Fresh ankle osteochondral allograft transplantation for tibiotalar joint arthritis.

Background: Conventional treatment for tibiotalar joint arthritis relies on arthrodesis or prosthetic arthroplasty. Fresh osteochondral allografting is an alternative procedure to replace diseased articular cartilage.

Methods: Eleven patients (average age 43 years; range 18 to 65 years) had fresh osteochondral grafting of the tibiotalar joint.

Mood disturbance in community cancer support groups. The role of emotional suppression and fighting spirit.

Objective: In this cross-sectional study, we tested whether the coping styles of emotional suppression and fighting spirit were associated with mood disturbance in cancer patients participating in professionally led community-based support groups even when demographic, medical, and group support variables were taken into account.

Methods: A heterogeneous sample of 121 cancer patients (71% female, 29% male) completed the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC), a measure of perceived group support, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).

Results: Consistent with hypotheses, lower emotional suppression and greater adoption of a fighting spirit, in addition to older age and higher income, were associated with lower mood disturbance.