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The current study builds on research concerning self-other agreement, specifically the Trait-Reputation-Identity (TRI) Model, and combines this theoretical approach and recent advances from multitrait-multimethod research, specifically the CTC(M-1) and the latent difference model. This combination was applied to avoid statistical problems associated with latent trait models of the type previously used in TRI Model research. A further aim was to fully exploit the TRI Model's potential by simultaneously modeling more than one trait in one psychometric model. This makes it possible to explore whether raters use similar information to assess different traits or whether this information is observer-specific, as well as whether the traits themselves can shape an individual's Reputation. All analyses were based on a data set capturing the Dark Triad. As the Dark Triad has only rarely been examined from different rater perspectives before, the study also provides new insights into this network of maladaptive traits. A sample of 290 students, their best friends, and one parent were asked to fill out the NPI, Mach IV, and SRP-III. The results suggest that accuracy is high only for narcissism. Moreover, a dark halo could be observed among each of the other-raters for Machiavellianism and psychopathy; target's standings on these two traits were also underestimated by the other-raters. The study's combined use of the TRI Model and modern structural equation methods highlights the usefulness of the TRI Model and adds to the debate about the specific nature of Dark Triad traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secular trend of reduced physical fitness (PF) leads to increased health risks. The aim of the present paper is to analyse various current factors that affect health behaviour with respect to the course of PF over 2 years. A path analysis combined with a latent growth curve analysis was based on a study that was conducted between June 2008 and June 2010 with 145 primary German school children (52.1% male, average age at baseline 7.95 years ± 0.95). PF was tested with the German Motor Test 6–18. For the mean PF and the course of PF, direct and indirect influences were shown over three levels, including migration background on the first level and physical activity (PA) on the second level. Body mass index (BMI) impacted the mean PF but not the course of PF. The influence of sedentary behaviour on the mean PF was diminished (compared to bivariate analysis) due to its common variance mainly with BMI. PA affected not only current PF in children but also the course of PF (aintercept =.28, P =.001; aslope =.27, P =.21). Consequently, preventive measures should focus on early adoption and maintenance of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study aims to investigate whether our dark side not only leads to aggressive behavior against others but also to direct deliberate self-harming behavior when the ego is threatened. One hundred and seventy two students of sports science were recruited as participants (60.7% female) with a mean age of 20.98 (SD =1.95). Participants filled out the German versions of the NPI, Mach IV and the SRP-III. To assess direct deliberate self-harming behavior, a white-noise-aggression to others and to self paradigm was used. Findings revealed that mainly the common core of the dark side of personality and not its facets (only narcissism to a very small extent) predicted direct deliberate self-harming behavior. These results highlight the necessity for researching this “vulnerable dark side” to obtain a better understanding of the Dark Triad members acting in situations with ego-threats (especially self-esteem threats). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The aim of the present paper was, first, to analyze a four level biopsychosocial model to examine the interaction of various initial health behaviors and, second, their consequences with respect to the course of physical fitness (PF) and health of adults over the course of 18 years. Design: Longitudinal study based on medical examinations and self-ratings. Method: Path analysis along with latent growth curve analysis was based on the German study about the relationship of physical activity, fitness and health (1992–2010). Data were collected from 495 adults (243 women) with an average age of 45.03 years in 1992 (SD = 7.45). Participants were randomly selected from the official registers of local residents' registration offices in the community of Bad Schönborn. Results: For the mean PF and health levels in 1992, direct and indirect influences were shown on four levels including socioeconomic status and immigration on the first level, outcome expectations and stress coping strategies on the second level as well as eating patterns and physical activity on the third level; furthermore, the course of PF and the course of health (from 1992 until 2010) were affected by the initial behaviors (physical activity and eating patterns in 1992); finally PF and health were not related. Conclusions: Influences on four levels provided evidence for the complexity of PF and health (outcome level). Initial behaviors predicted current PF and health status, as well as their course. Thus, preventive measures should ensure that healthy behaviors are adopted early in adulthood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: The present study investigated whether sociodemographic factors and physical activity (PA) are associated with differences in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and whether these differences are associated with varying levels of endurance performance and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. Subjects and Methods: Path analyses were based on data of a nationwide, cross-sectional German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children (KiGGS; 2003 until 2006) for 25(OH)D and the embedded 'motor function module' for PA and endurance performance. The data were collected from 3,437 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years clustered in three age groups: 6-10, 11-13 and 14-17 years. Results: PA is affected by socioeconomic status and (non-)immigration background, 25(OH)D is only affected by (non-)immigration background and only in childhood. PA and 25(OH)D were not associated in those aged 11-13 years. In adolescence, lower 25(OH)D levels are associated with lower endurance performance and a higher BMI. Conclusions: Our results did not reveal a universally significant effect of sociodemographic factors on 25(OH)D. The association between 25(OH)D and endurance performance might reflect the effects of 25(OH)D on muscle function. Predictors of 25(OH)D status other than sunlight exposure and its health effects in the pediatric age group should be explored further. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Identifying factors that influence children's and adolescents’ participation in physical activity (PA), as well as their physical fitness (PF), is essential for the development of effective intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare influential socio-demographic factors that affect PA such as socio-economic status (SES), rural–urban differences, immigration and age, as well as the effects of age and PA on PF as differentiated by gender. Subjects and Methods: German children between 6 and 9 years and adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age (n = 2574) participated in the representative, nationwide, cross-sectional ‘Motorik’-Module study between 2003 and 2006. Results: Results revealed that immigrant children and children with a lower SES background were less physically active and that this inactivity subsequently resulted in lower levels of PF as compared with non-immigrant children and children with a higher SES background. PA was further positively associated with age for children. All of these three socio-demographic factors were comparably meaningful for PA. In adolescents, the only PA-relevant socio-demographic parameter was SES with lower PA again resulting in lower PF levels observed in adolescents from lower income families. PF in childhood as well as adolescence was mostly positively affected by age, followed by PA, except for in female adolescents for whom PA and age were nearly equally significant. Conclusions: An intervention aiming to improve PA levels, and consequently PF levels, must, with respect to age and gender, refer to SES, as well as immigration background, but not to rural–urban differences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: There are limited data regarding activity after osteochondral transplantation of the talus in orthopaedic publications.Hypothesis: Osteochondral transplantation of the talus is a clinically successful treatment and enables patients to pursue regular and ongoing recreational sporting activities.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: One hundred thirty-one patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine their sporting and recreational activities at an average of 60 ± 28.4 months postoperatively (range, 24-141 months). The clinical evaluation included the Tegner activity scale, the Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.Results: The VAS illustrated significant preoperative to postoperative improvements (6.3 to 2.7; P < .001). Regarding sporting activity, 96.9% of the patients were engaged in sports during their lifetimes compared with 83.8% the year before surgery and 89.3% at the time of survey. The Tegner score dropped from 5.9 preoperatively to 5.0 after surgery (P = .001), and the ARS decreased from 8.9 preoperatively to 6.8 postoperatively (P = .003). The sports frequency and the duration of activities did not significantly change after surgery: 1.7 ± 2.0 (range, 0-8; P = .053) and 4.2 ± 3.8 hours (range, 0-30 hours; P = .052), respectively. The number of actual reported different sports disciplines was unchanged in comparison to the year before surgery (3.7 ± 2.9; range, 0-12). The top 10 cited sports activities did not change for the lifetime, preoperative, and postoperative periods but illustrated an altered order. Although the overall satisfaction with the surgery was good, 15% of our patients were only partially satisfied, and 14% were not satisfied with the procedure.Conclusion: Patients engage in fewer, less frequent sporting activities when a symptomatic osteochondral lesion (OCL) at the talus is present. Talar osteochondral transplantation shows good clinical midterm results and allows patients to return to sporting activity. However, we found patients modify their postoperative sporting activities, and we noted a reduction of participation in high-impact and contact sports. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: (1) To monitor longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), pain, knee function, and return to work (RtW) following high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA), and (2) to investigate the influences of psychopathological comorbidities on preoperative impairment and post-operative course.Methods: Sixty-four patients were prospectively followed for 24 months after HTO to determine HRQOL, pain, functional outcome, and RtW. Psychopathological comorbidities (e.g. depression) were determined preoperatively. Patients with no psychological distress (ND) were compared to patients with psychological distress (PD) in order to investigate the influence of psychopathological comorbidities on outcome.Results: There was a significant increase in HRQOL and decrease in pain from 6 month follow-up on. Functional outcomes increased significantly from 12 month follow-up on. In general, there was a steady state of outcomes from 6- to 12-month follow-up on. At final follow-up, 90 % returned to their previous occupation without limitations. Mental component summary (MCS) and functional outcome showed a positive correlation with RtW, while depression had a negative one. A significantly inferior outcome of group PD versus ND was observed at baseline and early follow-up. RtW was significantly prolonged in group PD (8.9 ± 7.6 vs. 3.9 ± 3 months; p < 0.001). At final follow-up, both groups presented with comparable outcomes.Conclusion: HTO for medial compartment OA significantly improves HRQOL, pain, and knee function. Time to RtW is high and critically depends on PD. Further, extend of preoperative impairments, an initially inferior course, and inferior MCS outcome was influenced by PD. However, otherwise no significant differences were observed between groups PD and ND at final follow-up.Level Of Evidence: Prospective case series, II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the ankle are a common injury after ankle sprains, especially in young and active patients. The Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) is the only 1-step surgical technique designed to replace the entire osteochondral unit.Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the OATS procedure for the talus and compare the results of patients who have had prior surgical interventions with patients for whom OATS represents the primary surgical treatment.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 26 talus OATS procedures (25 patients) with an average follow-up of 84 months (range, 53-124 months); 9 patients had OATS as a second surgical intervention. The patients completed the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Tegner scores plus the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were conducted on a 1.5-T whole-body magnet that assessed transplant congruency, adjacent surface of the talus, the corresponding distal tibia, and joint effusion.Results: The authors found significant increases for the AOFAS score (50 to 78 points, P < .01) and the Tegner score (3.1 to 3.7, P < .05) and a significant decrease for the VAS (7.8 to 1.5, P < .01) from preoperative to postoperative. Patients with normal integration or minor incongruity of the transplant on magnetic resonance imaging (81%) had significantly better AOFAS scores (P = .03). Other magnetic resonance imaging criteria did not predict clinical results. Patients for whom OATS represented a second procedure had significantly worse clinical AOFAS and Tegner scores plus a higher VAS.Conclusion: Long-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results after osteochondral transplantation are good and patients significantly benefit from this surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging should not be a routine control but appears to be indicated when clinical symptoms persist after osteochondral transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to shed light onto the nomological network of the Dark Triad (DT) and the Five Factor Model (FFM) by investigating their facet levels using network analysis. Firstly, the networks of the DT and the FFM facets were analyzed separately and secondly, their combined network was considered in order to observe changes. 491 participants filled out several established measures to assess the constructs at facet level. Each model was analyzed regarding node strength, closeness and betweenness. Central-stability coefficients and bootstrapped difference tests were performed on these centrality indices. Our main findings indicate that interpersonal manipulation (psychopathy) is central in the DT network, while erratic lifestyle and callous affect (both psychopathy) are the most important DT facets in a combined network with FFM facets. The FFM network seems to change only slightly when the DT facets are added and DT facets cluster according to their domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]