[Comparative ultrasound visualization of clinically relevant structures for evaluating the infant hip joint utilizing trapezoidal vs. parallel transducers].

Purpose: Sonographic evaluation of the infant hip joint according to the method of Graf has proven to be an important pediatric investigative instrument. Our goal was to investigate quantitatively whether (and in what ways) the clinically relevant infant hip joint structures visualize differently when utilizing trapezoidal as opposed to linear transducers. Our approach was both theoretical via a mathematical model and practical with in-vivo measurements in neonates.

Recommendations for health care professionals to improve compliance and treatment outcome among patients with cognitive deficits.

A significant body of research demonstrates that alcoholics and drug addicts presenting for treatment have poor attention and concentration, memory, abstraction, and problem-solving skills even after a significant detoxification period. Such deficits result in poor understanding of medical and psychological treatment recommendations, which is likely to decrease treatment compliance. Although psychological test results are frequently available, many health care professionals are unfamiliar with the implications of deficits signaled by test scores.

The Effects of the Safe-sun Program on Patrons' and Lifeguards' Skin Cancer Risk-reduction Behaviors at Swimming Pools.

The 'Safe Sun' program had the goal of increasing patrons' and lifeguards' skin-protective behaviors and involved informational, prompting, feedback and goal-setting and incentive components coupled with pool lifeguards modeling protective behaviors such as wearing shirts, hats and sunglasses or staying in shaded areas. During two phases of a project involving 27 pools, it was found that while the program increased patrons' and lifeguards' protective behaviors, the largest changes were found at one pool where lifeguards were required to participate in the program. Patrons' protective behaviors at this pool increased from 30.

Problems in the application of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) in rural substance abuse services.

The aim of this research was to test the utility of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) in a rural community substance abuse outpatient treatment center and to predict future alcohol and drug problems based on ASI information. Substance abuse counselors used the ASI to assess the problems of 89 adult clients at intake, and research staff assessed drug use outcomes 3 months later. There were significant improvements between intake and follow-up on the scores on the alcohol, drug, legal, and family sections of the ASI.