scholarly journals Dog–Human Play, but Not Resting Post-Learning Improve Re-Training Performance up to One Year after Initial Task Acquisition in Labrador Retriever Dogs: A Follow-On Study

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1235
Author(s):  
Nadja Affenzeller

Arousing and emotional situations can improve cognitive performance and the memorability of events. Recently, the enhancement of training performance in Labrador Retriever dogs through 30 min of dog–human play immediately after acquiring a novel task, when compared to a resting period, was demonstrated. This follow-on study used the same pseudo-randomized, counterbalanced, between-subject study design, and 11 Labrador Retrievers were re-trained in the identical two-choice discrimination paradigm after a period of 1 year. The playful activities group needed significantly less trials and made significantly less errors to successfully reach the re-training criterion (Mann–Whitney U test, critical value of U at p < 0.05 is 5, U = 5, Z = 1.73, p = 0.04 and U = 4.5, Z = 1.8, p = 0.03, respectively). Following model simplification of a multiple factor/covariate general linear model analysis, the type of intervention, the number of trials needed to re-learn the task after 24 h, the average heart rate during the intervention a year ago, and age were significantly correlated to the number of trials and errors needed to resolve the task. A significant difference due to intervention allocation (heart rate during the intervention, trials needed to re-learn the task after 24 h) between the groups was confirmed. Age did not significantly differ between the groups; nevertheless, the effects of ageing cannot be fully excluded, given the low sample size. No effects of the trainer and of the cortisol concentrations (of the previous year) were observed. This is the first evidence that post-training activity may influence memory up to 1 year after task acquisition.

1999 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 515-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
RL Gillette ◽  
CJ Zebas

Sixteen sound Labrador retriever and Labrador retriever cross-breed adult dogs were evaluated for symmetry while in a trot gait using a two-dimensional motion analysis system. Reflective markers were placed at selected joint centers. Each dog had the right side and then the left side videotaped while in the trot gait. The markers on the videotape were then digitized for analysis. There was no significant difference (p less than 0.05) between the movements of the two sides. It was concluded that the trot gait is symmetrical and that a two-dimensional system can be used to analyze gait in the dog.


Author(s):  
Murat Acarel ◽  
Özlem Yıldırımtürk ◽  
Nihan Yapici

Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the hemodynamic and sedation results of patients who underwent anesthesia for electrical cardioversion (EC) during a one-year period in the coronary intensive care unit, retrospectively. Methods: 60 patients who were administered ketamine or fentanyl in addition to midazolam, which was administered EC for the correction of atrial fibrillation rhythm, were evaluated in terms of the study. According to the sedation applied to the patients, they were divided into two groups as Group F (midazolam-fentanyl) and Group K (midazolam-ketamine). The hemodynamic parameters of the groups before and after the procedure and the sedation data during and after the procedure were compared. Results: The pre-intervention heart rate of the patients was found to be high in Group-F (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p>0.05). While heart rate was observed to be statistically higher after the intervention in midazolam-fentanil applied patients, a statistically significant decrease was found in diastolic blood pressures (p<0.05). When Ramsay sedation scale was evaluated; There was no significant difference between the two groups at the 5th, 10th and 15th minutes (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that the combination of midazolam + fentanyl or midzolam + ketamine provided adequate sedation at standard doses and had no adverse effects on hemodynamic and sedation parameters. These results made us think that both protocols can be safely applied for electrical cardioversion sedation in intensive care units.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.W Liu ◽  
M.I Su

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (Afib) was associated with the incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), but the effect of Afib on prognosis in patients with severe PAD remains unclear. Purpose We aimed to investigate the association between Afib and clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with severe PAD receiving percutaneous transluminal angioplasty between 2013/1/1 and 2018/12/31. The study outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiac-related mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and major adverse limb events (MALE) at one-year. Results The study consisted of 222 patients with age 74±11 years, the stage of Rutherford classification 4.6±0.8, 54% male, and 12.6% presented with acute limb ischemia. The patients with Afib vs. without Afib had significantly greater ratios of all-cause mortality (42.9% vs. 20.1%, P=0.014) and MACE (32.1% vs. 14.4%, P=0.028). A trend toward significant association was found regarding one-year cardiac mortality (21.4% vs. 10.3%, P=0.111). No significant difference was found with respect of MALE (17.9% vs. 14.9%, P=0.778). After we adjusted for confounders in each study outcome, Afib was independently associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 2.153, 95% CI: 1.084–4.276, P=0.029) and MACE (adjusted HR: 2.338, 95% CI: 1.054–2.188, P=0.037). Other predictors associated with all-cause mortality included the presence of acute limb ischemia (adjusted HR: 2.898, 95% CI: 1.504–5.586, P=0.001), Rutherford classification (adjusted HR: 1.930, 95% CI: 1.191–3.128, P=0.008), and heart rate (adjusted HR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.001–1.035, P=0.035). The other predictor associated with MACE was heart rate (adjusted HR: 1.020, 95% CI: 1.002–1.037, P=0.025) Conclusions Afib was significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and MACE at one year in the patients with severe PAD, and future studies may investigate whether use of oral anti-coagulants benefits to these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1001-1004
Author(s):  
Wichaporn Lerdweeraphon ◽  
Surangkhana Thanwongsa ◽  
Suriya Youyod ◽  
Sermsawat Imsopa ◽  
Wootichai Kenchaiwong

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of breed, sex, age, and body weight on different electrocardiographic parameters in military working dogs (Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd). Materials and Methods: Electrocardiographic recordings (paper speed = 25 mm/s and calibration = 10 mm/mV) were performed to obtain all the standard bipolar limb leads (leads I, II, and III) and unipolar augmented limb leads (leads aVR, aVL, and aVF). A total of 16 Labrador Retrievers and 14 German Shepherds were restrained manually in the right lateral recumbency without any tranquilizer or anesthetic drug. Amplitude and duration of P, QRS, and T wave, PR and QT interval, mean electrical axis, and heart rate were measured in each recording. Results: There was no significant difference in electrocardiographic parameters across breed and sex. However, QRS duration tended to alter by breed (p<0.1) in Labrador Retrievers (0.04±0.005 s), which is lower than German Shepherds (0.05±0.005 s). PR interval was influenced by sex (p<0.1). PR interval was higher in females (0.13±0.005 s) than males (0.11±0.008 s). In addition, electrocardiographic values were not significantly affected by age and body weight, except that the amplitude of R wave was statistically affected by age (p<0.05). A correlation was found between the decrease in R wave amplitude and increase in age of dogs. Conclusion: Different electrocardiographic parameters were within the normal range. A significant effect of age was seen on amplitude of R wave. However, the effect of breed, sex, and body weight was not significant on different electrocardiographic parameters in Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd dogs.


VASA ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 484-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Barker ◽  
Felicity Evison ◽  
Ruth Benson ◽  
Alok Tiwari

Abstract. Background: The invasive management of varicose veins has a known risk of post-operative deep venous thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate absolute and relative risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following commonly used varicose vein procedures. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of secondary data using Hospital Episode Statistics database was performed for all varicose vein procedures performed between 2003 and 2013 and all readmissions for VTE in the same patients within 30 days, 90 days, and one year. Comparison of the incidence of VTEs between procedures was performed using a Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Results: In total, 261,169 varicose vein procedures were performed during the period studied. There were 686 VTEs recorded at 30 days (0.26 % incidence), 884 at 90 days (0.34 % incidence), and 1,246 at one year (0.48 % incidence). The VTE incidence for different procedures was between 0.15–0.35 % at 30 days, 0.26–0.50 % at 90 days, and 0.46–0.58 % at one year. At 30 days there was a significantly lower incidence of VTEs for foam sclerotherapy compared to other procedures (p = 0.01). There was no difference in VTE incidence between procedures at 90 days (p = 0.13) or one year (p = 0.16). Conclusions: Patients undergoing varicose vein procedures have a small but appreciable increased risk of VTE compared to the general population, with the effect persisting at one year. Foam sclerotherapy had a lower incidence of VTE compared to other procedures at 30 days, but this effect did not persist at 90 days or at one year. There was no other significant difference in the incidence of VTE between open, endovenous, and foam sclerotherapy treatments.


1997 ◽  
Vol 78 (05) ◽  
pp. 1327-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A Kyrle ◽  
Andreas Stümpflen ◽  
Mirko Hirschl ◽  
Christine Bialonczyk ◽  
Kurt Herkner ◽  
...  

SummaryIncreased thrombin generation occurs in many individuals with inherited defects in the antithrombin or protein C anticoagulant pathways and is also seen in patients with thrombosis without a defined clotting abnormality. Hyperhomocysteinemia (H-HC) is an important risk factor of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We prospectively followed 48 patients with H-HC (median age 62 years, range 26-83; 18 males) and 183 patients (median age 50 years, range 18-85; 83 males) without H-HC for a period of up to one year. Prothrombin fragment Fl+2 (Fl+2) was determined in the patient’s plasma as a measure of thrombin generation during and at several time points after discontinuation of secondary thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulants. While on anticoagulants, patients with H-HC had significantly higher Fl+2 levels than patients without H-HC (mean 0.52 ± 0.49 nmol/1, median 0.4, range 0.2-2.8, versus 0.36 ± 0.2 nmol/1, median 0.3, range 0.1-2.1; p = 0.02). Three weeks and 3,6,9 and 12 months after discontinuation of oral anticoagulants, up to 20% of the patients with H-HC and 5 to 6% without H-HC had higher Fl+2 levels than a corresponding age- and sex-matched control group. 16% of the patients with H-HC and 4% of the patients without H-HC had either Fl+2 levels above the upper limit of normal controls at least at 2 occasions or (an) elevated Fl+2 level(s) followed by recurrent VTE. No statistical significant difference in the Fl+2 levels was seen between patients with and without H-HC. We conclude that a permanent hemostatic system activation is detectable in a proportion of patients with H-HC after discontinuation of oral anticoagulant therapy following VTE. Furthermore, secondary thromboprophylaxis with conventional doses of oral anticoagulants may not be sufficient to suppress hemostatic system activation in patients with H-HC.


Author(s):  
A. E. Chernikova ◽  
Yu. P. Potekhina

Introduction. An osteopathic examination determines the rate, the amplitude and the strength of the main rhythms (cardiac, respiratory and cranial). However, there are relatively few studies in the available literature dedicated to the influence of osteopathic correction (OC) on the characteristics of these rhythms.Goal of research — to study the influence of OC on the rate characteristics of various rhythms of the human body.Materials and methods. 88 adult osteopathic patients aged from 18 to 81 years were examined, among them 30 men and 58 women. All patients received general osteopathic examination. The rate of the cranial rhythm (RCR), respiratory rate (RR) heart rate (HR), the mobility of the nervous processes (MNP) and the connective tissue mobility (CTM) were assessed before and after the OC session.Results. Since age varied greatly in the examined group, a correlation analysis of age-related changes of the assessed rhythms was carried out. Only the CTM correlated with age (r=–0,28; p<0,05) in a statistically significant way. The rank dispersion analysis of Kruskal–Wallis also showed statistically significant difference in this indicator in different age groups (p=0,043). With the increase of years, the CTM decreases gradually. After the OC, the CTM, increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001). The RCR varied from 5 to 12 cycles/min in the examined group, which corresponded to the norm. After the OC, the RCR has increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001), the MNP has also increased (p<0,0001). The initial heart rate in the subjects varied from 56 to 94 beats/min, and in 15 % it exceeded the norm. After the OC the heart rate corresponded to the norm in all patients. The heart rate and the respiratory rate significantly decreased after the OC (р<0,0001).Conclusion. The described biorhythm changes after the OC session may be indicative of the improvement of the nervous regulation, of the normalization of the autonomic balance, of the improvement of the biomechanical properties of body tissues and of the increase of their mobility. The assessed parameters can be measured quickly without any additional equipment and can be used in order to study the results of the OC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apar Pokharel ◽  
Naganawalachullu Jaya Prakash Mayya ◽  
Nabin Gautam

Introduction: Deviated nasal septum is one of the most common causes for the nasal obstruction. The objective of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing conventional septoplasty and endoscopic septoplasty in the management of deviated nasal septum. Methods:  Prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 patients who presented to the Department of ENT, College of Medical sciences, during a period of one year. The severity of the symptoms was subjectively assessed using NOSE score and objectively assessed using modified Gertner plate. Results: There was significant improvement in functional outcome like NOSE Score and area over the Gertner plate among patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty. Significant difference in incidence of post-operative nasal synechae and haemorrhage was seen in conventional group compared to endoscopic group. Conclusions: Endoscopic surgery is an evolutionary step towards solving the problems related to deviated nasal septum. It is safe, effective and conservative, alternative to conventional septal surgery.


2011 ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  

Objectives: To evualate the effects of early intervention program after one year for 33 disabled children in Hue city in 2010. Objects and Methods: Conduct with practical work and assessment on developing levels at different skills of the children with developmental delay under 6 years old who are the objects of the program. Results: With the Portage checklist used as a tool for implementing the intervention at the community and assessing developing skills on Social, Cognition, Motor, Self-help and Language skills for children with developmental delay, there still exists significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) at developing level of all areas in the first assessment (January, 2010) and the second assessment (December, 2010) after 12 months. In comparison among skills of different types of disabilities, there is significant difference of p ≤ 0.05 of social, cognition and language skills in the first assessment and of social, cognition, motor and language skills in the second assessment. Conclusion: Home-based Early Intervention Program for children with developmental delay has achieved lots of progress in improving development skills of the children and enhancing the parents’ abilities in supporting their children at home.


Author(s):  
Tewogbade Adeoye Adedeji ◽  
Simeon Adelani. Adebisi ◽  
Nife Olamide Adedeji ◽  
Olusola Akanni Jeje ◽  
Rotimi Samuel Owolabi

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impairs renal function, thereby affecting renal phosphate metabolism. Objectives: We prospectively estimated the prevalence of phosphate abnormalities (mild, moderate to life-threatening hypophosphataemia, and hyperphosphataemia) before initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 170 consecutive newly diagnosed ART-naïve, HIV-infected patients attending our HIV/AIDS clinics over a period of one year. Fifty (50) screened HIV-negative blood donors were used for comparison (controls). Blood and urine were collected simultaneously for phosphate and creatinine assay to estimate fractional phosphate excretion (FEPi %) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: eGFR showed significant difference between patients’ and controls’ medians (47.89ml/min/1.73m2 versus 60ml/min/1.73m2, p <0.001); which denotes a moderate chronic kidney disease in the patients. Of the 170 patients, 78 (45.9%) had normal plasma phosphate (0.6-1.4 mmol/L); 85 (50%) had hyperphosphataemia. Grades 1, 2 and 3 hypophosphataemia was observed in 3 (1.8%), 3 (1.8%), and 1(0.5%) patient(s) respectively. None had grade 4 hypophosphataemia. Overall, the patients had significantly higher median of plasma phosphate than the controls, 1.4 mmol/L (IQR: 1.0 – 2.2) versus 1.1 mmol/L (IQR: 0.3 – 1.6), p <0.001, implying hyperphosphataemia in the patients; significantly lower median urine phosphate than the controls, 1.5 mmol/L (IQR: 0.7 -2.1) versus 8.4 mmol/L (IQR: 3.4 – 16), p <0.001), justifying the hyperphosphataemia is from phosphate retention; but a non-significantly lower median FEPi% than the controls, 0.96 % (IQR: 0.3 -2.2) versus 1.4% (IQR: 1.2 -1.6), p > 0.05. Predictors of FEPi% were age (Odds ratio, OR 0.9, p = 0.009); weight (OR 2.0, p < 0.001); CD4+ cells count predicted urine phosphate among males (p = 0.029). Conclusion: HIV infection likely induces renal insufficiency with reduced renal phosphate clearance. Thus, hyperphosphataemia is highly prevalent, and there is mild to moderate hypophosphataemia but its life-threatening form (grade 4) is rare among ART-naïve HIV patients.


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