bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Videotaping (DVT): Evaluating an Innovative Mode of Lecture Delivery in Psychology
Authors: White Fiona , Sartore Gina , Gallate Jason , Cartwright Andrew , Curthoys Ian
Published: November 2010

The emergence of regional campuses aligned to main university campus sites has created new challenges for the development of innovative teaching modes to promote student learning. One such mode is digital videotaping (DVT) of lectures. This study evaluated the effectiveness of DVT against live face-to-face lectures and live video-conferenced modes using the newly developed Mode of Lecture Delivery Survey (MLDS) amongst a sample of 225 introductory psychology students. Across semesters 1 and 2, the results revealed that despite the DVT being rated as satisfactory ‘overall’, the face-to-face lecture and live video-conferenced modes were significantly better received. Interestingly, whilst the DVT group's perceived learning outcomes (i.e. ‘learning psychology material’ and ‘easiness to follow lecture material’) were similar to the other two groups, they reported feeling less ‘connected’ to the lecture(r) at the main campus and were less likely to want this mode of lecture delivery for ‘future lectures’. This dissociation between students' perceived effectiveness of the course (‘learning material’ and ‘easiness to follow material’) and ‘overall satisfaction’ rating is a challenging contradiction that cross-campus educators will need to address in future refinements to DVT lecture delivery.
The OCR AS Level Examination as a Means of Assessing the Critical Thinking Skills of Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wells Ian , Burton Andy , Burton Esme
Published: November 2010

With the advent of benchmark statements (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education [QAA], 2002), psychology undergraduate degree courses in the UK are now required both to develop and assess the critical thinking skills of their students. The study reported here takes a pragmatic view of problems associated with the lack of a consensual definition of critical thinking by adopting a measure that has been implicitly endorsed by the educational establishment in the UK. The multiple choice component of the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) AS level critical thinking examination was completed by 176 students. The results showed that the measure had a high level of internal reliability and was consistently related to performance on traditional measures of academic achievement. It is suggested that the measure is reliable enough to be used in further research.
Student Use of Information and Communication Technology: Does it Foster a Deep Approach to Learning?
Authors: Campbell Carol
Published: November 2010

Within our UK psychology undergraduate population there is significant variability in previous information and communication technology (ICT) exposure. Student use of a newly designed intranet page and related web-based resources was evaluated. Using a non-experimental survey design, 42 students completed evaluation questionnaires designed to determine use of the intranet related to one module. The results revealed that students overwhelmingly preferred the learning materials that were provided in lecture note format, a format that may confine learning to a restrictive framework (Fry, Ketteridge and Marshall, 1999). These findings have implications in relation to the student learning experience and pose a challenge for future undergraduate cohorts in light of the widening participation agenda.
Peer E-Mentoring: Enhancement of the First Year Experience
Authors: Hixenbaugh Paula , Dewart Hazel , Drees Della , Williams David
Published: November 2010

Government figures indicate that there are approximately 30,000 students in the UK each year who start full-time first degree courses, but fail to get a qualification. Students' experience of the first term or first semester has been identified as critical to student retention. Social and academic integration into university have been shown to be key elements leading to students' persistence. However, in a climate of large student numbers and limited staff resources, it is a challenge to provide cost effective strategies to enhance the first year experience. This paper discusses the implementation and evaluation of an innovative e-mentoring scheme for all first year psychology students by their third year peers at the University of Westminster. Third year student volunteers were trained as e-mentors and randomly assigned a small group of first year students to mentor by email. Baseline data were collected on a first year cohort the year before the scheme began and at three points during the first year of the scheme. Measures were taken on self-esteem, self-efficacy, confidence or anxiety, financial concerns, social integration, academic ambition and satisfaction with the university. Results suggest that the e-mentoring scheme resulted in a greater sense of social integration and greater satisfaction with the university. Overall, student assessment of the scheme was positive. Implications of the scheme as a cost effective mechanism for enhancing the first year experience are discussed.
Is the Teaching of Statistical Calculations Helpful to Students' Statistical Thinking?
Authors: Seabrook Rachel
Published: November 2010

The teaching of statistics to psychology undergraduates has traditionally included formulae and methods for conducting statistical tests without the aid of a computer. Does this requirement to master the formulae encourage deeper understanding or merely provoke anxiety? The relationship between competence in calculation and statistical thinking was examined using questions from an exam set at the end of a compulsory first year module. In addition, scores on a premodule test and coursework grades were recorded, and used to control for prior ability and learning effort. The control variables jointly accounted for 26% of the variance in statistical thinking, whereas calculation accounted for only a further 2%. The contribution made by competence in calculation, though statistically significant, was not large.
Gender, Psychology Students and Higher Education
Authors: Sander Paul , Sanders Lalage
Published: November 2010

Our interest in gender differences in orientation to academic study was prompted by an accumulation of anecdotal data that male and female students seem to behave differently in relation to their academic studies. In this paper, we will introduce some provoking pilot survey data from our Level 1 students (N = 126), set against a background literature which together suggest that Level 1 male undergraduate students in a psychology degree tend to have a different orientation to their studies from that of their female colleagues, a difference that is also perceived by their peers. From this, the implications for teaching psychology will be considered.
Non-Participation in Seminars: Free Rider Avoidance and Value Maximisation
Authors: Reader Will
Published: November 2010

Seminars are usually a vital part of higher education, but lack of engagement and non-participation by students can reduce their effectiveness. This article looks at non-participation from the perspective of evolutionary psychology in order to assess why, and under what conditions, it might occur. Two approaches are taken. First that students' opting out is considered a rational strategy as a result of students preferentially allocating time to those activities that maximise their chances of gaining a good degree. Second, that non-participation is partly a response to the perception that others are not pulling their weight (perceived free riding). A questionnaire study revealed that both of these factors might account for some of the variation in participation.
The Use of Debating as an Aid to Effective Widening Participation in Psychology
Authors: Coogan Joy , Pawson Chris
Published: November 2010

The UK widening participation agenda is in place to unlock the doors of universities for many students. However, contrary to popular belief, beyond the higher education sector, this widening of participation need not mean a reduction in academic standards. It does, however, demand a different approach to learning and teaching and, the authors argue, a degree of innovation. This paper focuses on one way in which the ‘less traditional’ student can participate in an effective course of study by starting at Level 0 and using nontraditional means of assessment, to which their often less academic backgrounds are better suited in the early stages of their studies. The particular module discussed herein introduces key studies in psychology using the skills of debating and essay writing. The evaluation of this module shows that the students gained a great deal of confidence from debating and enjoyed the experience.
Becoming a Psychology Undergraduate: Integrating Study Skills and Integrating Students
Authors: Reddy Peter , Greasley Alinka , Parson Vanessa , Talcott Joel , Harrington Katherine , Elander James
Published: November 2010

Three years of action research into a study skills and transition programme for psychology undergraduates are reported. The programme began as a ‘bolt-on’ response to perceptions of student deficit and developed to focus on transition to university. Data from three cohorts and over 600 students show attendance to be associated with higher academic grades and progression rates. The programme has also helped to establish relationships with peers and staff, prepare students for assessments, set expectations about study, and provided an opportunity to ask questions, to work collaboratively and to learn about referencing and plagiarism. Concerns with study skills highlighted by Wingate (2006) and others are discussed.
Teaching Students to Apply a Five Stage Process to Systematically Evaluate Quantitative Psychological Research Articles
Authors: Allbutt John , Becker Sue , Tidd Jayne , Haigh Mathew
Published: November 2010

Details of a single activity are presented to introduce undergraduate psychology students to basic critical evaluation criteria for quantitative psychological research articles and to assess students' critical evaluation ability. The activity could easily be fitted into units or modules running towards the end of Level II, or at higher levels. The activity is distinctive in that it introduces students to a combination of accepted methodological and more general evaluative criteria, and it teaches students to work systematically through a five stage process to evaluate a journal article. The activity starts with a description of the article's main features, then works through three ‘levels' of evaluation, and ends in an overall categorisation of the article's worth. Overall, as judged by student performance and student feedback, the activity appears to be successful. Descriptive statistics for marks are comparable to other modules at the university, marking is reliable, students perceive the activity positively, and most students report making use of the information they had learned from doing the activity in other areas of their degree.
Development and Evaluation of an Interactive Visual Workspace to Aid the Intuitive Understanding of ANOVA
Authors: Stephens Richard , Nte Sol
Published: November 2010

This report describes the development and evaluation of a Java-based interactive visual workspace, with accompanying tutorials, to help psychology undergraduates acquire an intuitive understanding of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The user is presented with two normal distributions and a sliding control allowing variation of the difference in group means, relative skewness and kurtosis. The distributions are generated algorithmically in real time to allow for a wide range of adjustments. An experimental group (n = 56) used the dynamic workspace while a control group (n = 52) studied a paper copy, both for 45 minutes. Performance on a 10 item multiple choice test was compared between groups, after no delay and after one hour, but, despite an overall mean correct score of 6.54 items, there were no significant condition effects. Subjective preference responses also did not discriminate between the groups. However, the cohort taking part in the evaluation study (i.e., the experimental and control groups combined) outperformed the cohort of the previous year on pertinent questions in the formal module examination. In conclusion, while there was no advantage to student learning of online interactive over static paper versions of the workspace, exposure to the materials created may have improved module examination performance. The research is continuing and the workspace is freely available from the Higher Education Academy Psychology Network website.
The use of Screen Recorders for Assessment and Learning of Data Analysis
Authors: Nabi Deborah Abdel , Rogers Paul
Published: November 2010

For their first assignment on a Year 1 research design and analysis module, 145 undergraduate psychology students used screen capture software, Windows Media Encoder, to produce short narrated movies of themselves conducting a statistical analysis exercise. As anticipated, the submitted movie files proved to be more informative of students' statistical understanding than were traditional pen and paper methods, betraying weaknesses in their statistical thinking. This led to an average 14% drop in marks awarded in comparison to pen and paper groups, but served to discriminate ability across a cohort more effectively and allow for more useful feedback. Feedback questionnaires completed by the students at the end of the module revealed the new assessment method had increased their engagement with the assignment, and improved confidence and competence in conducting statistical analysis. The results are interpreted as providing promising initial support for the method. Psychological factors considered to contribute to the effectiveness of the method, plus further potential applications across the psychology curriculum, are discussed.
The Merits of a General Numeracy Test as a Predictor of Undergraduate Statistics Performance
Authors: Harvey Alistair J.
Published: November 2010

The predictive power of an ad hoc, GCSE-based test of general numeracy on undergraduate statistics performance was investigated in a study of 146 undergraduate psychology students. Scores from the four numeracy test subcomponents (arithmetic; statistics; fractions, decimals and percentages; and algebra) served as predictor variables in a multiple regression analysis. First-and second-year statistics exam grades were used as the outcome variable. Results revealed that the numeracy assessment was not successful at predicting undergraduate statistics performance, thus raising questions over the use of GCSE maths grades as a prerequisite for undergraduate psychology enrolment.
High Level Multiple Choice Questions in Advanced Psychology Modules
Authors: Wilkie Richard M. , Harley Clare , Morrison Catriona
Published: November 2010

Traditional approaches to assessing students assume that multiple choice questions (MCQs) are adequate in assessing only basic, low-level knowledge at the early stages of the higher education (HE) curriculum. Increasingly, however, teachers of HE across a variety of subject areas are keen to explore the opportunities for developing higher-level MCQ formats for assessing more advanced stages of the curriculum. This has many benefits: students are unable to question-spot and are required to demonstrate a breadth as well as a depth of knowledge, tests can be administered electronically, and because feedback and marking can be instantaneous feedback can be quicker than in a traditional paper-and-pencil assessment, without an onerous marking load for staff. Here we report the use of high-level MCQs (hMCQ) in Level 2 of our BSc Psychology programme. We demonstrate the success of this format in differentiating between students, and highlight important factors in designing questions. We argue that this type of examination format offers an assessment that discriminates between students and which can be simply evaluated to ensure there is a suitable fit between the questions that make up the assessment tool and the student population under evaluation.
The Relationship between Time to Complete a Test and Test Performance
Authors: Landrum R. Eric , Carlson Heather , Manwaring Wendy
Published: November 2010

One hundred eighty-three students enrolled in an undergraduate psychology statistics course completed three tests comprised of different amounts of closed book and open book test items. For these tests, students also recorded their test completion time, for extra credit. We then combined course-based student data with preexisting demographic variables. We found that test completion time was sometimes negatively correlated with test performance, but not consistently so. Student age was positively correlated with test completion time, and prior term grade point average (GPA) and prior cumulative GPA were both positively correlated with test performance. We discuss these results by exploring possible reasons for the inconsistent relationship between test completion time and test performance, and the advice we might give to students regarding these matters.
Assessing Trainee Clinical Psychologists' Clinical Competence
Authors: Tweed Alison , Graber Rebecca , Wang Mike
Published: November 2010

Within UK clinical psychology training, traditionally used methods for assessing the development of trainees' clinical competence have taken the form of evaluations of trainee knowledge regarding their clinical practice, either in the form of written assignments or via discussion in the supervisory relationship. Whilst direct observation of trainees is expected and required by supervisors on practice placements, frequency of observation varies, and supervisors can experience difficulties occupying both supervisory and evaluatory roles. In addition, calls from within the clinical psychology training community have expressed a need for a consistent and formalised in vivo assessment of trainees' clinical competency (Gallichan & Mitchell, 2008). This article reports on a psychometric evaluation of the Clinical Skills Assessment Rating Form (CSA-RF), a seven domain measure of clinical competence developed at the University of Leicester Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology for use with live or videotaped clinical material. Results suggest that the CSA-RF has acceptable levels of internal consistency, although interrater reliability requires further investigation. Factor analysis revealed a five domain structure. From this, a revised CSA-RF has been developed which aims to be a valid and practicable initial means by which trainees' clinical competence can be assessed.
The Use of an Advanced Simulation Training Facility to Enhance Clinical Psychology Trainees' Learning Experiences
Authors: Nel Pleter W.
Published: November 2010

The University of Hertfordshire (UH) has recently opened a new simulation centre for its healthcare students. Although the centre is primarily used by nursing and paramedic students for its simulated clinical and community environments, its use for other professional training such as clinical psychology is evident. In this paper a brief history and description of the simulation centre is provided, before describing and reporting on a scenario-based simulation training exercise designed and implemented for clinical psychology doctorate trainees at UH. Trainee feedback on the effectiveness of the exercise was obtained via pre- and postsession self-report questionnaires. Trainees reported that they benefitted from taking part, increasing their clinical skills and confidence in joint working. They also valued the nonassessed and experiential nature of the exercise. Some of the main advantages of using interactive simulation training are outlined, as well as some of the challenges in using this advanced technology effectively.
British Clinical Psychology and Society
Authors: Pilgrim David
Published: November 2010

British clinical psychology is now 60 years old and its trajectory has been shaped overwhelmingly by that of the NHS. As a small, new profession, within that structure, its character also emerged initially with the epistemological stamp of the features of British psychology as an academic discipline. Empiricism in general and methodological behaviourism in particular, defined the epistemological possibilities and legitimacy of the early stage of professionalisation. Deviations from that orthodoxy have been driven partially by disciplinary shifts (particularly the displacement of behaviourism by cognitivism and the spread of constructivist ideas more widely in the human sciences). Challenges for teachers in the profession are discussed in the second part of the paper, in the light of disciplinary reductionism.
Infectious Disease Immunohistochemistry in Placentas from HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients
Authors: Schuetz Audrey N. , Guarner Jeannette , Packard Michelle M. , Zaki Sherif R. , Shehata Bahig M. , Opreas-Ilies Gabriela
Published: November 2010

Studies comparing placental pathology between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive and HIV-negative patients have shown conflicting results. In addition, few studies have evaluated the infectious etiology of placental inflammation in HIV-positive patients. We examined a cohort of placentas from 73 HIV-positive and 41 HIV-negative patients to gain a better understanding of the spectrum of placental inflammatory lesions. Bacterial and viral immunohistochemistry (IHC) was run on a subset of placentas (12 HIV-positive and 7 HIV-negative) with the greatest amount of inflammation. Although few histologic differences were seen between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups, chorioamnionitis was of a higher stage in the HIV-positive placentas. An infectious agent was found by IHC in 3 of 7 HIV-negative patients (2 Neisseria spp. and 1 group B Streptococcus). One HIV-positive placenta showed gram-positive cocci on fetal membranes; organisms were not detected by IHC. In 2 patients, the etiologic agent was not suspected prior to IHC. This study identified that acute inflammation is less common in placentas from HIV-positive patients, compared with HIV-negative patients. However, when severe inflammation is present, infectious organisms may be identified by IHC, providing a more specific diagnosis and offering a beneficial impact in maternal and fetal management.
Wilms Tumor Arising in Extracoelomic Paravertebral Soft Tissues
Authors: Mulligan Linda , Nosherwan Asma , Hayes Roisin , Pears Jane , McDermott Michael , O'Sullivan Maureen
Published: November 2010

Extrarenal Wilms tumor (ERWT) is a well-established entity which most commonly arises within the genitourinary tract, including intracoelomic paranephric soft tissue. Rarely, ERWT arises within teratoma, and it tends to occur predominantly in distinct settings, such as females with spinal defects and males with testicular teratomas. We report a unique ERWT arising within an extracoelomic teratoma of the paraspinal musculature, thereby expanding the range of reported locations for this unusual tumor.
Rhabdomyosarcoma-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Link with Constitutional TP53 Mutation
Authors: Curry Sarah , Ibrahim Fadi , Grehan David , McDermott Michael , Capra Michael , Betts David , O'Sullivan Maureen
Published: November 2010

The 2004 World Health Organization classification includes the new entity “neuroblastoma-associated renal cell carcinoma.” The pathogenetic link between these entities is unknown as yet. The patient reported herein developed renal cell carcinoma after anaplastic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a previously unknown association. The 2nd malignancy developed very soon after the 1st one, prompting concern for inherent cancer predisposition rather than a therapy-induced 2nd malignancy. A variety of features raised suspicion for Tp53 mutation, and indeed a pathogenic germline Tp53 mutation was identified in this child, despite a negative family history for Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Consideration of underlying predisposition is advocated in the context of rapid evolution of 2nd childhood malignancy.
Influence of a Locomotor Training Approach on Walking Speed and Distance in People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Field-Fote Edelle C. , Roach Kathryn E.
Published: November 2010

Background

Impaired walking limits function after spinal cord injury (SCI), but training-related improvements are possible even in people with chronic motor incomplete SCI.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare changes in walking speed and distance associated with 4 locomotor training approaches.

Design

This study was a single-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Setting

This study was conducted in a rehabilitation research laboratory.

Participants

Participants were people with minimal walking function due to chronic SCI.

Intervention

Participants (n=74) trained 5 days per week for 12 weeks with the following approaches: treadmill-based training with manual assistance (TM), treadmill-based training with stimulation (TS), overground training with stimulation (OG), and treadmill-based training with robotic assistance (LR).

Measurements

Overground walking speed and distance were the primary outcome measures.

Results

In participants who completed the training (n=64), there were overall effects for speed (effect size index [d]=0.33) and distance (d=0.35). For speed, there were no significant between-group differences; however, distance gains were greatest with OG. Effect sizes for speed and distance were largest with OG (d=0.43 and d=0.40, respectively). Effect sizes for speed were the same for TM and TS (d=0.28); there was no effect for LR. The effect size for distance was greater with TS (d=0.16) than with TM or LR, for which there was no effect. Ten participants who improved with training were retested at least 6 months after training; walking speed at this time was slower than that at the conclusion of training but remained faster than before training.

Limitations

It is unknown whether the training dosage and the emphasis on training speed were optimal. Robotic training that requires active participation would likely yield different results.

Conclusions

In people with chronic motor incomplete SCI, walking speed improved with both overground training and treadmill-based training; however, walking distance improved to a greater extent with overground training.
Androgen receptor epigenetic variations influence early follicular phase gonadotropin levels
Authors: Laisk Triin , Haller‐Kikkatalo Kadri , Laanpere Margit , Jakovlev Ülle , Peters Maire , Karro Helle , Salumets Andres
Published: November 2010

Objective. We examined the influence of the androgen receptor gene (AR) CAG microsatellite (AR‐CAG) repeat polymorphism and X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern on ovarian reserve markers (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and antral follicle count on menstrual cycle day 3–5) and disease etiology in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian failure (POF). Design. Case‐control study. Population. In all, 32 women with PCOS, 26 women with POF and 79 controls were investigated. Methods. AR‐CAG and XCI were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction‐based assays following DNA digestion with the methylation‐sensitive restrictase HpaII. Main outcome measures. Distribution of AR‐CAG alleles and XCI patterns. Results. POF patients had shorter AR‐CAG microsatellites than controls. AR‐CAG microsatellite length was negatively associated with serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level. The magnitude of XCI skewing was negatively and positively correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH serum levels, respectively, during the early follicular phase, but showed no correlation with the number of early antral follicles. Conclusions. Our results suggest that AR‐CAG variations and XCI pattern exert an effect on FSH and LH values, and also have the potential to influence the etiopathogenesis of POF.
The impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcome comparing different cut‐off criteria for abnormal glucose tolerance
Authors: Anderberg Eva , Källén Karin , Berntorp Kerstin
Published: November 2010

Objective. To examine pregnancy outcomes in relation to different categories of glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Design. Prospective observational cohort study. Setting. Patient recruitment and data collection were performed in four delivery departments in southern Sweden. Population. Women delivering during 2003–2005; 306 with gestational diabetes mellitus, 744 with gestational impaired glucose tolerance and 329 randomly selected controls. Methods. All women were offered a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy. On the basis of their capillary 2‐hour plasma glucose concentrations, three groups were identified: gestational diabetes mellitus (>10.0 mmol/l), gestational impaired glucose tolerance (8.6–9.9 mmol/l) and controls (<8.6 mmol/l). Data for the groups were compared using a population‐based database. Main outcome measures. Maternal and fetal outcomes. Results. For the gestational diabetes mellitus group, adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and induction of labor and emergency cesarean section were 2.7 (1.3–5.8), 3.1 (1.8–5.2) and 2.5 (1.5–4.4), respectively; and for Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, need for neonatal intensive care >1 day and large‐for‐gestational age infant were 9.6 (1.2–78.0), 5.2 (2.8–9.6) and 2.5 (1.3–5.1), respectively. The increases in odds ratios for the gestational impaired glucose tolerance group were less pronounced but still significant for hypertension during pregnancy, induction of labor, large‐for‐gestational age infant and use of neonatal intensive care >1 day, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) 2.0 (1.0–4.1), 1.8 (1.1–3.0), 2.1 (1.1–3.9) and 2.1 (1.1–3.8), respectively. Conclusions. These data indicate that even limited degrees of maternal hyperglycemia may affect the outcome of pregnancy.
Prevalence of postpartum urinary incontinence: a systematic review
Authors: Thom David H. , Rortveit Guri
Published: November 2010

Objective. To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence within the first year postpartum. Design. A systematic review of population‐based studies. Population. General female populations up to 1 year postpartum. Methods. Studies on incontinence in population‐based sample defined as from one or more district hospitals or from multiple clinics covering a defined geographic area. Studies of women from a single outpatient clinic or who were referred for care (e.g. for being high risk) were excluded. In addition, studies had to have a sample size of over 100 participants and a response rate 50% or over. Main outcome measures. Prevalence from individual studies as well as mean prevalence is given. Pooled prevalence is estimated for non‐heterogenous studies. Results. During the first 3 months postpartum, the pooled prevalence of any postpartum incontinence was 33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32–36%) in all women. The mean prevalence of weekly and daily incontinence was 12% (95% CI 11–13%) and 3% (95% CI 3–4%), respectively. The mean prevalence was double in the vaginal delivery group (31%, 95% CI 30–33%) compared to the cesarean section group (15%, 95% CI 11–18%). Longitudinal studies within the first year postpartum showed small changes in prevalence over time. Conclusions. The prevalence of postpartum incontinence was high. Prevalence was substantially less for more frequent incontinence. Urinary incontinence after cesarean section was half the prevalence after vaginal delivery.
Intraoperative high-resolution ultrasound: a new technique in the management of peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Koenig Ralph W. , Schmidt Thomas E. , Heinen Christian P. G. , Wirtz Christian R. , Kretschmer Thomas , Antoniadis Gregor , Pedro Maria T.
Published: November 2010

Object

Surgical treatment of nerve lesions in continuity remains difficult, even in the most experienced hands. The regenerative potential of those injuries can be evaluated by intraoperative electrophysiological studies and/or intraneural dissection. The present study examines the value of intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound as an imaging tool for decision making in the management of traumatic nerve lesions in continuity.

Methods

Intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound was applied to 19 traumatic or iatrogenic nerve lesions of differing extents. The information obtained was correlated with intraoperative electrophysiological, microsurgical intraneural dissection, and histopathological findings in resected nerve segments.

Results

The intraoperative application of high-resolution, high-frequency ultrasound enabled morphological examination of nerve lesions in continuity, with good image quality. The assessment of the severity of the underlying nerve injury matched perfectly with the judgment obtained from intraoperative electrophysiological studies. Both intraneural nerve dissection and neuropathological examination of the resected nerve segments confirmed the sonographic findings. In addition, intraoperative ultrasound proved to be very time efficient.

Conclusions

With intraoperative ultrasound, the extent of traumatic peripheral nerve lesions can be examined morphologically for the first time. It is a promising, noninvasive method that seems capable of assessing the type (intraneural/perineural) and grade of nerve fibrosis. Therefore, in combination with intraoperative neurophysiological studies, intraoperative high-resolution ultrasound may represent a major tool for noninvasive assessment of the regenerative potential of a nerve lesion.
Thiazole and Oxazole Alkaloids: Isolation and Synthesis
Authors: Davyt Danilo , Serra Gloria
Published: November 2010

Thiazoles, oxazole and their corresponding reduced derivatives, thiazolines and oxazolines, are found in marine sources exhibiting significant biological activities. The isolation, synthetic, and biological studies of these natural products, covering literature from January 2007 to June 2010, are summarized.
Oxidative Decarboxylation of Levulinic Acid by Cupric Oxides
Authors: Gong Yan , Lin Lu , Shi Jianbin , Liu Shijie
Published: November 2010

In this paper, cupric oxides was found to effectively oxidize levulinic acid (LA) and lead to the decarboxylation of levulinic acid to 2-butanone. The effects of cupric oxide dosage, reaction time and initial pH value were investigated in batch experiments and a plausible mechanism was proposed. The results showed that LA decarboxylation over cupric oxides at around 300 °C under acidic conditions produced the highest yield of butanone (67.5%). In order to elucidate the catalytic activity of cupric oxides, XRD, AFM, XPS and H2-TPR techniques was applied to examine their molecular surfaces and their effects on the reaction process.
QMRPF-UKF Master-Slave Filtering for the Attitude Determination of Micro-Nano Satellites Using Gyro and Magnetometer
Authors: Cui Peiling , Zhang Huijuan
Published: November 2010

In this paper, the problem of estimating the attitude of a micro-nano satellite, obtaining geomagnetic field measurements via a three-axis magnetometer and obtaining angle rate via gyro, is considered. For this application, a QMRPF-UKF master-slave filtering method is proposed, which uses the QMRPF and UKF algorithms to estimate the rotation quaternion and the gyro bias parameters, respectively. The computational complexicity related to the particle filtering technique is eliminated by introducing a multiresolution approach that permits a significant reduction in the number of particles. This renders QMRPF-UKF master-slave filter computationally efficient and enables its implementation with a remarkably small number of particles. Simulation results by using QMRPF-UKF are given, which demonstrate the validity of the QMRPF-UKF nonlinear filter.
A Potentiometric Formaldehyde Biosensor Based on Immobilization of Alcohol Oxidase on Acryloxysuccinimide-modified Acrylic Microspheres
Authors: Ling Yew Pei , Heng Lee Yook
Published: November 2010

A new alcohol oxidase (AOX) enzyme-based formaldehyde biosensor based on acrylic microspheres has been developed. Hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate-N-acryloxy-succinimide) [poly(nBA-NAS)] microspheres, an enzyme immobilization matrix, was synthesized using photopolymerization in an emulsion form. AOX-poly(nBA-NAS) microspheres were deposited on a pH transducer made from a layer of photocured and self-plasticized polyacrylate membrane with an entrapped pH ionophore coated on a Ag/AgCl screen printed electrode (SPE). Oxidation of formaldehyde by the immobilized AOX resulted in the production of protons, which can be determined via the pH transducer. Effects of buffer concentrations, pH and different amount of immobilization matrix towards the biosensor’s analytical performance were investigated. The formaldehyde biosensor exhibited a dynamic linear response range to formaldehyde from 0.3–316.2 mM and a sensitivity of 59.41 ± 0.66 mV/decade (R2 = 0.9776, n = 3). The lower detection limit of the biosensor was 0.3 mM, while reproducibility and repeatability were 3.16% RSD (relative standard deviation) and 1.11% RSD, respectively (n = 3). The use of acrylic microspheres in the potentiometric formaldehyde biosensor improved the biosensor’s performance in terms of response time, linear response range and long term stability when compared with thick film immobilization methods.
FDG uptake in primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Vangestel C. , Goethals I. , De Potter A. , Peeters M. , Vermeersch H. , Van de Wiele C. , Deron P.
Published: November 2010

Aim: This study aimed at assessing the relationship between over-expression of glucose transporters and hexokinases, tumour proliferation and apoptosis corrected for cellularity and partial volume corrected (pvc) FDG SUV values in primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (pSCCHN). Patients, methods: In 27 consecutive patients suffering from pSCCHN, FDG SUVmax and mean pvc values of the primary tumour were derived from a pre-surgical routine staging FDG PET/CT examination. GLUT-1, GLUT-3, HK-1, HK-3 expression, tumour proliferation (Ki-67 staining) and the number of apoptotic cells (cleaved caspase-3 staining), corrected for tumour cellularity, were subsequently assessed on the corresponding post-surgically obtained biopsies and tumour specimens. FDG SUVmax and mean pvc values of pSCCHN were correlated with the corresponding histological findings. Results: FDG SUV max and mean pvc values correlated significantly: with GLUT-1 scores r = 0.408 (p = 0.04) and r = 0.439 (p = 0.03) as well as with the number of apoptotic cells r = 0.529 (p = 0.008) and r = 0.484 (p = 0.017). The number of apoptotic cells also correlated to GLUT-3 scores: r = 0.62 (p = 0.001) and GLUT-1 scores r = 0.528 (p = 0.008). Conclusion: FDG SUV pvc proved significantly related to GLUT-1 expression by tumour cells and to the absolute number of apoptotic cells. The latter finding warrants further exploration and confirmation by additional studies.
Effect of a Preceptor Education Workshop: Part 2. Qualitative Results of a Hospital-Wide Study
Authors: Sandau Kristin E. , Halm Margo
Published: November 2010

Background:

This study examined the hospital-wide effect of a mandatory 8-hour nurse preceptor workshop on preceptors and orientees.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was used. The quantitative surveys were augmented with qualitative short-answer questions (QUAN + qual) to identify the perceptions of preceptorship experiences for both preceptors and orientees.

Results:

Findings from the narrative portions of the survey are presented. Orientees were able to distinguish between poor and excellent quality in precepting, were concerned that orientation was not tailored to the needs of experienced nurses, and described three to four preceptors as being the ideal number to be assigned to an orientee. Preceptors postintervention described “being more open” to the orientee’s view, “slowing down,” and increasing the promotion of critical thinking strategies.

Conclusion:

According to the quantitative results, orientees postintervention did not report increased satisfaction with preceptors. Qualitative findings suggested that this was likely related to a high number of preceptors, heavy patient loads, and lack of tailoring of orientation to the needs of experienced nurses. The quantitative results showed that preceptors postintervention reported increased satisfaction and confidence for precepting in all five preceptor roles assessed quantitatively; qualitative findings further supported these findings. However, narrative findings indicated that a primary barrier to positive changes in a preceptor’s practice was a heavy patient load while precepting.
The Rate of Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries Requiring Surgical Intervention
Authors: Park Min Jung , Jagadish Anubhav , Yao Jeffrey
Published: November 2010

Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries are one of the most common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Although pain and discomfort may improve with simple immobilization for a short period of time, a significant number of patients eventually require surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of surgical intervention on patients with a clinical diagnosis of a triangular fibrocartilage complex injury.

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain identified with the appropriate ICD-9 code from September 2005 to September 2007. All patients were evaluated and treated by a board-certified, fellowship-trained hand surgeon. Any patients with associated pathology were excluded from the study. All patients were initially treated with a minimum of 4 weeks of either a volar wrist splint worn all the time or a short-arm cast. Magnetic resonance images were obtained on patients without symptomatic relief, and in these cases, surgical arthroscopy was performed.

Of the 84 patients identified, 36 patients required surgical intervention. All 36 patients had evidence of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury during arthroscopy. All patients had symptomatic improvement postoperatively. The use of short-arm cast versus a splint did not affect the rate of surgical intervention (
P
=.38). Among the patients with clinical diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, the rate of surgical intervention required after a minimum 4 weeks of immobilization was 43%. The use of a short-arm cast or volar wrist splint did not affect the rate of surgical intervention.
Tendon Healing in Vivo and in Vitro: Neutralizing Antibody to TGF-β Improves Range of Motion After Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: Xia Changsuo , Yang Xuanying , Wang Ying-Zhen , Sun Kang , Ji Lina , Tian Shaoqi
Published: November 2010

Adhesion formation between the flexor tendon and its surrounding fibro-osseous sheath results in a decreased postoperative range of motion (ROM) in the hand. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. In this study, the effects of TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

In the in vitro investigation, primary cell cultures from rabbit flexor tendon sheath, epitenon, and endotenon were established and each was supplemented with TGF-β along with increasing doses of TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. Collagen I production was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the in vivo study, rabbit zone-II flexor tendons were transected and then immediately repaired. Transforming growth factor-β1 neutralizing antibody or phosphate-buffered saline solution (control) was added to the repair sites, and the forepaws were tested for ROM and repair strength at 8 weeks postoperatively.

Transforming growth factor-β1 neutralizing antibody reduced TGF-β upregulated collagen production. Intraoperative application of TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody significantly improved the ROM of the operatively treated digits. The effect on breaking strength of the tendon repair was inconclusive.
Ten-Year Results After Cementless THA with a Sandwich-Type Alumina Ceramic Bearing
Authors: Park Youn-Soo , Park Se-Jun , Lim Seung-Jae
Published: November 2010

We analyzed the long-term results of a single-surgeon series of 102 cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed using a sandwich-type alumina ceramic bearing. The prostheses involved a porous-coated acetabular socket, a polyethylene-alumina composite liner, a 28-mm alumina head, and a grit-blasted titanium-alloy stem. Mean patient age at the time of THA was 39 years (range, 18–66 years), and 76% of the patients were younger than 50 years. All procedures were performed with use of the same surgical technique and the same implant at a single center. Mean follow-up was 115 months (range, 84–133 months).

When failure was defined as revision of either the acetabular or the femoral component for any reason, Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 10 years was 95.3% (95% confidence interval, 89.5%–100%). Mean Harris Hip Score improved from 47 points (range, 16–70 points) preoperatively to 95 points (range, 85–100 points) at final follow-up. No radiographically detectable osteolysis around the acetabular or femoral component was observed in any hip. No patient reported squeaking in the operated hip. During the follow-up period, 3 hips (3%) required revision surgery; 2 underwent acetabular revision because of a ceramic liner fracture and 1 underwent revision for early loosening of the acetabular cup.

Ten-year results of cementless THA with a sandwich-type alumina ceramic bearing were encouraging, and no great increase in ceramic failure rate was observed, which contrasts with the findings of previously reported short-term follow-up studies.
Uncemented Ceramic-On-Ceramic THA in Adults with Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Millar Neal L. , Halai Mansur , McKenna Rosaleen , McGraw Iain W.W. , Millar Lauren L. , Hadidi Maher
Published: November 2010

Advanced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is increasingly treated with uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly in the younger population. While early outcomes appear promising, little is known about the optimum bearing surface in this patient subpopulation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of uncemented ceramic-on-ceramic THA in young adults with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Twenty-four consecutive patients (24 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head and 24 patients (24 hips) with osteoarthritis were treated with an uncemented ceramic-on-ceramic THA. Mean patient age for the osteonecrosis group was 46 years and for the osteoarthritis group was 50 years. At a mean follow-up of 34 months, functional improvement was significant in both groups (
P
<.01). The outcome was good to excellent for 85% of patients (17 hips) in the osteonecrosis group and 90% of patients (19 hips) in the osteoarthritis group. Harris and Oxford Hip scores were significantly better (
P
<.05) in the osteoarthritis group than in the osteonecrosis group at 6 months postoperatively but at no other assessment visit.

Our results suggest that ceramic-on-ceramic THA in osteonecrotic patients produces similar clinical and radiological outcomes to those with osteoarthritis at a minimum 24-month follow-up. Ceramic-on-ceramic uncemented THA is therefore a useful adjunct for the treatment of advanced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.