Showing papers by "High Point University published in 2013"
TL;DR: This article found that exposure to violence undermines trust within localities, decreases the willingness to engage in impersonal exchange, and reinforces kinship-based norms of morality in the Tajik civil war.
Abstract: We study the effect of individual exposure to civil conflict on trust and preferences for market participation. We conducted behavioral experiments and surveys among 426 randomly selected individuals more than a decade after the end of the Tajik civil war. We find that exposure to violence undermines trust within localities, decreases the willingness to engage in impersonal exchange, and reinforces kinship-based norms of morality. The effect is strongest where infighting was most severe and where political polarization is high. Robustness of the results to the use of pre-war controls, village fixed effects, and alternative samples suggest that selection into victimization is unlikely to explain the results.
212 citations
TL;DR: Manual physiotherapy provided benefits over usual care, that were sustained to 1 year, and exercise physiotherapy also provided physical performance benefits overusual care.
190 citations
TL;DR: Greater side-to-side asymmetry in vGRF and higher CoM during impact indicate the second landing of a DVJ may exhibit greater perturbation and better represent in-game mechanics associated with ACL injury risk.
117 citations
TL;DR: This clinical trial evaluated the effects of one month resveratrol treatment on endothelial response and plasma biomarkers in healthy individuals using a a novel unbiased assay to assess the overall inflammatory capacity of plasma on expression of genes associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis.
113 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a high-order kernel method for numerically solving diffusion and reaction-diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs) on smooth, closed surfaces embedded in a polygonal space is presented.
Abstract: In this paper we present a high-order kernel method for numerically solving diffusion and reaction-diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs) on smooth, closed surfaces embedded in \(\mathbb{R }^d\). For two-dimensional surfaces embedded in \(\mathbb{R }^3\), these types of problems have received growing interest in biology, chemistry, and computer graphics to model such things as diffusion of chemicals on biological cells or membranes, pattern formations in biology, nonlinear chemical oscillators in excitable media, and texture mappings. Our kernel method is based on radial basis functions and uses a semi-discrete approach (or the method-of-lines) in which the surface derivative operators that appear in the PDEs are approximated using collocation. The method only requires nodes at “scattered” locations on the surface and the corresponding normal vectors to the surface. Additionally, it does not rely on any surface-based metrics and avoids any intrinsic coordinate systems, and thus does not suffer from any coordinate distortions or singularities. We provide error estimates for the kernel-based approximate surface derivative operators and numerically study the accuracy and stability of the method. Applications to different non-linear systems of PDEs that arise in biology and chemistry are also presented.
97 citations
TL;DR: New insights gained from the motor learning domain are presented that may improve neuromuscular training programmes via increased retention from improved techniques and may ultimately reduce the incidence of second ACL injuries.
Abstract: Primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention training has been shown to reduce the risk of injury. Less is known about the effect of prevention on second injury after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Given recent findings that second injury rates exceed 20 % in only the first year following the return to sport, it is imperative that rehabilitation after ACLR is scrutinized so that second injury preventative strategies can be optimized. A potential limitation of current rehabilitative processes following ACLR could be a deficiency in the transition from conscious awareness achieved during rehabilitation sessions to unexpected and automatic movements required for athletic activities on the field. Learning strategies with an internally directed focus have traditionally been utilized but may be less suitable for acquisition of control of complex motor skills required for sport reintegration. Conversely, an externally focused rehabilitation strategy may enhance skill acquisition more efficiently and increase the potential to transfer to competitive sport. This article presents new insights gained from the motor learning domain that may improve neuromuscular training programmes via increased retention from improved techniques and may ultimately reduce the incidence of second ACL injuries.
93 citations
TL;DR: A systematic review with meta-analysis of HPE tests for the hip joint demonstrated that most tests possess weak diagnostic properties with the exception of the patellar-pubic percussion test, which had excellent pooled SN 95 and good specificity 86.
Abstract: Background Hip Physical Examination (HPE) tests have long been used to diagnose a myriad of intra-and extraarticular pathologies of the hip joint. Useful clinical utility is necessary to support diagnostic imaging and subsequent surgical decision making. Objective Summarise and evaluate the current research and utility on the diagnostic accuracy of HPE tests for the hip joint germane to sports related injuries and pathology. Methods A computer-assisted literature search of MEDLINE, CINHAL and EMBASE databases (January 1966 to January 2012) using keywords related to diagnostic accuracy of the hip joint. This systematic review with meta-analysis utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for the search and reporting phases of the study. Der-Simonian and Laird random effects models were used to summarise sensitivities (SN), specifi cities (SP), likelihood ratios and diagnostic OR. Results The employed search strategy revealed 25 potential articles, with 10 demonstrating high quality. Fourteen articles qualifi ed for meta-analysis. The metaanalysis demonstrated that most tests possess weak diagnostic properties with the exception of the patellarpubic percussion test, which had excellent pooled SN 95 (95% CI 92 to 97%) and good specifi city 86 (95% CI 78 to 92%). Conclusion Several studies have investigated pathology in the hip. Few of the current studies are of substantial quality to dictate clinical decision-making. Currently, only the patellar-pubic percussion test is supported by the data as a stand-alone HPE test. Further studies involving high quality designs are needed to fully assess the value of HPE tests for patients with intra- and extra-articular hip dysfunction.
85 citations
TL;DR: The second landing of a drop vertical jump task is examined for differences in kinetic and kinematic behaviors at the hip and knee and provides a superior tool to evaluate sagittal plane risk factors than the first landing, which may be better suited to evaluate frontal plane risk Factors.
82 citations
TL;DR: A significant interaction of gender and age was observed, which indicated that males experienced greater increases in peak torque relative to body weight than did females as they matured, while females do not.
Abstract: Context: As high school female athletes demonstrate a rate of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury 3–6 times higher than their male counterparts, research suggests that sagittal-plane hip strength plays a role in factors associated with ACL injuries. Objective: To determine if gender or age affect hip-abductor strength in a functional standing position in young female and male athletes. Design: Prospective cohort design. Setting: Biomechanical laboratory. Participants: Over a 3-y time period, 852 isokinetic hip-abduction evaluations were conducted on 351 (272 female, 79 male) adolescent soccer and basketball players. Intervention: Before testing, athletes were secured in a standing position, facing the dynamometer head, with a strap secured from the uninvolved side and extending around the waist just above the iliac crest. The dynamometer head was positioned in line with the body in the coronal plane by aligning the axis of rotation of the dynamometer with the center of hip rotation. Subject...
63 citations
TL;DR: The results of the current study indicate that task-specific feedback is effective for reducing biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injury and also indicates that specific components of the tuck-jump assessment are potentially more modifiable than others.
Abstract: Context: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent in female athletes. Specific factors have possible links to increasing a female athlete’s chances of suffering an ACL injury. However, it is unclear if augmented feedback may be able to decrease possible risk factors. Objective: To compare the effects of task-specific feedback on a repeated tuck-jump maneuver. Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Sports-medicine biodynamics center. Patients: 37 female subjects (14.7 ± 1.5 y, 160.9 ± 6.8 cm, 54.5 ± 7.2 kg). Intervention: All athletes received standard off-season training consisting of strength training, plyometrics, and conditioning. They were also videotaped during each session while running on a treadmill at a standardized speed (8 miles/h) and while performing a repeated tuck-jump maneuver for 10 s. The augmented feedback group (AF) received feedback on deficiencies present in a 10-s tuck jump, while the control group (CTRL) received feedback on 10-s treadmill running...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the level of methods diversity in marketing research and to consider the impact of method diversity on the marketing discipline, and find a disturbing downward trend in methods diversity resulting from increasing reliance on two methods, experiments and modeling.
TL;DR: It is shown that emotional support is more than something cancer patients receive; it is part of an active, complex process that can be facilitated by social media.
Abstract: Background Emotional support has traditionally been conceived as something a breast cancer patient receives. However, this framework may obscure a more complex process, facilitated by the emerging social media environment, which includes the effects of composing and sending messages to others. Accordingly, this study explores the effects of expression and reception of emotional support messages in online groups and the importance of bonding as a mediator influencing the coping strategies of breast cancer patients. Methods Data were collected as part of two National Cancer Institute-funded randomized clinical trials. Eligible subjects were within 2 months of diagnosis of primary breast cancer or recurrence. Expression and reception of emotionally supportive messages were tracked and coded for 237 breast cancer patients. Analysis resulted from merging 1) computer-aided content analysis of discussion posts, 2) action log analysis of system use, and 3) longitudinal survey data. Results As expected, perceived bonding was positively related to all four coping strategies (active coping: β = 0.251, P = .000; positive reframing: β = 0.288, P = .000; planning: β = 0.213, P = .006; humor: β = 0.159, P = .009). More importantly, expression (γ = 0.138, P = .027), but not reception (γ = -0.018, P = .741), of emotional support increases perceived bonding, which in turn mediates the effects on patients' positive coping strategies. Conclusions There is increasing importance for scholars to distinguish the effects of expression from reception to understand the processes involved in producing psychosocial benefits. This study shows that emotional support is more than something cancer patients receive; it is part of an active, complex process that can be facilitated by social media.
TL;DR: It is concluded that anthocyanins represent a measurable, albeit meager, component of OA in red-leafed evergreen species during winter, however, it is unlikely that they are synthesized solely for an osmoprotectant role.
TL;DR: Rate of force development remained unchanged between first and second landings from equivalent fall height, while time to peak reaction force increased during the second landing, and neither factor was dependent on the total time duration of landing phase, which decreased during thesecond landing.
20 Jul 2013
TL;DR: It is argued that trials targeting healthy humans are often fundamentally flawed owing to inappropriate use of paradigms only applicable to populations with overt clinical disease and the consequent misleading results can severely retard advancement of drug development.
Abstract: In recent years, the wealth of basic science research supporting resveratrol's potential to treat, delay, and even prevent age-related chronic diseases has led to a number of human clinical trials. While such translational research has yielded promising results in clinical populations, recently published conflicting results from studies evaluating resveratrol's potential for primary prevention of chronic disease in healthy / asymptomatic individuals have generated considerable controversy and do not initially appear consistent with findings from animal models. We argue that trials targeting healthy humans are often fundamentally flawed owing to inappropriate use of paradigms only applicable to populations with overt clinical disease and the consequent misleading (typically negative) results can severely retard advancement of drug development. To appropriately perform translational research centered on resveratrol as a primary prevention agent in non-clinical populations, it is critical to utilize study designs which can provide adequate information on clinically relevant outcome measures, avoid paradigms and assumptions from interventions which are specific to clinical populations, and maintain realistic expectations compared to interventions which provide the theoretical maximal response (e.g., caloric restriction and aerobic exercise training).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the potential of universal prognostic variables in predictive models for four different outcome measures in patients with mechanical low back pain (LBP) and found that meeting the clinical prediction rule for manipulation at baseline was prognostic for all outcome measures.
Abstract: Background Recovery from low back pain (LBP) is multidimensional and requires the use of multiple-response (outcome) measures to fully reflect these many dimensions. Predictive prognostic variables that are present or stable in all or most predictive models that use different outcome measures could be considered “universal” prognostic variables.
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the potential of universal prognostic variables in predictive models for 4 different outcome measures in patients with mechanical LBP.
Design Predictive modeling was performed using data extracted from a randomized controlled trial. Four prognostic models were created using backward stepwise deletion logistic, Poisson, and linear regression.
Methods Data were collected from 16 outpatient physical therapy facilities in 10 states. All 149 patients with LBP were treated with manual therapy and spine strengthening exercises until discharge. Four different measures of response were used: Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale change scores, total visits, and report of rate of recovery.
Results The set of statistically significant predictors was dependent on the definition of response. All regression models were significant. Within both forms of the 4 models, meeting the clinical prediction rule for manipulation at baseline was present in all 4 models, whereas no irritability at baseline and diagnosis of sprains and strains were present in 2 of 4 of the predictive models.
Limitations The primary limitation is that this study evaluated only 4 of the multiple outcome measures that are pertinent for patients with LBP.
Conclusions Meeting the clinical prediction rule was prognostic for all outcome measures and should be considered a universal prognostic predictor. Other predictive variables were dependent on the outcomes measure used in the predictive model.
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between traditional gender role expectations and court case outcomes in cases of maternal and paternal filicide and found that both verdicts and sentences in these cases vary by gender and that the differential treatment is related to how well they appear to fit traditional gender roles.
Abstract: Although mothers and fathers are equally likely to kill their children, maternal filicide cases tend to draw more media coverage and community outrage. While traditional gender role expectations appear to contribute to the community response that follows a report of filicide – and influence media representations – little is known about the offenders’ treatment in the criminal justice system. Drawing on theorizing within gender studies, this article examines relationships between traditional gender role expectations and court case outcomes in cases of maternal and paternal filicide. Findings indicate that both verdicts and sentences in these cases vary by gender and that, for female offenders, the differential treatment is related to how well they appear to fit traditional gender roles.
TL;DR: The authors concluded ‘exercise training effectively improves several cardiovascular health parameters in aged men, [but] resveratrol supplementation blunts most of these effects’, but the results presented do not support such strong statements.
Abstract: It was with great interest that we read the article by Gliemann et al. (2013). The authors should be commended for using a solid study design to determine if resveratrol enhances the exercise response in humans as previously demonstrated in animal models. The authors concluded ‘exercise training effectively improves several cardiovascular health parameters in aged men, [but] resveratrol supplementation blunts most of these effects’. The slightly blunted response to exercise in a few dependent variables is embellished in the running head, entitled ‘adverse effects of resveratrol on cardiovascular health’. Such powerful wording suggests resveratrol actually counteracts the benefits of exercise training and is harmful, yet the results presented do not support such strong statements.
The results presented reveal that, of ∼45 variables examined, exercise training improved 12 variables and did not influence 18 variables, independent of treatment group. Clearly, resveratrol does not blunt ‘most’ of the effects of exercise or produce ‘mainly negative’ effects, as the majority of comparisons revealed similar effects for resveratrol and placebo. Only two variables (TBX synthase and ET-B receptor) shifted in a potentially unfavourable direction within the resveratrol group, and ∼12 variables only showed statistical improvement in the placebo group, including some inter-related (e.g. low-density lipoprotein influences total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio) or nearly identical variables (e.g. three different methods of reporting ). Importantly, there were no post-training differences between groups for most of these, and it is not appropriate to interpret such results as statistical differences between groups (Gelman & Stern, 2006; Nieuwenhuis et al. 2011). This is exemplified using low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, where the placebo group decreased significantly (0.3 ± 0.2 mmol l−1), whereas the resveratrol group had a nearly identical, though non-significant within-group decrease (0.2 ± 0.2 mmol l−1). It is incorrect to declare that resveratrol ‘abolished’ this effect (Nieuwenhuis et al. 2011). Finally, certain aforementioned results may be due to the authors’ questionable use of the Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test, where a risk for type I error (false significance) occurs with four comparisons per variable (Seaman et al. 1991; Drummond & Vowler, 2012).
In certain instances, findings are extra-polated into misleading clinical relevance. For instance, the authors state, resveratrol ‘did not affect the retardation of atherosclerosis’. However, subjects did not have cardiovascular disease, so it unreasonable to expect for resveratrol to reverse a condition that did not exist. While cross-sectional studies reveal serum VCAM1 is elevated in atherosclerotic patients, it has limited value in monitoring progression of atherosclerosis (Tzoulaki et al. 2005). Additionally, clinical tests to monitor progression of atherosclerosis (i.e. diagnostic imaging, ankle–brachial index; Tendera et al. 2011) were not performed, thus it is highly inappropriate to conclude whether the interventions influenced atherosclerosis. Likewise, there is no basis to state, ‘resveratrol supplementation caused a shift in vasoactive systems favoring vasoconstriction’ considering the mixed results for relevant assays and the only clinical measure of vascular function did not suggest this.
It is theoretically possible that resveratrol could blunt some effects of exercise training if its antioxidant properties (which may counter certain hormetic responses) outweigh other mechanisms of action (e.g. SIRT1 activation) at the 250 mg dosage used. However, relevant results are presented in a dramatic and misleading manner. The authors state ‘resveratrol supplementation combined with exercise training induced a 45% lower increase in maximal oxygen uptake than training with placebo’. Although the ratio of the deltas computed presents this extreme picture, the absolute magnitude of the difference in is quite small (1.8 ml kg−1 min−1) and of questionable clinical relevance, considering that both groups did improve as expected for this age group (Huang et al. 2005; Gelman & Stern, 2006). When percentage changes within each group are calculated and compared (i.e. improvement in raw : placebo = 17.2%, resveratrol = 12.8%), the difference is less dramatic (4.4%, not 45%). For the bench step test, the resveratrol group showed statistically significant improvement over the placebo group (between-group difference = 3.1 ml kg−1 min−1) representing an 86% superior improvement when using the same delta ratio as used for . This important result contradicts the authors’ theme, but is not mentioned in the text, rather only found in the supplement. These contradictory findings preclude a clear understanding regarding long-term health-related implications.
The authors suggest that interspecies differences may account for inconsistencies between animal and human data, stating ‘recent evidence suggest that resveratrol inhibits, rather than activates AMPK and PGC-1α in humans’ while repeatedly citing Skrobuk et al. (2012) and Yoshino et al. (2012). Skrobuk et al.'s study was performed using 100 μm exposure in human myotubes, whereas the greatest plasma concentration reported in humans, following 5000 mg resveratrol treatment for 29 days, is drastically lower (∼4 μm; Brown et al. 2010). While the authors refer to Yoshino et al.'s findings to support AMPK inhibition, Yoshino et al. actually states 75 mg daily ‘resveratrol did not affect its putative molecular targets, including AMPK, SIRT1, NAMPT, and PPARGC1A [PGC1 α], in either skeletal muscle or adipose tissue’, without any suggestion of AMPK inhibition. A simpler explanation, in contrast to interspecies differences, is that this study used ∼3.1 mg kg−1 day−1 dosage (250 mg/81.9 kg), which was far less than the animal studies cited by the authors (≥100 mg kg−1 day−1). A full discussion regarding the complexities of animal-to-human dosage translation (i.e. Food and Drug Administration, 2005) is beyond the scope of this letter, but the minimum dosage for efficacy for exercise enhancement in humans may be much greater than the 250 mg dose used. Given many unknowns regarding the dosage for resveratrol to influence specific outcome measures in humans (especially in individuals without overt cardiometabolic dysfunction), it is important to avoid generalized conclusions referring to resveratrol as a whole, but rather report conclusions specific to the dosage used (i.e. 250 mg tablet once daily) (Smoliga et al. 2013).
It must be emphasized that Gliemann et al. have indeed performed a sophisticated study, which provides a valuable addition to the literature. However, critical appraisal suggests the analyses and conclusions presented are incorrect for the results presented and will cause confusion. When the clinical significance of results is incorrectly interpreted, whether positive or negative, it ultimately causes scepticism and shakes the confidence of the medical community and general public. It is therefore imperative that the results from any human trials be interpreted accurately and sensationalism be kept to a minimum.
TL;DR: In this paper, the local Fourier transforms for connections on the formal punctured disk were calculated using a direct Fourier transform, similar to Fang and Sabbah's method, but more direct.
Abstract: We calculate the local Fourier transforms for connections on the formal punctured disk, reproducing the results of J. Fang and C. Sabbah using a different method. Our method is similar to Fang’s, but more direct.
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: This work investigates nonnegativity of exact and numerical solutions to a generalized Keller-Segel model, and uses maximum principles and invariant sets to prove that all components of the solution of the generalized model are nonnegative.
Abstract: We investigate nonnegativity of exact and numerical solutions to a generalized Keller-Segel model. This model includes the so-called ''minimal'' Keller-Segel model, but can cover more general chemistry. We use maximum principles and invariant sets to prove that all components of the solution of the generalized model are nonnegative. We then derive numerical methods, using finite element techniques, for the generalized Keller-Segel model. Adapting the ideas in our proof of nonnegativity of exact solutions to the discrete setting, we are able to show nonnegativity of discrete solutions from the numerical methods under certain standard assumptions. One of the numerical methods is then applied to the minimal Keller-Segel model. Recalling known results on the qualitative behavior of this model, we are able to choose parameters that yield convergence to a nonhomogeneous stationary solution. While proceeding to exhibit these stationary patterns, we also demonstrate how naive choices of numerical methods can give physically unrealistic solutions, thereby justifying the need to study positivity preserving methods.
TL;DR: It is suggested that group‐centered, problem‐based learning is a useful model for achievement of student learning outcomes in courses where it would be infeasible to provide feedback on individual critical thinking assignments due to grading volume.
14 Oct 2013
TL;DR: This work proposes a new on-demand collaborative computing framework that maps a new job as a set of tasks onto the mobile devices for execution in a manner that takes into account the capabilities of the devices, the dependency between the tasks, the adjacency of the Devices, and the requirements of the requested new job.
Abstract: Systems employing mobile devices (e.g., sensors, smart phones, robots) are emerging with growing capabilities in performing a wide variety of tasks. Due to their abundance and wide deployments, they are posed to play a dominant role in providing a rich mobile computing platform for various jobs, especially for new ones that are created on-the-fly. Realizing this platform is challenging since it is hard to predict the exact equipment present in an environment, what types of information need to be communicated to the devices to execute their tasks, and how to reprogram these devices. This work proposes a new on-demand collaborative computing framework that maps a new job as a set of tasks onto the mobile devices for execution. The mapping is done in a manner that takes into account the capabilities of the devices, the dependency between the tasks, the adjacency of the devices, and the requirements of the requested new job. Our proposed framework is implemented as a test-bed in our Mobile Cyber-Physical Systems lab with MICAz sensors and iRobot Create robots.
TL;DR: Clinicians are provided with a user's guide on the performance of the shoulder physical examination tests most supported by current evidence from a recent systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Abstract: Background This article provides clinicians with a user9s guide on the performance of the shoulder physical examination tests most supported by current evidence from a recent systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine . Discussion A description of clinical shoulder tests is provided with explanations on exact testing procedures and complimentary photographs.
01 Mar 2013
TL;DR: The stock of affordable US housing is shrinking, and little new construction is being built as discussed by the authors, leading to many foreclosures and subsequent vacant single-family homes, while simultaneously creating a scarcity in the rental market.
Abstract: American families have dramatically changed over the past sixty years, but the single-family home that houses them has evolved very little. Demographics indicate that while household numbers have gotten smaller over the decades, house sizes have become considerably larger. There has been little diversity offered in housing types, with builders and consumers favoring the detached single-family home as the icon of American success. But overwhelming recessionary pressures on American housing since 2007 have taken a toll. The housing market collapse has led to many foreclosures and subsequent vacant single-family homes, while simultaneously creating a scarcity in the rental market. Rising unemployment has seen Generation Y college graduates flocking back to the nest of their parental homes, baby boomer parents wonder when their nest will become less crowded, and the elderly are desperately trying to remain in their homes. The stock of affordable US housing is shrinking, and little new construction is ...
TL;DR: The moderate correlation between rates of recovery and ODI suggests that rate of recovery may capture a dimension of recovery in addition to the self-reported function in patients with low back pain.
Abstract: Background and Purpose. Theaim ofthisstudywas todeterminethe criterion validityofpatientrateofrecovery with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Methods. Associations between rate of recovery and ODI and pain were examined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Participants were dichotomized to ODI 50% change versus a <50% change. Pearson correlation coefficients were performed to determinethe relationshipbetweenthe continuousvariablesofrate ofrecoveryand final ODI scoreatdischarge. Spearman correlation coefficients were performed to determine the relationship between the continuous variable rate of recovery and ordinal variable final pain score at discharge. Results. ROC curve statistics suggest that a cut-point of greater than 82.5% on the self-report rate of recovery (sensitivity=0.72, specificity=0.71 and positive likelihood ratio=2.44) corresponded to a 50% change on the ODI. The correlation between ODI final score and self-report rate of recovery was a moderate, 0.45 (p<0.01). Cut-points on the self-reported rate of recovery ranged from 72.5% to 82.5% depending upon the definition of change in pain (≥2, ≥ 3a nd≥4 points) score or final pain score (<5/10, <4/10 and <3/10). The correlation between NPRS final score and self-report rate of recovery was 0.72 (p<0.01). The correlation between NPRS change score and self-report rate of recovery was 0.42 (p<0.01). Discussion. Patients reporting greater than or equal to 82.5% on rate of recovery are likely to have met a 50% change on the ODI. The moderate correlation between rate of recovery and ODI suggests that rate of recovery may capture a dimension of recovery in addition to the self-reported function in patients with low back pain. Both outcomes measures can be used to capture a more comprehensive evaluation of recovery from low back pain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The American Psychological Association and its divisions have developed various resources aimed at aiding early career psychologists (ECPs), yet, very little research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of these resources as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The American Psychological Association and its divisions have developed various resources aimed at aiding early career psychologists (ECPs); yet, very little research has been conducted to assess t...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Although statistically significant, the lack of strong association between RoR and change scores for the NPRS and QuickDASH suggests that the measures capture different constructs.
Abstract: Background and purpose The aim of this study was to identify the minimal clinically important threshold score for rate of recovery (RoR) using the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) as an anchor measure, and to measure the association of the RoR with the raw and percentage change scores of the QuickDASH and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Methods Threshold measures for RoR and the PASS were examined using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve. Participants were dichotomized to those who stated "yes" and those who stated "no" on the PASS. Pearson correlation coefficients were performed to determine the relationship between the NPRS and QuickDASH raw and percentage change scores and the RoR at discharge. Results ROC curve statistics suggest that a cut-point of greater than 87% on the self-report RoR (SN=0.62, SP=0.73; +LR=2.26: -LR=0.56) corresponded to the patient considering their state acceptable. No significant associations existed between either the raw NPRS or the raw QuickDASH, and the RoR scores although percentage change scores were associated with the RoR (QuickDASH r=0.29; p=0.02; NPRS = r=0.30; p=0.02). Discussion Patients reporting greater than or equal to 87% on RoR are likely to have met the Patient Acceptable Symptom State. Although statistically significant, the lack of strong association between RoR and change scores for the NPRS and QuickDASH suggests that the measures capture different constructs. Level of evidence Level 2C.
TL;DR: In this article, a summary of an investigation to improve the technology-based vocabulary of students with learning disabilities in a freshman high school biology class is provided, along with lessons learned about vocabulary instruction for students with disabilities.
Abstract: An essential element of science instruction is content literacy. In order to improve literacy specific to science, vocabulary must be addressed. As Jitendra et al. (2004) pointed out, “because learning vocabulary during independent reading is very inefficient for students with reading difficulties, vocabulary and word learning skills must be taught.” We provide a summary of an investigation to improve the technology-based vocabulary of students with learning disabilities in a freshman high school biology class. The procedures for the project are provided, along with lessons learned about vocabulary instruction of students with disabilities.
TL;DR: Initial target cut-points signaling patient satisfaction with their current symptom state following physiotherapy in patients with hip osteoarthritis were determined for seven outcome measures over 1 year.
Abstract: To determine patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) estimates in outcome measures commonly used in hip osteoarthritis (OA). Identification of cut-points on commonly used outcome measures associated with patient satisfaction with their current state of health. As part of a randomized controlled trial, 70 patients with a clinical diagnosis of hip OA undergoing a 9-session physiotherapy treatment program completed four physical performance measures and three self-report measures at 9 weeks and 1 year. Upon completion of treatment, patients assessed their current health status according to the PASS question. Cut-points were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves (anchor-based method), based on the patient’s response to the PASS question. At 9 weeks and 1 year, identified cut-points were, respectively, ≤10 and ≤11 for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale; ≤35 and ≤40 on the WOMAC physical function subscale; ≥+5 and ≥+6 on the global rating of change score; ≤6.05 and ≤5.30 s for the timed-up-and-go; ≤28.3 and ≤24.9 for the 40-m self-paced walk test; ≥11 and ≥12 repetitions for the 30-s chair stand test; and ≥46 repetitions for the 20-cm step test. Initial target cut-points signaling patient satisfaction with their current symptom state following physiotherapy in patients with hip osteoarthritis were determined for seven outcome measures over 1 year.