bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POROKERATOSIS OF MIBELLI AND HIV‐INFECTION
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ EDUARDO A. , JAKUBOWICZ SILVIA , CHINCHILLA DANTE A. , CARRIL ALBERTO , VIGLIOGLIA PABLO A.
Published: May 2007

Background. The exacerbation of porokeratosis of Mibelli associated with inmunosuppression has been well documented.

Materials and Methods. We describe the clinical and histologic data of three cases of HIV‐infected patients, who developed porokeratosis following HIV‐contact.

Results. The three reported patients were found to have the clinical and histologic features of porokeratosis of Mibelli. Either the exacerbation or development of the disease followed HIV infection.

Conclusion. Although porokeratosis is not a disease indicative of AIDS, its flare‐up or its presence in HIV‐infected patients may serve as a marker of inmunodeficiency.
JUVENILE BEHÇET'S DISEASE AMONG 1784 TURKISH BEHÇET'S PATIENTS
Authors: SAIUCA RIFKIYE , AZIZLERLI GULSEVIM , KÖSE AFET , DlŞÇI RIAN , OVUL CANDAN , KURAL ZEKIYE
Published: May 2007

Background. Behçet's disease is a chronic, relapsing disease, about which information on its clinical course in juveniles is only available from small groups of patients.

Materials and Methods. Patients suffering from Behçet's disease who had their first lesion at or before the age of 16 were evaluated in terms of: age at onset, mucocutaneous signs, and findings related to systemic involvement. Ninety‐five patients, evaluated as having juvenile Behçet's disease (JBD), were detected among 1784 Turkish Behçet's patients. The mean age of these 95 patients (51 boys or men, 44 girls or women) who had JBD was 26.8 ± 7.1 years.

Results. The difference between sexes in terms of age at onset, development period of second lesions, and systemic involvement was not found to be significant in JBD. Patients were divided into two groups, one showing severe disease (N = 27) and the other mild disease (N = 68). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, age at onset, and sex distribution. The interval between the development of the first and second lesions was shorter in the patient group with severe disease (P < 0.001) and the development of second lesion was most frequently seen in the first 5 years (P < 0.05). Systemic involvement developed also in a shorter time in the group with the severe disease (P < 0.01) and was most frequently encountered during the first 5 years (P < 0.05). Conversely, patients with the mild disease developed systemic involvement more frequently after 6 years or later.

Conclusions. Severe Behçet's disease in children and juveniles shows no age or sex predilection, but leads to an earlier recurrence and more severe systemic signs than the mild form.
THE COST OF TREATING GENITAL WARTS
Authors: STRAUSS MICHAEL J. , KHANNA VIKRAM , KOENIG JACQUELINE D. , DOWNS STEPHEN M. , GOLDBERG STEVEN H. , MANYAK MICHAEL J. , PATSNER BRUCE
Published: May 2007

Background. Genital warts is a common sexually transmitted disease treated by a variety of medical specialists. Standard therapies offer symptomatic relief but cannot ensure lasting remission. Using the clinical literature, claims databases, and a panel of experienced practitioners, the relative efficacy, cost, and cost effectiveness of five common treatments for genital warts were assessed in this study.

Methods. We reviewed the clinical literature for the following genital wart therapies: podofilox, podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy, and laser therapy, focusing on their relative efficacy. Physicians experienced in treating genital warts defined standard treatment protocols for men and women patients with moderate wart burdens. Using national claims data and protocols developed by physicians, we derived three economic models based on provider charges, third‐party payments, and a resource‐based relative value scale, respectively.

Results. The literature review demonstrated highly variable success and recurrence rates among treatment methods and failed to show that one treatment provides consistently superior efficacy. In the economic models, treating women generally proved more costly than treating men per episode of care. This was due to the need for more extensive follow‐up visits in the treatment of women. Total costs were highest for cryotherapy and lowest for a patient‐applied therapy that reduced the need for follow‐up visits.

Conclusions. Clinicians should consider both clinical and cost issues when choosing the appropriate treatment for patients with genital warts.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN JORDAN: 1983–1992
Authors: KHOURY SAMI , SALIBA ELIAS K. , OUMEISH OUMEISH Y. , TAWFIG MOHAMMED REDA
Published: May 2007

Background The extent of the problem of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jordan during the decade 1983 to 1992 was investigated.

Methods. Data were collected from the dermatology departments and the laboratories of the Royal Medical Services and the Ministry of Health as well as from private dermatologists. Two thousand two hundred and ninety‐five cases were verified of whom men represented 80%. The majority (80%) were < 25 years with the highest percentage (31%) occurring in the 16 to 20‐year age group.

Results. The lowest number of cases was reported in June compared to the maximum in October, and the highest number recorded per year was 463 in 1992. For the decade, the Jordan Valley was the most important locality where 43% of the cases occurred.

The incidence rate per 100,000 ranged from 1.89 in 1989 to 14.39 in 1984 and the period prevalence for the decade was 5.36 per 100,000. The time‐lag between the appearance of a lesion and the first diagnosis extended from 0 to 23 months with the average being 2 months. The number of lesions per patient ranged from one to 45; 24% were located on the face, 28% on the upper extremity, 36% on the lower extremity, and 12% on other sites.

Conclusions. The factors that contributed to the findings include infected rodent, nonexposed army recruits and farm workers, land reclamatory and relaxation of preventative measures.
TREATMENT OF SKIN AGING WITH TOPICAL ESTROGENS
Authors: SCHMIDT JOLANTA B. , BINDER MARTINA , DEMSCHIK GABRIELE , BIEGLMAYER CHRISTIAN , REINER ANGELIKA
Published: May 2007

Background. The coincidence of climacteric symptoms and the beginning of skin aging suggests that estrogen deficiency may be a common and important factor in the perimenopausal woman. Often hormones have been considered important in endogenous aging of the skin, but their role has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we investigated, whether topical treatment of the skin with estrogen could reverse some of the changes in the aging skin.

Materials and Methods. The effects of 0.01% estradiol and 0.3% estriol compounds were compared in 59 preclimacteric women with skin aging symptoms. Monthly determinations of estrodiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL) were done and the monthly clinical monitoring was supplemented by measurements of skin hydration by corneometry and profilometry. In 10 patients, skin biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical determination of collagen types I and III.

Results. After treatment for 6 months, elasticity and firmness of the skin had markedly improved and the wrinkle depth and pore sizes had decreased by 61 to 100% in both groups. Furthermore, skin moisture had increased and the measurement of wrinkles using skin profilometry, revealed significant, or even highly significant, decreases of wrinkle depth in the estradiol and the estriol groups, respectively. On immunohistochemistry, significant increases of Type III collagen labeling were combined with increased numbers of collagen fibers at the end of the treatment period. As to hormone levels, only those of PRL had increased significantly and no systemic hormonal side effects were noted.

Conclusion. Both estrogen compounds were found to be highly effective in preventing or treating skin aging in perimenopausal women, clinically, by measurement data, and by an increase in collagen Type III.
DETECTION OF SCLERODERMA WITH CAPILLAROSCOPIC ABNORMALITIES OF NAILFOLDS
Authors: MAEDA MANABU , ICHIKI YOSIRO , SHIKANO YUKIKO , MORI SHUNJI , KITAJIMA YASUO
Published: May 2007

Background. Systemic scleroderma is a problem in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Methods. Three hundred and thirty‐two men and 731 women over 30 years of age, who attended the residents’health examination in K town of Gifu Prefecture (population 4835 persons over 30 years of age) had a dermatologic examination. Antinuclear antibody was determined in 85 persons (14 men, 71 women; age 30 to 72 years) who had Raynaud's phenomenon or various clinical features related to systemic scleroderma. Of these 85 persons, 19 agreed to a capillaroscopic examination and of these, 16 showed some capillaroscopic abnormalities. Biopsy specimens of three women among these 16 individuals with capillaroscopic abnormalities were examined also histopathologically.

Results. All samples taken from the forearm skins showed thick and packed bundles of collagen with hyalinization and thickened small blood vessels in the dermis, similar to histopathologic features of systemic scleroderma, although all these women had only a sausage‐like swelling of the fingers and a shortened frenulum of the tongue. These results suggest that the prevalence of systemic scleroderma can be estimated to affect more than 0.38% of the population in this town.

Conclusions. Manual skills and vibration exposure may be associated with systemic scleroderma.
ELECTRON‐MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF SCLERODERMATOUS CHRONIC GRAFT‐VERSUS‐HOST DISEASE
Authors: TABATA HIDEYUKI , YAMAKAGE AKIO , YAMAZAKI SOJI
Published: May 2007

Background. Sclerodermatous chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (SC‐GVHD) resembles systemic scleroderma (SSD) closely, both clinically and histologically. Our purpose was to try to define the morphologic differences of collagen fibers between SC‐GVHD and SSD.

Materials and Methods. Using electron microscopy, we compared the morphology of collagen fibers in a 15‐year old girl with SC‐GVHD with those of three patients with SSD.

Results. In SC‐GVHD, sclerosis is located in the superficial dermis and collagen fibers of irregular diameter are seen in the subepidermal area. In SSD, sclerosis is seen in the lower dermis and subcutaneous fatty tissue, and collagen fibers of irregular diameter are located in the deep dermis. Some of the collagen fibers were degenerative in the superficial dermis in SC‐GVHD. We observed low‐density, round structures in cross sections of collagen fibers.

Conclusions. The difference in initial location and morphologic appearance of collagen fibers may indicate a different pathogenesis in SC‐GVHD compared to SSD.
Palmar Keraoderma and Acute Arthropathy
Authors: Delmontre Sergio , Parodi Aurora , Rebora Alfredo
Published: May 2007

The Correspondence Section serves as a forum for opinion exchange about subjects of general interest such as dermatologic training, relations between dermatologists and pharmaceutical houses, governmental control of dermatology and medical practice in general, peculiarities of dermatology related to geographic, climatic, or racial factors, the flow of information and publications, as well as other concerns the readershi p might have. Originality is highly desirable and repetitious contributions or minutiae are discouraged. We wish also to foster submission of hypotheses marked accordingly. These should be based on reality and should stimulate thought. Contributions should conform to the format for correspondence as outlined in, “Notice to Contributors.” Manuscripts will undergo standard editorial procedures. Submit all correspondence to Mauricio Goihman‐Yahr, M.D., Ph.D., Section Editor, Jet International M‐154, P.O. Box 020010, Miami, FL 33102.
When can host shifts produce congruent host and parasite phylogenies? A simulation approach
Authors: DE VIENNE D. M. , GIRAUD T. , SHYKOFF J. A.
Published: May 2007

Congruence between host and parasite phylogenies is often taken as evidence for cospeciation. However, ‘pseudocospeciation’, resulting from host‐switches followed by parasite speciation, may also generate congruent trees. To investigate this process and the conditions favouring its appearance, we here simulated the adaptive radiation of a parasite onto a new range of hosts. A very high congruence between the host tree and the resulting parasite trees was obtained when parasites switched between closely related hosts. Setting a shorter time lag for speciation after switches between distantly related hosts further increased the degree of congruence. The shape of the host tree, however, had a strong impact, as no congruence could be obtained when starting with highly unbalanced host trees. The strong congruences obtained were erroneously interpreted as the result of cospeciations by commonly used phylogenetic software packages despite the fact that all speciations resulted from host‐switches in our model. These results highlight the importance of estimating the age of nodes in host and parasite phylogenies when testing for cospeciation and also demonstrate that the results obtained with software packages simulating evolutionary events must be interpreted with caution.
Maternal transmission of cytoplasmic DNA in interspecific hybrids of peat mosses, Sphagnum (Bryophyta)
Authors: NATCHEVA R. , CRONBERG N.
Published: May 2007

The progeny of spontaneous interspecific hybrid sporophytes of Sphagnum were used to analyse the inheritance of cytoplasmic DNA. The analysis showed that only the female parent donated chloroplasts and mitochondria in Sphagnum hybrids. Thus, this is the first study demonstrating maternal cytoplasmic inheritance in a nonvascular land plant. This finding has important implications for phylogenetic reconstructions utilizing chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA sequences as well as for the evolution of cytoplasmic inheritance in relation to the life cycle of land plants.
Clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently detectable serum hepatitis B virus DNA during lamivudine therapy
Authors: Kim Ji H , Yu Sang K , Seo Yeon S , Yim Hyung J , Yeon Jong E , Park Jong J , Kim Jae S , Bak Young T , Lee Chang H , Byun Kwan S
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim:  A small proportion of chronic hepatitis B patients have persistently detectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA despite lamivudine therapy. The incidence and clinical outcomes of patients who persistently have detectable serum HBV‐DNA during lamivudine therapy was investigated.

Method:  We enrolled 221 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent lamivudine therapy for more than 6 months. Among them, 180 were HBeAg positive. Serum HBV‐DNA, HBeAg, anti‐HBe and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were serially monitored. The study groups were defined, using a hybridization assay, as patients with reductions in serum HBV‐DNA below the detectable level (group I) or patients with persistently detectable serum HBV‐DNA (group II) during the initial 6 months of lamivudine therapy.

Results:  The incidence of patients who had persistently detectable HBV‐DNA was 7.7%. After the first year, the rates of viral breakthrough, HBeAg loss and serum ALT normalization of group I versus group II were 21% versus 63%, 38% versus 0%, and 71% versus 28%, respectively (P < 0.001). The log10 reduction of serum HBV‐DNA at 6 months was −4.58 log10 for group I and −1.97 log10 for group II (P < 0.001, bDNA assay). There were no pretreatment lamivudine‐resistant mutants in group II.

Conclusion:  Lamivudine had little effect on serum HBV‐DNA suppression, viral breakthrough suppression and rate of HBeAg loss and ALT normalization in chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently detectable serum HBV‐DNA during the initial 6 months of therapy. Early termination of lamivudine therapy is advocated for these patients.
Differences between right‐ and left‐sided colon cancer in patient characteristics, cancer morphology and histology
Authors: Nawa Toru , Kato Jun , Kawamoto Hirofumi , Okada Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kohno Hiroyuki , Endo Hisayuki , Shiratori Yasushi
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim:  Recently, the clinical and biological differences between right‐ and left‐sided colon cancers have been widely debated. However, close analyses of these clinical differences, based on large‐scale studies, have been scarcely reported.

Methods:  A total of 3552 consecutive Japanese colorectal cancer cases were examined and the clinical differences between right‐ and left‐sided colon cancer cases were investigated.

Results:  The proportion of right‐sided colon cancer was relatively high in patients aged less than 40 years (33%) and more than 80 years (43%). The proportion of right‐sided colon cancer in patients aged 40–59 years was relatively low (male 22% and female 29%). In male patients the proportion increased in the 70‐79 years age group (30%), while in female patients the proportion increased in the 60‐69 years age group (39%). Right‐sided colon cancer was more likely to be detected at an advanced stage (T1 stage; left 22%, right 15%) (P < 0.01) with severe symptoms. Polypoid‐type early cancer was dominant in the left colon (left 59%; right 40%) (P < 0.01), while the proportion of flat‐type early cancer in the right colon was significantly higher than that in the left colon (left 25%; right 44%) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Specific age distribution of right‐sided colon cancer was observed and the difference between male and female patients was highlighted. Other clinical features also differed between right‐ and left‐sided colon cancer, suggesting that different mechanisms may be at work during right and left colon carcinogenesis.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology to distinguish dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma with different grades
Authors: Lin Chen‐Chun , Lin Chun‐Jung , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Chen Wei‐Ting , Lin Shi‐Ming
Published: May 2007

Background:  Distinguishing dysplasia from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is difficult. The aim of this study was to diagnose HCC and the distinction of liver cell dysplasia from HCC with different grades by interpreting and scoring the cyto‐morphological features.

Methods:  Eighty‐three cirrhotic patients undertook a sonography‐guided FNA and subsequent needle biopsy for the tumor. HCC was confirmed in 68 cases and cirrhosis with dysplasia in 15 cases by pathology and follow‐up for longer than 2 years. Eighteen cytological features were scored as degree of one, two or three according to their presence or prominence.

Results:  Two cases of well‐differentiated HCC were diagnosed as negative for HCC initially. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative and accuracy were 97%, 100%, 0%, 3% and 97.6% for FNA cytology in the diagnosis of HCC, respectively. The score of dysplasia was 20.8 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) and lower than 26.2 ± 3.4 in Edmondson's grade I HCC (P < 0.01), 28.9 ± 2.9 in grade II HCC (P < 0.01), and 34.9 ± 4.3 in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01). The score was also significantly lower in grade II HCC than in grade III/IV HCC (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  FNA yielded a high accuracy in the distinction of dysplasia from HCC with different grades. There is a good correlation in cyto‐morphological scores of liver cell dysplasia and HCC with different grades. Dysplasia displayed the lowest score and the score increased in order from dysplasia to grade III/IV HCC.
Increased expression of non‐interleukin‐2 T cell growth factors and their implications during liver allograft rejection in rats
Authors: Wang Wei‐Lin , Yao Min‐Ya , Jin Jing , Jia Chang‐Ku , Gao Liang‐Hui , Xie Hai‐Yang , Zheng Shu‐Sen
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim: Rejection remains a problem in the transplantation field. The aim of this study was to establish acute and chronic rejection models in rats and to investigate the roles of non‐interleukin (IL)‐2 T cell growth factors such as IL‐15, IL‐7 and IL‐13 during rejection.

Methods: A liver transplant model was established using Dark Agouti and Brown Norway rats. The rats were divided into group A, left without treatment; group B, received cyclosporinee (1 mg/kg/day); and group C, cyclosporinee (4 mg/kg/day). Histopathological, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed in liver specimens obtained from different time‐points after transplantation in the three groups.

Results: In group A, the livers showed irreversible acute cellular rejection with cell infiltration. In group B, chronic liver rejection was found, with graft infiltration, ductular damage or proliferation, obliterative arteriopathy and liver fibrosis. No apparent histological alterations were observed in group C. IL‐15, IL‐7 and IL‐13 messenger RNA and their protein were all highly expressed in the liver specimens of groups A and B. Upregulated expression was found in IL‐15 since the first day after transplantation and in IL‐7 and IL‐13 since day 6. The extent of IL‐15 upregulation was more than that of IL‐7 and IL‐13.

Conclusions: Liver transplantation in Dark Agouti to Brown Norway rats with low‐dose immunosuppression can induce chronic rejection. In the process of acute and chronic allograft rejections, non‐IL‐2 T cell growth factors such as IL‐15, IL‐7 and IL‐13 play roles. Strategies should pay more attention to regulating these cytokines after liver transplantation.
Heat shock protein gene 70‐2 polymorphism is differentially associated with the clinical phenotypes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Authors: Nam Su Y , Kim Nayoung , Kim Joo S , Lim Sun H , Jung Hyun C , Song In S
Published: May 2007

Background and Aim:  A single nucleotide polymorphism in heat shock protein 70‐2 (HSP70‐2) has been shown to be associated with a severe clinical course in Crohn's disease (CD), but it is not known if such a relationship exists in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study was to identify associations between the HSP70‐2 polymorphism and the clinical courses of CD and UC in Koreans.

Methods:  Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed for HSP70‐2 polymorphisms using the PstI‐cleavage site present in the B allele but not in the A allele of the DNA obtained from 101 patients with CD, 144 patients with UC, and 245 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Study subjects were classified by disease behavior, severity and extent of disease.

Results:  In CD, multivariate analysis showed that the AA genotype of HSP70‐2 polymorphisms was associated with non‐perforating disease (OR 10.10, 95% CI 1.66–15.38) and male sex (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.04–12.23), and that the BB genotype was associated with severe CD (OR 12.03, 95% CI 1.60–101.56). In contrast, multivariate analysis for UC showed that the AA genotype was associated with severe UC (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.34–3.03).

Conclusions:  CD patients with BB genotype of HSP70‐2 polymorphism tend to experience a more severe clinical course and allele A is associated with more severe UC. HSP70‐2 polymorphism may be used to predict CD and UC phenotypes, which can illuminate immunological differences in CD and UC.
RESEARCH SUPPLEMENT
Authors: Farrell P. T.
Published: May 2007

An Evaluation of an EDY Course in Behaviour Modification Techniques for Teachers and Care Staff in an ESN(S) School
Enriching the Curriculum Through Literature
Authors: Ellis James
Published: May 2007

James Ellis, lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Teaching Studies, Worcester College of Higher Education, shows how ‘an enriching and challenging experience of literature’ can be given to children with learning difficulties.
Widening the Secondary Curriculum
Authors: Bourne Jill
Published: May 2007

Fifteen months ago the Perry Common Resource Centre in Birmingham began to open up the secondary school curriculum to pupils with hearing, visual and physical handicaps at special schools on the Perry Common campus. Children whose curriculum had previously been constrained by the small size of their schools were able for the first time to study science, humanities, craft, design and technology, art, textiles, information technology, music and drama in purpose designed facilities. Jill Bourne, head of the resource centre, outlines progress so far.
Using a Touch Sensitive Screen
Authors: Blenkhorn Paul
Published: May 2007

Paul Blenkhorn, research fellow, Research Centre for the Education of the Visually Handicapped, Birmingham University, discusses the potential value of the ‘touch sensitive’ screen in teaching visually impaired, multihandicapped pupils.
Helping Schools to Solve Problems
Authors: Stratford Robert
Published: May 2007

Are schools sufficiently aware of their own ethos and its potential influence on pupil behaviour and progress? This is the first example in this journal of a residential special school which is tackling difficult behaviour through a multidisciplinary problem‐solving group and, in the process, becoming more conscious of its ethos. Robert Stratford, senior tutor, M.Sc course in educational psychology, Southampton University, describes a one‐day workshop which has encouraged a continuing, problem‐solving approach among staff.
Handwriting: Ergonomics, Assessment and Instruction
Authors: Bailey C.A.
Published: May 2007

Handwriting is a skill which must be taught. The aim in teaching handwriting is for each child to develop a personal style which remains legible at speed. This objective requires the systematic teaching of handwriting. Teachers need to ascertain what are the important factors to consider when teaching handwriting and how to assess pupil performance. Chris Bailey reviews research on some of the factors affecting writing – pencil grip, finger pressure, writing implements and writing paper – and the literature relating to the assessment of legibility and speed. The author is headteacher of a primary school in the London Borough of Enfield.
What is Successful Re‐integration?
Authors: Samson Andy , Reason Rea
Published: May 2007

A follow‐up study is described here of children transferred from a special school to their neighbourhood comprehensive schools. The authors are now educational psychologists in Oldham Metropolitan Borough but their investigation took place in a neighbouring authority. Rea Reason is also a tutor for the professional training of educational psychologists at Manchester University.
Mathematics: Prospects and Problems
Authors: Larcombe Tony
Published: May 2007

Sections 3 and 4 of the 1988 Education Reform Act include mathematics as one of the compulsory core subjects in the National Curriculum and empower the Secretary of State to specify attainment targets, programmes of study, and assessment arrangements for mathematics for children of compulsory school age. The Mathematics Working Group appointed to advise the Secretary of State on mathematics reported in June and its recommendations for attainment targets, programmes of study and statements of attainment were published in August alongside the mathematics proposals of the Secretary of State for Education and Science and for Wales. Tony Larcombe, director, Kent Mathematics Project, discusses the proposals.
A Philosophy of Education for All?
Authors: Dumbleton Paul
Published: May 2007

Paul Dumbleton, head of the special educational needs section at Falkirk College of Technology, Scotland, examines the nature of education from the point of view of children and adults with learning difficulties, with particular reference to the philosophical writings of John Dewey and others.
Working with the Brain, Not Against it: Correction of Systematic Errors in Subtraction
Authors: Baxter Paul , Dole Shelly
Published: May 2007

Many errors in arithmetical computation are not random or careless; they are learned and have become habitual. This experimental study reports remediation of habitual errors by methods based on the psychological concept of proactive inhibition. Paul Baxter lectures at the Tertiary Education Institute, University of Queensland, and Shelley Dole teaches in Kingston State Primary School, Brisbane, Australia.
Don't Disable Teachers with Disabilities
Authors: Reiser Richard
Published: May 2007

The Last Civil Rights Movement is well and truly with us. In a bigoted and prejudiced world children with disabilities and learning difficulties have rights and must learn to fight for them. A movement for disability equality led by disabled people ‐ including disabled teachers ‐ has a central place in our education system.
A National Curriculum for Handwriting?
Authors: Jarman Christopher
Published: May 2007

Christopher Jarman, handwriting consultant and former primary adviser for Oxfordshire, traces the search for a ‘national curriculum’ for handwriting over the past 100 years and questions the references to handwriting in the statutory orders for English.
A Modular Approach to Training
Authors: Hornby Garry
Published: May 2007

Garry Hornby, lecturer in special education at Hull University, describes a modular framework for in‐service training (INSET). Although the framework was developed under the LEATGS scheme which will be replace by GEST in April (see p. 136) the modular approach will remain relevant under future arrangements.
Foreign Languages for All
Authors: Thomas Gwen , Nichols Ruth
Published: May 2007

The subject working group appointed to advise the Secretary of State on modern foreign languages in the National Curriculum reported in July and its recommendations for attainment targets, programmes of study and statements of attainment were published in October in its final report. Gwen Thomas, lecturer in French studies, Reading University, and Ruth Nichols, senior inspector for special education, Berkshire Education Authority, summarise and comment on some of the recommendations and relate them to local practice.
Planning De‐segregation
Authors: Gibb Charles , Donkersloot Paul
Published: May 2007

Much has been written about integration, almost invariably focusing on the process ‐ how to maintain and support children, their teachers and parents ‐ once pupils are in the mainstream. The process whereby children are ‘de‐segregated’ has been neglected by comparison. Charles Gibb, educational psychologist, School Psychological Service, Beverley, and Paul Donkersloot, headteacher, Frederick Holmes School, Hull, argue that carefully considered de‐segregation is the cornerstone of successful integration and describe the school's practices.
A Decade for Differentiation
Authors: Weston Penelope
Published: May 2007

What is differentiation? Definitions proliferate and often conflict. Penelope Weston, principal research officer, Department of Evaluation and Policy Studies, National Foundation for Educational Research, proposes 10 elements which she sees as contributing to the definition.
Collaboration in Support Systems
Authors: Ireson Judith
Published: May 2007

The ways in which schools organise learning support influence the extent to which teachers work together and provide it. Dr Judith Ireson, Department of Educational Psychology and Special Educational Needs, London University Institute of Education, discusses findings from a research project.
From Minotaurs to Creative Writing
Authors: Morrison Paul
Published: May 2007

Theseus and the Minotaur was the theme of an English topic designed to meet a wide range of individual needs among pupils with health and stress‐related disorders at Underlea School, Liverpool. This continues the theme of differentiation which was the focus of the March issue and is written by Paul Morrison, head of the school.
Programs for Writing and Spelling
Authors: McKeown Sally
Published: May 2007

Sally McKeown, of the National Council for Educational Technology, describes how information technology can help pupils with specific learning difficulties to overcome difficulties with handwriting, spelling and structured writing.
Music: a Shared Experience
Authors: Dunn Rosemary
Published: May 2007

Links between ordinary and special schools are threatened by funding arrangements under local management of schools. Rosemary Dunn, head of music at Dover Grammar School for Girls, Kent, and a member of the British Society for Music Therapy, shows how the sixth form timetable has enabled her to forge and maintain such a link with a local unit for pupils with severe learning difficulties.
Making Learning Flexible
Authors: Richmond Terry
Published: May 2007

Terry Richmond, previously regional coordinator for the North West Flexible Learning Project (NWFLP), is now part time lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and education consultant. She describes Flexible Learning, an approach which can benefit students with learning difficulties.
Diagnosis, Intuition and Autism
Authors: Powell Stuart , Jordan Rita
Published: May 2007

The authors discuss the need for diagnosis and the place for intuition in the education of pupils with autism. They are in the Educational Research into Autism Group, School of Humanities and Education, University of Hertfordshire.
Speech and Language Therapy: confusion in the Code
Authors: Miller Carol
Published: May 2007

Carol Miller, a speech and language therapist, who lectures at the University of Birmingham, examines the implicatiosn of the Code of Practice for children with speech and language difficulties.
Policy and practice: the changing nature of special educational provision in schools
Authors: Vincent Carol , Evans Jennifer , Lunt Ingrid , Young Pam
Published: May 2007

Carol Vincent (a former teacher in London primary and special schools, now a lecturer in Special Education at the Open University), and Jennifer Evans, Ingrid Lunt & Pam Young (from the London Institute of Education) draw on data collected in a recent research project, which studied the effects of LMS on the funding and organisation of specials education services and resources, to provide a snapshot of some recent developments in special education provision.
The Code of Practice: boon or burden?
Authors: Hornby Garry
Published: May 2007

Garry Hornby, Senior Lecturer in Special Education, University of Hull, focuses on the positive and negative aspects of the Code of Practice which are beginning to emerge as schools attempt to implement its requirements. he considers positive aspects of the Code and suggests that some major challenges need to be addressed in order to bring about the intended improvements in provision for children with SEN.
Skills without understanding: a critique of a competency‐based model of teacher education in relation to special needs
Authors: Jordan Rita , Powell Stuart
Published: May 2007

Rita Jordan, Lecturer in Autism at the University of Birmingham, and Stuart Powell, Reader in Educational Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, consider the implications of the move towards a skills‐based model in teacher education. They take as their focus pupils with autism and offer an alternative perspective on the nature of teacher education in relation to special needs.
Improving teaching and learning: a thermos bottle keeps things hot and cold, but how does it know?
Authors: Ysseldyke Jim
Published: May 2007

Jim Ysseldyke, Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the National Center on Educational Outcomes at the University of Minnesota, who gave a keynote address at ‘isec 95’, argues that in order to improve teaching and learning we need to know where we are going, how to get there, and the extent to which we are achieving educational goals. He contends that in most countries we have clearly articulated educational goals and provides evidence that we know how to achieve these goals, but asserts that we have no information on the extent to which students with disabilities are achieving such goals.
Just another piece of paper? Key Stage 4 accreditation for pupils with learning difficulties
Authors: Fletcher‐Campbell Felicity
Published: May 2007

The publication of GCSE results makes it apparent that there is a cohort of young people at Key Stage 4 (KS4) who do not achieve a Grade ‘G’ in GCSE. The composition of this group is mixed, and the reasons for low attainment are various and complex. This article is concerned with those students who do not achieve the standard required for a grade G on account of the severity of their learning difficulties. A consideration of the options for alternative accreditation at KS4 for such pupils was part of the brief given to the NFER in relation to the recently completed Small Steps Survey commissioned by SCAA. Felicity Fletcher‐Campbell, who, with Barbara Lee, was joint Project Leader, reports on the findings from part of the project.
Promoting the greater involvement of pupils with special needs in the management of their own assessment and learning processes
Authors: Rose Richard , McNamara Sylvia , O'Neil John
Published: May 2007

Richard Rose, General Inspector (Special Educational Needs), Northants Inspection and Advisory Service, Sylvia McNamara, Lecturer in Education, the University of Leicester and John O'Neil, Lecturer in Education Management, Massey University, Palmerstone, New Zealand discuss the initial findings of the QUEST Project.
It's cold in the other room
Authors: PAYNE TREVOR
Published: May 2007

In the headlong rush towards mainstreaming the needs of the ‘customer’ have largely been ignored. Trevor Payne sets out to correct this imbalance. His research, albeit small scale, indicates that those on the receiving end are far from dissatisfied with short‐term withdrawal methods. He argues that integration is mainly an adult perspective. Some readers will be comforted by this, others will no doubt point out the limits of such an investigation. Others, yet again, will maintain that it simply confirms that no two pupils are ever the same and that, similarly, there is no one route to salvation.
Personal constructs ‐ an alternative approach?
Authors: ASHLEY JOHN
Published: May 2007

Although personal construct theory has been around some time its application in schools has been limited. John Ashley explains its origins and current use in dealing with behavioural problems. He uses a case study to illustrate his argument and offers some thoughts on how staff may be trained in its use. It is interesting that this comes at a time when behaviourist approaches are increasingly under attack. The reader will recall the article by Paul Cooper and Graham Upton in our last issue which took a similar stance. The range of strategies for dealing with behavioural difficulties is broader than many think.
Hands on: Computer experience and the child with special educational needs
Authors: LOUGHREY DOLORES
Published: May 2007

Dolores Loughrey takes a refreshing look at the use of computers in special educational settings. Many of her arguments have been deployed before but it is encouraging to have further confirmation of those beliefs. The use of computer technology still has a long way to go and is far from being a standard tool of special needs educators. Perhaps the sense of fun and excitement that creeps into this article will entice others into this area.
Integration of children with special educational needs: Is it time for a policy review?
Authors: HORNBY GARRY
Published: May 2007

Garry Hornby joins the growing lobby of those who doubt the advisability of taking integration too far. He carefully examines the research evidence from both here and abroad and concludes that the pressure to integrate special needs pupils stems more from ideological conviction and theoretical developments than it does from sound considered evidence. He further maintains that the consequences of the 1988 Education Act are likely to work directly against the interests of children currently integrated. He proposes that these policies be urgently reviewed and argues that it is crucial that the emphasis shift from maximising the level of integration to that of optimising the appropriateness of that education.
Questions of motivation
Authors: HASTINGS NIGEL
Published: May 2007

Nigel Hastings looks at the question of motivation and some of the theories that enable us to understand and deal with underachievement. In particular he introduces the ‘Attunement Strategy’ developed in Holland and the training programme for teachers. The evidence is most encouraging and suggests another tool for improving classroom practice and delivery.
Educational entitlement in the nineties
Authors: MITTLER PETER
Published: May 2007

We are pleased to publish this paper which was the opening address given at the first conference of the National Association for Special Educational Needs held last spring in Manchester. It is a powerful statement, as one would expect from its author, Professor Peter Mittler. He analyses the current situation and considers possible threats and opportunities, contrasting this with our own strengths and weaknesses. He comes to ten conclusions that form a platform for the continuance of the debate on the future of special edu cational needs.
A reconsideration of the role of SEN support services: Will they get in on the Act?
Authors: DIAMOND COLIN
Published: May 2007

This article deals with the challenges facing local education authority support services in the light of current legislation. Colin Diamond examines the threats to such services and provides some principles on which a reconsideration of policy should be based. From the Audit Commission reports he identifies five themes that he considers will determine future directions and provides a synthesis of how these might operate. He comes to a number of key conclusions that will open up further discussion and debate. In view of the decline in support services this is a very opportune contribution and one which many will find extremely relevant.
Signals from magic stones
Authors: MERRICK BRIAN , BRENNAN JANET
Published: May 2007

We are delighted to publish an article on the frequently neglected subject of poetry. Too often special needs teachers fall into the trap of concentrating on specific identifiable skills at the expense of richer language outlets. Brian Merrick and Janet Brennan remind us of the sheer joy of poetry and its particular applicability in the field of special educational needs. Their recommendations and selected lists are particularly helpful.
Memories of school: Adult dyslexics recall their school days
Authors: HUGHES WENDY , DAWSON RON
Published: May 2007

The recollections of schooling by forty‐seven adults attending the Winchester Dyslexic Institute were investigated through the use of a questionnaire. The results revealed that many of these adults remember their schooling as a series of unhappy and distressing experiences. Their recollections can be interpreted as revealing a typical cyclical pattern of failure at school which continues to have long‐lasting and deeply negative consequences that should be of interest and concern to all teachers.
Concepts in identifying effective classroom support
Authors: LOVEY JANE
Published: May 2007

Jane Lovey has undertaken an interesting study of classroom support in a South London authority. From this she has extracted twelve key elements of effective support. She argues that while there remain serious obstacles to progress in this area, not the least of which iie in senior management misconceptions, there remains plenty of cause for optimism.
Neverstreaming: Ending learning disabilities before they start
Authors: SLAVIN ROBERT E.
Published: May 2007

Robert Slavin introduces the idea of ‘neverstreaming’. He rejects the ambulance service approach to dealing with learning difficulties and propounds instead the concept of prevention and early intervetion. He gives five examples of this approach concluding that for children at risk neither special education nor inclusion are sufficient answers to their difficulties. Only when the focus is on prevention can learning failure be reduced to manageable proportions.
In defence of entitlement
Authors: SIMMONS KATY
Published: May 2007

An article by Jean Gross in February's issue of Support for Learning on resouce allocation for pupils with special educational needs attracted a certain amount of media attention. As a result of her research she maintained that resources were being unfairly allocated to the children of more literate, articulate and persistent parents. Here Katy Simmons takes this proposition to task. While acknowledging some of Gross's points, she defends the current system, arguing that where there are injustices these are best remedied by professional advocacy.
Permanent exclusions from school: A case where society is failing its children
Authors: PARSONS CARL , HOWLETT KEITH
Published: May 2007

Permanent exclusions continue to rise at an alarming rate, Parsons and Howlett draw our attention to the figures and to the reasons for this which they identify as psychosocial problems, family problems, stretched resources and cultureal responces to beahviour. They argue that exclusion is not simply a School issue and will only be resolved by multi‐agency approaches.
‘Reading for Sure’: Accessing text through diacritical marks
Authors: HELLIER CYRIL
Published: May 2007

Cyril Hellier describes Reading for Sure, a system originating in Australia which uses diacritical marks to facilitate reading. This notion has been around some time but may be awaiting a resurgence. Hellier's findings are highly encouraging and suggest that we now have another complementary techinique to existing phonic methods.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN METALWORK, COPPER SOURCES AND THE EVIDENCE FOR SETTLEMENT IN THE GREEK LATE NEOLITHIC AND EARLY BRONZE AGE
Authors: McGEEHAN‐LIRITZIS VERONICA
Published: May 2007

Summary. This paper discusses the evidence for copper‐ and bronze‐working in later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Greece and seeks to define the relationship between these industries and the copper ore sources which were potentially available. It compares the distribution of metalwork with that of contemporary settlement, and lists the occurrence of copper sources in each region. A contrast is also drawn between the later Neolithic industries, which resemble those of the Balkans, and those of EB II and III, which have essentially a Near Eastern Background. Although the same ore sources may have been used in both periods, the scope and organisation of the industries was markedly different. It is concluded that even though there were enough local and widespread copper sources to meet demand, there is no evidence that any one copper source was systematically exploited in EBA. The extent to which the Laurion copper source influenced the organisation of copper acquisition in MBA is discussed.
ETHNO‐ARCHAEOLOGY OF POTTERY FIRING IN DARFUR, SUDAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
Authors: TOBERT NATALIE
Published: May 2007

Summary. In 1982 the author spent six months in Darfur, Sudan, studying a group of itinerant female potters. This paper examines their method of manufacturing and firing, and discusses data observed from 21 pyrometric readings. The use of a bonfire for firing ceramics is described and it is concluded that, despite the apparent simplicity of the technique, the Kebkebiya potters control the appearance of their ware to a surprising degree, since surface colour and quality of vessels to suit a particular function can be regulated by the firing technique. A study of the preparation of raw material shows that these potters never take a single clay but use a mixture from three distinct sources, and petrological analysis and firing tests of the original clays indicate that none of the source clays is workable individually. Different fillers (millet‐husk and donkey‐dung) are added to clay used to form different sections of the pot (body and neck respectively) and the effect of these is discussed. The extent of the potter's control over the technological process is emphasised.