bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis in Object Diameter Estimation based on Single and Multiple Non-Destructive and Discrete Infrared Sensors
Authors: M. Thamrin Norashikin , Mohd. Arshad Norhashim , Adnan Ramli , Sam Rosidah , Abd. Razak Noorfazdli , Misnan Mohammad Farid , Mahmud Siti Fatimah
Published: March 2014

In Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique, recognizing and marking the landmarks in the environment is very important. Therefore, in a commercial farm, rows of trees, borderline of rows as well as the trees and other features are mostly used by the researchers in realizing the automation process in this field. In this paper, the detection of the tree based on its diameter is focused. There are few techniques available in determining the size of the tree trunk inclusive of the laser scanning method as well as image-based measurements. However, those techniques require heavy computations and equipments which become constraints in a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle implementation. Therefore, in this paper, the detection of an object by using a single and multiple infrared sensors on a non-stationary automated vehicle platform is discussed. The experiments were executed on different size of objects in order to investigate the effectiveness of this proposed method. This work is initially tested on the ground, based in the lab environment by using an omni directional vehicle which later will be adapted on a small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle implementation for tree diameter estimation in the agriculture farm.  In the current study, comparing multiple sensors with single sensor orientation showed that the average percentage of the pass rate in the pole recognition for the former is relatively more accurate than the latter with 93.2 percent and 74.2 percent, respectively.
Effects of human fibronectin and human serum albumin sequential adsorption on preosteoblastic cell adhesion
Authors: Hindié Mathilde , Camand Emeline , Agniel Rémy , Carreiras Franck , Pauthe Emmanuel , Van Tassel Paul
Published: March 2014

Fibronectin (Fn) is widely reported to promote cell adhesion and spreading, and recent reports attest to the synergistic effect of coadsorbed albumin (unexpected due to the passivating character of the latter protein). In this study, the sequential adsorption of fibronectin and albumin, and the morphology of cultured MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells are investigated on three important biomaterial surfaces: silicon oxide, poly(styrene) (PS), and hydroxyapatite (HA). Using quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation analysis, the adsorbed protein composition and mechanics are determined. Interestingly, cell morphological changes correlate neither with the amount of Fn nor the rigidity of the protein layer. On the PS surface, Alb is seen to significantly diminish cell spreading, possibly due to Alb aggregation with a partially denatured initially placed Fn layer. HA appears to be a particularly favorable substrate for osteoblast adhesion, despite having low Fn adsorption and protein layer rigidity.
Computing global minimizers to a constrained B‐spline image registration problem from optimal l1 perturbations to block match data
Authors: Castillo Edward , Castillo Richard , Fuentes David , Guerrero Thomas
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

Block matching is a well‐known strategy for estimating corresponding voxel locations between a pair of images according to an image similarity metric. Though robust to issues such as image noise and large magnitude voxel displacements, the estimated point matches are not guaranteed to be spatially accurate. However, the underlying optimization problem solved by the block matching procedure is similar in structure to the class of optimization problem associated with B‐spline based registration methods. By exploiting this relationship, the authors derive a numerical method for computing a global minimizer to a constrained B‐spline registration problem that incorporates the robustness of block matching with the global smoothness properties inherent to B‐spline parameterization.

Methods:

The method reformulates the traditional B‐spline registration problem as a basis pursuit problem describing the minimall1‐perturbation to block match pairs required to produce a B‐spline fitting error within a given tolerance. The sparsity pattern of the optimal perturbation then defines a voxel point cloud subset on which the B‐spline fit is a global minimizer to a constrained variant of the B‐spline registration problem. As opposed to traditional B‐spline algorithms, the optimization step involving the actual image data is addressed by block matching.

Results:

The performance of the method is measured in terms of spatial accuracy using ten inhale/exhale thoracic CT image pairs (available for download atwww.dir‐lab.com) obtained from the COPDgene dataset and corresponding sets of expert‐determined landmark point pairs. The results of the validation procedure demonstrate that the method can achieve a high spatial accuracy on a significantly complex image set.

Conclusions:

The proposed methodology is demonstrated to achieve a high spatial accuracy and is generalizable in that in can employ any displacement field parameterization described as a least squares fit to block match generated estimates. Thus, the framework allows for a wide range of image similarity block match metric and physical modeling combinations.
Rowing Performance, Body Composition, and Bone Mineral Density Outcomes in College-Level Rowers after a Season of Concurrent Training
Authors: Young Kaelin C. , Kendall Kristina L. , Patterson Kaitlyn M. , Pandya Priyanka D. , Fairman Ciaran M. , Smith Samuel W.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

To assess changes in body composition, lumbar-spine bone mineral density (BMD), and rowing performance in collegelevel rowers over a competition season.

Methods:

Eleven Division I college rowers (mean ± SD 21.4 ± 3.7 y) completed 6 testing sessions throughout the course of their competition season. Testing included measurements of fat mass, bone-free lean mass (BFLM), body fat (%BF), lumbar-spine BMD, and 2000-m time-trial performance. After preseason testing, rowers participated in a periodized training program, with the addition of resistance training to the traditional aerobic-training program.

Results:

Significant (P < .05) improvements in %BF, total mass, and BFLM were observed at midseason and postseason compared with preseason. Neither lumbar-spine BMD nor BMC significantly changed over the competitive season (P > .05). Finally, rowing performance (as measured by 2000-m time and average watts achieved) significantly improved at midseason and postseason compared with preseason.

Conclusion:

Our results highlight the efficacy of a seasonal concurrent training program serving to improve body composition and rowing performance, as measured by 2000-m times and average watts, among college-level rowers. Our findings offer practical applications for coaches and athletes looking to design a concurrent strength and aerobic training program to improve rowing performance across a season.
Developmental Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin and Tazobactam Using Plasma and Dried Blood Spots from Infants
Authors: Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Watt Kevin M. , Zhou Chenguang , Bloom Barry T. , Poindexter Brenda , Castro Lisa , Gao Jamie , Capparelli Edmund V. , Benjamin Daniel K. , Smith P. Brian
Published: March 2014

Piperacillin-tazobactam is often given to infants with severe infection in spite of limited pharmacokinetics (PK) data. We evaluated piperacillin-tazobactam PK in premature and term infants of ages <61 days with suspected systemic infection. Infants received intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam (80 to 100 mg/kg of body weight every 8 h [q 8 h]) based on gestational and postnatal age. Sparse plasma samples were obtained after first and multiple doses. Drug concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. PK data were analyzed using population nonlinear mixed-effect modeling. Target attainment rates for the time unbound piperacillin concentrations remained above the MIC for 50% and 75% of the dosing interval at steady state were evaluated. Bias in population PK parameter estimates was assessed for dried blood spot (DBS) samples, and a comparability analysis was performed for DBS and plasma drug concentrations using linear regression. We obtained 128 plasma samples from 32 infants, median gestational age of 30 weeks (range, 23 to 40 weeks) and postnatal age of 8 days (range, 1 to 60). Piperacillin and tazobactam PK models included body weight (WT) and postmenstrual age (PMA) as covariates for clearance and WT for volume of distribution and were used to optimize dosing in infants. DBS drug concentrations were 50 to 60% lower than those in plasma, but when combined with plasma concentrations and a matrix effect, the data generated PK model parameters similar to those for plasma alone. With PMA-based dosing (100 mg/kg q 8 h, 80 mg/kg q 6 h, and 80 mg/kg q 4 h for PMA of ≤30, 30 to 35, and 35 to 49 weeks, respectively), 90% of simulated infants achieved the surrogate therapeutic target of time above the MIC (≤32 mg/liter) for 75% of the dosing interval.
Potential of Ergosterol Synthesis Inhibitors To Cause Resistance or Cross-Resistance in Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Ghelardi Emilia , Celandroni Francesco , Gueye Sokhna Aissatou , Salvetti Sara , Senesi Sonia , Bulgheroni Anna , Mailland Federico
Published: March 2014

Superficial mycoses caused by
Trichophyton rubrum
are among the most common infections worldwide.
T. rubrum
infections are difficult to treat and are often associated with recurrences after interruption of the antifungal therapy. Nevertheless, reports on
T. rubrum
resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs are rare. In this study, we compared the
in vitro
resistance frequencies and development of resistance to terbinafine, itraconazole, amorolfine, and ciclopirox in
T. rubrum
. Results demonstrated that naturally occurring mutants were isolated at a frequency of 10
−7
for itraconazole and 10
−9
for terbinafine and amorolfine. To mimic conditions of body sites in which low drug levels are reached during therapy,
T. rubrum
was propagated for 10 transfers in media containing subinhibitory drug concentrations. Resistance to itraconazole, terbinafine, and amorolfine emerged at a higher frequency than was seen with spontaneous mutation. Itraconazole-resistant mutants also showed decreased susceptibility to amorolfine as well as to terbinafine, and amorolfine-resistant mutants were also less susceptible to terbinafine. No mutant resistant to ciclopirox was isolated, suggesting no propensity of
T. rubrum
to develop resistance to this drug. How different drug mechanisms of action can influence the onset of resistance is discussed.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Pharmacokinetics of Standard- and Increased-Dosage Lopinavir-Ritonavir Coformulation Tablets in HIV-Positive Pregnant Women
Authors: Santini-Oliveira Marilia , Estrela Rita de Cássia Elias , Veloso Valdiléa Gonçalves , Cattani Vitória Berg , Yanavich Carolyn , Velasque Luciane , Torres Thiago Silva , Marins Luana Monteiro Spindola , Pilotto José Henrique , João Esaú Custódio , Gonçalves José Carlos Saraiva , Grinsztejn Beatriz
Published: March 2014

A lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r)-based regimen is recommended during pregnancy to reduce the risk of HIV mother-to-child transmission, but the appropriate dose is controversial. We compared the pharmacokinetics of standard and increased LPV/r doses during pregnancy. This randomized, open-label prospective study enrolled 60 pregnant women between gestational weeks 14 and 30. The participants received either the standard dose (400/100 mg twice a day [BID]) or increased dose (600/150 mg BID) of LPV/r tablets during pregnancy and the standard dose for 6 weeks after childbirth. Pharmacokinetics analysis was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Adherent participants who received the standard dose presented minimum LPV concentrations of 4.4, 4.3, and 6.1 μg/ml in the second and third trimesters and postpartum, respectively. The increased-dose group exhibited values of 7.9, 6.9, and 9.2 μg/ml at the same three time points. Although LPV exposure was significantly higher in the increased-dose group, the standard dose produced therapeutic levels of LPV against wild-type virus in all adherent participants, except one patient in the third trimester; 50%, 37.5%, and 25%, and 0%, 15%, and 0% of the participants in the standard- and increased-dose groups failed to achieve therapeutic levels against resistant viruses during the second and third trimesters and after childbirth, respectively. After 12 weeks of treatment and after childbirth, all adherent participants achieved undetectable HIV viral loads, and their babies (49/54) were uninfected. No serious drug-related adverse events were observed. We conclude that the standard dose is appropriate for use during pregnancy and that an increased dose may be necessary for women harboring resistant HIV. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00605098.)
Decreased Susceptibilities to Retapamulin, Mupirocin, and Chlorhexidine among Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Causing Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Otherwise Healthy Children
Authors: McNeil J. Chase , Hulten Kristina G. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Mason Edward O.
Published: March 2014

Topical antimicrobial and antiseptic agents are commonly used in the management of minor skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Resistance to mupirocin has been documented in
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates causing SSTIs. Data are limited, however, on the prevalence of retapamulin resistance or tolerance to antiseptics. We sought to determine the prevalence of decreased susceptibility to retapamulin and mupirocin as well as the potential for decreased chlorhexidine susceptibility of
S. aureus
isolates from SSTIs in children. Two hundred isolates from patients with a single SSTI and 200 isolates from patients with ≥3 previous episodes from the years 2010 to 2012 were selected from an
S. aureus
surveillance study. Screening for retapamulin resistance was performed by the broth macrodilution method; mupirocin MICs were determined by Etest. PCR was performed for the presence of the
smr
gene associated with elevated MICs/minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) to chlorhexidine. Among the isolates screened, 38 isolates (9.5%) exhibited retapamulin resistance, of which 22 (57.9%) were methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). Two isolates (0.5%) displayed cross-resistance to retapamulin and linezolid. Thirty-nine isolates (9.8%) were found to have mupirocin resistance.
smr
-positive
S. aureus
accounted for 14% of isolates. The proportion of
smr
-positive organisms increased during the study (
P
= 0.005). The prevalence of
in vitro
resistance to topical antimicrobials among
S. aureus
isolates causing SSTI in healthy children in our community is almost 10%. Retapamulin resistance was associated with cross-resistance to linezolid in 0.5% of isolates. In addition, there was an increase in the proportion of
smr
-positive isolates. Further research including clinical correlations with these findings is warranted.
Targeted Small Interfering RNA-Immunoliposomes as a Promising Therapeutic Agent against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Infection
Authors: Khantasup Kannika , Kopermsub Phikulthong , Chaichoun Kridsada , Dharakul Tararaj
Published: March 2014

This study describes a proof-of-concept study on the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-immunoliposomes as a therapeutic agent against H5N1 influenza virus infection. siRNA specific for influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) mRNA was employed as the key antiviral agent to inhibit viral replication in this study. A humanized single-chain Fv antibody (huscFv) against the hemagglutinin (HA) of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) was used as the targeting molecule to HA of H5N1 virus, which is abundantly expressed on the surface of infected cells (the HA target cells). The huscFv was applied to cationic polyethylene glycol-conjugated 3β-[N-(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethane) carbamoyl] cholesterol–dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (PEGylated DC-Chol–DOPE) liposomes to generate immunoliposomes for siRNA delivery. The immunoliposomes were shown to specifically bind HA-expressing Sf9 cells and demonstrated enhanced siRNA transfection efficiency. The siRNA transfection efficiency was significantly reduced after preincubation of the HA target cells with an excess amount of free huscFv. These results therefore demonstrated that the enhanced siRNA delivery by use of immunoliposomes was mediated via targeting by huscFv. Furthermore, the siRNA silencing effect was more pronounced when the immunoliposomes were administered 6 to 12 h post-H5N1 infection in MDCK cells compared with the nontargeted liposomes. This proof-of-concept study may contribute to the future design and development of an siRNA delivery system for combating viral infectious diseases in humans.
TolC-Dependent Modulation of Host Cell Death by the Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain
Authors: Doyle Christopher R. , Pan Ji-An , Mena Patricio , Zong Wei-Xing , Thanassi David G.
Published: March 2014

Francisella tularensis
is a facultative intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia. We previously identified TolC as a virulence factor of the
F. tularensis
live vaccine strain (LVS) and demonstrated that a Δ
tolC
mutant exhibits increased cytotoxicity toward host cells and elicits increased proinflammatory responses compared to those of the wild-type (WT) strain. TolC is the outer membrane channel component used by the type I secretion pathway to export toxins and other bacterial virulence factors. Here, we show that the LVS delays activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in a TolC-dependent manner, both during infection of primary macrophages and during organ colonization in mice. The TolC-dependent delay in host cell death is required for
F. tularensis
to preserve its intracellular replicative niche. We demonstrate that TolC-mediated inhibition of apoptosis is an active process and not due to defects in the structural integrity of the Δ
tolC
mutant. These findings support a model wherein the immunomodulatory capacity of
F. tularensis
relies, at least in part, on TolC-secreted effectors. Finally, mice vaccinated with the Δ
tolC
LVS are protected from lethal challenge and clear challenge doses faster than WT-vaccinated mice, demonstrating that the altered host responses to primary infection with the Δ
tolC
mutant led to altered adaptive immune responses. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TolC is required for temporal modulation of host cell death during infection by
F. tularensis
and highlight how shifts in the magnitude and timing of host innate immune responses may lead to dramatic changes in the outcome of infection.
Spontaneous bladder rupture of a urinary bladder with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Hadjipavlou Marios , Tharakan Tharu , Khan Shahid A A , Swinn Michael
Published: March 2014

We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who developed spontaneous bladder rupture after picking up his suitcase from a squatting position. He was known to have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), managed previously with transurethral resections and intravesical chemotherapy. CT scan showed a large amount of free intraperitoneal fluid anterior to the bladder, suggestive of a urinoma. Management was initially conservative, with insertion of urethral catheter, intravenous antibiotics and fluid resuscitation. Follow-up CT scan showed resolution of the urinoma with the patient making a full recovery after 3 weeks.
Mesenteric ischaemia secondary to portomesenteric venous thrombosis, 2 weeks post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a cirrhotic patient
Authors: Hughes Daniel Llwyd , Worrall Samantha Jade , Khan Hamid , Cochrane Richard
Published: March 2014

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following sleeve gastrectomy is rare. There are limited documented cases within the literature. The presentation of PVT varies on a spectrum from mild non-specific abdominal symptoms to life endangering clinical emergencies. This is the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented to the surgical assessment unit with acute onset abdominal pain 2 weeks post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity. The initial diagnosis was that of a gastric sleeve leak. The patient deteriorated clinically and underwent a CT scan of her abdomen. This revealed the presence of an acute thrombus filling the portal vein with extension into the superior mesenteric vein branches. There were radiological changes suggestive of acute small bowel ischaemia. The patient underwent a laparotomy in theatre and 50 cm of the necrotic small bowel was resected. Postoperative care was carried out in the intensive care unit for 15 days.
Photoblepharokeratoconjunctivitis caused by invisible infrared radiation emitted from a green laser pointer
Authors: Khedr Yahya A H , Khedr Abdulla H
Published: March 2014

There are a wide variety of laser pointers sold to the general public. Among those are the high-powered diode-pumped solid-state lasers (>5 mW), which do not follow the laser safety regulations for packing, and are sold as regular lasers without the infrared (IR) filters. In this case report, we encountered a patient with photoblepharokeratoconjunctivitis caused by the invisible IR radiations emitted from a green laser pointer. Owing to the thermal effect of the invisible IR rays led to the disease.
Librium for bed 1, a bottle of scotch for bed 2
Authors: Welman Ted , Wong Jan Man , Le Vay Rebecca , Kader Pairaw
Published: March 2014

A 47-year-old ex-nurse presented to the emergency department having consumed an unknown quantity of antifreeze. She was found to have a high level of ethylene glycol (the toxic component of antifreeze) in her bloodstream. Treatment is with either fomepizole or ethanol. She was treated with a loading dose of 2.5 mL/kg followed by 0.58 mL/kg/h of oral ethanol, equating to a maintenance dose of 35 mL of whisky every hour. She was placed on the gastroenterology ward next to two alcoholics recovering from acute withdrawal. It is important to appreciate the potential difficulties posed by scenarios of this type in order to provide optimum care both for the patient and those situated on the ward in the immediate vicinity. There is a requirement to compare the efficacies of fomepizole and ethanol therapy in the UK in order for a decision to be made on the most cost-effective first-line treatment.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INJURIES IN A WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SEVENS WORLD CUP SQUAD
Authors: Gabb N , Trewartha G , Kemp S , Stokes KA
Published: March 2014

Background

Little is known about injury patterns in women's rugby sevens.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of match and training injuries sustained by elite female rugby sevens players during preparation for and during the world cup.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

England Women's Rugby Sevens World Cup Squad.

Participants

17 members of the England Women's Rugby Sevens World Cup training squad.

Independent variables

Match and training exposure.

Main outcome measurements:

Match and training injury incidence and severity.

Results

34 time-loss injuries (12 match and 22 training) were recorded during 2308 hours of exposure (64 hours match-play and 2244 hours training). Match and training injury incidence rates were 187/1000 hours (95% CI: 106-330) and 10/1000 hours (95% CI: 7–15), respectively. Mean severity of match injuries was 33 days (median=14 days), and 40 days (median=15 days) for training injuries. Typically, match injuries were acute onset (10 out of 12 injuries; 83%) and occurred during contact (8 out of 12; 67%). In contrast, 15 out of 22 (68%) training injuries were non-contact with an associated injury burden of 369 days absence per 1000 training hours. Over two thirds of these non-contact injuries were associated with running and the remainder recorded as chronic injuries.

Conclusions

Match injury incidence in this small cohort was higher than in women's 15s (36/1000 hours) (Tayloret al., 2011) and in men's sevens (106/1000 hours) (Fulleret al., 2010). In addition, training injury incidence rate is much higher than has been reported previously. Given that a total of 827 days were lost to non-contact training injuries, a specific focus on injury reduction in this context could have a major impact on player availability.
DECREASED TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA (TNF-Α) IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY: FURTHER EVIDENCE AGAINST THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN THE CHRONIC STAGE
Authors: Gaida J , Alfredson H , Forsgren S , Cook J
Published: March 2014

Background

Altered expression of several cytokines and growth factors has been shown in biopsies of tendinopathy tissue. Biopsy studies are however challenged by capacity to obtain i) healthy tissue for comparison, ii) multiple samples to monitor cytokine dynamics, and iii) tissue from recent onset tendinopathy. An alternative is to study cytokines in blood samples. Whether cytokines in blood samples reflect tissue levels and the degree of tendinopathy is unknown.

Objective

To measure serum concentration of six cytokines and growth factors suggested to have a role in tendon response to load among individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy and controls.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, serum cytokine concentrations were measured from fasting blood samples on the BioPlex-200.

Setting

Sports Medicine Unit, Umeå University.

Participants

Participants were recreationally active individuals. Achilles tendinopathy (n=22) was diagnosed on clinical criteria and confirmed with ultrasound examination. The control group (n=10) had no history of tendon pain and had normal ultrasound findings.

Independent variables

Serum concentration of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and vascular-derived endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were the independent variables.

Main outcome measurements

A diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy (yes/no) was defined as the key outcome variable prior to data collection.

Results

TNF-α concentration was lower in the tendinopathy group than the control group (P=.018); there were no other group differences.

Conclusions

The observations indicate a lowering of the TNF-α concentration in the chronic phase of Achilles tendinopathy. As TNF-α levels are elevated in chronic inflammatory conditions, this reinforces that chronic Achilles tendinopathy is not an inflammatory disorder. Collecting a blood sample to study disease biomarkers leaves the tendon intact and therefore this design can be used to study cytokine dynamics with multiple sampling during disease progression and recovery.
CENTRE OF PRESSURE EXCURSIONS IN HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONALLY UNSTABLE PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWING A SINGLE LEG DROP JUMP LANDING; ANALYSING A SUBCONSCIOUS TIME PERIOD
Authors: Gautrey C , Watson T , Mitchell A
Published: March 2014

Background

Centre of pressure (COP) excursions have been repeatedly investigated in sufferers of functional ankle instability (FAI). No study to date has analysed COP excursions in a subconscious time frame. The average fastest reaction time in young males has been identified as 200 ms, therefore anything prior to this would be beyond human conscious control. Analysis of this subconscious time period may identify deficits that are sometimes not observed when analysing a conscious time frame.

Objective

To determine whether FAI participants suffer from subconscious (200 ms) and conscious (3 second) neuromuscular deficits compared to healthy controls, as measured by COP excursion.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

A convenience sample was used to recruit twenty males with unilateral FAI and twenty male healthy controls. Inclusion criteria included males, aged 18–25 years, who were right leg dominant.

Intervention

Three single leg drop jump landings from a 30 cm high bench onto a force platform. Subject group and balance analysis times were the independent variables.

Main outcome measure

COP excursion in centimetres in the anterior, posterior, anteroposterior, medial, lateral and mediolateral directions, following a single leg drop jump landing.

Results

When analysing the 200 ms data there was a significant (P<.0125) increase in lateral and mediolateral COP excursions in the unstable and stable ankles of the FAI group when compared to the dominant and non-dominant ankles of the healthy group. No other significant differences were identified.

Conclusion

The FAI participants COP excursions were increased, but only on a subconscious level. It may be possible that after the initial 200 ms the individual is able to regain stability with conscious postural modifications. COP excursions were increased within the time frame that an ankle sprain would usually occur. Therefore, this increase may be a risk factor for repeated sprains in FAI sufferers.
TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF THREE SETUP POSITIONS DURING ISOKINETIC ANKLE INVERSION-EVERSION EXERCISE
Authors: Gautrey C , Watson T , Mitchell A
Published: March 2014

Background

Strength testing of the ankle musculature using the isokinetic dynamometer is often undertaken by sports clinicians and is of great importance for screening, rehabilitation and injury prevention. Injuries such as ankle sprains may be preventable if the risk factors can be addressed; however, the success of such screening procedures depends on the accuracy and reproducibility of the methods used.

Objective

To determine the test-retest reliability of three setup positions during isokinetic ankle inversion-eversion exercise, and to investigate the effect of setup position on peak torque and total work.

Design

Randomised test-retest study.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory. Participants played at a semi-professional level of soccer.

Participants:

A convenience sample was used to recruit sixteen healthy male participants. Inclusion criteria included males, aged 18–25 years, who participated in semi-professional soccer and who were right leg dominant.

Risk factor assessment

Three maximal concentric ankle inversion-eversion repetitions at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360° · s−1, during 10° dorsiflexion, neutral dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, and 10° plantarflexion.Set up position and isokinetic speed were the independent variables.

Main outcome measure

Peak torque and total work in newton metres in the three setup positions.

Results

The results indicated that the 10° plantarflexion position was the most reliable setup, with ICC results ranging from 0.84–0.95 for peak torque and total work, at speeds 60 through 240°· s−1, during ankle inversion and eversion. The results also showed significantly greater (P<.0167) peak torque and total work values for the 10° plantarflexion position.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider adopting this new ankle setup when screening or rehabilitating athletes as the most reliable results were identified. The 10° plantarflexion position also most accurately represented the peak performance of the muscles tested, as peak torque and total work were maximised in this position.
THE EFFECT OF LOCALISED AND GLOBALISED FATIGUE ON CENTRE OF PRESSURE EXCURSIONS IN HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONALLY UNSTABLE PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWING A SINGLE LEG DROP JUMP LANDING; ANALYSING A SUBCONSCIOUS TIME PERIOD
Authors: Gautrey C , Watson T , Mitchell A
Published: March 2014

Background

It has been reported that fatigue and stability deficits may be predispositions to musculoskeletal injury in functional ankle instability (FAI) sufferers. Analysis of subconscious time periods (initial 200 ms) may identify deficits in FAI sufferers that are not observed when analysing a conscious time frame.

Objective

To determine whether FAI participants suffer from subconscious neuromuscular deficits compared to healthy controls, as measured by COP excursion, following localised and globalised fatigue.

Design

Non-randomised experimental.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

A convenience sample was used to recruit twenty males with unilateral FAI and twenty male healthy controls. Inclusion criteria included males, aged 18-25 years, who participated in semi-professional soccer and who were right leg dominant.

Risk factor assessment

Two localised fatigue protocols were investigated; isokinetic ankle inversion-eversion exercise and hip abduction-adduction exercise. Maximal repetitions were performed until three consecutive repetitions fell below 50% of participants 1RM. The soccer specific Drust protocol was used to elicit globalised fatigue. Three single leg drop jump landings from a 30 cm high bench onto a force platform were performed before and after fatigue. Subject group and fatigue protocols were the independent variables.

Main outcome measure

COP excursion in the anterior, posterior, anteroposterior, medial, lateral and mediolateral directions, following a single leg drop jump landing, before and after localised and globalised fatigue.

Results

The globalised soccer specific fatigue protocol caused the greatest significant increase (P<.0125) in medial, lateral and mediolateral excursion in both ankles of the FAI and healthy groups. The hip and ankle localised fatigue protocols found a significant increase (P<.0125) in COP excursion in the lateral and mediolateral directions in the FAI group alone.

Conclusion

Clinically, the results show that the fatigued individual may be at greater risk of injury, especially during more globalised prolonged exercise involving multiple joints, such as a simulated soccer protocol.
THE EFFECT OF LOCALISED AND GLOBALISED FATIGUE ON MUSCLE LATENCY IN HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONALLY UNSTABLE PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWING A SIMULATED ANKLE SPRAIN
Authors: Gautrey C , Watson T , Mitchell A
Published: March 2014

Background

Anecdotally, most injuries occur during the final third of the second half of a soccer match when fatigue is present. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated muscular latency times to a simulated ankle sprain mechanism before and immediately after localised and globalised fatigue.

Objective

To determine whether functional ankle instability (FAI) participants suffer from a neuromuscular deficit compared to healthy controls, as measured by muscle latency following localised and globalised fatigue.

Design

Non-randomised experimental.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory. Participants played at a semi-professional level of soccer.

Participants

A convenience sample was used to recruit twenty males with unilateral FAI and twenty male healthy controls. Inclusion criteria included males, aged 18–25 years, who participated in semi-professional soccer and who were right leg dominant.

Risk factor assessment

Two localised fatigue protocols were investigated; isokinetic ankle inversion-eversion exercise and hip abduction-adduction exercise. Maximal repetitions were performed until three consecutive repetitions fell below 50% of participants 1RM. The soccer specific Drust protocol was used to elicit globalised fatigue. Three perturbations on a standing tilt platform simulating the mechanics of an inversion and plantar-flexion ankle sprain were performed before and after fatigue. Subject group and fatigue protocols were the independent variables.

Main outcome measure

Muscle latency in milliseconds of the peroneus longus, tibialis anterior and gluteus medius to the tilt platform perturbation, before and after localised and globalised fatigue.

Results

All fatigue conditions when compared to the pre-test showed no significant difference in muscle latency for all muscles tested, in both groups.

Conclusion

It has been suggested that injuries occur during the latter stages of soccer when fatigue is present. The present study found that localised and globalised fatigue did not lead to increased muscle latencies, and therefore, other factors must be present that lead to this increased injury rate.
EFFICACY OF A PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION-INHERENT INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM
Authors: Goossens L , Cardon G , Witvrouw E , De Clercq D
Published: March 2014

Background

Since physical education teacher education (PETE) students have to deal with a considerable amount of non-contact injuries to the lower limbs (Goossenset al., 2013), strategies relying on preventive exercises might reduce injury incidence in this population.

Objective

Is a prevention program for injuries to the lower limbs efficacious in reducing the injury incidence and does it enhance functional performance, self-reported behaviour and consciousness, motivation and knowledge towards injury prevention?.

Design

The study followed a historically controlled design with prospective injury registration and a pre-post design without control group concerning the other outcomes.

Setting

Freshmen academic bachelor PETE students (±7 hours of intracurricular sports activities weekly) of three consecutive years took part in the study.

Participants

The control group (CG) consisted of 128 freshmen students in academic year (AY) 2010–11 and 102 freshmen students in AY 2011–12. The intervention group (IG) consisted of 88 freshmen students in AY 2012–13.

Intervention

The prevention program ran during 1 AY and had 2 main components: an injury awareness program (information brochure, theoretical course, posters, website, technical training) and the application of active strategies (warm-up, cool-down, stretching, dynamic stabilization, functional strength and core stability).

Main outcome measurements

Injury risk and incidence rate were the primary outcomes. Functional performance of Lateral Step Down (LSD) and Single Leg Hop and Hold for Distance (SLHHD), self-reported behaviour, consciousness, motivation and knowledge towards injury prevention were secondary outcomes.

Results

The IG had a lower injury risk (0.77 Vs. 0.89) and incidence rate (2.34 Vs. 2.72) than the CG. Self-reported behaviour (P<.01), consciousness (P<.01) and knowledge (P=.01) towards injury prevention and functional performance of LSD (P<.01) and SLHHD (P<.01) were significantly better after the intervention.

Conclusions

An intervention for the prevention of injuries to the lower limbs in PETE students is efficacious, but more feasibility studies are needed.
EQUIPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT OF FITNESS FACILITIES: THE PERSPECTIVE OF FITNESS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES
Authors: Gray S , Keyzer P , Norton K , Dietrich J , Sekendiz B , Coyle I , Finch C
Published: March 2014

Background

Fitness facilities provide an avenue for people to engage in physical activity, however it is important that these facilities do all in their power to reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring. The attitudes and practices of those employed in the fitness industry with respect to risk management are important for implementation of injury prevention measures, as are risk management procedures currently in place.

Objective

To identify views of the fitness industry employees about injury risks and hazards associated with equipment and training environments within fitness facilities and their risk management and hazard identification practices in relation to them.

Design

A 6-week nationwide online survey.

Setting

Australia-wide fitness industry.

Participants

1 178 adults across Australia who own, manage or work in the fitness industry.

Main outcome measurements

Responses to 6-point Likert scale questions.

Results

79.1% of survey respondents held the safety of the fitness premises in high importance, and 80.2% stated that the location and condition of their facility (access, lighting, floor surfaces etc.) was very/extremely safe. The layout of equipment in the facility was very/extremely good in 61.9% of cases, and fitness equipment maintenance was reported to have been conducted frequently by 68.5% of the respondents. Fitness employees frequently observed hazardous conditions of the exercise areas with respect to objects lying around (43.8% of cases), equipment misuse (41.9% of cases), and facility users lifting weights that were considered too heavy (47.8% of cases).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that facility users should be provided with further education regarding their physical activity programs and behaviours that could reduce injury risk, and that guidelines for using the facility should be made more obvious. The findings also indicate that fitness industry employees should be given risk management training, and that in facilities where hazards were observed and hazardous practices are engaged in, that risk analysis and management protocols need to be implemented.
SINGLE-LEG HOP BIOMECHANICAL ADAPTIONS FOLLOWING AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM
Authors: Greska E , Cortes N , Mincy C , Ambegaonkar J , Caswell S , Onate J
Published: March 2014

Background

Injury prevention programs (IPP) have demonstrated positive results in reducing the incidence of traumatic lower extremity (LE) injuries. However, it is not well documented how biomechanical alterations caused by IPP's contribute to improved physical performance.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an IPP on bilateral LE biomechanics during a single-leg hop task (SLH).

Design

Quasi-experimental.

Setting

Collegiate Soccer Players.

Participants

16 athletes (19.3±1.0 years; 1.67±0.05 m; 62.7±5.9 kg) free of any LE injuries.

Interventions

A 3-D motion-capture system assessed LE biomechanics at pre- and post-IPP, while participants performed 3 SLH (cm) bilaterally from a force-plate. A 10-week IPP, which included agility and plyometric drills, was integrated into the normal team practice during the off-season period.

Main outcome measurements

Mean peak knee flexion (KF) and abduction (KA) were appraised during propulsion phase (PP), takeoff, touchdown, and landing phase (LP). Peak ground reaction forces (GRF), normalized to body weight, were also measured during PP. Repeated measures ANOVAs assessed the effects of training and leg dominance.

Results

Pre-IPP, SLH displacement significantly differed between legs (P=.013), and post-IPP, training significantly improved for both legs (P=.026), resulting in a significant interaction effect (P=.035). KF significantly decreased pre-to-post-IPP at PP for training (P=.017) and dominance (P=.015). KA significantly differed pre-to-post-IPP during PP for training (P=.025) and dominance (P=.026), takeoff for training (p=0.016), touchdown for training (P=.001), and LP for training (P=.002). Pre-to-post-IPP, training significantly increased GRF anteriorly (P=.001).

Conclusions

Previous researchers have suggested increased LE injury risk due to inter-limb differences. Our results demonstrated inter-limb equivalence in SLH force-production and displacement post-IPP, with KA shifting toward a more neutral frontal-plane alignment. Thus, the increased ability and frontal-plane neutrality exhibited between legs may be an influencing factor in how the IPP can reduce LE injury risk.
IMPROVED TEST CRITERIA FOR PROTECTORS IN PARAGLIDING HARNESSES CONSIDERING TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY, INJURIES AND INJURY MECHANISMS
Authors: Griesmayr M
Published: March 2014

Background

The German hang-glider association reports that approximately 60% of serious injuries resulting from hang-glider accidents are to the spine. The market-approval of back protectors encompasses an impact test.

Objective

When the impact test was introduced, information concerning accident situations was scarce. The objective of this study is to investigate how the impact test can be improved.

Design

Relevant load cases were derived from a survey among 61 pilots which have sustained a spinal injury in a paragliding accident. Paragliding accident videos were analysed in terms of impact velocities and angles. Based on the gathered information an enhanced test procedure was proposed. A Finite Element model of a harness was created and validated against impact tests. The baseline model's performance was evaluated according to the enhanced impact test procedure.

Risk factor assessment

The performance was rated using the Dynamic Response-model (DR) and the maximum acceleration.

Results

The current impact test covers approximately 50% of impact scenarios. In terms of impact velocity far less than 25% of impacts are covered by the current test procedure.

Conclusions

An enhanced test procedure with a vertical impact velocity of 8m/s and an impactor mass of 80 kg is suggested, considering impacts to the side, to the front, to the rear and to the bottom of the protector. The enhanced test procedure covers 80% of impact scenarios, 50% of impact velocities and about 50% of occupants in terms of weight. For the evaluation of injury risk the DR was suggested, as it is sensitive to the load direction. It is shown that current protectors will likely fail in the enhanced test procedure. However, the FE study also shows that room for improvement still exists with regards to the shape of protectors and materials used.
ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE OUTCOMES OF SHOULDER INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN NON-INJURED OVERHEAD ATHLETES – A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Grygorowicz M , Lubiatowski P , Witold D , Romanowski L
Published: March 2014

Background

The incidence of shoulder injuries in overhead sports is high. Despite this high rate, insufficient evidence is available on the efficacy of preventive training programs.

Objective

To analyze the absolute and relative outcomes of shoulder injury prevention programs in non-injured overhead athletes.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Setting

Amateur and professional.

Participants

Athletes of different throwing sports.

Interventions

We analyzed different prevention approaches in injury prevention programs, based on neuromuscular components, proprioceptive training, strength, plyometric exercises or other specific prophylaxis exercises. The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDro. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO data (PROSPERO 2013: CRD42013005769). Detailed search strategy is available from http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42013005769. Articles quality was assessed according to the 11-item Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database (PEDro) Scale.

Main outcome measurements

Primary: absolute parameters of the effectiveness of injury prevention programs, such as the reduction of shoulder injury rate during the analyzed period of time. Secondary: relative outcomes such as improvement in biomechanical factors (e.g. throwing velocity, isokinetic strength) as a result of the applied injury prevention and/or performance enhancement programs.

Results

Our searches identified 827 potentially relevant articles. By reviewing titles and abstracts, we identified 26 articles examining the efficacy of shoulder injury prevention programs in overhead athletes. There were no paper reporting absolute outcomes. As the relative outcomes authors most frequently used: shoulder strength, power, throwing velocity, range of motion.

Conclusions

Conflicting evidence has been found. Not all of the PEDro criteria could be satisfied, as the experimental crossover design implemented by the majority of studies resulted in subject and therapist blinding not being possible. High-quality studies investigating the shoulder injury prevention are needed to reduce the incidence of injuries in non-injured overhead athletes.