Group Average Score Research Articles

The effective study of Miller pyramid demonstration applied in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons

Objective To explore the effect of Miller pyramid demonstration in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons and aim at finding a more effective teach-ing method in this area. Method 96 visiting surgeons in our department were chosen and divided even into two groups randomly from 2011 to 2013. Traditional teaching method was applied in group A, while Miller pyramid demonstration which combined theory with practice was used in group B. Basic knowledge, manipulative skill and clinical diagnosis were assessed in group A and group B respectively. Finally, the results were statistical analyzed using t-test with SPSS 19.0 software. Results In the basic professional knowledge test, the average score of Group B was better than Group A[(92.8±5.0) vs. (83.0±8.5)]; in terms of operational skills assessment, the average score of Group B was better than Group A [(94.0±4.1) vs. (79.3±3.9)]; in the clinical diagnosis of the application, the average score of Group B was better than Group A [(90.6±2.3) vs. (85.1±1.9)]. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Miller pyramid demonstration was more effective than traditional teaching method in the teaching of shoulder physical examination for visiting orthopaedic surgeons. Key words: Miller pyramid; Teaching in orthopaedics; Physical examination; Shoulder

Heritability and Familiality of Temperament and Character Dimensions in Korean Families with Schizophrenic Linkage Disequilibrium.

ObjectiveCategorical syndromes such as schizophrenia may represent complexes of many continuous psychological structural phenotypes along several dimensions of personality development/degeneration. The present study investigated the heritability and familiality of personality dimensions in Korean families with schizophrenic linkage disequilibrium (LD).MethodsWe recruited 179 probands (with schizophrenia) as well as, whenever possible, their parents and siblings. We used the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) to measure personality and symptomatic dimensions. The heritability of personality dimensions in a total of 472 family members was estimated using Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR). To measure familiality, we compared the personality dimensions of family members with those of 336 healthy unrelated controls using analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis.ResultsThree of the seven TCI variables were significantly heritable and were included in subsequent analyses. The three groups (control, unaffected first-degree relative, case) were found to significantly differ from one another, with the expected order of average group scores, for all heritable dimensions.ConclusionDespite several study limitations with respect to family recruitment and phenotyping, our results show that aberrations in several personality dimensions related to genetic-environment coactions or interactions may underlie the complexity of the schizophrenic syndrome.

Testing Spearman's hypothesis with advanced placement examination data

The nature, source, and meaning of average group score differences between demographic groups on cognitive tests has been a source of controversy for decades. One possible explanation is “Spearman's hypothesis,” which states that the magnitude of score differences across demographic groups is a direct function of how strongly the test measures g. To test this hypothesis, Jensen (1985, 1998) developed the method of correlated vectors. In this study I used the method of correlated vectors to examine the relationship between racial/ethnic group differences of Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores and the correlation between those AP exam scores and a test of general cognitive ability, the PSAT. Results are consistent with Spearman's hypothesis for White-Black and White-Hispanic comparisons, but not for White-Asian comparisons. Comparisons of White examinees and Native Americans are inconclusive. This study shows that academic achievement tests can be used to test Spearman's hypothesis. Additionally, Spearman's hypothesis is not a unique characteristic of White-Black differences in cognitive test scores, but it may not universal either.

THE ANALYSIS OF THE REMOTE FUNCTIONAL RESULTS OF THE ELECTIVE COLONIC RESECTION AT DIVERTICULAR DISEASES

AIM. To evaluate long-term results of treatment of patients with the complicated diverticular diseases, after elective colonic resection. PATIENTS. The outcome of 53 patient operated on pretreated recurrent diverticulitis were compared to results of treatment of 50 patients with diverticulitis complicated by perforation and treated initially by colostomy formation. RESULTS. In the first group the number of patients with postoperative functional gastrointestinal frustration and infringements in psychic and emotional sphere were higher, than in second group and correlated to presence of them before operation. Assessment of quality of life using MOS-SF 36 demonstrated decrease of score in all scales of the questionnaire infirst group, while in second group average score was comparable to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION. Indications for elective colonic resectionfor recurrent diverticulitis should be stricter.

The Significance of Rectus Femoris for the Favorable Functional Outcome After Total Femur Replacement.

Background:In treatment of tumors, we usually reconstruct after resection of the entire femur using only metallic modular endoprostheses among many procedures and defined it as a total femur replacement. We studied the interrelation between the preservation of rectus femoris and the functional outcome after total femur replacement.Methods:We rated the functional outcomes of 21 patients who underwent total femur replacement. We categorized the subjects into 2 groups: group A (rectus femoris preserved) and group B (rectus femoris unpreserved). We examined them based on the Mann-Whitney U test between the 2 groups in average through the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores.Results:The average score of group A was 20 of 25 (11–25; 80%), whereas the average score of group B was 10 of 25 (4–13; 40%). There was significant difference between the groups (P = 0.00168877).Conclusion:We found that the preservation of rectus femoris is imperative for achieving the favorable functional outcome in total femur replacement.

Eye acupuncture in treating cognitive dysfunction after stroke

Objective To observe any effect when eye acupuncture is combined with computer-assisted cognition training to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction after stroke. Methods Stroke patients with cognitive impairment were randomly divided into an eye acupuncture group (n=30), a computer group (n=30) and a combination group (n=30). The eye acupuncture group was given eye acupuncture, the computer group was given rehabilitative cognition training with specialized equipment and the combination group was given both eye acupuncture and the computer-aided training. The treatment lasted 2 months. The Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive asessment (LOTCA) and the modified Barthel index were used to evaluate the patients' cognitive function and daily life ability before and after treatment. Results Before training there was no significant difference in average LOTCA and MBI results among the three groups. After 2 months of training, all three groups had significantly higher scores in both evaluations. Moreover, the combination group's average score on organization ability, perceptual ability, thinking operation ability and concentration, and also their average total score and MBI score were significantly better than those of the other two groups. Conclusions Eye acupuncture combines synergistically with cognitive rehabilitation training to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction after stroke. Together they promote cognition, ADL ability and an early return to normal family and social life better than either alone. Key words: Eye acupuncture; Computer-aided rehabilitation training; Stroke; Cognitive dysfunction

Are Range of Motion Measurements Needed When Calculating the Harris Hip Score?

BackgroundOften the patient-reported outcome (PRO) component of the Harris Hip Score (HHS) is completed, but the physician-assessed range of motion (ROM) component is not. The PRO component only is called a modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). The purpose of this study was to determine if a statistically significant or clinically meaningful difference existed when calculating the HHS with and without the physician-reported ROM portion. MethodsIncluded patients had complete HHS data (both physician and PRO components). Surgical procedure (primary or revision) was recorded for each subject. American Society of Anesthesiologists score was divided into low and high groups. Body mass index was divided into 4 categories. The study used a repeated measures design. ResultsData on 483 patients were collected between 12 and 60 months postoperatively (mean follow-up: 32.5 months, mean age: 55.9 ± 13.5 years). A mean difference of 4 points existed between the 2 groups: HHS group average score was 84.56 ± 13.18, and mHHS group average score was 88.74 ± 13.77. American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, and surgical type demonstrated a significant interaction with the HHS calculation method (P < .001). Primary total joint patients demonstrated a greater difference between the 2 scoring methods compared with revision patients. ConclusionNo clinically meaningful difference in outcomes was found between the mHHS and the HHS. The calculation of the HHS is dependent on the inclusion of the ROM measurement. However, the small point difference between the HHS and mHHS indicates that the mHHS is still useful as an accurate determinant of patient clinical outcome, and ROM assessment is not essential.

The Effects of transcranial ultrasound stimulation on motor functioning and anti-oxidative capacity in mice with Parkinson's disease

Objective To investigate the effects of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) on the motor functioning and anti-oxidative capacity of mice with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Thirty-two inbred C57BL male mice were randomized into a normal control group, a model group, a sham TUS group and a TUS group (n=8 for each group) according to a random number table. A PD model was induced in the mice of the model, sham TUS and TUS groups by injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, while those in the normal control group were given saline. Low intensity (1 W) focused ultrasound (LIFU) at a frequency of 0.5 MHz was then applied to stimulate the nigra region, except for the mice in the sham TUS group, which were treated with the same procedure but with no ultrasound output. A pole climbing test was carried out before, 2 weeks and 5 weeks after the injection of the MPTP. After 5 weeks the animals were sacrificed and the whole brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content were measured. Results No significant differences in in pole climbing scores were observed among the four groups before the MPTP injections. However, the average value decreased significantly to (4.30±1.19), (4.40±0.23) and (4.80±0.23) for the model, sham TUS and TUS groups respectively 2 weeks after the injection. It then rose to (5.12±0.83) and (5.51±1.21) for the first two groups 3 weeks later, but was still lower that before the injection. After 5 weeks the TUS group's average score was significantly higher than 3 weeks earlier and than that of the model group and the sham TUS group. Compared with the control group, the other groups' average scores were all lower 2 weeks after MPTP injection, and those of the model and the sham TUS groups remained so 5 weeks after the injection. Five weeks after the injection, the average MDA content of the model group (10.2±1.1 nmol/ml) and the sham TUS group (9.4±1.3 nmol/ml) were significantly higher than the normal control group (4.5±0.8 nmol/ml), as well as the TUS group (6.8±0.9 nmol/ml). However, GSH-Px enzyme activity in the model group (100±35.4 U/mgprot) and the sham US group (444±24.9 U/mgprot) was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (1262.5±53 U/mgprot), together with the TUS group (1047.3±77.8 U/mgprot). Conclusion TUS can improve motor function in PD, at least in mice. This may be due to its anti-oxidative capacity. Key words: Ultrasound; Parkinson's disease; Motor function; Antioxidants; Brain

The effects of stromal cel1-derived factor 1 on the migration of neural stem cells and the recovery of lower limb function after spinal cord injury

Objective To assess the effect of stromal cel1-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) on the migration of neural stem cells and recovery of lower limb function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods A modified version of Allen's method was used to establish a SCI model in each of 96 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. They were then randomly divided into group A which received an injection of phosphate buffer solution, group B which received an injection of neural stem cells, group C which received a combination of SDF-1 and neural stem cells, and group D which received AMD3100 and neural stem cells 7 days after the modeling. The functioning of the hind limbs of all of the rats was assessed on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after the modeling. The rats were then sacrificed and frozen sections of their spinal cords were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and marked with CM-Dil under fluorescent light. Results An accumulation of fluorescing cells were observed in spine cords from both group B and C, with the counts of group B [(23.6±3.7), (18.9±5.6)and(15.2±4.3)respectively] at the day 14, 21 and 28 after modeling significantly smaller than those of group C [(27.4±4.7), (20.4±5.2) and (18.3±3.9) respectively]. During the same period of time, the average BBB scores of groups B and C were significantly better than those of groups A and D. Moreover, the average score of group C was significantly higher than group B's at all time points. Conclusions Transplanted neural stem cells can migrate to the injured site, surviving and differentiating to promote the recovery of limb function in rats with spinal cord injury. SDF-1 can promote that migration and proliferation. Moreover, CXCR4 receptor's antagonist AMD3100 can significantly hinder neural stem cells' migration to the injured site on the spinal cord. Key words: Neural stem cells; Spinal cord injury; Stromal cel1 derived factor

Stationary cycle training for improving lower limb muscle tension and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Objective To observe the effects of stationary cycle training on lower limb muscle tension and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods Sixty-seven children with spastic cerebral palsy were divided into a treatment group (n=34) and a control group (n=33). Both were treated with routine rehabilitation therapy, including neurodevelopment treatment, massage and physical agent therapy. The treatment group additionally cycled on a stationary bicycle for 20 min a day, five days a week for 3 months. Muscle tension in the children's adductor, hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles was evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), while the adductor angle, popliteal fossa angle and foot dorsiflexion angle were measured using a joint protractor. Moreover, the 88-item version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) was used to evaluate gross motor function. Results After treatment the average muscle tension of both groups was significantly lower than before treatment. The average muscle tension scores of the adductors, hamstrings and calf muscles of the treatment group [(1.79±0.54), (1.00±0.60), (2.29±1.77)] were significantly lower than those of the controls [(1.82±0.53), (1.15±0.44), (2.52±1.89)]. The adductor angles, popliteal fossa angles and foot dorsiflexion angles of both groups were significantly larger than before treatment, and the angles in the treatment group [(97.06±19.03)°, (53.38±12.54)° and (8.38±9.11 )° respectively] were significantly larger on average than those in the control [(98.94±21.42)°, (56.52±12.90 )° and ( 5.30±14.30)° respectively]. After treatment the total GMFM scores of both groups were better than before treatment, but the treatment group's average score(138.18±54.86) was significantly better than that of the control group(112.21±62.44). Conclusion Three months of stationary cycle training can effectively reduce the muscle tension of children with spastic cerebral palsy and improve their motor function. Key words: Cerebral palsy, spastic; Muscle tension; Joint motion range; Exercise therapy; Motor function; Stationary cycle training

Electro-acupuncture combined with surface gastric pacing in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury

Objective To explore the effects of electro-acupuncture combined with surface gastric pacing on gastrointestinal dysfunction for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Seventy-five SCI patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction were divided randomly into an electro-acupuncture group (group A), a gastric pacing treatment group (group B) and a group for which electro-acupuncture was combined with gastric pacing (group C). There were 25 cases in each group. Members of group A were given 30 minutes of electro-acupuncture per day; those of group B had 30 minutes of gastric pacing treatment twice per day; group C was provided with both 30 minutes of electro-acupuncture and one 30-minute gastric pacing treatment per day. All of the interventions lasted ten days. Before and after the treatment, all patients were assessed using a clinical symptoms score and with electrogastrograms, and any adverse effects were observed. Results There was a significant improvement in upper abdominal pain and epigastric discomfort, bloating and early satiety, nausea, vomiting, as well as belching and loss of appetite in each group after treatment. Before treatment there was no significant difference in the average clinical symptom scores of the three groups. After treatment the values had decreased, and those of group C were significantly lower than group A or B. The average scores of groups B and A were not significantly different. The electrogastrogram results showed than after treatment there was significant improvement in N% and T% in groups A and B, and also significant improvement in N%, B% and T% in group C compared to before treatment. Group C's improvements were all significantly greater than those observed in groups A and B. Conclusion Electro-acupuncture or gastric pacing alone can give some improvement in gastrointestinal function and its electrophysiological indicators, but their combined effects are better than when either is used alone. Key words: Electro-acupuncture; Gastric pacing; Spinal cord injury

Clinical competency evaluation of Brazilian chiropractic interns.

This study compares the results of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) between 2 groups of students before an internship and after 6 months of clinical practice in an internship. Seventy-two students participated, with 36 students in each cohort. The OSCEs were performed in the simulation laboratory before the participants' clinical practice internship and after 6 months of the internship. Students were tested in 9 stations for clinical skills and knowledge. The same procedures were repeated for both cohorts. The t test was used for unpaired parametric samples and Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of proportions. There was no difference in the mean final score between the 2 groups (p = .34 for test 1; p = .08 for test 2). The performance of the students in group 1 was not significantly different when performed before and after 6 months of clinical practice, but in group 2 there was a significant decrease in the average score after 6 months of clinical practice. There was no difference in the cumulative average score for the 2 groups before and after 6 months of clinical practice in the internship. There were differences within the cohorts, however, with a significant decrease in the average score in group 2. Issues pertaining to test standardization and student motivation for test 2 may have influenced the scores.

Design and development of a content-based medical image retrieval system for spine vertebrae irregularity.

BackgroundContent-based medical image retrieval (CBMIR) system enables medical practitioners to perform fast diagnosis through quantitative assessment of the visual information of various modalities.MethodsIn this paper, a more robust CBMIR system that deals with both cervical and lumbar vertebrae irregularity is afforded. It comprises three main phases, namely modelling, indexing and retrieval of the vertebrae image. The main tasks in the modelling phase are to improve and enhance the visibility of the x-ray image for better segmentation results using active shape model (ASM). The segmented vertebral fractures are then characterized in the indexing phase using region-based fracture characterization (RB-FC) and contour-based fracture characterization (CB-FC). Upon a query, the characterized features are compared to the query image. Effectiveness of the retrieval phase is determined by its retrieval, thus, we propose an integration of the predictor model based cross validation neural network (PMCVNN) and similarity matching (SM) in this stage. The PMCVNN task is to identify the correct vertebral irregularity class through classification allowing the SM process to be more efficient. Retrieval performance between the proposed and the standard retrieval architectures are then compared using retrieval precision (Pr@M) and average group score (AGS) measures.ResultsExperimental results show that the new integrated retrieval architecture performs better than those of the standard CBMIR architecture with retrieval results of cervical (AGS > 87%) and lumbar (AGS > 82%) datasets.ConclusionsThe proposed CBMIR architecture shows encouraging results with high Pr@M accuracy. As a result, images from the same visualization class are returned for further used by the medical personnel.

The value of fMRI for predicting the clinical outcome of passive movement of a hemiplegic upper limb after stroke

Objective To study the potential of functional MRI (fMRI) during passive finger extension (FE) for predicting the motor function recovery of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods Nineteen survivors of a 1st cerebral infarction in the non-M1 cortex with complete paralysis on one side were selected for study.Within 1 week after the stroke,fMRI was performed while one of the patient's paralyzed fingers was passively flexed and extended.fMRI signals were acquired from the sensorimotor cortex (SMC),the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the premotor area (PM).Fugl-Meyer (FM) scores of arm motor function were recorded one week,one month and three months after the stroke.Results The early fMRI results were used to classify cortex activation performances as type Ⅰ (activation mainly on the affected side,but SMC and SMA activated bilaterally),type Ⅱ (activation of the SMC and SMA only on the affected side) or type Ⅲ (only activation of the SMC on the affected side).At one week after stroke the average FM scores of the three groups were not significantly different.At one month the three average FM scores were 47.1 ± 5.5 points,36 ±6.7 points and 11.2 ± 3.1 points,for groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ respectively,each significantly different from the others.At three months the average FM ratings of groups Ⅰ (61.1 ± 3.8 points) and Ⅱ (59 ± 5.2 points) were not significantly different,but both were significantly higher than the average score of group Ⅲ (10.8 ± 5.6 points).Conclusion The early stage fMRI characteristics of hemiplegic patients can be used for predicting motor outcomes. Key words: Stroke; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Passive movement

Comparison of neuropsychological performances and behavioral patterns of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and severe mood dysregulation

We aimed to investigate the similarities and differences in neuropsychological test performance, demographic features and behavioral patterns of children and adolescents with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder combined type (ADHD-C), and the severe mood dysregulation (SMD). Study includes 112 children: 67 with ADHD-C, 24 with SMD and 21 healthy controls. These groups were identified by using the schedule for affective disorders, and schizophrenia for the school-age children-present and lifetime version (KSADS-PL) and the K-SADS-PL-SMD Module. Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scale-revised long form (CPRS-R:L and CTRS-R:L) and neuropsychological tests were administered to the research groups. ADHD-C group's performances in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail Making Test, Stroop Test TBAG form and Controlled Oral Word Association Test were significantly poorer than the control group's performances (p < 0.05). Performance of the SMD group was only descriptively intermediate between performances of the ADHD-C and control group. In the "Oppositional", "Hyperactivity", "Social Problems", "Impulsive", "Emotional Lability" and "Conners' Global Index" subscales of CPRS-R:L, the average scores of the SMD group were significantly higher than the ADHD-C and control group's average scores (p < 0.05). ADHD-C group (but not SMD) could be significantly differentiated from healthy controls with the neuropsychological tests used. SMD group could be differentiated from the ADHD-C and healthy control groups with CPRS-R:L; i.e., ADHD-C versus SMD could be differentiated at the behavioral level only.

Effects of planned group interactions on the social adaptation of individuals with an intestinal stoma: a quantitative study

To investigate the effects of a planned group interaction method on the social adjustment of individuals with an intestinal stoma. Individuals with a stoma often experience physiological, psychological and social problems that affect their social adaptation. Quasi-experimental. The population included ileostomy and colostomy patients registered at the Gazi University Health Research and Implementation Centre Stoma therapy Unit between September 2011-June 2012. They were assigned to experimental (n = 23) and control (n = 27) groups based on their willingness to attend planned group interaction meetings. Experimental group members participated in the 'planned group interaction method' for six weeks. Control group members only received routine care services. Weekly group interaction meetings lasted for average of 90 minutes. The Ostomy Adjustment Inventory and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self-Report Scale were administered to experimental group members on three occasions: prior to the first group meeting, after the six-week meeting process ended and during the first month after group meetings ended. Control group evaluations were conducted simultaneously. Experimental group members' ostomy adjustment mean scores after planned group interaction meetings gradually increased. No changes occurred in the control group's average scores. The experimental and control groups' average psychosocial adjustment scores eventually changed and showed a tendency towards adjustment. Experimental group members aged 51-60 and 61-70, who were married, had primary and higher education, had permanent stomas, had stomas for periods between 12 months or less and 61 months and longer and had sufficient stoma care knowledge demonstrated higher adjustment values (p < 0·05). Furthermore, experimental group members reported they received psychological support during interactions and learned how to solve problems encountered in stoma care and daily life. Planned group interactions effectively enhanced the social adjustment of patients with a stoma. Group interaction methods should be included in nursing care practices for individuals with a stoma.

A Multimodal Intervention for Patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Feasibility and Effect on Fatigue

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease influenced by environmental factors. The feasibility of a multimodal intervention and its effect on perceived fatigue in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis were assessed. This was a single-arm, open-label intervention study in an outpatient setting. A multimodal intervention including a modified paleolithic diet with supplements, stretching, strengthening exercises with electrical stimulation of trunk and lower limb muscles, meditation, and massage was used. Adherence to each component of the intervention was calculated using daily logs. Side-effects were assessed from a monthly questionnaire and blood analyses. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data were collected at baseline and months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Ten (10) of 13 subjects who were enrolled in a 2-week run-in phase were eligible to continue in the 12-month main study. Of those 10 subjects, 8 completed the study and 6 subjects fully adhered to the study intervention for 12 months. Over a 12-month period, average adherence to diet exceeded 90% of days, and to exercise/muscle stimulation exceeded 75% of days. Nutritional supplements intake varied among and within subjects. Group daily average duration of meditation was 13.3 minutes and of massage was 7.2 minutes. No adverse side-effects were reported. Group average FSS scores decreased from 5.7 at baseline to 3.32 (p=0.0008) at 12 months. In this small, uncontrolled pilot study, there was a significant improvement in fatigue in those who completed the study. Given the small sample size and completer rate, further evaluation of this multimodal therapy is warranted.

Empowering the Impoverished and Reducing Healthcare Costs

Background:Socioeconomic disadvantage is a major risk factor for poor health and a consistent contributor to chronic stress, both of which are disempowering to individuals and communities. Poverty has been linked to a higher prevalence of many health conditions, including increased risk of chronic disease, injury, deprived infant development, anxiety, depression, premature death, and the negative impact of allostatic load associated with chronic stress. With the rising costs of healthcare, there is an urgent and ongoing need for effective strategies for the impoverished to diminish the negative impact of the stress response and enhance their level of empowerment.Method:Individuals associated with a community-based organization that assists impoverished individuals to move toward self-sufficiency were invited to attend a HeartMath (HM) two-session workshop series (4 weeks apart), and an additional discussion-only session was scheduled 4 weeks after the second session. Participants completed Personal and Organizational Quality Assessments (POQAs) at both workshop sessions to gather pre- and post-intervention data. Each session 1 participant received a Quiet Joy CD and was asked to practice the techniques that they learned between sessions 1 and 2. A third session was scheduled 4 weeks after session 2 as a check-in with participants to determine if they continued to use the HeartMath techniques and for them to share their experiences as a result of exposure to the information.Results:Twenty individuals participated in workshop session 1; 14 participated in workshop session 2; and 11 individuals attended session 3. Although an equal-pair comparison was not possible, pre and post POQA analysis results demonstrated a general improvement in emotional well-being and reduction in stress symptoms for the group. However, there was a slight but notable reduction in two areas: positive outlook and gratitude. Individuals showed reduced symptoms in the six General Health Stress Symptoms categories, and the Group Average Stress Score was reduced by 40 on the post assessment. In the third, group-discussion-only session, participants shared anecdotally their experiences with emotion regulation and stress transformation since participation in the two-session workshop. The majority reported that they continued to use the HeartMath techniques and generally reported that they felt at ease more often and, in most cases, were better able to regulate their stress responses associated with the challenges of their lower socioeconomic status.Conclusion:Although HeartMath cannot be solely depended upon to resolve all matters associated with poverty, it is believed that it holds potential as an additional resource for those facing the daily stressors and the negative biopsychoemotional impacts associated with it. Consistent practice and application of the HeartMath techniques hold potential to enhance people's emotion-regulation ability, to build and sustain psychophysiological resilience, and to increase some level of control in their lives. Thus, HeartMath is being promoted as an intermediate pathway to improve physical health and psycho-emotional well-being, increase individual and community empowerment, and ultimately reduce healthcare costs among those of lower socioeconomic status.

Individual personality traits influence group exploration in a feral guppy population

We examined whether variation in group exploratory behavior was linked with variation in personality traits (boldness, activity, and sociability) in a population of feral guppies (Poecilia reticulata). A huge amount of variation was observed in dispersal tendency between shoals. Surprisingly, no significant correlations were found between group exploratory behavior and average group personality scores, which suggests that the movement of the shoal was not generated by group conformity. However, our analysis revealed correlations between group exploration and the activity score of the least active member of a group and the sociality index of the most social member of a group. These results indicate that a minority of key individuals with certain personality types can have substantial effects on group behavior. These results are discussed in the broader context of group decision making in social animals.

Can PBL Group Assignment Affect Examination Performance?

Medical student examination performance in an integrated problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum related to group and faculty facilitator (tutor) assignment has not been well studied. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the PBL group and tutor to which a student is assigned affect examination performance. We found that only 3.6% of all groups had non-Gaussian student examination score distributions. Tutorial group average scores varied by less than 10% from the examination mean. Faculty tutor experience in PBL or expertise by either clinical or basic science background did not appear to have a significant effect upon student knowledge based examination performance, as measured within an integrated basic science PBL curriculum.