical to improving outcome and welfare. There have been a number of studies on diagnostic tests for colic, evaluating a range of tests to differentiate between medical and surgical cases.ObjectivesTo systematically review and appraise the evidence on diagnostic tests for identifying surgical colic.Study designSystematic review.MethodsThe primary literature search was conducted in CAB Abstracts (1910–2014), WEB of Science (1950–2014) and MEDLINE (1946–2014) using search terms relating to equine colic. Publications were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then reviewed using the QUADAS quality assessment tool.ResultsThe primary search identified 5508 publications relating to equine colic; 976 related to diagnostic tests, 29 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the QUADAS tool. Of these, 16 papers reported on peritoneal fluid parameters, 21 on blood parameters, 10 on blood and peritoneal parameters, 3 on physical and blood parameters and one study on urine parameters. A range of different parameters were evaluated, with the majority of tests only being evaluated in single studies. None of the studies met QUADAS criteria 1 (representative spectrum of patients), 7/29 studies met criteria 2 (description of selection criteria) and 10/29 studies met criteria 9 (description of reference standard).ConclusionsThere are currently no published studies which use appropriate methodology to assess the accuracy of a diagnostic test in differentiating medical and surgical colic. This made direct application of the QUADAS tool challenging; predominantly due to the lack of a pre mortem ‘gold standard’ reference diagnostic test for colic. Very few studies enrolled a randomised selection of patients and there was also a propensity to case–control study design, both increasing the risk of bias and under/overestimating diagnostic accuracy.Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Sources of funding: Laila Curtis' studentship is funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Tom Cullen is a Junior Clinical Training Scholar funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham and Oakham Veterinary Hospital. Competing interests: None declared.
Systematic Review of Evidence for Plasma and Peritoneal Lactate as a Diagnostic Test for Surgical Colic
Authors: Cullen T.E. , Curtis L. , England G.C.W. , Burford J.H. , Freeman S.L. 
Published: September 2015

Reason for performing studyMeasurement of lactate in horses with colic has been described for over 20 years.ObjectivesTo systematically review the evidence on the use of plasma and/or peritoneal lactate as a diagnostic test for identifying surgical colic.Study designSystematic review.MethodsThe primary literature search was conducted in CAB Abstracts (1910–2014), WEB of Science (1950–2014) and MEDLINE (1946–2014) using search terms relating to equine colic. Publications were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then reviewed using the QUADAS scoring system.ResultsThe primary search identified 5508 publications relating to colic; 32 studies related to the use of lactate in the diagnosis of colic, 2 papers met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using QUADAS. Both papers investigated the use of plasma and peritoneal lactate to identify strangulating intestinal lesions. Both were cross‐sectional studies, and together they evaluated a total of 71 horses with confirmed strangulating lesions. Appraisal of the studies using the QUADAS tool was performed. Both papers met QUADAS criteria relating to study design and data analysis, but the QUADAS tool did highlight some limitations in terms of sample and control groups in both papers. Data analysis varied, with one study developing a model to predict the presence of a strangulating lesion, which included peritoneal lactate and other measurements, and the other study assessing optimal predictive values associated with concentrations of peritoneal lactate. Both studies concluded that peritoneal lactate was a more useful diagnostic test than blood lactate.ConclusionsDespite the large numbers of publications reporting use of lactate, only a small number used study designs considered suitable for evaluation of diagnostic test accuracy as proposed by the Cochrane Library. Although the current evidence is limited, there is agreement on the value of peritoneal lactate as a diagnostic test for strangulating intestinal lesions.Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Sources of funding: Tom Cullen is a Junior Clinical Training Scholar funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham and Oakham Veterinary Hospital. Laila Curtis' PhD studentship is funded by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Competing interests: None declared.
Evaluation of Dexamethasone for the Prevention of Post Operative Ileus
Authors: McGovern K.F. , James F.M. , O'Neill H.D. , Bladon B.M. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyInflammation is key in the development of post operative ileus in rodents, with a similar pathogenesis likely occurring in other species. Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and therefore could help reduce post operative ileus in the horse.ObjectivesTo determine if dexamethasone reduces post operative ileus in horses with small intestinal disease, and assess the effect on incisional health and short‐term survival.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsFifteen horses that underwent small intestinal resection and anastomosis were given 0.1 mg/kg bwt dexamethasone intravenously during surgery (DEX). Data from a comparable number of horses that did not receive dexamethasone (NoDEX) was collected retrospectively and sequentially. Horses were matched for the type of resection performed. Fisher's Exact and Student's t tests were used for data analysis.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the amount of nasogastric reflux (litres) (DEX 8.06 ± 17.12, NoDEX 10.02 ± 24.03, P = 0.39) produced or in the number of horses that produced nasogastric reflux post operatively. There was no difference in survival to discharge. The severity of incisional discharge/infection was significantly different between groups when scored 0–3 (0 being no discharge and 3 being severe discharge/infection), (P = 0.01), in favour of DEX (2/15 horses affected) vs. NoDEX (7/15).ConclusionsDexamethasone did not appear to have a beneficial effect on the incidence of post‐operative ileus. Administration of a single dose of dexamethasone does not appear to have a detrimental effect on short‐term survival or on incisional complications.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: procedures were performed as part of clinical investigations. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Iohexol as a Marker of Intestinal Permeability in the Horse
Authors: Koskinen M.J. , Hewetson M. , Pöytäkangas M.R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyInfiltrative disease of the intestine is an important cause of weight loss in the horse. Infiltration of inflammatory or neoplastic cells into the intestinal wall and intestinal fibrosis cause changes in the integrity of the intestinal wall. This may lead to altered intestinal permeability which can be measured using the contrast medium iohexol.ObjectivesTo determine if iohexol intestinal permeability, as evaluated by serum iohexol concentration, could be used to differentiate between healthy horses and horses with infiltrative disease of the large colon.Study designProspective non‐randomised controlled clinical trial.MethodsSix healthy adult horses and 4 horses with chronic infiltrative disease of the large colon were used in the study. Infiltrative disease was confirmed on post mortem in all cases, and included alimentary lymphoma and mycobacterial granulomatous enterocolitis. Following a 16‐h fast, each horse was dosed with 1.0 ml/kg bwt of iohexol as a 10% solution via nasogastric intubation. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 min after dosing. Iohexol concentration was determined using HPLC‐UV and the differences between the groups were analysed with a repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in iohexol serum concentration between the diseased and nondiseased horses (P = 0.001). The overall difference in the mean iohexol concentration between the 2 groups was 6.07 (95% CI 3.19–8.96) μg/ml, however there appeared to be a trend towards increasing difference at later time points (240, 300, 360 min).ConclusionsThe iohexol permeability test has potential as a diagnostic tool for estimation of intestinal permeability in horses with infiltrative intestinal disease. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the test can be used to determine the site of intestinal pathology, predict the prognosis and potentially evaluate the response to treatment.AcknowledgementsThe authors thank Professor Riitta‐Mari Tulamo and Professor Thomas Spillmann and the staff of Equine College Ypäjä and the University of Helsinki Equine Teaching Hospital. The cooperation of horse owners is gratefully acknowledged.Ethical animal research: The study protocol was approved by the National Animal Experiment Board of Finland (Eläinkoelautakunta ELLA, Request for Animal Experiments, ref. no. ESAVI‐2010‐06567/Ym‐23). For client‐owned animals, owner informed consent was obtained. Source of funding: This study was funded by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. Competing interests: None declared.
Efficacy of Oviductal Flushing with PGE2, in Mares, in and Out of the Breeding Season
Authors: Martynski P.D. , Payne R.J. , Wylie C.E. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyThere are limited data surrounding the efficacy of oviductal flushing in restoring fertility in mares with repeated returns to oestrus.ObjectivesTo determine the conception and foaling rates in mares treated by laparoscopic topical application of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to the oviduct(s) in mares: i) in the breeding season (January–May), pre‐covering; ii) in the breeding season, post covering; and iii) out of the breeding season (June–December).Study designFollow‐up study.MethodsAnalysis of electronic patient records (EPRs) identified 29 mares that underwent oviductal flushing via laparoscopic surgery between 1 January 2008 and 12 October 2014. One mare underwent the procedure twice; once in the breeding season (pre‐covering) and once out of the breeding season. Follow‐up data were collected via EPRs and from Weatherbys (www.bloodstockreports.co.uk).ResultsThe procedure was used in 27 Thoroughbreds, one Warmblood and one Hanoverian. Mean age at the time of the procedure was 13.1 years (range 6–22 years). Mean duration barren prior to the procedure was 1.9 years (range 49 days–5.6 years). The mean time post flushing to the first positive ultrasound scan was 31 days, with average time post flushing to foaling of 367.6 days. Of the 29 horses, 55.2% (16/29) conceived successfully, with 87.5% of these confirmed to have produced a live foal. In the breeding season, 16 mares were treated; 10 pre‐covering, and 6 post covering with conception rates of 60.0% and 83.3%, respectively. Thirteen mares were treated out of the breeding season, with a 35.7% conception rate.ConclusionsOviductal flushing within the breeding season was more successful in this study than flushing performed out of the breeding season. Restoration of fertility in this study was lower than that previously reported and potential reasons for this include limited pre‐surgical diagnostic testing, differing prior pathologies or reasons for sub‐fertility, and case selection.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: C.E. Wylie is funded by the Margaret Giffen Trust. Competing interests: None declared.
Objective Assessment of Back Kinematics and Movement Asymmetry in Horses: Effect of Elastic Resistance Band Training
Authors: Simons V. , Weller R. , Stubbs N.C. , Rombach N. , Pfau T. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyTraining and rehabilitation techniques which improve core muscle strength are beneficial for improvement of dynamic stability of the equine vertebral column. The Equiband™ system, consisting of resistance bands attached to a customised saddle pad, is suggested to provide constant proprioceptive feedback during motion to encourage recruitment of abdominal and hindquarter musculature.ObjectivesTo quantify the effect of the Equiband™ system on back kinematics and movement symmetry.Study designLongitudinal intervention study.MethodsQuantitative analysis of back movement and gait symmetry before/after a 4‐week exercise programme. Inertial sensor data was collected from 7 horses at Weeks 0 and 4 of a fixed exercise protocol. Analysis with and without the Equiband™ system was completed at trot in hand on a hard surface, and for both reins on the lunge on a soft surface. Six back kinematic and 3 movement symmetry parameters were calculated according to published methods. Movement symmetry values were side‐corrected to allow comparison between reins on the lunge. A mixed model (P<0.05) evaluated the effects of the Equiband™ system over time, and trotting direction on back kinematic and movement symmetry parameters.ResultsThe Equiband™ system significantly reduced (all P<0.02) roll, pitch and mediolateral displacement in the cranial‐mid thoracic region. Across all horses, back displacement and range of motion values were significantly greater (P<0.01) on the lunge than in a straight line, movement symmetry was consistent with having corrected all horses to be left‐sided.ConclusionPreliminary results suggest the Equiband™ system may aid dynamic stabilisation of the vertebral column.Ethical animal research: This study was authorised by the Ethics and Welfare Committee of the Royal Veterinary College, London (URN Approval Number 1238). Written consent was obtained from the owner/keeper of each animal. Source of funding: Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: N.C. Stubbs and N. Rombach developed the Equiband™ system. The remaining authors have no competing interests.
Thoracolumbar Movement in Sound Horses Trotting in Hand and on the Lunge
Authors: Greve L. , Dyson S. , Pfau T. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyLameness negatively affects the welfare of horses; it often coexists with thoracolumbar pain. The mechanisms linking the two are not well understood.ObjectivesTo document thoracolumbar movement in subjectively sound horses comparing straight lines with circles on left and right reins; to relate these observations to the objectively determined symmetry/asymmetry of hindlimb gait.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsFourteen non‐lame horses were trotted in straight lines and lunged on a 10 m diameter circle on left and right reins and inertial sensor data collected at landmarks: withers, 13th (T13) and 18th thoracic vertebrae, 3rd lumbar vertebra, tubera sacrale, left and right tubera coxae. Data were processed using published methods [1]; pitch and roll, dorsoventral and lateral motion and symmetry within each stride were assessed.ResultsDorsoventral motion during one stride had a sinusoidal pattern with 2 oscillations. The greatest amplitude and symmetry (119 ± 4 mm, 96 ± 1% in straight lines vs. 127 ± 5 mm, 94 ± 1% in circles) occurred at T13. Circles induced greater rotation around the transverse axis (>1.3°, P = 0.002) and movement in a lateral direction (>16 mm P = 0.002), greater dorsoventral amplitude and asymmetry; however, the latter differences were nonsignificant. There were no significant differences between reins. The difference in the left and right hindlimb stance phases and the 2 oscillations of the thoracolumbar were significantly associated. Greater circle‐induced upward movement of a tuber coxae during the contralateral hindlimb stance was associated with greater circle‐induced asymmetry of the 2 oscillations of the thoracolumbar (P = 0.04).ConclusionsMoving on a circle induces measurable changes in thoracolumbar movement compared with moving in straight lines, associated with alterations in the hindlimb gait.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the Animal Health Trust. Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Source of funding: RVC PhD funding of Line Greve. Competing interests: None declared.
An In Vitro Investigation of the Effect of Curve Running on Equine Distal Limb Tendon Strain
Authors: Parkes R.S.V. , Witte T.H. , Pfau T. , Weller R. 
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing studyHorses run on curves during training and competition, and are often trotted in circles to assist lameness diagnosis. The effects of moving on a curve on tendon strain in the distal limb are not known.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of curve running on the tendons and ligaments of the equine distal limb.Study designControlled experimental study.MethodsCadaver forelimbs from 6 Thoroughbred horses were loaded on a forceplate using a hydraulic ram. Limbs were loaded to 17–33 N/kg on a flat surface and with medial and lateral wooden wedges under the hoof to simulate curve running with the limb being on the inside and outside of a curve, respectively. Tendon length was measured for the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons (SDFT and DDFT), accessory ligament of the DDFT (ALDDFT), the suspensory ligament body (SL) and the medial and lateral suspensory ligament branches (SBM and SBL) using motion capture. A mixed effects model was used for data analysis.ResultsUnder most loading conditions SL was under most strain and DDFT least. For a medial 15° wedge SDFT was under 0.4% greater load than SL (P = 0.04). SBM was under 0.48% greater strain than SBL with a lateral 20° wedge (P = 0.01), and SBL was under 1.37% greater strain than SBM with a medial 20° wedge (P<0.01).ConclusionsCurve running leads to increasing and asymmetrical strain on the suspensory ligament branches. This difference is unlikely to be sufficient to cause injury, but may assist lameness diagnosis.Ethical animal research: Research ethics committee oversight not currently required by this conference: the study was performed on material collected at an abattoir. Source of funding: R. Parkes is undertaking a PhD funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Competing interests: None declared.