bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Approach for Removal of Nonarticular Base Sesamoid Fragments of the Proximal Sesamoid Bones in Horses
Authors: BROKKEN MATTHEW T. , SCHNEIDER ROBERT K. , TUCKER RUSSELL L.
Published: September 2008

Objectives—To describe a surgical approach for the removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses and to report the outcome.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Horses (n=11), 7 months to 10 years of age, with lameness because of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments.

Methods—Lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region by clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment. Surgical removal was performed with an incision over the base of the affected sesamoid through the digital flexor tendon sheath. After identifying the fragment with the aid of needles, a small vertical incision was made in the straight distal sesamoidean ligament (SDSL) and the fragment was freed from its attachments and removed. Six months convalescence and rehabilitation was prescribed for all horses.

Results—Eleven horses had 16 nonarticular fragments of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones. Eleven (69%) fragments occurred in the forelimbs with the right front (82%) and medial sesamoid (73%) more commonly affected. Horses were treated by surgical fragment removal. In horses with follow‐up, 9 of 10 returned to their intended use.

Conclusions—Surgical removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments can be accomplished through a palmar/plantar approach through the digital flexor tendon sheath and SDSL. This “keyhole” approach minimizes damage to the distal sesamoidean ligament attachments to the sesamoid base and allows some horses to return to their intended use.

Clinical Relevance—Surgical removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments should be considered in horses with performance‐limiting lameness as a result of the fragment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Dogs with Confirmed Shoulder Pathology
Authors: MURPHY SEAN E. , BALLEGEER ELIZABETH A. , FORREST LISA J. , SCHAEFER SUSAN L.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with a reference standard, arthroscopic and/or open surgery, in dogs with soft tissue shoulder pathology.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Dogs (n=21).

Methods—Magnetic resonance (MR) images were retrospectively evaluated in 21 dogs that had surgically identified soft tissue shoulder pathology. The musculotendinous units of the biceps, infraspinatus, teres minor, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments (MGHL and LGHL) were graded as either normal or abnormal. Abnormal structures were further classified as being either inflamed, partially torn, or fully torn. Impingement of the biceps tendon was also evaluated. Results were reported in terms of agreement and concordance between MRI findings and surgical findings. Agreement was defined as the percentage of times MRI findings concurred with surgical findings with respect to a structure being either normal or abnormal. Concordance was defined as the percentage of times MRI concurred with the exact surgically assessed pathology when abnormality was identified.

Results—The findings were biceps tendon: 90% agreement with 100% concordance; subscapularis: 95% agreement with 62% concordance; MGHL: 84% agreement with 83% concordance; LGHL: 88% agreement with 100% concordance; infraspinatus: 100% both agreement and concordance; biceps tendon impingement: 90% agreement with 100% concordance.

Conclusions—Soft tissue abnormalities of the canine shoulder were readily identified on preoperative MR images.

Clinical Relevance—MRI shows great potential as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of canine shoulder disease.
Clinical Applications of Demineralized Bone Matrix: A Retrospective and Case‐Matched Study of Seventy‐Five Dogs
Authors: HOFFER MELISSA J. , GRIFFON DOMINIQUE J. , SCHAEFFER DAVID J. , JOHNSON ANN L. , THOMAS MICHAEL W.
Published: September 2008

Objectives— To evaluate the outcome in dogs treated with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as an adjunct to orthopedic procedures.

Study Design— Retrospective and case‐match study.

Animals—
Dogs (n=75).

Methods— Medical records (1999–2006) and radiographs of dogs that had orthopedic procedures (comminuted fractures, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO] where correction for tibial rotation created an osteotomy gap, arthrodeses, open corrective osteotomies) where DBM was used were reviewed for signalment, quantity of DBM implanted, duration of exercise restriction, radiographic healing, and complications. Dogs that had TPLO and correction of tibial torsion (n=15), or arthrodesis (n=16) were compared with case‐matched controls. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test, ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results— Mean (±SD) healing time for orthopedic surgeries with DBM augmentation were 15±6.97 (weeks) and complication rate was 19% (14 dogs). Dogs with a TPLO gap filled with DBM were allowed to return to normal exercise 2 weeks earlier than dogs with a well‐apposed TPLO site. Radiographic healing, duration of exercise restriction, and timing of destabilization were similar in dogs undergoing carpal and tarsal arthrodesis whether they received DBM, autogenous graft, or both.

Conclusions— DBM can be used to treat uncomplicated bone defects associated with comminuted fracture repairs, open osteotomies, and arthrodeses in dogs. Under these circumstances, clinicians might expect similar clinical outcomes without the possibility of side effects associated with the harvest of autogenous cancellous bone.

Clinical Relevance— DBM is safe for use in dogs.
Liver Size, Bodyweight, and Tolerance to Acute Complete Occlusion of Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs
Authors: DORAN IVAN P. , BARR FRANCES J. , HOTSTON MOORE ALASDAIR , KNOWLES TOBY G. , HOLT PETER E.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To investigate the relationship between preoperative liver size, bodyweight, and tolerance to shunt occlusion in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (CPSS).

Study Design—Longitudinal cohort study.

Animals—Dogs with CPSS (n=35).

Methods—Ultrasonography was used to measure preoperative maximum transverse dimension of the liver (TS) of each dog. Intraoperative portal pressures were measured, before and after CPSS occlusion, via a jejunal vein catheter. Tolerance to shunt occlusion was judged on gross visceral observations, and on changes in portal pressure, central venous and mean arterial pressures.

Results—TS was significantly related to bodyweight (P<.05). Mean ratios for TS/bodyweight were calculated for dogs tolerant and intolerant of acute complete shunt occlusion. Dogs tolerant to occlusion had significantly higher TS/bodyweight ratios than dogs intolerant to occlusion (P=.025). Dogs with a TS/bodyweight ratio of >7 were more likely to tolerate CPSS occlusion than dogs with a TS/bodyweight ratio of <5 (P=.036). A model was generated to predict portal pressure rise after shunt occlusion, based on liver dimensions and bodyweight (R=0.668). Intestinal oxygenation did not correlate significantly with tolerance to CPSS occlusion (P=.29).

Conclusion—In dogs with CPSS, liver size (relative to bodyweight) is significantly greater (P=.025) in dogs that are tolerant of full ligation than intolerant of occlusion.

Clinical Relevance—Preoperative measurement of bodyweight and liver size help indicate the likelihood of tolerance to acute complete occlusion of CPSS in dogs.
Determination of Pelvic Limb Alignment in the Large‐Breed Dog: A Cadaveric Radiographic Study in the Frontal Plane
Authors: DISMUKES DAVID I. , FOX DEREK B. , TOMLINSON JAMES L. , COOK JAMES L. , ESSMAN STEPHANIE C.
Published: September 2008

Objectives—To report a method for radiographic determination of the mechanical axis of the canine pelvic limb and its relationship to the joints and bone axes. To report reference ranges for the relationships between the axes of the pelvic limb and for joint position relative to the pelvic limb axis.

Study Design—Cadaveric radiographic anatomic study.

Animals—Pelvic limbs (n=101) from normal midsized to large breed dogs; tibiae (n=105) from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (previous study).

Methods—Extended full‐limb radiography was performed and images analyzed to determine: mechanical joint reference angles (femur, tibia), pelvic limb axis, tibiofemoral and metatarsotibial angle, mechanical axis—femur/metatarsus angle, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of the stifle/tarsus.

Results—Mean mechanical angles were: lateral proximal femoral (103.7°±5.4°), lateral distal femoral (98.6°±2.5°), medial proximal tibial (92.2°±1.8°), medial distal tibial (95.9°±2.2°), tibiofemoral (9.1° varus ±2.8°), metatarsotibial (0.6° valgus ±2.1°). Mean mechanical axis—femur and—metatarsus angles were 5.6° (±1.7°) and 2.9° (±1.5°), respectively. Mean MAD of the stifle and tarsus were 3.6% (±1.1%) and 1.2% (±0.6%), respectively. Tibial angles were not different between dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Conclusions—Mechanical axes of the canine pelvic limb and their relationship to the joints can be determined by full‐limb radiography.

Clinical Relevance—Techniques and reference ranges may be useful for diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative assessment of pelvic limb deformities.
Survival, Complications, and Analysis of Risk Factors after Renal Transplantation in Cats
Authors: SCHMIEDT CHAD W. , HOLZMAN GERIANNE , SCHWARZ TOBIAS , McANULTY JONATHAN F.
Published: September 2008

Objective— To report survival, complications, and analyze risk factors for survival after renal transplantation (RTr) and cyclosporine‐A based immunosuppression in cats.

Study Design— Historical cohort.

Animals— Cats (n=60).

Methods— Data were obtained from medical records of cats that had RTr. Influence of various perioperative factors on survival and complications was evaluated. Occurrence of postoperative hypertension (HT), seizures, infection, acute allograft rejection (AR), congestive heart failure (CHF), and delayed graft function (DGF) was evaluated.

Results— Survival to discharge after RTr was 77.5%. Estimated median overall survival time was 613 days; 6 month and 3 year overall survival proportions were 65% and 40%, respectively. Age, weight, and blood pressure influenced overall survival. Increased preoperative creatinine concentration, blood urea nitrogen, postoperative creatinine concentration, left ventricular wall thickness, and reduced creatinine reduction ratio influenced survival until discharge. HT was identified in 9/30 (30%) cats; however, no risk factors were identified, nor was HT related to seizures. AR was identified in 8/62 (13%) grafts. Infection, predominantly bacterial, developed in 22/60 (37%) cats. CHF occurred in 7/60 (12%) cats before discharge. Cats experiencing CHF were younger, had an increased incidence of heart murmurs, and poor initial graft function. DGF was identified in 5 cats and seizures in 2 cats.

Conclusions— RTr affords cats with CRF long survival times. Older cats and cats with severe azotemia, HT, and cardiovascular disease may have increased mortality after RTr. Complications after RTr were common.

Clinical Relevance— Clinicians should be aware of these risk factors when recommending feline RTr.
Efficacy of En Bloc Ligation of the Thoracic Duct: Descriptive Study in 14 Dogs
Authors: MacDONALD NICHOLAS J. , NOBLE PETER‐JOHN M. , BURROW RACHEL D.
Published: September 2008

Objective— To assess whether en bloc ligation of all caudal mediastinal tissue between the aorta and thoracic vertebrae will occlude all branches of the thoracic duct.

Study Design— Descriptive study.

Animals— Canine cadavers (n=15).

Methods— The cisterna chyli was approached through a right paralumbar abdominal incision and cannulated. A right 10th intercostal thoracotomy was performed and the tissue of the caudal mediastinum dorsal to the aorta and ventral to the thoracic vertebrae was ligated. Radio‐opaque contrast material was injected into the cisterna chyli during fluoroscopic imaging of the thorax and cranial abdomen. Still images were obtained before and after contrast injection and a subtraction image produced. Gray values were measured from these images, cranial and caudal to the ligature site.

Results— Cannulation of the cisterna chyli in 1 cadaver was impossible and it was, therefore, excluded. In 13 (93%) cadavers contrast material did not pass cranial to the ligature site. In 1 cadaver, an intact thoracic duct was identified on lymphangiography outside the en bloc ligation.

Conclusion— En bloc ligation of the caudal mediastinal tissue dorsal to the aorta was successful in preventing opacification with contrast material of all branches of the thoracic duct in 93% of cadavers.

Clinical Relevance— En bloc ligation is successful in 93% of cadavers and reduces the operative time compared with techniques requiring some type of mesenteric lymphangiography to aid identification of the thoracic duct.
Comparison of Holding Power of Three Different Pin Designs for External Skeletal Fixation in Avian Bone: A Study in Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Authors: CASTIÑEIRAS PÉREZ EVA , SEGADE SEOANE MARCOS , VILLANUEVA SANTAMARINA BLANCA , GONZÁLEZ CANTALAPIEDRA ANTONIO
Published: September 2008

Objective— (1) To evaluate resistance to axial extraction of 3 pin designs in avian humerus and tibiotarsus; (2) to assess the effect of pin location within the bone on holding power; and (3) to assess the influence of thread pitch on holding power.

Study Design— Resistance of pins to axial extraction was measured immediately after insertion.

Animals— Adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo; n=9).

Methods— Different pin designs (1 smooth; 2 threaded pins, differing in pitch) were inserted into the proximal and distal metaphysis and the proximal, middle, and distal diaphysis of the humerus and tibiotarsus. Maximum force required for axial extraction of pins was recorded.

Results— Smooth pins had the lowest extraction force (P<.05). Pins inserted into the diaphysis (proximal, middle and distal) of the humerus and the distal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus had a greater pullout strength than pins in other locations. Pins with a smaller pitch inserted into the proximal diaphysis and distal metaphysis of the humerus, and the proximal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus had significantly greater holding power than pins with a larger pitch (P<.05).

Conclusions— Pins inserted into the diaphysis of humerus and the distal metaphysis of the tibiotarsus are better at resisting extraction. Pins with a smaller pitch possess greater holding power than pins with a larger pitch in avian humerus and tibiotarsus.

Clinical Relevance— Consideration should be given to pin location and thread pitch, when choosing external skeletal fixation to repair an avian humeral or tibiotarsal fracture.
Transvenous Intramyocardial Cellular Delivery Increases Retention in Comparison to Intracoronary Delivery in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: GEORGE JON C. , GOLDBERG JONATHAN , JOSEPH MATTHEW , ABDULHAMEED NASREEN , CRIST JOSHUA , DAS HIRANMOY , POMPILI VINCENT J.
Published: September 2008

Background: Clinical trials using intracoronary (IC) delivery of cells have addressed efficacy but the optimal delivery technique is unknown. Our study aimed to determine whether transvenous intramyocardial (TVIM) approach was advantageous for cellular retention in AMI.

Methods: Domestic pigs (n = 4) underwent catheterization with coronary angiography and ventriculography prior to infarction and pre‐ and post‐cells. Pigs underwent 90‐minute balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). After one week they were prepared for IC (n = 2) or TVIM (n = 2) delivery of bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) labeled with GFP. IC infusion used an over‐the‐wire catheter to engage the LAD and balloon inflation to prevent retrograde flow. Venography via the coronary sinus was used for TVIM delivery. The anterior interventricular vein was engaged with a guidewire allowing use of the TransAccess™ catheter that is outfitted with an ultrasound tip for visualization. Animals were sacrificed one hour after delivery and tissue was analyzed.

Results: Procedures were performed without complication and monitoring was uneventful. 1 × 108 MNC were isolated from each bone marrow (BM) preparation and 1 × 107 MNC delivered. Ventriculography at one week revealed wall motion abnormalities consistent with an anterior AMI. TVIM and IC delivery revealed mean 452 cells per section and 235 cells per section on average, respectively, in the infarct zone (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: We have demonstrated that TVIM approach for cell delivery is feasible and safe. Moreover, this approach may provide an advantage over IC infusion in retention of the cellular product; however, larger studies will be necessary.
Cinco de Mayo, Normative Whiteness, and the Marginalization of Mexican‐Descent Students
Authors: Hurd Clayton A.
Published: September 2008

This case study is concerned with how institutional practices of normative whiteness can impede the school involvement of Mexican‐descent students. It examines how damaging forms of white normativity can operate in school settings where one might least expect to find them: in commemorations of Mexican cultural holidays. The author shows how such commemorations can have the paradoxical effect of marginalizing Mexican‐descent students and discouraging their involvement in a range of school activities. [Mexican American, whiteness, cultural conflict, cultural celebrations, belonging, identity formation]
“I Don't Want to Hear That!”: Legitimating Whiteness through Silence in Schools
Authors: Castagno Angelina E.
Published: September 2008

In this article, I examine the ways in which silences around race contribute to the maintenance and legitimation of Whiteness. Drawing on ethnographic data from two demographically different schools, I highlight patterns of racially coded language, teacher silence, silencing students’ race talk, and the conflating of culture with race, equality with equity, and difference with deficit. These silences and acts of silencing create and perpetuate an educational culture in which inequities are ignored, the status quo is maintained, and Whiteness is both protected and entrenched.[silence, Whiteness, race]
Flipping the Script: Analyzing Youth Talk about Race and Racism
Authors: Roberts Rosemarie A. , Bell Lee A. , Murphy Brett
Published: September 2008

In this article, we examine how youth in one urban high school talked about race and racism while participating in a curriculum that introduced the analytic lens of story types (stock stories, concealed stories, resistance stories, and counterstories) to look at race and racism and engage these issues through storytelling and the arts. We draw on data from observations and focus group interviews to examine student‐initiated themes and conversation as the curriculum unfolded. In particular, we look at the use of language, particularly racialized jokes and name calling, to consider how such talk functions to create social and rhetorical spaces where youth of color can express and critically analyze the particularities of their lived experiences of race and racism in a contemporary “color‐blind” context that asserts race no longer matters. [urban education, youth development, racism, resistance].
The Media and Violent Behavior in Young People: Effects of the Media on Antisocial Aggressive Behavior in a Spanish Sample1
Authors: Clemente Miguel , Espinosa Pablo , Vidal MiguelÁngel
Published: September 2008

This study discusses the relation between television, computer games, and the Internet and antisocial aggressive behavior in under‐18s. Given that the media are an important source of socialization for children, this research examines which variables in media exposure lead to antisocial behavior in under‐18s. A sample of 93 participants (male and female), aged 13–18, answered an antisocial behavior inventory and a survey on computer gaming and TV viewing. Results show gender differences in the relation between media use and preference for violent media and direct and indirect aggressive behaviors. These findings support the idea that lack of interaction and role taking leads to deprived socialization and, in turn, to antisocial behavior.
Effects of Relationship Values and Goal Interdependence on Guanxi Between Foreign Managers and Chinese Employees1
Authors: Yi‐Feng Nancy Chen , Tjosvold Dean , Peiguan Wu
Published: September 2008

Foreign managers are advised to develop effective relationships with Chinese employees who as collectivists are thought to value relationships, particularly guanxi, with their leaders. However, foreign managers typically do not have the background and prior experiences typically used to develop guanxi in China. In an experiment with 120 participants in South China, Chinese employees with foreign managers who communicated that they wanted a relationship (compared to no relationship) with them concluded that they interacted better and had little relational and task conflict. Chinese employees who discussed their views within a cooperative (compared to competitive) context helped their leader, productively integrated their diverse views into the decision, and concluded that they had little relational and task conflict.
Views of Managerial Derailment From Above and Below: The Importance of a Good Relationship With Upper Management and Putting People at Ease1
Authors: Gentry William A. , Shanock Linda Rhoades
Published: September 2008

Managerial derailment can harm the manager, the morale of coworkers, and can be costly to the organization. Using the logic of social exchange theory and “trickle‐down” studies, managers who work effectively with upper management may also work effectively with others. In a field study using a sample of 1,978 practicing managers, the effectiveness of a manager's relationships with upper management positively related to the manager's ability to put people at ease, relating to lessened boss, direct‐report, and self‐ratings of the extent to which the manager displays the behaviors and characteristics that may lead to potential derailment. Effectively working with upper management may thus have positive implications for the treatment of others, and the potential to derail.
When Unfair Treatment Leads to Anger: The Effects of Other People's Emotions and Ambiguous Unfair Procedures1
Authors: De Cremer David , Wubben Maarten J. J. , Brebels Lieven
Published: September 2008

The present research examines how emotions of a third party interacting with an authority who has treated him or her unfairly affect one's feelings of anger toward the authority as a function of the ambiguity of the unfair treatment. Across a scenario and a laboratory study, it was found that when participants did not receive voice and it was unclear whether this was the result of an authority's unfair intentions, participants were less angry when the third party expressed shame, rather than anger, toward the same enacting authority. A second laboratory study replicated this effect, but now by showing that one's feelings of anger (in the case of ambiguity) were lower when the other person expressed guilt, relative to anger.
Rooting for (and Then Abandoning) the Underdog
Authors: Kim JongHan , Allison Scott T. , Eylon Dafna , Goethals George R. , Markus Michael J. , Hindle Sheila M. , McGuire Heather A.
Published: September 2008

Although people prefer to associate with winners, there is also a strong desire to support the lovable loser or underdog. In 4 studies, we demonstrate the underdog effect and its delimiting conditions. In Studies 1 and 2, participants rooted for the underdog in judgments of athletic, business, and artistic competition. In Study 3, participants watched animated clips of struggling and nonstruggling geometric shapes. The results showed that participants showed more rooting, sympathy, and identification with struggling shapes than with nonstruggling ones. Study 4 identified conditions under which people abandon the underdog, showing that participants rooted for the underdog only when both self‐relevance and consequences were high. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Leader Affective Displays and Attributions of Charisma: The Role of Arousal
Authors: Damen Frederic , Van Knippenberg Daan , Van Knippenberg Barbara
Published: September 2008

Research suggests that leader displays of positive affect are conducive to attributions of charisma. We qualify and extend this conclusion by arguing that this mainly holds for displays of positive affect that are associated with high levels of arousal. Results of a scenario experiment and a survey support this hypothesis, and show that besides the transfer of positive feelings per se, it is the transfer of arousal that mediates the relationship between leader affective displays and attributions of charisma.
Understanding Public Attitudes Toward Tobacco Harm Reduction: The Role of Attitude Structure1
Authors: Stark Emily , Borgida Eugene , Kim Anita , Pickens Brandy
Published: September 2008

The present research examines whether and to what extent the underlying structure of attitudes toward harm reduction and specific reduced‐exposure products contributes to an understanding of public attitudes toward harm reduction. Past research has focused on the extent to which some attitude objects are primarily affective or cognitive. Using survey data from a 5‐state Upper Midwest sample, we tested the relevance of 4 pertinent properties of attitudes for predicting overall attitudes toward tobacco harm reduction: affective and cognitive bases of attitudes; knowledge; experience with smoking and reduced‐harm products; and affective/cognitive consistency. We found that feelings about harm reduction are most predictive of overall attitudes toward harm reduction and specific reduced‐harm products. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Edge‐mediated reduction of phorid parasitism on leaf‐cutting ants in a Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: De Almeida Walkiria R. , Wirth Rainer , Leal Inara R.
Published: September 2008

Previous studies have shown that leaf‐cutting ant populations benefit greatly from living in or near the edges of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. One of the mechanisms responsible for this rise in population density is an edge‐mediated increase of pioneer plants, resulting in increased food availability for the ants (i.e., less bottom‐up control). Here, we hypothesized that the release from natural enemies (i.e., less top‐down control) may also contribute to the phenomenon. We investigated whether parasitism of phorid flies on leaf‐cutting ants decreases in colonies located along the forest edge vs. the interior of a large tract of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil. For this, we assessed abundance and rates of oviposition attack by phorids in bimonthly intervals over a period of 1 year in 10 adult colonies of Atta cephalotes (L.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae), five at the forest edge and five in the forest interior. The number of phorids attracted by ants at edge colonies was 40% lower than that at interior colonies. The temporal variation in phorid attraction was also significant, with approximately 35% fewer flies in the dry months as compared to the rainy months. As a result of lower phorid abundance, ant workers of edge colonies suffered three times fewer oviposition attacks than those of interior colonies. There was a tendency for fewer attacks during dry months, but the difference in the temporal variation was not significant. Our findings suggest that edge creation contributes to increased leaf‐cutting ant abundance, not only via the attenuation of bottom‐up forces, but also through an environmentally triggered depression of parasitoid abundance/efficiency, possibly because of adverse environmental conditions in edge habitats.
Preterm birth or foetal growth impairment and psychiatric hospitalization in adolescence and early adulthood in a Swedish population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Monfils Gustafsson W. , Josefsson A. , Ekholm Selling K. , Sydsjö G.
Published: September 2008

Objective:  Preterm birth and restricted foetal growth are related to symptoms of psychiatric disorder. Our aim was therefore to investigate possible relations between being born preterm and/or small for gestational age (SGA) and later psychiatric hospitalization.

Method:  A population‐based registry study of psychiatric hospitalization of in total 155 994 boys and 148 281 girls born in Sweden in 1973–1975.

Results:  The risk of hospitalization for all mental disorders was increased for preterm SGA boys (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.49–3.21); at‐term SGA boys (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34–1.79); at‐term SGA girls (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15–1.50). At‐term SGA boys and girls suffered increased risk of anxiety and adjustment disorders (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18–2.45 and OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.14–1.94). Preterm SGA boys were at risk of personality disorders (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.16–9.41) and psychotic disorders (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.85–10.30).

Conclusion:  The results show a relationship between being born SGA and later psychiatric hospitalization, where preterm birth and male gender seem to increase the risk.
Group cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jónsson H. , Hougaard E.
Published: September 2008

Objective:  Behaviour therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including ERP are considered the psychological treatments of choice for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), but group CBT/ERP has received relatively little research attention in the treatment of OCD. The aim of this study was to provide a meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of group CBT/ERP for OCD.

Method:  A systematic literature search was conducted and studies were meta‐analysed by means of the Cochrane Review Manager Program with measures of i) pre‐ to post‐effect sizes (ES) and ii) between‐group ES in comparison with different control conditions. Outcome was primarily measured on the Y‐BOCS and ES was calculated in the form of Cohens d.

Results:  Thirteen trials were included in the meta‐analysis. The overall pre–post‐ES of these trials of 1.18 and a between‐group ES of 1.12 compared with waiting list control in three randomized controlled studies indicate that group CBT/ERP is an effective treatment for OCD. Group CBT achieved better results than pharmacological treatment in two studies. One study found no significant differences between individual and group CBT.

Conclusion:  Group CBT is an effective treatment for OCD, but more studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of group and individual treatment formats.
Multiple Mechanisms for Accumulation of Myosin II Filaments at the Equator During Cytokinesis
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko , Ueda Masahiro , Sako Yasushi , Kitanishi‐Yumura Toshiko , Yanagida Toshio
Published: September 2008

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed how individual bipolar myosin II filaments accumulate at the equatorial region in dividing Dictyostelium cells. Direct observation of individual filaments in live cells provided us with much convincing information. Myosin II filaments accumulated at the equatorial region by at least two independent mechanisms: (i) cortical flow, which is driven by myosin II motor activities and (ii) de novo association to the equatorial cortex. These two mechanisms were mutually redundant. At the same time, myosin II filaments underwent rapid turnover, repeating their association and dissociation with the actin cortex. Examination of the lifetime of mutant myosin filaments in the cortex revealed that the turnover mainly depended on heavy chain phosphorylation and that myosin motor activity accelerated the turnover. Double mutant myosin II deficient in both motor and phosphorylation still accumulated at the equatorial region, although they displayed no cortical flow and considerably slow turnover. Under this condition, the filaments stayed for a significantly longer time at the equatorial region than at the polar regions, indicating that there are still other mechanisms for myosin II accumulation such as binding partners or stabilizing activity of filaments in the equatorial cortex.
Midday depression of photosynthesis and effects of mist spray in citrus
Authors: Hu M.‐J. , Guo Y.‐P. , Shen Y.‐G. , Guo D.‐P. , Li D.‐Y.
Published: September 2008

Diurnal variations of gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and some related biochemical characteristics in sun‐acclimated mature citrus leaves of mist‐sprayed (treatment) and unsprayed (control) trees were compared on sunny days during summer to identify the environmental and physiological factors limiting carbon gain in citrus tree canopies. At midday, net photosynthesis and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) in citrus leaves decreased significantly under control conditions, but the decrease was mitigated by mist spraying. Although the content of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and activities of antioxidant enzymes increased at midday in both mist‐sprayed and control leaves, they were much higher in control leaves than in mist‐sprayed leaves. The level of D1 protein decreased significantly in control leaves at midday and then was partly recovered later, while that in treated leaves changed to a much lesser extent because of alleviation of photoinhibition by mist spraying. Both the fast and the slow phases of millisecond‐delayed light emissions in treated citrus leaves were higher than those in control leaves, indicating that mist spraying protects the normal operation of the photosynthetic apparatus in leaves. Mist spraying also reduced leaf temperatures and the ratio of air to leaf vapour pressure deficit (ALVPD), leading to increases in stomatal conductance (gs) and alleviation of photoinhibition at midday. It is concluded that the decline of leaf gs under high‐ALVPD conditions in summer is an important factor contributing to midday depression of photosynthesis in citrus, and mist spraying is effective in alleviating midday depression of photosynthesis in citrus leaves.
Application of random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter‐simple sequence repeat markers in the genus Crataegus
Authors: Dai H. , Guo X. , Zhang Y. , Li Y. , Chang L. , Zhang Z.
Published: September 2008

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) has a long history as an ornamental and a source of medicine. We report the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to determine genetic relationships in the genus Crataegus. Twenty‐eight accessions, including eight species (Crataegus pinnatifida, Crataegus bretschneideri, Crataegus maximowiczii, Crataegus kansuensis, Crataegus altaica, Crataegus songarica, Crataegus dahurica and Crataegus sanguinea) and two botanical varieties (C. pinnatifida var. major and C. maximowiczii var. ninganensis) were analysed. Twelve RAPD primers reproducibly and strongly amplified 128 fragments of which 116 were polymorphic; similarly, 13 ISSR primers generated 127 products of which 119 were polymorphic. Dendrograms based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average analysis were constructed from both the RAPD and the ISSR data. Similarity coefficient based on RAPD and ISSR markers ranged from 0.22 to 0.98 and 0.23 to 0.98, respectively. The range in similarity coefficient indicated that the genus has a high level of genetic diversity. The Mantel test on the similarity matrices produced by RAPD and ISSR markers gave r = 0.86, showing high correlation between RAPD and ISSR markers in their ability to detect genetic relationships between Crataegus accessions. RAPD and ISSR appear to be reliable methods for the analysis of genetic relationships among hawthorns.
Role of LSM34/SpSM50 proteins in endoskeletal spicule formation in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Wilt Fred , Croker Lindsay , Killian Christopher E. , McDonald Kent
Published: September 2008

Abstract. Sea urchin embryos form an endoskeletal spicule composed of calcium carbonate and occluded matrix proteins. The accumulation of the LSM34 spicule matrix protein in embryos of Lytechinus pictus (and its ortholog, SpSM50, in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) has been inhibited using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides. The inhibition, using relatively high levels of antisense reagent, can result in the complete absence of spicules, and the complete loss of immunoreactive LSM34/SpSM50, as judged by immunostaining and Western blotting. Primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) do form and express PMC‐specific cell surface antigens despite this inhibition. However, these anti‐LSM34/SpSM50‐treated embryos do not accumulate SM30 protein, another major matrix protein. Hence, both the initiation of spicule formation and subsequent morphogenesis require LSM34 accumulation in L. pictus, and the accumulation of its ortholog, SpSM50, in S. purpuratus.
Research on Rural Veterans: An Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Weeks William B. , Wallace Amy E. , West Alan N. , Heady Hilda R. , Hawthorne Kara
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Context:The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides comprehensive health care services to veterans across the United States. Recently, the VA established an Office of Rural Health to address the health care needs of rural veterans.Purpose:To review the literature on rural veterans' health care needs in order to identify areas for future research.Methods:We conducted a literature review of articles listed in the Medline, CINAHL, and BIOSIS datasets since 1950. We reviewed and summarized the findings of 50 articles that specifically examined rural veterans.Findings:The literature on rural veterans included 4 articles examining access to care, 7 evaluating distance technology, 4 examining new models of care delivery, 11 studying rural veterans' patient characteristics, 10 evaluating programs provided in a rural setting, 6 examining rural health care settings, and 8 exploring rural veterans' health services utilization patterns. Most studies were small, based on data obtained before 2000, and consisted of uncontrolled, retrospective, descriptive studies of health care provided in rural VA settings. Definitions of rural were inconsistent, and in 20% of the articles examined the rural aspect of the setting was incidental to the study.Conclusions:The literature on rural veterans' health care needs warrants expansion and investment so that policy makers can make informed decisions in an environment of limited resources and competing interests.
Recruitment and Retention of Rural Physicians: Outcomes From the Rural Physician Associate Program of Minnesota
Authors: Halaas Gwen Wagstrom , Zink Therese , Finstad Deborah , Bolin Keli , Center Bruce
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Founded in 1971 with state funding to increase the number of primary care physicians in rural Minnesota, the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) has graduated 1,175 students. Third‐year medical students are assigned to primary care physicians in rural communities for 9 months where they experience the realities of rural practice with hands‐on participation, mentoring, and one‐to‐one teaching. Students complete an online curriculum, participate in online discussion with fellow students, and meet face‐to‐face with RPAP faculty 6 times during the 9‐month rotation. Projects designed to bring value to the community, including an evidence‐based practice and community health assessment, are completed. Purpose: To examine RPAP outcomes in recruiting and retaining rural primary care physicians. Methods: The RPAP database, including moves and current practice settings, was examined using descriptive statistics. Findings: On average, 82% of RPAP graduates have chosen primary care, and 68% family medicine. Of those currently in practice, 44% have practiced in a rural setting all of the time, 42% in a metropolitan setting and 14% have chosen both, with more than 50% of their time in rural practice. Rural origin has only a small association with choosing rural practice. Conclusion: RPAP data suggest that the 9‐month longitudinal experience in a rural community increases the number of students choosing primary care practice, especially family medicine, in a rural setting.
A Contract‐Based Training System for Rural Physicians: Follow‐Up of Jichi Medical University Graduates (1978‐2006)
Authors: Matsumoto Masatoshi , Inoue Kazuo , Kajii Eiji
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context: The number of studies on long‐term effects of rural medical education programs is limited. Personal factors that are associated with long‐term retention of physicians in rural areas are scarcely known. Purpose: The authors studied the outcomes of Jichi Medical University (JMU), whose mission is to produce rural doctors, and analyzed the characteristics of its graduates who engaged in rural practice even after their 9‐year obligation of rural practice. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 2,988 JMU students who graduated between 1978 and 2006. Baseline data were collected at matriculation and graduation. Workplace addresses were surveyed in 2000, 2004, and 2006. Follow‐up rates were 98.7%, 98.2%, and 98.0% respectively. Findings: After their obligation period, JMU graduates were 4 times more likely than non‐JMU graduates to work in rural areas. The higher proportion of JMU graduates in rural areas did not change significantly between 1994 and 2004. The rural recruitment rate of post‐obligation JMU graduates was somewhat lower than rates reported for top rural medical education programs in the United States. In multivariate analyses, rural upbringing and primary care specialty were positively associated with having a rural address in at least one post‐obligation study year (OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.27‐2.81]; and 7.63 [4.37‐13.34], respectively) and settlement (ie, having a rural address over multiple years) after the contract (1.90 [1.04‐3.48]; and 32.07 [4.43‐232.24], respectively). Graduation from a private high school had a negative association with recruitment (0.56 [0.33‐0.96]). Conclusions: JMU was successful in increasing the number and retention of rural physicians. Rural origin and primary care specialty have a positive impact on both recruitment and retention after the rural obligation.
Addressing Agricultural Issues in Health Care Education: An Occupational Therapy Curriculum Program Description
Authors: Smallfield Stacy , Anderson Angela J.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Medical and allied health professionals who work in agricultural states frequently address the needs of clients who live and work in rural and frontier environments. The primary occupations of those living in rural areas include farming, ranching, or other agriculture‐related work. Farming is consistently ranked as one of the most high‐risk occupations for work‐related injuries and accidents; therefore, it is critical that health education programs include content to prepare future medical and health professionals to work with this population. Purpose and Description: This paper describes the rural issues component of the occupational therapy curriculum at The University of South Dakota. This rural issues module is designed to provide occupational therapists with training about the physical, temporal, and sociocultural aspects of production agriculture and the impact these have on the health and well‐being of the agricultural population. It also addresses the occupational therapy implications for farmers and ranchers who have disabilities. Student assessments of the course content have been above average. Conclusion: Training in agricultural health enables our occupational therapy students to be well prepared for work in the rural and frontier areas of South Dakota and other rural locations.
Urban‐Rural Differences in Overweight Status and Physical Inactivity Among US Children Aged 10‐17 Years
Authors: Liu Jihong , Bennett Kevin J. , Harun Nusrat , Probst Janice C.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context: Few studies have examined the prevalence of overweight status and physical inactivity among children and adolescents living in rural America. Purpose: We examined urban and rural differences in the prevalence of overweight status and physical inactivity among US children. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health, restricted to children aged 10‐17 (unweighted N = 47,757). Overweight status was defined as the gender‐ and age‐specific body mass index (BMI) values at or above the 95th percentile. Physical inactivity was defined using parentally reported moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity leisure‐time physical activity lasting for at least 20 minutes/d on less than three days in the past week. The 2003 Urban Influence Codes were used to define rurality. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine urban/rural differences in overweight status and physical inactivity after adjusting for potential confounders. Findings: Overweight status was more prevalent among rural (16.5%) than urban children (14.3%). After adjusting for covariates including physical activity, rural children had higher odds of being overweight than urban children (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.25). Minorities, children from families with lower socioeconomic status, and children living in the South experienced higher odds of being overweight. More urban children (29.1%) were physically inactive than rural children (25.2%) and this pattern remained after adjusting for covariates (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73‐0.86). Conclusions: The higher prevalence of overweight among rural children, despite modestly higher physical activity levels, calls for further research into effective intervention programs specifically tailored for rural children.
Trends in Rural and Urban Deliveries and Vaginal Births: California 1998‐2002
Authors: Hughes Susan , Zweifler John A. , Garza Alvaro , Stanich Matthew A.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Context:Pregnant women in rural areas may give birth in either rural or urban hospitals. Differences in outcomes between rural and urban hospitals may influence patient decision making.Purpose:Trends in rural and urban obstetric deliveries and neonatal and maternal mortality in California were compared to inform policy development and patient and provider decision making in rural health care settings.Methods:Deliveries in California hospitals identified by the California Department of Health Services, Birth Statistical Master Files for years 1998 through 2002 were analyzed. Three groups of interest were created: rural hospital births to all mothers, urban hospital births to rural mothers, and urban hospital births to urban mothers.Findings:Of 2,620,096 births analyzed, less than 4% were at rural hospitals. Neonatal death rates were significantly higher in babies born to rural mothers with no pregnancy complications who delivered a normal weight baby vaginally at an urban hospital compared to urban mothers delivering at an urban hospital (0.2 [CI 0.2‐0.4] deaths per 1,000 births versus 0.1 [CI 0.1‐0.1]). Logistic regression analysis showed that delivery in a rural hospital was a protective factor compared to urban mothers delivering in an urban hospital, with an odds ratio of 0.8 (CI 0.6‐0.9). Maternal death rates were not different.Conclusions:Rural obstetric services in this period showed favorable neonatal and maternal safety profiles. This information should reassure patients considering a rural hospital delivery, and aid policy makers and health care providers striving to ensure access to obstetric services for rural populations.