bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex Vivo Biomechanical Comparison of the 2.4 mm UniLOCK® Reconstruction Plate Using 2.4 mm Locking Versus Standard Screws for Fixation of Acetabular Osteotomy in Dogs
Authors: AMATO NICOLE S. , RICHARDS ANDREW , KNIGHT TREVOR A. , SPECTOR DANIEL , BOUDRIEAU RANDY J. , BELKOFF STEPHEN
Published: December 2008

Objective— To compare the accuracy of reduction and the biomechanical characteristics of canine acetabular osteotomies stabilized with locking versus standard screws in a locking plate.

Study Design— Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Sample Population— Cadaveric canine hemipelves and corresponding femurs (n=10 paired).

Methods— Transverse acetabular osteotomies stabilized with 5‐hole 2.4 mm uniLOCK® reconstruction plates using either 2.4 mm locking monocortical or standard bicortical screw fixation (Synthes® Maxillofacial). Fracture reduction was assessed directly (craniocaudal acetabular width measurements and gross observation) and indirectly (impression casts). All constructs were fatigue‐tested, followed by acute destructive testing. All outcome measures (mean±SD) were evaluated for significance (P<.05) using paired t‐tests.

Results— Craniocaudal acetabular diameters before and after fixation were not significantly different (21.9±1.2 and 21.5±1.2 mm; P=.45). No significant differences were observed in acetabular width differences between pre‐ and postoperative fixation between groups (locking −0.4±0.4 mm; standard −0.4±0.3 mm; P=.76). Grossly, there was no significant difference in the repairs and impression casts did not reveal a significant (P=.75) difference in congruency between the groups. No significant differences were found in fracture gap between groups either dorsally (locking 0.38±0.23 mm versus standard 0.22±0.05 mm; P=.30) or ventrally (locking 0.80±0.79 mm versus standard 0.35±0.13 mm; P=.23), and maximum change in amplitude dorsally (locking 0.96±2.15 mm versus standard 0.92±0.89 mm; P=.96) or ventrally (locking 2.02±2.93 mm versus standard 0.15±0.81 mm; P=.25). There were no significant differences in stiffness (locking 241±46 N/mm versus standard 283±209 N/mm; P=.64) or load to failure (locking 1077±950 N versus standard 811±248 N; P=.49).

Conclusion— No significant differences were found between pelves stabilized with locking monocortical screw fixation or standard bicortical screw fixation with respect to joint congruity, displacement of fracture gap after cyclic loading, construct stiffness, or ultimate load to failure.

Clinical Relevance— There is no apparent advantage of locking plate fixation over standard plate fixation of 2‐piece ex vivo acetabular fractures using the 2.4 mm uniLOCK® reconstruction plate.
Comparison of Arthroscopy and Arthrotomy for Diagnosis of Medial Meniscal Pathology: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: POZZI ANTONIO , HILDRETH BLAKE EASON , RAJALA‐SCHULTZ PAIVI J.
Published: December 2008

Objective— To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of arthroscopy and arthrotomy for diagnosis of medial meniscal pathology and to evaluate the diagnostic value of medial meniscal probing.

Study Design— Ex vivo study.

Animals— Cadaveric canine stifle joints (n=30).

Methods— Stifle joints were assigned to either a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient or intact group. Within each stifle joint, no medial meniscal tear, a peripheral detachment, or 1 of 3 variants of vertical longitudinal tears of the medial meniscus were created. Each stifle joint had arthroscopy, craniomedial (CrMed), and caudomedial (CdMed) arthrotomy. Diagnoses were made by both observation and probing. Sensitivity, specificity, and correct classification rate (CCR) for diagnosing the state of the medial meniscus using both observation and probing with all diagnostic methods were calculated. Odds ratios were calculated to determine if probing increased diagnostic accuracy.

Results— Arthroscopy with probing was the most sensitive and specific diagnostic method and had the highest CCR. For arthrotomy, CrMed was the most sensitive in CrCL‐deficient and CdMed the most sensitive in stable, CrCL‐intact stifle joints. For all methods, probing increased their diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions— Arthroscopy is the most accurate diagnostic method; however, probing the medial meniscus enhances the diagnostic accuracy of all methods.

Clinical Relevance— Accurate diagnosis of medial meniscal pathology is ideally achieved by means of arthroscopy; however, if arthrotomy is chosen, CrMed should be selected in unstable and CdMed in stable stifle joints. Regardless, medial meniscal probing should be performed to increase diagnostic accuracy.
Acute Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Stick Injury in Forty‐One Dogs
Authors: DORAN IVAN P. , WRIGHT CAROL A. , MOORE ALASDAIR HOTSTON
Published: December 2008

Objective— To report clinical findings, treatment, and outcome in dogs with acute (<7 days) oropharyngeal or esophageal stick injury.

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Dogs (n=41) with acute oropharyngeal or esophageal injury.

Methods— Dogs had clinical and radiographic examination, and frequently, cervical surgical exploration. The decision to operate was based on radiographic findings of cervical emphysema. Outcome was determined by owner or veterinarian interview.

Results— Of 41 dogs, 27 had oropharyngeal injury and 14 had esophageal injury. Five dogs with esophageal injury died. All dogs with radiographic evidence of cervical emphysema (n=34) had ventral median cervical exploration or necropsy; 11 had wood fragment(s) retrieved. In 7 dogs without radiographic signs of cervical emphysema, wounds involving the pharynx or soft palate were treated by local debridement and lavage using an oral approach. Mean follow‐up time was 36.4 months. All wounds healed without complication; however, 1 dog that was not surgically explored had a piece of wood surgically retrieved 3 months later.

Conclusions— Radiographic evidence of cervical emphysema is a frequent finding in dogs with acute penetrating oropharyngeal or esophageal injury and indicates trauma to the deeper cervical tissues. Acute penetrating injury of the oropharyngeal region, when treated appropriately, has a better prognosis than acute esophageal penetration.

Clinical Relevance— Ventral median cervical surgical exploration is recommended in dogs with acute penetrating injury of the oropharynx or esophagus if there is radiographic evidence of tissue emphysema.
Survival and Complications After Large Colon Resection and End‐to‐End Anastomosis for Strangulating Large Colon Volvulus in Seventy‐Three Horses
Authors: ELLIS CHRISTINA M. , LYNCH TIMOTHY M. , SLONE DONNIE E. , HUGHES FAITH E. , CLARK CAROL K.
Published: December 2008

Objective—To report complications and survival after large colon resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis in horses with strangulating large colon volvulus.

Study Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—Horses (n=73) with strangulating large colon volvulus.

Methods—Records (January 1995 to December 2005) of horses that had large colon resection and anastomosis for strangulating large colon volvulus were reviewed for complications. Follow‐up data were obtained by telephone questionnaire at least 1 year postoperatively. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate association with survival time. Variables included admission date, age, temperature, heart rate, packed cell volume, total plasma protein concentration, white blood cell count, breed, and sex. Significance was set atP<.05.

Results—The most common postoperative complication was diarrhea. None of the 9 variables of interest were significant for survival. Short‐term survival rate (to discharge) was 74%. Overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively were 67.8%, 66.0%, and 63.5%, respectively. Four horses died of colic in the first year after surgery. All horses surviving long‐term (>1 year) returned to their intended use (37 brood mares, 2 racehorses, and 1 show horse) with no chronic problems related to the surgical procedure.

Conclusion—None of the variables examined were associated with survival. Outcomes were similar to other large studies of surgical colic in the horse. Self‐limiting diarrhea is common after large colon resection and the prognosis for survival after hospital discharge is favorable.

Clinical Relevance—Horses that survive the early postoperative period and are discharged after large colon resection and anastomosis have a good chance for long‐term survival with minimal negative impact on quality of life and use.
Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs with Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation and Urinary Bladder Dysfunction Managed by Manual Expression, Indwelling Catheterization or Intermittent Catheterization
Authors: BUBENIK LORETTA , HOSGOOD GISELLE
Published: December 2008

Objective— To evaluate risk factors for lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) that had manual expression (ME), indwelling catheterization (IDC) or intermittent catheterization (ITC) for urinary bladder management.

Study Design— Randomized‐clinical trial.

Animals— Dogs (n=62) treated with urinary bladder dysfunction requiring surgery for IVDD and control dogs (n=30) that had surgery for reasons other than IVDD.

Methods— Treated dogs were randomly assigned to ME, IDC, or ITC. Urine was collected for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing before and after treatment. Incidence and risk factors for UTI were evaluated. Bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance patterns were described.

Results— Mean (±SD) time to urination was significantly longer for IDC dogs (7.4±2.75 days) than ME dogs (4.2±2.63) and ITC dogs (4.9±3.12). Thirteen treated dogs (21%) and no control dogs developed UTI: 4/25 (16%) ME, 8/25 (32%) IDC, and 1/12 (8%) ITC. Enterobacter sp. was most frequently isolated (4/13; 31%). Duration of treatment was the only risk factor for UTI and each additional day of treatment increased the risk of UTI 1.5 times.

Conclusion— For dogs with acute IVDD, the duration of required urinary bladder management establishes the risk of UTI, not the urinary bladder management technique.

Clinical Relevance— Duration of treatment for urinary bladder dysfunction is a risk factor for UTI in dogs recovering from acute IVDD. Treatment for urinary bladder management should be limited where possible and no method of treatment is preferred. For dogs managed by IDC, voluntary urination might occur before clinically suspected.
Determining the Optimal Dose of Intravenous Fat Emulsion for the Treatment of Severe Verapamil Toxicity in a Rodent Model
Authors: Perez Eric , Bania Theodore C. , Medlej Kamal , Chu Jason
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Recent animal studies have shown that intravenous fat emulsion (IFE) increases survival and hemodynamics in severe verapamil toxicity. However, the optimal dose of IFE is unknown. The primary objective was to determine the optimal dose of IFE based on survival in severe verapamil toxicity. Secondary objectives were to determine the effects on hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. The hypothesis was that there is a dose‐dependent effect of IFE on survival until a maximum dose is reached.

Methods:  This was a controlled dose‐escalation study. Thirty male rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and instrumented to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Verapamil toxicity was achieved by a constant infusion of 15 mg/kg/hr. After 5 minutes, a bolus of 20% IFE was given. Animals were divided into six groups based on differing doses of IFE. Arterial base excess (ABE) was measured every 30 minutes. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance.

Results:  The mean survival time for each dose of IFE was 0 mL/kg = 34 minutes, 6.2 mL/kg = 58 minutes, 12.4 mL/kg = 63 minutes, 18.6 mL/kg = 143.8 minutes, 24.8 mL/kg = 125.6 minutes, and 37.6 mL/kg = 130 minutes. Post hoc testing determined that the 18.6 mL/kg dose resulted in the greatest survival when compared to other doses. It increased survival 107.2 minutes (p = 0.004), 91.2 minutes (p = 0.001), and 80.8 minutes (p = 0.023) when compared to the lower doses of 0, 6.2, and 12.4 mL/kg, respectively. There was no added benefit to survival for doses greater than 18.6 mL/kg. The secondary outcomes of HR, MAP, and ABE showed the most benefit with 24.8 mL/kg of IFE at both 30 and 60 minutes.

Conclusions:  The greatest benefit to survival occurs with 18.6 mL/kg IFE, while the greatest benefit to HR, MAP, and BE occurs at 24.8 mL/kg IFE. The optimal dose for the treatment of severe verapamil toxicity in this murine model was 18.6 mL/kg.
Endothelial progenitor cells: identity defined?
Authors: Timmermans Frank , Plum Jean , Yöder Mervin C. , Ingram David A. , Vandekerckhove Bart , Case Jamie
Published: December 2008

Introduction

The proof‐of‐concept in vivo: the cell, the read‐out and the animal model

EPCs defined in vitro: the achilles heel in EPC biology

Summary

In the past decade, researchers have gained important insights on the role of bone marrow (BM)‐derived cells in adult neovascularization. A subset of BM‐derived cells, called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), has been of particular interest, as these cells were suggested to home to sites of neovascularization and neoendothelialization and differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) in situ, a process referred to as postnatal vasculogenesis. Therefore, EPCs were proposed as a potential regenerative tool for treating human vascular disease and a possible target to restrict vessel growth in tumour pathology. However, conflicting results have been reported in the field, and the identification, characterization, and exact role of EPCs in vascular biology is still a subject of much discussion. The focus of this review is on the controversial issues in the field of EPCs which are related to the lack of a unique EPC marker, identification challenges related to the paucity of EPCs in the circulation, and the important phenotypical and functional overlap between EPCs, haematopoietic cells and mature ECs. We also discuss our recent findings on the origin of endothelial outgrowth cells (EOCs), showing that this in vitro defined EC population does not originate from circulating CD133+ cells or CD45+ haematopoietic cells.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) transfection of human bone marrow stromal cells in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Wallmichrath J. , Stark G. B. , Kneser U. , Andree C. , Voigt M. , Horch R. E. , Schaefer D. J.
Published: December 2008

A novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of bone defects is gene therapy assisted bone tissue engineering using bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) on proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity of primary hBMSCin vitro. hBMSC cultures were achieved by explantation culture of bone chips. Following exposure to 0–10 ng recombinant hEGF (rhEGF)/ml cell numbers were determined by automated cell counting and cell bound AP activity was measured spectrophotometrically. hBMSC were transfected with hEGF plasmids and the proliferative effect was studied by cocultivation of transfected and untreated cells using porous cell culture inserts. The persistence of hEGF expression even after cell transfer was studied by the generation of possibly osteogenic constructs introducing transfected hBMSC in fibrin glue and bovine cancellous bone. The maximum increase in proliferation (156 ± 7%) and AP activity (220 ± 34%) was detected after exposition to 10 ng rhEGF/ml. In the separation chamber assay transfected cells produced hEGF concentrations up to 3.6 ng/ml, which induced a mean proliferation increase of 93% which could be significantly inhibited by a neutralizing hEGF antibody. Further, EGF‐secretion of transfected hBMSC in 3D‐culture was verified. Recombinant and transgenic hEGF stimulate proliferation of primary hBMSCin vitro. Lipotransfection of hBMSC with hEGF plasmids allows the transient and site directed delivery of biologically active transgenic hEGF. The introduction of mitogenic, angiogenic and chemoattractive factors in gene therapy assisted bone tissue engineering is discussed by the example of EGF.
Granular parakeratosis – a clinical‐pathological correlation of 10 cases
Authors: Braun‐Falco Markus , Laaff Helmut
Published: December 2008

Background: Granular parakeratosis describes chronic skin lesions within the intertriginous areas that demonstrate microscopically parakeratosis together with retention of keratohyalin granules within a thickened stratum corneum. Granular parakeratosis is rarely diagnosed, since it is still relatively unknown within the differential diagnoses of intertriginous eruptions, and a skin biopsy is required for diagnosis. In order to gain insight into the clinical‐histopathologic correlation, we present 10 cases of granular parakeratosis.

Methods: The files of the DermatoHistologisches Labor Dr. H. Laaff, Freiburg, were searched for the diagnosis of granular parakeratosis. Identified cases were evaluated for clinical information and histopathologic characteristics.

Result: From 2004 to 2007 10 cases (7 women, 3 men) of granular parakeratosis were found corresponding to a frequency of 0.004%. The average age was 62 (33–82). In women lesions occurred in submammary region (4), axillae (2) and popliteal fossa; in men, groin (2) and genital region. Clinically two different patterns are recognized – lichen planus‐like red‐brown slightly hyperkeratotic or scaly papules, and larger plaques which are either bright red shiny or grey‐brown with lichenification. Histologically the typical granular parakeratosis was seen in a prominently thickened stratum corneum. It remains unclear whether granular parakeratosis is a disease entity or whether it reflects a reaction pattern to unknown stimuli.
Differing lung function development in infants with univentricular hearts compared with healthy infants
Authors: Matthews Iren Lindbak , Kaldestad Runa Helen , Bjørnstad Per G , Thaulow Erik , Grønn Morten
Published: December 2008

Aim: To compare the difference in lung function development of healthy controls and patients with univentricular hearts from birth prior to surgery and during the first year of life when cardiac shunt procedures and the cavopulmonary connection are required.

Methods: Tidal flow‐volume measurements and single‐occlusion tests were performed from birth serially up to 18 months of age on 28 unsedated spontaneously breathing infants with univentricular hearts and 58 healthy control infants.

Results: Infants with univentricular heart physiology had low tidal volumes, low compliance of the respiratory system and high respiratory rate at birth, which over time normalized, whereas the peak expiratory flow increased during the study period. The lung function measured at birth was predictive of later lung function measurements.

Conclusion: The pattern of lung function development is different in the patients with univentricular hearts compared to healthy controls. Lung function measured at birth is predictive of later lung function.
Cerebral tissue oxygenation index and superior vena cava blood flow in the very low birth weight infant
Authors: Moran M , Miletin J , Pichova K , Dempsey EM
Published: December 2008

Background: Superior vena cava (SVC) flow assesses blood flow from the upper body, including the brain. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides information on brain perfusion and oxygenation.

Aim: To assess the relationship between cerebral tissue oxygenation index (cTOI) and cardiac output measures in the very low birth weight (VLBW) infant in the first day of life.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study. Neonates with birth weight less than 1500 g (VLBW) were eligible for enrollment. Newborns with congenital heart disease, major congenital malformations and greater than Papile grade1 Intraventricular Haemorrhage on day 1 of life were excluded. Echocardiographic evaluation of SVC flow was performed in the first 24 h of life. Low SVC flow states were defined as a flow less than 40 mL/kg/min. cTOI was measured using NIRO 200 Hamamatsu.

Results: Twenty‐seven VLBW neonates had both echocardiography and NIRS performed. The median (range) gestation was 29/40 (25 + 3 to 31 + 5 weeks) and median birth weight was 1.2 kg (0.57–1.48 kg). The mean (SD) TOI was 68.1 (7.9)%. The mean (SD) SVC flow was 70.36(39.5) mLs/kg/min. The correlation coefficient of cerebral tissue oxygenation and SVC flow was r = 0.53, p‐value 0.005. There was a poor correlation between right and left ventricular output and cTOI which is not surprising considering the influence of intra‐ and extracardiac shunts.

Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between cerebral TOI values and SVC flow in the very low birth infant on day one of life.
Acoustic cry characteristics of infants exposed to methadone during pregnancy
Authors: Quick Zoe L , Robb Michael P , Woodward Lianne J
Published: December 2008

Objective: Infant cry characteristics reflect the neurological and medical status of the infant. This study compared the acoustic cry characteristics of infants born to mothers maintained on methadone during pregnancy with those of infants not exposed to methadone during pregnancy.

Methods: At 42 weeks of post‐menstrual age, 89 crying episodes ranging in duration from 1.15 to 1.97 sec were collected from 10 methadone‐exposed (ME) and 10 non‐methadone‐exposed (NE) infants. Cry utterances were analysed acoustically using spectrographic displays and measures of cry utterance duration and fine‐grained analyses of the fundamental frequency calculated for each cry.

Results: No between‐group differences were found on measures of cry duration or fundamental frequency. However, analyses of frequency perturbation showed that the cry utterances of ME infants were characterized by significantly higher levels of frequency perturbation than the cries of infants not exposed to methadone. These effects largely persisted after statistical control for the confounding effects of other maternal drug use during pregnancy.

Conclusion: The crying behaviour of infants exposed prenatally to the synthetic opiate, methadone, is characterized by higher levels of vocal fold vibratory perturbation than NE infants. These findings suggest the possibility of early, subtle neurological vulnerability in this high‐risk group of infants.
Successful treatment of profound hypothermia of the newborn
Authors: Konopova P , Janota J , Termerova J , Burianova I , Paulova M , Zach J
Published: December 2008

We report a case of a profoundly hypothermic newborn with a core temperature of 25°C with a successful recovery and normal neurological outcome at 3 and 6 months. This term male infant had been exposed to a temperature of −3°C for approximately 30 min. Slow re‐warming, using external modalities was used in addition to volume expansion, heparinization, antibiotics and sedation. There is limited information available concerning the safest and most effective method of re‐warming hypothermic newborns. Slow re‐warming has been advocated as it replicates the normal physiological process in a neonate, which minimizes a negative therapy impact.

Conclusion: The most significant decision regarding treatment is the identification of the most appropriate method and speed of re‐warming. This report supports recommendations for gradual re‐warming of a severely hypothermic newborn. Physiological cardiovascular mechanisms seemed to be intact during slow re‐warming; this might be applicable to the treatment of profound hypothermia of the newborn.
Final height in Swedish children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency enrolled in KIGS treated optimally with growth hormone
Authors: Westphal Otto , Lindberg Anders ,   On behalf of the Swedish KIGS National Board
Published: December 2008

Aim: To assess final height in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treated with human recombinant growth hormone (GH).

Methods: Final height data for 401 Swedish children with idiopathic GHD and treated with GH, included in KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database) between 1987 and spring 2006, were analysed retrospectively. Data were grouped according to sex, age and severity of GHD. Height at entry into KIGS, at the onset of puberty and near final height were analysed between groups.

Results: Groups were heterogeneous for GHD, which ranged from partial to severe. For all groups, mean final height corrected for mid‐parental height was within the normal Swedish height range. In patients with severe GHD, mean final height was almost identical to mean normal Swedish height. About 16% of patients showed disproportionality (short legs) at final height and were significantly shorter than other patients. The parents of these children also demonstrated short stature.

Conclusion: Children with idiopathic GHD receiving GH replacement therapy can achieve a final height that as a group is within the normal range and all achieve a height within their genetic potential.
Cognitive outcome in children and adolescents treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with chemotherapy only
Authors: Lofstad G Elisabeth , Reinfjell Trude , Hestad Knut , Diseth Trond H
Published: December 2008

Objective: To examine cognitive outcome in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in remission, treated with central nervous system prophylactic chemotherapy only.

Method: Thirty‐five children and adolescents, age 8.4–15.3 years in long‐term remission from ALL, 4.2–12.4 years post diagnosis, without relapse and no prediagnosis history of neurodevelopmental disorder were compared with 35 healthy controls matched for gender and age, on measures of intellectual functioning Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Third Edition (WISC‐III).

Results: All but two of the ALL survivors treated by chemotherapy only obtained WISC‐III Total Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores in the normal range (M = 95.3), but their scores were significantly below levels for their matched controls and below normative standards for WISC‐III. The difference between patients and controls was significant at the p < 0.001 level for the following measures: Total IQ, Verbal IQ, Verbal Comprehension Index, Freedom from Distraction Index and three verbal subtest scores.

Conclusion: The results indicate long‐term sequelae in global cognitive functions, and indicate that verbal function, processing speed, attention and complex visual‐spatial problem solving may be affected in the chemotherapy only group.
Metabolic syndrome by the new IDF criteria in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents and its prediction by using body mass index
Authors: Kong Alice PS , Ko Gary TC , Ozaki Risa , Wong Gary WK , Tong Peter CY , Chan Juliana CN
Published: December 2008

Aim: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has recently proposed a new set of criteria to define metabolic syndrome (MES) in children and adolescents. We estimated the rate of MES by these new IDF criteria and investigated the use of body mass index (BMI) in predicting MES in Chinese adolescents.

Methods: This is a cross‐sectional, population‐based study of 1616 Chinese adolescents. sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were calculated to assess the accuracy in using BMI to predict the presence of MES.

Results: In the study population, 48.6% were boys. The median age was 14.0 and 15.0 years for boys and girls respectively and the overall prevalence of MES was 1.2% (boys 1.5%; girls 0.8%). Using BMI ≥25 kg/m2, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio to predict MES were 100%, 85.0% and 6.7% respectively. The corresponding figures were 52.6%, 97.1% and 18.1%, respectively, using BMI ≥30 kg/m2.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was found in 1.2% of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. BMI is a useful clinical tool to predict clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents.
Exposure of extremely low birth weight infants to diagnostic X‐Rays: a longitudinal study
Authors: Arad Ilan , Simanovsky Natalia , Braunstein Rony
Published: December 2008

Aim: To quantify the number of chest and abdominal radiograms performed in surviving singleton extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in order to examine whether changes in imaging application occurred during the last 21 years (1987–2007).

Methods: Clinical and radiological data of 225 out of 229 surviving infants were obtained and associations with time and clinical variables were evaluated.

Results: The number of chest X‐Rays performed per infant was 10.3 ± 11.1 (mean ± SD), median = 7; range = 0–77 and the number of abdominal radiograms was 5.6 ± 7.1, median = 3; range = 0–61. The number of chest and abdominal X‐Rays performed per patient during 1987–1996 was very similar to that of 1997–2007, and no appreciable change of trend was observed along the years. There were negative and statistically significant correlations between the gestational age and the number of radiograms performed per patient (chest X‐Rays: r =–0.402; p < 0.001, abdominal X‐Rays: r =–0.182; p = 0.006). Controlling for gestational age, reduced numbers of radiograms per patient (abdominal: b =–1.20, p = 0.235; chest: b =–3.08, p = 0.035) were demonstrated in the second period.

Patients with complicated clinical course were exposed to significantly more radiograms.

Conclusion: Controlling for gestational age, a reduced number of exposures to chest radiograms was demonstrated during 1997–2007 compared with 1987–1996. Measures to reduce radiation, especially in complicated cases, are advocated.
Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Senstad Anita C , Surén Pål , Brauteset Lin , Eriksson Jan R , Høiby Ernst Arne , Wathne Karl‐Olaf
Published: December 2008

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children before the introduction of the 7‐valent pneumococcal vaccine in the national vaccination programme.

Methods: For the period 21 May 2003 to 20 May 2005 hospitalization rates for pneumonia in children were obtained from retrospective studies of medical journals. Pneumonia was also studied prospectively in children less than sixteen years old referred to Ullevål University Hospital (Oslo) in the same time period.

Results: The overall observed hospitalization rate of pneumonia was 14.7/10 000 (95% CI: 12.2–17.1), for children under five it was 32.8/10 000 (95% CI: 26.8–38.8), and for children under two 42.1/10 000 (95% CI: 32.0–52.3).

In the clinical study 123 children, of whom 59% (73) were boys, met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Only 2.4% (3) had pneumonia complicated with pleural effusion and in general few complications were observed. No patients required assisted ventilation, and none were transferred to the intensive care unit. Penicillin was effective as treatment for pneumonia.

Conclusion: Pneumonia, seen in a paediatric department in Oslo, is a common but benign disease. Penicillin is effective as treatment for pneumonia in Norwegian children.
Playing a violent television game affects heart rate variability
Authors: Ivarsson Malena , Anderson Martin , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Lindblad Frank
Published: December 2008

Objective: To investigate how playing a violent/nonviolent television game during the evening affects sympathetic and parasympathetic reactions during and after playing as well as sleep quality during the night after playing.

Subjects and Methods: In total, 19 boys, 12–15 years of age, played television games on two occasions in their homes and participated once without gaming. Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and physical activity were measured during gaming/participating and the night to follow using a portable combined heart rate and movement sensor. A sleep diary and questionnaires about gaming experiences and session‐specific experiences were filled in.

Criteria for Selection of Games: Violent game involves/rewards direct physical violence (no handguns) against another person, and nonviolent game involves/rewards no violence; same game design (‘third‐person game’); conducted in the same manner; no differences concerning motor activity; similar sound and light effects; no sexual content, violence against women or racial overtones.

Results: During violent (vs. nonviolent) gaming, there was significantly higher activity of the very low frequency component of the HRV and total power. During the night after playing, very low frequency, low frequency and high frequency components were significantly higher during the violent (vs. nonviolent) condition, just as total power. There were no significant differences between the three conditions (violent/nonviolent/no gaming) with respect to an index reflecting subjectively perceived sleep difficulties. Nor was there any difference between violent and nonviolent condition for any single sleep item.

Conclusion: Violent gaming induces different autonomic responses in boys compared to nonviolent gaming – during playing and during the following night – suggesting different emotional responses. Subjectively perceived sleep quality is not influenced after a single gaming experience. Future studies should address the development of the autonomic balance after gaming over longer time than a night, physiological adaptation to frequent gaming and potential gender differences.
The relationship between birth weight and feeding maturation in preterm infants
Authors: Wrotniak Brian H , Stettler Nicolas , Medoff‐Cooper Barbara
Published: December 2008

Aim: To report changes in ingestive behaviour from 35 to 40 weeks post‐conceptual age and examine the association between birth weight and feeding maturation in preterm infants.

Methods: One hundred and four preterm infants born 24 to 34 weeks gestational age were studied. Feeding maturation was assessed as the change from 35 to 40 weeks post‐conceptual age in the number of sucks over 5 min, sucking bursts, sucks per burst, time between bursts and maximum pressure during a suck (Pmax). The association between birth weight and each sucking behaviour was examined after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Significant changes in feeding maturation occurred between 35 and 40 weeks. Birth weight was positively associated with change in Pmax and change in number of sucks per burst for extremely premature infants born 24 to <29 weeks gestational age but not for very premature infants born ≥29 to 34 weeks. The association between birth weight and change in Pmax for extremely premature infants remained significant after adjustment (adjusted beta = 0.128 mmHg increase in change in maximum sucking pressure per every 1 g of birth weight, 95% CI = 0.017, 0.239, p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Birth weight is positively associated with maturation in maximum sucking pressure among infants born extremely premature.
Waist circumference in relation to body perception reported by Finnish adolescent girls and their mothers
Authors: Van Vliet JS , Kjölhede E Allansson , Duchén K , Räsänen L , Nelson N
Published: December 2008

Aim: To study how waist circumference (WC) relates to body perception in adolescent girls and to maternal perception of the girl's body size.

Methods: Three hundred and four girls, 11–18 years, were measured for height, weight and WC. 294 girls provided self‐report data on weight, height and body image before anthropometric measurements. Paired data from 237 girls and mothers on perception of the girls' body size were collected.

Results: In girls, self‐reported weight indicated awareness of actual body size. The girls' body perception showed an overestimation of body size relative to international reference values for body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), but not for WC. Girls' body perception exceeded that of their mothers (p < 0.05). Maternal perception agreed better than the girls' perception with international reference values for BMI (p < 0.05). No significant difference between mothers and girls were found concerning agreement of body perception with international reference values for WC.

Conclusion: WC rather than BMI agrees with perception of body size, possibly due to its relation to abdominal fat at different ages. For effective prevention and treatment programmes for weight‐related health problems among adolescent girls, we recommend measuring WC to diminish the discrepancy between measured and perceived body size.
Plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in premature neonates: its possible involvement in developmental programming of chronic diseases
Authors: Vida Gabriella , Sulyok Endre , Lakatos Orsolya , Ertl Tibor , Martens‐Lobenhoffer Jens , Bode‐Böger Stefanie M
Published: December 2008

Aim: The endothel dysfunction in early life may play a role in developmental programming of cardiovascular morbidity. The changes of dimethylarginines' plasma levels during the first month among preterm infants and their determinants had been investigated in our study.

Methods: Twenty preterm infants of healthy mothers were studied. Mean (±SD) birth weight and gestational age were 919.5 ± 235.5 g and 26.7 ± 1.6 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were taken by venipuncture at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Plasma concentrations of L‐arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method, evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results: L‐arginine (p < 0.001) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels (p < 0.001) were positively associated with postnatal age. ADMA levels were negatively correlated with gestational age (p = 0.007), dopamine‐need on the 3rd day of life (p = 0.015) and late infection (p = 0.038). The higher birth weight was associated with higher L‐arginine (p = 0.052) and ADMA (p = 0.002) concentrations. The dopamine‐need on the 7th day of life had a significant effect on postnatal elevation of SDMA levels (p = 0.035).

Conclusion: The progressive increase of ADMA levels described by our study among preterm infants suggests that early endothel dysfunction may take part in developmental programming of chronic adult diseases.
Numerical Analysis in Least Squares Regression with an Application to the Abortion‐Crime Debate
Authors: Anderson William , Wells Martin T.
Published: December 2008

Concepts of numerical analysis with applications to least squares problems are introduced in a manner the practitioner can readily apply to his or her own research problems, especially in the social sciences. Numerical analysis is mainly concerned with the accuracy and stability of numerical algorithms. We frame these concerns in terms of forward and backward error, two important concepts in helping understand the quality of the computed answers. The goal of numerical computing is to obtain correct, approximate answers to the true solution. We extended this forward and backward error framework to issues in least squares problems and check the condition of the regression problem via condition numbers. The more ill‐conditioned the data are, the more sensitive the computed solution is to perturbations in the data, and the more unstable the computed solutions become. Condition numbers can also be used to signal the presence of solution degrading collinearity in regression problems. We apply the various numerical analysis tools outlined with some model diagnostics to the abortion‐crime debate, and show the regression analysis used in various papers addressing the abortion‐crime debate cannot be trusted.
Eminent Domain and the Psychology of Property Rights: Proposed Use, Subjective Attachment, and Taker Identity
Authors: Nadler Janice , Diamond Shari Seidman
Published: December 2008

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision inKelo v. City of New London, allowing governments to force the sale of private property to promote economic development, provoked bipartisan and widespread public outrage. Given that the decision inKelowas rendered virtually inevitable by the Court's earlier public use decisions, what accounts for the dread and dismay that the decision provoked among ordinary citizens? We conducted two experiments that represent an early effort at addressing a few of the many possible causes underlying theKelobacklash. Together, these studies suggest that the constitutional focus on public purpose inKelodoes not fully, or even principally, explain the public outrage that followed it. Our experiments suggest that subjective attachment to property looms far larger in determining the perceived justice of a taking. We have only begun to map the contours of this response, but these initial findings show promise in helping to build a more democratic model for the law and policies dealing with takings.
Measuring Deviations from Expected Voting Patterns on Collegial Courts
Authors: Edelman Paul H. , Klein David E. , Lindquist Stefanie A.
Published: December 2008

Even where idiosyncratic factors such as ideology play large and consistent roles in judges' decision making, there are always cases where the patterns of judges' votes confound our expectations. In some ways, these are among the most interesting cases for scholars, raising important questions about judicial behavior and institutions. In the first part of this article, we introduce a quantitative measure of deviations from expected voting patterns intended to allow scholars to systematically study unexpected votes and the questions they raise. In the second part, we illustrate the use of this new measure by developing a preliminary model to predict departures from strict ideological voting in the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to distinguish alternative explanations for these patterns. Although the conventional wisdom might suggest that disordered voting occurs because of cross‐cutting issues, we find little evidence that case complexity is responsible for unexpected coalitions. This result suggests that some alternative explanation exists for such voting behavior; we offer several possibilities—including the influence of legal considerations—in our conclusions.
Divorce Law and Women's Labor Supply
Authors: Stevenson Betsey
Published: December 2008

Divorce law changes made in the 1970s affected marital formation, dissolution, and bargaining within marriage. By altering the terms of the marital contract, these legal changes impacted the incentives for women to enter and remain in the labor force. Whereas earlier work suggests that the impact of unilateral divorce on female employment depends critically on laws governing property division, I show that these results are not robust to alternative specifications and controls. I find, instead, that unilateral divorce led to an increase in both married and unmarried female labor force participation, regardless of the preexisting laws regarding property division.
To Lawyer or Not to Lawyer: Is that the Question?
Authors: Kritzer Herbert M.
Published: December 2008

A central aspect of much of the debate over access to justice is the cost of legal services. The presumption of most participants in the debate is that individuals of limited or modest means do not obtain legal assistance because they cannot afford the cost of that assistance. The question I consider in this article is whether income is a major factor in the decision to obtain the assistance of a qualified legal professional. Drawing on data from seven different countries (the United States, England and Wales, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Japan), I examine the relationship between income and using a legal professional. The results are remarkably consistent across the seven countries: income has relatively little relationship with the decision to use a legal professional to deal with a dispute or other legal need. The decision to use a lawyer appears to be much more a function of the nature of the dispute. Even those who could afford to retain a lawyer frequently make the decision to forego that assistance, usually at about the same rate as those with limited resources. The analysis suggests that those considering access to justice issues need to grapple with the more general issues of how those with legal needs, regardless of the resources they have available, evaluate the costs and benefits of hiring a lawyer.
Frequency and Predictors of False Conviction: Why We Know So Little, and New Data on Capital Cases
Authors: Gross Samuel R. , O'Brien Barbara
Published: December 2008

In the first part of this article, we address the problems inherent in studying wrongful convictions: our pervasive ignorance and the extreme difficulty of obtaining the data that we need to answer even basic questions. The main reason that we know so little about false convictions is that, by definition, they are hidden from view. As a result, it is nearly impossible to gather reliable data on the characteristics or even the frequency of false convictions. In addition, we have very limited data on criminal investigations and prosecutions in general, so even if we could somehow obtain data on cases of wrongful conviction, we would have inadequate data on true convictions with which to compare them. In the second part of the article, we dispel some of that ignorance by considering data on false convictions in a small but important subset of criminal cases about which we have unusually detailed information: death sentences. From 1973 on, we know basic facts about all defendants who were sentenced to death in the United States, and we know which of them were exonerated. From these data we estimate that the frequency of wrongful death sentences in the United States is at least 2.3 percent. In addition, we compare post‐1973 capital exonerations in the United States to a random sample of cases of defendants who were sentenced in the same time period and ultimately executed. Based on these comparisons, we present a handful of findings on features of the investigations of capital cases, and on background facts about capital defendants, that are modest predictors of false convictions.
Third‐Party Tax Administration: The Case of Low‐ and Moderate‐Income Households
Authors: Barr Michael S. , Dokko Jane K.
Published: December 2008

Using a unique household‐level data set, this article investigates the tax‐filing experiences and refund behavior of low‐ and moderate‐income (LMI) households. We document households’ tax‐filing behavior, attitudes about the withholding system, use of tax refunds to consume and save, and the mechanisms by which households would prefer to receive their income. We also document the prevalence of the use of tax‐preparation services and the receipt of tax refunds and refund‐anticipation loans. Finally, we argue that there may be a role for tax administration to enable LMI households to make welfare‐improving financial decisions.