bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of electric neurostimulation to confirm correct placement of lumbosacral epidural injections in dogs
Authors: Garcia-Pereira Fernando L. , Hauptman Joe , Shih Andre C. , Laird Sharon E. , Pease Anthony 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the minimal electric threshold (MET) of neurostimulation in and out of the lumbosacral epidural space necessary to cause muscle contraction of the hind limb or tail, determine an MET cutoff value that indicates epidural needle placement, and compare predictability of epidural needle placement attained by use of neurostimulation versus the standard technique that uses loss of resistance in dogs.
Animals—96 healthy Beagles.
Procedures—Dogs received nonionic contrast medium (90 mg/kg) either in or out of the epidural space. Correct placement of the needle was evaluated by use of neurostimulation and loss of resistance of injection and confirmed by use of epidurography.
Results—With the neurostimulator test, MET was significantly lower in dogs with needle placement in the epidural space (mean ± SEM, 0.30 ± 0.07 mA) than those with needle placement out of the epidural space (1.2 ± 0.13 mA). When an electric current cutoff of ≤ 0.28 mA for the neurostimulator test was used to suggest correct needle placement in the lumbosacral epidural space, sensitivity and specificity were 74% and 93%, respectively. The loss of resistance test had sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 90%. The combination of both tests yielded a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 83%.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Neurostimulation is a useful tool to suggest correct lumbosacral epidural needle placement in dogs.
Mapping and measuring disparities in welfare for cats across neighborhoods in a large US city
Authors: Patronek Gary J. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether disparities in health and welfare among cats are present within neighborhoods and across census tracts in a large US city, and to compare results with area-level human data.
Sample Population—17,587 cat intake records from 2 animal sheltering organizations serving Boston, and summary data from city animal control authorities for a 5-year period (2004 through 2008).
Procedures—Geocoded addresses (n = 15,285) were spatially joined to neighborhood and census tract polygons. Cat intakes and deaths were calculated per capita and compared with human demographic and death data. Poisson mixed-effects models were used to smooth mortality rates and calculate relative risks.
Results—Data from geocoded records indicated that annual rates of cat intakes and deaths ranged widely (0.85 to 10.3 cats/1,000 persons and 0.27 to 3.9 cats/1,000 persons, respectively) within 16 neighborhoods of Boston. The disparity across 156 census tracts that comprised these neighborhoods was even greater (0.10 to 22.1 cats/1,000 persons and 0.15 to 6.47 cats/1,000 persons for intakes and deaths, respectively). Cat deaths were significantly correlated with human premature deaths at the neighborhood level (R2 = 0.77). Overall, annual per capita city-wide shelter-associated mortality rate for cats (estimated at approx 2.6 cats/1,000 persons) was similar to rates in other progressive communities.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—By use of geospatial techniques, 14- to 40-fold gradients in cat deaths were detected across Boston neighborhoods and census tracts. Cat deaths were associated with human premature deaths and socioeconomic indicators reflecting deprivation. Targeted interventions may be effective in resolving these disparities.
Evaluation of two portable meters for determination of blood triglyceride concentration in dogs
Authors: Kluger Elissa K. , Dhand Navneet K. , Malik Richard , Ilkin William J. , Snow David H. , Govendir Merran 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate agreement between 2 portable triglyceride meters and a veterinary laboratory for measurement of blood triglyceride concentrations in dogs and evaluate effects of Hct and blood volume analyzed.
Sample Population—97 blood samples collected from 60 dogs.
Procedures—Triglyceride concentrations were measured in blood by use of 2 meters and compared with serum triglyceride concentrations determined by a veterinary laboratory. Within- and between-day precision, accuracy, and effects of blood volume and Hct were analyzed.
Results—Accuracy of both meters varied with triglyceride concentration, although both accurately delineated dogs with triglyceride concentrations < 180 mg/dL versus ≥ 180 mg/dL. One meter had results with excellent overall correlation with results of the standard laboratory method, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94 and mean difference of 20.3 mg/dL. The other meter had a good overall concordance correlation coefficient of 0.86 with a higher absolute mean difference of −27.7 mg/dL. Results were only affected by blood volume; triglyceride concentrations determined via both meters were significantly lower when 7 μL of EDTA-anticoagulated blood was used, compared with larger volumes.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—1 meter had greater accuracy in the range of 140 to 400 mg/dL and was therefore well suited to detect hypertriglyceridemia. The other meter was accurate with triglyceride values < 140 mg/dL and yielded results similar to those of the veterinary laboratory in the range of 140 to 400 mg/dL, therefore being suitable for determination of triglyceride concentrations in nonfed dogs and dogs with mildly high concentrations.
Assessment of criteria used by veterinary practitioners to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and investigation of serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis
Authors: Shiel Robert E. , Sist MaryDee , Nachreiner Raymond F. , Ehrlich Claire P. , Mooney Carmel T. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To assess use of serum thyroid hormone concentrations by veterinarians to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and to evaluate serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis.
Design—Retrospective case series and cross-sectional study.
Animals—398 sighthounds of various breeds with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and 283 healthy Salukis.
Procedures—Pretreatment thyroid hormone assay results from sighthounds subsequently classified as hypothyroid by practitioners were retrieved from a laboratory database. In healthy Salukis, serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free T4, total triiodothyronine (T3), free T3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones were assayed.
Results—Records indicated hypothyroidism had been diagnosed in 303 (76.1%) sight-hounds on the basis of low serum thyroid hormone concentrations alone and in 30 (7.5%) others despite all thyroid hormone indices being within reference limits. Only 65 (16.3%) dogs had a high TSH concentration or positive thyroglobulin autoantibody result to support the diagnosis. In healthy Salukis, median (reference limits) serum concentrations of total T4, free T4, total T3, free T3, and TSH were 13.0 nmol/L (2.8 to 40.0 nmol/L), 12.0 pmol/L (2.0 to 30.3 pmol/L), 1.0 nmol/L (0.4 to 2.1 nmol/L), 4.0 pmol/L (1.6 to 7.7 pmol/L), and 0.18 ng/mL (0 to 0.86 ng/mL), respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Diagnosis of hypothyroidism by practitioners was most often made without adequate supportive laboratory evidence. Thyroid hormone values in healthy Salukis differed markedly from standard reference limits for some, but not all, thyroid hormone indices. Breed-specific reference limits should be used when interpreting thyroid hormone profiles of sighthounds.
Effects of general anesthesia on plasma colloid oncotic pressure in dogs
Authors: Dismukes David I. , Thomovsky Elizabeth J. , Mann F. A. , Middleton John R. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the magnitude of the change in colloid oncotic pressure (COP) associated with general anesthesia in dogs undergoing a variety of elective procedures.
Design—Cohort study.
Animals—50 client-owned dogs.
Procedures—For each dog, preanesthetic and postanesthetic PCV, plasma total solids (TS) concentration, and COP were determined. The procedures requiring anesthesia, volume of crystalloid fluids administered IV, duration of anesthesia, age, weight, and sex were recorded.
Results—Postanesthetic PCV (mean ± SD, 41.8 ± 5.4%), TS concentration (6.3 ± 0.8 g/dL), and COP (19.4 ± 3.6 mm Hg) were significantly decreased, compared with preanesthetic values (48.8 ± 5.9%, 7.2 ± 0.7 g/dL, and 24.4 ± 4.2 mm Hg, respectively). None of the variables tested could be used to reliably predict changes in COP.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that COP in healthy dogs may decrease by 5 mm Hg on average after general anesthesia and that this decrease may not be reliably predicted by the volume of fluids administered IV during anesthesia or by the concurrent measured decrease in TS concentration.
Computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats: 18 cases (2002–2008)
Authors: Gendler Andrew , Lewis John R. , Reetz Jennifer A. , Schwarz Tobias 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Objective—To describe the computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats and identify imaging characteristics associated with survival time.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—18 cats with a diagnosis of oral SCC.
Procedures—Information on history; clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging findings; treatment; and survival time was obtained from medical records of 18 cats with oral SCC. Computed tomography (CT) studies were examined to identify features associated with oral SCC. The association of CT features with survival time was evaluated.
Results—On CT images, SCC was centered at the following sites: sublingual or lingual region (n = 7), maxilla (5), buccal mucosa (4), mandible (4), pharyngeal mucosa (2), soft palate mucosa (1), and lip (1). These results were in agreement with the results of oral examination for all sites, except the soft palate (CT, 1 cat; oral examination, 4 cats). On CT images, extension of maxillary masses was most often observed to affect the orbit (5 cats). Heterogeneous contrast enhancement was most commonly identified (8/18). Osteolytic mass lesions were identified on CT images in 9 cats. None of the quantitative CT features that were identified, including mass size, attenuation, or lymph node width, were correlated with survival time.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Common CT features of oral SCC in cats included sublingual and maxillary locations, marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement, and osteolysis. Computed tomography may be used to determine mass extension and lymph node enlargement, but results did not correlate with survival time.
Serre Theorem for involutory Hopf algebras
Authors: Militaru Gigel 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
We call a monoidal category C a Serre category if for any C, D ∈ C such that C ⊗ D is semisimple, C and D are semisimple objects in C. Let H be an involutory Hopf algebra, M, N two H-(co)modules such that M ⊗ N is (co)semisimple as a H-(co)module. If N (resp. M) is a finitely generated projective k-module with invertible Hattory-Stallings rank in k then M (resp. N) is (co)semisimple as a H-(co)module. In particular, the full subcategory of all finite dimensional modules, comodules or Yetter-Drinfel’d modules over H the dimension of which are invertible in k are Serre categories.
Characterization of α1 and α2-matrices
Authors: Bru Rafael , Cvetković Ljiljana , Kostić Vladimir , Pedroche Francisco 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
This paper deals with some properties of α1-matrices and α2-matrices which are subclasses of nonsingular H-matrices. In particular, new characterizations of these two subclasses are given, and then used for proving algebraic properties related to subdirect sums and Hadamard products.
Points of continuity and quasicontinuity
Authors: Borsík Ján 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Let C(f), Q(f), E(f) and A(f) be the sets of all continuity, quasicontinuity, upper and lower quasicontinuity and cliquishness points of a real function f: X → ℝ, respectively. The triplets (C(f),Q(f),A(f)), (C(f),E(f),A(f) and (Q(f),E(f),A(f)are characterized for functions defined on Baire metric spaces without isolated points.
Solid suspension and gas dispersion in gas-solid-liquid agitated systems
Authors: Kiełbus-Rąpała Anna , Karcz Joanna 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe aim of the research work was to investigate the effect of superficial gas velocity and solids concentration on the critical agitator speed, gas hold-up and averaged residence time of gas bubbles in an agitated gas-solid-liquid system. Experimental studies were conducted in a vessel of the inner diameter of 0.634 m. Different high-speed impellers: Rushton and Smith turbines, A 315 and HE 3 impellers, were used for agitation. The measurements were conducted in systems with different physical parameters of the continuous phase. Liquid phases were: distilled water (coalescing system) or aqueous solutions of NaCl (non-coalescing systems). The experiments were carried out at five different values of solids concentration and gas flow rate. Experimental analysis of the conditions of gas bubbles dispersion and particles suspension in the vessel with a flat bottom and four standard baffles showed that both gas and solid phases strongly affected the critical agitation speed necessary to produce a three-phase system. On the basis of experimental studies, the critical agitator speed for all agitators working in the gas-solid-liquid systems was found. An increase of superficial gas velocity caused a significant increase of the gas hold-up in both coalescing and non-coalescing three-phase systems. The type of the impeller strongly affected the parameters considered in this work. Low values of the critical impeller speed together with the relatively short average gas bubbles residence time tR in three phase systems were characteristic for the A 315 impeller. Radial flow Rushton and Smith turbines are high-energy consuming impellers but they enable to maintain longer gas bubbles residence time and to obtain higher values of the gas hold-up in the three-phase systems. Empirical correlations were proposed for the critical agitator speed, mean specific energy dissipated and the gas hold-up prediction. Its parameters were fitted using experimental data.
Impact of Reproductive Effort on Survival of Rio Grande Wild TurkeyMeleagris Gallop IntermediaHens in Texas
Authors: Collier Bret A. , Melton Kyle B. , Hardin Jason B. , Silvy Nova J. , Peterson Markus J. 
Published: February 2010

The southeastern portion of the Edwards Plateau of Texas, historically a stronghold of Rio Grande wild turkeysMeleagris gallopavo intermedia, has seen the numbers of turkeys declining since the 1970s. Because hen survival is a key parameter affecting turkey population dynamics, we monitored radio‐tagged Rio Grande wild turkey hens on the Edwards Plateau during 2001–2007 to compare survival during the breeding season in areas where turkey abundance has declined vs areas with stable populations. Breeding season survival was best predicted by a model that allowed variation during different periods of the reproductive season (initial nesting during 25 March – 21 April, renesting during 22 April – 12 June and post‐nesting during 13 June – 2 July) and differences between stable and declining regions. Model‐averaged estimates of breeding season survival were higher in the stable region (0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–0.94) than in the declining region (0.67; 95% CI: 0.55–0.78). Data collected on nests and hens during the intensive monitoring part of the study conducted during 2005–2007 indicated that breeding season survival was negatively affected by the amount of reproductive effort each season, i.e. the number of days a hen spent incubating a nest. Breeding season (25 March – 2 July) survival (0.86) was higher for non‐nesting hens than for hens that nested (0.68; average of 15 days spent nesting). Our results suggest that differences in productivity between stable and declining Rio Grande wild turkey populations in the Edwards Plateau of Texas were associated with differences in breeding season survival due to variable reproductive effort, which, when combined with precipitation‐dependent boom‐bust dynamics common to galliforms in this region, could limit long‐term population productivity and maintenance.
Specific dermatologic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism
Authors: ÖZDEMIR SUNA , ÖZDEMIR MUSTAFA , GÖRKEMLI HÜSEYIN , KIYICI AYSEL , BODUR SAIT 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjective. To investigate biochemical and metabolic abnormalities in relation with cutaneous features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design. Prospective descriptive analysis. Setting. University‐based tertiary care. Sample. One‐hundred and fifteen untreated consecutive women diagnosed as having PCOS. Methods. Each woman underwent an evaluation of body habitus, acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans. Associations between cutaneous features and hormonal and metabolic parameters were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression models. Main outcome measures. Prevalence of cutaneous features in PCOS and associations among the features and biochemical and metabolic parameters. Results. The prevalence of acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans was 53%, 73.9%, 34.8%, 34.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Acne was not associated with the hormonal, metabolic and anthropometric variables. Hirsutism had positive associations with total testosterone, fasting glucose and total cholesterol, and a negative association with age. Seborrhea was found to be related with free testosterone, fasting glucose and insulin. A negative association was determined among androgenic alopecia and free testosterone, low‐density lipoprotein and insulin. Conclusions. Acne and androgenic alopecia are not good markers for the hyperandrogenism in PCOS. Hirsutism appears to be strongly related with hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS women.
Recognizing Problem Video Game Use
Authors: Porter Guy , Starcevic Vladan , Berle David , Fenech Pauline 
Published: February 2010

Objectives: It has been increasingly recognized that some people develop problem video game use, defined here as excessive use of video games resulting in various negative psychosocial and/or physical consequences. The main objectives of the present study were to identify individuals with problem video game use and compare them with those without problem video game use on several variables. Method: An international, anonymous online survey was conducted, using a questionnaire with provisional criteria for problem video game use, which the authors have developed. These criteria reflect the crucial features of problem video game use: preoccupation with and loss of control over playing video games and multiple adverse consequences of this activity. Results: A total of 1945 survey participants completed the survey. Respondents who were identified as problem video game users (n = 156, 8.0%) differed significantly from others (n = 1789) on variables that provided independent, preliminary validation of the provisional criteria for problem video game use. They played longer than planned and with greater frequency, and more often played even though they did not want to and despite believing that they should not do it. Problem video game users were more likely to play certain online role-playing games, found it easier to meet people online, had fewer friends in real life, and more often reported excessive caffeine consumption. Conclusions: People with problem video game use can be identified by means of a questionnaire and on the basis of the present provisional criteria, which require further validation. These findings have implications for recognition of problem video game users among individuals, especially adolescents, who present to mental health services. Mental health professionals need to acknowledge the public health significance of the multiple negative consequences of problem video game use.
Randomized Comparison of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Group Psychoeducation in Acute Patients with Schizophrenia: Effects on Subjective Quality of Life
Authors: Bechdolf Andreas , Knost Bärbel , Nelson Barnaby , Schneider Nicola , Veith Verena , Yung Alison R , Pukrop Ralf 
Published: February 2010

Objective: Although the clinical efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been established for patients with schizophrenia, the data on effects on quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the effects of a brief group CBT and a group psychoeducational (PE) programme in patients with schizophrenia on QoL. Method: A total of 88 inpatients with schizophrenia were randomized to receive a therapy envelope of 8 weeks including either 16 sessions of group CBT or eight sessions of group PE treatment. QoL was assessed using the Modular System for Quality of Life at baseline, post-treatment assessment and 6 month follow up. Results: QoL improved significantly in both treatments in most QoL dimensions. Within-group effect sizes for general QoL at follow up were 0.25 for CBT and 0.29 for PE. No significant differences between CBT and PE were found at post-treatment and at 6 month follow up. Conclusions: Both brief group CBT and group PE improve subjective QoL in patients with schizophrenia.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Postmenopausal Women: Prevalence, Clinical Features, and Comorbidity
Authors: Uguz Faruk , Sahingoz Mine , Gezginc Kazim , Karatayli Rengin 
Published: February 2010

Objective: Studies about obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) during the postmenopausal period have been insufficient. The purpose of the current study was therefore to examine the prevalence rate, clinical characteristics, and comorbidity of OCD in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 269 consecutive postmenopausal women admitted to a gynaecology outpatient clinic were included in the study. OCD and comorbid disorders was diagnosed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. The Yale–Brown Obsessive– Compulsive Scale was used to determine the types of obsessions and compulsions. Results: The prevalence rate of OCD was 7.1% in the sample. Two women (0.7%) reported that OCD developed during the postmenopausal period. The most common obsessions were contamination and symmetry/exactness, whereas the most common compulsions were cleaning/washing and checking. OCD was unrelated to variables examined in the present study. The comorbidity rate of other psychiatric disorders was 63.2% in OCD patients. The most common comorbid disorder was generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusions: OCD was not rare in postmenopausal women admitted to a gynaecology outpatient clinic. In addition, OCD appears to be frequently comorbid with depressive or other anxiety disorders in the postmenopausal period.