bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of tick surveys and serosurveys to evaluate pet dogs as a sentinel species for emerging Lyme disease
Authors: Hamer Sarah A. , Tsao Jean I. , Walker Edward D. , Mansfield Linda S. , Foster Erik S. , Hickling Graham J. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate dogs as a sentinel species for emergence of Lyme disease in a region undergoing invasion by Ixodes scapularis.
Sample Population—353 serum samples and 78 ticks obtained from dogs brought to 18 veterinary clinics located in the lower peninsula of Michigan from July 15, 2005, through August 15, 2005.
Procedures—Serum samples were evaluated for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi by use of 3 serologic assays. Ticks from dogs were subjected to PCR assays for detection of pathogens.
Results—Of 353 serum samples from dogs in 18 counties in 2005, only 2 (0.6%) contained western blot analysis–confirmed antibodies against B burgdorferi. Ten of 13 dogs with I scapularis were from clinics within or immediately adjacent to the known tick invasion zone. Six of 18 I scapularis and 12 of 60 noncompetent vector ticks were infected with B burgdorferi. No ticks were infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and 3 were infected with Babesia spp.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serosurvey in dogs was found to be ineffective in tracking early invasion dynamics of I scapularis in this area. Tick chemoprophylaxis likely reduces serosurvey sensitivity in dogs. Ticks infected with B burgdorferi were more common and widely dispersed than seropositive dogs. In areas of low tick density, use of dogs as a source of ticks is preferable to serosurvey for surveillance of emerging Lyme disease. Impact for Human Medicine—By retaining ticks from dogs for identification and pathogen testing, veterinarians can play an important role in early detection in areas with increasing risk of Lyme disease.
Evaluation of immunohistochemical detection of prion protein in rectoanal mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue for diagnosis of scrapie in sheep
Authors: Dennis Michelle M. , Thomsen Bruce V. , Marshall Katherine L. , Hall S. Mark , Wagner Bruce A. , Salman Mo D. , Norden Dianne K. , Gaiser Charles , Sutton Diane L. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To determine the suitability and estimate the sensitivity of an immunohistochemical (IHC) test for disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) in biopsy specimens of rectoanal mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) for diagnosis of scrapie in sheep.
Animals—762 sheep at high risk for having scrapie and indemnified by the National Scrapie Eradication Program.
Procedures—The IHC test for PrPSc was applied to 2 RAMALT and 2 third-eyelid biopsy specimens and a postmortem RAMALT specimen from each sheep. Results were compared with those of a reference test in which results for tissues from obex and retropharyngeal lymph nodes, tonsil, or both were considered in parallel.
Results—The reference test identified 139 sheep as having scrapie. Biopsy-related complications occurred in 3 sheep. Sensitivity of the IHC test in RAMALT ranged from 85.3% to 89.4%, depending on the anatomic location from which RAMALT was obtained. Results for the test applied to 1 RAMALT specimen were similar to results interpreted in parallel for 2 third-eyelid specimens (sensitivity, 87.0%). The proportion of inconclusive test results attributable to insufficient lymphoid follicles in biopsy specimens was lower when considering results for 2 RAMALT specimens in parallel (10.1%) than when considering results for 2 third-eyelid specimens in parallel (23.7%). Specimens of RAMALT that were inappropriately collected from an area caudal to the rectoanal interface yielded a high proportion of inconclusive results (33.3% to 50.0%).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The IHC test for PrPSc in RAMALT was an effective means of detecting subclinical scrapie in live, high-risk sheep.
Assessment of viremia associated with experimental primary feline herpesvirus infection or presumed herpetic recrudescence in cats
Authors: Westermeyer Hans D. , Thomasy Sara M. , Kado-Fong Helen , Maggs David J. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To detect feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) in blood of cats undergoing experimental primary herpetic disease or with spontaneous disease presumed to be caused by FHV-1 reactivation.
Animals—6 young specific-pathogen–free (SPF) cats and 34 adult cats from a shelter.
Procedures—Conjunctiva and nares of SPF cats were inoculated with FHV-1, and cats were monitored for 21 days. Periodically, blood was collected for CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and detection of FHV-1 DNA via PCR assay. For shelter cats, a conjunctival swab specimen was collected for FHV-1 PCR assay, and blood mononuclear cells were tested via virus isolation (with or without hydrocortisone) and FHV-1 PCR assay.
Results—All SPF cats developed clinical and clinicopathologic evidence of upper respiratory tract and ocular disease only. Via PCR assay, FHV-1 DNA was detected in blood of all SPF cats at least once between 2 and 15 days after inoculation. Feline herpesvirus type 1 DNA was detected in conjunctival swabs of 27 shelter cats; 25 had clinical signs of herpetic infection. However, virus was not isolated from mononuclear cell samples of any shelter cat regardless of passage number or whether hydrocortisone was present in the culture medium; FHV-1 DNA was not detected in any mononuclear cell sample collected from shelter cats.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A brief period of viremia occurred in cats undergoing primary herpetic disease but not in cats undergoing presumed recrudescent herpetic disease. Viremia may be important in the pathogenesis of primary herpetic disease but seems unlikely to be associated with recrudescent disease.
Association of periodontal disease, oral procedures, and other clinical findings with bacterial endocarditis in dogs
Authors: Peddle Gordon D. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Harvey Colin E. , Adams Allison , Sleeper Meg M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To identify risk factors potentially associated with the development of bacterial endocarditis in dogs and determine whether periodontal disease and surgical procedures (oral and nonoral) were associated with bacterial endocarditis.
Design—Retrospective case-control study.
Animals—76 dogs with (cases) and 80 dogs without (controls) bacterial endocarditis.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, physical examination findings, recent medical history, and results of echocardiography, clinicopatho- logic testing, and necropsy.
Results—None of the dogs with endocarditis had a history of undergoing any dental or oral procedure in the 3 months prior to the diagnosis of endocarditis, and no significant difference was found between groups with regard to the prevalence of oral infection. Dogs with endocarditis were significantly more likely to have undergone a nonoral surgical procedure that required general anesthesia in the preceding 3 months or to have developed a new heart murmur or a change in intensity of an existing heart murmur. Preexisting cardiac dis-ease (congenital or acquired) was not found to be a risk factor.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results did not provide any evidence of an association between bacterial endocarditis in dogs and either dental or oral surgical procedures or oral infection. Findings suggested that the routine use of prophylactic antimicrobial administration in dogs undergoing oral procedures needs to be reevaluated.
Evaluation of allele frequencies of inherited disease genes in subgroups of American Quarter Horses
Authors: Tryon Robert C. , Penedo M. Cecilia T. , McCue Molly E. , Valberg Stephanie J. , Mickelson James R. , Famula Thomas R. , Wagner Michelle L. , Jackson Mark , Hamilton Michael J. , Nooteboom Sabine , Bannasch Danika L. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To estimate allele frequencies of the hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), lethal white foal syndrome (LWFS), glycogen branching enzyme deficiency (GBED), hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), and type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) genes in elite performance subgroups of American Quarter Horses (AQHs).
Design—Prospective genetic survey.
Animals—651 elite performance AQHs, 200 control AQHs, and 180 control American Paint Horses (APHs).
Procedures—Elite performance AQHs successful in 7 competitive disciplines (barrel racing, cutting, halter, racing, reining, western pleasure, and working cow horse) were geno- typed for 5 disease-causing alleles. Age-matched control AQHs and APHs were used to establish comparative whole-breed estimates of allele frequencies.
Results—Highest allele frequencies among control AQHs were for type 1 PSSM (0.055) and GBED (0.054), whereas HERDA (0.021) and HYPP (0.008) were less prevalent. Control APHs uniquely harbored LWFS (0.107) and had high prevalence of HYPP (0.025), relative to AQHs. Halter horse subgroups had significantly greater allele frequencies for HYPP (0.299) and PSSM (0.155). Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency, HERDA, and PSSM were found broadly throughout subgroups; cutting subgroups were distinct for HERDA (0.142), and western pleasure subgroups were distinct for GBED (0.132). Racing and barrel racing subgroups had the lowest frequencies of the 5 disease genes.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Accurate estimates of disease-causing alleles in AQHs and APHs may guide use of diagnostic genetic testing, aid management of genetic diseases, and help minimize production of affected foals.
Contrast harmonic ultrasonography of splenic masses and associated liver nodules in dogs
Authors: Ivančić Marina , Long Fenella , Seiler Gabriela S. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether contrast harmonic ultrasonography (CHUS) can be used in dogs to distinguish splenic hemangiosarcoma from hematoma and to accurately detect and characterize liver nodules.
Design—Cross-sectional study.
Animals—20 dogs with a splenic mass.
Procedures—Routine abdominal ultrasonography was followed by CHUS of hepatic and splenic lesions. Qualitative evaluation included location, enhancement pattern, and vascularity of lesions. Quantitative evaluation included peak mean pixel intensity, interval to peak intensity, area under the curve (spleen), and liver-to-lesion intensity ratio (liver). Histologic findings were compared with CHUS lesion characteristics.
Results—Histologic evaluation of the spleen was performed in 19 dogs, resulting in diagnoses of hemangiosarcoma (n = 11), hematoma (7), and undifferentiated sarcoma (1). Benign and malignant processes in the spleen were indistinguishable via CHUS. Histologic evaluation of the liver was performed in 18 dogs, resulting in a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma in 5 dogs. None of the dogs with splenic hematomas had evidence of hepatic lesions by means of con-ventional or contrast ultrasonography, and none had histologic evidence of liver metastases. In 3 of 18 dogs, isoenhancing liver nodules were detected and all were histologically benign. Five dogs had liver nodules that remained hypoechoic after contrast agent was injected; all had histologic evidence of metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Results of CHUS were used to characterize hepatic metastases with 100% sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Contrast harmonic ultrasonography was a noninvasive and accurate means of differentiating metastatic versus benign hepatic disease in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma but was not useful in distinguishing splenic hemangiosarcoma from hematoma.
Cercarial dimensions and surface structures as a tool for species determination of Trichobilharzia spp.
Authors: Podhorský Martin , Huůzová Zuzana , Mikeš Libor , Horák Petr 
Published: January 2009

AbstractCercariae of bird schistosomes are traditionally considered to be very similar in their morphological characteristics. In order to solve the problem, we tested some methods which might be suitable for cercarial differentiation. Fourteen isolates of three Trichobilharzia species (T. szidati, T. franki, T. regenti) occurring sympatrically in Central Europe were used. Dimensions of individual cercariae do not represent a useful criterion for identification, because the intraspecific variability exceeds the interspecific one. On the other hand, chaetotaxy appears a promising way for discrimination, although some sensory papillae do not stain sufficiently with silver nitrate. The papillary pattern (i.e. number and relative position of papillae) is specific for all Trichobilharzia species studied by us. Therefore, we compiled an identification key for the three Trichobilharzia species. In addition, we tried to find species-specific surface saccharide epitopes; none of the labeled lectin probes can be used as a speciesspecific marker.
The configuration polytope of ℓ-line configurations in Steiner triple systems
Authors: Colbourn Charles 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
It has been shown that the number of occurrences of any ℓ-line configuration in a Steiner triple system can be written as a linear combination of the numbers of full m-line configurations for 1 ≤ m ≤ ℓ; full means that every point has degree at least two. More precisely, the coefficients of the linear combination are ratios of polynomials in v, the order of the Steiner triple system. Moreover, the counts of full configurations, together with v, form a linear basis for all of the configuration counts when ℓ ≤ 7. By relaxing the linear integer equalities to fractional inequalities, a configuration polytope is defined that captures all feasible assignments of counts to the full configurations. An effective procedure for determining this polytope is developed and applied when ℓ = 6. Using this, minimum and maximum counts of each configuration are examined, and consequences for the simultaneous avoidance of sets of configurations explored.
Cliques in Steiner systems
Authors: Dudek Andrzej , Franěk František , Rödl Vojtěch 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
A partial Steiner (k,l)-system is a k-uniform hypergraph with the property that every l-element subset of V is contained in at most one edge of . In this paper we show that for given k,l and t there exists a partial Steiner (k,l)-system such that whenever an l-element subset from every edge is chosen, the resulting l-uniform hypergraph contains a clique of size t. As the main result of this note, we establish asymptotic lower and upper bounds on the size of such cliques with respect to the order of Steiner systems.
ABC Surgical Risk Scale for skull base meningioma: a new scoring system for predicting the extent of tumor removal and neurological outcome
Authors: Adachi Kazuhide , Kawase Takeshi , Yoshida Kazunari , Yazaki Takahito , Onozuka Satoshi 
Published: January 2009

Object
Surgery for skull base meningiomas (SBMs) can lead to complications because these lesions are difficult to approach and can involve cranial nerves and arteries. The authors propose a scoring system to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of surgical treatment of SBMs.

Methods
The authors used a 2-step process to construct their scale. First, they derived significant predictive variables from retrospective data on 132 SBM cases treated surgically (primary surgeries only) between May 2000 and December 2005. Next, they validated the predictive accuracy of their scoring system in 60 consecutive cases treated surgically between January 1995 and April 2000, including both primary and repeated surgeries. Finally, they investigated the effect of the surgery on the patients' preoperative symptoms for consecutive cases treated surgically between January 1995 and December 2005, including both primary surgeries and retreatments.

Results
Five items that predicted surgical risk were identified: 1) tumor attachment size; 2) arterial involvement; 3) brainstem contact; 4) central cavity location; and 5) cranial nerve group involvement. The authors named their scoring system the ABC Surgical Risk Scale, after the initial letters of these items. Each factor was assigned a score of 0–2 points, and an additional point was added for previous surgical treatment or for radiation, giving a possible total score of 12 points. On average, the scoring system allocated 2 points for gross-total resections, 6.1 points for near-total resections, and 9 points for subtotal resections, with significant differences between groups. For cases scoring ≥ 8 points, the percentage of cases showing neurological deterioration postoperatively exceeded the percentage showing improvement.

Conclusions
The authors conclude that this scoring system can be used to predict the extent of tumor removal and that the scores reflect the surgical risk.
Decompressive craniectomy in children with nontraumatic refractory high intracranial pressure
Authors: Aghakhani Nozar , Durand Philippe , Chevret Laurent , Parker Fabrice , Devictor Denis , Tardieu Marc , Tadié Marc 
Published: January 2009

Object
In this study, the authors investigated the clinical efficacy of decompressive craniectomy treatments for nontraumatic intracranial hypertension in children.

Methods
Seven patients with nontraumatic refractory high intracranial pressure (ICP) were enrolled in the study between 1995 and 2005; there were 2 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of 9 years (range 4–14). Decompressive craniectomy was performed in all patients after standard medical therapy had proven insufficient and ICP remained > 50 mm Hg. All patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 8 at admission and a mean Pediatric Risk of Mortality Scale score of 20 (range 10–27).

Results
One patient died of persistent high ICP and circulatory failure 48 hours after surgery. Six months later, according to their Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, 3 patients had adequate recoveries, 2 patients recovered with moderate disabilities, and 1 patient had severe disabilities. According to the Pediatric Overall Performance Category Scale, 4 patients received a score of 2 (mild disability), 1 a score of 3 (moderate disability), and 1 a score of 4 (severe disability). Five patients returned to school and normal life.

Conclusions
The authors found decompressive craniectomy to be an effective and lifesaving technique in children. This procedure should be included in the arsenal of treatments for nontraumatic intracranial hypertension.
Computed tomography morphometric analysis for C-1 lateral mass screw placement in children
Authors: Chamoun Roukoz B. , Whitehead William E. , Curry Daniel J. , Luerssen Thomas G. , Jea Andrew 
Published: January 2009

Object
The use of C-1 lateral mass screws provides an alternative to C1–2 transarticular screws in the pediatric population. However, the confined space of the local anatomy and unfamiliarity with the technique may make the placement of a C-1 lateral mass screw more challenging, especially in the juvenile or growing spine.

Methods
A CT morphometric analysis was performed in 76 pediatric atlases imaged at Texas Children's Hospital from October 1, 2007 until April 30, 2008. Critical measurements were determined for potential screw entry points, trajectories, and lengths, with the goal of replicating the operative technique described by Harms and Melcher for adult patients.

Results
The mean height and width for screw entry on the posterior surface of the lateral mass were 2.6 and 8.5 mm, respectively. The mean medially angled screw trajectory from an idealized entry point on the lateral mass was 16° (range 4 to 27°). The mean maximal screw depth from this same ideal entry point was 20.3 mm. The overhang of the posterior arch averaged 6.3 mm (range 2.1–12.4 mm). The measurement between the left- and right-side lateral masses was significantly different for the maximum medially angled screw trajectory (p = 0.003) and the maximum inferiorly directed angle (p = 0.045). Those measurements in children < 8 years of age were statistically significant for the entry point height (p = 0.038) and maximum laterally angled screw trajectory (p = 0.025) compared with older children. The differences between boys and girls were statistically significant for the minimum screw length (p = 0.04) and the anterior lateral mass height (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
A significant variation in the morphological features of C-1 exists, especially between the left and right sides and in younger children. The differences between boys and girls are clinically insignificant. The critical measurement of whether the C-1 lateral mass in a child could accommodate a 3.5-mm-diameter screw is the width of the lateral mass and its proximity to the vertebral artery. Only 1 of 152 lateral masses studied would not have been able to accommodate a lateral mass screw. This study reemphasizes the importance of a preoperative CT scan of the upper cervical spine to assure safe and effective placement of the instrumentation at this level.
An analysis of general surgery–related complications in a series of 412 minilaparotomic anterior lumbosacral procedures
Authors: Kang Byung-Uk , Choi Won-Chul , Lee Sang-Ho , Jeon Sang Hyeop , Park Jong Dae , Maeng Dae Hyeon , Choi Young-Geun 
Published: January 2009

Object
Anterior lumbar surgery is associated with certain perioperative visceral and vascular complications. The aim of this study was to document all general surgery–related adverse events and complications following minilaparotomic retroperitoneal lumbar procedures and to discuss strategies for their management or prevention.

Methods
The authors analyzed data obtained in 412 patients who underwent anterior lumbosacral surgery between 2003 and 2005. The series comprised 114 men and 298 women whose mean age was 56 years (range 34–79 years). Preoperative diagnoses were as follows: isthmic spondylolisthesis (32%), degenerative spondylolisthesis (24%), instability/stenosis (15%), degenerative disc disease (15%), failed–back surgery syndrome (7%), and lumbar degenerative kyphosis or scoliosis (7%). A single level was exposed in 264 patients (64%), 2 in 118 (29%), and 3 or 4 in 30 (7%). The average follow-up period was 16 months.

Results
Overall, 52 instances of complications and adverse events occurred in 50 patients (12.1%), including sympathetic dysfunction in 25 (6.06%), vascular injury repaired with/without direct suture in 12 (2.9%), ileus lasting > 3 days in 5 (1.2%), pleural effusion in 4 (0.97%), wound dehiscence in 2 (0.49%), symptomatic retroperitoneal hematoma in 2 (0.49%), angina in 1 (0.24%), and bowel laceration in 1 patient (0.24%). There was no instance of retrograde ejaculation in male patients, and most complications had no long-term sequelae.

Conclusions
This report presents a detailed analysis of complications related to anterior lumbar surgery. Although the incidence of complications appears low considering the magnitude of the procedure, surgeons should be aware of these potential complications and their management.