bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARE WE CURRENTLY UNDERESTIMATING THE RISK OF SCRUM-RELATED NECK INJURIES IN RUGBY UNION FRONT-ROW PLAYERS?
Authors: Brown J , Lambert M , Hendricks S , Readhead C , Verhagen E , Burger N , Viljoen W
Published: March 2014

Background

In comparison to other aspects of play in rugby union, the scrum is a relatively controlled event, which is governed by numerous safety laws. Also, the scrum, in comparison to other events occurs relatively infrequently and yet is still associated with a number of severe injuries to one positional grouping – the front-row forwards (two props and a hooker).

Objective

Previous reports may have underestimated the true risk of a scrum-related neck injury to the front-row players due to an assumption that more players are exposed to this injury risk than epidemiological studies indicate.

Design

A theoretical methods paper based on previously published data.

Setting

Nationwide, all ages and levels of competition.

Participants

Front-row rugby players with scrum-related neck injuries.

Assessment of risk factors

We compared the estimated rate of injury with the same number of injury events, but with varying numbers of players in the exposure: (1) all 15 players, (2) the eight forwards and (3) the three front-row forwards. The latter category account for the majority of all scrum-related neck injuries.

Main outcome measurements

N/A.

Results

The incidence rate and thus risk, can be 5 fold greater when calculated for the front-row (3 players) only and not the entire team (15 players) or the forwards, as has been performed previously. By including the other five forwards (8 players in total) or other 12 players in the team (15 players in total) in the exposure calculation, the true risk of scrum-related neck injury could be underestimated as the front-row players account for the majority of all scrum-related neck injuries.

Conclusions

Previously, we may have underestimated the true risk of injury scrum-related neck injuries to the front-row players. Future studies should consider reporting the scrum-related injury risk in the front-row player population only.
IMPROVEMENTS IN INJURY PREVENTION BEHAVIOURS OF RUGBY UNION PLAYERS ASSOCIATED WITH BOKSMART INTERVENTION PROGRAMME
Authors: Brown J , Lambert M , Lubbe S , van Mechelen W , Verhagen E
Published: March 2014

Background

Rugby union (“rugby”) players have an above-average risk of injury compared to participants of other popular team sports. Player behaviour has been identified as a critical area of injury prevention, yet understudied.

Objective

To assess whether rugby player behaviour improved over the concomitant time period of the BokSmart nationwide injury prevention programme.

Design

An anonymous knowledge, attitude and self-reported behaviour questionnaire was completed by tournament players on a yearly basis from 2008-2012. A generalised linear model assessed whether the proportion of “correct” injury-prevention behaviour improved over this five year period.

Setting

Junior (under-18) and senior (adult) annual rugby tournaments.

Participants

Of the 112 junior and 84 senior teams, 111 (99%, n=2279 players) and 81 (96%, n=1642 players) teams opted to complete the questionnaire.

Assessment of risk factors

Besides age, team and year (of tournament): “perceived necessity of a coach safety course–yes/no”, “injury prevention role of coaches/referees/players–yes/no” (role), “previous injury–yes/no (injury)”, “ethnicity” and “position - forward/back” were considered as behavioural determinants.

Main outcome measurements

The assessed behaviours were mouthguard use, warming-up/cooling down, injury management (ice, compression, elevation, heat, alcohol, massage, exercise), techniques (scrum, tackle, ruck) and physical conditioning.

Results

Five of the 18 self-reported behaviours improved significantly (P<.005) between 2008–2012: mouthguard use (practice–36% and matches–28%), cooling down after practice/matches (32% each) and elevating injured limbs (36%). Other behaviours remained unchanged. Other important determinants of other behaviours were team and age.

Conclusions

No behaviours worsened, while five of the injury prevention behaviours have improved since the launch of BokSmart (mid 2009–present). Future studies should ascertain whether the BokSmart programme had a causal effect on the improved behaviours and whether BokSmart is able to improve the remaining behaviours.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BOKSMART INTERVENTION: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND PERCEPTIONS AND INJURY PREVENTION BEHAVIOUR IN RUGBY UNION PLAYERS
Authors: Brown J , Lubbe S , Lambert M , van Mechelen W , Verhagen E
Published: March 2014

Background

Rugby union (“rugby”) players have an above-average risk of injury compared to participants of other popular team sports. The BokSmart programme attempts to reduce injury risk in players through education of injury prevention practices.

Objective

To investigate whether correct knowledge, positive perceptions and education were associated with best-practice injury prevention behaviours in rugby players.

Design

A questionnaire was completed annually by tournament rugby players between 2008–2012. Chi-squared analyses and a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) map investigated associations between 18 behaviours and their corresponding knowledge, perception and education components.

Setting

Junior (under-18) and senior (adult) annual rugby tournaments players.

Participants

Of the 112 junior and 84 senior teams at the tournaments, 111 (99%, n=2279 players) and 81 (96%, n=1642 players) teams opted to complete the questionnaire.

Assessment of risk Factors

Relationship between knowledge, education and perceptions, and injury prevention behaviours for rugby.

Main outcome measurements

The assessed injury prevention behaviours were injury management (ice, compression, etc.) mouthguard use, warming-up/cooling down, practicing techniques (scrumming, tackling, rucking) and physical conditioning.

Results

The average age of players completing the questionnaire was 21±4 years. There was a significant (P<.05) positive relationship between knowledge/education for all 18 behaviours. In contrast, players' perceptions of the efficacy of injury prevention behaviour did not correspond with their self-reported behaviour. These findings were confirmed visually with an MCA map.

Conclusions

The findings above imply that the BokSmart intervention may have been effective in changing behaviour through knowledge and education, but not through perceptions. To improve injury prevention behaviour, BokSmart should focus on improving knowledge and education of players. Future ‘true’ prospective studies should investigate the above relationships, in particular how much influence BokSmart has on player's education/knowledge.
ARE FORCE ASYMMETRIES MEASURED IN JUMP TESTS ASSOCIATED WITH PREVIOUS INJURY IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS?
Authors: Cohen D , Clarke N , Harland S , Lewin C
Published: March 2014

Background

In female athletes, bilateral aysmmetry in peak landing forces during the drop jump is associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk and is proposed as a marker of rehabilitation progression following ACL rupture. Less is known regarding the value of the assessment of these asymmetry in jump tasks in relation to recovery from other lower extremity injuries, particularly in male athletes.

Objective

To evaluate the association between previous injury and bilateral limb asymmetry in peak ground reaction forces during a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a drop jump (DJ).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Professional football club.

Participants

24 first team players.

Risk factor assessment

CMJ and DJ performed on two force platforms placed side by side with one foot on each platform.

Main outcome measurements

Asymmetry in peak force during the take-off and landing phases of a CMJ countermovement jump in healthy players who either had (INJ) or had not (N-INJ) sustained a non-contact lower extremity injury in the preceding season.

Results

Compared to N-INJ, P-INJ mean asymmetry in P-INJ was CMJ takeoff force was 8% higher (CMT-a), in landing force (CML-a) 57% higher, in DJ first landing (DJ1-a) and second landing (DJ2-a) 11% and 31% higher, respectively. None of these differences were significant, but based on Cohen'sd, the difference between INJ and N-INJ in CML-a was large (d=0.65), in DJ2-a was moderate (d=0.39) and in CMT-a and DJ1-a was small (d=0.13 and d=0.28, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in pro footballers jump landing force asymmetry both in CMJ and DJ may be a marker of residual deficits associated with previous lower extremity injury. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether these asymmetries may also be a marker of future injury risk.
MEASURING SHOULDER EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ROTATION STRENGTH WITH A HAND-HELD DYNAMOMETER, AND RANGE OF MOTION USING A GONIOMETER AND A DIGITAL INCLINOMETER: COMPREHENSIVE INTRA- AND INTER RATER RELIABILITY STUDY OF SEVERAL TESTING PROTOCOLS
Authors: Cools A , De Wilde L , van Tongel A , Cambier D
Published: March 2014

Background

Shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength measurements are imperative in the clinical assessment of the overhead athlete in the prevention and rehabilitation of sports related shoulder injuries. The method and type of assessment varies among clinicians and institutions. Until present, no comprehensive study ever examined reliability of a variety of procedures based on different testing equipment, and specific patient or shoulder position.

Objective

To establish absolute and relative reliability for several procedures measuring the rotational shoulder ROM and strength into internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation strength.

Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Participants

30 healthy subjects (15 male, 15 female) with a mean age of 22.1 (±1.4) years.

Risk factor assessment

Subjects were examined by 2 examiners measuring ROM with a goniometer and inclinometer, and isometric strength with a Hand-Held-Dynamometer (HHD) respectively, in different patient's positions, and shoulder's positions. Relative reliability was determined by Intra-Class-Correlation coefficients (ICC). Absolute reliability was quantified by Standard-Error-of-Measurement (SEM) and Minimal-Detectable-Change (MDC). Systematic differences across trials or between testers, as well as differences among similar measurements under different testing circumstances were analyzed with dependent t-tests or ANOVA Repeated Measures (in case of 2 or more than 2 conditions respectively).

Main outcome measurements

Range of motion (in degrees) and isometric muscle strength (in Newton).

Results

Good to excellent intra- and intertester reliability was established for IR and ER ROM and isometric strength measurements, regardless of patient or shoulder position or equipment used (ICC 0.85-0.99). No systematic differences were found across trials or between testers. However patient's position, as well as equipment resulted in different outcome measures.

Conclusions

All procedures examined showed acceptable reliability for clinical use. However, patient position and equipment might influence the results. For sport specific measurements, ROM and strength should be measured in positions, resembling the throwing position.
ELITE ATHLETES AND ORAL HEALTH: A REVIEW
Authors: Ashley P , Cole E , Diorio A , Tanday A , Needleman I
Published: March 2014

Background

Data on the impact of oral health on sporting performance is missing and the epidemiology of oral diseases in the elite athlete population is poorly understood.

Objective

To systematically review available evidence to determine the epidemiology of oral diseases in the elite athlete population and the impact of oral health on sporting performance.

Design

Systematic review of the available literature. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO SPORTDiscus and OpenGrey up to February 2013. Data extraction was carried out with a specially developed form. Data extracted related to the type of study (eg case control, cohort study etc.), methodological quality, sports included and oral health (including its impact on performance). Methodological quality was assessed using a modification of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and CASP critical appraisal checklist.

Setting

Elite division.

Participants

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies with some measure of oral health used as an outcome. Studies assessing the impact of interventions on oral health were not included.

Main outcome measurements

Oral health, methodological quality of included studies.

Results

After screening 9208 citations, 38 studies remained. Most studies investigated trauma (n=31 papers, 82% of all included studies) with the remainder looking at oral health and other outcomes. Studies were subject to multiple methodological biases and use of a wide range of outcomes limited comparison between studies. In general head/face/dental trauma made up a very small proportion of injuries received by athletes during specific tournaments or over a fixed timespan with the exception of wrestling, ice hockey and football. Oral health as expressed by caries was poor in athletes. No studies to date had been designed to assess impact.

Conclusions

There is a lack of data on the oral health of elite athletes and its impact on performance.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL THAT BRIDGES THE ORGANIZATION-PRACTICE BARRIER IN OVERUSE INJURY PREVENTION: AN ACTION RESEARCH STUDY IN SWEDISH ATHLETICS
Authors: Dahlström Ö , Jacobsson J , Timpka T
Published: March 2014

Background

Sports organisations and sportspersons often suffer from an “autonomy-gap” obstructing implementation of interventions against overuse injuries. This obstruction has been described as the organisation-practice (OP) barrier.

Objective

To develop an inter-organisational sports safety promotion model targeted at prevention of overuse injuries by identifying initiatives that lastingly will bridge the OP barrier.

Design

Participatory action research with focus group interviews using the quality function deployment (QFD) technique.

Setting

Swedish athletics involving the Swedish Athletics Association (SAA), clubs, athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in the sport.

Participants

Representatives of Swedish athletics; officials from different divisions of the SAA, coaches, athletes, medical personal, club representatives and parents to youth athletes (year 1: n=12; year 2: n=35).

Qualitative data collected and analyzed

Sports needs (Voice of Sports), organizational requirements, organizational changes.

Main qualitative outcomes

Organizational facilitators of sports safety promotion targeted at prevention of overuse injuries.

Results

Anorganic sports safety modelresulted from the transformation of identified sports needs and organizational requirements into organisational changes. In this model, a dynamic and constantly active organisation-practice membrane reaches across the OP barrier. This organizational membrane consists of an infrastructure supporting continuous exchange of data and information between different actors in athletics. The central component is an Internet-based safety surveillance system covering Swedish athletics as a whole. A ‘Safety Forum’ is used for safety discussions between athletes, researchers, and SAA representatives, and a ‘Coaches’ Corner' allows communication between experienced coaches and younger colleagues.

Conclusions

An inter-organizational sports safety model facilitating collaboration between sports organisations and sportspersons was developed in the setting of Swedish athletics. The principal feature in the model is an infrastructure supporting continuous exchange of data and information between different actors. Further research is warranted to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the novel model in overuse injury prevention.
H REFLEX FROM SOLEUS MUSCLE AFTER ANKLE SPRAIN OF A COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYER
Authors: Daikuya S , Ono A , Yabe K
Published: March 2014

Background

In our previous study, we reported the neuro-muscular function after the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament was changed compared with healthy subjects by electrophysiological study. In this study, the electrophysiological findings were reported in the patient with ankle sprain.

Objective

To clarify that the fluctuation of the excitability of spinal neural function after ankle sprain, we studied the alteration of H-reflex from the soleus muscle in a patient with ankle sprain.

Design and setting

This study was the single case research, which belonged to the basketball team in university first division.

Patient

Subject was 21-year-old male college basketball player, left ankle inversed sprain (grade II). There were swelling, pain and instability. As for the activity of daily life, walking in pain was appeared, and going up and down stairs was needed too much time.

Main outcome measurements

H-reflex from soleus muscle was recorded at before injury (medical check), three days after injury and one month after injury. H-reflex and maximal M wave from the bilateral soleus muscle were evoked at rest and amplitude ratio of H/Mmax (H/Mmax) was calculated and H/Mmax was compared between after and before injury.

Results

H/Mmax was increased at three days after ankle sprain on both injured side and non-injured side compared with both before and one month after injury, and long-latency-reflex was appeared on the only injured side after three days. After one month, electrophysiological findings became the same as before injury.

Conclusions

It was cleared that the excitability of spinal and supra-spinal neural function related to soleus muscle at three days after was increased due to pain, joint effusion and/or instability. Even if a slight injury like ankle sprain, the neural function has to be paid attention at least one month after injury in the field of physiotherapy.
DOES ADEQUATE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA (BA) CAN PREVENT THE EXCESS DECLINE OF PULMONARY FUNCTION OVER TIME AMONG ELITE ATHLETES?
Authors: Dohi M , Nose S , Kamahara K , Watanabe K , Yamaswa F , Ohta K , Kawahara T
Published: March 2014

Background

It is known that the pulmonary function shows a decline over time. There is the potential for an increase of airway damage among athletes who have higher ventilation compared with normal population. This means that the athletes with BA are suffering the doubled risk of airway damage due to their chronic inflammation of asthma and hyperventilation by sport.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate if higher ventilation over time causes airway damage among athletes and the adequate treatment for BA prevents unnecessary airway damage.

Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

Elite athletes, Olympic team.

Main outcome measurement

88 athletes older than 18 years old who participated both Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Olympic Games and underwent spirometry were included in this study. Spirometry measurements of athletes were collected at the pre-competition medical assessment before Beijing and London Olympic Games. The change in the values of spirometry parameters over four years was compared with its predictive values to verify if sports affect athlete's pulmonary function. Athletes were categorized into 4 groups depending on past history, present illness and treatment history of BA.

Results

Athletes who had a past history of BA have a tendency for the worse value than the predictive value in FEV1(forced expiratory volume in one second). However the change of value over four years has not shown significant difference. The other hand, asthmatic athletes who have an adequate treatment have not shown a different value to predictive values and the value did not show any chorological change over four years.

Conclusion

The decline of pulmonary function over time was found in athletes. Our study suggests that exercise may not affect the aggravation of obstructive abnormality on asthmatic athletes with a proper treatment for BA.
INJURY AND ILLNESS RISKS DURING OUTDOOR EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS: ANALYSIS OF HELSINKI 2012 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Authors: Edouard P , Depiesse F , Branco P , Alonso JM
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the improvement in the medical surveillance system, and to continue the identification and analyses of the incidence and characteristics of newly incurred injuries and illnesses during major Athletics Championships, in order to discuss injury and illness risk factors.

Design

Prospective recording of newly occurred injuries and illnesses.

Setting

The 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Participants

The 1342 registered athletes, and the physicians and physiotherapists from the national team and local organising committee.

Main outcome measures

Incidence and characteristics of new injuries and illnesses.

Results

Regarding the medical surveillance system, all countries with more than 15 registered athletes (n=30; 60% of 50 national teams) participated in this study covering 1244 athletes (92.7% of 1342 registered), with report forms response rate of 90.7%.

Overall 132 injuries were reported, representing an incidence of 97.6 injuries per 1000 registered athletes, and 61 (47%) resulted in time-loss from sport. The main injury diagnoses were hamstring strain, ankle sprain, lower leg strain, and trunk muscle cramps. Overuse (38%) was the predominant cause, but non-contact trauma represent 25% of injury causes. Injury risk was higher in male and increased with age. Injury risk during finals was significantly higher than during qualifying rounds. The highest incidences of injuries were found in combined events and middle- and long-distance events.

27 illnesses were reported, with most of upper respiratory tract infections and gastro-enteritis/diarrhoea. Illness risk factors remains unclear.

Conclusions

The injury and illness surveillance system seems to have improved since the first Athletics studies. During elite Athletics Championships, the gender, age, finals and some disciplines seem to be injury risk factors. Illness risk factors remains unclear. Preventive interventions should focus on overuse injuries, hamstring strains, and adequate rehabilitation of previous injuries, and to decrease the risk of infectious diseases transmission (on appropriate event scheduling, appropriate sports clothes on weather conditions and heat acclimatization).
CHANGES OF MAXIMAL POWER OUTPUT OF LOWER EXTREMITY DURING A DECATHLON
Authors: Edouard P , Morin JB , Samozino P
Published: March 2014

Background

In decathlon, a higher injury risk over other Athletics disciplines has been reported. It may be caused by neuromuscular fatigue, which may be induced by repeated maximal efforts over the two days of competition.

Objectives

To determine the change in lower extremity power output over the course of a decathlon in order to better define/understand 1) the functional demands represented by decathlon, 2) the muscular mechanical capabilities determining decathlon performance, and 3) their potential relationships with injury risk factors.

Design

Cross-sectional controlled study.

Setting

Field conditions during the 2010 French National Decathlon Championships.

Participants

6 national-level athletes and 11 representative control subjects.

Main outcome measures

The change in lower extremity power output, and its force and velocity components, was tested on the basis of maximal squat jump and cycling sprint measurements, at the beginning and end of the two days of competition.

Results

No differences in squat jump and cycling sprint values were found between each testing time (P>.05), while significant lower squat jump values for control participants were reported at the second day beginning (P<.05).

Conclusions

No significant changes in lower extremity muscle power output were reported over the course of a decathlon, suggesting no substantial neuromuscular fatigue was induced by two days of decathlon competition. We can therefore reasonably assume that the accumulation of fatigue (and/or neuromuscular fatigue, if any) does not play a major role in injury risk in decathlon. Higher injury risk reported in decathlon may be due to the sum of the injury risks of the 10 events. Our study could be considered as a pilot study, and future studies should be done to confirm these preliminary results.
THE EFFECTS OF AN EIGHT WEEK ANKLE INJURY PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAMME ON RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS BALANCE AND AGILITY: A WITHIN SUBJECT DESIGN
Authors: Fisher P , Paton B , Mias E
Published: March 2014

Background

A protective effect from neuromuscular training (NMT) has been demonstrated in basketball (Cumps et al, 2007). However, only limited evidence exists linking NMT and improvements in performance (Noyes et al, 2012).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess for change in performance following the completion of an abridged version of an NMT programme aimed at reducing ankle injury rates in basketball players.

Design

A cohort trial where all players were evenly assessed and included in the programme.

Settings

Basketball players from two basketball institutions (High school league). 10 International- 14 non-international players (age 16–19 years).

Participants

39 players initially: 34 (12F- 22M) in the end (5 drop-outs).

Intervention

Players were assessed on the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Agility T Test (ATT) before they undertook 8 weeks of supervised progressive NMT that included balance tasks, jump tasks and cutting maneuvers. Subject's performance markers were re-tested upon completion of the programme.

Main outcome measurements

This study suggests that the supervised delivery of an 8-week NMT programme based on injury prevention in basketball results in significant improvements in performance markers.

Results

Statistically significant improvement in performance was seen in the SEBT in 11 of the 16 test directions following completion of the NMT (P≤.01). Composite SEBT values showed statistically significant improvement (P≤.05). Improvements in ATT were also seen upon completion of the NMT programme (P≤.05). Analysis of change in SEBT composite scores and ATT times showed no significant difference in improvement between sexes, injury history and playing level (P≥.05). Analysis of left and right legs in SEBT showed significant differences within subjects' Pre NMT (P≤.05), but Post NMT differences were no longer significant (P>.05).

Conclusion

This program should be considered as a prevention tool during the pre-season and/or as a key part of the discharged criteria following an ankle injury.
A COACHING WORKSHOP IMPROVES COACH INTENTION BUT DOES NOT TRANSLATE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF A ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM
Authors: Frank B , Register-Mihalik J , Marshall S , Padua D
Published: March 2014

Background

There is limited evidence describing methods and challenges for implementing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs (IPP) in a “real-world” context.

Objective

Evaluate the effects of a ACL IPP workshop on elite-division youth soccer coaches' behavioral determinants to implement a ACL IPP, and describe coaches' subsequent ACL IPP implementation compliance.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

Elite-division youth soccer club.

Participants

A convenient sample of 34 soccer coaches (age=34.6±9.1 yrs) of elite-division youth soccer club teams.

Interventions

We administered a workshop aimed at increasing coaches' behavioral determinants to implement a ACL IPP. Coaches were provided with instructional materials following the workshop.

Main outcome measurements

Coaches' behavioral determinants regarding ACL IPP using pre/post-workshop surveys and coaches' subsequent rate and fidelity of implementation of the ACL IPP during the following soccer season.

Results

Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated the workshop increased coach attitude toward; conducting a ACL IPP (P=.020), substituting a ACL IPP for a warm-up (P=.007), and improving player cutting and landing technique by implementing a ACL IPP (P=.001). The workshop increased coaches' perceived behavioral control; coaches felt more comfortable in their ability to teach their team a ACL IPP (P=.002) and more confident leading a ACL IPP if given instructions (P=.025). The workshop increased coaches' intent to implement a ACL IPP the next season (P<.001); for 15 minutes (P=.008) and 20 minutes (P=.011) prior to the start of a training session. Only 53% of the club's teams implemented the ACL IPP, with implementers demonstrating high variability in program fidelity.

Conclusions

ACL IPP workshops can effectively increase coach attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and intent to implement a ACL IPP. However, amplification of behavioral determinants does not appear to directly translate to high-level implementation compliance. Future research should investigate supplementary strategies to facilitate optimal ACL IPP implementation to improve compliance.
Are there gender differences in service use for mental disorders across countries in the European Union? Results from the EU-World Mental Health survey
Authors: Kovess-Masfety Vivane , Boyd Anders , van de Velde Sarah , de Graaf Ron , Vilagut Gemma , Haro Josep Maria , Florescu Silvia , O'Neill Siobhan , Weinberg Lauren , Alonso Jordi ,   the EU-WMH investigators
Published: March 2014

Background

Women are more likely than men to use mental healthcare (MHC) due to differences in the types of problems and help-seeking behaviours. The consistency of this relationship across European countries, whose MHC organisation differs substantially, is unknown.

Methods

Lifetime MHC-use and the type of MHC provider were assessed in 37 289 participants from the EU-World Mental Health (EU-WMH) survey, including 10 European countries (Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria and Romania). Lifetime mood/anxiety disorders (DSM-IV) and severity were evaluated using the CIDI V.3.0.

Results

MHC use was significantly higher for women than men in every country except for Romania (overall OR=1.80, 95% CI1.64 to 1.98), while remaining so after adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics (age, income level, employment status, education, marital status; adjusted OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.06) and country-level indicators (MHC provision, private household out-of-pocket expenditure, and Gender Gap Index; adjusted OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.08). Compared with men, women were also more likely to consult general practitioners (GP) versus specialised MHC (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.56) with high between-country variability. In participants with mood disorder, the gender relationship in MHC use and type of MHC did not change. Conversely, in participants with anxiety disorder, no significant gender relationship in MHC use was observed (adjusted OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.47). Finally, men with severe mental health problems had a significantly higher odds of MHC use (OR=14.70) when compared with women with similar levels (OR=8.95, p for interaction=0.03) after adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics and country-level indicators.

Conclusions

Women use MHC and GPs more frequently than men, yet this depends on the type and severity of mental health problems.
Unemployment insurance and deteriorating self-rated health in 23 European countries
Authors: Ferrarini Tommy , Nelson Kenneth , Sjöberg Ola
Published: March 2014

Background

The global financial crisis of 2008 is likely to have repercussions on public health in Europe, not least through escalating mass unemployment, fiscal austerity measures and inadequate social protection systems. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of unemployment insurance for deteriorating self-rated health in the working age population at the onset of the fiscal crisis in Europe.

Methods

Multilevel logistic conditional change models linking institutional-level data on coverage and income replacement in unemployment insurance to individual-level panel data on self-rated health in 23 European countries at two repeated occasions, 2006 and 2009.

Results

Unemployment insurance significantly reduces transitions into self-rated ill-health and, particularly, programme coverage is important in this respect. Unemployment insurance is also of relevance for the socioeconomic gradients of health at individual level, where programme coverage significantly reduces health risks attached to educational attainment.

Conclusions

Unemployment insurance mitigated adverse health effects both at individual and country-level during the financial crisis. Due to the centrality of programme coverage, reforms to unemployment insurance should focus on extending the number of insured people in the labour force.
Production and assessment of ovine antisera for the manufacture of a veterinary adder antivenom
Authors: Bolton F M S , Casewell N R , Al‐Abdulla I , Landon J
Published: March 2014

Medically important venomous snakes in Western Europe are Vipera ammodytes, Vipera aspis, Vipera berus and Vipera latastei. Envenomation of dogs and other animals by these snakes receives limited attention despite the relative frequency and potential mortality and morbidity. This reflects, in part, the lack of a dedicated veterinary antivenom. Successful antivenoms are derived from antisera containing high levels of specific polyclonal antibodies that bind to, and neutralise, all the toxins present. This requires a careful choice of immunogen, animals and immunisation schedule. We detected proteomic variation in the venoms of V ammodytes, V aspis, V berus and V latastei by SDS‐PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) gel electrophoresis. Consequently, we used a mixture containing equal amounts of venom from these species to immunise a flock of sheep. We demonstrate that immunisation resulted in antisera containing high levels of specific antibodies directed against the majority of toxic components found in all four snake venoms using immunoblotting, ELISA and small‐scale affinity chromatography assays. The latter shows that all 25 sheep responded quickly and maintained high levels of specific antibodies throughout the two‐year period of study. This ensures a consistent starting material for the manufacture of a reproducible veterinary antivenom, ViperaVet. Our next objectives are to purify the antibodies from our antisera and demonstrate their preclinical neutralising efficacy in murine animal studies prior to undertaking a clinical trial in envenomed patients.
Enhanced analysis of pile flexural behavior due to installation of adjacent pile
Authors: Tho Kee Kiat , Chen Zongrui , Leung Chun Fai , Chow Yean Khow
Published: March 2014

The installation of piles causes lateral soil movements which will induce additional lateral loading on adjacent existing piles. A simplified two-stage approach is conventionally adopted to quantify the installation effect on an adjacent pile. The first stage involves estimating the free-field lateral soil movement profile due to the pile installation process, and this is then applied as input to a pile–soil interaction analysis in the second stage. Such an approach is computationally efficient, but its efficacy has not been rigorously assessed due to the lack of reliable rigorous reference solutions. In this study, the Eulerian finite element approach is applied to obtain rigorous reference solutions for the response of an existing pile due to the installation of an adjacent pile. The efficacy of the two-stage approach is then evaluated against these reference solutions. It is found that the bending moment profiles generated using the simplified two-stage approach deviate significantly from the reference solutions. The shortcomings of the existing two-stage approach are identified, and an improved analysis method denoted as the Enhanced Multi-Stage Approach is proposed and validated in this paper. The results based on the Enhanced Multi-Stage Approach are found to be in good agreement with the more rigorous reference solutions.
Parasite effects on the survival, growth, and reproductive potential of yellow perch (Perca flavescens Mitchill) in Canadian Shield lakes
Authors: Johnson M W , Dick Terry A
Published: March 2014

Three parasites of yellow perch, Perca flavescens, in four Canadian Shield lakes were studied for their effects on perch growth and mortality. Glugea sp. xenomas in cells of the intestinal wall and in visceral fat and Apophallus brevis metacercariae infecting the musculature reduced the growth of perch, causing mortality in younger and smaller fish. High numbers of Raphidascaris acus encysted in the liver of yellow perch correlated significantly with a reduction in visceral-fat mass in age 1+ females and age 0+ and 1+ males. A significant correlation in these subsamples indicates that host sex, size, trophic status, and relative mass of the liver are linked to R. acus density. Our data suggest that interactions among parasitic infections and age, size, and sex of the fish host can affect growth and survival of the host, especially during periods of low energy inputs and reproductive stress.
Seasonal changes in activity and spatial and social relationships of the Iberian rock lizard, Lacerta monticola
Authors: Aragón Pedro , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: March 2014

We conducted a field study to examine the significance of the seasonal changes in activity levels, spatial relationships, and social interactions of the Iberian rock lizard, Lacerta monticola, during the same favorable climatic period. Activity level, movement rate, home-range size, number of same-sex neighbors, and number of agonistic interactions decreased as the mating season finished for males but not for females. The number of females' home ranges overlapped by the home range of each male was also higher in the mating season than in the nonmating season. Measurements of available ambient temperatures showed that the thermal environment was suitable for the activity of lizards in both seasons, therefore the seasonal changes cannot be explained by thermal constraints. Males gain access to several females by increasing their home-range size, thus overlapping a larger number of females' home ranges, but as a consequence, also those of a larger number of male competitors. Thus, the cost of incurring agonistic interactions also increases. These results suggest that because activity and aggressiveness in males are related to their mating success, the balance between the costs and benefits of their activity and spatial strategies differs seasonally, and this may be the cause of the observed seasonal changes.
Territory size and polygyny in the spotless starling: resource-holding potential or social inertia?
Authors: Veiga José P , Moreno Juan , Cordero Pedro J , Mínguez Eduardo
Published: March 2014

In male birds that base their acquisition of mates on the defence of resources essential for female reproduction, the size or quality of the territory decisively affects polygyny rate and breeding success. However, there is contradictory evidence concerning the importance of resource-holding potential (RHP) versus factors not related to individual quality on between-year consistency in territory occupancy and hence on long-term reproductive success. We manipulated the aggressiveness (a major determinant of RHP) of male spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor) by means of androgens and antiandrogens to investigate the importance of RHP in breeding-territory acquisition and maintenance, polygyny rate, and breeding success over 3 years (19961998). The number of males that held a territory for the first time was high in 1996 with respect to the year before the experiment began. Most of these males still bred in the colony during the third study year, though new owners established territories to the detriment of the former males, especially in 1998. Manipulation of testosterone activity during the first year affected the number of nest boxes defended by males and also the number of mates gained and the number of successful breeding attempts made throughout the 3 study years. The results were in the expected direction: an increase in testosterone activity led to greater success. The results suggest that RHP may be important in the acquisition of territory and mates, at least under conditions of recently established interindividual relationships. However, social inertia, i.e., the maintenance of dominance status irrespective of changes in RHP, seems to be of crucial importance in the long-term maintenance of territory resources and polygyny rates.
Ecology of juvenile chinook salmon in a small non-natal stream of the Yukon River drainage and the role of ice conditions on their distribution and survival
Authors: Bradford Michael J , Grout Jeff A , Moodie Sue
Published: March 2014

We investigated the ecology of juvenile stream-type chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in Croucher Creek, a small non-natal tributary of the upper Yukon River, in 1998 and 1999. Underyearling (age 0+) salmon enter Croucher Creek from the Yukon River in June, and by midsummer reached an average density of >0.5/m2. Fish were most commonly found in small pools. Their mean size increased until the end of August, but growth virtually ceased after that, when water temperatures fell. Juveniles remained in the stream through winter, and their distribution and survival were strongly influenced by aufeis, a thick layer of ice that develops from the freezing of groundwater. Over-winter survival was not dependent on fish size. Those fish that survived the winter grew rapidly and doubled in body mass in the spring. About 900 yearling fish emigrated from Croucher Creek in late June and early July at a mean length of 89 mm and mass of 7.2 g. Most of the migrants overwintered in a 700 m long reach of the creek that was downstream from groundwater sources and did not experience severe icing conditions. We suggest that small streams may be important habitats for juvenile salmon in the Yukon drainage, especially if there is a year-round source of groundwater flow that creates conditions suitable for overwintering.
Antipredator strategies of Alaskan moose: are maternal trade-offs influenced by offspring activity?
Authors: White Kevin S , Berger Joel
Published: March 2014

To maximize fitness, mothers must both provision and protect neonates, demands that may be in conflict, particularly in systems that still experience high levels of natural predation. Whether variation in offspring behaviour alters this putative conflict is not known. The objective of this study was to test hypotheses about the extent to which neonatal activity and ecological variables mediate trade-offs between maternal vigilance and foraging. To address these questions we contrasted data from behavioural observations on female moose (Alces alces) that differed in parity, calf activity, and habitat use at a site in south-central Alaska where they are subject to high levels of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) predation. Our analyses revealed that females with active juveniles were more vigilant (and as a consequence spent less time feeding) than those with inactive young; vigilance of females without attendant young was intermediate. Distance to apparent protective refugia (e.g., vegetative cover) was positively related to vigilance for all calf-status categories, but lactating females spent more time closer to thick vegetation than did nonlactating females. These results suggest that (i) mothers adjust vigilance when young are inactive to compensate for the loss of foraging opportunities during periods of neonate activity, thereby reducing juvenile vulnerability and increasing the overall feeding rate, and (ii) females with young reduce foraging compromises and, presumably, predation risk by spending more time close to protective cover than do nonlactating females. We conclude that maternal trade-offs can be highly labile and that mothers are able to adjust rapidly to environment-specific situations.
Mortality patterns in a protected population of isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica)
Authors: Gonzalez Georges , Crampe Jean-Paul
Published: March 2014

We considered variation in mortality over 8 years in a protected population of isards (Pyrenean chamois; Rupicapra pyrenaica) within the Pyrenean National Park using monthly systematic skull collection. After testing the stationary-type pattern of estimates of mortality of the living population, we (i) analysed the composition of a sample of dead animals in terms of age and sex; (ii) investigated temporal patterns of mortality and their relationship with winter severity; (iii) tested for sexual differences in mortality rates in this weakly sexually dimorphic species. Of 588 animals found dead from natural causes, 114 were kids (19.4%). No statistical differences existed in the composition of the sample according to sex (the ratio of males to females was 1/1.13). Age at death did not differ significantly between the sexes or among years. A positive relationship was found between winter severity (expressed as cumulative snowfall) and mortality rates for both kids and adults. During mild winters, the mortality rate was low (a mean of 38.4 carcasses per year versus 124 per year in severe winters) and was concentrated on the oldest animals, mainly males. Based on 303 skulls more than 1 year old, annual survivorship curves revealed a period of low mortality (prime age) extending to 9 and 10 years of age for males and females, respectively, followed by a period of increasing mortality (senescence). Our results are commented on in light of recent publications on the demography of populations of large herbivores.
Convexity of momentum map, Morse index, and quantum entanglement
Authors: Sawicki Adam , Oszmaniec Michał , Kuś Marek
Published: March 2014

We analyze from the topological perspective the space of all SLOCC (Stochastic Local Operations with Classical Communication) classes of pure states for composite quantum systems. We do it for both distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. In general, the topology of this space is rather complicated as it is a non-Hausdorff space. Using geometric invariant theory (GIT) and momentum map geometry, we propose a way to divide the space of all SLOCC classes into mathematically and physically meaningful families. Each family consists of possibly many "asymptotically" equivalent SLOCC classes. Moreover, each contains exactly one distinguished SLOCC class on which the total variance (a well-defined measure of entanglement) of the state Var [v] attains maximum. We provide an algorithm for finding critical sets of Var [v], which makes use of the convexity of the momentum map and allows classification of such defined families of SLOCC classes. The number of families is in general infinite. We introduce an additional refinement into finitely many groups of families using some developments in the momentum map geometry known as the Kirwan–Ness stratification. We also discuss how to define it equivalently using the convexity of the momentum map applied to SLOCC classes. Moreover, we note that the Morse index at the critical set of the total variance of state has an interpretation of number of non-SLOCC directions in which entanglement increases and calculate it for several exemplary systems. Finally, we introduce the SLOCC-invariant measure of entanglement as a square root of the total variance of state at the critical point and explain its geometric meaning.
On the Chern number inequalities satisfied by all smooth complete intersection threefolds with ample canonical class
Authors: Sheng Mao , Xu Jinxing , Zhang Mingwei
Published: March 2014

We obtain all linear Chern number inequalities satisfied by any smooth complete intersection threefold with ample canonical bundle.
Phase segregation in a system of active dumbbells
Authors: Gonnella Giuseppe , Lamura Antonio , Suma Antonio
Published: March 2014

A systems of self-propelled dumbbells interacting by a Weeks–Chandler–Anderson potential is considered. At sufficiently low temperatures the system phase separates into a dense phase and a gas-like phase. The kinetics of the cluster formation and the growth law for the average cluster size are analyzed.