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Introduction: This is a narrative overview of the pathophysiology, investigation and management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM). This review article also takes a look ahead to the impact high resolution MRI may have on treatment. Background: DCM is the most common cause of spinal dysfunction and yet it remains poorly understood. It is becoming increasingly common in our ageing population. Disc and facet joint abnormalities, osteophytes, spondylothisthesis and ligamentous hypertrophy all act together to produce spinal canal and neuronal foramina stenosis which in turn causes neural compromise. Its impact on the quality of life of this patient group and the wider economy is vast. Some patients with overt cord compression and MRI signal change in their cervical cord may only have subtle clinical signs whilst others with less striking imaging may be profoundly myelopathic. Who to operate on and when remains a neurosurgical dilemma in this group of patients. Methods: A number of articles with a broad variation in methodology were reviewed and referenced during the production of this paper. Results: This paper is a narrative review. The results presented in all the referenced articles were considered. Conclusion: The process of developing new imaging techniques will give a greater understanding of the causes of the symptoms of DCM and in a wider context facilitate further surgical and medical strategies that are more cost effective and beneficial to patients. The advent of 7T MRI or further optimisation of safer 3T MRI sequences may soon provide this opportunity and the diagnostic gap in spinal cord imaging can begin to close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies examining the effect of student mobility on achievement test scores were reviewed. Other risk factors, such as low family income and ethnic minority status, were often found to influence mobility equally. Scores from selected grade levels in an urban, midwestern school district were collected, using a nationally normed, standardized test and state assessments in reading and mathematics. Low achievement scores were associated more highly with internal mobility (students moving within the school district) than with external mobility (students moving into or out of the school district). However, mobility was determined to be confounded with family income and ethnic category membership and have less effect than either of those 2 factors. Implications for state-level policy decisions were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This validity study compares the Parent-Teacher Conference Guide grading system with another system based on teachers' experience. In addition to assigned third-quarter grades, teachers provide alternative ratings of effort and achievement and predict student scores on a standardized group achievement battery. Results indicate that: (a) teachers do discriminate between effort and achievement; (b) teachers can make better predictions toward external measures of achievement when they use a standard based on professional experience; and (c) the experience-based ratings offer a better fit with the concept of achievement as an interaction of effort and ability. These results offer encouraging support for the soundness of teacher judgment as a subjective, but necessary, component in any grading system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the author's insights regarding his experience of attending a morning meeting at St George's Hospital as a year one neurosurgical trainee wherein referrals and scans from the previous were discussed and presented as well as the approach of teaching taking place during the meeting.