bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a school district's science reform effort on the achievement and attitudes of third‐ and fourth‐grade students
Authors: Shymansky James A. , Yore Larry D. , Anderson John O. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis article is about one school district's effort to reform its elementary science curriculum through a program of professional development called Science, Parents, Activities and Literature (Science PALs). The differential exposure of the district's K–6 teachers to Science PALs and differences in how well teachers implemented Science PALs‐type inquiry strategies allowed us to conduct a quasi‐experimental study of the impact of Science PALs on student achievement and attitudes. We measured achievement with an instrument based on items taken from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS; International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, 1997) and selected attitudes about science with the Student Perceptions of Classroom Climate (SPOCC; Yore et al., 1998), an instrument that we designed. Our analyses of student attitude scores as a function of years of teacher participation in Science PALs and supervisor's rating of a teacher's implementation of the project's instructional approaches showed a significant overall positive impact on student attitudes toward school science. Student TIMSS scores on multiple‐choice items or constructed‐response items did not improve significantly when analyzed by the number of years a student's teacher was involved in the Science PALs effort or by the supervisor's rating of that implementation. We found no significant differences in attitude or achievement scores among students taught by a series of teachers rated high, medium, or low in quality of implementation by the district's science supervisor. We discuss possible explanations for the lack of clear and positive connections between Science PALs and student performance in light of the increased focus on accountability in reform projects. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 41: 771–790, 2004
The value of ultrasound in the prediction of successful induction of labor
Authors: Rane S. M. , Guirgis R. R. , Higgins B. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the value of pre‐induction sonographic assessment of cervical length, posterior cervical angle and occipital position in the prediction of the induction‐to‐delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h, the likelihood of Cesarean section and to compare sonographic assessment with the Bishop score.MethodsIn 604 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 35–42 weeks of gestation. Immediately before induction, transvaginal sonography was performed for measurement of cervical length and posterior cervical angle and a transabdominal scan was carried out to determine the position of the fetal occiput. The value of occipital position, posterior cervical angle, cervical length, parity, gestational age, maternal age, and body mass index (BMI) on the induction‐to‐delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h and the likelihood of Cesarean section were investigated by Cox proportional hazard model or logistic regression analysis.ResultsVaginal delivery occurred in 484 (80.1%) women and this was within 24 h of induction in 388 (64.2%). Cesarean section was performed in 120 (19.9%). Occiput‐anterior (OA) and transverse (OT) positions were analyzed as one group as the odds ratios (OR) and the HR were similar and different from occiput‐posterior (OP), which was analyzed as another group. Prediction of the induction‐to‐delivery interval was provided by the occipital position, pre‐induction cervical length, parity and posterior cervical angle. Prediction of the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h was provided by the occipital position, cervical length, posterior cervical angle and BMI. Prediction of the likelihood of Cesarean section was provided by the occipital position, cervical length, parity, maternal age and BMI. In the prediction of vaginal delivery within 24 h, for a specificity of 75%, the sensitivity for ultrasound findings was 89% and for the Bishop score it was 65%. The respective sensitivities for Cesarean section were 78% and 53%.ConclusionIn women undergoing induction of labor, significant independent prediction of the induction‐to‐delivery interval within 24 h, the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24 h and the likelihood of Cesarean section are provided by pre‐induction cervical length, occipital position, posterior cervical angle and maternal characteristics. Sonographic parameters were superior to the Bishop score in the prediction of the outcome of induction. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical significance of uterine artery blood flow velocity waveforms during provoked uterine contractions in high‐risk pregnancy
Authors: Li H. , Gudmundsson S. , Olofsson P. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether, in a group of high‐risk pregnancies undergoing an oxytocin challenge test (OCT), uterine artery Doppler velocimetry will identify fetuses at risk of distress during the provoked contractions.MethodsBilateral uterine artery Doppler velocimetry was performed simultaneously with electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) recordings in 67 high‐risk pregnancies subjected to an OCT. Flow velocity waveforms (FVWs) were classified according to pulsatility index (PI), presence of diastolic notching and a novel classification of FVW shapes. The OCT was classified as negative (normal) or positive (late FHR decelerations). Only OCT‐negative cases were allowed a trial of vaginal delivery. Non‐parametric statistical methods were used to test for differences between the OCT groups.ResultsThere was no difference in prevalence of high PI or diastolic notching in OCT‐positive (n = 10) and OCT‐negative (n = 57) cases at basal (resting) measurements or between uterine contractions in either uterine artery (P ≥ 0.3). During contractions the PI could not be used for assessment due to the biphasic shape of the FVWs, but there was no difference in distribution of FVW classes between the groups in either the placental side (P ≥ 0.3) or contraplacental side (P ≥ 0.6) uterine artery. No significant associations between PI or FVW class distribution and birth asphyxia or operative delivery for fetal distress in labor were found (P ≥ 0.1).ConclusionsDuring uterine contractions there is no difference in uterine artery FVW pattern between OCT‐positive and OCT‐negative cases. Recording of uterine artery FVWs during the OCT seems to be of limited clinical relevance. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A possible association between the CCK-AR gene and persistent auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
Authors: Sanjuan J. , Toirac I. , González J.C. , Leal C. , Moltó M.D. , Nájera C. , de Frutos R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that DNA variations in the CCK-AR gene might predispose individuals to schizophrenia and particularly to auditory hallucinations (AH). The aim of this study is to assess the association between AH, using a specific scale for AH in schizophrenia (PSYRATS), and the CCK-AR polymorphism at 779 in a Spanish sample. A total of 105 DSM-IV schizophrenic patients with AH and 93 unrelated controls were studied. Twenty-two patients were considered as persistent auditory hallucinators, which showed similar clinical and demographic characteristic than patients with episodic AH, but with the exception of the PSYRATS values. The persistent AH group showed an excess of the A1 allele when was compared with episodic or control groups. Our data support the possible role of the CCK-AR gene in the development of persistent AH in schizophrenic patients.
Diel patterns in pelagic fish behaviour and distribution observed from a stationary, bottom-mounted, and upward-facing transducer
Authors: Axenrot Thomas , Didrikas Tomas , Danielsson Charlotte , Hansson Sture 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDiel variation in pelagic fish distribution influences hydroacoustic abundance estimates. To study and quantify diel patterns in behaviour and spatial distribution in pelagic fish without causing avoidance reactions or attraction to any floating equipment or vessel we used a bottom-mounted, upward-facing transducer. Light intensities were measured as skylight and underwater light (at 5-m depth). The study was performed in a coastal area in the Baltic Sea, late July to mid-August in 2001 and 2002. The results provided additional information on fish behaviour and distribution valuable for future survey planning and in the analyses of hydroacoustic data from regular surveys in this area. At night, the data on hydroacoustic backscattering (sA) were less variable, the vertical distribution of fish was more even, with fewer fish in the deepest layer, and the percentage of single-echo detections was higher. The tilt angle of fish seemed to differ day and night, but trawling and target-strength distribution results taken together also implied a partial diel change in the fish assemblage in the midwater layers. The processes of formation and disintegration of schools happened rapidly and coincided with day and night transition periods.
Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire Scores Predict PostOp Improvement on PSG and Behavior
Authors: Garetz Susan L , Weatherly Robert A , Dillon James E , Champine Donna J , Ruzicka Deborah L , Guire Kenneth E , Hodges Elise K , Hervin Ronald D 
Published: August 2004

ProblemChildren scheduled for adenotonsillectomy frequently also have reversible disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). We examined whether preoperative scores on a sleep questionnaire could assist in predicting postoperative improvement of both polysomnographic variables and disruptive behavior disorders.MethodsSixty children, (mean age, 8.3 years) were studied. Behavior assessment, a sleep questionnaire, and nocturnal polysomnography were completed shortly before and 1 year after adenotonsillectomy. Psychiatric evaluation was performed by a child psychiatrist. The Sleep Disordered Breathing Subscale Questionnaire included questions pertaining to symptoms of nocturnal obstruction and behavior items. Obstructive apneas and hypopneas were defined as 2 breaths or longer in duration. Rates of respiratory event‐related arousals plus apneas and hypopneas defined the respiratory disturbance index (RDI).ResultsSeverity of SDB generally improved after adeno‐tonsillectomy. DBDs were initially diagnosed in 25 (42%) of subjects and resolved in 12 (48%) of the diagnosed children postoperatively. There were no significant differences noted in the preoperative obstructive apnea index, apnea/hypopnea index, RDI or minimum oxygen saturation (t tests, all P > 0.05) in children whose DBD resolved as compared to those whose DBD did not. There were, however, significant correlations between high scores on the preoperative SDB subscale and postoperative improvement in apnea/hypopnea index (Pearson correlation coefficient r =. 28, P < 0.03), obstructive apnea index (r = 0.32, P < 0.02), and RDI (r = 0.28, P < 0.04). There was also a strong correlation seen between high preoperative questionnaire scores and resolution of DBD (r = 0.28, P < 0.02).ConclusionQuestionnaires about preoperative symptoms of SDB are predictive of improvement in polysomnographic abnormalities and DBD after adenotonsillectomy. The use of a Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire may be useful in determining which patients have behavioral disorders potentially treatable with surgical intervention.SignificanceQuestionnaires may provide a simple, inexpensive method of predicting clinical improvement after adenotonsillectomy in children with SDB and DBDs.SupportNone reported.
Continuous Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring during Thyroidectomy: Does It Reduce the Injury Rate?
Authors: Robertson Matt , Steward David L , Gluckman Jack L 
Published: August 2004

ProblemTo determine if continuous laryngeal nerve integrity monitoring (NIM) during thyroidectomy is associated with a decreased risk of postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury.MethodsThis was a cohort study of 165 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at a resident teaching institution between 1999 and 2002. The control group had 120 nerves at risk (NAR) while the NIM group consisted of 116 NAR. Primary outcome measures included postoperative RLN paralysis, paresis, and total injury rates.ResultsRLN paralysis occurred in 2.54% of NAR in the control group and 0.86% in the NIM group (RR = 0.34, CI95 = 0.04−3.27, P = 0.62). Temporary RLN paresis occurred in 4.24% of NAR in the control group and 3.45% in the NIM group (RR = 0.9, CI95 = 0.23−3.55, P = 0.89). Total RLN injury occurred in 6.78% of NAR in the control group and 4.31% in the NIM group (RR = 0.66, CI95 = 0.21−2.09, P = 0.48). When compared to all other NAR, advanced T‐stage malignancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of RLN paresis (T4 RR = 9.0, CI95 = 2.56−31.67, P = 0.0006; T3+T4 RR = 7.5, CI95 = 2.17−25.86, P = 0.0001) but not paralysis. NIM use did not significantly reduce risk of RLN paresis in the advanced T‐stage subset (T3+T4 RR = 0.36, CI95 = 0.04−3.0, P = 0.59).ConclusionThere were no statistically significant differences in RLN paralysis, paresis, or total injury rates between control and NIM groups, even in subsets with advanced T‐stage and increased baseline risk. Advanced T‐stage is a significant predictor of RLN paresis in this cohort.SignificanceNIM does not appear necessary in routine thyroidectomy, although it may be considered in patients with T3 and T4 tumors given an increased risk of RLN injury in these patients.SupportNone reported.
Influences of Laryngeal Afferent Blockade on Laryngeal Muscle Activity during Speech
Authors: Saxon Keith G , Poletto Christopher , Kearney Pamela R , Mann Eric , Bidus Kimberly A , Ludlow Christy L 
Published: August 2004

ProblemA previous study determined that sensory blockade reduced symptoms in spasmodic dysphonia. The purpose of this study was to determine how laryngeal afferent feedback blockade alters laryngeal muscle activity during speech, to explain this benefit in patients with spasmodic dysphonia.MethodsWe used hooked wire electrodes to record from intrinsic laryngeal muscles (thyroarytenoid, cricothyroid, and posterior cricoarytenoid) during sentence production in subjects with either adductor and abductor spasmodic dysphonia before and after bilateral superior laryngeal nerve blockade with lidocaine. Prior to the block, sensory thresholds were determined for air puff stimuli presented to the mucosa overlying the arytenoid cartilages. Following the block, laryngeal muscle activity during production of the same sentences was recorded again and sensory testing confirmed blockade on both sides. Measures included the mean muscle activity during the first syllable of each sentence, syllable duration, and the pre‐phonatory interval between muscle activity onset and voice onset for the first syllable of each sentence.ResultsNo changes occurred in mean muscle activity level following afferent blockade in all 3 muscles. Significant within‐subject reductions were found in the duration of the first syllable of the sentence and in the pre‐phonatory interval between thyroarytenoid muscle activity onset and vocalization onset for speech. The pre‐phonatory interval decreased in 7 of the 8 subjects. No significant changes in pre‐phonatory interval were found in the posterior cricoarytenoid or cricothyroid muscles.ConclusionSymptom benefits following a reduction in afferent feedback are not a result of reduced muscle activity level but may reflect changes in central patterning of muscle activity in patients with spasmodic dysphonia.SignificanceThese results provide further understanding of the pathophysiology of symptom generation in spasmodic dysphonia.SupportThe research was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 1 Z01 NS002980‐05.
Viscoelasticity in Scarred Rabbit Vocal Folds after Hyaluronan Injection
Authors: Hertegard Stellan , Dahlqvist Ake R , Goodyer Eric , Maurer Frans 
Published: August 2004

ProblemHyaluronan has been shown to improve the viscoelastic properties after injections in normal rabbit vocal folds and in patients with unilateral paresis and vocal fold atrophy. Viscoelasticity is important to the vocal fold vibratory capacity. The aim of the study was to analyze the short‐term viscoelastic properties after the injection of hyaluronan in scarred rabbit vocal folds.MethodsVocal folds of New Zealand rabbits were scarred and after 2 months one group received injections with crosslinked hyaluronan and another group was injected with saline. After 2 more months (4 months after scarring) both groups and a third group of control animals with normal vocal folds were euthanized. The larynges were dissected out, 16 vocal folds were frozen in −20 C for viscoelastic measurements, whereas 16 vocal folds were prepared and stained for histological analysis including measurements from digitized slides. Two methods were used for the viscoelastic analysis: (1) analyses were made on intact vocal folds with a linear skin rheometer (LSR) adapted to laryngeal measurements, and (2) the vocal folds were dissected and analyzed in a parallel‐plate rheometer.ResultsMeasurements on the digitized slides showed a thickened lamina propria of the scarred samples as compared to the normal vocal folds (P < 0.05). The viscoelastic LSR analysis on intact vocal folds showed a tendency to stiffening of the scarred vocal folds as compared to the normal group (P = 0.05). The parallel plate rheometry on the same samples after dissection showed a decreased dynamic viscocity of the scarred samples injected with hyaluronan (Hylaform) as compared to the normals and to the scarred group that received no hyaluronan (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionInjection of scarred rabbit vocal folds with hyaluronan in the short term rendered improved viscoelastic parameters.SignificanceHyaluroan may prove useful for treating vocal fold scarring.SupportNone reported.
Treatment of Vocal Fold Scar with an Auto‐Crosslinked Polysaccharide Hyaluronan‐Based Gel
Authors: Rousseau Bernard , Tateya Ichiro , Sohn Jin‐Ho , Welham Nathan V , Ford Charles N , Bless Diane M 
Published: August 2004

ProblemTo examine the effectiveness of an auto‐crosslinked polysaccharide (ACP) hyaluronan‐based gel for the treatment of acute vocal fold scar in a canine animal model.MethodsTwelve canine larynges were injured by unilateral stripping of the vocal fold mucosa, from the epithelium down to the thyroarytenoid muscle. Six of these animals were treated with a transcutaneous injection of ACP gel (30 mg) into the thyroarytenoid muscle and remaining lamina propria at the time of injury, and again at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. The remaining animals were treated with an injection of sodium chloride to serve as sham controls. All animals were euthanized 2 months following the initial treatment. Excised larynx experiments were completed to obtain phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and vocal economy an acoustic output cost ratio (OCR), followed by histologic analysis for hyaluronan and collagen between the scarred and control vocal fold.ResultsDense, thick bundle collagen was observed on the injured side of sham‐treated larynges. Minimal collagen deposition was observed on the injured side of ACP‐treated larynges. PTP was lower and OCR was higher in the ACP‐treated animals.ConclusionACP‐treated larynges revealed greater ease of phonation and better vocal economy than sham‐treated larynges. Collagen deposition was less dense in ACP‐treated larynges. ACP gel provided sufficient bulk to the scarred vocal fold.SignificanceACP gel may provide a useful bio‐injectable substance for improving rheologic tissue and aerodynamic properties for phonation in the scarred larynx.SupportNone reported.
Unbiased Scarpa's Ganglion Neuronal Count Using Stereology in Ototoxicity
Authors: Ishiyama Akira , Ishiyama Gail , Lopez Ivan , Baloh Robert W , Tang Yong 
Published: August 2004

ObjectivesTo obtain unbiased stereologic estimates of the vestibular ganglion neuronal number from 7 subjects with a history of gentamicin (n = 3) and streptomycin (n = 4) aminoglycoside ototoxicity, and compare the results with those from normative age‐matched controls.MethodsSpecimens from the archival temporal bone collection from subjects with a history of aminoglycoside toxicity were used. Normative age‐matched controls were used. Estimates were obtained using the optical fractionator unbiased stereologic technique. The group means were compared using unpaired, 2‐tailed student t test. Significance was set at 0.05.ResultsThe average total number of vestibular ganglion neurons in the aminoglycoside group was 20,733 (CV = 0.073). The average total number of vestibular ganglion neurons in the age‐matched normal subjects was 24,902 (CV = 0.109). The vestibular ganglion neuronal count was significantly reduced in the aminoglycoside group (P = 0.0039).ConclusionThis study uses an unbiased stereologic technique to demonstrate a significant decline in the number of vestibular ganglion neurons in patients with a documented history of streptomycin and gentamicin ototoxicity. The decline may be secondary to deafferentation or to a direct effect of aminoglycosides on the ganglion.
Radial Artery Graft for Bypass of the Maxillary to Proximal Posterior Cerebral Artery
Authors: Ulku Cagatay Han , Ustun Erkan , Buyukmumcu Mustafa , Cicekcibasy Aynur E , Ziylan Taner 
Published: August 2004

ObjectivesPatients complaining with vertigo or dizziness, the pathology may be originated from central or peripheric compartment. These cases frequently apply to the Neurology, Neurosurgery, or ENT Clinics. The vertebro‐basilar insufficiency is one of the most common pathologic causes of central vertigo or dizziness. This study aims to examine the use of a radial artery graft for bypass of the maxillary artery (MA) to proximal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) as an alternative to external carotid artery (ECA) to PCA anastomosis used for posterior circulation bypass surgery.MethodsThis method was applied to 5 adult cadaver sides bilaterally. The MA was easily found 1−2 cm beneath to infratemporal crest, after a frontotemporal craniotomy and a zygomatic arch osteotomy. Extradurally 2−3 cm posterolateral to the foramen rotundum, a hole was drilled in the sphenoid bone with a 4−mm tipped drill. After sylvian fissure, interpedincular and ambient cisterns were opened, the P2 segment of the PCA appeared. The graft was passed through the hole and the dura to reach the P2 segment. Before giving the infraorbital artery (IOA) branch, the MA was freed from the surrounding tissue and transsected. The proximal side of the radial artery graft was anastomosed end‐to‐end with MA and distal side end‐to‐side with P2 segment of PCA.ResultsThe average diameter of the MA before giving the IOA branch was 2.6 ± 0.3 mm. The average diameter of the P2 was 2.2 ± 0.2 mm. The average length of the graft was 47 ± 5.2 mm.ConclusionSince MA to proximal PCA bypass uses a short radial graft and may provide a sufficient blood flow, it can pose a reasonable alternative to ECA to PCA bypass.