bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Medicaid Disenrollment on Health Care Use and Cost
Authors: Rimsza Mary E. , Butler Richard J. , Johnson William G.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to compare the health care use of children who are covered by public insurance and uninsured children who live in a large urban area and the potential impact of disenrollment on health care use and costs if these children become uninsured.

METHODS. The 2004 health care transactions for 43313 uninsured children and 168722 children who were insured by Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program and living in the Phoenix metropolitan area were analyzed using a community-wide administrative health database (Arizona HealthQuery). Using a multivariate model of health care use by currently uninsured children, we examined the effect of 10% disenrollment of the children who were currently insured by Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program.

RESULTS. A 10% disenrollment would increase the costs of health care in the community by $3460398 annually, or $2121 for each child disenrolled. This increase in costs is attributed to a shift of care from ambulatory settings to more expensive emergency departments and an increase in hospital days. We determined that 69% of the change in emergency department visits, 58% of the change in hospital stays, and 74% of the change in ambulatory visits would be attributable to the change in insurance status.

CONCLUSIONS. Programmatic changes that result in disenrollment from public insurance programs will increase the number of emergency department visits and hospital days as well as the total community costs of health care. These increases in health care use can be expected to aggravate community problems of emergency department overcrowding and inpatient bed shortages. The majority of the changes in use are attributable to changes in insurance status, which results in a shift of care from less expensive ambulatory settings to emergency departments and increases in hospital days when children lose Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program coverage.
Psychological Functioning and Coping Among Mothers of Children With Autism: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Montes Guillermo , Halterman Jill S.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES. Studies suggest that having a child with autism has a negative impact on maternal psychological functioning, but no large-scale, population-based studies are available. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the psychological functioning, physical and mental health, family communication, and parenting support of mothers of a child with autism compared with other mothers on a population basis and (2) assess the independent relationship between having a child with autism and these outcomes, controlling for the child's social skills and demographic background.

METHODS. Mothers of 61772 children who were 4 to 17 years of age were surveyed by the National Survey of Children's Health, 2003. Autism was measured from an affirmative maternal response to the question, “Has a doctor or health professional ever told you your child has autism?” There were 364 children with autism in the sample.

RESULTS. Mothers of a child with autism were highly stressed and more likely to report poor or fair mental health than mothers in the general population, even after adjustment for the child's social skills and demographic background. However, mothers of a child with autism were more likely to report a close relationship and better coping with parenting tasks and less likely to report being angry with their child after adjustment for the child's social skills and demographic background. Having a child with autism was not associated with lower social support for parenting, an altered manner in which serious disagreements were discussed in the household, or increased violence in the household.

CONCLUSION. Mothers of children with autism showed remarkable strengths in the parent–child relationship, social support, and stability of the household in the context of high stress and poorer mental health.
Importance of the Clinical Recognition of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Yetman Anji T. , Beroukhim Rebecca S. , Ivy Dunbar D. , Manchester David
Published: May 2007

We describe 5 patients who presented with musculoskeletal abnormalities in the neonatal period. All patients were initially suspected to have Larsen syndrome or Beals syndrome but were subsequently diagnosed with a TGFBR2 mutation diagnostic of Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Patients had progressive aortic enlargement, which necessitated surgical intervention for 3 patients and resulted in the death of 1 patient. Delay in diagnosis of Loeys-Dietz syndrome may be associated with adverse prognosis.
Exposure to Movie Smoking Among US Adolescents Aged 10 to 14 Years: A Population Estimate
Authors: Sargent James D. , Tanski Susanne E. , Gibson Jennifer
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND. Several studies have linked seeing smoking in movies with adolescent smoking, but none have determined how much movie smoking adolescents see.

OBJECTIVE. Our aim was to determine exposure to movie smoking in a representative sample of young US adolescents.

METHODS. We surveyed 6522 nationally representative US adolescents aged 10–14 years. We content analyzed 534 contemporary box-office hits for movie smoking. Each movie was assigned to a random subsample of adolescents (mean: 613) who were asked whether they had seen the movie. Using survey weights, we estimated the total number of US adolescents who had seen each movie and then multiplied by the number of smoking depictions in each movie to obtain gross smoking impressions seen by adolescents.

RESULTS. The 534 movies were mainly rated PG-13 (41%) and R (40%), and 74% contained smoking (3830 total smoking occurrences). On average, each movie was seen by 25% of the adolescents surveyed. Viewership was higher with increased age and lower for R-rated movies. Overall, these movies delivered 13.9 billion gross smoking impressions, an average of 665 to each US adolescent aged 10–14 years. Although this sample's R-rated movies contained 60% of smoking occurrences, they delivered only 39% of smoking impressions because of lower adolescent viewership. Thirty popular movies each delivered ≥100 million gross smoking impressions. Thirty actors each delivered >50 million smoking impressions, such that just 1.5% of actors delivered one quarter of all character smoking to the adolescent sample.

CONCLUSIONS. Popular movies deliver billions of smoking images and character smoking depictions to young US adolescents. Removing smoking from youth-rated films would substantially reduce exposure from new box-office hits. Furthermore, the popular actors who frequently smoke in movies could have a major impact on adolescent movie smoking exposure by choosing not to portray characters who smoke.
Altering Portion Sizes and Eating Rate to Attenuate Gorging During a Fast Food Meal: Effects on Energy Intake
Authors: Ebbeling Cara B. , Garcia-Lago Erica , Leidig Michael M. , Seger-Shippee Linda G. , Feldman Henry A. , Ludwig David S.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE. Eating large amounts of food at a rapid rate, defined as gorging, may contribute to excess energy intake. We aimed to evaluate whether altering portion sizes and eating rate could decrease energy intake during an extra-large fast food meal.

METHODS. Subjects were adolescents (n = 18), 13 to 17 years of age, who reported eating fast food ≥1 time per week. BMI exceeded the 80th percentile for all subjects. Three feeding conditions were evaluated with a crossover design. Total amounts and types of foods and beverage served during the meal were held constant across conditions, equaling ∼125% of that consumed during a baseline assessment visit when subjects were offered unlimited amounts. The meal (chicken nuggets, French fries, and cola) was presented as 1 large serving at a single time point (condition A, standard), portioned into 4 smaller servings presented at a single time point (condition B, effects of portioning), or portioned into 4 smaller servings presented at 15-minute intervals (condition C, effects of portioning and eating rate). Energy intake across conditions was compared by using analysis of variance.

RESULTS. Energy intake was not significantly different, whether expressed in kilojoules (mean ± SEM: condition A, 5552 ± 357 kJ; condition B, 5321 ± 433 kJ; condition C, 5762 ± 500 kJ) or relative to total daily energy expenditure (mean ± SEM: condition A, 51.9 ± 3.5%; condition B, 48.2 ± 4.0%; condition C, 53.0 ± 4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS. Adolescents consumed ∼50% of energy needs regardless of manipulations in portion sizes and eating rate to attenuate gorging. This finding suggests that nutritional factors inherent to fast food, such as low levels of dietary fiber, high palatability, high energy density, high fat content, high glycemic load, and high content of sugar in liquid form promote excess energy intake.
Therapy for Head Lice Based on Life Cycle, Resistance, and Safety Considerations
Authors: Lebwohl Mark , Clark Lily , Levitt Jacob
Published: May 2007

The timing of head lice maturation most favorable to their survival in the presence of anti-lice agents is the maximum time as an ovum (12 days) and the shortest possible time of maturing from newly hatched nymph to egg-laying adult (8.5 days). Pediculicides that are not reliably ovicidal (pyrethroids and lindane) require 2 to 3 treatment cycles to eradicate lice. Ovicidal therapies (malathion) require 1 to 2 treatments. Treatment with an agent to which there is genetic resistance is unproductive. In the United States, lice have become increasingly resistant to pyrethroids and lindane but not to malathion. Treatment with malathion has favorable efficacy and safety profiles and enables the immediate, safe return to school. Nit combing can be performed adjunctively. No-nit policies should be rendered obsolete.
Mechanisms, Clinical Presentations, Injuries, and Outcomes From Inflicted Versus Noninflicted Head Trauma During Infancy: Results of a Prospective, Multicentered, Comparative Study
Authors: Hymel Kent P. , Makoroff Kathi L. , Laskey Antoinette L. , Conaway Mark R. , Blackman James A.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to conduct a prospective, multicentered, comparative study that would objectively verify and explain observed differences in short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after inflicted versus noninflicted head trauma.

METHODS. Children <36 months of age who were hospitalized with acute head trauma confirmed by computed tomography imaging were recruited at multiple sites. Extensive clinical data were captured prospectively, subjects were examined, cranial imaging studies were blindly reviewed, and caregivers underwent scripted interviews. Follow-up neurodevelopmental evaluations were completed 6 months after injury. Head-trauma etiology and mechanisms were categorized by using objective a priori criteria. Thereafter, subject groups with inflicted versus noninflicted etiologies were compared.

RESULTS. Fifty-four subjects who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled at 9 sites. Of 52 surviving subjects, 27 underwent follow-up assessment 6 months after injury. Etiology was categorized as noninflicted in 30 subjects, inflicted in 11, and undetermined in 13. Compared with subjects with noninflicted head trauma, subjects with inflicted head trauma (1) more frequently experienced noncontact injury mechanisms, (2) sustained greater injury depth, (3) more frequently manifested acute cardiorespiratory compromise, (4) had lower initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores, (5) experienced more frequent and prolonged impairments of consciousness, (6) more frequently demonstrated bilateral, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, (7) had lower mental developmental index scores 6 months postinjury, and (8) had lower gross motor quotient scores 6 months postinjury.

CONCLUSIONS. Compared with infants with noninflicted head trauma, young victims of inflicted head trauma experience more frequent noncontact injury mechanisms that result in deeper brain injuries, cardiorespiratory compromise, diffuse cerebral hypoxia-ischemia, and worse outcomes.
Inhalant Abuse
Authors: Williams Janet F. , Storck Michael ,   and the Committee on Substance Abuse,   and Committee on Native American Child Health
Published: May 2007

This Clinical Report was retired May 2017.

Inhalant abuse is the intentional inhalation of a volatile substance for the purpose of achieving an altered mental state. As an important, yet-underrecognized form of substance abuse, inhalant abuse crosses all demographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic boundaries, causing significant morbidity and mortality in school-aged and older children. This clinical report reviews key aspects of inhalant abuse, emphasizes the need for greater awareness, and offers advice regarding the pediatrician's role in the prevention and management of this substance abuse problem.
Beyond Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Identification and Treatment of Child Abuse in a Medical Setting
Authors: Stirling John ,   and the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Published: May 2007

The condition widely known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy comprises both physical abuse and medical neglect and is also a form of psychological maltreatment. Although it is a relatively rare form of child abuse, pediatricians need to have a high index of suspicion when faced with seemingly inexplicable findings or treatment failures. The fabrication of a pediatric illness is a form of child abuse and not merely a mental health disorder, and there is a possibility of an extremely poor prognosis if the child is left in the home. In this statement, factors are identified that may help the physician recognize this insidious type of child abuse that occurs in a medical setting, and recommendations are provided for physicians regarding when to report a case to their state's child protective service agency.
Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities
Authors: Hibbard Roberta A. , Desch Larry W. ,   and the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect,   and Council on Children With Disabilities
Published: May 2007

Widespread efforts are being made to increase awareness and provide education to pediatricians regarding risk factors of child abuse and neglect. The purpose of this clinical report is to ensure that children with disabilities are recognized as a population that is also at risk of maltreatment. Some conditions related to a disability can be confused with maltreatment. The need for early recognition and intervention of child abuse and neglect in this population, as well as the ways that a medical home can facilitate the prevention and early detection of child maltreatment, are the subject of this report.
Factors Influencing Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: Prospective Analysis Using CT Image Analyzer
Authors: Ozawa Tomomichi , Omura Susumu , Fukuyama Eiji , Matsui Yoshiro , Torikai Katuyuki , Fujita Kiyohide
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To examine the effect of migration of the germ of the lateral incisor into the bone for eruption factors on bone bridge resorption.

Methods:

Twenty-five subjects who underwent secondary alveolar bone graft were enrolled. The volume of the alveolar bone grafts immediately after the operation (V1), bone bridge formation 6 months postoperatively (V2), and tooth (teeth) migration into the bone bridge (Vt) were measured using a computed tomography (CT) image analyzer. Based upon these measurements, the following points were examined: (1) the correlation between the tooth-occupied ratio (Rt = Vt/V2 × 100) and the ratio of bone bridge resorption (Rv = (V1 − V2)/ V1 × 100); and (2) comparison of the tooth-occupied ratio (Rt) and the ratio of bone bridge resorption (Rv) between the groups with and without the germ of the lateral incisor.

Results:

A significant negative correlation was found between Rv and Rt (p < .001). Comparison of Rv and Rt between the groups with and without a germ of the lateral incisor revealed that both indices were significantly higher in the former group than the latter one (p < .05).

Conclusion:

In cleft lip and palate patients with a germ of the lateral incisor, it is beneficial to carry out secondary bone grafting to the alveolar cleft at the age of 5 to 7 years, preceding eruption of the canine, in order to form a good bone bridge that will facilitate eruption of the lateral incisor and subsequent normal dentition and occlusion.
Influence of extracellular matrix on bovine mammary gland progenitor cell growth and differentiation
Authors: Holland Margo S. , Stasko Judith A. , Holland Robert E.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To examine the impact of simple versus complex extracellular matrices (ECMs) on morphologic development and differentiation of bovine mammary gland progenitor cells (BMGPCs).

Sample Population—Cultures of BMGPCs.

Procedures—BMGPCs were grown on the following extracellular matrices: collagen I, collagen IV, laminin, and a commercially available gelatinous protein mixture. Cells were examined with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Results—Formation of organoids and production of the gap junction protein, connexin 43, were the criteria for BMGPC differentiation. The BMGPCs formed a 2-dimensional monolayer when grown on plastic, laminin, collagen I, or collagen IV. These cells did not have a network of cells forming epithelial organoids resembling a honeycomb. However, they did produce gap junction proteins. When BMGPCs were cultured on the commercially available gelatinous protein mixture, 3-dimensional epithelial organoids resembling a honeycomb formed and connexin 43 was produced. The thickness of the commercially available gelatinous protein mixture also regulated cell shape reorganization. Cell density affected the formation organoid networks and the rate at which monolayers reached confluency.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—When plated on a commercially available gelatinous protein mixture, the BMGPC culture system allowed us to simulate, in vitro, the interaction between epithelial cells in varying stages of differentiation and the microenvironment. Thus, a heterogenous ECM, such as the commercially available gelatinous protein mixture, is more physiologically relevant in providing a microenvironment for BMGPC lineage pathway differentiation to mimic an in vivo environment. In contrast, BMGPCs grown on homogenous ECM, although able to produce connexin 43, are unable to form organoids.
Response of hypotensive dogs to dopamine hydrochloride and dobutamine hydrochloride during deep isoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Rosati Monica , Dyson Doris H. , Sinclair Melissa D. , Sears William C.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To evaluate the dose-related cardiovascular and urine output (UrO) effects of dopamine hydrochloride and dobutamine hydrochloride, administered individually and in combination at various ratios, and identify individual doses that achieve target mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; 70 mm Hg) and cardiac index (CI; 150 mL/kg/min) in dogs during deep isoflurane anesthesia.

Animals—10 young clinically normal dogs.

Procedures—Following isoflurane equilibration at a baseline MAP of 50 mm Hg on 3 occasions, dogs randomly received IV administration of dopamine (3, 7, 10, 15, and 20 μg/kg/min), dobutamine (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 μg/kg/min), and dopamine-dobutamine combinations (3.5:1, 3.5:4, 7:2, 14:1, and 14:4 μg/kg/min) in a crossover study. Selected cardiovascular and UrO effects were determined following 20-minute infusions at each dose.

Results—Dopamine caused significant dose-dependent responses and achieved target MAP and CI at 7 μg/kg/min; dobutamine at 2 μg/kg/min significantly affected only CI values. At any dose, dopamine significantly affected UrO, whereas dobutamine did not. Target MAP and CI values were achieved with a dopamine-dobutamine combination at 7:2 μg/kg/min; a dopamine-related dose response for MAP and dopamine- and dobutamine-related dose responses for CI were identified. Changes in UrO were associated with dopamine only.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In isoflurane-anesthetized dogs, a guideline dose for dopamine of 7 μg/kg/min is suggested; dobutamine alone did not improve MAP. Data regarding cardiovascular and UrO effects indicated that the combination of dopamine and dobutamine did not provide greater benefit than use of dopamine alone in dogs.
Changes in antimicrobial susceptibility in a population of Escherichia coli isolated from feedlot cattle administered ceftiofur crystalline-free acid
Authors: Lowrance T. Courtney , Loneragan Guy H. , Kunze David J. , Platt Tammy M. , Ives Samuel E. , Scott H. Morgan , Norby Bo , Echeverry Alejandro , Brashears Mindy M.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To determine effects of administration of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) on antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli in feedlot cattle.

Animals—61 feedlot steers.

Procedures—A cohort study was conducted. Steers were housed in pens (5 pens with 10 steers and 1 pen with 11 steers). Five steers in each pen were administered CCFA, and 5 served as control steers (1 pen had 6 control steers). The CCFA administration included a single-dose regimen (6.6 mg/kg, SC, on day 0), two-thirds–dose regimen (4.4 mg/kg, SC, on day 0), and 3-dose regimen (6.6 mg/kg, SC, on days 0, 6, and 13). Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, and 28. Fecal samples were collected immediately before CCFA administration. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 15 antimicrobials were determined for 3 E coli isolates/fecal sample. Escherichia coli were enumerated by use of direct-plating techniques.

Results—Resistance to 1 or more antimicrobials was detected in 986 of 1,441 (68.4%) isolates recovered. Administration of CCFA was associated with a transient increase in the population of ceftiofur-resistant isolates. Susceptibility returned to day 0 values (ie, samples collected immediately before CCFA administration) approximately 2 weeks after completion of CCFA administration. Agreement between ceftiofur resistance and coresistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline was almost perfect (κ 0.97). We did not detect variation in susceptibility of E coli recovered from commingled control steers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of CCFA provided selection pressure that favored transient expansion of multiple-resistant variants.
Identification of infrared absorption spectral characteristics of synovial fluid of horses with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint
Authors: Vijarnsorn Monchanok , Riley Christopher B. , Ryan Daniel A. J. , Rose Patricia L. , Shaw R. Anthony
Published: May 2007

Objective—To determine the feasibility of the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy within the midinfrared range to differentiate synovial fluid samples of joints with osteochondrosis from those of control samples.

Animals—33 horses with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint and 31 horses free of tarsocrural joint disease.

Procedures—FTIR spectroscopy of synovial fluid was used. Sixty-four synovial fluid samples from the tarsocrural joint were collected. Of these, 33 samples were from horses with radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint and 31 from control joints. Disease-associated features within infrared spectra of synovial fluid were statistically selected for spectral classification, and the variables identified were used in a classification model. Linear discriminant analysis and leave-one-out cross-validation were used to develop a classifier to identify joints with osteochondrosis.

Results—12 significant subregions were identified that met the selection criteria. The stepwise discriminant procedure resulted in the final selection of 6 optimal regions that most contributed to the discriminatory power of the classification algorithm. Infrared spectra derived from synovial fluid of joints with osteochondrosis were differentiated from the control samples with accuracy of 77% (81% specificity and 73% sensitivity).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The disease-associated characteristics of infrared spectra of synovial fluid from joints with osteochondrosis may be exploited via appropriate feature selection and classification algorithms to differentiate joints with osteochondrosis from those of control joints. Further study with larger sample size including age-, breed-, and sex-matched control horses would further validate the clinical value of infrared spectroscopy for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis in horses.
Effects of intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide on plasma micromineral, magnesium, and cytokine concentrations and serum cortisol concentrations in lactating goats
Authors: Wang Jiufeng , Jiao Lianguo , Ma Jinlei , Wu Chunxia , Wang Kai , Wang Ming
Published: May 2007

Objective—To assess the effects of various doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered IV on plasma microminerals, magnesium, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations and serum cortisol concentrations in lactating goats.

Animals—6 lactating goats.

Procedures—Goats were allotted to 3 LPS-treatment groups: control (0 μg/kg), low LPS (10 μg/kg), and high LPS (50 μg/kg). Rectal temperatures and behaviors of goats were recorded immediately before a 10-minute IV infusion of LPS and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after infusion. Blood samples were obtained before IV infusion and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after infusion. Plasma zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry; plasma TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were measured by use of an ELISA; and serum cortisol concentrations were determined by use of a radioimmunoassay.

Results—A monophasic fever developed in low-LPS and high-LPS groups. In the low-LPS and high-LPS group, plasma zinc concentrations decreased at 6 hours after infusion; compared with control groups. Plasma iron concentrations were lower at 24 hours after infusion in low-LPS and high-LPS groups than in the control group. Plasma TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were higher in low-LPS and high-LPS groups than in the control group at 1, 2, and 4 hours after infusion. In low-LPS and high-LPS groups, serum cortisol concentrations increased from 0.5 hours onward and peaked at 1 (high-LPS group) and 2 (low-LPS group) hours after infusion.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Following IV infusion of LPS, the immune system is activated, which might affect micromineral homeostatic regulation and, subsequently, the metabolic health of lactating goats.
Effects of hypercalcemia on serum concentrations of magnesium, potassium, and phosphate and urinary excretion of electrolytes in horses
Authors: Toribio Ramiro E. , Kohn Catherine W. , Rourke Kelly M. , Levine Andrea L. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To determine effects of experimentally induced hypercalcemia on serum concentrations and urinary excretion of electrolytes, especially ionized magnesium (iMg), in healthy horses.

Animals—21 clinically normal mares.

Procedures—Horses were assigned to 5 experimental protocols (1, hypercalcemia induced with calcium gluconate; 2, hypercalcemia induced with calcium chloride; 3, infusion with dextrose solution; 4, infusion with sodium gluconate; and 5, infusion with saline [0.9% NaCl] solution). Hypercalcemia was induced for 2 hours. Dextrose, sodium gluconate, and saline solution were infused for 2 hours. Blood samples were collected to measure serum concentrations of electrolytes, creatinine, parathyroid hormone, and insulin. Urine samples were collected to determine the fractional excretion of ionized calcium (iCa), iMg, sodium, phosphate, potassium, and chloride.

Results—Hypercalcemia induced by administration of calcium gluconate or calcium chloride decreased serum iMg, potassium, and parathyroid hormone concentrations; increased phosphate concentration; and had no effect on sodium, chloride, and insulin concentrations. Hypercalcemia increased urinary excretion of iCa, iMg, sodium, phosphate, potassium, and chloride; increased urine output; and decreased urine osmolality and specific gravity. Dextrose administration increased serum insulin; decreased iMg, potassium, and phosphate concentrations; and decreased urinary excretion of iMg. Sodium gluconate increased the excretion of iCa, sodium, and potassium.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hypercalcemia resulted in hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hyperphosphatemia; increased urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphate, and chloride; and induced diuresis. This study has clinical implications because hypercalcemia and excessive administration of calcium have the potential to increase urinary excretion of electrolytes, especially iMg, and induce volume depletion.
Effect of low doses of cosyntropin on serum cortisol concentrations in clinically normal dogs
Authors: Martin Linda G. , Behrend Ellen N. , Mealey Katrina L. , Carpenter D. Mark , Hickey Kathy C.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To determine the lowest of 5 doses of cosyntropin (1.0, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, or 0.01 μg/kg) administered IV that stimulates maximal cortisol secretion in clinically normal dogs.

Animals—10 clinically normal dogs.

Procedures—5 dose-response experiments were performed in each of the dogs. Each dog received 5 doses of cosyntropin (1.0, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 μg/kg) IV in random order (2-week interval between each dose). Serum samples for determination of cortisol concentrations were obtained before (baseline) and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after cosyntropin administration.

Results—Compared with baseline values, mean serum cortisol concentration in the study dogs increased significantly after administration of each of the 5 cosyntropin doses. Mean peak serum cortisol concentration was significantly lower after administration of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 μg of cosyntropin/kg, compared with findings after administration of 0.5 and 1.0 μg of cosyntropin/kg. After administration of 0.5 and 1.0 μg of cosyntropin/kg, mean peak serum cortisol concentration did not differ significantly; higher doses of cosyntropin resulted in more sustained increases in serum cortisol concentration, and peak response developed after a longer interval.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of cosyntropin IV at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg induced maximal cortisol secretion in healthy dogs. Serum cortisol concentration was reliably increased in all dogs after the administration of each of the 5 doses of cosyntropin. These data should be useful in subsequent studies to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy and critically ill dogs.
Evaluation of four point-of-care meters for rapid determination of blood lactate concentrations in dogs
Authors: Acierno Mark J. , Mitchell Mark A.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To determine whether blood lactate values determined in dogs with 4 commercially available point-of-care meters were in agreement with values determined with a critical care laboratory blood analyzer.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—50 dogs evaluated for emergency treatment.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected at initial evaluation and processed on 4 point-of-care meters and on a critical care laboratory blood analyzer.

Results—All 4 point-of-care lactate meters generated measurements that were in agreement with the hospital's critical care analyzer. Values for agreement (bias) between the 4 point-of-care meters and the critical care analyzer were −0.652 (limits of agreement [LA], −1.958 to 0.654]), −0.670 (LA, −2.110 to 0.769), −0.096 (LA, −2.071 to 1.879), and −0.498 (LA, −2.616 to 1.620), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite its prognostic and therapeutic relevance, blood lactate measurement in dogs has been hampered by the inability to perform the test in a timely fashion. Results of the present study indicated that several handheld point-of-care lactate meters provided results that were in agreement with a laboratory critical care blood analyzer.
Comparison of serologic evaluation via agar gel immunodiffusion and fungal culture of tissue for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in dogs
Authors: Pomrantz Jill S. , Johnson Lynelle R. , Nelson Richard W. , Wisner Erik R.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To compare the sensitivity and specificity of serologic evaluation and fungal culture of tissue for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in dogs.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—58 dogs with nasal discharge and 26 healthy dogs.

Procedures—Dogs with nasal discharge were anesthetized and underwent computed tomography and rhinoscopy; nasal tissues were collected for histologic examination and fungal culture. Sera were assessed for antibodies against Aspergillus spp (healthy dog sera were used as negative control specimens). Nasal aspergillosis was diagnosed in dogs that had at least 2 of the following findings: computed tomographic characteristics consistent with aspergillosis, fungal plaques detected during rhinoscopy, and histologically detectable fungal hyphae in nasal tissue. Histologic characteristics of malignancy were diagnostic for neoplasia. Without evidence of neoplasia or fungal disease, nonfungal rhinitis was diagnosed.

Results—Among the 58 dogs, 21 had nasal aspergillosis, 25 had nonfungal rhinitis, and 12 had nasal neoplasia. Fourteen aspergillosis-affected dogs and 1 dog with nonfungal rhinitis had serum antibodies against Aspergillus spp. Fungal culture results were positive for Aspergillus spp only for 17 dogs with aspergillosis. With regard to aspergillosis diagnosis, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 67%, 98%, 93%, and 84%, respectively, for serum anti-Aspergillus antibody determination and 81%, 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, for fungal culture.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that seropositivity for Aspergillus spp and identification of Aspergillus spp in cultures of nasal tissue are highly suggestive of nasal aspergillosis in dogs; however, negative test results do not rule out nasal aspergillosis.
Surgical correction of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs: 62 cases (1991–2004)
Authors: Riecks Todd W. , Birchard Stephen J. , Stephens Julie A.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To assess results of surgical correction of brachycephalic syndrome (including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules) in dogs and determine whether dogs with hypoplastic trachea have a less favorable long-term outcome.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—62 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome.

Procedures—Medical records from 1991 to 2004 were reviewed for information regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgery, and long-term outcome. Surgical outcome was rated by owners as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Common abnormalities, treatments, and long-term outcomes among the 62 dogs were assessed.

Results—Predominantly affected breeds included English Bulldog, Pug, and Boston Terrier. Elongated soft palate was the most common abnormality (54/62 [87.1%] dogs); the most common combination of abnormalities was elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted saccules (16/62 [25.8%] dogs). The English Bulldog was the most common breed for all abnormalities, including elongated soft palate (27/54 [50%] dogs), stenotic nares (14/36 [38.9%] dogs), everted saccules (20/36 [55.6%] dogs), hypoplastic trachea (7/13 [53.9%] dogs), and laryngeal collapse (2/5 [40%]). No dogs had everted saccules alone. Outcome did not differ between dogs under-going staphylectomy by use of laser or scissor resection. Follow-up information was obtained for 34 dogs; 16 (47.1%) had an excellent outcome, and 16 (47.1%) had a good outcome. Overall treatment success rate was 94.2%, and overall mortality rate was 3.2%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Surgical treatment of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs appeared to be associated with a favorable long-term outcome, regardless of age, breed, specific diagnoses, or number and combinations of diagnoses.
Clinical and immunohistochemical differentiation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors from leiomyosarcomas in dogs: 42 cases (1990–2003)
Authors: Russell Kelli N. , Mehler Stephen J. , Skorupski Katherine A. , Baez Jennifer L. , Shofer Frances S. , Goldschmidt Michael H.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To reexamine (via immunohistochemical techniques) canine tissue samples that had been previously classified as gastrointestinal leiomyosarcomas (GILMSs), identify and differentiate gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from GILMSs, and compare the biological behavior and clinical course of GISTs and GILMSs in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—42 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of 42 dogs for which a histologic diagnosis of GILMS was confirmed were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, results of initial diagnostic tests, surgical findings, adjunctive treatment, location of the tumor, completeness of resection, and outcome after surgery. Archived tumor tissue specimens from each dog were restained via immunohistochemical techniques to differentiate tumor types. Long-term follow-up information was obtained from the medical record or through telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians.

Results—On the basis of immunohistochemical findings, 28 of 42 tumors were reclassified as GISTs and 4 were reclassified as undifferentiated sarcomas; 10 tumors were GILMSs. In dogs, GISTs developed more frequently in the cecum and large intestine and GILMSs developed more frequently in the stomach and small intestine. Median survival times for dogs with GISTs and GILMSs were 11.6 and 7.8 months, respectively; if only dogs surviving the perioperative period were considered, median survival times were 37.4 and 7.8 months, respectively. These differences, however, were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs, many previously diagnosed GILMSs should be reclassified as GISTs on the basis of results of immunohistochemical staining. The biological behavior of these tumors appears to be different.
Analgesic efficacy and respiratory effects of butorphanol and morphine in turtles
Authors: Sladky Kurt K. , Miletic Vjekoslav , Paul-Murphy Joanne , Kinney Matthew E. , Dallwig Rebecca K. , Johnson Stephen M.
Published: May 2007

Objective—To test the hypothesis that butorphanol or morphine induces antinociception with minimal respiratory depression in conscious red-eared slider turtles.

Design—Prospective crossover study.

Animals—37 adult male and female red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta).

Procedures—Antinociception (n = 27 turtles) and respiratory (10 turtles) experiments were performed. Infrared heat stimuli were applied to the plantar surface of turtle limbs. Thermal withdrawal latencies were measured before and at intervals after SC administration of physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, butorphanol tartrate (2.8 or 28 mg/kg [1.27 or 12.7 mg/lb]), or morphine sulfate (1.5 or 6.5 mg/kg [0.68 or 2.95 mg/lb]). Ventilation was assessed in freely swimming turtles before and after SC administration of saline solution, butorphanol (28 mg/kg), or morphine (1.5 mg/kg).

Results—For as long as 24 hours after injection of saline solution or either dose of butorphanol, thermal withdrawal latencies among turtles did not differ. Low- and high-dose morphine injections increased latencies significantly by 8 hours. Ventilation was not altered by saline solution administration, was temporarily depressed by 56% to 60% for 1 to 2 hours by butorphanol (28 mg/kg) administration, and was significantly depressed by a maximum of 83 ± 9% at 3 hours after morphine (1.5 mg/kg) injection. Butorphanol and morphine depressed ventilation by decreasing breathing frequency.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although widely used in reptile species, butorphanol may not provide adequate antinociception for invasive procedures and caused short-term respiratory depression in red-eared slider turtles. In contrast, morphine apparently provided antinociception but caused long-lasting respiratory depression.
Protein adsorption in charged agarose gels studied by light microscopy
Authors: Schirmer Emily B. , Carta Giorgio
Published: May 2007

Both a new method for measuring protein ion exchange kinetics and new data for the adsorption of three different proteins in anionic agarose gels are described. The gels were prepared as spherical particles to determine chemical and structural properties and the macroscopic protein adsorption behavior, and as thin slabs supported in a microfluidics chip to observe transient concentration profiles with a light microscope. The combination of these approaches provides deeper insight in the nature of protein transport mechanisms than previously possible. The adsorption of cytochrome c, myoglobin, and hemoglobin was studied macroscopically and microscopically. Although all proteins exhibited similarly favorable adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, and concentration profiles were quantitatively and qualitatively different. Cytochrome c was adsorbed very quickly and resulted in diffuse concentration profiles, while myoglobin adsorbed much more slowly and resulted in sharp fronts. Hemoglobin exhibited lower rates with diffuse profiles at higher pH and sharp fronts at lower pH. In general, the shape of the profiles appeared to be correlated with the binding strength. Reversibly bound proteins yielded diffuse profiles, while irreversibly bound proteins exhibited sharp advancing fronts, indicating that protein–surface interactions play a major role in the nature of the transport mechanism. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A dopamine D4 receptor exon 3 VNTR allele protecting against migraine without aura
Authors: de Sousa Sara Campos , Karwautz Andreas , Wöber Christian , Wagner Gudrun , Breen Gerome , Zesch Heidi‐Elisabeth , Konrad Andrea , Zormann Arno , Wanner Christian , Kienbacher Christian , Collier David A. , Wöber‐Bingöl Çiçek
Published: May 2007

Objective

As dopamine plays an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine and antimigraine drugs have an effect on the dopamine system, the objective of this study was to examine the dopamine D4 receptor gene for involvement in the cause of migraine.

Methods

We tested a VNTR‐polymorphism in the dopamine D4 receptor gene, the exon 3 VNTR, in a sample of 190 family trios each with a proband with childhood migraine by using transmission disequilibrium test tests.

Results

We found a trend for transmission distortion of this marker in migraine, with the common seven‐repeat allele of the VNTR transmitted 58 times and not transmitted 82 times (global likelihood ratio score (LRS) = 12.27, degress of freedom (DF) = 6, p = 0.06; for the 7‐repeat allele: χ2 = 5.1, p = 0.02). This effect came only from migraine without aura (145 trios), with the common 7‐repeat allele transmitted 45 times and not transmitted 69 times (global LRS = 15.18; DF = 6, p = 0.019; for the 7‐repeat allele: χ2 = 6.4, p = 0.01; odds ratio, 0.47), whereas in migraine with aura (45 trios) there was no transmission distortion of the 7‐repeat allele.

Interpretation

We conclude that seven‐repeat allele of the dopamine D4 receptor VNTR is a protective factor for migraine without aura. Because migraine is a common disorder, this protective effect may have contributed to the positive selection acting on the dopamine D4 receptor exon 3 VNTR seven‐repeat allele in recent human history. We speculate that dopamine function in the lateral parabrachial nucleus is involved in migraine without aura. Ann Neurol 2007
Study of the water uptake and internal defects of jute‐reinforced polymer composites with a digital neutron radiography technique
Authors: Alam M. K. , Khan Mubarak A. , Lehmann E. H. , Vontobel P.
Published: May 2007

The water‐uptake behavior of jute fabric and its composites with polycarbonate and polypropylene was monitor by a digital neutron radiography technique. The thermal neutron radiography facility of neutron transmission radiography (NEUTRA) at spallation source (SINQ) of the Paul Scherrer Institute was used for this work. The internal defects, such as voids, cracks, and inhomogeneity, of the composites were studied. The water‐uptake behavior of the jute fiber was also studied with a digital neutron radiography technique. The natural jute fiber showed higher water absorption than the composites. No voids or inclusions in these composites were observed. Moreover, both the jute and polymer were uniformly distributed and well mixed with the polymer matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Morphology development of high‐density rigid polyurethane foam upon compression by on‐line scanning electronic microscope
Authors: Shi Lei , Li Zhong‐Ming
Published: May 2007

The high‐density rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was obtained by airtight cast molding. The morphology development during the compressive fracture process of RPUF was observed on‐line by a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). In the early stage of loading, the deformation of samples came from the tiny shape change in the cells' windows. As the load increases, some creases were formed in some cell windows in the vertical direction of loading, and the creases enlarged and resulted in the cracks across the whole cells. Moreover, during the deformation process, a failure band was formed in the weakest position. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Empirical regression as a conditional expected value of a special distribution‐mixture for a modelfree quantitative recording of stochastical relations
Authors: Schmerling S. , Peil J.
Published: May 2007

An “empirical” distribution function F̂(x, y) is estimated from measured points (xi, yi), i =1(1)n, of a continuous two‐dimensional random variable (X, Y) with unknown continuous density function f(x, y). The density function F̂(x, y) of F̂(x, y) is a mixture of n two‐dimensional normal densities. The first order moments of F̂(x, y) are the sample means x and y, whilst the second order moments are only proportional to the sample variances and the sample covariance. This “empirical” distribution F̂(x, y) is used for evaluation of an empirical regression curve where a free parameter has to be fixed by an optimality criterion. The procedure is demonstrated by an example from morphometrical research.
Some comments on anderson and pospahala's correction of bias in line transect sampling
Authors: Anderson D. R. , Burnham K. P. , Chain B. R.
Published: May 2007

ANDERSON and POSPAHALA (1970) investigated the estimation of wildlife population size using the belt or line transect sampling method and devised a correction for bias, thus leading to an estimator with interesting characteristics. This work was given a uniform mathematical framework in BURNHAM and ANDERSON (1976). In this paper we show that the ANDERSON‐POSPAHALA estimator is optimal in the sense of being the (unique) best linear unbiased estimator within the class of estimators which are linear combinations of cell frequencies, provided certain assumptions are met.
A model‐independent approach to the theory of experimental designs and a special discussion of bib. II. properties and construction of bib
Authors: Rasch D. , Herrendurfer G.
Published: May 2007

In addition to the first part we prove independently of the model some theorems on properties of balanced block designs. Then we propose nine methods of construction of BIB and prove theorems in connection with these methods. In a table we give a survey on block designs with v$25 and possibilities of their construction with these methods. Further follow theorems with the number of nonisomorphic BIB for some fixed v and k.
A sampling study of the size and power of tests for paired survival data
Authors: Wiltse C. G. , Lachenbruch P. A. , Woolson R. F.
Published: May 2007

The paired‐t, sign, and signed rank tests were compared for samples from a bivariate exponential distribution. Each is a valid α‐level test. One test was not uniformly more powerful than the others for all sample sizes, α levels, correlations, and alternative hypotheses considered, but the signed rank test did well consistently. It was always preferable to the sign test and never was appreciably worse than the paired‐t test. The relative performance of the tests depends on α as well as the sample size.