Departures from normal development can be partly assessed by measuring fluctuating asymmetry (FA), that is, differences from perfect symmetry in traits that display bilateral symmetry. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), one of the most common psychiatric conditions, is diagnosed if there are developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The objective here is to measure whether AD/HD behaviors positively correlate with FA in head, hands, and fingerprints of a sample of college students (n = 176, 57 male, 119 female) not selected for AD/HD. FA was measured as the absolute value of the difference between right and left sides divided by group mean trait size. Average FAs (mean, SE) were lowest for finger lengths (e.g., male, 3rd, 0.011 +/- 0.001; female, 3rd, 0.012 +/- 0.001) and highest for digit ridge counts (e.g., male, 5th, 0.075 +/- 0.007; female, 2nd, 0.069 +/- 0.005). Average FAs were similar between the sexes and only one facial measure and the facial index (summed FAs) differed significantly between the sexes (F > M). The scores for measures of the adult AD/HD behavioral assessment instrument, the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) were high overall in this sample and males exhibited higher rates of symptoms than females. A Rasch measurement model analysis of individual responses to the WURS produced a true interval score for each person that is a measure of individual "AD/HDness." FA indices were then regressed on Rasch scores. A univariate analysis of all the variables demonstrated a significant interaction of sex. Hand, Dermatoglyphic, Face, and Total Indices were then regressed by sex on the Rasch values of "AD/HDness." Only in males was there a trend for the Dermatoglyphic Index (F(1,55) = 3.627, P = 0.062) and Total Index (F(1,55) = 3.811, P = 0.056) to increase as AD/HDness increases.

Adolescent↗

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Spontaneous ischemic infarction of the spinal cord with traumatic sequela.

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Accidents, Traffic↗

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Implanted devices for electronic augmentation of nervous system function.

Electrical stimulation of the dorsal cord is discussed as a mode of therapy for intractable pain, and placed into its proper perspective as a part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The author reviews his experience with electrical stimulation and emphasizes features of the patient-selection process.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗

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Reduced serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF-binding protein-3 concentrations in two deerhounds with congenital portosystemic shunts.

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Ammonia↗

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Biomedical instrumentation in the Soviet Union.

By utilizing biomedical instrumentation from other nations, and by designing and fabricating instrumentation in several institutes under the control of the Medical Industries Ministry and the U.S.S.R. Academy of Medical Sciences, the Soviet Union has attempted to a bridge a 20 to 30-year technology gap. The lack of interagency cooperation and sophisticated manufacturing capability, combined with a system not directed to recognizing or exploiting innovation from within, suggests continued dependence on other countries. The Soviet system in these regards serves well as an example of a bureaucracy and system limiting technologic advancement. It is hoped that future actions in this country, in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's direct regulatory control over U.S. medical devices, will not lead to a similar stifling of technology development.

Biomedical Engineering↗