bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in Childhood Asthma in the United States: Evidence From the National Health Interview Survey, 1997 to 2003
Authors: McDaniel Marla , Paxson Christina , Waldfogel Jane
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. To examine differences in asthma prevalence and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma between non-Hispanic black and white children, and factors that might explain those differences, in a large, nationally representative sample covering the period 1997 to 2003.

METHODS. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses (with logit and multinomial logit methods) were conducted with a sample consisting of all non-Hispanic black and white children (<18 years of age) from the 1997 to 2003 rounds of the National Health Interview Survey. Models included a progressively larger set of controls for factors that might explain racial differences in asthma prevalence and ED visits for asthma.

RESULTS. Being black was associated with a greater likelihood of currently having asthma and with a greater likelihood of having gone to the ED for asthma treatment in the past 1 year. Elevated asthma risks for black children were robust after controlling for a host of child and family characteristics that might explain them.

CONCLUSIONS. Black children are more likely to have asthma and to experience ED visits for asthma, compared with otherwise comparable white children, and these racial disparities cannot be explained by differences in measurable child or family characteristics. These results suggest that racial disparities in asthma continue to pose risks for black children, and they point to the need for additional research into potential explanations and remedies.
Third Ventricle Enlargement Among Newborn Infants With Trisomy 21
Authors: Schimmel Michael S. , Hammerman Cathy , Bromiker Ruben , Berger Itai
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to determine whether the third ventricle is significantly enlarged among neonates with trisomy 21, compared with infants without clinical signs of trisomy 21. This enlargement might be related to hypoplasia of the structures surrounding the third ventricle. These structures participate in cognitive development, and hypoplasia in this area may be responsible for some of the unique cognitive abnormalities observed among children with trisomy 21.

METHODS. Measurements of routine head sonographic scans of 57 term infants with trisomy 21 who were born between January 2000 and August 2005 were performed within 7 days after birth and were compared with measurements of head sonographic scans of 21 randomly selected, healthy, term infants without trisomy 21.

RESULTS. Although the 2 groups were of similar gestational ages, infants with trisomy 21 were generally smaller, with smaller head circumferences. Despite the smaller overall head circumference, both the width and length of the third ventricle were enlarged among the infants with trisomy 21. Vertical measurements of the lateral ventricles were similar for the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS. The third ventricle is an important diencephalic space. In our neonatal population, we did show significant enlargement of both the length and width of the third ventricle among the infants with trisomy 21, compared with the control group of unaffected newborns. We suspect that the unique neuropsychological development and cognitive dysfunction associated with trisomy 21 and the enlargement of the third ventricle in the neonatal period might be related.
Changing Incidence ofCandidaBloodstream Infections Among NICU Patients in the United States: 1995–2004
Authors: Fridkin Scott K. , Kaufman David , Edwards Jonathan R. , Shetty Sharmila , Horan Teresa ,   the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System Hospitals
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES. Recent reports suggest that candidemia caused by fluconazole-resistant strains is increasing in certain adult populations. We evaluated the annual incidence of neonatal candidemia and the frequency of disease caused by different species of Candida among neonates in the United States.

PATIENTS. The study included neonates admitted to 128 NICUs participating in the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2004 (study period).

METHODS. Reports of bloodstream infection (BSI) with Candida spp.; Candida BSIs, patient admissions, patient-days, and central venous catheter days were pooled by birth weight category. The number of Candida BSIs per 100 patients (attack rate) and per 1000 patient-days (incidence density) was determined. Both overall and species-specific rates were calculated; data were pooled over time to determine the differences by birth weight category and by year to determine trends over time.

RESULTS. From the 130523 patients admitted to NICUs during the study period, there were 1997 Candida spp. BSIs reported. Overall, 1472 occurred in the <1000-g birth weight group. Candida albicans BSIs were most common, followed by Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida lusitaniae, Candida glabrata, and only 3 Candida krusei. Among neonates <1000 g, incidence per 1000 patient-days decreased from 3.51 during 1995–1999 to 2.68 during 2000–2004 but remained stable among heavier neonates. No increase in infections by species that tend to demonstrate resistance to fluconazole (C glabrata or C krusei) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS. Although Candida BSI is a serous problem among neonates <1000 g, incidence has declined over the past decade, and disease with species commonly resistant to azoles was extremely rare.
Distance From Home When Death Occurs: A Population-Based Study of Washington State, 1989–2002
Authors: Feudtner Chris , Silveira Maria J. , Shabbout Mayadah , Hoskins Richard E.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. For patients who die in hospitals, the regionalization of tertiary health care services may be increasing the home-to-hospital distance, particularly for younger patients whose care is especially regionalized and for whom access to and use of home hospice services remains limited. The objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that the distance from home at the time of death in a hospital has increased over time and is inversely related to the age of the dying patient.

METHODS. A population-based case series was conducted in Washington State of all deaths of state residents from 1989 to 2002. The main outcome measure was driving distance between home residence and location at the time of death.

RESULTS. The overall mean distance from home to the hospital where death occurred has increased by 1% annually. Children who died in hospitals were much farther from home than their adult counterparts: the mean distance was 37.4 km for neonates and 50.9 km for children who were aged 1 to 9 years, compared with 19.9 km for adults who were aged 60 to 79 years and 14.0 km for patients who were older than 79 years. Disparities of distance were even greater among patients who were at the 90th percentile for distance (85.6 km for neonates compared with 30.8 for patient who were older than 79 years).

CONCLUSIONS. The distance between home residence and the hospital where death occurs is greatest for children and has increased over time. Both of these findings have implications for the design of local and regional pediatric end-of-life supportive care services.
The Epidemiology of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Incidence, Risk Factors, Therapies, and Outcome
Authors: Dargaville Peter A. , Copnell Beverley ,   for the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. We sought to examine, in a large cohort of infants within a definable population of live births, the incidence, risk factors, treatments, complications, and outcomes of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

DESIGN. Data were gathered on all of the infants in Australia and New Zealand who were intubated and mechanically ventilated with a primary diagnosis of MAS (MASINT) between 1995 and 2002, inclusive. Information on all of the live births during the same time period was obtained from perinatal data registries.

RESULTS. MASINT occurred in 1061 of 2490862 live births (0.43 of 1000), with a decrease in incidence from 1995 to 2002. A higher risk of MASINT was noted at advanced gestation, with 34% of cases born beyond 40 weeks, compared with 16% of infants without MAS. Fetal distress requiring obstetric intervention was noted in 51% of cases, and 42% were delivered by cesarean section. There was a striking association between low 5-minute Apgar score and MASINT. In addition, risk of MASINT was higher where maternal ethnicity was Pacific Islander or indigenous Australian and was also increased after planned home birth. Uptake of exogenous surfactant, high-frequency ventilation, and inhaled nitric oxide increased considerably during the study period, with >50% of infants receiving ≥1 of these therapies by 2002. Risk of air leak was 9.6% overall, with an apparent reduction to 5.3% in 2001–2002. The duration of intubation remained constant throughout the study period (median: 3 days), whereas duration of oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay increased. Death related to MAS occurred in 24 infants (2.5% of the MASINT cohort; 0.96 per 100000 live births).

CONCLUSIONS. The incidence of MASINT in the developed world is low and seems to be decreasing. Risk of MASINT is significantly greater in the presence of fetal distress and low Apgar score, as well as Pacific Islander and indigenous Australian ethnicity. The increased use of innovative respiratory supports has not altered the duration of mechanical ventilation.
Context Matters: A Community-Based Study of Maternal Mental Health, Life Stressors, Social Support, and Children's Asthma
Authors: Shalowitz Madeleine U. , Mijanovich Tod , Berry Carolyn A. , Clark-Kauffman Elizabeth , Quinn Kelly A. , Perez Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. Recent national survey data indicate an overall asthma prevalence of 12.2% for children who are younger than 18 years. Previous research in clinical samples of children with asthma suggests that their mothers are at greater risk for symptoms of depression. We describe the relationship between maternal symptoms of depression and having a child with asthma in a community-based sample.

METHODS. After a school-based ascertainment of asthma and asthma symptoms in 15 low-income, racially/ethnically diverse public elementary schools, 1149 eligible mothers agreed to participate in a longitudinal study. Mothers either had a child with previously diagnosed asthma or a child with symptoms consistent with possible asthma or were in the randomly selected comparison group in which no child in the household had asthma. During the first interview, mothers responded to questions about their own life stressors, supports and mental health, and their children's health.

RESULTS. In bivariate analyses of a community-based sample of children who share low-income neighborhoods, mothers of children with diagnosed or with possible undiagnosed asthma had more symptoms of depression than did mothers of children who have no asthma. Mothers of children with diagnosed or with possible undiagnosed asthma also experienced more life stressors than did mothers of children without asthma. Using nested linear regression, we estimated a model of maternal symptoms of depression. Most of the variation in Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression score was accounted for by life stressors and social support. There were no independent effects of either asthma status or asthma status–specific child health status on maternal symptoms of depression.

CONCLUSION. Children who are under care for chronic conditions such as asthma live and manage their illness outside the clinical setting. Their social context matters, and maternal mental health is related to their children's physical health. Although having a child with asthma may be “just” another stressor in the mother's social context, complex treatment plans must be followed despite the many other pressures of neighborhood and family lives.
Azithromycin Does Not Cure Pityriasis Rosea
Authors: Amer Ahdi , Fischer Howard
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES. Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common skin disorder in children. Its cause is unknown. A recent publication reported a 73% cure rate in patients with PR after treatment with erythromycin. To duplicate this result using a drug with fewer adverse effects and greater biological half-life, we set out to study the effect of azithromycin on PR. Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic with a spectrum of antimicrobial activity very similar to that of erythromycin.

DESIGN. We randomly assigned 49 children with PR to receive either azithromycin (12 mg/kg per day, up to a maximum of 500 mg/day) for 5 days or a similar-appearing placebo. Study physicians were blinded to patients' treatment type. Two pediatricians had to agree on the diagnosis of PR before patients could be enrolled. Subjects were seen at follow-up visits 1, 2, and 4 weeks after starting treatment.

OUTCOME MEASURES. We measured the appearance of new lesions and resolution of lesions.

RESULTS. Rates of cure and of partial resolution were similar in the azithromycin and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION. Azithromycin does not cure PR.
UV Index on Tilted Surfaces
Authors: Esteve A. R. , Marín M. J. , Martínez‐Lozano J. A. , Tena F. , Utrillas M. P. , Cañada J.
Published: May 2006

Solar ultraviolet erythemal irradiance (UVER) has been studied on inclined planes with different orientations in Valencia, Spain. To do this a platform was designed that could turn through 90° on its own axis. The radiometers were inclined at an angle close to the latitude of Valencia (39.5° N). Using two timers the platform could be turned through 90° every 5 min. On clear or partially cloudy days, including those with different turbidity values, it was observed that the UVER showed a maximum at 1200 h GMT, very close to solar noon, in the north and south positions, while the maximum for east and west orientations was found at approximately one hour before and one hour after midday respectively. It was also observed how the irradiance for the south orientation was greater and for the north was less than for the horizontal plane, as well as the opposite performances of the east and west orientations, for four days close to the summer and winter solstices and each equinox. Some experimental results were also compared with the results from the SMARTS2.9 model for the same conditions. It was found that the model frequently overestimated the experimental data.

With respect to the maximum calculated UV Index in the different planes this was always higher for the south orientation than for the north, while it was similar for east and west orientations throughout the year. Finally the accumulated erythemal dosage for the considered period was obtained as a function of phototype and orientation, confirming that the accumulated erythemal dosage decreased by around 37% in the north orientation compared to the horizontal value, while in the south position it was only 6% less and some 20% and 15% less in the east and west positions, respectively.
Stereoselectivity in Ene Reactions with 1O2: Matrix Effects in Polymer Supports, Photo‐oxygenation of Organic Salts and Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Griesbeck Axel G. , Bartoschek Anna , Neudörfl Jörg , Miara Claus
Published: May 2006

The ene reaction of chiral allylic alcohols is applied as a tool for the investigation of intrapolymer effects by means of the stereoselectivity of the singlet‐oxygen addition. The diastereo selectivity strongly depends on the structure of the polymer, the substrate loading degree and also on the degree of conversion demonstrating additional supramolecular effects evolving during the reaction. The efficiency and the stability of polymer‐bound sensitizers were evaluated by the ene reaction of singlet oxygen with citronellol. The ene reaction with chiral ammonium salts of tiglic acid was conducted under solution phase conditions or in polystyrene beads under chiral contact ion‐pair conditions. The products thus obtained precipitate during the photoreaction as ammonium salts. Moderate asymmetric induction was observed for this procedure for the first time.
Intestinal parasites in school food handlers in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Costa-Cruz Julia Maria , Cardoso Margareth Leitão Gennari , Marques Daldy Endo
Published: May 2006

In order to verify the presence of intestinal parasites in food handlers, stool samples were collected from 104 cooks and their helpers that were working in food preparation in 20 public elementary schools, in various areas of the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The samples were collected during the months of November and December, 1988, in plastic flasks containing a 10% formaldehyde solution and processed by the Hoffmann, Pons & Janer method. The sediment was examined using triplicate slides. All individuals were females aged between 24 to 69 years. Intestinal parasites were found in 85.0% of the studied schools and 47.1% of the studied food handlers (cooks and helpers) were found to be positive. Among the 49 infected food handlers, 32 (65.3%) carried a single parasite and 17 (34.7%) carried two parasites. The following intestinal parasites were found: Giardia lamblia (21.1%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), hookworms (9.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.9%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.0%). These data emphasize the need for a rigid semi-annual control in all school food handlers, including diagnosis, specific treatment and orientation about the mechanisms of transmission of the intestinal parasites.
Haemolytic activity of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains on different blood types
Authors: Avila-Campos Mario Julio
Published: May 2006

Haemolytic activity of sixty nine Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains on different animal and human blood types was examined by using a trypticase soy agar supplemented with yeast extract (0.5%). Blood types used were: rabbit, sheep and human (A, Rh+; A, Rh-; B, Rh+; B, Rh-; O, Rh+; O, Rh-; AB, Rh+; AB, Rh- groups). Plates were inoculated and, incubated in microaerophilic conditions, at 37ºC, for 48 h. The haemolytic activity of the tested strains was characterized as alpha-haemolysis. Only two isolates were not haemolytic on all blood types (2.9%), two strains were haemolytic only on human blood (one strain on AB, Rh+ group and another one on A, Rh+ and AB, Rh+ groups). No specificity between haemolysin produced by the tested strains and blood type was observed.
Dinâmica da distribuição e degradação de atrazina em argissolo vermelho-amarelo sob condições de clima tropical úmido
Authors: Correia Fábio Veríssimo , Langenbach Tomaz
Published: May 2006

A biodegradabilidade e a distribuição dos agrotóxicos no ambiente determinam o seu potencial poluidor. O risco de contaminação do herbicida atrazina, em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo, foi estudado em experimentos de campo complementados com a utilização do sistema de microcosmo. O microcosmo permitiu utilizar 14C-atrazina em condições controladas e determinar a volatilização (0,33 %), mineralização (0,25 %) e lixiviação (4 a 11 %), parâmetros difíceis de determinar no campo. Verificou-se que 90 % da radioatividade ficou no solo, encontrando-se cerca de 75 % nos primeiros 5 cm. O experimento de campo foi feito na época seca, permitindo a simulação de chuvas de verão. Os resultados mostraram que, 90 dias após a aplicação, a atrazina foi encontrada a 50 cm de profundidade, podendo ter atingido as águas do subsolo. A atrazina deslocada pelo escoamento do excesso de água encontrava-se principalmente na fase líquida, 1,6 % do valor aplicado, enquanto 0,4 % foi adsorvido nas partículas erodidas. Os valores de atrazina na água do escorrimento foram maiores dois dias após aplicação, decrescendo a menos de um décimo após 15 dias. Os resultados evidenciam que a aplicação do herbicida deve ser evitada quando houver previsão de chuvas, considerando o potencial poluidor de águas superficiais e subterrâneas neste tipo de solo.
Anomalias craniofaciais: descrição e avaliação das características gerais da atenção no Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Monlleó Isabella Lopes , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lúcia
Published: May 2006

A primeira iniciativa para incluir a atenção às anomalias craniofaciais no SUS ocorreu em 1993. Um importante avanço foi a criação da Rede de Referência no Tratamento de Deformidades Craniofaciais (RRTDCF), atualmente com 29 centros credenciados. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever e avaliar as características gerais da atenção às anomalias craniofaciais nos centros que integram a referida rede. Foi utilizado questionário semi-estruturado, remetido por correio. Obteve-se 86,2% de respostas. Os resultados demonstram agregação de centros no Sudeste, em universidades e na área de fissuras labiopalatais; financiamento predominantemente público; equipes constituídas principalmente de acordo com parâmetros norte-americanos; atendimento de rotina em cerca de 90% e utilização de protocolos em cerca de 70% dos centros. A denominação da RRTDCF não parece corresponder à sua abrangência. Os achados sugerem necessidade de revisão da definição, objetivos e abrangência da RRTDCF e dos critérios de credenciamento de centros.
A Model of Spontaneous Periodontitis in the Miniature Goat
Authors: Suzuki Sachiyo , Mitani Akio , Koyasu Kazuhiro , Oda Sen‐ichi , Yoshinari Nobuo , Fukuda Mitsuo , Hanamura Hajime , Nakagaki Haruo , Noguchi Toshihide
Published: May 2006

Background: The pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease have been extensively studied through the use of animal models. However, no animal model has yet been established that is precisely similar to periodontitis in humans. In the present study, we examined the use of Shiba goats as a model for spontaneous periodontitis.

Methods: Thirty‐four Shiba goats (seven males and 27 females, aged 10 to 98 months) were used. We examined periodontitis in Shiba goats clinically, histopathologically, and microbiologically.

Results: The mean probing depth (PD) of the 68 teeth examined was 2.7 ± 0.8 mm. The incidences of PD ≥3 and 4 mm were 46.4% and 22.1%, respectively. The incidence of bleeding on probing in 68 sites and in 34 animals was 60.7% and 73.5%, respectively. The formation of vertical alveolar bone defects and downgrowth of gingival epithelial cells were found in the areas of periodontitis. The prevalence of Tannerella forsythensis, Campylobacter rectus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival plaque by polymerase chain reaction was 46.4%, 28.5%, 28.5%, 17.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. These percentages were increased in subgingival plaque from PD ≥3 mm.

Conclusions: The clinical, histopathological, and microbiological features of spontaneous periodontitis in Shiba goats were somewhat similar to those in human periodontitis. Moreover, there are some advantages of using the Shiba goat; the size of the oral cavity is suitable for periodontal treatment, and handling and housing are relatively easy. Therefore, these results suggest that the Shiba goat is a useful animal model for human periodontitis.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery Associated With Treatment for the Removal of Gingival Overgrowth
Authors: Bosco Alvaro Francisco , Bonfante Samara , Luize Danielle Shima , Bosco Joseane Maria Dias , Garcia Valdir Gouveia
Published: May 2006

Background: Excisional biopsies of gingival overgrowths, performed with safety margins, frequently result in mucogingival defects. These defects may produce esthetic problems and increase the chances of dentin hyperesthesia and its possibility of hindering oral hygiene.

Methods: Two clinical cases are reported in which gingival overgrowths were removed by excisional biopsy, resulting in unsightly defects. The first clinical case presents an invasive approach for the treatment of a recurrent pyogenic granuloma in the anterior maxilla, and the second depicts a complete removal of a peripheral odontogenic fibroma in the posterior maxilla. In both situations, the soft‐tissue defects were repaired by periodontal plastic surgery, including a laterally positioned flap and a coronally positioned flap, respectively.

Results: Periodontal plastic surgery successfully restored the defects that resulted from biopsies, and no recurrence has been noticed in the 5‐year postoperative follow‐up period.

Conclusions: The combination of biopsy and periodontal plastic surgery in a one‐step procedure seems to be suitable to remove gingival overgrowths in most areas of the mouth, regardless of esthetic significance. Such procedures seem to restore gingival health, encourage healing, and create both esthetics and function in the excised area.
Students' Perceived Ease of Use of an Elearning Management System: An Exogenous or Endogenous Variable?
Authors: Pan Cheng-Chang (Sam) , Sivo Stephen , Gunter Glenda , Cornell Richard
Published: May 2006

Five factors affecting student use of an eLearning management system in two Web-enhanced hybrid undergraduate courses are investigated using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This research represents a causal relationship existing between students' attitude toward WebCT and their actual use of the system. Students' perception of the WebCT use, Computer Self-Efficacy, and Subjective Norms are also taken into account. Multigroup structural modeling procedure, specifically PROC CALIS, is used to extract those factors from student use of WebCT and to determine their interrelatedness among one another. Results show that extended adaptations of the Technology Acceptance Model are not as suitable for Engineering students as they are for Psychology students. Of the two competing models in the psychology class, Perceived Ease of Use is deemed an exogenous variable. A multi-sample analysis suggests that covariance structure differences between psychology and engineering students were found obvious over Computer Self-Efficacy and Subjective Norms variables. Lessons and experience from a southeastern metropolitan university in the United States are addressed.
Should We Worry about Income Inequality?
Authors: Wade Robert Hunter
Published: May 2006

Liberals (in the European sense) argue that a liberal free-market economic policy regime—nationally and globally—is good for economic growth and poverty reduction and for keeping income inequality within tolerable limits. Second, they argue that substantial income inequality is desirable because of its good effects on other things, notably incentives, innovation, and panache; and conversely, they dismiss concerns about growing inequality as “the politics of envy.” Third, they argue that the core liberal theory of capitalist political economy satisfactorily explains the central tendencies in the role of the state in advanced capitalist economies. This essay challenges all three arguments on both conceptual and empirical grounds. It then suggests why the arguments are nevertheless widely accepted, proposes criteria for deciding how much inequality is fair, and ends by suggesting ways for achieving higher salience for income redistribution (downwards) in political agendas.
Evaluation of administration of isoflurane at approximately the minimum alveolar concentration on depression of a nociceptive withdrawal reflex evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation in ponies
Authors: Spadavecchia Claudia , Levionnois Olivier , Kronen Peter W. , Leandri Massimo , Spadavecchia Luciano , Schatzmann Urs
Published: May 2006

Objective—To investigate effects of isoflurane at approximately the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) on the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) of the forelimb of ponies as a method for quantifying anesthetic potency.

Animals—7 healthy adult Shetland ponies.

Procedure—Individual MAC (iMAC) for isoflurane was determined for each pony. Then, effects of isoflurane administered at 0.85, 0.95, and 1.05 iMAC on the NWR were assessed. At each concentration, the NWR threshold was defined electromyographically for the common digital extensor and deltoid muscles by stimulating the digital nerve; additional electrical stimulations (3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mA) were delivered, and the evoked activity was recorded and analyzed. After the end of anesthesia, the NWR threshold was assessed in standing ponies.

Results—Mean ± SD MAC of isoflurane was 1.0 ± 0.2%. The NWR thresholds for both muscles increased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner during anesthesia, whereas they decreased in awake ponies. Significantly higher thresholds were found for the deltoid muscle, compared with thresholds for the common digital extensor muscle, in anesthetized ponies. At each iMAC tested, amplitudes of the reflex responses from both muscles increased as stimulus intensities increased from 3 to 40 mA. A concentration-dependent depression of evoked reflexes with reduction in slopes of the stimulus-response functions was detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Anesthetic-induced changes in sensory-motor processing in ponies anesthetized with isoflurane at concentrations of approximately 1.0 MAC can be detected by assessment of NWR. This method will permit comparison of effects of inhaled anesthetics or anesthetic combinations on spinal processing in equids.
Effect of meloxicam and butorphanol on minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in rabbits
Authors: Turner Patricia V. , Kerr Carolyn L. , Healy Amanda J. , Taylor W. Michael
Published: May 2006

Objective—To determine the effects of meloxicam and butorphanol on minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (MACISO) in rabbits.

Animals—10 healthy young adult female rabbits.

Procedure—Rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane on 3 occasions in a blinded, randomized complete block design to determine the MACISO associated with administration of meloxicam (0, 0.3, or 1.5 mg/kg, PO) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg, IV). The MACISO was determined by use of a paw clamp technique as the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane halfway between the values that allowed or inhibited purposeful movement. Rectal temperature, end-tidal CO2 concentration, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and arterial blood pressure were measured to evaluate cardiopulmonary function.

Results—Mean ± SE MACISO in saline (0.9% NaCl) solution–treated rabbits was 2.49 ± 0.07% and was not significantly different from that associated with administration of meloxicam at 0.3 mg/kg (2.56 ± 0.07%) or 1.5 mg/kg (2.66 ± 0.07%). Butorphanol significantly reduced the MACISO to 2.30 ± 0.07% when administered with saline solution alone, 2.27 ± 0.07% when administered with 0.3 mg of meloxicam/kg, and 2.33 ± 0.07% when administered with 1.5 mg of meloxicam/kg. The percentage reduction in MACISO was significantly greater for rabbits that received butorphanol and meloxicam at either dose, compared with butorphanol and saline solution.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that meloxicam does not have a direct isoflurane-sparing effect and does not interfere with the anesthetic-sparing effect of butorphanol in rabbits.
Gait abnormalities caused by selective anesthesia of the suprascapular nerve in horses
Authors: Devine Dustin V. , Jann Henry W. , Payton Mark E.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To assess gait abnormalities associated with selective anesthesia of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) achieved by use of perineural catheterization and thereby determine the function of that nerve as it relates to gait in horses.

Animals—3 adult horses with no preexisting clinically apparent lameness at a walk.

Procedure—Each horse was anesthetized; the right SSN was exposed surgically for placement of a perineural catheter to permit delivery of 1 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. Six hours after recovery from anesthesia, each horse was videotaped while walking (50-step data acquisition period) before and after administration of mepivacaine. Videotapes were reviewed and the proportion of abnormal steps before and after selective SSN anesthesia was assessed. A step was considered abnormal if a marked amount of scapulohumeral joint instability (ie, lateral luxation of the proximal portion of the humerus) was observed during the weight-bearing phase of the stride.

Results—Clinically apparent gait dysfunction was detected in all 3 horses following perineural administration of the local anesthetic agent. Anesthesia of the SSN resulted in scapulohumeral joint instability as evidenced by consistent lateral excursion of the shoulder region during the weight-bearing phase of gait at a walk. The proportion of abnormal steps before and after SSN anesthesia was significantly different in all 3 horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These data support the role of the SSN in shoulder joint stability in horses and define SSN dysfunction as 1 mechanism by which the syndrome and gait dysfunction clinically referred to as sweeny may develop.
Indirect fluorescent antibody testing of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
Authors: Duarte Paulo C. , Ebel Eric D. , Traub-Dargatz Josie , Wilson W. David , Conrad Patricia A. , Gardner Ian A.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To assess the use of CSF testing with an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona.

Sample Population—Test results of 428 serum and 355 CSF samples from 182 naturally exposed, experimentally infected, or vaccinated horses.

Procedure—EPM was diagnosed on the basis of histologic examination of the CNS. Probability distributions were fitted to serum IFAT results in the EPM+ and EPM-horses, and correlation between serum and CSF results was modeled. Pairs of serum-CSF titers were generated by simulation, and titer-specific likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities of EPM at various pretest probability values were estimated. Post-test probabilities were compared for use of a serum-CSF test combination, a serum test only, and a CSF test only.

Results—Post-test probabilities of EPM increased as IFAT serum and CSF titers increased. Post-test probability differences for use of a serum-CSF combination and a serum test only were ≤ 19% in 95% of simulations. The largest increases occurred when serum titers were from 40 to 160 and pre-test probabilities were from 5% to 60%. In all simulations, the difference between pre- and post-test probabilities was greater for a CSF test only, compared with a serum test only.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CSF testing after a serum test has limited usefulness in the diagnosis of EPM. A CSF test alone might be used when CSF is required for other procedures. Ruling out other causes of neurologic disease reduces the necessity of additional EPM testing.
Urodynamic and morphologic changes in the lower portion of the urogenital tract after administration of estriol alone and in combination with phenylpropanolamine in sexually intact and spayed female dogs
Authors: Hamaide Annick J. , Grand Jean-Guillaume , Farnir Frédéric , Le Couls Gaël , Snaps Frédéric R. , Balligand Marc H. , Verstegen John P.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To compare the urodynamic and morphologic effects of the administration of estriol alone and in combination with phenylpropanolamine on the lower portion of the urogenital tract in female dogs.

Animals—3 sexually intact and 3 spayed female Beagles without urinary incontinence.

Procedure—Dogs received estriol (2 mg, PO) once daily for 7 days followed by estriol (2 mg, PO) and phenylpropanolamine (1.5 mg/kg, PO) once daily for 7 days. Urethral pressure profilometry, diuresis cystometry, and vaginourethrography were performed before treatment (day 0) and at days 7 and 14. The maximum urethral pressure (MUP) and closure pressure (MUCP), urethral functional and anatomic profile lengths, integrated pressure (IP), plateau, distance before MUP, maximum meatus pressure, threshold pressure, threshold volume, compliance, urethral length, and vaginal length and width were measured.

Results—Before treatment, no urodynamic differences were observed between the 2 groups; however, vaginal length and width were significantly shorter in spayed dogs. Compared with day 0 values, estriol treatment significantly increased MUP, MUCP, and IP values at day 7, but at day 14, this effect decreased despite phenylpropanolamine administration. No morphologic changes from baseline were detected after either treatment in any dog.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggest that estriol mainly acts on the urethral sphincter mechanism by increasing urethral resistance in sexually intact and spayed female dogs without urinary incontinence. Administration of estriol and phenylpropanolamine did not increase the urethral resistance more than estriol alone. The urodynamic effects of estriol in female dogs with urinary incontinence remain to be elucidated.
Clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation: 42 cases (1992–2002)
Authors: Loughin Catherine A. , Kerwin Sharon C. , Hosgood Giselle , Ringwood P. Brendon , Williams Jamie , Stefanacci Joseph D. , McCarthy Robert J.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To describe clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—42 cats in which patellar luxation had been diagnosed on the basis of results of palpation of the stifle joints.

Procedures—Degree of luxation was graded on a scale from 1 to 4, and severity of lameness was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Radiographs of stifle joints were evaluated for signs of osteoarthritis. Long-term function was classified as poor, fair, good, or excellent.

Results—34 cats had bilateral luxation and 8 had unilateral luxation. Only 7 (17%) cats had a history of trauma. Mean age of the cats was 3.3 years, and mean weight was 4.26 kg (9.4 lb); 26 (62%) were domestic shorthairs. Seventy-three of the 76 (95%) affected joints had medial patellar luxation. Luxation grades could be assigned to 65 joints, with grade 2 (30 joints) and 3 (22 joints) luxation being most common. Lameness grades could be assigned to 73 joints, with grade 1 lameness (27 joints) most common. Outcome was excellent for 8 of 17 joints treated without surgery and for 23 of 35 joints treated surgically. Complications attributable to surgery were reported in 8 cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Patellar luxation should be considered as a cause of hind limb lameness in cats. Low-grade luxation can be associated with lameness of the same severity as high-grade luxation. Surgical correction of patellar luxation in cats with grade 2 or 3 lameness can result in a favorable outcome.
Cholecystoenterostomy for treatment of extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in cats: 22 cases (1994–2003)
Authors: Buote Nicole J. , Mitchell Susan L. , Penninck Dominique , Freeman Lisa M. , Webster Cynthia R. L.
Published: May 2006

Objective—To identify factors associated with outcome in cats with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBTO) that undergo biliary diversion surgery.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—22 cats.

Procedures—Medical records of cats with surgically confirmed EHBTO that underwent cholecystoenterostomy were reviewed.

Results—Clinical signs and physical examination findings included vomiting, anorexia, icterus, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss. Common clinicopathologic abnormalities included high serum hepatic enzyme activities and serum bilirubin concentration. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 21 cats, and all 21 had findings consistent with EHBTO. Eleven of 15 cats in which blood pressure was monitored had intraoperative hypotension. Eighteen cats had anemia following surgery, and 14 cats had persistent hypotension. Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction was a result of neoplasia in 9 cats and chronic inflammatory disease in 13. Fourteen cats survived long enough to be discharged from the hospital, but only 6 survived > 6 months after surgery, all of which had chronic inflammatory disease. Median survival time for cats with neoplasia (14 days) was significantly shorter than that for cats with inflammatory disease (255 days). No other variable was associated with outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cats with EHBTO secondary to neoplasia have a poorer prognosis than cats with EHBTO secondary to chronic inflammatory disease. However, the overall prognosis for cats with EHBTO undergoing cholecystoenterostomy must be considered guarded to poor, and the incidence of perioperative complications is high.
Characterization of granular flow of wet solids in a bladed mixer
Authors: Lekhal Azzeddine , Conway Stephen L. , Glasser Benjamin J. , Khinast Johannes G.
Published: May 2006

In this study, we measure instantaneous, average, and fluctuating velocity fields at exposed surfaces for dry and wet grains in a vertical cylindrical mixer, agitated by four pitched blades. When the material is dry, the free surface of the granular bed deforms, rising where the blades are present, and falling between blade passes. Although average velocities are predominantly azimuthal, instantaneous velocities tracked in time reveal three‐dimensional particle circulations, including significant periods of particle motion in the opposite direction to that of the blades, indicative of bed penetration. When moisture is added to the solid particles, the flow dynamics change from a regime dominated by the motion of individual grains to a regime controlled by the motion of small clumps that form as a result of the cohesive forces. This transition is characterized by a reduced particle–particle collision frequency and exhibits a sharp decrease in the granular temperature at the free surface. This transition is also characterized by an increase in bed porosity, which is attributed to increased cohesiveness arising from liquid bridges. A Fourier transform analysis conducted on the tangential component of the velocities (dominant flow) shows that a group of high frequencies exceeding the blade rotation frequency become significant with added moisture. These are characteristics of the large number of wet agglomerates flowing between successive blade passes. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Crashworthiness of various random chopped carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite materials and their strain rate dependence
Authors: Jacob George C. , Starbuck J. Michael , Fellers John F. , Simunovic Srdan , Boeman Raymond G.
Published: May 2006

The ACC (Automotive Composite Consortium) is interested in investigating the use of random chopped fiber reinforced composites as crash energy absorbers primarily because of the low costs involved in their manufacture thus making them cost effective for automotive applications. Although many scientists have investigated the energy absorption characteristics in various continuous fiber reinforced composite materials and their dependence on strain rate, there is very little literature available on the energy absorption and crushing characteristics of random chopped fiber reinforced composite materials and their strain rate dependence. Therefore, the primary goal was to determine the crashworthiness of various random chopped carbon fiber composite material systems. To meet this goal, first an experimental set up was developed for discerning the deformation behavior and damage mechanisms that occur during the progressive crushing of composite materials. The three different random chopped carbon reinforced epoxy composite material systems studied were P4, HexMC, and CCS100. Quasi‐static progressive crush tests were then performed on these random chopped carbon fiber composite plates to determine their crashworthiness. In addition, an attempt was made to investigate and characterize the strain rate effects on the energy absorption of a random chopped carbon fiber P4 composite. The specific energy absorption was found to increase with increasing loading rate from 15.2 to 762 cm/min. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1477–1486, 2006
Localization of CD44 and hyaluronan in the synovial membrane of the rat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Suzuki Akiko , Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Amizuka Norio , Ono Kazuhiro , Maeda Takeyasu
Published: May 2006

Previous studies have pointed out a lack of adhesion structures in the synovial lining layer of the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) despite showing an epithelial arrangement. CD44, a major cell adhesion molecule, plays crucial roles as an anchor between cells and extracellular matrices by binding hyaluronan (HA) for the development of organs or the metastasis of tumors. The present study examined the localization of CD44 in the synovial membrane of the rat TMJ by immunocytochemistry for OX50, ED1, and Hsp25, which are markers for the rat CD44, macrophage‐like type A, and fibroblast‐like type B synoviocytes, respectively. Histochemistry for HA‐binding protein (HABP) was also employed for the detection of HA. OX50 immunoreactions were found along the cell surface and, in particular, accumulated along the surface of the articular cavity. Observations by a double immunostaining and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that all the OX50‐immunopositive cells were categorized as fibroblastic type B cells, which had many caveolae and a few vesicles reactive to intense OX50. However, the macrophage‐like type A cells did not have any OX50 immunoreaction in the synovial lining layer. A strong HABP reaction was discernable in the extracellular matrix surrounding both OX50‐positive and ‐negative cells in the synovial lining layers, exhibiting a meshwork distribution, but weak in its sublining layer. This localization pattern of CD44 and HABP might be involved in the formation of the epithelial arrangement of the synovial lining layer. Furthermore, OX50 immunonegativity in the type A cells suggests their low phagocytotic activity in the rat TMJ under normal conditions. Anat Rec Part A 288A:646–652, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Cluster Size on the Structures and Stability of Trimetallic Nitride Fullerenes M3N@C80
Authors: Gan Li‐Hua , Yuan Ruo
Published: May 2006

To provide insight into the influence of encaged clusters on the structures and stability of trimetallic nitride fullerenes (TNFs), extensive density functional theory calculations were performed on Sc3N@C80, Y3N@C80, and La3N@C80 as well as their encaged clusters. The calculated results demonstrated that both Sc3N and Y3N units are planar, whereas La3N units are pyramidal inside C80‐Ih, and that both of the Y3N@C80 and La3N@C80 cages deform considerably in the planes of Y3 and La3. The calculated results suggest that M–cage attraction/repulsion and M–M repulsion interactions determine the geometries of these three complex molecules and the dynamics of the corresponding encaged clusters. These calculated findings distinctly reveal the influence of the size of the encaged clusters on the structures and stability of TNFs and may rationalize their significant differences in yields and chemical reactivity.
New tools for visualization and analysis of morphogenesis in spherical embryos
Authors: Tyszka J. Michael , Ewald Andrew J. , Wallingford John B. , Fraser Scott E.
Published: May 2006

Texture rendering of three‐dimensional Surface Imaging Microscopy (SIM) date acquired in a fixed late gastrula stage Xenopus laevis embryo. The rendering at center has been section to show the internal surfaces of the blastocoel and archenteron. The surrounding images show central coronal, sagittal, and equitorial sections through the same date. The original SIM spatial resolution was approximately 1.7 microns in each dimension. See Tyszka et al., Developmental Dynamics 234:974–983. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.