bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hyaluronic acid on the excursion resistance of tendon grafts
Authors: Nishida J. , Araki S. , Akasaka T. , Toba T. , Shimamura T. , Amadio P. C. , An K.-N.
Published: August 2004

The excursion resistance between the tendon and pulley is an important factor contributing to the limitation of function after surgery to the hand. The administration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the early rehabilitation after tendon grafting may help to prevent adhesions. We evaluated changes in the excursion resistance between potential sources of flexor tendon grafts and the annular pulley in a canine model after administration of HA.

The intrasynovial and extrasynovial tendons were soaked in 10 mg/ml of HA for five minutes. The excursion resistance between these tendons and the annular pulley of an intact proximal phalanx and that of the same tendons of the opposite foot without administration of HA were evaluated. The tendon of flexor digitorum profundus of the second toe without administration of HA was used as a control.

The gliding resistance of canine tendons was significantly decreased after the administration of HA especially in the extrasynovial tendons. Our findings suggest that the administration of HA may improve the gliding function of a flexor tendon graft.
Complications associated with traction on the hip during arthroscopy
Authors: Elsaidi G. A. , Ruch D. S. , Schaefer W. D. , Kuzma K. , Smith B. P.
Published: August 2004

We studied 16 hips (eight cadaver specimens) using arthrography, arthroscopy and anatomical dissection, under incremental traction of up to a maximum of 64 kg, to determine the relationship of the portals to nearby neurovascular structures.

The distance of each arthroscopic portal (anterior, anterolateral, and posterolateral) to the associated neurovascular structures was measured after the application of 23 kg of traction.

Traction of up to 64 kg on the lower limb failed to produce evidence of labral or capsular injury. Furthermore, traction of 23 kg resulted in little change in the position of adjacent neurovascular structures relative to the standard arthroscopic portals.
Acetabular dysplasia after treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Albinana J. , Dolan L. A. , Spratt K. F. , Morcuende J. , Meyer M. D. , Weinstein S. L.
Published: August 2004

Untreated acetabular dysplasia following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) leads to early degenerative joint disease. Clinicians must accurately and reliably recognise dysplasia in order to intervene appropriately with secondary acetabular or femoral procedures. This study sought early predictors of residual dysplasia in order to establish empirically-based indications for treatment. DDH treated by closed or open reduction alone was reviewed. Residual hip dysplasia was defined according to the Severin classification at skeletal maturity. Future hip replacement in a subset of these patients was compared with the Severin classification. Serial measurements of acetabular development and subluxation of the femoral head were collected, as were the age at reduction, type of reduction, and Tonnis grade prior to reduction. These variables were used to predict the Severin classification.

The mean age at reduction in 72 hips was 16 months (1 to 46). On the final radiograph, 47 hips (65%) were classified as Severin I/II, and 25 as Severin III/IV (35%). At 40 years after reduction, five of 43 hips (21%) had had a total hip replacement (THR). The Severin grade was predictive for THR. Early measurements of the acetabular index (AI) were predictive for Severin grade. For example, an AI of 35° or more at two years after reduction was associated with an 80% probability of becoming a Severin grade III/IV hip.

This study links early acetabular remodelling, residual dysplasia at skeletal maturity and the long-term risk of THR. It presents evidence describing the diagnostic value of early predictors of residual dysplasia, and therefore, of the long-term risk of degenerative change.
Internal fixation of complex fractures of the proximal humerus
Authors: Gerber C. , Werner C. M. L. , Vienne P.
Published: August 2004

We treated 34 consecutive articular fractures of the proximal humerus in 33 patients with good bone quality by open reduction and internal fixation. Anatomical or nearly anatomical reduction was achieved in 30, at a mean follow-up of 63 months (25 to 131), complete or partial avascular necrosis had occurred in 12 cases (35%). Two patients subsequently underwent arthroplasty and six further patients required additional surgery. The 32 patients who did not require arthroplasty obtained a mean Constant score of 78 points or 89% of an age- and gender-matched normal score (66 points or 76% in the presence and 83 points or 96% in the absence of avascular necrosis (p < 0.0005)); 22 were painfree, and seven had mild pain and three moderate pain. The mean active anterior elevation was 156°. Internal fixation of complex fractures of the proximal humerus restored good shoulder function if avascular necrosis did not develop.
Does the femur roll-back with flexion?
Authors: Pinskerova V. , Johal P. , Nakagawa S. , Sosna A. , Williams A. , Gedroyc W. , Freeman M. A. R.
Published: August 2004

MRI studies of the knee were performed at intervals between full extension and 120° of flexion in six cadavers and also non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing in five volunteers. At each interval sagittal images were obtained through both compartments on which the position of the femoral condyle, identified by the centre of its posterior circular surface which is termed the flexion facet centre (FFC), and the point of closest approximation between the femoral and tibial subchondral plates, the contact point (CP), were identified relative to the posterior tibial cortex.

The movements of the CP and FFC were essentially the same in the three groups but in all three the medial differed from the lateral compartment and the movement of the FFC differed from that of the CP. Medially from 30° to 120° the FFC and CP coincided and did not move anteroposteriorly. From 30° to 0° the anteroposterior position of the FFC remained unchanged but the CP moved forwards by about 15 mm. Laterally, the FFC and the CP moved backwards together by about 15 mm from 20° to 120°. From 20° to full extension both the FFC and CP moved forwards, but the latter moved more than the former. The differences between the movements of the FFC and the CP could be explained by the sagittal shapes of the bones, especially anteriorly.

The term ‘roll-back’ can be applied to solid bodies, e.g. the condyles, but not to areas. The lateral femoral condyle does roll-back with flexion but the medial does not, i.e. the femur rotates externally around a medial centre. By contrast, both the medial and lateral contact points move back, roughly in parallel, from 0° to 120° but they cannot ‘roll’.

Femoral roll-back with flexion, usually imagined as backward rolling of both condyles, does not occur.
A new scoring system for Perthes’ disease based on combined lateral and posterior pillar classifications
Authors: Sugimoto Y. , Akazawa H. , Miyake Y. , Mitani S. , Asaumi K. , Aoki K. , Inoue H.
Published: August 2004

We have devised a combined pillar score (CPS) system, based on the lateral pillar (LP) and the posterior pillar (PP) classifications, together with the age at onset of Perthes’ disease, and examined its correlation with prognosis. The correlation coefficient of the Catterall classification, LP, PP, and CPS systems with the Stulberg system was 0.39, 0.52, 0.50, and 0.70, respectively. Overall 21 of the 22 hips (95.4%) with a CPS of 0 to 1 point had a good outcome and 12 of the 13 hips (92.3%) with a CPS of 3 points or more had a fair or poor outcome. None with a CPS of 2 points, had a poor outcome. The study shows that an accurate prediction of the prognosis is not possible with the LP classification alone for patients classified as belonging to group B (LP height 50% to 100% of contralateral height). The CPS system does allow accurate prediction of outcome.
Medium-term results with a primary cemented rotating-hinge total knee replacement
Authors: Petrou G. , Petrou H. , Tilkeridis C. , Stavrakis T. , Kapetsis T. , Kremmidas N. , Gavras M.
Published: August 2004

We reviewed 100 cemented Endo-model rotating-hinge (Waldemar Link GMBH & Co, Hamburg, Germany) total knee replacements in 80 patients with a mean age of 70 years (56 to 85) at a mean post-operative follow-up of 11 years (7 to 15).

Good or excellent results were seen in 91% of knees and survival at 15 years was 96.1%. There were two deep infections, one dislocation and one supracondylar fracture. There were no peri-operative deaths and there was no loosening, malalignment, migration or wear.

We consider this prosthesis to be ideally suited for the replacement of the deformed knee when the use of an unconstrained design may be questionable.
Surgery for herniation of a lumbar disc in Sweden between 1987 and 1999
Authors: Jansson K. å. , Németh G. , Granath F. , Blomqvist P.
Published: August 2004

The National Inpatient Register and the Swedish Death Register were linked to determine the incidence of surgical intervention, the trends and characteristics of the patients, the death rate and the pre- and post-operative admissions for herniation of a lumbar disc based on comprehensive national data between 1987 and 1999.

There were 27 576 operations which were followed cumulatively for 155 249 years, with a median of 6.0 years. The mean annual rate of operation was 24 per 100 000 inhabitants, the median age of the patients was 42 years. The 30-day death rate was 0.5 per 1000 operations. The rates of re-operation at one and ten years were 5% and 10%, respectively, decreasing significantly (40%) with time. The mean length of stay decreased from nine to five days. Patients who had been in hospital because of a previous spinal disorder had a significantly higher risk of readmission.
Microbiological culture results for the femoral head
Authors: James L. A. , Ibrahim T. , Esler C. N.
Published: August 2004

We determined the rate of contamination of donated femoral heads at primary hip arthroplasty within a single region between July 1992 and July 2001. We established the null hypothesis that culture results played no role in predicting early failure of the joint because of infection.

The rate of contamination was 9%. A positive culture, at the time of retrieval, was found in 367 of 4045 femoral heads. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was isolated in 77% of the positive cases. At a minimum follow-up of one year, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of complications or of revision of age-matched patients whose femoral heads had a positive culture compared with those whose femoral heads were sterile.

Our findings confirm that culture of the femoral head plays no part in determining future failure of joint replacement in the donor.
Glove perforation in orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Authors: Laine T. , Aarnio P.
Published: August 2004

The spread of viral diseases such as HIV has highlighted the importance of protecting medical personnel against contamination from blood. We have assessed the frequency of the perforation of surgical gloves during orthopaedic and trauma surgery and compared the efficiency of single and double gloving.

We examined all the gloves used by surgeons for a period of two months. There were 1769 gloves from 349 operations. Perforations occurred in 18.5% of conventional and 5.8% of arthroscopic procedures. The risk of contamination from blood was 13 times higher when using single compared with double gloves. Surprisingly, the combination of two regular gloves was much less efficient than double indicator gloves when comparing the rate of perforation of the inner glove when the outer had been damaged (24% vs 4.9%; p = 0.02).

We recommend double gloving in orthopaedic surgery in general and also in long arthroscopic procedures.
Increase of bone and joint tuberculosis in The Netherlands
Authors: Jutte P. C. , van Loenhout-Rooyackers J. H. , Borgdorff M. W. , van Horn J. R.
Published: August 2004

There has been an increase in the incidence of bone and joint tuberculosis (BJTB) in The Netherlands and we have carried out an epidemiological study in order to find an explanation for this increase. Data from 1993 to 2000 from The Netherlands Tuberculosis Register (NTR) were used. In 1993 there was a total of 52 patients with BJTB. This figure increased gradually to 80 in 1999 before decreasing to 61 in 2000.

There was a total of 12 447 patients with tuberculosis; BJTB was found in 532, accounting for 4.3% of all cases and 10.6% of all extrapulmonary cases. Localisation in the spine occurred in 56%.

Certain immigrants, in particular from Somalia, were more likely to have BJTB than other immigrants or the native Dutch population. Increased age and female gender were associated with BJTB. Only 15% of BJTB patients also suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis. The usual long delay in the diagnosis of BJTB may be shortened if physicians are more aware of tuberculosis.
Stability of cemented all-polyethylene keeled glenoid components
Authors: Rahme H. , Mattsson P. , Larsson S.
Published: August 2004

We studied the stability of cemented all-polyethylene keeled glenoid components by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in 16 shoulders which had received a total shoulder replacement. There were 14 women (one bilateral) and one man with a mean age of 64 years. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in eight and rheumatoid arthritis in seven. Two of the shoulders were excluded from the RSA study because of loosening of the tantalum markers.

Three tantalum markers were inserted in the glenoid socket, two in the coracoid process and two in the acromion. The polyethylene keeled glenoid component was marked with three to five tantalum markers. Conventional radiological and RSA examinations were carried out at five to seven days, at four months and at one and two years after operation. Radiolucent lines were found in all except three shoulders. Migration was most pronounced in the distal direction and exceeded 1 mm in four shoulders. In ten shoulders rotation exceeded 2° in one or more axes with retroversion/anteversion being most common. No correlation was found between migration and the presence of radiolucencies on conventional radiographs.
Retro-pharyngeal obstruction in association with osteophytes of the cervical spine
Authors: Fuerderer S. , Eysel-Gosepath K. , Schröder U. , Delank K.-S. , Eysel P.
Published: August 2004

We describe five patients with cervical spondylosis and large anterior osteophytes causing pharyngeal compression. All had dysphagia, two had obstructive sleep apnoea and another two had dyspnoea and stridor on inspiration. One, with perforation of the pharynx, required emergency tracheostomy. Only three had pain in the neck or arm.

Compression of the retroglottic space was confirmed in all patients by pharyngoscopy and in all the symptoms were relieved by excision of the osteophytes. Three also underwent intervertebral fusion. One had some persistent sleep apnoea.
Patient-reported outcome in total hip replacement
Authors: Ostendorf M. , van Stel H. F. , Buskens E. , Schrijvers A. J. P. , Marting L. N. , Verbout A. J. , Dhert W. J. A.
Published: August 2004

Our aim was to define the minimum set of patient-reported outcome measures which are required to assess health status after total hip replacement (THR). In 114 patients, we compared the pre-operative characteristics and sensitivity to change of the Oxford hip score (OHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), the SF-36, the SF-12 (derived from the SF-36), and the Euroqol questionnaire (EQ-5D).

At one year after operation, very large effect sizes were found for the disease-specific measures, the physical domains of the SF-12, SF-36 and the EQ-5Dindex (1.3 to 3.0). Patients in Charnley class A showed more change in the OHS, WOMAC pain and function, the physical domains of the SF-36 and the EQ-5Dvas (p < 0.05) compared with those in the Charnley B and C group. In this group, the effect size for the OHS more than doubled the effect sizes of WOMAC pain and physical function. We found high correlations and correlations of change between the OHS, the WOMAC, the physical domains of the SF-12 and the SF-36 and EQ-5Dindex. The SF-36 and EQ-5D scores at one year after operation approached those of the general population. Furthermore, we found a binomial distribution of the pre-operative EQ-5Dindex score and a pre-operative discrepancy and post-operative agreement between the EQ-5Dvas and EQ-5Dindex.

We recommend the use of the OHS and SF-12 in the assessment of THR. The SF-36 may be used in circumstances when smaller changes in health status are investigated, for example in the follow-up of THR. The EQ-5D is useful in situations in which utility values are needed in order to calculate cost-effectiveness or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), such as in the assessment of new techniques in THR.
Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus
Authors: Jones S. , Al Hussainy H. A. , Ali F. , Betts R. P. , Flowers M. J.
Published: August 2004

We prospectively reviewed 24 patients (35 feet) who had been treated by a Scarf osteotomy and Akin closing-wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus between June 2000 and June 2002. There were three men and 21 women with a mean age of 46 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up time was 20 months.

Our results showed that 50% of the patients were very satisfied, 42% were satisfied, and 8% were not satisfied. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved significantly from 52 points pre-operatively to 89 at follow-up (p < 0.001).

The intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from the mean pre-operative values of 15° and 33° to 9° and 14°, respectively. These improvements were significant (p < 0.0001). The change in the distal metatarsal articular angle was not significant (p = 0.18).

There was no significant change in the mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals after surgery (p = 0.2). The mean pedobarographic measurements of the first and second metatarsals at more than one year after surgery were within the normal range.

Two patients had wound infections which settled after the administration of antibiotics. One patient had an intra-operative fracture of the first metatarsal and one required further surgery to remove a long distal screw which was irritating the medial sesamoids.

We conclude that the Scarf osteotomy combined with the Akin closing-wedge osteotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of hallux valgus.
Survival analysis of a cementless, cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Watanabe H. , Akizuki S. , Takizawa T.
Published: August 2004

We performed a prospective study of 54 patients (76 knees) who underwent Osteonics series 3000 cruciate-retaining cementless total knee arthroplasty between December 1990 and June 1993. Five patients (seven knees) were lost to follow-up (90.7% completion). One patient required revision at 10.5 years after operation.

The rate of survival was 100% at ten years and 96.7% at 13 years. The mean ten-year knee and function scores were 79 and 59 respectively. Both were significantly better than the pre-operative scores. The range of movement also improved. Although a radiolucent line around the tibial component enlarged in six knees (20.7%) at ten years, the clinical outcome was generally good. In a patient who died after 5.5 years, post-mortem examination of the knee showed no bony ingrowth into the tibial component. Despite poor bony ingrowth, press-fit fixation was satisfactory and good results can be obtained with this cementless, cruciate-retaining prosthesis.
Intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond
Authors: Okcu G. , Aktuglu K.
Published: August 2004

We retrospectively reviewed 60 fractures of the tibial plafond treated by either an ankle-sparing diaphyseal-epiphyseal technique using the Ilizarov ring fixator or by an ankle-spanning technique using a monolateral articulated external fixator. The Ilizarov ring fixator was applied in 24 fractures and the monolateral articulated transarticular external fixator in 20. Both techniques were combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation of the articular surface if necessary. Between three and nine years after the injury, all patients returned for clinical and radiological assessment and evaluation of ankle function using the modified Mazur score. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, mechanism of injury, type of fracture or length of follow-up.

The mean functional ankle score was 86 points for the Ilizarov group and 82 points for the articulated fixator group. The difference was not significant (p = 0.07). There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to the radiographic score and late complications. Patients treated with the Ilizarov ring fixator had significantly better ankle and subtalar movement.

We conclude that both techniques of external fixation are satisfactory methods of treatment for fractures of the tibial plafond, but that the total arc of movement of the joint is preserved better without bridging the ankle.
Computer-assisted total knee replacement
Authors: Chauhan S. K. , Clark G. W. , Lloyd S. , Scott R. G. , Breidahl W. , Sikorski J. M.
Published: August 2004

A controlled study, comparing computer- and conventional jig-assisted total knee replacement in six cadavers is presented. In order to provide a quantitative assessment of the alignment of the replacements, a CT-based technique which measures seven parameters of alignment has been devised and used. In this a multi-slice CT machine scanned in 2.5 mm slices from the acetabular roof to the dome of the talus with the subject’s legs held in a standard position. The mechanical and anatomical axes were identified, from three-dimensional landmarks, in both anteroposterior and lateral planes. The coronal and sagittal alignment of the prosthesis was then measured against the axes. The rotation of the femoral component was measured relative to the transepicondylar axis. The rotation of the tibial component was measured with reference to the posterior tibial condyles and the tibial tuberosity. Coupled femorotibial rotational alignment was assessed by superimposition of the femoral and tibial axial images. The radiation dose was 2.7 mSV.

The computer-assisted total knee replacements showed better alignment in rotation and flexion of the femoral component, the posterior slope of the tibial component and in the matching of the femoral and tibial components in rotation. Differences were statistically significant and of a magnitude that support extension of computer assistance to the clinical situation.
Teachers as scholars of their students' conceptions of learning: A Hong Kong investigation
Authors: Watkins David
Published: August 2004

Background: The need for effective teachers to reflect on their students' thinking is now generally recognized. Moreover, the study of students' conceptions of learning and their impact on learning outcomes has become a popular area of research. But are teachers aware of their students' conceptions and do they reflect on them when planning their teaching?

Aims: This paper reports two interview studies of Hong Kong teachers designed to find out whether they considered their views of learning differed from those their students held and if they took into account any such differences in their teaching.

Sample: In Study 1 and Study 2 the interviewees were 30 and 32 Hong Kong secondary school teachers, respectively. These teachers varied widely in terms of their teaching experience, subject areas, and the ages and ability grouping of the students they taught.

Method: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Cantonese and transcribed into English by a class of trained Chinese post‐graduate students of education using a phenomenographic approach. The transcripts were analysed independently by groups of 4–5 of the interviewers and the author.

Results: The conceptions of learning espoused by Hong Kong Chinese teachers interviewed in both studies were similar to those reported in the literature for more advanced Western students and their teachers. However, they perceived the great majority of their students to hold much less sophisticated views. Twenty‐one of the 32 teachers interviewed in Study 2 claimed to take differences between their own and their students' views of learning into account when planning their teaching. But in most cases it seemed that they were simply trying to adapt their teaching according to their perception of their students' ability and motivation levels. Implications for educational reform in Hong Kong are discussed.
Improving reading and writing learning in underprivileged pluri‐ethnic settings
Authors: Armand Françoise , Lefrançois Pascale , Baron Agnès , Gomez Maria‐Cécilia , Nuckle Sylvie
Published: August 2004

Background: Many studies carried out in first language contexts tend to demonstrate the positive effects of activity programmes aimed at (1) developing metaphonological abilities and (2) developing language skills through active story listening on learning to read and to spell by first‐grade students.

Aims: This study seeks to extend previous findings by (a) including children, the majority of whom have French as a second language, who attend plurilingual schools and have not been included in previous studies, and (b) providing training based on three essential principles shared by the two kinds of programmes: integrating activities into realistic literacy practice contexts; encouraging active student participation through tasks which very often require problem solving; and tackling, one after the other, different kinds of operations or strategies.

Sample: Three groups of students were created out a pool of 202 children enrolled in nine first‐grade classes in three underprivileged pluri‐ethnic schools. The control group was composed of 46 students who received typical, first‐grade methods for teaching reading and spelling. Experimental group 1 (DMPA), 91 students, received a training programme aimed at metaphonological abilities development. Experimental group 2 (DLS), 65 students, received a training intended to develop language skills through active story listening and production.

Method: The students from the three groups were evaluated at the beginning (metaphonological task I, pre‐reading task) and at the end (metaphonological task II, word recognition task, text comprehension task, word spelling task) of their first year in elementary school.

Results: The programme for the development of metaphonological abilities enabled DMPA group students to obtain significantly higher scores than the control group on metaphonological task II and word recognition task. The DMPA group children also did significantly better than the control and the DLS groups on the word spelling task. However, the DLS group, who benefited from language skills development activities, also progressed in that they obtained significantly better results than the control group in the word recognition task. Moreover, at the end of grade one, there was no difference in the scores obtained by the groups on a comprehension questionnaire administered after the reading of the narrative text.

Conclusion: The word reading skills of first‐grade children in underprivileged pluriethnic settings can be improved through activities aimed at metaphonological abilities development or language skills development by means of active story listening and production. On the other hand, in order to develop word spelling abilities, the development of metaphonological abilities was more effective. Lastly, further research should seek to improve understanding of the absence of effects of either learning programme on narrative text comprehension.
Help seeking amongst child and adolescent victims of peer‐aggression and bullying: The influence of school‐stage, gender, victimisation, appraisal, and emotion
Authors: Hunter Simon C. , Boyle James M.E. , Warden David
Published: August 2004

Background: An important element of many anti‐bullying programmes is encouraging victims to tell someone about their predicament. Research has already reported prevalence of telling, who/when children tell and efficacy of telling. However, seeking help can be viewed as a coping behaviour, and coping processes such as appraisal and emotion may be important predictors of whether pupils ask for help.

Aims: To examine the effects that background variables (gender, school‐stage), victimisation (duration, frequency), appraisal (threat, challenge, control) and negative emotion have upon support seeking by child and adolescent victims of peer‐aggression and bullying. To also examine how effective pupils perceive social support to be.

Sample: Participants were 830 children (49% male) aged 9–14 years. Three hundred and seventeen pupils were in Primary 6, 307 in Secondary 2 and 206 in Secondary 3.

Method: A self‐report bullying questionnaire was completed by the participants within their classes. Questionnaires included items relating to victimisation, appraisal, emotion, and coping strategy choice as well as demographic data.

Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that gender, challenge appraisals, and emotions were significant predictors of the degree to which child and adolescent victims of peer‐aggression and bullying sought help (accounting for 15.8% of the variance): girls were more likely than boys to seek help, as were pupils with high challenge appraisals or those experiencing high levels of negative emotion. Also, girls were more likely than boys to view support as the best strategy for both stopping bullying and for helping them to feel better.

Conclusion: Results suggest that pupils are more willing to seek help when they see the situation as one in which something can be achieved. Pupils also may be seeking support to get help coping with negative emotions, and this may need to be emphasized to teachers.
Nature, nurture and academic achievement: A twin study of teacher assessments of 7‐year‐olds
Authors: Walker Sheila O. , Petrill Stephen A. , Spinath Frank M. , Plomin Robert
Published: August 2004

Background: Twin research has consistently shown substantial genetic influence on individual differences in cognitive ability; however, much less is known about the genetic and environmental aetiologies of school achievement.

Aims: Our goal is to test the hypotheses that teacher‐assessed achievement in the early school years shows substantial genetic influence but only modest shared environmental influence when children are assessed by the same teachers and by different teachers.

Sample: 1,189 monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs born in 1994in England and Wales.

Methods: Teachers evaluated academic achievement for 7‐year‐olds in Mathematics and English. Results were based on the twin method, which compares the similarity between identical and fraternal twins.

Results: Suggested substantial genetic influence in that identical twins were almost twice as similar as fraternal twins when compared on teacher assessments for Mathematics, English and a total score.

Conclusions: The results confirm prior research suggesting that teacher assessments of academic achievement are substantially influenced by genetics. This finding holds even when twins are assessed independently by different teachers.
Conscientiousness, emotional stability, perceived control and the frequency, recency, rate and years of blood donor behaviour
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn
Published: August 2004

Objectives: Personality factors were used to explore aspects of blood donor behaviour (a form of prosocial volunteer behaviour). Based on the Big 5 model of personality, a number of mediation (via perceived control) and moderation hypotheses linking personality to aspects of blood donor behaviour (frequency, recency, rate and years of past behaviour) were explored.

Design: A cross‐section quasi‐experimental survey of 630 blood donors.

Method: Prior to donation, 630 donors completed measures of the Big 5 personality domains and donor history (frequency, recency, rate and years of past behaviour); after donation, they indicated levels of perceived procedural and emotional control.

Results: There was no evidence that perceived control mediates the relationship between personality and behaviour. However, donors were able to express control in a low control context. For males, the relationship between years as a donor and both the frequency and the rate of donation were stronger for those higher in conscientiousness (C), whereas for females, emotional stability (ES) acted as the moderator. Recency and frequency of past behaviour were orthogonal.

Discussion: The results extend previous work by showing that C (for males) and ES (for females) help to sustain behaviour over time. The recency and frequency of past behaviour assess qualitatively different aspects of past behaviour and this should be explored in future studies. These results have important practical implications for designing donor recruitment and retention interventions.
Music can facilitate blood pressure recovery from stress
Authors: Chafin Sky , Roy Michael , Gerin William , Christenfeld Nicholas
Published: August 2004

Objectives: Interventions that reduce the magnitude of cardiovascular responses to stress are justified, at least in part, by the notion that exaggerated responses to stress can damage the cardiovascular system. Recent data suggest that it is worthwhile to explore, in addition to the magnitude of the cardiovascular responses during stress (reactivity), the factors that affect the return to baseline levels after the stressor has ended (recovery). This experiment examined the effect of listening to music on cardiovascular recovery.

Design and method: Participants (N = 75) performed a challenging three‐minute mental arithmetic task and then were assigned randomly to sit in silence or to listen to one of several styles of music: classical, jazz or pop.

Results: Participants who listened to classical music had significantly lower post‐task systolic blood pressure levels (M = 2.1 mmHg above pre‐stress baseline) than did participants who heard no music (M = 10.8 mmHg). Other musical styles did not produce significantly better recovery than silence.

Conclusions: The data suggest that listening to music may serve to improve cardiovascular recovery from stress, although not all music selections are effective.
Cognitive‐behavioural rehabilitation programme for patients with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator: A pilot study
Authors: Frizelle D.J. , Lewin R.J.P. , Kaye G. , Hargreaves C. , Hasney K. , Beaumont N. , Moniz‐Cook E.
Published: August 2004

Objectives: The effectiveness of a comprehensive 12‐week CR programme for ICD patients was evaluated.

Design: All surviving and suitable ICD patients being cared for by a regional implantation centre were invited to attend a 12‐week cognitive‐behavioural cardiac rehabilitation programme that had been modified to meet the needs of this group. Patients assenting were randomized to either an immediate treatment or a waiting treatment group. Measures were taken prior to randomization, at the end of the treatment or waiting period, at the end of the second treatment group for that group only and at three months post‐treatment for both groups.

Outcome measures: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Total Concerns Questionnaire, the Quality of Life after Myocardial Infarction Questionnaire, the EuroQual (subjective health rating scale), the Shuttle Test and a number of ICD shocks and ATP episodes were used in this study.

Results: For those patients willing and able to attend, the cognitive‐behavioural CR programme produced significant benefits in terms of psychological and functional adaptation to living with the device.

Conclusions: A comprehensive 12‐week CR programme that incorporated both psychological and exercise‐based components significantly reduced anxiety and depression and improved quality of life of ICD patients. It is not clear if these benefits are sustained.
Measuring fatigue in sarcoidosis: The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)
Authors: de Vries Jolanda , Michielsen Helen , Van Heck Guus L. , Drent Marjolein
Published: August 2004

Fatigue is a major problem in a wide range of diseases including sarcoidosis. However, there is no standard measure for assessing fatigue. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) in two samples of sarcoidosis patients. Sample 1 included 1 046 members of the Dutch Sarcoidosis Society and Sample 2 consisted of 80 sarcoidosis patients of the outpatient clinic of the Sarcoidosis Management Centre Maastricht, the Netherlands. All patients completed the FAS as well as the ‘energy and fatigue’ subscale of the WHOQOL‐100. Additionally, the participants of Sample 1 filled in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In addition, 241 patients of Sample 1 completed the FAS for the second time after a one‐week interval. The FAS appeared to be a unidimensional scale. The content validity, construct validity and internal consistency of the FAS were good. The test — retest reliability was .89. Four FAS items appeared to have a gender bias: three items were uniformly biased and one item non‐uniformly biased. Correction for gender bias in the calculation of the FAS total score is not indicated. In conclusion, the FAS is a promising measure for assessing fatigue in sarcoidosis patients.
Approaching the salutogenesis of sense of coherence: The role of ‘active’ self‐esteem and coping
Authors: Johnson Maarit
Published: August 2004

Objectives: The aim of this work was to investigate the health relevant status of sense of coherence (SOC). First, its relation to general health was studied. Secondly, the importance of self‐esteem (SE) type, locus of control, ‘fighting spirit’ and coping style for SOC was explored. It was predicted that SOC has relevance for good health and that active types of self‐esteem, together with the other adaptive dispositions, play a role in SOC.

Design: A cross‐sectional, retrospective study was used.

Methods: The personality and health questionnaires were administered to 409 undergraduates. The data were analysed using correlations and hierarchical multiple regression methods.

Results: The correlational and regression analyses indicated that SOC has more importance for health than the other more specific adaptive styles. They further revealed that, although negative affect was a main predictor of SOC and health, an active type of SE (a combination of high basic and high earning SE) and locus of control were associated with a high SOC.

Conclusions: It is concluded that SOC has a unique relation to general health, and although SOC strongly reflects affective traits, the concept seems also to mirror more dynamic dispositions, referring to an active self‐esteem structure and self‐determination.
Effects of a tailored lifestyle self‐management intervention in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Clark Marie , Hampson Sarah E. , Avery Lorraine , Simpson Robert
Published: August 2004

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to develop, implement and evaluate a brief intervention to improve adherence to the recommended lifestyle changes for patients with Type 2 diabetes, in particular to help patients to reduce the total amount of fat consumed and to increase lifestyle physical activity levels.

Design and method: A brief, tailored lifestyle self‐management intervention for patients with Type 2 diabetes was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. One hundred participants (aged 40 — 70 yrs) completed assessments at three time points— baseline, three months and one year. Participants were allocated to either an intervention group who received the brief tailored intervention including follow‐up telephone calls, or a usual care control group.

Results: Results indicate that the intervention was successful in helping patients to reduce fat intake and, to a lesser extent, increase lifestyle physical activity levels. These self‐reported changes in behaviour were reflected in the objective data with weight maintenance in the intervention group compared to the control group, together with a significant reduction (2 cm) in waist circumference.

Conclusions: These results provide further evidence of the effectiveness of tailored interventions for lifestyle change.
Constructing an integrated model of the antecedents of adolescent smoking
Authors: Wilkinson Dawn , Abraham Charles
Published: August 2004

Objective: Reviews have called for integrative, theoretically informed models of the ‘hundreds of associations’ (Miller & Slap, 1989, p. 131) between psychosocial measures and adolescent smoking (e. g. Tyas & Pederson, 1998). Such a model was tested.

Method: A prospective, classroom‐based survey measuring previously identified correlates of smoking allowed comparison of the strength of relationships between antecedents and smoking status six months later. The prospective sample included 225 13 to 14‐year‐olds. Measures of behaviour‐specific cognitions derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)—as well as personality, self‐esteem, parental support and parental control, sociodemographic factors, and descriptive norms—were included. Relationships between antecedents were explored using path analyses.

Results: High initial rates of smoking were observed. Of the variance in smoking six months later, 56% was explained by seven direct predictors: intention, perceived ease of smoking, estimated number of friends smoking, percentage of older brothers smoking, self‐esteem, extraversion and car access.

Discussion: Results emphasize the importance of behaviour‐specific cognitions specified by the TPB but suggest that other factors, including extraversion and self‐esteem, need to be included in models of the antecedents of smoking. The findings also imply that some antecedents, such as parental support, may indirectly influence adolescent smoking through their effect on other variables.
The Readiness to Change Questionnaire: Reliability and validity of a Swedish version and a comparison of scoring methods
Authors: Forsberg Lars , Ekman Sören , Halldin Jan , Rönnberg Sten
Published: August 2004

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relative merits of three methods of scoring the Swedish version of the Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RTCQ), either by assigning a stage in the Prochaska and DiClemente (1986) Stages of Change Model or by treating the scores as a continuous readiness to change variable. Assigning a stage of change was achieved with both the quick method and the refined method.

Design and methods: Out of 563 patients screened at an emergency surgical ward for risky alcohol consumption, 165 met risk criteria and responded to the RTCQ. The three scoring methods were examined with regard to internal consistency, test — retest reliability, construct and predictive validity.

Results: All three methods of treating the RTCQ scores had satisfactory reliability. Since stages of change (quick method) were significantly but modestly correlated to alcohol consumption and to change‐related behaviours at intervention, and moderately correlated to alcohol problems, the quick method had reasonable construct validity. The refined method had higher construct validity; however, this method left 32% of the patients without a stage assignment. The continuous readiness scale had higher construct validity than the quick method, but was not in par with the refined method. No scoring method was found to have predictive validity.

Conclusions: The RTCQ scores treated as a continuous readiness scale were a viable alternative to the original ways of assigning a stage of change to a patient. The Swedish RTCQ is reliable and has reasonable construct validity, but its predictive validity needs further investigation.
Evaluation of a model of adjustment to an iatrogenic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Coughlan Barbara , Sheehan John , Bunting Brendan , Carr Alan , Crowe John
Published: August 2004

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a model of adjustment to an iatrogenic hepatitis C(HCV) infection in a cohort of women.

Participants: Eighty‐three women diagnosed with an iatrogenic HCV infection were recruited; 49 women had chronic infection (PCR positive) and the remaining 34 women were considered to have a self‐limiting HCV infection (PCR negative).

Measures: The Hepatitis C Survey Questionnaire (HCSQ; Coughlan, Sheehan, Carr, & Crowe, unpublished) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ30; Goldberg & Williams, 1988) were used in this study.

Results: Structural equation modelling (SEM) was carried out to evaluate and modify a recursive path model using Moos and Schaefer's (1984) model of coping with illness as the basis for developing a multivariate model of adjustment to an iatrogenic HCV infection. The final model fit, χ2(30) = 21.9 p = .86, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.000, was judged to be theoretically acceptable, indicating that positive illness appraisal, ability to work and negative behaviour as a consequence of feelings of anger and blame are directly related to adjustment.

Conclusion: This model has provided support for the following general relationships, namely that, adjustment to an iatrogenic HCV infection is related to:

illness and social factors;

cognitive appraisals;

adaptive tasks; and

coping skills

thus emphasizing the need to develop a biopsychosocial model of treatment.
Investigation of the interactive effects of gender and psychological factors on pain response
Authors: Jones Allan , Zachariae Robert
Published: August 2004

Objectives: There is growing evidence to suggest that certain psychological modulators of pain sensitivity are dependent on gender. The aim of the present study was to examine further whether cognitive‐affective factors (with specific focus on situational anxiety) shown to modulate pain report and behaviour have differential effects on men's and women's response to experimentally induced pain.

Method: A sample of 80 healthy university students (40 women, 40 men) was assessed on subjective measures of anxiety (situational and dispositional), anxiety‐sensitivity and attitudes toward the experimental pain procedure prior to being exposed to a cold pressor test (constant temperature + 1°C; ± 1°C, cut‐off limit 240s).

Results: The present study produced three main findings:

No effect of gender was found on any of the pain measures; however, an interactive effect of anxiety and gender was found on measures of pain tolerance with low anxiety men displaying significantly higher pain tolerance than both low and high anxiety women.

Men classified as low‐anxious tolerated cold pressor pain significantly longer than men classified as high‐anxious, while no such effect of anxiety on pain response was observed in women.

Gender‐specific associations were observed between other psychological variables (including anxiety‐sensitivity and attitudes toward pain) and thermal pain response.

Conclusion: Results from the present study suggest that there are important differences in the way cognitive‐affective factors impact on the pain response of men and women. Further research is needed to explore potential psychosocial and physiological mechanisms that may underlie such differences.
Imaging in Education: imaging in preliminary-level studio design technology projects
Authors: Clews David
Published: August 2004

The Imaging in Education project is a teaching-based research project funded by the Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Brighton. The project is examining ways in which the teaching and learning of technology is integrated with studio design and ways of intensifying reflective
practices, in particular those that would be supported by using image-based processes for learning. The project also examines other teaching and learning activities and environments. In particular: teambased learning and the Intranet as a teaching and learning environment.

This article
describes the theoretical and practice-based context for the project, the student project and some of the recent outcomes.