A systematic review of the features that indicate intentional scalds in children

A systematic review of the features that indicate intentional scalds in children .
Maguire S. , Moynihan S. , Mann M. , Potokar T. & Kemp A. M. ( 2008 ) Burns , 34 , 1072 – 1081 .
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2008.02.011 .     

Greater curve approach for laparoscopic gastric bypass: total stapler gastrojejunostomy

BACKGROUND: Gastric bypass is an established bariatric procedure that has undergone multiple modifications to improve its effectiveness. The side-to-side stapled technique is well recognized, but closure of the gastrotomy/enterotomy by the stapler can potentially narrow the Roux limb. Because of this, many surgeons will hand suture the closure of the gastrotomy/enterotomy. To obviate this difficulty, we inserted the linear stapler from the stomach's greater curvature, using a double-stapled anastomosis that minimized the need for hand suturing. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 307 patients undergoing this technique for laparoscopic gastric bypass. The weight loss and 30-day morbidity and mortality were tabulated and compared with those in other published series. RESULTS: Of the 307 patients, none died postoperatively. The overall 30-day morbidity rate was 15%. Two leaks from the gastrojejunostomy and 2 from the jejunojejunostomy (1.2%) developed. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 34% at 3 months, 52% at 6 months, 73% at 1 year, 71% at 2 years, and 69% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: The greater curve approach avoids Roux limb obstruction, minimizes the need for hand suturing, and uses standard trocar incisions. Our short-term follow-up results are similar to those of series of other techniques.     

The use of nonspeech oral motor treatments for developmental speech sound production disorders: interventions and interactions

Long-term effects of organized violence on young Middle Eastern refugees' mental health .
Montgomery E. ( 2008 ) Social Science & Medicine , 67 , 1596 – 1603 .
DOI: 10:1016/j.socscimed.2008.07.020.     

Outcomes of conduct problems in adolescence: 40-year follow-up of national cohort

Outcomes of conduct problems in adolescence: 40-year follow-up of national cohort .
Colman I. , Murray J. , Abbott R. A. , Maughan B. , Kuh D. , Croudace T. J. & Jones P. B. ( 2009 ) BMJ , 338 , a2981 .
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.a2981 .     

Advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the assessment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine

The intervertebral disc is characterized by a tension-resisting annulus fibrosus, and a compression-resisting nucleus pulposus composed largely of proteoglycan. Both the annulus and the nucleus function in concert to provide the disc with mechanical stability. Early disc degeneration begins in the nucleus with proteoglycan depletion. Quantitative MRI techniques have been developed to non-invasively quantify the earliest degenerative changes that occur within the disc. Our ability to identify and quantify these early biochemical changes will provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of disc degeneration and facilitate the study of interventions that aim to halt or reverse the degenerative process.