bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the methodological quality and extent to which evaluation studies measure the usability of orthopaedic shoes
Authors: Jannink Michiel JA , van Dijk Henk , de Vries Jaap , Groothoff Johan W , Lankhorst Gustaaf J
Published: February 2004

Objective: To determine the methodological quality of studies evaluating orthopaedic shoes and orthopaedic shoe provisions. To what extent do studies evaluating orthopaedic shoes prescribed for patients with degenerative disorders of the foot, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and neurological foot disorders, focus on the aspects of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) definition of usability, i.e., effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and context of use?

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning orthopaedic shoes and orthopaedic shoe inserts. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed independently by two raters, based on the 19 items of the ‘Maastricht–Amsterdam criteria list’. The studies were assessed against the parameters of the ISO definition of usability.

Results: Eleven RCTs were included. The methodological scores ranged from 8 to 14 out of 19 possible points. Eleven studies focused on the effectiveness of the orthopaedic shoes and orthopaedic shoe inserts, two of which reported outcome measures and conclusions related to the efficiency of the studied orthopaedic shoes and orthopaedic shoe inserts. Four studies reported some form of patient satisfaction and only three studies paid attention to the context of use.

Conclusions: The methodological quality of the RCTs as assessed according to the 19 different criteria varied considerably. The present review shows that current scientific literature concerning the usability of orthopaedic shoes focuses mainly on effectiveness at the expense of the other domains of usability, i.e., efficiency, satisfaction and context of use.
Outcomes of progressive resistance strength training following stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Morris Susan L , Dodd Karen J , Morris Meg E
Published: February 2004

Objective: To determine whether progressive resistance strength training reduces impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions after stroke.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched to find trials conducted from 1966 to 2002. Articles were assessed independently by two reviewers according to the following inclusion criteria: (1) population: adults with stroke, (2) intervention: progressive resistive strength training in isolation, and (3) outcomes: changes in body function, physical activity or societal participation.

Results: From the 350 articles initially identified, eight met the criteria for detailed review. Three were randomized controlled trials, with the remainder being single-case time-series analyses or pre–post trials. The five trials that measured impairments of muscle strength showed positive outcomes for progressive resistance strength training, with large effect sizes ( d = 1.2–4.5). Few negative effects of strength training were reported, and these were minor. Only three of the eight trials that measured activity limitations reported improvements in activities such as walking and stair climbing. The effects of strength training on societal participation could not be determined due to insufficient data.

Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence that progressive resistance strength training programmes reduce musculoskeletal impairment after stroke. Whether strengthening enhances the performance of functional activities or participation in societal roles remains unknown.
Evaluation of a multiprofessional community stroke team: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lincoln N B , Walker M F , Dixon A , Knights P
Published: February 2004

Objectives: There is inconclusive evidence of the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation by a community stroke team. The aim was to evaluate a specialist multiprofessional team in a community setting.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Stroke patients and their informal carers who were referred to receive rehabilitation from a community stroke team.

Outcome measures: Barthel Index, Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (EADL), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) by patient and carer, Carer Strain Index (CSI), Euroquol, knowledge of stroke and satisfaction with services six months after recruitment.

Results: There were no significant differences between patients who received rehabilitation from community stroke team ( n = 189) and those who received routine care ( n = 232) in their independence in activities of daily living, mood, quality of life or knowledge of stroke. The patients in the community stroke team group were significantly more satisfied with the emotional support they had received ( p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in satisfaction with practical help or overall satisfaction. Carers of patients in the community stroke team were under significantly less strain than carers in the routine care group ( p < 0.04). Carers of patients in the community stroke team group were significantly more satisfied with their knowledge of stroke ( p < 0.01) and were more satisfied overall ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The patients treated by the community stroke team were more satisfied with the emotional support they received and had equivalent outcomes in terms of independence in activities of daily living and mood. Their carers were under less strain and were more satisfied with their knowledge of stroke recovery, the emotional support they received and overall satisfaction with services. The results support the provision of rehabilitation by a community-based specialist multiprofessional team.
Neurophysiological and behavioural adaptations to a bilateral training intervention in individuals following stroke
Authors: Lewisand Gwyn N , Byblow Winston D
Published: February 2004

Objective: To examine the neurophysiological and behavioural adaptations to a bilateral training protocol in individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke.

Design: Subjects performed daily practice sessions of three specific upper limb tasks over a four-week period. Performance of the tasks was recorded on video for later analysis over the duration of the study. For the first week of the training period the tasks were practised with the impaired upper limb. Only then, with a random start day between 8 and 13, the tasks were practised using a bilateral training protocol. Functional assessments of the affected upper limb and neurophysiological investigations of contra-and ipsilateral pathways from the affected and nonaffected cortical hemispheres were completed prior to the start of the intervention, at the end of the unimanual practice period, and at the conclusion of the bimanual practice period.

Subjects: Six individuals between one month and four years post stroke.

Interventions: Unimanual and bimanual training protocols.

Main measures: Task performance with the affected limb only; motor impairment of the affected upper limb; ipsi-and contralateral corticospinal pathway excitability.

Results: Baseline task performance varied markedly between subjects. Most individuals demonstrated little, if any, additional beneficial effect of bimanual practice on task performance. Results of neurophysiological investigations were inconsistent between subjects.

Conclusions: Short-term bilateral training following unilateral training may have limited effectiveness in enhancing upper limb motor performance in acute and chronic individuals poststroke. The neural mechanisms associated with bilateral activation therapies remain uncertain.
The adjunctive role of mental practice in the rehabilitation of the upper limb after hemiplegic stroke: a pilot studya
Authors: Crosbie Jacqueline H , McDonough Suzanne M , Gilmore David H , Wiggam M Ivan
Published: February 2004

Objective: To assess the feasibility and practicalities of using the technique of mental practice as an adjunct in the rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke.

Design: A series of single-case studies.

Setting: A stroke rehabilitation unit in Belfast.

Subjects: Fourteen patients admitted for rehabilitation of their first stroke: six men and four women, aged 45–81 between 10 and 176 days post stroke.

Intervention: Each patient underwent a single-case design, with two weeks baseline, two weeks intervention and one week withdrawal. The intervention consisted of structured daily mental practice sessions of a reach and grasp task, in addition to their usual therapy.

Main outcome measures: The upper limb component of the Motricity Index was used to grade motor activity sequentially across the timescale of the study.

Results: Of the 14 patients recruited, four withdrew and 10 completed the study. Nine showed improvement in upper limb Motricity Index score with mental practice as measured by the two-band standard deviation method. One of these cases demonstrated an unstable baseline such that changes could not be attributed to intervention.

Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that mental practice may be useful as an adjunct to physiotherapy after stroke.
Evaluation of a pilot service designed to provide support following stroke: a randomized cross-over design study
Authors: Corr Susan , Phillips Ceri J , Walker Marion
Published: February 2004

Objective: To evaluate a day service for people aged 18–55 years who had a stroke.

Design: A randomized cross-over study design was used, randomly allocating individuals to attend the service for six months followed by a period of no attendance for six months.

Setting: A day service pilot project was launched in Cardiff in July 1995 for people who were aged between 18 and 55 years and had a stroke. It met one day a week.

Subjects: Twenty-six participants were recruited to the study between June 1998 and February 2000. Their mean age was 48 years (SD = 7).

Interventions: The service aimed to offer participants the opportunity to identify and pursue meaningful and realistic opportunities within the community. A range of activities occurred at the service including creative activities and social outings.

Main outcome measures: The Barthel ADL Index, Extended ADL Scale, Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire, Short Form 36, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Role Checklist and the Semantic Differential Self Concept Scale were used to assess the outcomes from the service.

Results: Attending the service increased occupational performance and satisfaction with performance but there was no evidence that depression and anxiety were reduced or that quality of life and self-concept were improved.

Conclusion: Although there were some gains from attending the service there were also many unmet needs. Further research is required to continue to identify how best to meet the needs of individuals post stroke under retirement age.
Eficacy of vestibular rehabilitation on chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Topuz Oya , Topuz Bülent , Ardiç F Necdet , Sarhus Merih , Ögmen Gülsen , Ardiç Füsun
Published: February 2004

Objective: To assess the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation exercises on patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic and Otolaryngology Clinic of a tertiary referral hospital.

Subjects: One-hundred and twenty-five patients with unilateral chronic vestibular dysfunction were included in the study.

Interventions: Eight-week, two-staged (clinic and home) vestibular rehabilitation programme with components of Cawthorne-Cooksey and Norre exercises was applied.

Main outcome measures: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were completed three times (at the beginning, end of the second week and end of the treatment).

Results: Data for 112 patients in the first stage and 93 patients in the second stage were evaluated because of insufficient compliance of the other patients. The mean DHI score was decreased from 50.42 ± 24.12 points to 21.21 ± 15.97 points ( p < 0.001) at the end of first two weeks, and to 19.93 ± 19.33 points at the end of the whole treatment. The mean VAS score was decreased from 5.87 ± 2.27 to 2.02 ± 1.75 ( p < 0.001) at the end of second week, and to 1.51 ± 1.29 at the end of eighth week. In respect to both VAS and DHI scores, improvement was noted in 67 patients (77.4%). Age, gender and disability level had no predictive value about therapy outcome.

Conclusions: There was a fast recovery in the supervised exercise session, whereas there was no significant difference in the home exercise session. These findings suggest that either supervised exercise is better than home exercise or that 10 supervised sessions are sufficient to get the end result.
Comparison of two different rehabilitation programmes for thrust plate prosthesis: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Unver Bayram , Karatosun Vasfi , Gunal Izge , Angin Salih
Published: February 2004

Objective: Weight bearing after total hip arthroplasty is postponed in order to prevent early loosening, but this negatively affects the rehabilitation programme. For the force transfer characteristics of thrust plate prosthesis (TPP), a new type of hip prosthesis used without cement is similar to the normal hip. We evaluated the possibilities of early weight bearing after TPP by comparing early partial with early full weight bearing.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Department of orthopaedics and traumatology in a university hospital.

Subjects: Sixty hips of 51 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with TPP were randomly assigned into two groups.

Interventions: Both groups received accelerated rehabilitation programmes: group 1 with early partial weight bearing and group 2 with early full weight bearing.

Main outcome measures: Patients were evaluated by a blind observer preoperatively, at three months after surgery by clinical (measurement of range of hip motion (universal goniometry), muscle strength (Manual Muscle Test), functional test (6-minute walk test), hip function (Harris Hip Scoring System)) and radiographical parameters and one year after surgery by clinical (Harris Hip Scoring System) and radiographical parameters.

Results: Group 2 performed transfer activities earlier, had more walking distance at the time of discharge and shorter hospital stay than group 1. At three months, Harris Hip Score, muscle strength, 6-minute walk test, and duration of crutch use were significantly ( p < 0.05) in favour of group 2. None of the patients in either group showed signs of loosening one year after the operation.

Conclusions: These results suggest that patients with TPP can tolerate an accelerated rehabilitation programme with early weight bearing and will gain the goals of rehabilitation earlier.
Community rehabilitation for older adults with osteoarthritis of the lower limb: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lin S Y-C , Davey R C , Cochrane T
Published: February 2004

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a 12-month community-based water exercise programme on measures of self-reported health and physical function in people aged over 60 years old with knee-hip osteoarthritis (OA). Design: A quasi-experimental design consisting of an exercise group and an age-matched control group.

Setting: Public community swimming pool in Sheffield, UK. Subjects: One hundred and six community-dwelling sedentary older people, with confirmed knee-hip osteoarthritis, enrolled in an experimental controlled trial for 12 months. Sixty-six subjects in the exercise group were offered a water-exercise programme. Forty age-matched, nonexercising, ‘control’ subjects received monthly education material and quarterly telephone calls. Interventions: Participants in the exercise group were asked to attend two exercise sessions a week of 1 hour duration led by specially trained swimming instructors.

Main measures: Primary outcome measure was the disease-specific Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included a battery of performance-based physical function tests.

Results: Adherence to exercise averaged 70% (±14%) over the year: 77% of the exercising subjects and 89% control subjects completed both pre- and post-outcome measures. After one year, participants in the exercise group experienced a significant improvement in physical function (4.0 ± 9.1 versus -0.4 ± 7.3 units; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–7.96, p < 0.05) and reduction in the perception of pain (1.3 ± 3.7 versus 0.2 ± 2.5 units; 95% CI -0.19-2.52, p < 0.05) compared with the control group, as measured by the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. In addition, the exercise group performed significantly better in the ascending and descending stairs tests ( p < 0.05), had significantly greater improvements in knee range of movement ( p < 0.01) and hip range of movements ( p < 0.005). There were no significant differences in the two groups for quadriceps muscle strength and psychosocial well-being (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 questionnaire).

Conclusions: Older people with knee/hip osteoarthritis gained modest improvements in measures of physical function, pain, general mobility and flexibility after participating in 12 months of community-based water exercise.
Validation of a lateropulsion scale for patients recovering from stroke
Authors: D'Aquila Michael A , Smith Teresa , Organ Debbie , Lichtman Steven , Reding Michael
Published: February 2004

Objective: To determine the validity and reliability of a clinical scale for assessing lateropulsion following stroke.

Design: Serial observational study of Lateropulsion Scale scores.

Setting: Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.

Subjects: A convenience sample of 85 patients examined 19 ± 2 SEM days post stroke.

Main outcome measures: An empirically derived 17-point Lateropulsion Scale was used to assess and follow postural responses to rolling, sitting, standing, transferring and walking. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated by having patients evaluated twice by their primary physical therapist (days 1 and 3), and once by an alternate physical therapist (day 2). Concurrent validity was estimated by computing Spearman's rank order correlations between the lateropulsion score and other markers for motor control dysfunction: Fugl-Meyer balance subscore, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) mobility subscore, and length of rehabilitation hospital stay.

Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were r = 0.93 ( p < 0.001) and r = 0.94 ( p < 0.05), respectively. Concurrent validity estimates showed the initial lateropulsion score to be correlated with the Fugl-Meyer balance subscore ( r = -0.57 p < 0.001), with the admission and discharge FIM mobility subscores ( r = -0.56, p < 0.0001 and r = -0.58, p < 0.0001), respectively, and with length of rehabilitation hospital stay ( r = 0.6, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The Lateropulsion Scale is both a reliable and a valid assessment of lateropulsion following stroke.
Constraint-induced movement therapy: time for a little restraint?
Authors: Siegert Richard J , Lord Susan , Porter Karen
Published: February 2004

Our aim was to consider some issues surrounding constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), and in particular, its theoretical basis, effectiveness, utility and composition. We examined selected articles and related publications concerning CIMT. Considerable evidence from case studies and case series has accumulated but only a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist. The two most positive RCTs represent a combined total of 15 people undergoing CIMT. Other issues include: how analogous deafferentation of an upper limb in monkeys is to cerebral infarcts in humans; teasing out the active components of CIMT; a need for replication by groups not already strongly associated with CIMT; and patient/therapist acceptability. CIMT may hold considerable promise, but independent, large-scale, multicentre RCTs comparing its effectiveness with conventional therapy of equal intensity are required, as is the consideration of some associated issues.
Pharyngeal cancer mortality among chemical plant workers exposed to formaldehyde
Authors: Marsh Gary M , Youk Ada O , Buchanich Jeanine M , Cassidy Laura D , Lucas Lorraine J , Esmen Nurtan A , Gathuru Irene M
Published: February 2004

Objectives: To assess the possible relationship between formaldehyde exposure and mortality risk from pharyngeal cancer (PC), in particular nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Methods: Subjects were 7328 workers employed at a plastics-producing plant (1941-1984). Vital status for 98% of the cohort and cause of death for 95% of 2872 deaths were determined. Reconstructed exposures to formaldehyde, particulates and pigment were used to compute several exposure measures. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed for several demographic, work history and formaldehyde exposure variables. In a nested case-control study, seven cases of NPC and 15 cases of other PC were matched on race, sex, age and year of birth to four controls from the cohort. Among interviewed subjects, lifetime smoking history was determined using respondents or proxies for all but one control subject. Results: Statistically significant 2.23-fold and fivefold excesses for PC and NPC, respectively, were observed. Fivefold range NPC excesses were observed for both short (B / 1 year) and long-term workers and were concentrated among workers hired during 1947-1956. Only three NPC cases were exposed to formaldehyde for longer than one year, and each had low average intensity of formaldehyde exposure (0.03-0.60 ppm). Only a few exposure measures revealed some evidence of an association with all PC or NPC. For all PC combined, adjustment for smoking and year-of-hire in the case-control study generally corroborated findings from the cohort study. Conclusions: Overall, the pattern of findings suggests that the large, persistent nasopharyngeal and other PC excesses observed among the Wallingford workforce are not associated with formaldehyde exposure, and may reflect the influence of nonoccupational risk factors or occupational risk factors associated with employment outside the Wallingford plant.
Not only training but also exposure to chlorinated compounds generates a response to oxidative stimuli in swimmers
Authors: Varraso Raphälle , Massin Nicole , Hery Michel , Fradier-Dusch Martine , Michaely Jean-Pierre , Fournier Maryvonne , Hubert Genevie`ve , Biette Patrick , Rieger Benoit , Berthelin Aline , Hecht Gérard , Nadif Rachel
Published: February 2004

Relations between exposure to chlorinated compounds and biological markers of response to oxidative stimuli were investigated in swimmers, taking into account the effect of training. Twenty-two male swimmers aged 15-25 years were surveyed twice. Prevalence of irritant symptoms and asthma and number of hours of training were reported. Exposure to nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) and blood response to oxidative stimuli [catalase, superoxide dismutase (Cu2+/Zn2+ SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and ceruloplasmin, ferritin and total antioxidant concentrations] were measured. Univariate analyses were completed by multivariate analyses. High prevalences of irritant symptoms and asthma were found. Multivariate analysis confirmed the results of the univariate analyses and showed that Cu2+/Zn2+ SOD activity was increased by exposure and by training (P3/4-0.01, P 3/4-0.0001, respectively). Erythrocyte GSH-Px was decreased, whereas plasma GSH-Px was increased by exposure (P 3/4-0.002, P 3/4-0.002). No other association was found. Higher irritant symptoms and increases in the activities of erythrocyte Cu2+/Zn2+ SOD and of plasma GSH-Px with exposure support the hypothesis that the production of reactive oxygen species is not only related to training but also to exposure to chlorinated compounds. Other athletes tend to have respiratory problems such as asthma, but the exposure to chlorinated compounds may increase the respiratory disease among swimmers.
Toxic equivalency factors study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Taichung City, Taiwan
Authors: Fang Guor-Cheng , Chang Kuan-Foo , Lu Chungsying , Bai Hsunling
Published: February 2004

Airborne particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in industrial, background and urban atmosphere environments were investigated using toxic equivalent factors (TEFs) in central Taiwan during the period of August -December 2002. Concentrations of airborne particles were 93.4, 81.3 and 102.4 mg/m3 for industrial, background and urban sites, respectively. Concentrations of 21 gaseous PAHs were 1530, 759 and 1030 ng/m3 for industrial, background and urban sites, respectively; for carcinogenic activity of gaseous PAHs, the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) equivalent concentrations were 17.0, 7.29 and 12.6 ng/m3 for industrial, background and urban sites, respectively. Twenty-one particle-bound PAHs were only 10% of the 21 gaseous PAHs. Dibenzo(a, h)anthracene (DBA) serves as a surrogate to explain the carcinogenic activity of PAH mixtures in central Taiwan because its carcinogenicity is a high percentage of the total carcinogenic activity. During the sampling period, temperature inversion from a cold front from China occurred, leading to average daily temperatures of 168C. These cold fronts caused atmospheric particles and pollutants to accumulate in the troposphere, leading to extremely high concentrations of airborne particles and both gaseous and particle-bound PAHs in central Taiwan.
Interaction between smoking and glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms in solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy
Authors: Ahmadi Ahmad , Jönsson Pia , Flodin Ulf , Söderkvist Peter
Published: February 2004

Exposure to organic solvents is still common in industrial and other work environments, and increases the risk of chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE). Genetic variation in metabolic enzymes for solvents and other xenobiotics may modify the risk of developing toxic effects. Therefore, we investigated the presence of null genotypes for glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1) and two genetic polymorphisms of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEPHX) in relation to the risk for chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE) when exposed to solvents and smoking. We genotyped 115 patients who were classified into three categories: CTE (n3/4-56), incipient CTE (n3/4-27) and non-CTE (n3/4-32) patients. DNA was isolated from leucocytes and the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were determined by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction. The two polymorphisms of mEPHX were analysed by PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) based assays. All analyses were performed blindly with regard to both exposure and disease status. An increased binomial regression risk ratio3/4-2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-4.2, of the GSTM1 null genotype for CTE was found in smokers and for the GSTT1 null genotype (binomial regression risk ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.0). In nonsmokers, the GSTM1 null genotype did not confer any risk for CTE. None of the studied mEPHX polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk for CTE. We suggest that the GSTM1 null genotype in smokers is a possible risk for solvent-induced CTE.
‘Death... more desirable than life’? The human skeletal record and toxicological implications of ancient copper mining and smelting in Wadi Faynan, southwestern Jordan
Authors: Grattan John , Huxley Steven , Karaki Lotus Abu , Toland Harry , Gilbertson David , Pyatt Brian , al Saad Ziad
Published: February 2004

Skeletal material from 36 people, dating from the early Christian era, who lived by or worked in the notorious Roman copper mines of Phaeno, were analysed to determine their exposure to copper and lead. We demonstrate that many of the bones analysed had a substantially higher concentration of these cations than modern individuals exposed to metals through industrial processes. Health, toxicological and environmental implications of these data are reviewed.
Mechanisms involved in methylmercuric chloride (MeHgCl)-induced suppression of human neutrophil apoptosis
Authors: Moisan éliane , Kouassi édouard , Girard Denis
Published: February 2004

We have previously demonstrated that concentrations of 1-10 μM of methylmercuric chloride (MeHgCl) that are cytotoxic to monocytes-macrophages can curiously inhibit neutrophil apoptosis by a yet unknown mechanism. In the present study, we demonstrate that, as with the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a classical inhibitor of neutrophil apoptosis, treatment of cells with 5 M MeHgCl inducesde novo protein synthesis and prevents the loss of expression of the antiapoptotic Mcl-1 protein. The expression of the cytoskeletal proteins gelsolin, paxillin and vinculin was similar in MeHgCl or GM-CSF-induced suppression of apoptosis. However, MeHgCl prevents the degradation of vimentin differently than GM-CSF. Apoptosis was further confirmed by flow cytometry (FITC annexin-V), and by monitoring CD16 cell surface expression. Curiously, unlike GM-CSF, MeHgCl did not prevent CD16 shedding. We conclude that, like GM-CSF, MeHgCl can delay neutrophil apoptosis by inducing de novoprotein synthesis and by preventing the loss of the antiapoptotic Mcl-1 protein. However, unlike GM-CSF, MeHgCl induces an atypical degradation of vimentin without preventing CD16 shedding.
Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) intoxication: an analysis of 49 children
Authors: Çaksen Hüseyin , Odabaş Dursun , Akbayram Sinan , Cesur Yaşar , Arslan Şükrü , Üner Abdurrahman , Öner Ahmet Faik
Published: February 2004

Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) intoxication has been infrequently reported in both children and adults in the literature. In this article, the clinical and laboratory findings of 49 children with acute deadly nightshade intoxication are reviewed. Our purpose was to enlighten the findings of deadly nightshade intoxication in childhood. The most common observed symptoms and signs were meaningless speech, tachycardia, mydriasis, and flushing. None of the children required mechanical ventilation or died in our series. The patients were categorized into two groups, mild/moderate and severe intoxication. Children with and without encephalopathy were accepted as severe and mild/moderate intoxication, respectively. While 43 children were placed in the group of mild/moderate intoxication, six were in severe intoxication group. We found that meaningless speech, lethargy, and coma were more common, but tachycardia was less common in the severe intoxication group (children with encephalopathy) (P B-0.05). In the treatment, neostigmine was used in all children because of no available physostigmine in our country. In conclusion, our findings showed that the initial signs and symptoms of acute deadly nightshade intoxication might be severe in some children, but no permanent sequel and death were seen in children. We also showed that meaningless speech, lethargy, coma, and absence of tachycardia were ominous signs in deadly nightshade intoxication in childhood. Lastly, we suggest that neostigmine may be used in cases of deadly nightshade intoxication if physostigmine cannot be available.
Teaching in Cyberspace: Online versus Traditional Instruction Using a Waiting-List Experimental Design
Authors: Poirier Christopher R. , Feldman Robert S.
Published: February 2004

To test the effectiveness of an online introductory psychology course, we randomly assigned students to a large, traditional course or to an online course from a population of students who indicated that either course type was acceptable using a “waiting list” experimental design. Students in the online course performed better on exams and equally well on paper assignments compared to students in the traditional course. Online students also showed greater satisfaction with the course than those in the traditional course. Our results indicate that students who are amenable to taking either an online or a traditional course performed as well in an online course as students enrolled in a large, traditional course.
The Value of Time Limits on Internet Quizzes
Authors: Brothen Thomas , Wambach Cathrine
Published: February 2004

This study evaluated 15-min time limits on 10-item multiple-choice quizzes delivered over the Internet. Students in a computer-assisted course in human development spent less time on quizzes and performed better on exams when they had time limits on their quizzes. We conclude that time limits are associated with better learning and exam performance because they reduce the opportunity to look up answers in lieu of learning the material.
Are Computer-Assisted Teaching Methods Effective?
Authors: DeBord Kurt A. , Aruguete Mara S. , Muhlig Jeannette
Published: February 2004

Two studies examined effects of computer-assisted (CA) teaching methods in introductory psychology classes. In Study 1, we provided students with lectures supplemented with either overhead transparencies or CA visuals. In Study 2, we compared students who used an optional Web site with students who did not. In both studies we held constant lecture content, course instructor, exams, and assignments. Results of the two studies showed that students liked the CA teaching interventions, although CA instruction had no effect on student performance in the courses. Based on these and other published findings, we recommend that universities examine closely their goals and priorities when devoting resources to instructional technology.
Teaching Positive Reinforcement on the Internet
Authors: Grant Lyle K.
Published: February 2004

This study is an examination of an Internet-based tutorial that teaches the concept of positive reinforcement. An experimental group of 50 students studied an online tutorial about positive reinforcement, and a control group of 50 students studied an online tutorial in biological psychology. Students in both groups took an 8-item pretest and posttest over positive reinforcement. An analysis of the students' change scores indicated that the students benefitted from the positive reinforcement tutorial. Students rated the positive reinforcement tutorial highly on several dimensions. I discuss the desirability of greater sharing of Internet-based educational resources as a means of providing students with a wide variety of low-cost online instructional software.
Teacher of Teachers: An Interview with James H. Korn
Authors: Sikorski Jason F.
Published: February 2004

Jason Sikorski is currently a graduate student in the clinical psychology program at Auburn University. He has taught courses in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, and statistics. He served as the first chair of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology's (STP) Graduate Student Teaching Association, which aims to provide services for graduate teaching assistants that are designed to enhance and broaden their teaching skills and approach to pedagogy.

James R. Korn is a professor of psychology at St. Louis University. He has enjoyed a prolific and influential career as a teacher, mentor, and author. Dr. Korn is a long-standing and active member of the Executive Committee of APA Division 2's STP. He has developed and presented workshops at national and regional teaching conferences on professional development issues over the course of the last decade. He is widely recognized for assisting beginning and experienced teachers alike in developing and refining their teaching philosophies and classroom style. Thus, Dr. Korn's influence is one of molding a framework for allowing teachers to enhance their personal accountability for student success and failure in the classroom.
The Challenge to Cumulative Learning: Do Introductory Courses Actually Benefit Advanced Students?
Authors: Nathanson Craig , Paulhus Delroy L. , Williams Kevin M.
Published: February 2004

Previous research has questioned the educational value of taking introductory courses in psychology. Study 1 confirmed the usual null to negative associations between taking introductory psychology and performance in a subsequent psychology course. Study 2 showed that, after controlling for IQ, there was actually a positive association between taking introductory psychology and performance on a psychology knowledge pretest, which, in turn, was positively associated with course performance. Partial correlation analyses suggested that the apparent disadvantages of introductory psychology are an artifact of self-selection. Specifically, although taking introductory psychology provides beneficial knowledge, the choice to take the course may indicate a maladaptive scholastic style—possibly antiscientific mindedness. We recommend advertising psychology courses more properly as science-oriented to avoid misleading potential students.
Senior Year Retention of Methods and Statistics Concepts
Authors: Scepansky James , Carkenord David M.
Published: February 2004

This article describes an empirical investigation of whether performance on a senior-level assessment of methodological and statistical knowledge was related to elapsed time since students took prerequisite methods and statistics courses. In a senior-capstone course, 50 students completed a 50-item multiple-choice assessment measuring their knowledge of methods and statistics. We also measured elapsed time (number of months) since students completed Research Methods and Quantitative Methods (statistics). Results revealed that performance on the assessment showed no significant correlation with elapsed time from the Research Methods course or with elapsed time from the Quantitative Methods course. On a self-report survey, however, students reported they believed the elapsed time negatively affected their performance.
Departmental Search Committees and the Evaluation of Faculty Applicants
Authors: Landrum R. Eric , Clump Michael A.
Published: February 2004

We surveyed directors of departmental search committees (N = 89) to ascertain which criteria have the most value in the faculty applicant selection process. Respondents used several methodological techniques, including rank order, agreement, and importance scale questions. Results indicated that match or fit with department is the most important criterion in applicant selection, followed by research and teaching experience. Important differences emerged in the evaluation of job applicants depending on the type of institution (public vs. private) or type of department (undergraduate-only vs. undergraduate + graduate program).
Measuring School Spirit: A National Teaching Exercise
Authors:   The School Spirit Study Group, Sandra Alabama-Huntsville , Rowatt Tamara , Brooks Lisa , Magid Victoria , Stage Robert , Wydro Paulette , Cramer Steve , Walker Marie , Wolfe Connie , Singleton Royce , Sigall Harold , Eichelberger Angela , Jordan Julie , Leaf Samantha , Grahe Jon , Brown Ryan P. , Swim Janet , Pearson Nicholas B. , Wetzel Chris , Pezzo Mark , Gosling Sam , MacLin Kim , Reifman Alan , Awbrey Brandon , Wright Collyn , Jerzak Page , Samuels Steven M. , Lemmond Greg , Leary Mark , Setay Catherine
Published: February 2004

We developed a novel variation on classroom data collection by having students conduct a national research project. Students at 20 different colleges and universities measured “school spirit” at their institutions according to several operational criteria (school apparel wearing, car stickers, alumni donation rate, ratings by a major sports publication, and questionnaire measures). Instructors then combined this information into one large dataset, allowing students to analyze and compare trends measured at their school with those measured at other schools. We discuss the process of organizing a national study (recruitment of faculty participants, dissemination of instruments, compilation of data), aspects of the project that instructors thought were most educationally valuable, and substantive results of the study (how well the different measures of school spirit correlated).
Effectiveness of a Required Course in Career Planning for Psychology Majors
Authors: Thomas James H. , McDaniel Cyndi R.
Published: February 2004

Two studies investigated the effectiveness of a course in career planning for psychology majors. Study 1 used a quasi-experimental design. Students who completed a corequisite research methods course in the year before the department added the careers course to the curriculum served as a comparison group. Analyses showed that students in the careers course increased their self-perceived knowledge of career options for psychology majors, confidence in their ability to make career decisions, and movement toward achievement of vocational identity. In Study 2, precourse versus postcourse comparisons demonstrated increases in actual career-related knowledge and in both career exploration and decidedness. Results suggest that such courses can facilitate career development among psychology majors.
PSYOP and Persuasion: Applying Social Psychology and Becoming an Informed Citizen
Authors: King Sara B.
Published: February 2004

This project teaches students about persuasion techniques, especially as governments use them. Most project examples came from the work of the U.S. military's modern Psychological Operations division. Social psychology students (a) reviewed influence techniques; (b) examined posters, leaflets, and other persuasion tools used in World War II, the Gulf War, Kosovo, and Afghanistan; (c) pondered legal and ethical issues related to persuasion campaigns; and (d) considered the differences between persuasion and propaganda. Finally, students considered ways to innoculate themselves against unwanted influence attempts.
Three Decades of Social Psychology: A Longitudinal Analysis of Baron and Byrne's Textbook
Authors: Christopher Andrew N. , Dobbins Emily M. , Marek Pam , Jones Jason R.
Published: February 2004

We analyzed the first 10 editions of Baron and Byrne's social psychology textbook. Modeling our methodology on Griggs and Jackson's (1996) longitudinal analysis of Hilgard's (1953) introductory psychology text, we ascertained changes in objective features, content, and contributors and contributions to social psychology. Changes in objective features partially mirrored changes in introductory texts. Topical coverage of areas related to social cognition increased. A small core of classic publications emerged. We discuss findings in relation to other analyses of textbooks, journal content, and researcher eminence.
Exposure to the Fields of Psychology: Evaluation of an Introductory Psychology Project
Authors: Maynard Amanda M. , Maynard Douglas C. , Rowe Kirsten A.
Published: February 2004

We evaluated a project designed to expose introductory psychology students to the fields of psychology. We created this project to foster student learning about the various fields of psychology, careers that psychologists have, the psychology program on their campus, and courses available at their home institution. Evaluative data included knowledge of the definitions of the fields, measured at 3 time points, as well as students' self-reported reactions. Results indicated that students found the project interesting and would recommend it for future classes. More important, knowledge tests revealed significant increases in knowledge that persisted over a 4-week period.
Comparative water relations of four species of scorpions in Israel:evidence for phylogenetic differences
Authors: Gefen Eran , Ar Amos
Published: February 2004

In an attempt to determine the nature of possible interspecific differences in osmotic responses to dehydration, the following species of two scorpion families were examined: Scorpio maurus fuscus (Scorpionidae) and Buthotus judaicus (Buthidae) from the mesic Lower Galilee (mean annual precipitation ∼525 mm); and Scorpio maurus palmatus(Scorpionidae) and Leiurus quinquestriatus (Buthidae) from the xeric Negev Desert (mean annual precipitation ∼100 mm).

When sampled in the laboratory following their capture, B. judaicus (548±38 mOsm l–1; mean ± s.d.) and L. quinquestriatus (571±39 mOsm l–1) had higher and less variable haemolymph osmolarities than the scorpionids occupying the same habitats (511±56 and 493±53 mOsm l–1 for S. m. fuscus and S. m. palmatus, respectively).

In response to 10% mass loss when desiccated at 30°C, the haemolymph osmolarity of the two buthids increased by 5–9%, compared to ca. 23% in the two scorpionids. Buthids had lower water loss rates than scorpionids. The similar oxygen consumption rates, when converted to metabolic water production, imply a higher relative contribution of metabolic water to the overall water budget of buthids. This could explain why the osmoregulative capabilities exhibited by buthids are better than those of scorpionids.

We conclude that the observed interspecific differences in water and solute budgets are primarily phylogenetically derived, rather than an adaptation of the scorpions to environmental conditions in their natural habitat.
Lower‐stratospheric Rossby wave trains in the southern hemisphere: A case‐study for late winter of 1997
Authors: Nishii Kazuaki , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: February 2004

Behaviour of quasi‐stationary circulation anomalies observed in the lower stratosphere of the extratropical southern hemisphere during austral late winter of 1997 is studied. The anomalies are defined as daily low‐pass‐filtered departures from the circulation varying slowly with the seasonal cycle. A wave‐activity flux and refractive index for stationary Rossby waves are utilized in the analysis, each of which is defined locally for the zonally varying westerlies. Subseasonal fluctuations in the lower stratosphere were often associated with zonally confined wave trains emanating upward from localized, quasi‐stationary anomalies in the troposphere, including blocking ridges. The three‐dimensional propagation of the waves was found sensitive to the structure of a local waveguide. Upward injection of Rossby‐wave activity into the stratosphere tended to occur slightly upstream or just beneath of a lower‐stratospheric waveguide associated with the developed polar‐night jet (PNJ), which led to the subsequent formation of a well‐defined wave train downstream along that jet. The distribution of the lower‐stratospheric subseasonal variability thus exhibits significant zonal asymmetries, reflecting those in the PNJ structure and the distribution of tropospheric disturbances. Seasonal evolution of the PNJ and that of the tropospheric intraseasonal variability substantially modulated the lower‐stratospheric activity of subseasonal fluctuations. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society