WISC-R subtest differences for male and female LD children and youth

Investigated the performance on the WISC-R of 98 learning disabled children and youth (69 males/29 females), who ranged in age from 6-3 to 13-6 to determine whether there were any significant subtest scale score differences between sexes. A 2 × 10 analysis of variance was used to analyzed these data. Differences between the individual subtest means were analyzed by using Newman Keuls test for simple effects. Results indicated that males obtained higher (but not significant) scores on the six verbal subtests. Females scored significantly higher on coding than did their counterparts. In addition, the Verbal vs. Performance IQ dichotomy did not appear as useful evidence in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Evidence from the investigation did not indicate that a significant interaction effect existed between sexes and WISC-R subtest scores.     

Cardiovascular effects at multi-detector row CT colonography compared with those at conventional endoscopy of the colon

PURPOSE: To compare the cardiovascular effects of computed tomographic (CT) colonography and conventional endoscopy in a group of patients undergoing both procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 patients underwent CT colonography followed by flexible sigmoidoscopy (40 patients) or colonoscopy (104 patients). Pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured before, during, and after the procedures. Forty patients also underwent continuous Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Periprocedural pain was assessed by using a handheld counting device. Outcome variables were assessed by using a combination of paired t testing and multilevel linear regression. RESULTS: When a spasmolytic was not used, CT colonography was associated with only a small increase in oxygen saturation (P =.03), while use of a spasmolytic caused an increase in pulse (mean increase, 19.9 beats per minute; P <.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean increase, 5 mm Hg; P <.001). Compared with that at CT, oxygen saturation decreased significantly during and after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (mean decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 1.0%; P <.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased during and after colonoscopy (mean systolic decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 16.6 mm Hg, P <.001; mean diastolic decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 7.5 mm Hg, P <.001). Patients were 30.3 times more likely to develop bradycardia after endoscopy (95% CI: 2.65, 346; P =.006). Ventricular couplets were significantly higher at endoscopy than at CT in patients with a history of cardiac disease (odds ratio: 72.5 and 95% CI: 4.56, 1,153 at CT vs odds ratio: 14.6 and 95% CI: 0.96, 222 at endoscopy; P =.002). Patients were 1.89 times more likely to register pain during colonoscopy than during CT (95% CI: 1.06, 3.38; P =.03). CONCLUSION: CT colonography had no significant cardiovascular effect other than spasmolytic-induced tachycardia. Endoscopy-and colonoscopy in particular-causes cardiovascular effects that are largely related to sedation. CT colonography is less painful than colonoscopy and is comparable to flexible sigmoidoscopy.     

Vascular trauma: endovascular management and techniques

Endoluminal treatments have traditionally been restricted to a radiology suite, where an interventional radiologist is required. For this reason, this technology has had limited utility for trauma patients who have moderate to severe injuries. Now that vascular surgeons have incorporated endovascular techniques into their practice, the operating room is a radiology suite, and the surgeon is the interventionalist. Endovascular techniques provide an opportunity to improve trauma care by either temporizing a life-threatening injury or serving as the primary treatment. Using endovascular adjuncts does not preclude standard open surgery, nor does it prohibit an immediate or delayed surgical repair.     

A preliminary study of black and white differences on the revised Wechsler intelligence scale for children

Investigated the performance of black and white children and youth on the WISC-R. The sample consisted of 120 Ss who were matched on the basis of their Full Scale WISC-R IQ score. Black males were matched with white males and black females were matched with white females, with 30 in each individual sample. The mean M.A. for the females was 10.6 and 10.0 for the males. Ss were matched in terms of Full Scale IQ. The Sander A statistical method was employed to analyze the data, and comparison of subtest scores between sexes was made by using the t-test for independent data. Evidence from the investigation indicates that the combined black sample performed better on the WISC-R Verbal Scale than did the white sample. Black males obtained significantly higher scores on Information and obtained higher scores on the four remaining Verbal scale subtests than did the white males. No differences were found between the females with regard to subtest scores. These findings did not support previous research that suggests that blacks tend to do more poorly on the Verbal area tests than on Performance tests of the WISC-R.     

An independent evaluation of the Younger Dryas extraterrestrial impact hypothesis

Based on elevated concentrations of a set of “impact markers” at the onset of the Younger Dryas stadial from sedimentary contexts across North America, Firestone, Kennett, West, and others have argued that 12.9 ka the Earth experienced an impact by an extraterrestrial body, an event that had devastating ecological consequences for humans, plants, and animals in the New World [Firestone RB, et al. (2007) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104:16016–16021]. Herein, we report the results of an independent analysis of magnetic minerals and microspherules from seven sites of similar age, including two examined by Firestone et al. We were unable to reproduce any results of the Firestone et al. study and find no support for Younger Dryas extraterrestrial impact.