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Psychosocial difficulties have been reported in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, yet only few studies have assessed the impact of altered appearance following HNC treatment using theoretically selected measures of appearance-related distress. This study investigated appearance-related adjustment following HNC, and demographic and socio-cognitive predictors of adjustment. HNC patients (n=49) completed baseline questionnaires and a nine-month postal follow-up (n=20). Participants showed considerable variation in appearance-related adjustment, with females reporting higher levels of appearance-related distress (derriford appearance scale [DAS-24]) than females in the general population and male HNC survivors. Depression scores on the hospital anxiety and depression scale were higher than UK norms whilst anxiety was similar to UK norms. There were no significant differences between baseline and follow-up data. Fear of negative evaluation (a central feature of social anxiety) was a significant predictor of appearance-related adjustment at baseline, whilst dispositional optimism was a significant predictor of appearance-related adjustment at baseline and follow-up. Qualitative responses showed themes of appearance and disability, and coping strategies. Findings suggest that appearance-related adjustment post-HNC varies considerably and psychosocial services working with HNC patients should consider this broad pattern of response. Future research to examine the role of socio-cognitive predictors of appearance-related adjustment could progress development of effective psychological interventions.

Most interventions focussed on the delivery of asthma education to children, with the purpose of improving knowledge about asthma and disease management. There is limited evidence to suggest that interventions currently available are effective for significantly improving HRQOL amongst asthmatic children, adolescents, and their families. Most interventions lacked a theoretical basis and did not focus on family functioning variables. Multi-component interventions that incorporate asthma education along with strategies to assist families with implementing behaviour change towards improved asthma management are required. Future interventions should also attempt to address the wider context of family functioning likely to contribute to the family's ability to engage in successful asthma management in order to improve HRQOL.

Although parents of children with asthma show willingness to access web-based parenting support, further work is necessary to develop engaging websites and determine barriers to uptake, and adherence to online parenting interventions with this population.

Electron capture mass spectrometry of phenylsulfonyl-1,4-benzoquinone and some of its di-and trimethyl homologues and of 2-phenylsulfonyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, using CO 2 -buffered thermal electrons demonstrates the existence in the plasma of two competing processes: loss of C 6 H 4 , suggested to be benzyne, from the semiquinone anion radical, and loss of C 6 H 5 , as a phenyl radical, from the corresponding hydroquinone formed by concomitant reduction of the quinone in the source. Fragmentation to C 6 H 4 predominates when the 3-position (vicinal to phenylsulfonyl) of the quinone is unsubstituted. Similar fragmentations are observed for the corresponding phenylsulfonylhydroquinones, which are oxidized in situ to the quinones. Fragmentation mechanisms are suggested.