bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of glomerular filtration rate in anesthetized and conscious rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Rabito Carlos A. , van Tongeren Susan , Zavorskas Paul A. , Stricker-Krongrad Alain , Robb John , Haupert Garner T. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To validate a method to assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in conscious monkeys via transcutaneous radiation detection after IV injection of technetium Tc 99m pentatate(99mTc-DTPA).
Animals—4 healthy rhesus monkeys.
Procedures—On day 1, each monkey was anesthetized, lothalamate sodium I 125 (125l-iothalamate) was administered via continuous rate infusion (0.0037 MBq/min); blood and urine samples were obtained for determination of 125l-iothalamate plasma clearance variables and estimation of GFR. One dose of 99mTc-DTPA (74 MBq/kg, IV) was also administered during the 125l-iothalamate plasma clearance test, and transcutaneous measurements of technetium 99m-emitted radiation were obtained by use of an ambulatory renal monitor (ARM) applied to a brachium of each monkey. Determination of GFR by use of the ARM was repeated on days 8 and 45 in the same monkeys without anesthesia.
Results—Sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the 2 methods were similar. By use of the ARM, GFR determined by use of the renal rate constant (κGFR) was calculated; the value obtained on day 1 under anesthesia was similar to values determined via 125l-iothalamate plasma clearance testing on the same day, but was 16% to 23% less than that measured on days 8 and 45 in conscious monkeys.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The ARM method for assessment of GFR was less invasive, faster, and more convenient than the standard clearance method, but yielded comparable results. The need to train animals and size restrictions of the device may limit the use of this technique in other nonhuman animals.
A protocol for managing urethral obstruction in male cats without urethral catheterization
Authors: Cooper Edward S. , Owens Tammy J. , Chew Dennis J. , Buffington C. A. Tony 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine efficacy of a protocol for managing urethral obstruction (UO) in male cats without urethral catheterization.
Design—Clinical trial.
Animals—15 male cats with UO in which conventional treatment had been declined.
Procedures—Laboratory testing and abdominal radiography were performed, and cats with severe metabolic derangements or urinary calculi were excluded. Treatment included administration of acepromazine (0.25 mg, IM, or 2.5 mg, PO, q 8 h), buprenorphine (0.075 mg, PO, q 8 h), and medetomidine (0.1 mg, IM, q 24 h) and decompressive cystocentesis and SC administration of fluids as needed. Cats were placed in a quiet, dark environment to minimize stress. Treatment success was defined as spontaneous urination within 72 hours and subsequent discharge from the hospital.
Results—Treatment was successful in 11 of the 15 cats. In the remaining 4 cats, treatment was considered to have failed because of development of uroabdomen (n = 3) or hemoabdomen (1). Cats in which treatment failed had significantly higher serum creatinine concentrations than did cats in which treatment was successful. Necropsy was performed on 3 cats in which treatment had failed. All 3 had severe inflammatory disease of the urinary bladder, but none had evidence of bladder rupture.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in male cats, a combination of pharmacological treatment, decompressive cystocentesis, and a low-stress environment may allow for resolution of UO without the need for urethral catheterization. This low-cost protocol could serve as an alternative to euthanasia when financial constraints prevent more extensive treatment.
Use of a commercially available relaxin test for detection of pregnancy in cats
Authors: DiGangi Brian A. , Griffin Brenda , Levy Julie K. , Smith Bruce F. , Baker Henry J. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the earliest day of gestation at which relaxin could be detected in pregnant queens by use of a commercially available point-of-care test designed for use in dogs, and to calculate sensitivity and specificity of the test for pregnancy detection on any specified day of gestation.
Design—Evaluation study.
Animals—162 female cats (24 queens from a breeding colony, 128 stray and feral queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy, and 10 ovariohysterectomized cats).
Procedures—24 queens were monitored for pregnancy. Blood samples were collected daily and tested for relaxin until 2 consecutive positive test results were obtained. The earliest day of pregnancy detection was estimated by counting backward from the day of parturition to the day of the first positive test. The uteri, ovaries, and any fetuses of 128 stray and feral queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy were examined grossly, and gestational day in pregnant queens was determined on the basis of fetal crown-rump length. Blood samples from these queens and from 10 cats ovariohysterectomized prior to the study were collected for relaxin testing.
Results—Pregnancy was detected by use of the relaxin test kit as early as gestational day 20; sensitivity of the test was 100% on and after gestational day 29. False-positive results were detected in 3 queens, 2 of which had large (approx 2 × 3-cm) ovarian cysts, resulting in a specificity of 95.9%.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A commercially available relaxin test kit designed for use in dogs can be used to reliably detect pregnancy in cats.
Use of the measure of patient-centered communication to analyze euthanasia discussions in companion animal practice
Authors: Nogueira Borden Leandra J. , Adams Cindy L. , Bonnett Brenda N. , Shaw Jane R. , Ribble Carl S. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To characterize veterinarian-client communication with undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) during discussions regarding euthanasia of a pet.
Design—Descriptive study.
Sample Population—32 companion animal veterinarians (16 males and 16 females) in southern Ontario.
Procedures—During 2 clinic visits, 2 cases (a geriatric dog with worsening arthritis and a cat with inappropriate urination) designed to stimulate discussion regarding euthanasia of a pet were presented by different USCs (individuals trained to consistently present a particular case to veterinarians without disclosing their identity). Discussions were audio recorded and analyzed by use of the measure of patient-centered communication (MPCC [a tool to assess and score physician communication behaviors]). Veterinarian and client statements were classified by means of 3 patient-centered components: exploring both the disease and the illness experience, understanding the whole person, and finding common ground.
Results—60 usable recorded discussions were obtained (31 veterinarians; 30 discussions/case). Overall, MPCC scores were significantly lower for the geriatric dog case. For both cases, veterinarians scored highest on finding common ground and lowest on exploring both the disease and the illness experience. Lack of exploration of client feelings, ideas, and expectations and the effect of the illness on the animal's function resulted in low scores among veterinarians.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that the use of USCs and the MPCC are feasible methods for analysis of veterinarian-client communication during companion animal euthanasia discussions. Findings suggested that some veterinarians do not fully explore client concerns or facilitate client involvement in euthanasia decision making.
Producer attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use in beef cattle in Tennessee
Authors: Green Alice L. , Carpenter L. Rand , Edmisson Darryl E. , Lane Clyde D. , Welborn Matt G. , Hopkins Fred M. , Bemis David A. , Dunn John R. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and management practices involving antimicrobial use among Tennessee beef producers.
Design—Mail survey.
Sample Population—A population-based, stratified random sample of 3,000 beef producers across the state.
Procedures—Questionnaires were mailed to beef producers. Questions focused on producer practices related to education, biosecurity, veterinary use, and the purchase and use of antimicrobials. Operation types were categorized as either cow-calf only or multiple operation type (MOT). Associations between various factors and antimicrobial use were evaluated by use of multivariable logistic regression, with the outcome variable being any antimicrobial use (injectable or by mouth) in the past year.
Results—Of 3,000 questionnaires mailed, 1,042 (34.7%) were returned. A significantly higher proportion of producers with MOTs reported giving antimicrobials by mouth or by injection than did producers with cow-calf only operations. In addition, higher proportions of producers with MOTs than producers with cow-calf only operations reported treating with macrolides, florfenicol, ceftiofur, and aminoglycosides. In the multivariable analysis, herd size >50 cattle, participation in Beef Quality Assurance or master beef producer certification programs, quarantining of newly purchased animals, use of written instructions for treating disease, and observation of withdrawal times were associated with a higher likelihood of antimicrobial use.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that producers who engaged in more progressive farming practices were also more likely to use antimicrobials. Incorporating training on judicious antimicrobial use into educational programs would likely increase awareness of best management practices regarding antimicrobial use.
Effect of ammonium chloride supplementation on urine pH and urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes in goats
Authors: Mavangira Vengai , Cornish Jennifer M. , Angelos John A. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether dietary supplementation with ammonium chloride would affect urine pH or urinary fractional excretion (FE) of electrolytes in goats fed grass hay.
Design—Clinical trial.
Animals—15 yearling castrated male goats.
Procedures—In the dose response study, 3 yearling goats fed orchard grass hay and water ad libitum were administered ammonium chloride at either 200, 400, or 500 mg/kg (91, 182, or 227 mg/lb), PO, every 24 hours. In the FE study, 8 goats fed orchard grass hay were randomly divided into either a treatment (n = 4) or a control group (4). In the treatment group, ammonium chloride was administered at 450 mg/kg (2.25% of dry matter intake [DMI]), PO, every 24 hours for 8 days. The FE of electrolytes was compared between groups; FE measurements were also determined for 4 client-owned goats fed alfalfa hay.
Results—Ammonium chloride administered at 450 mg/kg (2.25% of DMI) achieved and maintained urine pH < 6.5 for 24 hours. Goats fed orchard grass hay with ammonium chloride supplementation had significantly higher FE of calcium and chloride than did goats fed orchard grass hay without supplemental ammonium chloride.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary ammonium chloride supplementation at a dose of 450 mg/kg may be necessary to achieve a urine pH < 6.5 in goats. Further studies of ammonium chloride supplementation and urolithiasis in goats fed low-calcium diets are indicated.
One-stage major spine deformity correction surgery: comparison between groups with and without additional neurosurgical intervention, with more than 24 months of follow-up
Authors: Murans Girts , Gustavsson Bengt , Saraste Helena 
Published: December 2010

Object
Early-onset, nonidiopathic spine deformities are frequently caused by intraspinal anomalies necessitating both neurosurgical and orthopedic intervention. The clinical tradition at most treatment units is to perform neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures separately. Sometimes the deformity correction surgery is also done in stages, which leads to several periods of hospitalization, increased use of health care resources, and a long rehabilitation time for the patient. The purpose of this project was to perform an outcome survey for major spine surgery in high-risk patients, and to analyze whether an additional neurosurgical intervention during the same session increased the risk of complications.

Methods
A consecutive series of 81 patients with major rigid spine deformities treated by the same orthopedic surgeon was analyzed. In 24 of 81 cases there were additional intraspinal pathological entities indicating a neurosurgical procedure. All cases were divided into 2 groups: one with anterior-posterior surgery and also neurosurgery, and the other with anterior-posterior surgery but without neurosurgery. The result variables for the group comparisons were as follows: clinical and radiographic outcome, operating time, length of intensive care and hospital stay, relative blood loss, and occurrence of complications or adverse events. Groups were similar in terms of sex, size of spinal curve, and surgical procedures, but different in terms of diagnosis (there were more patients with myelomeningocele in the group treated with both anterior-posterior surgery and neurosurgery) and patient age (the group with both anterior-posterior surgery and neurosurgery was younger).

Results
An additional neurosurgical procedure combined with fusion surgery did not increase the complication rate or use of resources compared with fusion surgery alone, except in the length of operating time. The mean correction of the spinal curve was 56.7%, and the mean correction of the pelvic obliquity was 74.7%. The loss of correction was 3° on average. A more than 10° progression was seen in 9 cases. There were no deaths, and there were no neurological complications or surgery-related deterioration of ambulatory function. There were 10 complications that altered the planned postoperative course, including 5 infections.

Conclusions
One-stage major spine surgery, even when neurosurgery is included, is safe and does not increase the risk of complications. The increase in hospital and ICU stays is marginal.
Biomechanics of polyaryletherketone rod composites and titanium rods for posterior lumbosacral instrumentation
Authors: Bruner Harlan J. , Guan Yabo , Yoganandan Narayan , Pintar Frank A. , Maiman Dennis J. , Slivka Michael A. 
Published: December 2010

Object
Interest is increasing in the development of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) implants for posterior lumbar fusion. Due to their inherent physical properties, including radiolucency and the ability to customize stiffness with carbon fiber reinforcement, they may be more advantageous than traditional instrumentation materials. Customization of these materials may allow for the development of a system that is stiff enough to promote fusion, yet flexible enough to avoid instrumentation failure. To understand the feasibility of using such materials in posterior lumbosacral instrumentation, biomechanical performances were compared in pure moment and combined loadings between two different PAEK composite rods and titanium rods.

Methods
Four human cadaver L3–S1 segments were subjected to pure moment and combined (compressionflexion and compression-extension) loadings as intact specimens, and after L-4 laminectomy with complete L4–5 facetectomy. Pedicle screw/rod fixation constructs were placed from L-4 to S-1, and retested with titanium, pure poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK), and carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (CFRP) rods. Reflective markers were fixed to each spinal segment. The range of motion data for the L3–S1 column and L4–5 surgical level were obtained using a digital 6-camera system. Four prewired strain gauges were glued to each rod at the level of the L-4 screw and were placed 90° apart along the axial plane of the rod to record local strain data in the combined loading mode. Biomechanical data were analyzed using the ANOVA techniques.

Results
In pure moment, when compared with intact specimens, each rod material similarly restricted motion in each mode of bending, except axial rotation (p < 0.05). When compared with postfacetectomy specimens, each rod material similarly restricted motion (p < 0.05) in all bending modes. In combined loading, rod stiffness was similar for each material. Rod strain was the least in the titanium construct, intermediate in the CFRP construct, and maximal in the pure PEEK construct.

Conclusions
Pure PEEK and CFRP rods confer equal stiffness and resistance to motion in lumbosacral instrumentation when compared with titanium constructs in single-cycle loading. The carbon fiber reinforcement reduces strain when compared with pure PEEK in single-cycle loading. These biomechanical responses, combined with its radiolucency, suggest that the CFRP may have an advantage over both titanium and pure PEEK rods as a material for use in posterior lumbosacral instrumentation. Benchtop fatigue testing of the CFRP constructs is needed for further examination of their responses under multicycle loading.
Perioperative epidural steroids for lumbar spine surgery in degenerative spinal disease
Authors: Ranguis Sebastian Carlos , Li Dianna , Webster Angela Claire 
Published: December 2010

ObjectThis systematic review assesses the efficacy of epidural steroids on adults undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative spinal disease.MethodsThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles. Search terms included “laminectomy,” “discectomy,” and “steroid.” Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of adults undergoing lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative spinal disease were included. The main outcomes were pain, quality of life, total analgesic agent consumption, postoperative length of hospital stay, the ability to return to full-time work, and adverse events.ResultsTwelve trials (involving 1053 patients) were included. Epidural steroids reduced back pain at 12–24 hours postoperatively (standardized mean difference [SMD] –1.26, 95% CI –2.35 to –0.0.18, p = 0.02), and radicular pain at 1 week postoperatively (SMD –0.71, 95% CI –1.19 to –0.24, p = 0.003) and 1–2 months postoperatively (SMD –2.14, 95% CI –3.47 to –0.81, p = 0.002). Epidural steroids decreased postoperative consumption of analgesic agents (SMD –0.38, 95% CI –0.62 to –0.14, p = 0.002), length of stay (SMD –0.95, 95% CI –1.62 to –0.27, p = 0.006) and the risk of not returning to full-time work at 1 year (relative risk of 0.27, 95% CI 0.13–0.57, p = 0.0006). There was no significant difference in quality of life or in adverse events.ConclusionsThere is evidence that epidural steroids decrease pain in the short term and shorten length of stay in adults undergoing lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative spinal disease. Most of the evidence comes from studies without validated outcomes and that selectively report positive results. More research is required before establishing perioperative epidural steroids as an effective adjunct to surgery for reducing pain in the long term.
Twenty-year outcome in young adults with childhood hydrocephalus: assessment of surgical outcome, work participation, and health-related quality of life
Authors: Paulsen A. Henriette , Lundar Tryggve , Lindegaard Karl-Fredrik 
Published: December 2010

Object
Shunting of CSF is one of the most commonly performed operations in the pediatric neurosurgeon's repertoire. The 1st decade after initial shunt insertion has been addressed in several previous reports. The goals of the authors' study, therefore, were to determine 20-year outcomes in young adults with childhood hydrocephalus and to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods
Patients younger than 15 years of age, in whom a first-time shunt insertion was performed for hydrocephalus in the calendar years 1985–1988, were included in a retrospective study on surgical morbidity, mortality rates, academic achievement, and/or work participation. Information concerning perceived health and functional status was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Barthel Index, which were completed by patients still alive by September 1, 2009.

Results
Overall, 138 patients participated, no patient being lost to follow-up. For the 20-year period, the overall mortality rate was 21.7%. The mortality rate was not significantly higher in the 1st decade after initial shunt insertion than in the 2nd decade (p = 0.10). Ten percent of the patients surviving still live with their primary shunt in place, whereas 81% required at least one revision, and among these individual the mean number of revisions was 4.2 (median 3, range 0–26). There was a significantly higher revision rate during the 1st decade after initial shunt insertion compared with the 2nd decade (p = 0.027). The majority of patients live lives comparable with those of their peers. At follow-up, 56% were employed in open-market jobs or were still students, 23% had sheltered employment, and 21% were unemployed. The HRQOL was slightly lower in the hydrocephalic cohort than in the normative population. A significant difference was found in 2 of 8 SF-36 domains—Physical Functioning and General Health.

Conclusions
During the 20-year follow-up period, 81% of the patients required at least one revision of the CSF shunt. The mortality rate was high: 24 patients died in the 1st decade and 6 died in the 2nd decade after implantation of the initial shunt. In total, 4 deaths (2.9%) were due to shunt failure. Shunt placement to treat childhood hydrocephalus has a substantial effect on social functioning in later life, although perceived health was positively found to be better than expected in young adults with hydrocephalus.
Chronic emesis due to compression of the area postrema by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: resolution following microvascular decompression
Authors: Mortazavi Martin M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Harmon Daniel , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: December 2010

Chronic emesis may result from a variety of causes. To the authors' knowledge, compression of the area postrema by regional vessels resulting in chronic emesis has not been reported.
The authors report on a child who presented with chronic medically intractable emesis and significant weight loss requiring jejunostomy feeding. Surgical exploration of the posterior cranial fossa found unilateral compression of the area postrema by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression resulted in postoperative and long-term resolution of the patient's emesis.
Although apparently very rare, irritation of the area postrema from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery with resultant medically intractable chronic emesis may occur. Therefore, the clinician should be aware of this potential etiology when dealing with such patients.
New Kinds of Land Conflict in Urban Cameroon: the Case of the ‘landless’ Indigenous Peoples in Yaoundé
Authors: Socpa Antoin 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTThe land disputes in Cameroon that are best known are between groups of local (indigenous) populations and people originating from elsewhere (incomers). This situation is fairly common in the cosmopolitan towns of Douala and Yaoundé. The purpose of this article is not to revisit these types of conflict, but rather to explore conflicts over land between the indigenous populations and the state. This new kind of opposition demonstrates that it is not only the incoming populations who are dispossessing indigenous people of their land. In fact, in various and more effective ways, the state is playing a significant part in the expropriation of indigenous land heritage. This process may be witnessed in urban housing developments, as well as in areas set aside for public utility, or those that are too dangerous to be developed (slopes, piedmonts and marshlands). Through its policy of urbanization, the state is seemingly contributing to producing ‘landless indigenous people’ in much the same way as and probably more effectively than the incomers. This article reviews the historical processes of land expropriation from the time of the colonial state, analysing the grievances of indigenous people faced with this situation, as well as the strategies they have developed in an effort to take back control of their lost lands.