bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Approaches to Recipient Vessels of the Head and Neck for Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer in Dogs
Authors: Degner Daniel A. , Walshaw Richard , Fowler J. David , Lanz Otto I. , Ocello Peter , Maier Jackie , Blaezer Loren , Smith Rick J. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To develop and evaluate surgical approaches to the arteries and veins of the head and neck for use as potential recipient vessels for free tissue transfer.Study Design—Experimental anatomic study.Sample Population—Eleven canine cadavers; 2 preserved cadavers and 9 fresh cadavers.Methods—The head and neck of one preserved cadaver injected with pigmented silicone/barium, through the common carotid artery and external jugular vein, was cut in 1 cm sagittal sections and cross‐sections. These tissue sections were used to identify the location of recipient vessels >1 mm that could be used as recipient vessels for free tissue transfer. The other preserved cadaver was used to develop surgical approaches to these vessels. Three board certified surgeons evaluated the written descriptions and illustrations of the approaches using fresh cadavers. Modifications to the surgical approaches were made based on recommendations from these surgeons.Results—Seven approaches were developed to isolate recipient vessels of the head and neck region. The infraorbital, temporal, and sublingual approaches were easily performed and provided excellent access to the vessels in the region. The approach to the caudal auricular vessels was found to be more difficult but modification of the approach resolved this problem. Access to the facial artery was difficult; it was consistently <1 mm in diameter and thus its use could not be recommended. The approach to the vessels in the cervical region was easily performed. Because of the large size of the external jugular vein and the common carotid artery, end‐to‐side anastomosis of the donor to recipient vessels is necessary. The large superficial cervical vessels were easily accessed by a lateral shoulder approach.Conclusions—Surgical approaches to potential recipient vessels of the head and neck were consistently achieved and provided relatively easy access to the vessels.Clinical Relevance—The surgical approaches described in this report can be used to isolate arteries and veins of the head and neck that are >1 mm in diameter. These vessels are suitable for use as recipient vessels for free tissue transfer for reconstruction of complex wounds of the head and neck.
Femoral Bone Adaptation to Stable Long‐Term Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty in Dogs
Authors: Bergh Mary Sarah , Muir Peter , Markel Mark D. , Manley Paul A. 
Published: April 2004

Objective— To quantify long‐term bone adaptation after stable cemented total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) in dogs.Study Design— Clinical study.Animals— Fourteen dogs.Methods— Femoral specimens were collected from client‐owned dogs that were donated after death because of causes unrelated to their cTHA. Mean (±SEM) dog age was 11.4±0.7 years and implant duration was 5.3±0.7 years. Implant stability was established from radiographic signs and gross mechanical stability. Femurs were evaluated at 3 levels based on implant length: proximal stem (PS), mid‐stem (MS), and distal to stem (DS). Cortical area, medullary area, and porosity were measured at each level. Implanted femurs were compared to contralateral nonimplanted femurs.Results— Cortical area and cortical porosity were significantly increased in implanted femurs compared to nonimplanted femurs. Cortical area was increased at the MS and DS levels, and porosity was increased at the PS and MS levels in implanted femurs. Porosity was greatest in the endosteal region at the PS and MS levels in implanted femurs.Conclusions— Significant differences in femoral geometry and cortical porosity were detected after long‐term stable cTHA. Net bone loss proximally and increased bone mass distally support stress shielding as a important mechanical factor associated with bone adaptation. Distribution of porosity shifts to endosteal regions after long‐term cTHA.Clinical Relevance— Significant site‐specific femoral adaptation occurs in response to stable cTHA and may precede implant loosening.
Endoscopic‐Assisted Lumbosacral Foraminotomy in the Dog
Authors: Wood Brett C. , Lanz Otto I. , Jones Jeryl C. , Shires Peter K. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To determine if endoscopic‐assisted foraminotomy significantly increased the area of the L7‐S1 intervertebral foramen and if, over 12 weeks, stenosis would occur.Study Design—Prospective, experimental study.Animal Population—Six clinically normal, 22–29 kg, adult dogs.Methods—Using endoscopic assistance, unilateral L7‐S1 foraminotomy was performed. Computed tomography of L7‐S1 was performed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 12 weeks. Parasagittal foramen area (PFA) measurements were obtained at the entry, middle, and exit zones of the treated and control foramen for each period. Objective and subjective data were compared among dogs by time period and treatment status.Results—Endoscopic‐assisted foraminotomy resulted in a significant increase in the mean PFA of the entry and middle zones immediately postoperatively. The exit zone was not significantly larger at any time. The foramen remained significantly larger at 12 weeks only in the middle zone; however, some decrease in the surgically created foramen enlargement occurred at all 3 levels. The procedure was well tolerated but dogs did have transient, mild delay of functional return postoperatively.Conclusions—Endoscopic‐assisted foraminotomy in dogs can be performed for certain foraminal regions, allowing enhanced visibility of the spinal canal. The foramen can be surgically enlarged at the entry and middle zones using this technique; however, some reduction of the foraminal enlargement occurs by 12 weeks. The clinical implications of this reduction cannot be determined from this study.Clinical Relevance—Endoscopic‐assisted foraminotomy could be used to improve intraoperative visualization in dogs with foraminal stenosis as a component of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Headless Tapered Variable Pitch Compression and AO Cortical Bone Screws for Fixation of a Simulated Midbody Transverse Fracture of the Proximal Sesamoid Bone in Horses
Authors: Eddy Alison L. , Galuppo Larry D. , Stover Susan M. , Taylor Kenneth T. , Jensen David G. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To compare mechanical properties and failure characteristics of 2 methods of fixation for repair of a transverse, midbody fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB): 4.5‐mm AO cortical bone screw (AO) placed in lag fashion and 4/5‐mm Acutrak® (AT) self‐compressing screw.Study Design—An in vitro biomechanical evaluation of intact forelimb preparations and forelimb preparations with a simulated midbody PSB fracture stabilized by a bone screw.Sample Population—Sixteen paired and 8 unilateral cadaveric equine forelimbs.Methods—A midbody transverse osteotomy was created in the medial PSB of bilateral forelimbs of 8 equine cadavers. The osteotomized PSB in 1 forelimb from each cadaver was repaired with an AO screw. The osteotomized PSB in each contralateral limb was repaired with an AT screw. Eight unilateral intact control limbs were also studied. Mechanical properties were determined from axial compression, single cycle to failure, load–deformation curves. Failure characteristics were determined by evaluation of video images and radiographs.Results—No statistically significant differences were found between repair groups. Both AO and AT groups had significantly lower mechanical properties than intact limbs except for stiffness.Conclusion—AO and AT constructs were mechanically comparable when used to stabilize a simulated midbody fracture of the medial PSB. Both constructs were mechanically inferior to intact limbs.Clinical Relevance—The AT screw should be considered for clinical use because of the potential for less soft tissue impingement and superior biocompatibility compared with the stainless‐steel AO screw. However, postoperative external coaptation is necessary to augment initial fracture stability for either fixation method, and to maintain a standing metacarpophalangeal joint dorsiflexion angle between 150° and 155°.
Periapical Curettage: An Alternative Surgical Approach to Infected Mandibular Cheek Teeth in Horses
Authors: Carmalt James L. , Barber Spencer M. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To evaluate an alternative surgical method for treating periapical infection of the mandibular cheek teeth of horses.Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Eleven horses (3–13 years) with periapical mandibular tooth infection.Methods—Hospital records (1992–2002) of horses that had periapical curettage for the treatment of mandibular cheek tooth root infection were retrieved. Clinical signs, radiographic, and surgical reports were reviewed. Outcome was obtained by telephone questionnaire for 7 horses and by physical examination in 2.Results—Eleven horses (14 infected mandibular molariform teeth) had periapical curettage. Two horses were lost to follow‐up. Mean follow‐up was 41 months; 2 horses had subsequent tooth repulsion, 7 (78%) horses healed completely although 2 horses still had some local mandibular swelling.Conclusion—Periapical curettage, which allows alveolar drainage, appears to be a viable treatment option for periapical infections of equine mandibular cheek teeth.Clinical Relevance—Periapical curettage can be performed simply, without expensive imaging or surgical equipment, and thus is useful for both referral and first opinion practice.
The Effect of Stem Length on Femoral Component Positioning in Canine Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Dearmin Michael G. , Schulz Kurt S. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To determine the effects of femoral prosthesis stem length on positioning of the femoral component within the canine femur.Study Design—An in vitro experimental study.Sample Population—Eleven adult, mixed breed, canine cadaver femurs.Methods—Polymethylmethacrylate centralized Biomedtrixtmsize 5, 6, and 7 standard and 1cm shortened implants were placed in specimens, manipulated to achieve maximal displacements of the implant tip in each plane, and radiographed. Measurements of the implant angle, tip offset, and minimal tip to endosteal surface distance were obtained with image processing software. The effects of implant length and size on implant positioning were evaluated with the use of Student'st, χ2exact, and 2‐way ANOVA testing.Results—Statistically significant increases were noted in tip to caudal cortex distance in the sagittal plane, and available angle variability and tip offset variability in the transverse plane for shortened size 6 and 7 stems relative to the standard stems. No significant differences were noted in size 5 stems. Statistically significant increases in tip to caudal cortex distance and transverse plane available angle variability for standard 6 compared to standard 7 stems were noted.Conclusions—Shortened stems result in statistical improvement of several variables of femoral component positioning. However, the improvement appears to be clinically negligible.Clinical Relevance—Alteration of current stem lengths is not recommended. The use of undersized standard implants may improve femoral component positioning in total hip arthroplasty.
Assessing the Efficacy of Perioperative Oral Carprofen after Cranial Cruciate Surgery Using Noninvasive, Objective Pressure Platform Gait Analysis
Authors: Horstman Christopher L. , Conzemius Michael G. , Evans Richard , Gordon Wanda J. 
Published: April 2004

Objective—To document, using pressure platform gait analysis, the effect of perioperative oral carprofen on limb function and pain after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs.Study design—Blinded, prospective clinical investigation.Animals—Twenty dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cranial cruciate disease.Procedure—Physiologic indices, subjective pain scoring, and pressure platform gait analyses were performed before and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Correlations were assessed between methods of evaluation and the data was compared across treatment groups.Results—No strong correlations were noted between physiologic data, subjective scoring systems, or gait analysis data at a walk or stance. Although average measures of limb function were nearly twice as large in dogs treated with carprofen, no significant differences between groups over time were identified. No significant differences were noted in any other measure of pain or limb function. Power analysis of peak vertical force at a walk indicated that significant difference would have been detected had the number of dogs in each group been increased to 35.Conclusion—When limb function was assessed with pressure platform gait analysis no statistical difference was noted between groups with respect to PVF and VI at a walk or stance, although average ground reaction forces for dogs in the carprofen group were greater than the traditional pain management group at all time points.Clinical Relevance—Oral carprofen appears to provide some benefit for the treatment of postoperative orthopedic pain.
Beyond the Significance Test in Administrative Research and Policy Decisions
Authors: Rothstein Hannah , Tonges Mary Crabtree 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To describe confidence interval (CI) analysis and show how it can be used in administrative decisions.Organizing Construct: Statistical significance testing should be supplemented, if not replaced, by effect size (ES) estimation and confidence interval analysis. Hypothesis testing based on the statistical significance test is the dominant paradigm in statistics; however, this approach has inherent problems which can ultimately diminish the usefulness of research for perational decisions. After identifying major difficulties with significance testing, the authors use hypothetical examples to demonstrate how ES and CI analysis provide more informative answers to nursing administrative research questions.Conclusions: CI analysis provides the basis for both improving the interpretation of findings from individual studies and for facilitating the analysis of cumulative evidence. By clarifying the meaning of results, CI analysis can increase the relevance and usefulness of research for health care executives and practitioners.
Comparison of Nurse Practitioner and Family Physician Relative Work Values
Authors: Sullivan‐Marx Eileen M. , Maislin Greg 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: With the enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, American nurse practitioners were granted direct Medicare reimbursement for Part B services. Payment structures in fee‐for‐service and managed care systems are physician‐based, leading to difficulties in constructing payments for other health care professionals. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using nurse practitioner data for specifying relative work values in the Medicare Fee Schedule for three office‐visit codes.Design: An exploratory survey was designed to establish relative work values using magnitude‐estimation scaling. Nurse practitioners (N=43) responded to a structured questionnaire in a national mail survey. Physician data (N=46) were obtained from a computerized database from the American Academy of Family Physicians.Methods: The methods used in this study were the same as the process used by the American Medical Association and the Health Care Financing Administration to establish relative work values in the Medicare Fee Schedule. Respondents established relative work values for three Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for office visits (99203, 99213, 99215) commonly billed in primary care practice. Each CPT code descriptor and associated vignette were compared with reference services germane to the practice of nurse practitioners and family physicians, using magnitude‐estimation scaling. To establish relative work values for each code, respondents were asked to consider the time to provide the service and intensity of the work involved for each CPT code.Findings: No significant differences between nurse practitioners and family physicians were found in the three CPT codes for relative work values and intensity. Nurse practitioners estimated significantly (p < .01) higher intraservice (face to face) time with patients than did family physicians, and family physicians estimated significantly (p < .05) higher pre‐service time for two codes and significantly (p < .05) higher postservice times for three codes.Conclusions: Nurse practitioner relative work values did not differ significantly from family physician relative work values. Although the sample sizes were small, the significance of the findings support the need for further research with large data sets and additional CPT codes. Such studies could then be used as a basis for decisions about Medicare payment and public policy.
Nursing Publications Outside the United States
Authors: McConnell Edwina A. 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To replicate a 1992–1993 study of the characteristics of English‐language nursing journals originating in countries other than the United States and to compare findings. Such information heightens awareness of publishing opportunities globally and enhances dissemination of information throughout the world.Design: Descriptive survey with a questionnaire mailed to 159 editors of nursing and nursing‐related journals. Data about the publication year, 1995, were collected from April 1996 through March 1997.Method: A 38‐item questionnaire pertaining to journal, readership, manuscript review, and journal staff characteristics was used.Findings: Information about 82 journals from 13 countries was collected with an overall response rate of 55%. In the 1992–1993 study the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia accounted for the largest percent of publications. With few exceptions, results of the 1996–1997 and the earlier survey are remarkably similar. Differences include a higher total circulation, changes in circulation among journal categories, and more publications offering services to authors. Two main reasons for manuscript rejection continue to be that a manuscript is poorly written or poorly developed.Conclusions: Increased awareness of non‐U.S. publishing outlets can lead to the acceptance of informative and well‐written manuscripts and ultimately to the dissemination of information and knowledge.
Caring for Dying Patients Who Have Air Hunger
Authors: Tarzian Anita J. 
Published: April 2004

Purpose:To understand nurses' experiences of caring for dying patients who have ‘air hunger.’ When air hunger occurs in people who are close to death, it often triggers increasing panic and breathlessness. Describing this phenomenon is an initial step toward a more informed and consistent response to air‐hungry patients.Design and Methods:Phenomenological study of 10 hospice, long‐term care, oncology, or emergency medicine nurses who cared for air‐hungry dying patients. Analysis was based on van Manen's guidelines for interpretive phenomenology. Interviews with two family members who witnessed their dying spouses suffer from air hunger were used to complement the nurses' accounts.Findings:Themes of (a) the patient's look–panic beckons, (b) surrendering and sharing control, and (c) fine‐tuning dying indicated ways nurses responded to relieve a patient's air hunger, including being prepared before air hunger occurs, calming patients and families, medicating patients, improvising care, attending to family members' needs, and drawing a distinction between palliating and killing.Conclusions:The three themes provide a framework for a new vision of “doing everything” for a dying person who suffers from air hunger. Care encompasses knowing what to do as well as how to stay present during suffering.
Strategies to Facilitate Lifestyle Change Associated with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Whittemore Robin 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To critically examine the literature about strategies and factors that influence lifestyle change in people with diabetes mellitus.Method: This integrative literature review included an extensive search of published literature about strategies to facilitate lifestyle change related to diabetes mellitus. Articles reviewed were empirical studies focused on lifestyle change and were published between 1985 and 1999. Meta‐analyses and relevant reviews of the literature were also included. Over 90 articles were initially identified, 72 met the specified criteria and could be categorized according to a theoretical framework or a broad topic area.Findings: Studies were clustered into the categories of educational, behavioral, cultural, and health beliefs that influence or are barriers to lifestyle change. Studies indicate that positive outcomes are associated with diabetes education programs that focus on self‐management, emphasize behavioral strategies, and provide culturally relevant information.Conclusions: Theoretically grounded research in diabetes care is imperative for the future. Expansion of research methods, continued methodological rigor of studies, and instrument development would contribute to knowledge development in diabetes care. Research priorities are proposed.
Spirituality and Distress In Sheltered Battered Women
Authors: Humphreys Janice 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To examine the relationship between spiritual beliefs and psychological distress in sheltered battered women.Design: A convenience sample of 50 ethnically diverse women who had resided for at least 21 days in battered women's shelters participated. Data were obtained over a 7‐month period in 1998 and 1999.Methods: Participants completed the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS), Symptom Checklist‐ 90‐Revised (SCL‐90), Conflict Tactics Scale, and a demographic data sheet.Results: These sheltered battered women placed high value on their spiritual beliefs and used a variety of spiritual practices to aid them. The relationship between the Global Severity Index as measured by the SCL‐90 and SPS scores approached statistical significance (r = ‐.27, p = 0.06). However, a significant inverse relationship was found between the SPS score and the obsessive‐compulsive score (r = ‐.34, p < 0.05), interpersonal sensitivity score (r = ‐.31, p <.05), and hostility dimensions score (r = ‐.37, p < 0.01) of the SCL‐90.Conclusions: The findings indicated that, among these sheltered battered women, spirituality may be associated with greater internal resources that buffer distressing feelings and calm the mind. This study shows support of spirituality as a means of reducing distress through greater connection to oneself and higher powers.
Empowerment of Nursing as a Socially Significant Profession in Vietnam
Authors: Jones Patricia S. , O'Toole Marie Theresa , Hoa Ngyuen , Chau Tran Thi , Muc Pham Duc 
Published: April 2004

Purpose: To describe nursing education and practice in Vietnam, and strategies that support empowerment of nursing as a socially significant profession for that country.Design: The Jones‐Meleis health empowerment model was used as a framework to examine barriers and identify strategies that support empowerment.Methods: Fieldwork, interviews, and participation‐observation in collaborative partnerships with the Ministry of Health, the national nurses association, and schools of nursing in Vietnam.Findings: Nurses in Vietnam are eagerly poised to make significant and essential contributions to the well‐being of society.Conclusions: Baccalaureate and master's degree nursing curricula taught by nurses are necessary for professionalization of nursing practice in Vietnam.