TNR: An Acronym for Feline Population Control This article will discuss common phrases associated with TNR programs, the process of performing TNR procedures, and some of the reasons a community may benefit from such programs. Common Terminology Trap-Neuter-Release Trap-Neuter-Return Return-to-Field … Continue reading →

When reviewing a scientific paper, or attending a research presentation at a meeting, we often see p-values reported as outcomes of a research project. Although commonly used in life sciences, p-values are often misunderstood, and in some cases, can be … Continue reading →

Hypothesis testing is the foundation of research. The process of developing a research hypothesis usually involves two steps: developing the broad research question, then determining the statistical alternatives that may result from testing the research question. For example, a researcher … Continue reading →

Misclassification bias Misclassification bias occurs in epidemiologic investigations when the infection or exposure status of individuals is incorrectly measured due to poor diagnostic tests or incorrect assessment of exposure. This results in biased measures of association (e.g. relative risk or … Continue reading →

Serial and parallel testing Practitioners are often faced with situations where diagnostic testing schemes that limit the probability of a false negative or a false positive test result are desired. Serial and parallel testing schemes can be used to maximize … Continue reading →

Predictive values Diagnostic test performance is measured by sensitivity and specificity. However, neither of these measurements informs the practitioner on the probability of disease in individuals with positive or negative test results. The real question that practitioners face is given … Continue reading →

Sensitivity and Specificity Diagnostic tests are performed by veterinarians on a daily basis. These tests may range from physical examinations (i.e. listening to heart and lungs, measuring body temperature, etc.) to measuring antibody levels in blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay … Continue reading →

 Measuring risk When investigating problems of illness, death, or decreased production in cow-calf herds, a systematic approach to defining the problem, identifying risk factors, developing a plan, measuring impacts, and communicating results can aid the veterinarian and their client in … Continue reading →

 Defining the problem We’ve all experienced it at one point in time or another. If you own cattle, you’ve undoubtedly had cattle develop illness or die for some unknown reason. If you are a veterinarian, you’ve undoubtedly investigated such cases, … Continue reading →