bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Acceptance
Authors: Forestell Catherine A. , Mennella Julie A.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding and dietary experiences on acceptance of a fruit and a green vegetable by 4- to 8-month-old infants.

METHODS. Forty-five infants, 44% of whom were breastfed, were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatment groups. One group was fed green beans, and the other was fed green beans and then peaches at the same time of day for 8 consecutive days. Acceptance of both foods, as determined by a variety of measures, was assessed before and after the home-exposure period.

RESULTS. During the initial exposure, infants ate more calories from peaches than from green beans. Breastfed infants showed greater liking of peaches, as did their mothers, who ate more fruits in general than did mothers who formula fed. Although formula-feeding mothers ate more green beans, there was no difference in their infants' acceptance of this vegetable. For breastfed and formula-fed infants, repeated dietary exposure to green beans, with or without peaches, resulted in greater consumption of green beans (56.8 vs 93.6 g). Only infants who experienced green beans with peaches displayed fewer facial expressions of distaste during feeding. Mothers were apparently unaware of these changes in acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS. Breastfeeding confers an advantage in initial acceptance of a food, but only if mothers eat the food regularly. Once weaned, infants who receive repeated dietary exposure to a food eat more of it and may learn to like its flavor. However, because infants innately display facial expressions of distaste in response to certain flavors, caregivers may hesitate to continue offering these foods. Mothers should be encouraged to provide their infants with repeated opportunities to taste fruits and vegetables and should focus not only on their infants' facial expressions but also on their willingness to continue feeding.
Pulmonary Artery Hypertension in Formerly Premature Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Clinical Features and Outcomes in the Surfactant Era
Authors: Khemani Ekta , McElhinney Doff B. , Rhein Lawrence , Andrade Olyn , Lacro Ronald V. , Thomas Kristin C. , Mullen Mary P.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND. Although abnormal pulmonary vascular structure and function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia may predispose infants to pulmonary artery hypertension, little is known about the characteristics and outcomes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary artery hypertension in the surfactant era.

METHODS. We studied 42 premature infants (<32 weeks of gestation) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who were diagnosed as having pulmonary artery hypertension ≥2 months after birth, between 1998 and 2006, at a median age of 4.8 months. Pulmonary artery hypertension was graded through echocardiography for all patients; 13 patients also underwent cardiac catheterization.

RESULTS. Eighteen (43%) of 42 patients had severe pulmonary artery hypertension (systemic or suprasystemic right ventricular pressure). Among 13 patients who underwent catheterization, the mean pulmonary artery pressure was 43 ± 8 mmHg and the pulmonary vascular resistance index was 9.9 ± 2.8 Wood units. In 12 patients, pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance improved with 100% oxygen and 80 ppm inhaled nitric oxide but remained elevated. The pulmonary vascular resistance index decreased to 7.9 ± 3.8 Wood units in 100% oxygen and to 6.4 ± 3.1 Wood units with the addition of nitric oxide. Sixteen patients (38%) died during the follow-up period. Estimated survival rates were 64% ± 8% at 6 months and 53% ± 11% at 2 years after diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension. In multivariate analyses, severe pulmonary artery hypertension and small birth weight for gestational age were associated with worse survival rates. Among 26 survivors (median follow-up period: 9.8 months), pulmonary artery hypertension was improved, relative to its most severe level, in 24 patients (89%).

CONCLUSION. Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and severe pulmonary artery hypertension are at high risk of death, particularly during the first 6 months after diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension.
Parents as Information Intermediaries Between Primary Care and Specialty Physicians
Authors: Stille Christopher J. , Primack William A. , McLaughlin Thomas J. , Wasserman Richard C.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE. In this study we assessed the views of parents of children referred to specialty care and the views of the children's primary care and specialty physicians about parents' roles as information intermediaries.

METHODS. We enrolled 179 patients who were newly referred from primary care pediatricians in 22 practices to 15 pediatric subspecialists in 5 specialties in a study of primary care pediatrician-specialist communication. Parents, primary care pediatricians, and specialists completed questionnaires by mail or telephone at the first visit and 6 months later. Questions included perceived responsibilities of parents as information conduits between primary care pediatricians and specialists. Opinions of parents, primary care pediatricians, and specialists about parents' roles were compared for the sample as a whole, as well as for individual cases. Agreement between parents and providers was assessed. Demographic and clinical determinants of parents reporting themselves as “comfortable with” or “acting” as primary intermediaries were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS. More parents (44%) than primary care physicians (30%) felt comfortable with parents acting as primary communicators between their children's physicians; 31% of parents who reported that they were the primary communicators felt uncomfortable in that role, and there was no agreement between parents and physicians about the role of parents in individual cases. Although no demographic characteristics of children or parents were associated with parent comfort as the primary communicator, parents of children who saw the same specialist more than once during the 6-month period felt more comfortable in this role. The presence of a chronic condition was not associated with parent comfort.

CONCLUSIONS. Although parents report more comfort with their own ability as information intermediaries than do their children's physicians, the role in which they feel comfortable is highly variable. Physicians should discuss with parents the roles they feel comfortable in assuming when specialty referrals are initiated.
Intimate Partner Violence and Health Care Costs and Utilization for Children Living in the Home
Authors: Rivara Frederick P. , Anderson Melissa L. , Fishman Paul , Bonomi Amy E. , Reid Robert J. , Carrell David , Thompson Robert S.
Published: November 2007

Objective. The goal was to determine whether differences in health care costs and utilization exist for children whose mothers experienced intimate partner violence versus those who did not.

Methods. A longitudinal cohort study was performed in an integrated health care delivery organization with 760 children of mothers with no history of intimate partner violence and 631 children of mothers with a history of intimate partner violence since age 18. Health care utilization and costs for children before, during, and after intimate partner violence exposure were compared with utilization and costs for children with nonabused mothers.

Results. Health care utilization and health care costs were higher in most categories of care for children of mothers with a history of intimate partner violence, with significantly higher values for mental health services, primary care visits, primary care costs, and laboratory costs. Children of mothers with a history of intimate partner violence that ended before the child was born had significantly greater utilization of mental health, primary care, specialty care, and pharmacy services than did children of mothers who reported no intimate partner violence. Children exposed directly to intimate partner violence (after birth) had greater emergency department and primary care use during the intimate partner violence and were 3 times as likely to use mental health services after the intimate partner violence ended.

Conclusions. Children whose mothers experienced intimate partner violence have higher health care utilization and costs, even if their mothers' abuse stopped before they were born. Screening of women for intimate partner violence should be a routine part of their health care, and interventions for both the women and their children are likely necessary to minimize the effects of intimate partner violence in the family.
Recommendations for Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Davis Matthew M. , Gance-Cleveland Bonnie , Hassink Sandra , Johnson Rachel , Paradis Gilles , Resnicow Kenneth
Published: November 2007

The majority of US youth are of healthy weight, but the majority of US adults are overweight or obese. Therefore, a major health challenge for most American children and adolescents is obesity prevention—today, and as they age into adulthood. In this report, we review the most recent evidence regarding many behavioral and practice interventions related to childhood obesity, and we present recommendations to health care providers. Because of the importance, we also suggest approaches that clinicians can use to encourage obesity prevention among children, including specific counseling strategies and practice-based, systems-level interventions. In addition, we suggest how clinicians may interact with and promote local and state policy initiatives designed to prevent obesity in their communities.
The Role of Schools in Combating Illicit Substance Abuse
Authors:   Council on School Health and Committee on Substance Abuse
Published: November 2007

This Policy Statement was retired July 2017.

Disturbingly high levels of illicit drug use remain a problem among American teenagers. As the physical, social, and psychological “home away from home” for most youth, schools naturally assume a primary role in substance abuse education, prevention, and early identification. However, the use of random drug testing on students as a component of drug prevention programs requires additional, more rigorous scientific evaluation. Widespread implementation should await the result of ongoing studies to address the effectiveness of testing and evaluate possible inadvertent harm. If drug testing on students is conducted, it should never be implemented in isolation. A comprehensive assessment and therapeutic management program for the student who tests positive should be in place before any testing is performed. Schools have the opportunity to work with parents, health care professionals, and community officials to use programs with proven effectiveness, to identify students who show behavioral risks for drug-related problems, and to make referrals to a student's medical home. When use of an illicit substance is detected, schools can foster relationships with established health care experts to assist them. A student undergoing individualized intervention for using illicit substances merits privacy. This requires that awareness of the student's situation be limited to parents, the student's physician, and only those designated school health officials with a need to know. For the purposes of this statement, alcohol, tobacco, and inhalants are not addressed.
Glucarpidase (Carboxypeptidase G2) Intervention in Adult and Elderly Cancer Patients with Renal Dysfunction and Delayed Methotrexate Elimination After High-Dose Methotrexate Therapy
Authors: Schwartz Stefan , Borner Klaus , Müller Krystina , Martus Peter , Fischer Lars , Korfel Agnieszka , Auton Timothy , Thiel Eckhard
Published: November 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify risk factors for kidney failure associated with high-dose MTX therapy.Discuss the therapeutic options in patients with delayed MTX elimination.Discuss the potential risks and benefits of glucarpidase intervention.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Chordoma: The Nonsarcoma Primary Bone Tumor
Authors: Chugh Rashmi , Tawbi Hussein , Lucas David R. , Biermann J. Sybil , Schuetze Scott M. , Baker Laurence H.
Published: November 2007

Chordomas are rare, slowly growing, locally aggressive neoplasms of bone that arise from embryonic remnants of the notochord. These tumors typically occur in the axial skeleton and have a proclivity for the spheno-occipital region of the skull base and sacral regions. In adults, 50% of chordomas involve the sacrococcygeal region, 35% occur at the base of the skull near the spheno-occipital area, and 15% are found in the vertebral column. Craniocervical chordomas most often involve the dorsum sella, clivus, and nasopharynx. Chordomas are divided into conventional, chondroid, and dedifferentiated types. Conventional chordomas are the most common. They are characterized by the absence of cartilaginous or additional mesenchymal components. Chondroid chordomas contain both chordomatous and chondromatous features, and have a predilection for the spheno-occipital region of the skull base. This variant accounts for 5%–15% of all chordomas and up to 33% of cranial chordomas. Dedifferentiation or sarcomatous transformation occurs in 2%–8% of chordomas. This can develop at the onset of the disease or later. Aggressive initial therapy improves overall outcome. Patients who relapse locally have a poor prognosis but both radiation and surgery can be used as salvage therapy. Subtotal resection can result in a stable or improved status in as many as 50% of patients who relapse after primary therapy. Radiation therapy may also salvage some patients with local recurrence. One series reported a 2-year actuarial local control rate of 33% for patients treated with proton beam irradiation.
The Pharmacologic Basis of Ifosfamide Use in Adult Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Tascilar Metin , Loos Walter J. , Seynaeve Caroline , Verweij Jaap , Sleijfer Stefan
Published: November 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the current role of ifosfamide in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas in adult patients.Discuss factors that may affect ifosfamide metabolism and its therapeutic index.Explain the advantages of ifosfamide over doxorubicin in the context of new treatment combinations.Discuss strategies to improve survival outcome in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Calcitonin targets extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway in human cancers
Authors: Nakamura Misa , Han Bo , Nishishita Toshihide , Bai Yanhua , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: November 2007

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway is a potential target in cancer therapy. Constitutive phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), which is one of the MAPKs has been detected in a variety of tumors. Calcitonin (CT) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the thyroid gland and has been used to treat the osteoporosis and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. We report that CT decreases ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cancer cells showing constitutive phosphorylated ERK1/2. In MDA-MB-231 cells, a breast cancer cell line showing constitutive phosphorylated ERK1/2, CT phosphorylated c-Raf at Ser259 via the protein kinase A pathway, resulting in suppression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CT significantly reduced the tumor volume of MDA-MB-231 cells showing constitutive phosphorylated ERK1/2 compared with saline buffer. However, CT did not exert any significant effects on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, a breast cancer cell line, showing non-constitutive phosphorylated ERK1/2. These novel findings indicate that CT may be used to target ERK in the treatment of cancer.
A Patient‐Centered Clinical Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recession Defects
Authors: Mahajan Ajay , Dixit Jaya , Verma Umesh Pratap
Published: November 2007

Background: The present randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft in terms of patient satisfaction and its effectiveness and efficiency in the treatment of gingival recession.

Methods: Fourteen patients (seven males and seven females) with Miller Class I and II recessions ≥3 mm participated in this 6‐month clinical study. They were assigned randomly to the ADM group (ADM graft and coronally positioned flap [CPF]) or the CPF group (CPF alone). Results were evaluated based on parameters measuring patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes associated with the two treatment procedures. Significance was set at P <0.05.

Results: The mean recession was 4.0 ± 1.0 mm and 3.7 ± 0.7 mm for the ADM and CPF groups, respectively. For the ADM group, the defect coverage was 3.85 ± 0.89 mm or 97.14% compared to the CPF group, in which the defect coverage was 2.85 ± 0.89 mm or 77.42%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the remaining clinical parameters and overall patient satisfaction except in criteria related to patient comfort and cost effectiveness, in which CPF alone produced significantly better results (P <0.03).

Conclusions: ADM graft is significantly superior with regard to effectiveness and efficiency in the treatment of gingival recession than CPF alone. CPF emerges as a better option than ADM graft in terms of cost effectiveness and patient comfort.
Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2, ‐9, and ‐12 Gene Polymorphisms in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Gürkan Ali , Emingil Gülnur , Saygan Buket Han , Atilla Gül , Çınarcık Serhat , Köse Timur , Berdeli Afig
Published: November 2007

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in periodontal tissue remodeling and degradation. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MMP‐2 and ‐9 genes and in the coding region of the MMP‐12 gene could affect transcription and the function of these enzymes. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the aforementioned MMP polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 92 subjects with GAgP and 157 periodontally healthy subjects. MMP‐2 −735C/T, MMP‐9 −1562C/T, and MMP‐12 357Asn/Ser polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, supragingival plaque accumulation, and bleeding on probing were recorded. The data were analyzed by χ2, logistic regression, and Mann‐Whitney U tests.

Results: The genotype distributions, allele frequencies, and rare allele carriage of MMP‐2 and MMP‐12 genes were similar in GAgP and healthy subjects (P >0.05). T allele frequency and T allele carriage of the MMP‐9 −1562 C/T polymorphism were significantly lower in the GAgP group than in the healthy group (P <0.05). In addition, logistic regression analysis revealed a protective effect for MMP‐9 −1562 T allele carriers (odds ratio = 0.52; P = 0.04).

Conclusions: MMP‐2 −735C/T and MMP‐12 357Asn/Ser polymorphisms are not related to GAgP. Conversely, the MMP‐9 −1562 gene T allele might be associated with a decreased risk for GAgP in the Turkish population.
Subgingival Microbiologic Effects of One‐Time Irradiation by CO2 Laser: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mullins Stephanie L. , MacNeill Simon R. , Rapley John W. , Williams Karen B. , Eick J. David , Cobb Charles M.
Published: November 2007

Background: Third‐generation carbon dioxide (3‐CO2) lasers have handpieces that accommodate a periodontal insert that permits irradiation directly into the periodontal pocket/sulcus. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface effects of 3‐CO2 laser treatment on the root surfaces and soft tissues and to investigate the effects of 3‐CO2 laser on periodontal pathogenic bacteria compared to negative controls.

Methods: Five patients with chronic periodontitis and treatment planned for a maxillary immediate denture were included in the study. Periodontal pockets with a mean probing depth of 5.5 ± 0.8 mm were irradiated one time by CO2 laser (wavelength of 10,600 nm) at a power of 2.2 W, 50 Hz, an 80‐millisecond pulse length, and an exposure rate of 1 mm per 5 seconds. DNA analysis of eight periodontal bacteria was performed on samples collected from laser‐treated and control sites prior to and immediately following treatment and was compared between groups. In addition, block biopsies, including soft tissue, were harvested for SEM examination.

Results: SEM examination of test group specimens showed heat damage on the soft tissues in three of 17 specimens (17.6%). In addition, 11.7% (two of 17) of the 3‐CO2–treated teeth exhibited localized slight damage to root surfaces. Microbiologic results of the control sites indicated that 90.6% of the bacterial counts remained the same, 6% increased, and 3% decreased. In the test group, 71.25% of the bacterial count analyses for the eight different periodontal microbes remained the same, 12.50% increased, and 16.25% decreased.

Conclusion: A one‐time use of the 3‐CO2 laser in periodontal pockets did not sterilize or substantially reduce subgingival bacterial populations compared to negative controls.
Use of Anorganic Bovine‐Derived Hydroxyapatite Matrix/Cell‐Binding Peptide (P‐15) in the Treatment of Class II Furcation Defects: A Clinical and Radiographic Study in Humans
Authors: Eto Ana L. , Joly Julio C. , Jeffcoat Marjorie , de Araújo Ney S. , de Araújo Vera C. , Cury Patricia R.
Published: November 2007

Background: This study compared clinical and radiographic findings for the treatment of Class II furcation defects in human mandibular molars using anorganic bovine‐derived hydroxyapatite matrix (ABM)/cell‐binding peptide (P‐15) or open flap debridement (OFD).

Methods: Twelve subjects showing two comparable Class II furcation defects in their mandibular molars were enrolled. The defects in each subject were assigned randomly to the test (ABM/P‐15) or the control (OFD) group. Clinical measurements and standardized radiographs were taken at baseline and 6 to 7 months after surgery.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the test and control groups for any clinical or radiographic parameter (P >0.05). On comparing the baseline and final measurements, the gain in horizontal clinical attachment level and reduction in gingival recession were significant only in the test group (P ≤0.02), whereas the gain in the vertical clinical attachment level was significant in both groups (P ≤0.04). In the test group, four of 12 sites showed complete closure, and five showed partial closure; in the control group, three defects showed complete closure, and four showed partial closure (P = 0.42). Subtraction radiography revealed similar gains in bone height and increases in mean bone density with both treatments (P >0.05).

Conclusions: ABM/P‐15 yielded favorable results in the treatment of Class II furcation defects over a 6‐month evaluation period; however, there was no difference compared to OFD. Further studies using a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings.
The Efficacy of Subgingival Calculus Removal With Endoscopy‐Aided Scaling and Root Planing: A Study on Multirooted Teeth
Authors: Michaud Robert M. , Schoolfield John , Mellonig James T. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: November 2007

Background: The dental endoscope was developed to facilitate visualization of the subgingival environment as an aid in diagnosis and non‐surgical root debridement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endoscopy‐aided scaling and root planing (SRP) resulted in a greater reduction of residual calculus compared to SRP alone in multirooted teeth.

Methods: Twenty‐four patients were enrolled and contributed 35 tooth pairs (70 teeth in total). Each tooth per pair was randomly assigned to receive endoscopy‐aided SRP (test) or SRP alone (control). Both teeth were extracted immediately after treatment, washed with water, and stained with methylene blue. The percentage of residual calculus was determined via stereomicroscopy and digital image software by a single masked examiner.

Results: Overall, there was 1.16% (P = 0.097) less residual calculus at test versus control sites. At interproximal surfaces, test roots had 2.63% less residual calculus than control roots (P = 0.003), whereas test roots had slightly more residual calculus than controls at buccal/lingual surfaces (0.36%; P = 0.652). There were no statistically significant differences in residual calculus between groups at deeper probing depths or at sites with deep furcation invasions. Only at shallower interproximal sites with probing depths ≤6 mm was significantly less residual calculus seen in roots treated with endoscopy (P = 0.020). Treatment time decreased significantly as operator experience increased; however, no significant improvement in residual calculus levels was noted with greater experience.

Conclusion: Within the confines of this study, the use of the endoscope as an adjunct to traditional SRP provided no significant improvement in calculus removal in multirooted molar teeth.
Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Implications for Participatory Research and Community
Authors: Cochran Patricia A. L. , Marshall Catherine A. , Garcia-Downing Carmen , Kendall Elizabeth , Cook Doris , McCubbin Laurie , Gover Reva Mariah S.
Published: November 2007

Researchers have a responsibility to cause no harm, but research has been a source of distress for indigenous people because of inappropriate methods and practices.

The way researchers acquire knowledge in indigenous communities may be as critical for eliminating health disparities as the actual knowledge that is gained about a particular health problem. Researchers working with indigenous communities must continue to resolve conflict between the values of the academic setting and those of the community. It is important to consider the ways of knowing that exist in indigenous communities when developing research methods.

Challenges to research partnerships include how to distribute the benefits of the research findings when academic or external needs contrast with the need to protect indigenous knowledge.
Self-Reported Tuberculosis Disease and Tuberculin Skin Testing in the New York City House Ballroom Community
Authors: Marks Suzanne M. , Murrill Chris , Sanchez Travis , Liu Kai-lih , Finlayson Teresa , Guilin Vincent
Published: November 2007

Objectives. We sought to describe the history of tuberculosis disease and tuberculin skin testing among the New York City House Ballroom community—a social network of diverse sexual and gender identities or expressions.

Methods. Members of the House Ballroom community were convenience sampled, surveyed, and tested for HIV in 2004. We identified characteristics associated with history of tuberculosis, tuberculin skin testing, and test positivity and described the timing of skin testing.

Results. Of 504 participants, 1.4% (n=7) reported a history of tuberculosis and 81.1% (n=404 of 498) had received a tuberculin skin test. Of those tested, 16 (4%) had positive results, which indicated latent infection, and 68% had received a test in the 2 years prior to the survey. Participants with health insurance were more likely and those with little education were less likely to have received a skin test. HIV-infected participants (16%) were not more likely to have received a tuberculin skin test compared with non-HIV-infected individuals. Foreign-born participants and self-identified heterosexuals and bisexuals were more likely to have had positive skin tests.

Conclusions. Self-reported history of tuberculosis was high among the House Ballroom community. Although many community members had a recent skin test, further efforts should target services to those who are HIV infected, have low education, lack health insurance, or are foreign born.
Breastfeeding Duration and Childhood Overweight Among Low-Income Children in Kansas, 1998–2002
Authors: Procter Sandra B. , Holcomb Carol Ann
Published: November 2007

Objectives. We sought to determine whether increased duration of breast-feeding was associated with decreased risk of overweight among 4-year-old children in Kansas families with limited means.

Methods. We linked data on Kansas families from the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System and Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance System, 1998 to 2002, to determine breastfeeding duration and weight status at age 4 years. Overweight among 4-year-old children was defined as body mass index–for-age at the 95th percentile and above. Linked analysis included 3692 children. Logistic regression was applied to determine odds of being overweight at each duration of breastfeeding.

Results. Breastfeeding duration considered independently showed a significant protective association with childhood overweight at age 4 years for all non-Hispanics (odds ratio [OR]=0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.55, 0.94) and for Whites only (OR=0.68; CI=0.50, 0.92). When we controlled for other significant risk factors for childhood overweight, the association diminished and was not statistically significant.

Conclusions. Although breastfeeding for longer duration appeared to be protective against overweight among 4-year-old non-Hispanic children, cultural and environmental factors may override this protective benefit.
Understanding Dog Owners’ Increased Levels of Physical Activity: Results From RESIDE
Authors: Cutt Hayley , Giles-Corti Billie , Knuiman Matthew , Timperio Anna , Bull Fiona
Published: November 2007

We examined the influence of dog ownership on physical activity, independent of demographic, intrapersonal, and perceived environmental factors, in a cross-sectional survey of 1813 adults. Although only 23% of the dog owners walked their dogs 5 or more times per week, the adjusted odds of achieving sufficient physical activity and walking were 57% to 77% higher among dog owners compared with those not owning dogs (P< .05). Dog ownership was independently associated with physical activity and walking. Actively encouraging more dog walking may increase community physical activity levels.
Racial/Ethnic Minority Children’s Use of Psychiatric Emergency Care in California’s Public Mental Health System
Authors: Snowden Lonnie R. , Masland Mary C. , Libby Anne M. , Wallace Neal , Fawley Kya
Published: November 2007

Objectives. We examined rates and intensity of crisis services use by race/ethnicity for 351174 children younger than 18 years who received specialty mental health care from California’s 57 county public mental health systems between July 1998 and June 2001.

Methods. We used fixed-effects regression for a controlled assessment of racial/ethnic disparities in children’s use of hospital-based services for the most serious mental health crises (crisis stabilization services) and community-based services for other crises (crisis intervention services).

Results. African American children were more likely than were White children to use both kinds of crisis care and made more visits to hospital-based crisis stabilization services after initial use. Asian American/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native children were more likely than were White children to use hospital-based crisis stabilization services but, along with Latino children, made fewer hospital-based crisis stabilization visits after an initial visit.

Conclusions. African American children used both kinds of crisis services more than did White children, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islander and American Indians/Alaska Native children visited only when they experienced the most disruptive and troubling kind of crises, and made nonrecurring visits.
Improvements in Middle School Student Dietary Intake After Implementation of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy
Authors: Cullen Karen Weber , Watson Kathy , Zakeri Issa
Published: November 2007

Objectives. We assessed the effect of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy on middle school student lunchtime food consumption.

Methods. Three years of lunch food records were collected from middle school students in southeast Texas: baseline (2001–2002), after local district changes (2002–2003), and 1 year after implementation of the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy (2005–2006). Students recorded amount and source of foods and beverages they consumed. Analysis of variance and covariance and nonparametric tests were used to compare intake after the policy change with intake during the 2 previous years.

Results. After implementation of the nutrition policy, student lunch consumption of vegetables, milk, and several nutrients increased (protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and sodium), and consumption of less desirable items (sweetened beverages, snack chips) decreased, as did percentage of energy from fat. Most of the desired nutrients and foods (vegetables and milk) were obtained from the National School Lunch Program meal. Fewer sweetened beverages, candy, chips, and dessert foods were purchased and consumed, but more of these items were brought from home and purchased from the snack bar.

Conclusions. Overall, state school nutrition policies can improve the healthfulness of foods consumed by students at lunch.
The impact of increasing energy crop addition on process performance and residual methane potential in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lindorfer H. , Pérez López C. , Resch C. , Braun R. , Kirchmayr R.
Published: November 2007

In a full-scale agricultural biogas plant, the changes in process performance connected with the increasing energy crop addition were monitored. The substrates applied were pig manure, solid energy crops and agricultural residues. During the study, the organic loading rate and the volume-related biogas productivity were doubled to 4.2 kg VS/(m·3d) and 2.83 Nm3/(m3·d) respectively, by means of increasing the energy crop ratio in the feedstock to 96.5% (volatile solids). This resulted in an increase of the electrical capacity on a level twice as high as before. At the same time, methane yield and organic degradation rate decreased slightly to 0.35 Nm3/kg VSadded and 87.4%, respectively. The strongest impact observed was on the transfer of partly degraded organic material into the digestate storage and with this, an increase of the residual methane potential of the digestate. A maximum theoretical methane load in the digestate of 14.4% related to total methane production of the biogas plant was observed. This maximum level could be reduced to 5.5%.
Thermophilic anaerobic digestion in compact systems: investigations by modern microbiological techniques and mathematical simulation
Authors: Lübken M. , Wichern M. , Letsiou I. , Kehl O. , Bischof F. , Horn H.
Published: November 2007

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion in compact systems can be an economical and ecological reasonable decentralised process technique, especially for rural areas. Thermophilic process conditions are important for a sufficient removal of pathogens. The high energy demand, however, can make such systems unfavourable in terms of energy costs. This is the case when low concentrated wastewater is treated or the system is operated at low ambient temperatures. In this paper we present experimental results of a compact thermophilic anaerobic system obtained with fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis and mathematical simulation. The system was operated with faecal sludge for a period of 135 days and with a model substrate consisting of forage and cellulose for a period of 60 days. The change in the microbial community due to the two different substrates treated could be well observed by the FISH analysis. The Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1 (ADM1) was used to evaluate system performance at different temperature conditions. The model was extended to contribute to decreased methanogenic activity at lower temperatures and was used to calculate energy production. A model was developed to calculate the major parts of energy consumed by the digester itself at different temperature conditions. It was demonstrated by the simulation study that a reduction of the process temperature can lead to higher net energy yield. The simulation study additionally showed that the effect of temperature on the energy yield is higher when a substrate is treated with high protein content.
Anaerobic co-digestion of sludge with other organic wastes in small wastewater treatment plants: an economic considerations evaluation
Authors: Pavan P. , Bolzonella D. , Battistoni E. , Cecchi F.
Published: November 2007

This paper deals with an economic comparison between costs and incomes in small wastewater treatment plants where the anaerobic co-digestion process of sludge and biowaste with energy recovery is operated. Plants in the size range 1,000–30,000 persons equivalent (pe) were considered in the study: typical costs, comprehensive of capital and operating costs, were in the range €69–105 per person per year depending on the plant size: the smaller the size the higher the specific cost. The incomes deriving from taxes and fees for wastewater treatment are generally in the range €36–54 per person per year and can only partially cover costs in small wastewater treatment plants. However, the co-treatment of biowaste and the use of produced energy for extra credits (green certificates) determine a clear improvement in the possible revenues from the plant. These were calculated to be €23–25 per person per year; as a consequence the costs and incomes can be considered comparable for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with size larger than 10,000 pe. Therefore, anaerobic co-digestion of biowaste and sludge can also be considered a sustainable solution for small wastewater treatment plants in rural areas where several different kinds of biowaste are available to enhance biogas production in anaerobic reactors.
Application of the flexible fiber filter module (3FM) filter to sea water filtration
Authors: Jeanmaire J-P. , Suty H. , Marteil P. , Breant P. , Pedenaud P.
Published: November 2007

The new 3FM filter (Flexible Fiber Filter Module), implementing very fine nylon fibers as filtration media was tested at pilot scale for the first time on sea water. The objective was to improve the quality of raw sea water to produce water for injection into offshore wells for extraction purposes on oil-bearing fields. Particles larger than 5 μm must be removed from the water of injection to avoid clogging at the point of injection into the porous rock. The purpose of the tests carried out over several months at Palavas Les Flots (France) was to specify the optimal operating conditions of the 3FM filter. Various coagulants and combinations of reagents were tested at velocities ranging between 50 and 200 m3/m2/h (ground filtration velocity). On raw sea water of about 1 NTU turbidity and at velocities of 100 m3/m2/h, the filtered water contained about 300 particles per mL larger than 1 μm, and less than 15 particles larger than 5 μm per mL. The filter runs range from one hour to few hours, variable according to the raw water turbidity, the reagent dosing rate and the filtration velocity. Backwashes, a succession of air scours at high air flow rates combined with water phases, the total duration of which did not exceed 1 minute, were shown to be efficient during the three months testing period. 3FM filter performance was promising for many other possible applications.
Evaluation of floc strength by morphological analysis and PDA online monitoring
Authors: Jin Pengkang K. , Wang Xiaochang C. , Chai Haixia
Published: November 2007

This paper established a method for the evaluation of floc strength by morphological analysis and PDA online monitoring. Theoretically, the binding force of a floc can be expressed as B=k1d2Df/3, where k1 is a coefficient, d is floc size and Df is the fractal dimension of the floc. In order to calculate the binding force under a given flocculation condition, a jar test was conducted and d and Df were measured by image analysis. A shear force was exerted on the grown flocs by introducing the flocculated suspension through a transparent tube where the velocity gradient value of the flow could be accurately controlled. As the tube was connected with a particle dispersion analyzer (PDA), the condition of floc breakage was online monitored and the critical condition was identified by analyzing the PDA outputs (FI curves). The binding force coefficient k1 could thus be determined, and the binding force B which represented the floc strength was evaluated. The validity of this method was proved by a series of experiments using aluminium sulphate as coagulant for the flocculation of humic substances.
The Curse of Success: The Impact of the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment on the Discourses of the Teaching Profession in Finland
Authors: Rautalin Marjaana , Alasuutari Pertti
Published: November 2007

In the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is an international comparative learning assessment measuring young people's knowledge and skills, Finland has been ranked at the top in the two rounds conducted and reported so far. In this article, the authors examine the discourses within which Finland's PISA results have been interpreted by the teaching profession in Finland, and how these interpretations of Finland's PISA success together with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's PISA may affect national education policy in the future. The main question posed is how do teachers interpret excellence so as to support their attempt to improve their working conditions, when the international success of Finnish education could also be used as proof that all is well. The data comprise editorials published in the official organ of the teachers' trade union in Finland, Opettaja-lehti. The analysis shows that in the editorials, success is explained mainly by the expertise of Finnish teachers and their university education. However, the editorials also argue that there is a discrepancy between the good PISA results and the present meagre investments in the education system, the deteriorating school network and the poor appreciation of the education system in Finland. Thus, the editorials use the national PISA results to demand more resources for the Finnish education system.
Self-Study in a Community of Learning Researchers: What Can We Do to Help Teachers/teacher Educators Benefit from Our Research?
Authors: Lunenberg Mieke , Loughran John , Schildkamp Kim , Beishuizen Jos , Meirink Jacobiene , Zwart Rosanne
Published: November 2007

This article reports on the results of an intensive summer course in which a community of learners, consisting of three teaching and teacher education academics and 17 European PhD students in the field of education, conducted a collective self-study. The international collective self-study offered a unique opportunity to go beyond parochial and local perspectives on the process of research and knowledge creation. The central question in this summer course was: ‘What can we, as researchers, do to help teachers/teacher educators benefit from our research and what can be learned through this research on research?’ The participants first studied relevant literature about the — relatively new — concepts of self-study and a community of learners. Secondly, they studied and discussed their own research projects through the lens of a self-study methodology. The critical study and discussions of both literature and the research projects resulted in a list of 15 guidelines. In addition, the doctoral students experienced and learned that forming a community of learners can be an effective environment for collaborative inquiry learning and that conducting a collective self-study can be an effective way of carrying out research. A Mediterrannean island, a research question and twenty researchers …
How to play MetaSquares
Authors: Sander J.
Published: November 2007

The rules of the game MetaSquares as well as computational results suggest to follow a “lattice” strategy. This strategy is presented, and by counting lattice points it is shown to be essentially best possible.
Uniform convergence on spaces of multifunctions
Authors: Holý Dušan
Published: November 2007

We study spaces of multifunctions with closed values, multifunctions with closed graphs, USCO multifunctions, minimal USCO multifunctions and the space of densely continuous forms as metric spaces, equipped with the topology of uniform convergence. We give conditions under which these metric spaces are complete.
Confidence regions in a multivariate regression model with constraints II
Authors: Kubáček Lubomír
Published: November 2007

The multivariate model, where not only parameters of the mean value of the observation matrix, but also some other parameters occur in constraints, is considered in the paper. Some basic inference is presented under the condition that the covariance matrix is either unknown, or partially unknown, or known.
Anterolateral approach to the cervical spine: major anatomical structures and landmarks
Authors: Civelek Erdinc , Kiris Talat , Hepgul Kemal , Canbolat Ali , Ersoy Gokhan , Cansever Tufan
Published: November 2007

Object

The authors undertook a study to explore the topographic anatomical features seen during the anterolateral approach to cervical spine, anatomical variations, and certain landmarks related to the surgical procedure.

Methods

The study was conducted in 30 fresh cadavers.

Results

The common carotid artery bifurcation was mostly found at the level of C-4 (78%). The inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle was seen to cross the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the C5–6 disc level along the entire C-6 vertebral body. To reach the lower cervical region, the sacrifice of this muscle makes the procedure easier. The facial vein drained into the internal jugular vein mostly at the level of C3–4 (54%). The superior ganglion of the cervical sympathetic chain was located at the C-4 vertebra, but the location of the intermediate ganglion exhibited some variation. The vertebral artery entered the transverse foramen of C-6 in 27 cadavers (90%), the transverse foramen of C-7 in two cadavers (7%), and the transverse foramen of C-4 in one cadaver (3%). Because the inferior thyroid artery crossed the C6–7 interspace obliquely, the course of the inferior thyroid artery may complicate the procedure. The C-5 uncinate process was shortest and narrowest and had the greatest distance from the medial edge of the process to the anterior tubercle (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Understanding the qualitative anatomy of this region not only improves the safety of anterior and anterolateral cervical spine surgery but also allows adequate decompression of neural elements and resolution of the other pathological processes of this region. In this fresh cadaveric study, our goal was to improve the approach and decrease the incidence of complications.