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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, or PH Group 1), a disease of aberrant pulmonary vascular remodeling, causing progressive right heart failure (RHF) due to elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Patient mortality risk stratification guides choice and intensity of pharmacological intervention and is assessed by haemodynamics (especially PVR) as well as noninvasive tools including WHO functional class (FC), 6‐min walk distance (6MWD), and NT‐proBNP levels. Quality of life (QOL) assessment is acknowledged as a central aspect of patient‐centered care, but our study sought to extend QOL's role as an additional noninvasive risk marker that could further refine risk stratification and hence therapeutic choices within a "treatment to target" paradigm (aiming to achieve low‐risk status). This study found that QOL assessment using the PAH‐SYMPACT© physical activity tool provided enhanced, independent mortality risk information, with one unit rise in this score associated with a 41% increase in likelihood risk (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.98 (p < 0.05)) of falling within intermediate versus low‐group category. We therefore found further support for additional prognostic value being conferred by measurement of QOL as part of routine PAH evaluation, reinforcing its critical role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores ways high school principals are responding to the demands of education reform to raise student test scores on achievement tests used for accountability purposes. Anecdotal evidence suggests administrators have instituted pizza parties and pep rallies to motivate students to do their best and practice tests to prepare students academically. We interviewed principals to find out how they are both motivating and preparing their students for high-stakes tests. The goal of this research is to investigate how widespread these and other activities are and to see if the principals believe these strategies are indeed raising scores. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)

Eight pre-schools took part in offsite and onsite speech and language training to improve their interaction skills with children and learn some group language activities. An evaluation was undertaken where practitioners at one pre-school were videoed running a language activity before and after training. The video was analysed to assess change in adult and child interaction. All practitioners who had undertaken the training were interviewed to find out about its impact in their setting. The research showed statistically significant improvements in the children's communication. Practitioners reported positive benefits to their own and children's skill development.

The literature shows that many parents of young people do not have enough information, advice, and support in bringing up their children. This article describes an innovative project, undertaken by the Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA), which evaluated the use of newsletters as a form of support for the parents of young people. Following consultation with parents and young people, four newsletters were produced in a "magazine" style. The newsletters were distributed to over 4000 parents across the UK. An evaluation was undertaken, involving longitudinal interviews with 40 families and over 800 telephone interviews with parents. This showed the newsletters to be an effective form of information and support for the majority of parents. However, the results also highlighted a number of issues to be considered in using newsletters as a parenting intervention, including levels of literacy, English as an additional language, social class, and reaching fathers as well as mothers.

The article announces awards given to physiotherapists including the Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Award to Stephen May of Sheffield Hallam University, the Distinguished Service Award to Julie Shepherd McKenzie Institute Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Practitioners (MIMDTP) clinical interest group (CIG).

I would appreciate any information on models of medical cover in intermediate care services.