bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health of Children Born as a Result of In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Klemetti Reija , Sevón Tiina , Gissler Mika , Hemminki Elina
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to use nationwide registries to examine the health of children up to 4 years of age who were born as a result of in vitro fertilization.

METHODS. Children born after in vitro fertilization (N = 4559) from 1996 to 1999 were monitored until 2003. Two control groups were selected from the Finnish Medical Birth Register as follows: all other children (excluding children born after ovulation induction) from the same period (N = 190398, for study of perinatal health and hospitalizations) and a random sample of those children (n = 26877, for study of health-related benefits). Mortality rates and odds ratios for perinatal outcomes, hospitalizations, health-related benefits, and long-term medication use were calculated.

RESULTS. Although the health of most in vitro fertilization children was good, such children had more health problems than other children. A total of 35.7% of in vitro fertilization children and 2.2% of control children were multiple births, and the health of multiple births was worse than that of singletons. Perinatal outcomes of in vitro fertilization children were worse and hospital episodes were more common than among control children. Risks for cerebral palsy and psychological and developmental disorders were increased. Among in vitro fertilization singletons, worse results for perinatal outcomes and hospitalizations, but no increased risk for specific diseases, were found. The health of in vitro fertilization multiple births was comparable to the health of control multiple births.

CONCLUSIONS. Reducing the number of transferred embryos would improve the health of in vitro fertilization children. Additional studies are needed to explain the poorer health of in vitro fertilization singletons, as well as follow-up studies to examine the health of in vitro fertilization children from 4 years onward.
Sucrose Analgesia: Identifying Potentially Better Practices
Authors: Lefrak Linda , Burch Kelly , Caravantes Rheta , Knoerlein Kim , DeNolf Nancy , Duncan Jill , Hampton Frances , Johnston Celeste , Lockey Debbie , RN Cassandra Martin-Walters , McLendon Debra , Porter Melinda , Richardson Cliff , Robinson Cathy , RN Krystyna Toczylowski
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. The objectives of this study were to review the use of oral sucrose for procedural pain management in NICUs, develop potentially better practice guidelines that are based on the best current evidence, and provide ideas for the implementation of these potentially better practices.

METHODS. A collaboration of 12 centers of the Vermont Oxford Network worked together to review the strength of the evidence, clinical indications, dosage, administration, and contraindications and identify potential adverse effects for the use of sucrose analgesia as the basis of potentially better practices for sucrose analgesia guidelines. Several units implemented the guidelines.

RESULTS. Through reviews and inputs from all centers of the evidence, consensus was reached and guidelines that included indication, dosage per painful procedure, age-related dosage over 24 hours, method of delivery, and contraindications were developed.

CONCLUSIONS. Guidelines now are available from a consensus group, and suggestions for implementation of guidelines, based on implementation of other pain management strategies, were developed.
Effects of a Combined Therapy of Erythropoietin, Iron, Folate, and Vitamin B12 on the Transfusion Requirements of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Haiden Nadja , Schwindt Jens , Cardona Francesco , Berger Angelika , Klebermass Katrin , Wald Martin , Kohlhauser-Vollmuth Christina , Jilma Bernd , Pollak Arnold
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. Erythropoietin is frequently administered to premature infants to stimulate erythropoiesis. The primary goal of erythropoietin therapy is to reduce transfusions, but the efficacy of erythropoietin has not been convincingly demonstrated in this regard. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether combined administration of vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and erythropoietin could decrease transfusion requirements in extremely low birth weight infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. In a randomized, controlled trial, extremely low birth weight infants with a birth weight ≤800g and a gestational age ≤32 weeks were randomly assigned to a group receiving combination treatment or a control arm.

RESULTS. The treatment increased levels of folate in red blood cells, vitamin B12, ferritin, transferrin receptor levels in plasma, and reticulocyte counts. The proportion of infants requiring no transfusions was lower in the treatment group (38%) as compared with controls (5%). The treatment group and the need for mechanical ventilation were independent predictors of the number of transfusions in multiple regression analysis. Cox regression analysis indicated that combined therapy resulted in a 79% risk reduction for any transfusion.

CONCLUSION. Combined treatment with erythropoietin, intravenous iron, folate, and vitamin B12 during the first weeks reduces the need for transfusion in extremely low birth weight infants.
Compliance With the Recommendations for 2 Doses of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Children Less Than 9 Years of Age Receiving Influenza Vaccine for the First Time: A Vaccine Safety Datalink Study
Authors: Jackson Lisa A. , Neuzil Kathleen M. , Baggs James , Davis Robert L. , Black Steve , Yamasaki Kristi M. , Belongia Ed , Zangwill Kenneth M. , Mullooly John , Nordin James , Marcy S. Michael , DeStefano Frank
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES. Children <9 years of age do not respond optimally to a first dose of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, and so 2 doses of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine are recommended for children <9 years of age who are being vaccinated for the first time. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to evaluate compliance with the 2-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine recommendations.

POPULATION AND SETTING. We evaluated 125928 children 6 months through 8 years of age who were enrolled in health maintenance organizations in the United States participating in the Vaccine Safety Datalink project and who received their first dose of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in the 2001–2002, 2002–2003, or 2003–2004 influenza seasons.

RESULTS. Compliance with the 2 dose recommendations varied by age group and influenza season. Among children 6 to 23 months of age, the proportion of first-vaccinated children who received a second vaccination was 44% in 2001–2002, 54% in 2002–2003, and 29% in 2003–2004. Among children 2 to 8 years of age, the corresponding proportions were 15%, 24%, and 12%, respectively. In all seasons, compliance with the second vaccination was highest in children first vaccinated by mid-November.

CONCLUSIONS. The majority of children who received their first dose of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine did not complete the 2-dose series. The recently expanded recommendation for universal vaccination of children 6 to 59 months of age and their household contacts will substantially increase the number of children targeted for a first influenza vaccination. Noncompliance with the 2-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine series may be associated with suboptimal protection against infection, which may impact the magnitude of the direct and indirect benefits achieved by the vaccination program.
Predicting Outcomes of Neonates Diagnosed With Hypoxemic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Carlo Waldemar A. , Shankaran Seetha , Bann Carla M. , Emrich Steven L. , Higgins Rosemary D. , Tyson Jon E. , O'Shea T. Michael , Laptook Abbot R. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Donovan Edward F. , Walsh Michele C. , Goldberg Ronald N. , Das Abhik ,   for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. The goals were to identify predictor variables and to develop scoring systems and classification trees to predict death/disability or death in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

METHODS. Secondary analysis of data from the multicenter, randomized, controlled, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network trial of hypothermia in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was performed. Data for 205 neonates diagnosed as having hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were studied. Logistic regression analysis was performed by using clinical and laboratory variables available within 6 hours of birth, with death or moderate/severe disability at 18 to 22 months or death as the outcomes. By using the identified variables and odds ratios, scoring systems to predict death/disability or death were developed, weighting each predictor in proportion to its odds ratio. In addition, classification and regression tree analysis was performed, with recursive partitioning and automatic selection of optimal cutoff points for variables. Correct classification rates for the scoring systems, classification and regression tree models, and early neurologic examination were compared.

RESULTS. Correct classification rates were 78% for death/disability and 71% for death with the scoring systems, 80% and 77%, respectively, with the classification and regression tree models, and 67% and 73% with severe encephalopathy in early neurologic examination. Correct classification rates were similar in the hypothermia and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS. Among neonates diagnosed as having hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, the classification and regression tree model, but not the scoring system, was superior to early neurologic examination in predicting death/disability. The 3 models were comparable in predicting death. Only a few components of the early neurologic examination were associated with poor outcomes. These scoring systems and classification trees, if validated, may help in assessments of prognosis and may prove useful for risk-stratification of infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy for clinical trials.
Ontogenetic Changes in Prey Preference and Foraging Ability of Yellow Perch: Insights Based on Relative Energetic Return of Prey
Authors: Graeb Brian D. S. , Mangan Matthew T. , Jolley Jeffrey C. , Wahl David H. , Dettmers John M.
Published: November 2006

Ontogenetic diet shifts are an important component of the early life history of many fishes. Successfully shifting diets affects not only individuals but also populations and communities. We experimentally quantified prey selection and feeding behavior of age‐0 yellow perch Perca flavescens to determine the sizes at which diet shifts occur and identify potential mechanisms driving these shifts. Yellow perch were provided three prey types (zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish) at high‐ and low‐density combinations. Small yellow perch (20 mm total length [TL]) positively selected zooplankton, but intermediate‐sized fish (40 and 60 mm TL) shifted to benthic invertebrates. At 80 mm TL, yellow perch positively selected benthic invertebrate and fish prey, indicating the onset of piscivory. Relative densities of prey items did not influence prey selection patterns. Diet shifts from zooplankton to benthic invertebrates to fish prey were supported by an increased energetic gain and decreased foraging costs for each prey type as age‐0 yellow perch size increased. Quantifying prey selection and foraging behavior under various prey densities can be used to better understand mechanisms governing ontogenetic diet shifts in fishes.
Genetic Population Structure of Remnant Lake Sturgeon Populations in the Upper Great Lakes Basin
Authors: DeHaan Patrick W. , Libants Scot V. , Elliott Robert F. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: November 2006

Populations of lake sturgeonAcipenser fulvescenshave undergone dramatic declines in abundance and distribution in the Great Lakes basin and are a species of conservation concern throughout their range. While information regarding the genetic population structure of this species is critical for the development of effective management plans, little information currently exists. We examined both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation as a means of estimating population genetic diversity within, and the degree of spatial population structuring among, 11 remnant lake sturgeon populations in the upper Great Lakes basin. Multiple measures of genetic diversity were consistently high across populations and were not significantly correlated with estimates of current adult population size. Despite substantial population declines, life history characteristics, including longevity and iteroparity, appear to have buffered lake sturgeon populations from losses of genetic diversity. Significant levels of interpopulation variance in both microsatellite allele and mtDNA haplotype frequencies (mean genetic differentiation index = 0.055 over eight microsatellite loci; mean haplotype frequencies = 0.134 for mtDNA) were detected. Population structure is most likely a function of high levels of natal fidelity, a trend observed in other species of sturgeonAcipenserspp. We discuss the implications of these results with regard to the management and conservation of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes.
Survival, Development, and Growth of Fall Chinook Salmon Embryos, Alevins, and Fry Exposed to Variable Thermal and Dissolved Oxygen Regimes
Authors: Geist David R. , Abernethy C. Scott , Hand Kristine D. , Cullinan Valerie I. , Chandler James A. , Groves Phillip A.
Published: November 2006

Some fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha initiate spawning in the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam at temperatures that exceed 13°C and at intergravel dissolved oxygen concentrations that are less than 8 mg O2/L. Although water temperature declines and dissolved oxygen increases soon after spawning, the initial temperature and dissolved oxygen levels do not meet the water quality standards established by the states of Oregon and Idaho for salmonid spawning. Our objective was to determine whether temperatures from 13°C to 17°C and dissolved oxygen levels from 4 to more than 8 mg O2/L during the first 40 d of incubation followed by declining temperature and rising dissolved oxygen affected survival, development, and growth of Snake River fall Chinook salmon embryos, alevins, and fry. During the first 40 d of incubation, temperatures were experimentally adjusted downward approximately 0.2°C/d and oxygen was increased in increments of 2 mg O2/L to mimic the thermal and oxygen regime of the Snake River where these fish spawn. At 40 d postfertilization, embryos were moved to a common exposure regime that followed the thermal and dissolved oxygen profile of the Snake River through emergence. Mortality of fall Chinook salmon embryos increased markedly at initial incubation temperatures of 17°C or more, and a rapid decline in survival occurred between 16.5°C and 17°C; there were no significant differences in survival at temperatures up to 16.5°C. Initial dissolved oxygen levels as low as 4 mg O2/L over a range of initial temperatures from 15°C to 16.5°C did not affect embryo survival to emergence. There were no significant differences in alevin and fry size at hatch and emergence across the range of initial temperature exposures. The number of days from fertilization to eyed egg, hatch, and emergence was highly related to temperature and dissolved oxygen; fish required from 6 to 10 d longer to reach hatch at 4 mg O2/L than at saturation and up to 24 d longer to reach emergence. In contrast, within each dissolved oxygen treatment, fish required about 20 d longer to reach hatch at 13°C than at 16.5°C (no data were available for 17°C) and up to 41 d longer to reach emergence. Overall, this study indicates that exposure to water temperatures up to 16.5°C will not have deleterious effects on survival or growth from egg to emergence if temperatures decline at a rate of 0.2°C/d or more after spawning. Although fall Chinook salmon survived low initial dissolved oxygen levels, the delay in emergence could have significant long‐term effects on their survival. Thus, an exemption to the state water quality standards for temperature—but not oxygen—may be warranted for the portions of the Snake River where fall Chinook salmon spawn.
Evaluating Passive Integrated Transponder Tags for Marking Mottled Sculpins: Effects on Growth and Mortality
Authors: Ruetz Carl R. , Earl Brendan M. , Kohler Steven L.
Published: November 2006

We examined the efficacy of marking mottled sculpins Cottus bairdii with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags in a 28‐d laboratory study. A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was used to compare growth and mortality of tagged fish with those of a control group (i.e., not injected with tags) among three size‐classes (55–59, 60–69, and ≥70 mm total length [TL]). Fish were measured on the day of tagging and each week thereafter. Among 26 tagged fish (56–83 mm TL), both survival and tag retention were 96% or greater. Survival was 100% among 25 control fish (56–85 mm TL). Instantaneous growth rates (calculated on a cumulative basis for each sampling period based on mass) for tagged fish were significantly lower than those for control fish during the first 14 d, suggesting that mottled sculpins recovered from PIT tagging after 14–21 d. Additionally, fish size did not significantly affect the instantaneous growth rate of PIT‐tagged fish relative to that of the control group. More importantly, we found (on the basis of instantaneous growth rates) that on average, the maximum difference in mass between tagged and control fish was less than 4% among sampling periods for each size‐class. Our results suggest that PIT tags are a viable technique for marking small fish and have minimal impacts on growth and mortality.
Experimental Effects of Nonnative Brown Trout on the Individual‐ and Population‐Level Performance of Native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Authors: McHugh Peter , Budy Phaedra
Published: November 2006

In western North America, nonnative trout invasions threaten the persistence of native cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii subspp. through competition, predation, and hybridization. While small‐scale individual‐level studies on nonnative–native fish interactions have helped elucidate mechanisms of impact, very few investigations have occurred at a scale consistent with that of species replacement. Thus, large‐scale population‐level studies are needed to understand the effects of nonnative fish as well as to more effectively conserve native fishes in the presence of nonnative fish. For this reason, we conducted an evaluation of the effects of nonnative brown trout Salmo trutta on the individual‐ and population‐level performance of native cutthroat trout using a field‐experimental approach. We studied local populations of cutthroat trout in the presence and absence of brown trout in long stream reaches and subsequently compared growth, condition, stable‐isotope‐based measures of dietary habits, movement, and survival between treatment groups. We found clear evidence for reduced cutthroat trout growth owing to the presence of brown trout. Additionally, we observed differences in cutthroat trout dietary habits based on δ13C signatures resulting from our experimental manipulation of brown trout abundance. Finally, brown trout suppressed cutthroat trout movement but had no apparent effect on their survival. Considering previous studies, we concluded that the individual‐level effects of brown trout on cutthroat trout are scale invariant. Higher‐level impacts (i.e., on movement and survival), in contrast, appear to be more sensitive to the scale at which the investigation is conducted. Overall, our results indicate that brown trout can have strong negative effects on cutthroat trout performance and should therefore be more explicitly considered in native fish conservation plans.
Residential Segregation and Injection Drug Use Prevalence Among Black Adults in US Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Cooper Hannah L.F. , Friedman Samuel R. , Tempalski Barbara , Friedman Risa
Published: November 2006

Objectives. We analyzed the relations of two 1990 dimensions of racial residential segregation (isolation and concentration) with 1998 injection drug use prevalence among Black adult residents of 93 large US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).

Methods. We estimated injection drug use prevalence among Black adults in each MSA by analyzing 3 databases documenting injection drug users’ encounters with the health care system. Multiple linear regression methods were used to investigate the relationship of isolation and concentration to the natural logarithm of Black adult injection drug use prevalence, controlling for possible confounders.

Results. The median injection drug use prevalence was 1983 per 100000 Black adults (interquartile range: 1422 to 2759 per 100000). The median isolation index was 0.48 (range: 0.05 to 0.84): in half the MSAs studied, the average Black resident inhabited a census tract where 48% or more of the residents were Black. The multiple regression model indicates that an increase of 0.50 in the isolation index was associated with a 23% increase in injection drug use prevalence among Black adults. Concentration was unrelated to the outcome.

Conclusions. Residential isolation is positively related to Black injection drug use prevalence in MSAs. Research into the pathways linking isolation to injection drug use is needed.
Racial Differences in 30-Day Mortality for Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Ibrahim Said A. , Stone Roslyn A. , Obrosky D. Scott , Sartorius Jennifer , Fine Michael J. , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: November 2006

Objectives. Previous studies reported a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality for Black patients who had pulmonary embolism than for White patients. We used a large statewide database to compare 30-day mortality (defined as death within 30 days from the date of latest hospital admission) for Black and White patients who were hospitalized because of pulmonary embolism.

Methods. The study cohort consisted of 15531 discharged patients who had been treated for pulmonary embolism at 186 Pennsylvania hospitals between January 2000 and November 2002. We used random-effects logistic regression to model 30-day mortality for Black and White patients, and adjusted for patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results. The unadjusted 30-day mortality rates were 9.0% for White patients, 10.3% for Blacks, and 10.9% for patients of other or unknown race. When adjusted for severity of disease using a validated clinical prognostic model for pulmonary embolism, Black patients had 30% higher odds of 30-day mortality compared with White patients at the same site (adjusted odds ratio = 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1,1.6). Neither insurance status nor hospital volume was a significant predictor of 30-day mortality.

Conclusion. Black patients who had pulmonary embolism had significantly higher odds of 30-day mortality compared with White patients.
Effect of Televised, Tobacco Company–Funded Smoking Prevention Advertising on Youth Smoking-Related Beliefs, Intentions, and Behavior
Authors: Wakefield Melanie , Terry-McElrath Yvonne , Emery Sherry , Saffer Henry , Chaloupka Frank J. , Szczypka Glen , Flay Brian , O’Malley Patrick M. , Johnston Lloyd D.
Published: November 2006

Objective. To relate exposure to televised youth smoking prevention advertising to youths’ smoking beliefs, intentions, and behaviors.

Methods. We obtained commercial television ratings data from 75 US media markets to determine the average youth exposure to tobacco company youth-targeted and parent-targeted smoking prevention advertising. We merged these data with nationally representative school-based survey data (n = 103 172) gathered from 1999 to 2002. Multivariate regression models controlled for individual, geographic, and tobacco policy factors, and other televised antitobacco advertising.

Results. There was little relation between exposure to tobacco company–sponsored, youth-targeted advertising and youth smoking outcomes. Among youths in grades 10 and 12, during the 4 months leading up to survey administration, each additional viewing of a tobacco company parent-targeted advertisement was, on average, associated with lower perceived harm of smoking (odds ratio [OR]=0.93; confidence interval [CI]=0.88, 0.98), stronger approval of smoking (OR=1.11; CI=1.03,1.20), stronger intentions to smoke in the future (OR=1.12; CI=1.04,1.21), and greater likelihood of having smoked in the past 30 days (OR=1.12; CI=1.04,1.19).

Conclusions. Exposure to tobacco company youth-targeted smoking prevention advertising generally had no beneficial outcomes for youths. Exposure to tobacco company parent-targeted advertising may have harmful effects on youth, especially among youths in grades 10 and 12.
Pharmacokinetics of Testosterone Undecanoate Injected Alone or in Combination With Norethisterone Enanthate in Healthy Men
Authors: Qoubaitary Ammar , Meriggiola Cristina , Ng Chiu Ming , Lumbreras Leslie , Cerpolini Silvia , Pelusi G. , Christensen Peter D. , Hull Laura , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Wang Christina
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: Long‐acting injectable testosterone undecanoate (TU) is a promising androgen for male hormonal contraception. As a prerequisite for a planned multicenter male contraceptive efficacy study, we studied the pharmacokinetics of 2 doses of TU alone or in combination with norethisterone enanthate (NETE) in a prospective 2‐center study, randomized for TU dose in each center. Twenty healthy male volunteers in each center were administered intramuscular injections of 750 or 1000 mg TU alone or in combination with 200 mg of NETE IM every 8 weeks for 3 injections. There were no significant differences in maximum concentration and area under the curve (AUC) for serum total and free testosterone (T) between the TU 750 and 1000 mg groups, irrespective of whether TU was administered with 200 mg of NETE. TU 1000 mg IM alone or with NETE at 8‐weekly intervals resulted in linear increases in average concentration and AUC of serum total and free T with each injection. Accumulation ratios of serum total and free T levels (calculated as 8 weeks post‐ to preinjection levels) for each period showed significant increases in the TU+ NETE groups. Serum gonadotropins levels and sperm concentration were more consistently suppressed in the TU 1000 mg + NETE group. We conclude that despite some accumulation of T, TU 1000 mg + NETE 200 mg administered every 8 weeks may be preferable for the future contraceptive efficacy study because of more complete suppression of gonadotropins and spermatogenesis.
Tslc1 (Nectin‐Like Molecule‐2) Is Essential for Spermatozoa Motility and Male Fertility
Authors: Surace Ezequiel I. , Strickland Amy , Hess Rex A. , Gutmann David H. , Naughton Cathy K.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: The nectin‐like molecule‐2 (TSLC1) is a cell‐cell adhesion molecule expressed in testicular germ cells. To directly examine the role of Tslc1 in male fertility, we generated Tslc1+/– mice that have greater than 90% reduction in Tslc1 expression. Tslc1+/– males exhibited reduced fertility and rarely transmitted the Tslc1 mutant allele, whereas Tslc1+/– females were consistently able to transmit the mutant allele. Histologic and electron microscopic analyses of the testes in Tslc1+/– mice demonstrated disruption of the junctional scaffold between germ cells and Sertoli cells. Reduced Tslc1 expression had no effect on germ cell proliferation or apoptosis. While evidence of normal spermatozoal maturation was supported by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis, spermatozoa from Tslc1+/– mice demonstrated markedly reduced motility without compromised viability. Collectively, these results establish an essential role for Tslc1 in spermatozoal maturation and motility, distinct from other members of the nectin family.
Influence of Various Permeating Cryoprotectants on Freezability of Iberian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) Epididymal Spermatozoa: Effects of Concentration and Temperature of Addition
Authors: Fernández‐Santos María R. , Esteso Milagros C. , Montoro Vidal , Soler Ana J. , Garde José J.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT: With the aim of finding an ideal cryoprotectant (CPA) in a suitable concentration for red deer epididymal spermatozoa cryopreservation, we evaluated the effects of the 3 most commonly used CPAs, glycerol (GLY), ethylene glycol (EG), and propylene glycol (PG), on sperm cryoresistance. The aim of Experiment 1 was to evaluate the influence of 3 different final concentrations (3%, 6%, and 12%) of each CPA on sperm freezability. Sperm samples were diluted to a final sperm concentration of ∼400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL with a Tris‐citrate‐fructose‐EY extender (TCF) prior to freezing. Sperm cryosurvival was judged in vitro by microscopic assessments of individual sperm motility (SMI), viability, and plasma membrane (by means of the HOS test) and acrosome (NAR) integrities. Thawed samples were incubated at 37°C for 2 hours in the freezing medium. At the end of this incubation period, sperm suspensions were again assessed. Our results showed that 12% of any CPA was toxic to red deer epididymal spermatozoa membrane integrity (P < .05). Moreover, regardless of the level of CPA, results indicated that the cryoprotective effects on red deer epididymal spermatozoa of the 3 CPAs after thawing are in the following sequence: GLY > EG > PG (higher symbols mean P < .001). Furthermore, our results also showed an improvement in sperm parameters when the TCF diluent contained 6% of GLY. In Experiment 2 extenders were prepared using GLY 6%. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of 2 different temperatures of GLY addition −22°C (ambient temperature) and 5°C2 on sperm freezability. Our results showed a differential response (P < .05) of motility (SMI) to temperature of GLY addition before freezing, the best being 22°C (81.94 ± 2.4% vs 72.38 ± 2.4%). Although there were no statistically significant differences (P > .05) between the 2 temperatures of GLY addition after thawing in terms of sperm quality, after 2 hours of incubation, results tended to be better when CPAs were added at 22°C. In conclusion, our work showed the efficacy of a TCF diluent with 6% of GLY and its addition at 22°C, as an alternative to the more common 3%–4% of GLY and addition at 5°C, in red deer semen freezing protocols.
Listening to Students' Voices on Learning with Information Technologies in a Rich Technology-Based Classroom
Authors: Levin Tamar , Wadmany Rivka
Published: November 2006

This study explores the views on learning, technology and classroom practices of both students and teachers in a technology-enriched classroom environment. It examined the characteristics and uniqueness of 4th-6th grade students' views and the changes in their teachers' views as result of longitudinal experiences of an innovative approach to learning and teaching that focused on learning through information rich tasks in a technology rich environment. The main findings show that in almost all participating classrooms, students' views were aligned with constructivist ideologies and mainly emphasized the characteristics of authentic and social-dialogical learning and its contribution to their cognitive development. The findings also express three key views regarding learning in an information-rich environment: learning from ICT, about ICT, and with ICT. The findings demonstrate the multi-dimensional nature of teachers' beliefs, and reflect the complex nature of the relationship between students' views and teachers' educational beliefs and practices.
The Making of Global Citizens: Traces of Cosmopolitanism in the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki
Authors: Duhn Iris
Published: November 2006

The first New Zealand early childhood curriculum framework, Te Whāriki, was published in 1996. Te Whāriki presents quality in early childhood education as productive of a particular type of child. In this article the author argues that Te Whāriki is not about ‘best practice’ but about producing the ideal child. This child emerged at a time when New Zealand was deeply entangled in neo-liberal visions of globalisation. The type of child embedded in New Zealand's early childhood curriculum has the potential to affirm neo-liberal visions of the future global subject.
What's the Point of Lifelong Learning if Lifelong Learning Has No Point? On the Democratic Deficit of Policies for Lifelong Learning
Authors: Biesta Gert
Published: November 2006

This article provides an analysis of shifts that have taken place in policy discourses on lifelong learning by organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union. The article documents the shifts in these discourses over time, analyses the changes in content of these discourses (both in terms of what is included and what is excluded in the discussion), and explores the intended and unintended consequences that follow from these ways of thinking about (policy for) lifelong learning. The article documents a shift towards understanding the point and purpose of lifelong learning primarily in economic terms and far less in relation to the personal and the democratic function of lifelong learning. It is argued that under the conditions of the learning economy lifelong learning itself has become understood as an individual task rather than as a collective project and that this has transformed lifelong learning from a right to a duty. This raises important questions about who has the democratic right to set the agenda for lifelong learning. It also raises important issues about the motivation for lifelong learning and points particularly towards the predicament of the lifelong learner who has to engage in forms of learning without being able to control his or her own ‘agenda’ for learning. The rise of the learning economy has also put a stress on the democratic potential of lifelong learning, which is one of the most worrying consequences of the rise of the discourse of the learning economy. Since transnational policy documents have a strong ‘agenda-setting’ function for the development of national policies and practices, it is important at a national level to be aware of the assumptions, implications and intended and unintended consequences of such policy discourses.
Discursive Battles about the Meaning of University: The Case of Danish University Reform and its Academics
Authors: Krejsler John
Published: November 2006

The meaning of university and, subsequently, academics' working conditions are rapidly changing as knowledge economy and globalisation discourses continue to deepen across the Western world. Higher education and research agendas are increasingly staged in the discursive universe of knowledge economy language: common strategies and harmonisation within Europe (the Bologna process), integration of universities into national knowledge economy strategies that adapt to signals from the World Trade Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, etc. Illustrated by the case of Danish university reform, this article traces the transition from a vanishing ‘democratic and “Humboldtian”’ university discourse‘ toward an emerging ‘market and efficiency oriented university discourse‘. Universities are being turned into organisations with self-ownership, which allegedly increases their freedom of operation on the research and education ‘market‘. On the other hand, universities are under increased pressure to satisfy government demands, often at hitherto unknown levels of detail. Seen from the point of view of the academic worker, these processes become visible through a host of new social technologies that individualise and totalise researchers simultaneously through complex processes. The article highlights the point that constructive critique and fruitful counter-strategies must incorporate an in-depth understanding of the radicality of changes that are taking place in order to make a difference.
Conformity to New Global Imperatives and Demands: The Case of Swedish School Principals
Authors: Höög Jonas , Bredeson Paul V. , Johansson Olof
Published: November 2006

Over the past three decades, the forces of globalisation — economic, political and cultural — have significantly affected institutions and people across the world: altering in some ways the very terrain of public and private life. Public education has in no small way been challenged by new realities and new demands in an increasingly interdependent yet competitive world environment. School principals are uniquely positioned as formal leaders of diverse and complex educational systems to mediate the often times opposing forces of globalisation and localism with their communities. This article examines school leaders' understanding of their work and their work role priorities, especially with regard to teaching and learning, within a policy environment characterised by increasingly convergent policy and leadership discourse. Two major questions are addressed, theoretically and empirically: in what ways do school principals in Sweden, which has strong democratic traditions, address the tension between localism and national interests and the press for conformity to new global imperatives and demands; and to what degree, if any, has globalisation created a new hegemony in school leadership? It is concluded that school principals in Sweden respond to questions about their schools without any reference to new global imperatives and demands. Their attention was generally related to national demands. Also, we see no clear evidence that globalisation has created a new hegemony in school leadership in Sweden.
Inclination of the patellar ligament in relation to flexion angle in stifle joints of dogs without degenerative joint disease
Authors: Dennler Renate , Kipfer Nicolas M. , Tepic Slobodan , Hassig Michael , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: November 2006

Objective—To measure the angles between the patellar ligament and the tibial plateau and between the patellar ligament and the common tangent at the tibiofemoral contact point (TFCP) throughout the full range of motion of the stifle joint in dogs and determine the flexion angles at which the patellar ligament is perpendicular to the tibial plateau or to the common tangent.

Sample Population—16 hind limbs from cadavers of 9 adult dogs without radiographically detectable degenerative joint disease.

Procedures—Mediolateral radiographic views of the stifle joints from full extension through full flexion were obtained (10° increments). Angles between the tibial and femoral long axes (β), between the patellar ligament and the tibial plateau γ), and between the patellar ligament and the common tangent at TFCP (α) were measured. Data were analyzed via simple linear regression.

Results—In canine stifle joints, angles γ and α decreased linearly with increasing flexion (angle β). The patellar ligament was perpendicular to the tibial plateau and perpendicular to the common tangent at the TFCP at 90° and 110° of flexion, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—By use of the conventionally defined tibial plateau, data suggest that at approximately 90° of flexion in stifle joints of dogs, shear force in the sagittal plane exerted on the proximal portion of the tibia shifts the loading from the cranial to the caudal cruciate ligament. Analyses involving the common tangent at the TFCP (a more anatomically representative reference point) identified this crossover point at approximately 110° of joint flexion.
Differences in hematocrit of blood samples obtained from two venipuncture sites in sharks
Authors: Mylniczenko Natalie D. , Curtis Eric W. , Wilborn Rachel E. , Young Forrest A.
Published: November 2006

Objective—To evaluate differences in Hct between 2 venipuncture sites in captive and free-ranging sharks.

Animals—32 healthy adult captive sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus, Carcharhinus plumbeus, Stegastoma fasciatum, Orectolobus japonicus, and Triaenodon obesus) and 15 captured free-ranging adult sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus and Carcharhinus acronotus).

Procedures—Blood samples were collected from the caudal tail artery followed by collection from the sinus located immediately caudal to the cranial dorsal fin. The Hct was determined for each sample and results were compared. Additionally, results for sharks that were highly active and used aerobic metabolism were compared with results for sharks that were less active and tolerant of anaerobic conditions.

Results—Mean Hct for all sharks was significantly less (8% less) in blood samples obtained from the cranial dorsal fin sinus, compared with the Hct for samples obtained from the caudal tail artery. When compared on the basis of metabolic class, sharks that were more tolerant of anaerobic conditions had lower Hct values and smaller differences between the 2 venipuncture sites.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hct values were significantly lower in blood samples collected from the cranial dorsal fin sinus compared with values for samples collected from the caudal tail artery. It is important to recognize this difference when evaluating hematologic variables in sharks and when establishing reference ranges for Hcts for shark populations. Sharks that were more active and relied on aerobic metabolism had higher Hct values than did anaerobic-tolerant sharks, and the difference in Hct values between venipuncture sites was more pronounced.
Thin-slice three-dimensional gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland in healthy dogs
Authors: van der Vlugt-Meijer Roselinda H. , Meij Björn P. , Voorhout George
Published: November 2006

Objective—To evaluate thin-slice 3-dimensional gradient-echo (GE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland in healthy dogs.

Animals—11 healthy dogs.

Procedures—By use of a 0.2-Tesla open magnet, MRI of the skull was performed with T1-weighted GE sequences and various protocols with variations in imaging plane, slice thickness, and flip angle before and after administration of contrast medium; multiplanar reconstructions were made. The pituitary region was subjectively assessed, and its dimensions were measured. Image quality was determined by calculation of contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios.

Results—Best-detailed images were obtained with a T1-weighted GE sequence with 1-mm slice thickness and 30° flip angle before and after administration of contrast medium. Images with flip angles > 50° were of poor quality. Quality of multiplanar reconstruction images with 1-mm slices was better than with 2-mm slices. The bright signal was best seen without contrast medium. With contrast medium, the dorsal border of the pituitary gland was clearly delineated, but lateral borders were more difficult to discern.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MRI of the canine pituitary gland with a 0.2-Tesla open magnet should include a T1-weighted GE sequence with 1-mm slice thickness and flip angle of 30° before and after administration of contrast medium. The neurohypophysis was best visualized without contrast medium. The MRI examination permitted differentiation between the pituitary gland and surrounding structures.
Age-dependent seroprevalence of antibodies against a Helicobacter pylori–like organism and Helicobacter pylori in commercially reared swine
Authors: Ellis John A. , Waldner Cheryl L. , McIntosh Kathleen A. , Rhodes Carrie , Harding John C. , Ringler Susan S. , Krakowka Steven
Published: November 2006

Objective—To determine the prevalence of antibodies against a swine-origin Helicobacter pylori–like organism (HPLO) and H pylori in conventionally reared swine.

Animals—640 conventionally reared swine of various ages from 16 high-health farms in Canada, 20 sows from Ohio, and 35 gnotobiotic swine.

Procedures—Blood was collected from the cranial vena cava. Sera were collected and tested via ELISA for antibodies against antigen prepared from a swine-origin HPLO and human H pylori strain 26695.

Results—Antibodies reactive with a swine HPLO, H pylori, or both were detected in 483 of 640 swine from all 16 farms in western Canada. Seroprevalence varied with age and was low (5.6%) in suckling (≤ 4-week-old) swine and increasingly high in swine ranging from > 4 weeks old to adulthood.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that colonization by a swine-origin HPLO, H pylori, or both and resultant seroconversion, like that of H pylori infection in humans, were common in commercial swine operations. Furthermore, data indicated that gastric infection was acquired at an early age. The relationships to gastric colonization by HPLOs and clinical manifestations of disease such as gastritis and gastroesophageal ulceration remain to be determined.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy without intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mihai R , Palazzo F F , Gleeson F V , Sadler G P
Published: November 2006

Background

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is the preferred operation for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and positive preoperative imaging. This non-randomized case series assessed the long-term results of MIP performed without the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring.

Methods

The study involved prospective collection of demographic, biochemical and operative details on a consecutive, unselected cohort of 298 patients who underwent surgery for non-familial primary HPT during a 5-year interval. The mean preoperative serum calcium level was 3·00 mmol/l with a mean parathyroid hormone concentration of 25·8 pmol/l. 99mTc-labelled sestamibi scanning and neck ultrasonography were performed in 262 patients.

Results

Sestamibi scan showed unilateral uptake in 182 patients and a single parathyroid adenoma was confirmed on ultrasonography in 161 patients. MIP was performed in 150 patients. The mean duration of operation was 25 (range 8–65) min. Four patients needed conversion to conventional neck exploration. There was one postoperative haematoma and three cases of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia. All but four patients were normocalcaemic after MIP. All the parathyroid tumours removed were adenomas, with a mean weight of 1·3 (range 0·1–17·4) g. No patient developed recurrent HPT after a median follow-up of 16 (range 3–48) months.

Conclusion

The outcome of MIP without ioPTH monitoring was comparable to that reported in series that used ioPTH monitoring.
High‐throughput liquid‐chromatography method with fluorescence detection for reciprocal determination of furosemide or norfloxacin in human plasma
Authors: Galaon Toma , Udrescu Stefan , Sora Iulia , David Victor , Medvedovici Andrei
Published: November 2006

A simple, high‐throughput, highly selective and sensitive HPLC‐FLD method for isolation and determination of furosemide and/or norfloxacin in human plasma samples following a simple organic solvent deproteinization step with acetonitrile as sample ‘clean‐up’ procedure is reported. One of the two drug substances plays the internal standard role for the determination of the other. Separation of analyte and internal standard was achieved in less than 5.3 min (injection to injection) on a Chromolith Performance RP‐18e column, using an aqueous component containing 0.015 mol/L sodium heptane‐sulfonate and 0.2% triethylamine brought to pH = 2.5 with H3PO4. The composition of the mobile phase was: acetonitrile–methanol–aqueous component = 70:15:15 (v/v/v) and the flow‐rate was set up to 3 mL/min. The chromatographic method applied to the determination of furosemide relies on fluorescent detection parameters of 235 nm for the excitation wavelength, and 402 nm for the emission wavelength. In case of norfloxacin, the excitation wavelength is set up to 268 nm and the emission wavelength is set up to 445 nm. The overall method leads to quantitation limits of about 27 ng/mL for furosemide, and 19.5 ng/mL for norfloxacin, using an injection volume of 250 µL. The method was applied to the bioequivalence study of two furosemide‐containing formulations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.