Israeli Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

A Hebrew version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 283 subjects. Results were compared with those obtained for the English original administered in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as with versions translated into Swedish, Romanian, Italian, Finnish, Danish, Spanish, and German. Mean scores were similar to the Canadian and Australian, though lower than the others. No differences were found between males and females. Pass rates for individual items were similar or lower than elsewhere. Item reliability was similar to the other non-English versions. The author speculates that the slightly lower scores obtained may be due to the larger group of subjects present in each session. Overall, the Israeli data are congruent with the reference samples.     

Israeli Norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale,Form C

A Hebrew version of the 12-item Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) was administered to 169 subjects in Israel. The authors compared the results with those obtained for the English original administered in the USA and with an additional group of 38 English-speaking subjects in Israel, as well as with versions translated into Spanish (2 versions, for Spain and for Mexico), Italian, German, and Dutch. Mean scores and pair-wise rank-order correlations between item pass rates were comparable across the different samples. Item reliability was somewhat lower in the Hebrew version; however, if testing was discontinued after failure to comply with 3 consecutive items, reliability was similar to that obtained for the other samples. We conclude that the Hebrew version of the SHSS:C can be used for the assessment of hypnotizability and recommend that the discontinuation criterion be applied.     

Phenomenological experiences associated with hypnotic susceptibility

Following the administration of a Hungarian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C), 104 Hungarian subjects completed the Hungarian translation of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI). Subjects had also been administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS: A) about 1 week to 2 months before the SHSS:C The pattern of correlations between hypnotizability (as measured by the HGSHS:A and the SHSS:C) and the 5 factors of the PCI was quite similar to that of previous work carried out using the English language versions on subjects in the United States. SHSS:C and HGSHS:A scores correlated significantly with the PCI factors of dissociated control, positive affect, and attention to internal processes factors. In addition, the SHSS:C score correlated significantly with the visual imagery factor, as found in previous work.     

Phenomenological experiences associated with hypnotic susceptibility

Following the administration of a Hungarian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C), 104 Hungarian subjects completed the Hungarian translation of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI). Subjects had also been administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) about 1 week to 2 months before the SHSS:C. The pattern of correlations between hypnotizability (as measured by the HGSHS:A and the SHSS:C) and the 5 factors of the PCI was quite similar to that of previous work carried out using the English language versions on subjects in the United States. SHSS:C and HGSHS:A scores correlated significantly with the PCI factors of dissociated control, positive affect, and attention to internal processes factors. In addition, the SHSS:C score correlated significantly with the visual imagery factor, as found in previous work.     

Comparing 2 versions of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory with the Action Research Arm Test

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) is a new, validated upper-limb measure that uses a 7-point quantitative scale in order to assess functional recovery of the arm and hand after a stroke. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine whether the longitudinal validity of scores on 2 versions of a new upper-limb measure, the CAHAI (CAHAI-9 and CAHAI-13), was greater than that of scores on the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and (2) to determine whether the cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of the CAHAI-13 scores was greater than that of the CAHAI-9 scores. SUBJECTS: One hundred five people with upper-limb dysfunction following a stroke were stratified into 2 impairment groups (mild to moderate and severe), which were expected to change by different amounts. METHODS: The CAHAI-13 and ARAT were administered twice (time between assessments varied from 2 to 6 weeks). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Pearson product moment coefficient of correlation, and regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve areas (CAHAI-13=0.86, CAHAI-9=0.82, ARAT=0.72) were significantly greater for the CAHAI versions. Scores on both CAHAI versions had identical levels of cross-sectional validity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Both CAHAI versions demonstrated more sensitivity to change than the ARAT. It remains unclear whether the CAHAI-9 provides precise estimates of CAHAI-13 scores at the individual level.     

Development of a self-report screening instrument for assessing potential opioid medication misuse in chronic pain patients

This study constituted the first step in the psychometric development of a self-report screening instrument for risk of opioid medication misuse among chronic pain patients. A 26-item instrument, the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ), was constructed based on suspected behavioral correlates of opioid medication misuse, which heretofore have received limited empirical investigation. The PMQ was administered to 184 patients at an interdisciplinary pain treatment center. Reliability coefficients for the PMQ were found to be of moderate but acceptable strength. Construct and concurrent validity were examined through correlation of PMQ scores to measures of substance abuse, physical and psychological functioning, and physicians' risk assessments. To explore high and low cutoff points for misuse risk, subgroups were formed according to the upper and lower thirds of PMQ scores and compared on validity measures. Higher PMQ scores were associated with history of substance abuse, higher levels of psychosocial distress, and poorer functioning. Future psychometric analyses will consider predictive validity and examine shortened versions of the instrument.     

Present and previous psychopathology of juvenile onset migraine: a pilot investigation by Child Behavior Checklist

The objective was to describe the premorbid state of migraine with juvenile onset. Thirty subjects with migraine and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in a case-control study. A structured questionnaire (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL) was administered to the mothers and ratings were obtained for the past two age periods (0–3 and 4–6 years) and for the present state. CBCL scores of the migraine group (MG) were compared to those of the control group (CG) during the three periods. A longitudinal study was performed to evaluate the evolution of psychopathology comparing CBCL scores of MG in the three age periods. During the premorbid period MG showed significantly higher mean scores on total, internalising, anxious-depressive scales. In the longitudinal perspective, internalising traits were present in the premorbid period in MG. Children later diagnosed as having migraine differ from CG in several scales during different age periods. Migraine could be considered as the expression of a previous vulnerability.     

Relationships between aggressive behavior in cognitively impaired nursing home residents and use of restraints, psychoactive drugs, and secured units.

This study examined relationships between aggressive behavior in cognitively impaired nursing home residents and physical restraints, psychoactive drugs, and placement on a secured unit. Data were obtained from 116 residents who were consistently aggressive as measured by the Ryden Aggression Scale 2. Subjects averaged 9.5 aggressive behaviors per day. Forty-seven percent of subjects were restrained, and 62% were regularly receiving psychoactive drugs. Use of restraints, antipsychotics, and placement on a secured unit were all significantly related to increased physical aggression scores. Four variables accounted for 23% of the variance in physical aggression scores: location on a secured unit, not receiving an antidepressant, being restrained, and number of psychotropic and/or anxiolytic medications administered. Significantly lower physical aggression scores were noted for subjects receiving antidepressants.     

Quality of life 5 or more years post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant

This cross-sectional study used a mailed survey to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of individuals at least 5 years post-autologous stem cell transplant and to determine instrument preference. Instruments selected were the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form (MOS-SF-36) as the generic measure and the City of Hope-Quality of Life-Bone Marrow Transplant (COH-BMT) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) as transplant-specific measures. Subjects received the MOS-SF-36 and were randomized to receive (1) COH-BMT, (2) FACT-BMT, or (3) COH-BMT and FACT-BMT. Ninety-two subjects returned completed forms, for a 56% response rate. A study-specific form indicated subjects preferred the BMT-specific instruments. The health of the majority of subjects (85%) was similar to or somewhat better than what it was the previous year. Their MOS-SF-36 scores for physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, and general health subscales were lower than the values for the general population, but those for the other subscales were not significantly different. When compared to the data reported by Hann and colleagues for posttransplant in breast cancer, study subjects scored significantly lower on all scales except General Health and Mental Health. COH-BMT scores compared with those reported by Whedon and Ferrel (Semin Oncol Nurs. 1994;10:42-57) were higher for Physical Well-Being, Spiritual Well-Being, and Global QOL. FACT-BMT results compared with those reported by McQuellen et al (Bone Marrow Transplant. 1997;19:357-368) showed that Physical, Social/Family, Emotional, and Functional Scores were similar; only BMT scores were significantly different. Research is needed to determine when QOL plateaus and whether instrument preference changes over time. Awareness of long-term effects that affect QOL can guide program revisions and facilitate decisions regarding the need for supportive rehabilitative services.     

Perceptions of self-care in Sweden: a cross-cultural replication

This cross-cultural study attempted to replicate the nursing phenomena of self-care and self-concept using two self-reporting instruments. Both instruments were translated from English into Swedish and administered on a convenience basis to 187 Swedish subjects, 117 women and 70 men, ages 19-66, compulsory to university educated, and residing in the southern districts of Sweden. Swedish mean self-care scores were lower (112.5) than the United States normative group of university nursing and psychology students, but the mean was comparable to East German (113.6) reported from an earlier study. Self-concept scores were similar to Nebraska teachers and East Germans. Alpha coefficients were used to assess reliability, ANOVA for differences, and item correlation of self-care agency were organized by factor analysis with four subfactors identified. The derived subscales appeared to identify potentially useful factors to aid in unravelling the complexity of the self-care agency construct. Study limitations were addressed. Cross-cultural directives for international nursing are discussed.     

Using the HOME Inventory with families of children with orthopedic disabilities

The usefulness and validity of the Infant-Toddler and Early Childhood versions of the HOME Inventory were examined for 20 infants and 28 preschool age children with moderate to severe orthopedic disabilities. Families were administered the standard version of the Inventory and a version modified to fit the special needs of children with orthopedic impairments. Scores for the families were similar to those observed in the normative sample for the HOME. HOME scores showed moderate correlations with maternal education, low to moderate correlations with the social support available to families, but little relation to stressful life events. Relations with social support differed somewhat as a function of the child's age. HOME scores also showed low to moderate correlations with adaptive behavior, but correlations with IQ were significant only for preschool age children.     

A Comparison of Anxiety and Depression in Sex Offenders with Intellectual Disability and a Control Group with Intellectual Disability

The aims of this study were to employ modified versions of the 21-item Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories with a group of 16 sex offenders with mild intellectual disability and borderline intelligence and 16 control participants with similar levels of intellectual disability. Test-retest correlations found high reliability for both assessments across all participants. There was a significant difference between the scores of the 2 groups with the sex offenders reporting significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression than the control participants. The results are discussed by presenting hypotheses on the emotional stability in each group.     

Effects of intravenously administered fructose and glucose on splanchnic amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism in hypertriglyceridemic men.

Splanchnic metabolism was studied in the fed state during prolonged intravenous administration (30 g/h) of either fructose or glucose to hypertriglyceridemic men who had been maintained on a high-carbohydrate diet for 2 wk. Splanchnic exchange of amino acids and carbohydrates was quantified by measurement of splanchnic flow and of blood or plasma arteriohepatic venous concentration gradients. Results obtained in subjects receiving fructose were compared with those obtained in (a) similar subjects receiving glucose and (b) postabsorptive controls maintained on isocaloric, balanced diets. Mean arterial plasma levels of alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, methionine, proline, valine, leucine, histidine, lysine, and ornithine were significantly higher in subjects given fructose than in those give glucose (P less than 0.05). The mean arterial concentration and splanchnic uptake of alanine were significantly higher in subjects given fructose than in postabsorptive controls, despite a significantly lower fractional extraction of alanine in the former (P less than 0.05). The mean arterial plasma levels of serine and ornithine were significantly lower in subjects receiving fructose than in postabsorptive controls (P less than 0.05). About half of the administered fructose or glucose was taken up in the splanchnic region, where approximately 15% was converted to CO2 and 10% to lactate. Half of the fructose taken up in the splanchnic region was converted to glucose released from the liver. The amount of hexose carbon remaining for hepatic synthesis of liquids in subjects given fructose was less than half of that of subjects given glucose. These studies demonstrate that fructose and glucose have divergent effects on amino acid metabolism and that during hypercaloric infusion of glucose (as with fructose), the human liver is a major site of lactate production.     

Use of the McGill Pain Questionnaire to measure pain: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of 51 studies was done to estimate normative mean McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) scores and to assess pain quality and pain intensity as measured by the MPQ in 3,624 subjects with seven painful conditions. Across the painful conditions, all of the estimated normative mean scores were no more than 50% of the maximum score, suggesting that scores may be skewed to the left. Although the estimated normative mean scores were similar among the seven painful conditions, higher affective scores appeared to differentiate chronic painful conditions from acute painful conditions. Of the 78 MPQ words that describe pain quality, only 19 were selected by more than 20% of the subjects. Data reported in the majority of these studies were inadequate to test for differences in scores or word selection pattern by the seven painful conditions.     

Counterstimulation and pain perception: effects of electrocutaneous vs. auditory stimulation upon cold pressor pain

This study tested the hypothesis that distraction from a painful stimulus is best achieved by concurrent presentation of a similar stimulus. Specifically, it was hypothesized that pain perception would be interfered with, and thus reduced, when a stimulus similar to the sensory features of a painful stimulus was delivered concurrently. Subjects matched aversiveness thresholds for electrocutaneous or auditory stimulation so that both forms of stimulation could be judged to be subjectively of similar affective value. Subjects were then run in the cold pressor test for 2 min. While control subjects for each modality were not administered counterstimulation concurrently with cold pressor exposure, experimental subjects within each modality condition received concurrent counterstimulation. Magnitude estimation ratings of the aversiveness of counterstimulation were provided concurrently with cold pressor pain ratings, every 30 sec. The results indicated that, as predicted, subjects exposed to concurrent electrical stimulation produced lower pain ratings than subjects exposed to auditory stimulation and controls. In addition, a mutual interference effect between the cold pressor and the tactile counterstimulation was found: subjects also rated electrical stimulation as a less aversive than auditory stimulation over the duration of the cold pressor test.     

儿童活动水平评定量表的中国城市常模

目的制定儿童活动水平评定量表 (WWPARS)中国城市常模 ,进行信度和效度检验。方法在全国城市中小学采集172 8例 (男 863例 ,女 865例 ) ,年龄 6～ 17岁 ,由家长填写WWPARS量表。结果年幼儿童较年长儿童得分高 ,男孩较女孩得分高。信度 :重测信度、分半信度、Cronbach的α系数及项目与总分的一致性良好。效度 :多动症组大多数项目分及总分均高于常模组 ;与PSQ的品行问题、多动指数和总分及家庭场合问卷有较好的平行效度。因子分析提取 6个因子与原量表一致 ;以ICD -10多动性障碍诊断标准作效标 ,WWPARS对多动症组的诊断灵敏度为 72 % ,诊断一致性为 0 .69。结论WWPARS常模具有代表性 ,信度和效度符合统计学要求 ,对活动过度行为有一定的辅助诊断价值     

Differences in pain perception in women using concentric and monopolar needles

OBJECTIVE: To examine pain perception using concentric needle electrodes and monopolar needle electrodes in an all-female study group without underlying hand or arm pain complaints, using study subjects as their own controls. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. Two muscles--the biceps and abductor pollicis brevis (APB)--were examined using both a concentric needle electrode and a monopolar needle electrode. SETTING: University community. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty healthy female employees at the University of Utah and Primary Children's Hospital were enrolled. All completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain scores. Posttest verbal analog pain scale (0-10) measures were obtained after each muscle was studied. A subset of subjects (n=51) was asked to identify needle preference after completion of the study. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean pain scores between the concentric needle electrode and the monopolar needle electrode (3.06 and 3.10, respectively; P=.803). The APB muscle was significantly more painful than the biceps muscle with both needle types (mean pain scores, 3.92 and 2.24, respectively; P<.001). In the subset of subjects asked to identify needle preference after completion of the study, 21 chose a concentric needle electrode and 30 a monopolar needle electrode. This difference was not statistically significant. However, verbal analog pain scores were lower with the needle preferred by each subject (P<.20). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in mean pain scores reported between a concentric needle electrode and a monopolar needle electrode. Subjects were clear on the needle they preferred, and the pain scores reported for the less painful needle were lower than those for the other needle.     

Odor perception in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity

Since symptoms typical for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are induced by exposure to low levels of chemicals, we hypothesize that MCS represents an impaired recognition of odors or an increased emotional reaction to common odors. Twenty-five subjects with MCS, 20 women and 5 men, and 50 gender-and-age matched controls participated in this study. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT) were administered. In addition to selecting the most probable odor among the four, the subjects were asked their impression of each odor. Odor identifiability evaluated by the scores of two tests, were almost equal in MCS and control groups. The mean CC-SIT odor per person with pleasant feeling was lower in MCS than in controls. The mean odor per person creating an unpleasant sensation was higher in MCS than in the controls. Gingerbread was the only odor making MCS subjects more pleasant than the controls. Nine out of 40 UPSIT odors were felt as unpleasant by MCS subjects more than by controls. This study indicates that MCS subjects are able to identify the odors equally as well as the controls but feel unpleasant to a larger number of odors than the controls. Despite unknown mechanisms of the altered odor perception in MCS, the application of these tests for diagnostic procedure of MCS is proposed.