Preoperative and postoperative intestinal bypass patients were evaluated. Results suggest that postoperative bypass patients have improved psychological health and an increased sense of freedom and well-being but may need assistance in improving self-concepts. (Author)

The Nedelsky procedure and two modified versions of the Ebel procedure were used by judges to set pass-fail levels on a medical certification examination in general surgery. Results indicated that the approaches produced different passing scores. The Ebel procedures displayed higher reliability than the Nedelsky approach. (Author/RD)

Small systems of neurons are discussed as they relate to studies of simple animals and the generating of behavior from interacting systems. (SA)

When assessed for speech/language development, 31 children (age 1-12) fitted with endotracheal tubes for more than 3 months beginning by age 13 months showed overall language functioning within normal limits and commensurate with cognitive ability. However, a pattern of expressive language disability was noted in the oldest group. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 120 laryngectomees regarding lifestyle changes, information needs, and feelings about the surgery indicated that more and better pre- and post-operative counseling of laryngectomees was needed. Male laryngectomees differed from females in their feelings about the surgery, their emotional support systems, and their perceived usefulness…

Eight preschool children who underwent tracheotomy during the prelingual period were compared to matched controls on a variety of speech measures. Children with tracheotomies showed reduced acoustic vowel space, suggesting they were limited in their ability to produce extreme vocal tract configurations for vowels postdecannulation. Oral motor…

The classification scheme for periodontal diseases developed in 1989 is discussed, and technologies, both surgical and nonsurgical, for prevention, control, and regeneration of periodontal tissues are described and compared. Research needs are discussed. (MSE)

Compared patient and spousal perceived support during the cardiac surgery recovery period and explored effects of social support on patient/spouse subjective mood states for 117 couples. Social support buffered the impact of caregiving burden on mood disturbance for caregiving spouses but did not significantly impact physical or mental health…

This article reports and comments on the Western Canada--Auditory Verbal Conference held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in June 1992. It summarizes research on cochlear implants and research on auditory verbal approaches to remediation. (DB)

Pressure-flow characteristics were determined for four different one-way valves (Kisner, Montgomery, Olympic, and Passy-Muir) used for speech production in tracheotomy patients. Results indicated significant differences in resistance among the valves, with the resistance of one valve substantially greater than that of the normal upper airways.…

The impacts of independent study and the lecture approach on student test scores and study time were compared for 205 medical students studying surgery. Learning objective, multiple-choice, and essay questions were developed for selected topics related to surgery. Findings support increased individual active learning strategies and decreased…

Interrater reliability in numerical ratings of clerkship performance (n=1,482 students) in five surgery programs was studied. Raters were classified as accurate or moderately or significantly stringent or lenient. Results indicate that increasing the proportion of accurate raters would substantially improve the precision of class rankings. (MSE)

A study investigated research training experiences of surgical faculty in one medical school. Information concerning individual characteristics, preresidency research experiences, research training attitudes, important research experiences, and current activity was elicited. Results confirmed that early experiences allowing interaction with…

This paper examines 16-year trends in the utilization of hospital and physician services by Manitobans aged 75 and more, using data from the Manitoba Population Health Research Data Repository. Trends are examined across five measures of hospital services (separations, short-stay days, long-stay days, cataract surgeries, and hip/knee replacements)…

Two studies examined breast cancer patients' perceptions of their partners' reactions to their diagnosis and treatment as influences on 3 aspects of patients' well-being: psychosexual adjustment, emotional distress, and marital satisfaction. Study 1, cross-sectional, indicated that partner initiation of sex, frequency of sex, a positive 1st sexual…