bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory development in extremely preterm infants: vulnerability to infection and persistence of events beyond term‐equivalent age
Authors: Hofstetter AO , Legnevall L , Herlenius E , Katz‐Salamon M
Published: February 2008

Objective: Apnoea, bradycardia and hypoxemia occur frequently in extremely preterm infants, yet there is little longitudinal data describing cardiorespiratory development in these infants. This prospective study characterized early age‐dependent changes in cardiorespiratory function and determined how activity is affected by factors such as underlying disease, postnatal insults and therapeutic interventions.

Patients and Methods: Thirty‐three infants born between 23 and 28 weeks gestational age (GA) were monitored weekly from birth to beyond term‐equivalent age (i.e. 25–45 weeks postconceptional age, PCA). Baseline cardiorespiratory activity as well as apnoea/hypopnoea, bradycardia and hypoxemia events were examined using impedance pneumography, electrocardiography (ECG) and pulse oximetry, respectively.

Results: Three hundred thirty‐eight cardiorespiratory recordings lasting 3236 h were analysed. While the respiratory rate (RR) did not change during the early postnatal period, heart rate (HR) decreased and O2 saturation improved. There were 5973 total cardiorespiratory events, and their incidence decreased with advancing age. However, they still occurred frequently at term‐equivalent age and after hospital discharge (mean PCA at discharge = 38.3 ± 0.5 weeks). Moreover, infection significantly increased apnoea/hypopnoea and hypoxemia incidence.

Conclusion: The persistence of cardiorespiratory events beyond term‐equivalent age as well as the marked impact of infection on cardiorespiratory function indicate that close surveillance after hospitalization is of crucial importance in extremely preterm infants.
Traffic injury mortality in children in transitional Lithuania – a longitudinal analysis from 1971 to 2005
Authors: Strukcinskiene B , Martinkenas A , Towner E , Janson S , Andersson R
Published: February 2008

Aim: Low‐ and middle‐income countries bear far higher road traffic injury mortality rates than high‐income countries. This paper considers the changing picture of child traffic injury mortality in Lithuania over a 35‐year period.

Methods: Road traffic injury mortality data, mortality data from other causes, and population data have been used to compare the trend lines of child road deaths with injury deaths and all deaths and calculate the road traffic mortality rates for children and young people aged 0–19 years.

Results: This study revealed an inverted u‐shaped trend, peaking in the 1980s and with a temporary elevated level in the early 1990s, in traffic mortality for the age group 0–19. However, unlike child death by all causes, road traffic injury has not declined significantly between the beginning and the end of the study period. Traffic deaths as a percentage of injury deaths and of all deaths showed a significantly rising trend.

Conclusion: Road traffic injury remains a serious public health problem in children and young people in Lithuania, which requires a high priority.
Oestrogen treatment of constitutional tall stature in girls: is there a risk of thrombosis or bleeding?
Authors: Rask Olof , Nilsson Karl Olof , Berntorp Erik
Published: February 2008

Aim: To evaluate haemostatic effects and clinical outcome of oestrogen treatment of constitutionally tall stature in girls.

Methods: We conducted a single‐centre cohort study, 63 girls referred over a period of 15 years were investigated. The girls were given oestrogen treatment for constitutional tall stature at a median initial dose of 300 ug ethinyl estradiol/day and were consecutively examined for changes in coagulation. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, additional data were collected at follow‐up by blood sampling and interviews.

Results: After 1 year of treatment, levels of antithrombin and von Willebrand factor (VWF) were significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015, respectively), whereas there was no significant change in levels of plasminogen inhibitor type 1. No venous thromboembolism (VTE) or major side effects were observed. Genetic risk factors for thrombosis were present, as was expected. The mean height reduction was 5.5 cm. The height‐reducing effect was inversely correlated with chronological age (r =–0.44, p < 0.01) and bone age (r =–0.61, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Changes in coagulation parameters occurred both towards pro‐ and anticoagulation. Treatment with high‐dose ethinyl estradiol can successfully limit final height, and it is most effective when started at a younger bone age.
Outcome of hospital deliveries of women living at high altitude: a study from Lhasa in Tibet
Authors: Yangzom Yeshe , Qian Liling , Shan Mina , La Ya , Meiduo Deji , Hu Xiaoying , Da Qiong , Sun Bo , Zetterström Rolf
Published: February 2008

Aim: To describe rates of neonatal mortality, low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA), and relate outcome to ethnicity and perinatal risk factors of liveborn infants of hospital deliveries in Lhasa. The differences in these variables between ethnic Tibetans and non‐Tibetans were also studied.

Methods: Data were prospectively collected on the outcome of all liveborn infants born in four hospitals in the urban area of Lhasa, Tibet, in 2005.

Result: A total of 2540 liveborn infants were recorded. The rates of LBW, preterm birth and SGA were 13.6%, 5.7% and 22.2%, respectively. Neonatal mortality rate was 42/1000 for the infants born alive in the hospitals. Lower GA, vaginal delivery, foetal distress and lack of prenatal care, but not ethnicity, were associated with increased risk of death in multivariate logistic regression. Tibetans had higher BW and lower rates of LBW, SGA, need of oxygen supplementation and maternal hypertension, but higher rates of foetal distress, caesarean section, multiple births and low Apgar scores.

Conclusion: This study provided a profile of perinatal‐neonatal care of hospital newborn infants in Lhasa, Tibet. The rates of neonatal mortality, LBW and SGA were high. The findings suggest ethnic differences in perinatal‐neonatal adaptation to high altitude.
Late postnatal systemic steroids predispose to retinopathy of prematurity in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants: a comparative study
Authors: Smolkin Tatiana , Steinberg Maya , Sujov Polo , Mezer Eedy , Tamir Ada , Makhoul Imad R.
Published: February 2008

Background and objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) develops mostly in very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) premature infants. Besides prematurity and hyperoxia, other variables have been brought up as risk factors for ROP. We aimed to search risk factors for ROP by comparing two groups of preemies, one with and the other without ROP.

Patients and methods: During 2004–2006, 27 VLBW premature infants developed ROP (ROP group). For each neonate in the ROP group, we chose a neonate born at similar gestational age (GA) (±1week) but without ROP (control group). For each neonate of both groups, we recorded demographic, maternal, gestational, intrapartum, neonatal, interventional, growth and ophthalmologic data from patients' medical records.

Results: Eleven of the tested variables were significantly different between the ROP and control groups in univariate analysis. However, only seven of these variables remained significantly different between groups when controlling each variable for GA: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, p = 0.04), duration of hospitalization (p = 0.017), high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV, p = 0.033), duration of oxygen therapy (p = 0.023), surfactant therapy (p = 0.045), inhaled steroids (p = 0.015) and systemic steroids for BPD (p = 0.007). These seven significant variables were related to respiratory morbidity and interventions. Multiple stepwise logistic regression including all significant variables in the univariate analysis showed that only systemic steroids remained significantly different between groups (p = 0.007, OR 5.42, 95% CI 1.60–18.34).

Conclusion: Significantly more neonates in the ROP group received late postnatal systemic steroids as compared to controls. We speculate that steroids, by altering insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, might contribute to the pathogenesis of ROP.
Caregivers attitudes for very premature infants: what if they knew?
Authors: Janvier A , Lantos J , Deschênes M , Couture E , Nadeau S , Barrington K J
Published: February 2008

Background: Decisions about resuscitation of extremely premature babies are controversial. Such decisions may reflect poor understanding of outcomes.

Objective: To compare caregivers' attitudes towards the resuscitation of a premature infant if they are only told the infant's gestational age or if they are only given prognostic information for infants at that gestational age.

Design/methods: Residents and nurses involved in perinatal care were asked whether they would resuscitate a depressed AGA 24‐week gestation infant at birth. In another question they were asked whether they would resuscitate a depressed preterm infant with a 50% chance of survival, knowing that of those who survived, 50% would have a development ‘within normal limits’, 20–25% a serious handicap and 40% with behavioural and/or learning disability.

Results: Two hundred and seventy‐nine caregivers responded (91% response rate). In the scenario that only presented gestational age, 21% of respondents would resuscitate. In the scenario that only presented prognostic statistics, 51% of respondents would resuscitate (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Providers of perinatal health care respond to vignettes differently depending upon the format in which information is provided. The relative unwillingness to resuscitate a baby of 24‐week gestation is surprising since outcomes for such babies are the same or better than those we described in the scenario that provided only outcome data without specifying gestational age. Two explanations are possible: (1) respondents have irrational negative associations with low gestational ages or (2) respondents are unaware of actual outcomes.
Longitudinal study of the growth of infants with isolated Robin sequence considered being severe cases
Authors: Marques Ilza L , Bettiol Heloísa , De Souza Luiz , Barbieri Marco A , Bachega Maria I
Published: February 2008

Aim: To study the growth of infants with isolated Robin sequence (IRS) considered being severe cases during the first 6 months of life.

Methods: Twenty infants with IRS, considered being severe cases were followed in a pure prospective longitudinal study. Feeding facilitating techniques were applied to all infants after airway disobstruction and a hypercaloric diet was offered. Weight and length were measured at birth and at 2‐month intervals until 6 months of age.

Results: The infants with severe IRS under study showed impaired weight and length growth from birth to 6 months of age when the values were compared to the NCHS2000 reference.

Conclusions: Malnutrition persisted in infants with severe IRS during the first 6 months of life despite the use of special diet and techniques developed for clinical recovery of this anomaly.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents in Beijing, China
Authors: Yi‐Qun XU , Cheng‐Ye JI
Published: February 2008

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of the metabolic syndrome and to determine the risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in secondary school adolescents.

Methods: In 2006, we conducted a school‐based survey in Beijing, China. Questionnaire data, anthropometric, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were available for 2020 adolescents aged 14–16 years. The metabolic syndrome was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) criteria modified for age.

Results: The overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among adolescents was 3.3%. In Beijing, 4.2% of boys and 2.5% of girls were affected (p < 0.05). The syndrome was present in 28.1% of obese adolescents compared with 6.0% of overweight and 0.2% of normal status (p < 0.001). Abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were the most common components of the metabolic syndrome in boys, and elevated triglyceride (TG) and abdominal obesity were the most common in girls. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was influenced by body mass index (BMI) status, father's educational degree and pubertal development.

Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome and its components are frequent in overweight and obese adolescents in Beijing. Early identification and treatment of these risk factors may help target intervention to improve future cardiovascular health.
The burden of unintentional injuries among the under‐five population in South Asia
Authors: Hyder Adnan A. , Wali Salman , Fishman Steven , Schenk Ellen
Published: February 2008

Background: Childhood injuries are a growing global concern, one that falls disproportionately on developing countries where public health systems are least prepared to address this problem.

Aim: This study assesses the impact of childhood injuries in the developing region of South Asia in order to set forth an agenda for improving child health in that region.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted for literature with quantitative data on unintentional injuries in children 0–4 years of age published between 1980 and 2007. The information was collated to estimate the mean, weighted mean and mortality rate for each type of injury. The rates were then applied to the 2000 UN projected population to estimate the number of childhood deaths due to unintentional injuries.

Results: Unintentional injuries are estimated to cause 389 000 annual child deaths in South Asia. This premature mortality results in the annual loss of 74 healthy life years (HeaLYs) per 1000 population.

Conclusion: The current burden of childhood injuries in South Asia is unacceptably high and calls for efforts from all sectors involved in research, policy and funding to not only assess the impact of childhood injuries but to strengthen the health systems to stem this preventable loss of healthy life.
Crying behaviour in early infancy is associated with developmental outcome at two years of age in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Munck Petriina , Maunu Jonna , Kirjavainen Jarkko , Lapinleimu Helena , Haataja Leena , Lehtonen Liisa ,   the PIPARI Study Group
Published: February 2008

Aim: To evaluate the association between infant fussing and crying and developmental outcome in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods: Hundred and seventeen VLBW infants were followed up to 24 months of corrected age. The duration of fussing and crying and frequency of fuss/cry bouts were measured at term 6 weeks and 5 months of corrected age. Cognitive and motor development was assessed at 24 months of corrected age.

Results: The increased duration of combined fuss/cry at term associated with lower psychomotor developmental index (PDI), [regression coefficient (b) =−0.83, p = 0.025]. Crying at term associated negatively with mental developmental index (MDI) (b =−0.91, p = 0.040) and PDI (b =−1.10, p = 0.015). The associations between fuss/cry and PDI, and crying and PDI persisted in multiple regression analysis (b =−0.89, p = 0.030 and b =−1.23, p = 0.018, respectively). Excessive fuss/cry (≥180 min/day) at term associated with lower PDI (p = 0.005) and at 6 weeks with lower MDI (p = 0.024) and PDI (p = 0.012). Increase in the frequency of fuss/cry bouts at 5 months associated with higher PDI in both simple (b = 2.90, p = 0.045) and in multiple regression analysis (b = 3.60, p = 0.019).

Conclusions: In VLBW infants, longer duration of fussing and crying in very early infancy, but not at 5 months, is associated with less optimal development at 24 months of age.
Relationship between oral health, nutrient intake and nutritional status in a sample of Brazilian elderly people
Authors: De Andrade Fabiola Bof , De França Caldas Jr Arnaldo , Kitoko Pedro Makumbundu
Published: February 2008

Objective:  To evaluate the relationship between the oral health condition, the nutrient intake and the body mass index (BMI) in elderly people.

Background:  Impaired dentition has been associated with an inadequate consumption of key nutrients and with changes in nutritional status in elderly people.

Materials and methods:  The sample comprised 887 elderly people, aged 60 and over, of whom 816 underwent a clinical oral examination and were allocated into groups according to the numbers of teeth and number of posterior occluding pairs of natural teeth. Nutritional status was determined using the BMI. Dietary intake was assessed by a 24‐h diet recall interview and the data from these records were converted to nutritional intake using DietPro software. Differences between means were evaluated using anova, together with the Tukey test or Dunnet test, according to the normality of the data. Associations between categorical variables were tested using chi‐square analysis.

Results:  Ages ranged from 60 to 96 years (mean, 71.46 years), with 47% of the respondents in the 60‐to 69‐year‐old group. A high DMFT index (mean, 27.81) was observed with the missing component accounting for 88.8% of the index. Significant differences were observed between the mean intake of nutrients and the number of posterior occluding pairs of natural teeth (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the number of teeth and BMI.

Conclusion:  Nutrient intake is associated with the oral health status as defined by clinical measures.
Effects of Azumolene on Normal and Malignant Hyperthermia‐Susceptible Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sudo Roberto Takashi , Carmo Paula Lima do , Trachez Margarete Manhães , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Malignant hyperthermia is a pharmacogenetic disease of skeletal muscle in which a life‐threatening, hypermetabolic syndrome is induced by exposure of susceptible patients to halogenated general anaesthetics and/or succinylcholine. Dantrolene sodium, the only drug effective for treatment of malignant hyperthermia, has low water solubility that makes its clinical use difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the potency of azumolene, a 30‐fold more water‐soluble analogue, in comparison to the prototype dantrolene sodium, on mammalian and human skeletal muscles. The twitches of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles from mice were inhibited by azumolene with IC50of 2.8 ± 0.8 and 2.4 ± 0.6 µM, respectively. The IC50of dantrolene sodium in these muscles was 1.6 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 1.2 µM, respectively, with no difference in comparison to azumolene. Previousin vitroexposure of mouse soleus muscle to azumolene and dantrolene sodium (10 µM) significantly inhibited 8 mM caffeine‐induced contractures. Azumolene was just effective as dantrolene sodium in relaxing caffeine‐induced contractures of mouse soleus muscle. Intravenous injection caused dose‐dependent decreases in twitches of guinea pig gastrocnemius muscle with IC50of 1.2 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/kg for azumolene and dantrolene sodium, respectively. Azumolene, 10 µM, was effective in blocking and reversing caffeine‐induced contracture of human malignant hyperthermia susceptible skeletal musclein vitro. These studies provide evidence that azumolene is equipotent to dantrolene sodium in blocking pharmacologic‐induced muscle contractures and that azumolene should be efficacious for treatment/prevention of malignant hyperthermia.
Effects of Lactational Exposure to Soy Isoflavones on Reproductive System in Neonatal Female Rats*
Authors: Liu Zhaoping , Zhang Xiaopeng , Li Li , Zhang Wenzhong , Cui Wenming , Song Yan , Wang Wei , Jia Xudong , Li Ning , Yan Weixing
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  To examine effects of lactational exposure to soy isoflavones on female reproductive system, soy isoflavones, 0 (control), 10, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg body weight, were administered to maternal rats by gavage daily during postnatal days 5–10. Ten female litters were killed on day 11. Uterine and ovary weights, serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, mRNA expressions of oestrogen receptor, androgen receptor and progesterone receptor in uterus or ovary were measured. When compared to the control group, litters in the 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight groups had significantly higher ovary and uterine weights (P < 0.05). Endometrial thickness was also significantly increased. Isoflavone‐treated groups had increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining in comparison to the control group. Litters in the 50, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight groups had significantly higher oestradiol concentration while lower progesterone concentrations than those in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). All soy isoflavone‐treated groups had androgen receptor mRNA expressions in ovary and uterus comparable to the control group. Progesterone receptor mRNA expression in the 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). However, ovaries in the 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight groups had significantly higher oestrogen receptor mRNA expression while the uterus in these two treatment groups had significantly lower expressions, when compared to the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In conclusion, lactational exposure to isoflavones could result in oestrogen‐like actions on the reproductive system of neonate female rats, which mechanisms may be, at least, involved with modifications of hormone production and steroid receptor transcription in the reproductive system.
Acute Acetaminophen Overdose Is Associated with Dose‐Dependent Hypokalaemia: A Prospective Study of 331 Patients
Authors: Waring W. Stephen , Stephen Alexandra F. L. , Malkowska Aleks M. , Robinson Oliver D. G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Hypokalaemia is a recognized complication of acute acetaminophen overdose. It is unclear whether this might be a pharmacological effect of acetaminophen, or due to association with confounding factors. The present study sought to better characterize the relationship between acetaminophen concentrations and risk of hypokalaemia. A prospective study of patients received N‐acetylcysteine treatment within 15 hr of acute acetaminophen ingestion. Serum potassium concentrations were determined before and after N‐acetylcysteine. Serum acetaminophen concentrations were used to indicate overall drug exposure by comparison to the Rumack–Matthew nomogram. Hypokalaemia was pre‐defined by serum concentrations <3.5 mmol/l, and groups compared by Mann–Whitney tests. There were 331 patients. Median (95% confidence interval) fall in serum potassium concentration after N‐acetylcysteine was 0.05 mmol/l (−0.11–0.30 mmol/l) if acetaminophen concentrations were below the ‘high‐risk’ treatment line, 0.30 mmol/l (0.17–0.40 mmol/l) if between the ‘high‐risk’ and ‘normal’ treatment lines (P = 0.0358), and 0.40 mmol/l (0.20–0.50 mmol/l) if above the ‘normal’ treatment line (P = 0.0136). A receiver operating characteristic showed that high acetaminophen concentrations were predictive of hypokalaemia (P = 0.0001 versus zero discriminatory line), and 4 hr acetaminophen concentration >156 mmol/l gave 81% sensitivity and 48% specificity. The risk of hypokalaemia after acute acetaminophen overdose depends on the extent of acetaminophen exposure, irrespective of N‐acetylcysteine administration and independent of whether vomiting occurred. Acetaminophen appears to cause concentration‐dependent hypokalaemia after overdose, and the pharmacological basis requires further consideration.
REEVALUATING WHERE WE STAND: A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF AMERICA'S FAMILY JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Authors: Babb Barbara A.
Published: February 2008

The call for court reform remains critical in the face of the growing complexity of burgeoning family law cases nationwide. Many states have restructured their court systems using the unified family court model, resolving legal, personal, emotional, and social disputes with the aim of improving the well‐being of families and children. Other states utilize the traditional approach, resulting in cases being handled in a fragmented, time‐consuming and expensive manner. In this article, Professor Barbara A. Babb presents the results of her nationwide survey regarding how each state handles family law matters. The survey is a follow‐up to her comprehensive 1998 survey and her 2002 survey update. The results of the recent analysis reveal that a total of thirty‐eight states now have either statewide family courts, family courts in selected areas of the state, or pilot or planned family courts, representing seventy‐five percent of states. The number of states without a specialized or separate system to handle family law matters has decreased from seventeen states in 1998 to thirteen in 2006. These changes are significant when one considers the complexities involved in court reform. The need for court reform remains an urgent one, as family law cases occupy a significant percentage of court dockets across the country. Families and children deserve a court system where justice is effective and efficient and where their legal, personal, emotional, and social needs are resolved in a therapeutic and holistic manner.
EFFECTS OF FATHER AND MOTHER PARENTING ON CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH IN HIGH‐ AND LOW‐CONFLICT DIVORCES
Authors: Sandler Irwin , Miles Jonathan , Cookston Jeffrey , Braver Sanford
Published: February 2008

This article studied the relations of children's mental health problems to the warmth of their relationship with their noncustodial father and custodial mother and the level of conflict between the parents. Using a sample of 182 divorcing families, multiple regression was used to test the independent effect of father warmth, mother warmth, and interparental conflict. Results indicated that father warmth and mother warmth were both independently related to lower child‐externalizing problems. However, the relations between mother and child warmth and child‐internalizing problems were different as a function of interparental conflict and level of warmth with the other parent. Implications for court practices and policies are discussed.
FAMILY COURT IMPROVEMENT AND THE ART OF GRANTSMANSHIP: A JUDGE'S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Kreeger Hon. Judith L.
Published: February 2008

Many American courts face funding obstacles as they try to create and implement unified family court processes that have not been part of the traditional family court adversarial process. To create new staff positions, build and equip adequate facilities, and create and implement innovative programs, grant funding may be available to supplement what local and state governments provide. While social science research confirms that children are adversely affected by exposure to high‐conflict family litigation and domestic violence, many communities have few affordable and available resources to address these issues. This article presents lessons and principles that one court learned as it applied for a grant to design programs for high‐conflict families and families with domestic violence history.
CONFIDENTIALITY, DUE PROCESS, AND JUDICIAL DISQUALIFICATION IN THE UNIFIED FAMILY COURT: REPORT TO THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE DOMITROVICH
Authors: Greacen John M.
Published: February 2008

To the extent that courts realize the pure one judge–one family notion of the unified family court—in which one judge handles all domestic relations, probate, juvenile dependency, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence cases involving members of the same family—they encounter three potential legal barriers: confidentiality of court records in some of the cases, due process issues arising from the consideration of material from a related case file in which the parties to the current case may or may not be parties, and judicial disqualification arising from the judge's handling of a previous case involving the family. This article summarizes information obtained from a survey conducted for the Children and Family Law Committee of the National Conference of State Trial Judges, of courts in sixteen states, to learn how they have resolved these legal issues.
RELOCATION, RESEARCH, AND FORENSIC EVALUATION: PART II: RESEARCH IN SUPPORT OF THE RELOCATION RISK ASSESSMENT MODEL
Authors: Austin William G.
Published: February 2008

The forensic risk assessment model for child custody relocation cases was described byAustin (2000a,2000b). It is a research‐based, actuarial predictive model designed to assist evaluators in organizing data for the complex relocation case. It is only the first step in the forensic relocation analysis. The model can serve as a heuristic for decision makers who are in a position of trying to resolve the decisional dilemmas associated with relocation. The research basis for the model is more fully described. The fact‐driven nature of relocation cases is emphasized. Evaluators and decision makers are also encouraged to integrate descriptive data that allow for a psychological cost/benefit analysis or the relative advantages/disadvantages to the children and parents associated with relocating or not relocating. The model is intended to facilitate the process of careful investigation by evaluators and to provide a scientific framework for the forensic analysis necessary for the crafting of appropriate parenting plans.
TRADE‐OFFS IN FORMULATING A CONSISTENT NATIONAL POLICY ON ADOPTION*
Authors: Hansen Mary Eschelbach , Pollack Daniel
Published: February 2008

Just as the courts must consider the trade‐off between the best interest of the child and parental rights in involuntary termination of parental rights, policy on international adoption must consider the trade‐offs between the best interest of the child and the long‐term interests of the nation. We argue that countries that suspend international adoptions do not maximize social welfare. A consistent national policy to maximize the well‐being of the children and society at large would be to devote resources today to the oversight of international adoption in accord with child protections under the Hague Convention, while at the same time developing a domestic system of care that provides for the physical and developmental needs of orphaned children in the context of permanent families.
A NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF MANDATORY PARENT EDUCATION*
Authors: Pollet Susan L. , Lombreglia Melissa
Published: February 2008

In an effort to take positive steps toward coping with problems for families and children created by high levels of separation and divorce, ever increasing civil caseloads and the exposure of children to interparental conflict, court‐affiliated educational programs have emerged in the United States for parents separating from their spouse or partner or going through a divorce. This article will provide an overview of the creation of such programs and their development, which includes a discussion regarding the numerous states currently mandating parents to attend. It will summarize some of the research which has been conducted as to the efficacy of the programs and will provide the results of our nationwide research for each state's parent education status. There is a discussion of domestic violence issues and sensitivities in the context of parent education programs and possible future directions for mandatory parent education.
SEX EDUCATION LEFT AT THE THRESHOLD OF THE SCHOOL DOOR: STRICTER REQUIREMENTS FOR PARENTAL OPT‐OUT PROVISIONS
Authors: Brough Keith
Published: February 2008

Current state law creates the risk that, if sex education is not provided to a child in public school, no similar instruction will be given to the child. Legislatively enacted opt‐out provisions give parents broad control over their child's education by granting them the option to have their child excused from any sex education requirements within a public school's curriculum. Through public school sex education, professionals provide youth information aimed at protecting them from the dangers of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A stricter statutory opt‐out provision should be enacted by state legislatures that only allows parents to excuse their child from sex education after a parent attends a 90‐minute STD prevention course and receives the instructional material used in the school's sex education curriculum. Parents should be provided up‐to‐date information and a structural framework designed by the school to encourage them to discuss with their child the many sexual issues addressed within a school's sex education curriculum.
Low‐Temperature Processing of Dense Hydroxyapatite–Zirconia Composites
Authors: Nayak Yougojoti , Rana Raghunath , Pratihar Swadesh , Bhattacharyya Santanu
Published: February 2008

Hydroxyapatite (HA)–YTZP (2, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% ZrO2) composite powders prepared from inorganic precursors were characterized by FTIR, DSC/TG, XRD, and TEM. The calcined powders had HA and t/c‐ZrO2, which undergo structural changes between 650°C and 1050°C. TEM of calcined powder showed larger HA particles (100 nm) and smaller ZrO2 particles (≤50 nm). HA and HA–2 wt% ZrO2‐sintered samples had 98% density and it was (90–95%) for HA–5, 7.5, and 10 wt% ZrO2. The bending strength of HA–2wt% ZrO2 composites was 72 MPa. The grain sizes of HA showed a refinement with ZrO2 addition.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED  Effect of Silica Sol on the Properties of Alumina‐Based Duplex Ceramic Cores
Authors: Qin Yexia , Pan Wei , Zhang Rui , Du Aibing
Published: February 2008

A series of alumina‐based ceramic cores sintered at 1300°C, 1400°C, and 1500°C for 5 h were prepared, and the phases and microstructures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of colloidal silica sols on the properties of ceramic core was discussed. The properties of these materials were determined. The results indicated that the microstructure of the core is characterized by the presence of substantially unreacted Al2O3 particles having a polycrystalline composition consisting essentially of in situ synthesized 3Al2O3·2SiO2 on the surface of the Al2O3 particles. The colloidal silica sol contents do not have an appreciable effect on the densification and shrinkage of the alumina ceramic core. The ceramic cores of 5 wt% colloidal silica sol contents sintered at 1500°C for 5 h showed the smallest creep deformation in the present research.
Novel Synthesis of SrBi2Nb2O9 Powders From Hydroxide Precursors
Authors: Gupta Upendra Nath , Rao Koteswara , Pradhan Sivaram , Jha Ratnesh Kumar , Muthurajan Harries , Ravi Venkat
Published: February 2008

Simple hydroxide precursors were used for the first time for the synthesis of a typical Aurivillius compound (SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN)) at a low temperature. This method is very advantageous because it circumvents the use of SrCO3 in the case of conventional ceramics as well in the coprecipitation methods, thereby lowering the formation of the product phase. Commercially purchased strontium hydroxide is mixed thoroughly with freshly precipitated bismuth and niobium hydroxides in a stoichiometric ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100°C to 750°C for 12 h. The sequence of the reaction and evolution of the product phase was monitored by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies by recording the XRD for samples calcined at different temperatures. The incipient SBN phase begins to form at temperatures as low as 400°C, and phase formation was complete only at 650°C as revealed by the XRD observations. The differential thermal/thermogravimetric analyses) also corroborate this result. The morphology and average particle size of these powders were investigated by transmission electron microscopy studies.
Improvement in Corrosion Resistance of Biomaterial Alumina after 60 keV Nitrogen Ion Implantation
Authors: Shikha Deep , Jha Usha , Sinha S. K. , Barhai P. K. , Kalavathy S. , Nair K. G. M. , Dash S. , Tyagi A. K. , Kothari D. C.
Published: February 2008

Surface modification of polycrystalline α‐alumina is carried out using ion implantation. Samples were implanted at 60 keV N+ ions with different ion doses ranging from 1 × 1015 to 1 × 1017 ions/cm2. Corrosion resistance is studied in a Ringer solution. The increase in corrosion resistance is due to the compound formation studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and glancing‐angle X‐ray diffraction techniques. Nanohardness is more at a lower ion dose and decreases at a higher ion dose. Microstrutural investigation shows that the decrease in corrosion resistance and nanohardness at a higher ion dose is due to the damage accumulation at the surface.
Spray Deposition of Cerium Oxide‐Based Conversion Coatings on Al 2024‐T3
Authors: Jones Philip S. , Yu Pu , Pinc William R. , O'Keefe Matthew J. , Fahrenholtz William G. , O'Keefe Thomas J.
Published: February 2008

Cerium oxide conversion coatings were deposited on aluminum alloy 2024‐T3 panels from an aqueous solution using a spray process. Substrate cleaning temperature was varied to evaluate its effect on deposition. Coating thickness did not increase linearly with the number of spray cycles. Deposition rate increased after five spray cycles for panels cleaned at 55°C or 65°C. After 15 spray cycles, coatings were <100 nm thick on panels cleaned at 45°C, but were more than 300 nm thick on panels cleaned at 55°C or 65°C. Based on corrosion testing, the best coatings formed on panels cleaned at 55°C.
Preparation of Cordierite Materials with Tailored Porosity by Gelcasting with Polysaccharides
Authors: Santacruz Isabel , Moreno Rodrigo , Rodrigues Neto Joao B.
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with the rheological characterization of agar and foaming surfactant‐containing suspensions for obtaining stoichiometric cordierite samples with tailored open macroporosity and their characterization through density and microstructural studies. The influence of the processing parameters solid loading (20, 30, and 45 vol%), slip temperature (65°C, 45°C, and 40°C), and agar/surfactant ratio (10.2, 8.0, and 5.6) on the obtained bodies is discussed. Open Porosity (up to 76 vol%) and average cell size were found to be strongly dependent on solids loading.
A Comparison of the Effects of Microwave Versus Conventional Drying on the Mechanical Properties Distribution of Dried Green Porcelains
Authors: Hemanthakumari P. N. , Satapathy Lakshmi Narayan
Published: February 2008

The effect of fast microwave drying of electroporcelain insulator component was studied by determining the reliability parameter. The Weibull modulus was calculated using the three‐point bend strength data of a large number of green samples which were dried using microwave energy. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional drying methods. It was observed that in most cases, microwave‐dried components yielded higher Weibull modulus than their conventionally dried counterparts. A high modulus value of >15 was achieved on the microwave‐dried samples. The analysis of the result was useful in understanding the fast drying process in ceramics.
Microwave‐Sintered MgO‐Doped Zirconia with Improved Mechanical and Tribological Properties
Authors: Nath Shekhar , Bajaj Sunny , Basu Bikramjit
Published: February 2008

This paper reports the results of microwave sintering (without post‐sintering annealing) on the microstructure, phase assemblage, and properties of 8 mol% (PSZ—partially stabilized zirconia), and 16 mol% (FSZ—fully stabilized zirconia) MgO‐alloyed zirconia. For the PSZ samples sintered at 1585°C, a maximum densification of ∼98%ρth, along with a hardness of ∼10.6 GPa and a fracture toughness of ∼6.8 MPa·m1/2, was obtained. The results of tribological experiments on some selected samples revealed that a good combination of a lower coefficient of friction of 0.35 and a wear rate of 10−7 mm3/N m can be obtained with the optimally sintered Mg‐PSZ.
MARKET TESTING AND PRISON RIOTS: HOW PUBLIC‐SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION CONTRIBUTED TO A PRISON RIOT
Authors: RYNNE JOHN , HARDING RICHARD W. , WORTLEY RICHARD
Published: February 2008

Research Summary:

Macroeconomic reforms have swept many modern Western corrections jurisdictions into a world of commercial realities, privatization, and competition. The following case study reviews how competition (i.e., a market test) between the public and the private sectors in tendering for the operation of the Woodford Corrections Centre contributed to a riot. A combined model of the threshold and state‐centered theories of prison riots provides a template that clarifies the interactions of factors that contributed to the riot. Through document analysis and interviews, it is evident that despite producing a highly innovative bid judged superior to the private sector, the public sector was caught in a policy bind that led to a prison riot 3 weeks after the new center opened.

Policy Implications:

This research highlights important policy considerations for governments initiating policy‐driven prison reform. First, the research highlights the need for custodial policy development and implementation to be strategic and part of an overall reform agenda that considers prison riot theory. Second, if the public sector is to be involved in open competition with the private sector, then policy should be consistent with the conditions of the competition. Prisons, whether public or private, cannot cope successfully with reformist policy that does not consider adequately the interactions of the individuals in the prison.
British Society for Haematology, Slide session, Annual Scientific Meeting, Bournemouth, 2007
Authors: BHAVNANI M. , BRAITHWAITE J. , BURTHEM J. , CROTTY G. , GIBSON B. , HUTCHINSON C. , JACKSON G. H. , LAYTON M. , LUCAS G. , MACARTNEY C. , MATTHEY F. , PARDOE L. , RADIA D. , WEBB S.
Published: February 2008

Eight cases discussed by experts at the 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Haematology are presented as at the meeting, with a discussion of the morphological features, digital information and differential diagnosis being followed by further information and a final diagnosis. Additionally, digital slides of two of the cases were available to be viewed by the internet with the opportunity for delegates to suggest diagnoses.
MITF‐CM, a newly identified isoform of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor, is expressed in cultured mast cells
Authors: SHIOHARA M. , SHIGEMURA T. , SUZUKI T. , TANAKA M. , MORII E. , OHTSU H. , SHIBAHARA S. , KOIKE K.
Published: February 2008

The microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) gene encodes a basic helix‐loop‐helix and leucin zipper protein. In this study, we identified a novel MITF isoform, MITF‐CM, which possesses a unique amino terminus. Exon 1CM is located 84 kb upstream of the exon encoding the B1b domain. MITF‐CM was expressed in the human mast cell line HMC‐1, the human basophilic cell line KU812, and CB‐derived mast cells cultured for 10 weeks as well as bone marrow mononuclear cells. Transient transfection of MITF‐CM cDNA in COS‐7 cells resulted in the expression of a 64‐kDa protein, detected by Western blotting, and nuclear localization of the protein, detected by immunostaining. The transient cotransfection of a luciferase construct under the control of the tyrosinase promoter and MITF‐CM cDNA increased luciferase activity threefold. In contrast, none of the MITF isoforms transactivated both the tryptase and chymase gene promoters, indicating differences in the gene transactivation system between humans and mice.
Blood viscosity modulates tissue perfusion – sometimes and somewhere
Authors: LENZ C. , REBEL A. , WASCHKE K.F. , KOEHLER R.C. , FRIETSCH T.
Published: February 2008

Each organ possesses specific properties for controlling microvascular perfusion. Such specificity provides an opportunity to design transfusion fluids that target thrombo‐embolic or vasospasm‐induced ischemia in a particular organ or that optimize overall perfusion from systemic shock. The role of viscosity in the design of these fluids might be underestimated, because viscosity is rarely monitored or considered in critical care decisions. Studies linking viscosity‐dependent changes of microvascular perfusion to outcome‐relevant data suggest that whole blood viscosity is negligible as a determinant of microvascular perfusion under physiological conditions when autoregulation is effective. Because autoregulation is driven to maintain oxygen supply constant, the organism will compensate for changes in blood viscosity to sustain oxygen delivery. In contrast, under pathological conditions in the brain and elsewhere, increases of overall viscosity should be avoided – including all the situations where vascular autoregulatory mechanisms are inoperative due to ischemia, structural damage or physiologic dysfunction. As latter conditions cannot be identified with high certainty, the risks that accompany therapeutic correction of blood viscosity outweigh the benefits. The ability to monitor blood viscosity at the bedside and to link changes in viscosity to outcome parameters in various clinical conditions would provide more solid foundation for evidence‐based clinical management.
Novel strategies for transporting cellular hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers in the systemic circulation
Authors: HARRIS DAVID R. , PALMER ANDRE F.
Published: February 2008

This review focuses on innovative chemical and biomolecular design strategies for engineering cellular hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers with prolonged systemic circulatory half‐lives. Traditional lipid formulations used in the self‐assembly of liposome encapsulated hemoglobin dispersions are discussed in light of newly designed liposome, nanoparticle and polymersome encapsulated hemoglobin dispersions. The clinical transfusion potential of these cellular HBOCs is discussed in terms of key design parameters such as: particle size distribution, hemoglobin encapsulation efficiency, methemoglobin level, oxygen affinity, cooperativity coefficient, circulation kinetics and biodistribution.
The safety profile of Hemospan®: a new oxygen therapeutic designed using maleimide poly(ethylene) glycol conjugation to human hemoglobin
Authors: VANDEGRIFF KIM D. , YOUNG MARK A. , KEIPERT PETER E. , WINSLOW ROBERT M.
Published: February 2008

Hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers have been under development for several decades, but so far none has completed clinical trials due to safety issues, including fundamental concerns regarding hemoglobin‐induced vasoconstriction and oxidative reactions. The question becomes whether these attributes are inherent to the hemoglobin molecule itself, or if the molecule can be modified in such a way as to avoid untoward side effects. To this end, Sangart designed a new type of oxygen therapeutic, Hemospan®, based on site‐specific, maleimide poly(ethylene) glycol conjugation chemistry. The product, also referred to as MP4, is neither vasoconstrictive nor does it promote oxidation in vivo. The design principles were three‐fold: (i) increase hemoglobin molecular size to prolong intravascular retention; (ii) increase oxygen affinity to prevent premature unloading of oxygen in the arterioles, thus avoiding arteriolar vasoconstriction; and (iii) optimize colloidal osmotic pressure and viscosity to enhance blood flow. Preclinical studies with Hemospan in animal models of hemodilution and hemorrhage show maintenance of blood pressure and cardiac output, with improved oxygen delivery compared to early‐generation products of cross‐linked and polymerized hemoglobins. Four Phase I and II clinical trials have been completed, showing that Hemospan is generally well tolerated in humans, with additional evidence of efficacy through Hemospan's capacity to impart hemodynamic stability in surgical patients. Two multi‐center Phase III trials of Hemospan in orthopedic surgery are now underway in Europe.