bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae O1 following a Single-Source Introduction to Haiti
Authors: Katz Lee S. , Petkau Aaron , Beaulaurier John , Tyler Shaun , Antonova Elena S. , Turnsek Maryann A. , Guo Yan , Wang Susana , Paxinos Ellen E. , Orata Fabini , Gladney Lori M. , Stroika Steven , Folster Jason P. , Rowe Lori , Freeman Molly M. , Knox Natalie , Frace Mike , Boncy Jacques , Graham Morag , Hammer Brian K. , Boucher Yan , Bashir Ali , Hanage William P. , Van Domselaar Gary , Tarr Cheryl L.
Published: July 2013

Prior to the epidemic that emerged in Haiti in October of 2010, cholera had not been documented in this country. After its introduction, a strain of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 spread rapidly throughout Haiti, where it caused over 600,000 cases of disease and >7,500 deaths in the first two years of the epidemic. We applied whole-genome sequencing to a temporal series of
V. cholerae
isolates from Haiti to gain insight into the mode and tempo of evolution in this isolated population of
V. cholerae
O1. Phylogenetic and Bayesian analyses supported the hypothesis that all isolates in the sample set diverged from a common ancestor within a time frame that is consistent with epidemiological observations. A pangenome analysis showed nearly homogeneous genomic content, with no evidence of gene acquisition among Haiti isolates. Nine nearly closed genomes assembled from continuous-long-read data showed evidence of genome rearrangements and supported the observation of no gene acquisition among isolates. Thus, intrinsic mutational processes can account for virtually all of the observed genetic polymorphism, with no demonstrable contribution from horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Consistent with this, the 12 Haiti isolates tested by laboratory HGT assays were severely impaired for transformation, although unlike previously characterized noncompetent
V. cholerae
isolates, each expressed
hapR
and possessed a functional quorum-sensing system. Continued monitoring of
V. cholerae
in Haiti will illuminate the processes influencing the origin and fate of genome variants, which will facilitate interpretation of genetic variation in future epidemics.

IMPORTANCE
Vibrio cholerae
is the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with over three million cases of disease each year. An understanding of the mode and rate of evolutionary change is critical for proper interpretation of genome sequence data and attribution of outbreak sources. The Haiti epidemic provides an unprecedented opportunity to study an isolated, single-source outbreak of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 over an established time frame. By using multiple approaches to assay genetic variation, we found no evidence that the Haiti strain has acquired any genes by horizontal gene transfer, an observation that led us to discover that it is also poorly transformable. We have found no evidence that environmental strains have played a role in the evolution of the outbreak strain.
Seeing the Body: A New Mechanism for Acupuncture Analgesia?
Authors: Campbell Anthony
Published: June 2013

The use of visual illusions to study how the brain gives rise to a representation of the body has produced surprising results, particularly in relation to modulation of pain. It seems likely that this research has relevance to how we understand acupuncture analgesia. Acupuncture supplies several different kinds of signal to the brain: touch in the preliminary examination for tender areas; needle stimulation, mainly of Aδ fibres; and sometimes visual input from the patient's sight of the needle insertion. In the light of recent research, all these are likely to modulate pain. There are implications here for clinical practice and for research. Acupuncture may be more effective if patients can see the needles being inserted. The use of non-penetrating stimuli to the skin or minimal needle insertion at non-acupuncture points as control procedures becomes more than ever open to question and this, in turn, has relevance for claims that acupuncture is indistinguishable from placebo.
Acromiohumeral distance measurement in rotator cuff tendinopathy: is there a reliable, clinically applicable method? A systematic review
Authors: McCreesh Karen M , Crotty James M , Lewis Jeremy S
Published: July 2013

Background

Narrowing of the subacromial space has been noted as a common feature of rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. It has been implicated in the development of symptoms and forms the basis for some surgical and rehabilitation approaches. Various radiological methods have been used to measure the subacromial space, which is represented by a two-dimensional measurement of acromiohumeral distance (AHD). A reliable method of measurement could be used to assess the impact of rehabilitation or surgical interventions for RC tendinopathy; however, there are no published reviews assessing the reliability of AHD measurement.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to systematically assess the evidence for the intrarater and inter-rater reliability of radiological methods of measuring AHD, in order to identify the most reliable method for use in RC tendinopathy.

Study appraisal and synthesis

An electronic literature search was carried out and studies describing the reliability of any radiological method of measuring AHD in either healthy or RC tendinopathy groups were included. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were appraised by two reviewers using the Quality Appraisal for reliability Studies checklist.

Results

Eight studies were deemed to be of high methodological quality. Study weaknesses included lack of tester blinding, inadequate description of tester experience, lack of inclusion of symptomatic populations, poor reporting of statistical methods and unclear diagnosis. There was strong evidence for the reliability of ultrasound for measuring AHD, with moderate evidence for MRI and CT measures and conflicting evidence for radiographic methods. Overall, there was lack of research in RC tendinopathy populations, with only six studies including participants with shoulder pain.

Conclusions

The results support the reliability of ultrasound and CT or MRI for the measurement of AHD; however, more studies in symptomatic populations are required. The reliability of AHD measurement using radiographs has not been supported by the studies reviewed.
Fewer ligament injuries but no preventive effect on muscle injuries and severe injuries: an 11-year follow-up of the UEFA Champions League injury study
Authors: Ekstrand Jan , Hägglund Martin , Kristenson Karolina , Magnusson Henrik , Waldén Markus
Published: June 2013

Background

Limited information is available on the variation in injury rates over multiple seasons of professional football.

Aim

To analyse time-trends in injury characteristics of male professional football players over 11 consecutive seasons.

Methods

A total of 1743 players comprising 27 teams from 10 countries were followed prospectively between 2001 and 2012. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time loss injuries.

Results

A total of 8029 time loss injuries were recorded. The match unavailability due to injury was 14% and constant over the study period. On average, a player sustained two injuries per season, resulting in approximately 50 injuries per team and season. The ligament injury rate decreased during the study period (R2=0.608, b=−0.040, 95% CI −0.065 to −0.016, p=0.005), whereas the rate of muscle injury (R2=0.228, b=−0.013, 95% CI −0.032 to 0.005, p=0.138) and severe injury (R2=0.141, b=0.015, 95% CI −0.013 to 0.043, p=0.255) did not change over the study period. In addition, no changes in injury rates over the 11-year period were found for either training (R2=0.000, b=0.000, 95% CI −0.035 to 0.034, p=0.988) or match play (R2=0.282, b=−0.015, 95% CI −0.032 to 0.003, p=0.093).

Conclusions

The injury rate has decreased for ligament injuries over the last 11 years, but overall training, match injury rates and the rates of muscle injury and severe injury remain high.
Access to improved water and its relationship with diarrhoea in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Salina , Aihara Yoko , Yoden Kanako , Yamagata Zentaro , Nishida Kei , Kondo Naoki
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the associations between diarrhoea and types of water sources, total quantity of water consumed and the quantity of improved water consumed in rapidly growing, highly populated urban areas in developing countries.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis using population-representative secondary data obtained from an interview survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank for the 2009 Kathmandu Valley Water Distribution, Sewerage and Urban Development Project.

Setting

Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Participants

2282 households.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from households on the quantity and sources of water consumed; health, socioeconomic and demographic status of households; drinking water treatment practices and toilet facilities.

Results

Family members of 179 households (7.8%) reported having developed diarrhoea during the previous month. For households in which family members consumed less than 100 L of water per capita per day (L/c/d), which is the minimum quantity recommended by WHO, the risk of contracting diarrhoea doubled (1.56-fold to 2.92-fold). In households that used alternative water sources (such as wells, stone spouts and springs) in addition to improved water (provided by a water management authority), the likelihood of contracting diarrhoea was 1.81-fold higher (95% CI 1.00 to 3.29) than in those that used only improved water. However, access to an improved water source was not associated with a lower risk of developing diarrhoea if optimal quantities of water were not consumed (ie, <100 L/c/d). These results were independent of socioeconomic and demographic variables, daily drinking water treatment practices, toilet facilities and residential areas.

Conclusions

Providing access to a sufficient quantity of water—regardless of the source—may be more important in preventing diarrhoea than supplying a limited quantity of improved water.
Improving ethnic monitoring for telephone-based healthcare: a conversation analytic study
Authors: Leydon Geraldine M , Ekberg Katie , Kelly Moira , Drew Paul
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Medical and healthcare organisations—including the national cancer support and helpline organisation that is the subject of this study—are expected to collect and monitor information about the ethnicity of their client populations. Information about ethnicity is important for a variety of reasons, including monitoring need and targeting healthcare services appropriately. Previous survey and interview research has suggested that collecting ethnicity data from service users can be incomplete and of variable quality—pointing to a need for an improved understanding of the (interactional) difficulties involved when call-handlers ask callers about their ethnicity.

Design

This study analyses a corpus of real-life audio-recorded calls to a national cancer helpline in the UK, focusing on the way that call-handlers collect the ethnic monitoring data.

Setting

A major national cancer helpline in the UK.

Participants

A sample of 273 recorded calls were recorded, of which 267 were frontline calls in which call-handlers are expected to ask the ethnicity monitoring question.

Results

Findings suggest that caller uncertainty about how to answer the question, resistance to answering and call-handler presumption can compromise the effectiveness of ethnic monitoring. It is likely to be improved by changing how the ethnicity monitoring question is asked. Changes include avoiding open question formats to ease caller uncertainty; offering callers a rationale (account) for the question to minimise resistance and confirming the accuracy of the ethnic category recorded.

Conclusions

We recommend that telephone-based healthcare personnel avoid asking the ethnicity monitoring question in an ‘open’ format; instead, a question containing a (short) standardised list can assist callers in responding. A training tool has been developed that applies this and other findings, with a view to improving ethnic monitoring.
Accuracy of routinely recorded ethnic group information compared with self-reported ethnicity: evidence from the English Cancer Patient Experience survey
Authors: Saunders C L , Abel G A , El Turabi A , Ahmed F , Lyratzopoulos G
Published: June 2013

Objective

To describe the accuracy of ethnicity coding in contemporary National Health Service (NHS) hospital records compared with the ‘gold standard’ of self-reported ethnicity.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional survey (2011).

Setting

All NHS hospitals in England providing cancer treatment.

Participants

58 721 patients with cancer for whom ethnicity information (Office for National Statistics 2001 16-group classification) was available from self-reports (considered to represent the ‘gold standard’) and their hospital record.

Methods

We calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of hospital record ethnicity. Further, we used a logistic regression model to explore independent predictors of discordance between recorded and self-reported ethnicity.

Results

Overall, 4.9% (4.7–5.1%) of people had their self-reported ethnic group incorrectly recorded in their hospital records. Recorded White British ethnicity had high sensitivity (97.8% (97.7–98.0%)) and PPV (98.1% (98.0–98.2%)) for self-reported White British ethnicity. Recorded ethnicity information for the 15 other ethnic groups was substantially less accurate with 41.2% (39.7–42.7%) incorrect. Recorded ‘Mixed’ ethnicity had low sensitivity (12–31%) and PPVs (12–42%). Recorded ‘Indian’, ‘Chinese’, ‘Black-Caribbean’ and ‘Black African’ ethnic groups had intermediate levels of sensitivity (65–80%) and PPV (80–89%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, belonging to an ethnic minority group was the only independent predictor of discordant ethnicity information. There was strong evidence that the degree of discordance of ethnicity information varied substantially between different hospitals (p<0.0001).

Discussion

Current levels of accuracy of ethnicity information in NHS hospital records support valid profiling of White/non-White ethnic differences. However, profiling of ethnic differences in process or outcome measures for specific minority groups may contain a substantial and variable degree of misclassification error. These considerations should be taken into account when interpreting ethnic variation audits based on routine data and inform initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy of ethnicity information in hospital records.
The effect of a web-based depression intervention on suicide ideation: secondary outcome from a randomised controlled trial in a helpline
Authors: Christensen Helen , Farrer Louise , Batterham Philip J , Mackinnon Andrew , Griffiths Kathleen M , Donker Tara
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The effect of web-based interventions for depression on suicide ideation in callers to helplines is not known. The aim of this study was to determine if web-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with and without telephone support is effective in reducing suicide ideation in callers to a helpline compared with treatment as usual (TAU). A secondary aim was to examine the factors that predict change in suicide ideation. Putative predictors included level of baseline depression, suicide behaviour, baseline anxiety and type of intervention.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Lifeline, Australia's 24 h telephone counselling service participants: 155 callers to a national helpline service with moderate-to-high psychological distress.

Interventions

Participants were recruited and randomised to receive either 6 weeks of internet CBT plus weekly telephone follow-up; internet CBT only; weekly telephone follow-up only or a wait-list TAU control group.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Suicidal ideation was measured using four items from the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Predictors of change in ideation were tested using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Regardless of the intervention condition, participants showed significant reductions in suicidal ideation over 12 months (p<0.001). Higher baseline suicidal behaviour decreased the odds of remission of suicidal ideation at postintervention (OR 0.409, p<0.001). However, change in depression over the course of the interventions was associated with improvement in suicide ideation (OR 1.165, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Suicide ideation declines with and without proactive intervention. Improvements in depression are associated with the resolution of suicide ideation. Specific interventions focusing on suicide ideation should be further investigated.

Trial registration

Controlled-Trials.comISRCTN93903959.
Participants’ perspectives on making and maintaining behavioural changes in a lifestyle intervention for type 2 diabetes prevention: a qualitative study using the theory domain framework
Authors: Penn Linda , Dombrowski Stephan U , Sniehotta Falko F , White Martin
Published: June 2013

Objectives

In a qualitative substudy, we sought to elicit participants’ perspectives of their behavioural change and maintenance of new behaviours towards intervention optimisation.

Setting

The intervention was delivered in leisure and community settings in a local authority, which according to the UK government statistics ranks as 1 of the 10 most socioeconomically deprived areas in England.

Participants

We recruited 218 adults aged 40–65 years at elevated risk of type 2 diabetes (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score≥11) to the intervention. Follow-up at 12 months was completed by 134 (62%). We recruited 15 participants, purposively sampled for physical activity increase, to the qualitative substudy.

Intervention

Lifestyle intervention can prevent type 2 diabetes, but translation to service provision remains challenging. The ‘New life, New you’ intervention aimed to promote physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss, and included supervised group physical activity sessions. Behavioural change and weight loss at 12-month follow-up were encouraging.

Design

We conducted 15 individual semistructured interviews. The Framework approach, with a comparison of emerging themes, was used in analysis of the transcribed data and complemented by the Theory Domains Framework.

Results

Themes emerging from the data were grouped as perceptions that promoted initiating, enacting and maintaining behavioural change. The data were then categorised in accordance with the Theory Domains Framework: intentions and goals; reinforcement; knowledge; social role and identity; social influences; skills and beliefs about capabilities; behavioural regulation, memory, emotion, attention and decision processes and environmental context and resources. Participant perceptions of intervention features that facilitated behavioural change processes were then similarly analysed.

Conclusions

Social influences, reference to social role and identity (eg, peer support), and intentions and goals (eg, to lose weight) were dominant themes across the three phases of behavioural change. Reinforcement, regulation and decision processes were more evident in the maintenance phase. The socioeconomic status of participants was reflected in the environmental context and resource theme. Analysis of phases and theoretical domains of behavioural change added depth and utility to inform intervention optimisation. We will develop the intervention with improved peer support and explicit monitoring of the behavioural change techniques used, prior to a definitive trial.
Poor self-rated health and its associations with somatisation in two Australian national surveys
Authors: Mewton Louise , Andrews Gavin
Published: June 2013

Objectives

It is hypothesised that across two national surveys poor self-rated health will be independently associated with somatisation and will result in high rates of service use after adjusting for established diagnoses.

Design

Two cross-sectional population-based surveys were conducted in 1997 and 2007. The use of both surveys allowed replication of results.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

The 1997 and 2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being were based on stratified, multistage area probability samples of persons living in private dwellings in Australia. The 1997 survey included 10 641 respondents aged 18–75 years, a response rate of 78%. The 2007 survey included 8841 respondents aged 16–85 years, a response rate of 60%.

Main outcome measures

Self-rated health.

Results

Approximately 15% of the Australian population rated their health as fair or poor in both surveys. The independent relationship between self-rated health and somatisation was replicated across both surveys in multivariate analyses. Individuals with negative self-rated health were 4.1 times as likely to screen positive for health anxiety (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.8 to 5.9) and 3.4 times as likely to be diagnosed with neurasthenia (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.2 to 5.2), when compared with individuals who rated their health positively. Individuals with negative self-rated health were also more likely to use health services after controlling for demographics and mental and physical illness.

Conclusions

These results confirm both of the study hypotheses: (1) that negative self-rated health was powerfully and independently associated with somatisation and (2) that this relationship manifested itself in high rates of service use, even after adjusting for an extensive range of demographics and psychiatric and physical conditions.
Out-of-hours primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction is not associated with excess mortality: a study of 3347 patients treated in an integrated cardiac network
Authors: Rathod Krishnaraj S , Jones Daniel A , Gallagher Sean M , Bromage Daniel I , Whitbread Mark , Archbold Andrew R , Jain Ajay K , Mathur Anthony , Wragg Andrew , Knight Charles J
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Timely delivery of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Optimum delivery of PPCI requires an integrated network of hospitals, following a multidisciplinary, consultant-led, protocol-driven approach. We investigated whether such a strategy was effective in providing equally effective in-hospital and long-term outcomes for STEMI patients treated by PPCI within normal working hours compared with those treated out-of-hours (OOHs).

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Large PPCI centre in London.

Participants

3347 STEMI patients were treated with PPCI between 2004 and 2012. The follow-up median was 3.3 years (IQR: 1.2–4.6 years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary endpoint was long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) with all-cause mortality a secondary endpoint.

Results

Of the 3347 STEMI patients, 1299 patients (38.8%) underwent PPCI during a weekday between 08:00 and 18:00 (routine-hours group) and 2048 (61.2%) underwent PPCI on a weekday between 18:00 and 08:00 or a weekend (OOHs group). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups with comparable door-to-balloon times (in-hours (IHs) 67.8 min vs OOHs 69.6 min, p=0.709), call-to-balloon times (IHs 116.63 vs OOHs 127.15 min, p=0.60) and procedural success. In hospital mortality rates were comparable between the two groups (IHs 3.6% vs OOHs 3.2%) with timing of presentation not predictive of outcome (HR 1.25 (95% CI 0.74 to 2.11). Over the follow-up period there were no significant differences in rates of mortality (IHs 7.4% vs OFHs 7.2%, p=0.442) or MACE (IHs 15.4% vs OFHs 14.1%, p=0.192) between the two groups. After adjustment for confounding variables using multivariate analysis, timing of presentation was not an independent predictor of mortality (HR 1.04 95% CI 0.78 to 1.39).

Conclusions

This large registry study demonstrates that the delivery of PPCI with a multidisciplinary, consultant-led, protocol-driven approach provides safe and effective treatment for patients regardless of the time of presentation.
Two-group randomised, parallel trial of cognitive and exposure therapies for problem gambling: a research protocol
Authors: Smith David P , Battersby Malcolm W , Harvey Peter W , Pols Rene G , Ladouceur Robert
Published: June 2013

Background

Problem gambling is a serious public health concern at an international level where population prevalence rates average 2% or more and occurs more frequently in younger populations. The most empirically established treatments until now are combinations of cognitive and behavioural techniques labelled cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). However, there is a paucity of high quality evidence for the comparative efficacy of core CBT interventions in treating problem gamblers. This study aims to isolate and compare cognitive and behavioural (exposure-based) techniques to determine their relative efficacy.

Methods

A sample of 130 treatment-seeking problem gamblers will be allocated to either cognitive or exposure therapy in a two-group randomised, parallel design. Repeated measures will be conducted at baseline, mid and end of treatment (12 sessions intervention period), and at 3, 6 and 12 months (maintenance effects). The primary outcome measure is improvement in problem gambling severity symptoms using the Victorian Gambling Screen (VGS) harm to self-subscale. VGS measures gambling severity on an extensive continuum, thereby enhancing sensitivity to change within and between individuals over time.

Discussion

This article describes the research methods, treatments and outcome measures used to evaluate gambling behaviours, problems caused by gambling and mechanisms of change. This study will be the first randomised, parallel trial to compare cognitive and exposure therapies in this population.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Southern Adelaide Health Service/Flinders University Human Research Ethics Committee. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN 12610000828022.
Challenges of managing toxic alcohol poisoning in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Barnard Ed , Baladurai S , Badh T , Nicol E
Published: July 2013

We present a series of patients with profound metabolic acidosis admitted to the Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in 2012. A police service breath alcohol analyser, calculation of the osmolar gap and urine microscopy assisted in diagnosing methanol poisoning. The challenge of diagnosing and managing toxic alcohol poisoning in this resource-limited setting is discussed. We believe this is the first description of using a breath alcohol analyser to assist a diagnosis of methanol poisoning.
Hepatitis B vaccination of men who have sex with men in the Netherlands: should we vaccinate more men, younger men or high-risk men?
Authors: Xiridou Maria , van Houdt Robin , Hahné Susan , Coutinho Roel , van Steenbergen Jim , Kretzschmar Mirjam
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The selective vaccination programme against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2002 targeting high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite the high average age of vaccination in MSM, the number of notifications of acute HBV recently declined. We investigate whether this can be attributed to the selective vaccination programme. We examine how vaccination strategies could be improved and the impact of universal infant vaccination introduced in 2011.

Methods

We use a mathematical model for HBV transmission among MSM. The incidence of HBV was calculated from the model and from notification data of acute HBV.

Results

A decline was observed in the incidence of HBV since 2006, as calculated from the model; this decline was smaller than that observed in data if all MSM were equally likely to be vaccinated. Assuming that high-risk MSM were more likely to be vaccinated than low-risk MSM resulted in a steeper decline in modelled incidence and better agreement with observed incidence. Vaccinating MSM at a younger age or doubling the vaccination rate would increase the impact of selective vaccination, but is less effective than vaccinating high-risk MSM.

Conclusions

Selective HBV vaccination of MSM in the Netherlands has had a substantial impact in reducing HBV incidence. The reduction suggests that vaccination rates among high-risk MSM were higher than those among low-risk MSM. Countries that have not yet reached 35-year cohorts with universal childhood vaccination should actively implement or continue selective high-risk MSM vaccination.
Histopathology inflammation scoring and classification in 34 dogs with inflammatory nasal disease
Authors: Furtado A. R. R. , Constantino‐Casas F.
Published: July 2013

The aims of this study are to suggest a histological classification and a scoring system (0–12) for dogs with inflammatory nasal disease, and to compare and determine statistical associations between histopathology findings and lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) or aspergillosis. Twenty‐one LPR cases and 13 aspergillosis cases were reviewed and classified at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital of the University of Cambridge. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.17 and the level of significance accepted was P<0.05. The suggested classification includes the name of the two most common inflammatory cells found, duration of disease, lesion distribution, severity of epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and presence of oedema and fungi. The inflammation score was calculated according to the number of inflammatory cells present, and revealed that half the cases had moderate nasal inflammation and that most of the cases (67.6 per cent) were lymphocytic rhinitis. As far as the statistical associations were concerned, only fungal presence was proven to be associated with aspergillosis (P=0.04). The two conditions were found to have similar histological appearance. Implying that the histological diagnosis can sometimes be difficult and that the clinician should always consider the results from other diagnostic tests to reach a final diagnosis.
Disease patterns in 32,486 insured German shepherd dogs in Sweden: 1995–2006
Authors: Vilson Å. , Bonnett B. , Hansson‐Hamlin H. , Hedhammar Å.
Published: June 2013

The aims of this retrospective study were to describe the morbidity and mortality in German shepherd dogs (GSD) in Sweden, based on insurance data, and to test the hypothesis that GSDs are predisposed to immune‐related diseases. Morbidity was defined as incidence rates and based on veterinary care events. Mortality was defined as mortality rates and based on life insurance data. The study included 445,336 dogs, 7.3 per cent GSDs, covered by both veterinary care and life insurance between 1995 and 2006 in the Swedish insurance company Agria (Agria Insurance Company, Stockholm, Sweden). For veterinary care events (morbidity) GSDs were most over‐represented for immunological disease, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.7, compared with the risk in all other breeds combined. The most common disease category (morbidity) in GSDs was skin disorders with an incidence rate of 346.8 cases per 10,000 dog years at risk. The highest RR for cause of death in GSDs compared with all other breeds was for skin conditions (RR=7.8). Locomotor disorders were the most common cause of death in GSDs. The GSD is predisposed to immune‐related disorders, such as allergies, circumanal fistulae and exocrine pancreatic atrophy, with significantly increased risk compared with all other breeds.
BI-FEATURE VERIFICATION FOR PALMPRINT IMAGES CAPTURED IN PEGLESS SCENARIOS
Authors: LIN CHIH-LUNG , CHENG HSU-YUNG , FAN KUO-CHIN , LU CHUN-WEI , JUAN CHANG-JUNG , KUO CHIH-WEI
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a reliable and robust palmprint verification approach that involves using a bi-feature, biometric, palmprint feature-point number (FPN) and a histogram of oriented gradient (HOG). The bi-feature was fused and verified using a support vector machine (SVM) at the feature level. The approach has the advantages of capturing palm images in pegless scenarios with a low cost and low-resolution (100 dpi) digital scanner, and one sensor can capture palmprint bi-feature information. The low-resolution images result in a smaller database. Nine thousand palmprint images were collected from 300 people to verify the validity of the proposed approach. The results showed an accurate classification rate of 99.04%. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach is feasible and effective in palmprint verification. Our findings will help extend palmprint verification technology to security access control systems.
A NEW BILINEAR APPROACH FOR INCREMENTAL VISUAL LEARNING AND RECOGNITION
Authors: NAKOURI HAÏFA , LIMAM MOHAMED
Published: June 2013

The intra-subject variation of a captured image under different style conditions can be much larger than the inter-subjects variation. This fact highly affects the recognition rate. Among approaches in the literature, bilinear models are efficient two-factor models that separate observations into two factors namely style and content. This paper proposes a new incremental robust face recognition method based on separating the identity factor and the style factor using a symmetric bilinear approach. The proposed method uses an iterative orthogonal triangular factorization for bilinear model learning, along with a translation procedure of the latter. This translation requires a repetitive computation of the orthogonal triangular factorization to reach the content and style factors of an unknown subject. We perform experiments with six databases in terms of recognition rate and style accuracy under four different styles: variety of illuminations, head positions, face expressions and occlusions. Experimental results show that our approach achieves better performance in terms of recognition rate than other existing methods such as the bilinear model, the ridge regression bilinear model and the Robust Principal Component Analysis.
SURVEY OF UPPER EXTREMITY INJURIES AMONG MARTIAL ARTS PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Diesselhorst Matthew M. , Rayan Ghazi M. , Pasque Charles B. , Peyton Holder R.
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To survey participants at various experience levels of different martial arts (MA) about upper extremity injuries sustained during training and fighting.

Materials: A 21-s question survey was designed and utilised. The survey was divided into four groups (Demographics, Injury Description, Injury Mechanism, and Miscellaneous information) to gain knowledge about upper extremity injuries sustained during martial arts participation. Chi-square testing was utilised to assess for significant associations.

Results: Males comprised 81% of respondents. Involvement in multiple forms of MA was the most prevalent (38%). The hand/wrist was the most common area injured (53%), followed by the shoulder/upper arm (27%) and the forearm/elbow (19%). Joint sprains/muscle strains were the most frequent injuries reported overall (47%), followed by abrasions/bruises (26%). Dislocations of the upper extremity were reported by 47% of participants while fractures occurred in 39%. Surgeries were required for 30% of participants. Females were less likely to require surgery and more likely to have shoulder and elbow injuries. Males were more likely to have hand injuries. Participants of Karate and Tae Kwon Do were more likely to have injuries to their hands, while participants of multiple forms were more likely to sustain injuries to their shoulders/upper arms and more likely to develop chronic upper extremity symptoms. With advanced level of training the likelihood of developing chronic upper extremity symptoms increases, and multiple surgeries were required. Hand protection was associated with a lower risk of hand injuries.

Conclusion: Martial arts can be associated with substantial upper extremity injuries that may require surgery and extended time away from participation. Injuries may result in chronic upper extremity symptoms. Hand protection is important for reducing injuries to the hand and wrist.
TREATMENT OF DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES WITH THE DVR-A PLATE — THE EARLY BRISTOL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Loveridge J. , Ahearn N. , Gee C. , Pearson D. , Sivaloganathan S. , Bhatia R.
Published: July 2013

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess how adequately distal radial fracture reduction was reproduced and maintained with the distal volar radius anatomic DVR-A (Biomet, Inc) locking plate.

Methods: We looked at a consecutive series of 111 patients treated with the DVR-A plate at our institution from 2007–2010. The preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative films were reviewed. The AO and Frykman classification was recorded. The sagittal tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured on intra-operative X-rays and compared with final follow-up X-rays. The last recorded range of motion at follow-up and a functional assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was recorded.

Results: At final follow-up a mean radial inclination of 22.22 degrees (11 to 38 degrees), radial height of 11.85 mm (6 to 18 mm), and sagittal tilt of 6.71 degrees volar (-9 to 19 degrees) was achieved. From initial post-operative films, to final follow-up X-rays there was a mean increase of 0.17 degrees in radial inclination, a mean loss of 0.36 mm radial height, and a mean loss of 2.17 degrees volar tilt. The mean extension was 46.8 degrees, flexion 48.3 degrees, pronation 77.4 degrees, supination 74.8 degrees, radial deviation 15.3 degrees and the ulnar deviation 19 degrees. The mean DASH score was 12.8 (0–68).

Conclusion: The DVR-A plate achieved a highly satisfactory reduction of radial length and radial inclination, with a small loss of volar sagittal tilt at final follow-up. A good functional outcome was reported, with a satisfactory range of motion achieved. The DVR-A plate is a safe and effective treatment for unstable and intra-articular displaced distal radius fractures, particularly in younger patients, in the short term.
EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS TENDON RUPTURES AFTER THE USE OF VOLAR LOCKING PLATES FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES
Authors: Zenke Yukichi , Sakai Akinori , Oshige Toshihisa , Moritani Shiro , Menuki Kunitaka , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Furukawa Kayoko , Nakamura Toshitaka
Published: July 2013

Currently, volar locking plates are commonly used to treat distal radius fractures (DRF) because of their stable biomechanical construct and because they cause less soft tissue disturbance and allow early mobilisation of the wrist. Complications such as rupture of tendons have been reported to occur with use of volar locking plates. We describe six cases of rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendons after the use of volar locking plates. EPL tendon injuries occurred in 2.1% (6/286) of cases after DRF surgery. The causes of EPL rupture after DRF surgery were protrusion of the head tip and insufficient reduction of the dorsal roof fragment of the distal radius. These were considered iatrogenic problems. The cause of EPL rupture was unknown in three cases. We should be extremely careful when determining optimum screw length and reducing displaced dorsal roof fragments to prevent damaging the EPL tendons.
SCAPHOID TRANSLATION MEASUREMENTS IN NORMAL WRISTS
Authors: Wollstein Ronit , Werner Frederick W. , Rubenstein Roee , Nacca Christopher R. , Bilonick Richard A. , Gilula Louis A.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to establish a normal measure of scaphoid position in the radioulnar plane in standard neutral, radial and ulnar deviation posteroanterior radiographs. This measurement may allow indirect evaluation of the radiocarpal ligaments and comparison between normal and pathologic states (following radius fractures, perilunate dislocations). Measurements were trialed on 74 normal wrist radiographs and 25 cadaver wrists. We evaluated the distance between the radial styloid and the scaphoid and corresponding scaphoid width. The ratio of distance/width at the mid styloid level (0.35, imprecision SD = 0.1) had the lowest random error and is therefore the most precise measurement of true scaphoid translation. This measurement is independent of scapholunate ligament integrity and may provide a better assessment of the radiocarpal component of ulnar translational instability. Abnormal movement of the scaphoid in the radioscaphoid joint likely reflects ligamentous injury. Identifying and addressing these injuries may prevent the development of arthritis.
MEDIAN NERVE DEFORMATION DURING FINGER MOTION IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: CORRELATION BETWEEN NERVE CONDUCTION AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INDICES
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Ishii Tomoo , Sakai Shinsuke
Published: July 2013

To compare the median nerve deformation indices between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients and controls, 60 wrists of asymptomatic volunteers and 40 wrists of idiopathic CTS patients were evaluated by ultrasound. CTS was diagnosed through clinical findings and nerve conduction studies. Deformation indices, which were determined by the ratios of the nerve cross-sectional area, perimeter, aspect ratio, and circularity in finger extension and flexion positions, were measured. The deformation indices were compared between patients and controls. The correlation coefficients between distal motor latency and deformation indices were measured in CTS patients. There were significant differences between patients and controls in the deformation indices of perimeter, aspect ratio, and circularity. There was a mild correlation between distal latency and deformation indices of the perimeter and circularity (correlation coefficient 0.315 and 0.342). The deformation indices of perimeter and circularity might be useful to identify the nerve conduction severity of CTS.
A MODIFIED TENSION BAND WIRING TECHNIQUE FOR TREATMENT OF THE BONY MALLET FINGER
Authors: Kakinoki Ryosuke , Ohta Soichi , Noguchi Takashi , Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Itoh Hiromu , Duncan Scott F. , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To report the outcomes of mallet fractures treated with our modified tension band wiring technique.

Methods: Eleven men and two women (mean age; 33 years) with mallet fractures in which happened more than five weeks before surgery, or with fracture fragments involving more than 2/3 or less than 1/3 of the distal phalanx articular surface or with previous surgical intervention, were subjected to this study. The fracture fragment was fixed with a modified tension band wiring technique using a stainless steel wire and an injection needle.

Results: All patients achieved bone union in nine weeks in average. All patients had no pain except one with mild pain. No patient showed a gap or step-off greater than 1 mm.

Conclusions: Our tension band wiring technique can be used regardless of the size of the dorsal fracture fragment or the interval between injury and surgery.
ON-TOP PLASTY USING A FREE METACARPAL HEAD GRAFT FOR LENGTHENING OF PROXIMAL PHALANX IN SYMBRACHYDACTYLY — A CASE REPORT
Authors: Iba Kousuke , Wada Takuro , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: July 2013

A three-year old patient with symbrachydactyly (didactyly type) presented with a little finger that was too short to allow pinching and consisting of a floppy soft-tissue envelope with hypoplastic phalanges, although the thumb was functional. As the proximal phalanx was too small to permit distraction lengthening or conventional bone grafting, on-top plasty using a 4th metacarpal graft with a cartilage head was undertaken for lengthening the proximal phalanx of the little finger for pinch reconstruction. At ten weeks after surgery, the patient achieved satisfactory pinch function due to the lengthened and bone-stabilised postoperative digit and reconstruction of functional proximal interphalangeal joint. In addition, the grafted metacarpal demonstrated satisfactory bone growth throughout the six-year follow-up period.
Fault and fracture distribution within a tight-gas sandstone reservoir: Mesaverde Group, Mamm Creek Field, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA
Authors: Baytok Sait , Pranter Matthew J.
Published: July 2013

The distribution and orientation of faults, fracture intensity and seismic-reflection characteristics of the Mesaverde Group (Williams Fork and Iles formations) at Mamm Creek Field vary stratigraphically, and with lithology and depositional setting. For the Mesaverde Group, the occurrence of faults and natural fractures is important as they provide conduits for gas migration, and enhance the permeability and productivity of the tight-gas sandstones. The Upper Cretaceous Mesaverde Group represents fluvial, alluvial-plain, coastal-plain and shallow-marine depositional environments.

Structural interpretations based on three-dimensional (3D) seismic-amplitude data, ant-track (algorithm that enhances seismic discontinuities) seismic attributes and curvature attributes are utilized jointly to understand the complex fault characteristics of the Williams Fork Formation. This study reveals that the lowermost lower Williams Fork Formation is characterized by NNW- and east–west-trending small-scale thrust and normal faults. Study suggests that the uppermost lower Williams Fork Formation, and the middle and upper Williams Fork formations, exhibit NNE- and east–west-trending arrays of fault splays that terminate upwards and do not appear to displace the upper Williams Fork Formation. In the uppermost Williams Fork Formation and Ohio Creek Member, NNE-trending discontinuities are displaced by east–west-trending events and the east–west-trending events dominate.

Fracture analysis, based on borehole-image logs, together with ant-track and attenuation-related seismic attributes, illustrates the spatial variability of fracture intensity and lithological controls on fracture distribution. In general, higher fracture intensity occurs within the southern, southwestern and western portions of the field, and fracture intensity is greater within the fluvial sandstone deposits of the middle and upper Williams Fork formations. More than 90% of natural fractures occur in sandstones and siltstones.
In situ
stress analysis, based on induced-tensile fractures and borehole breakouts, indicates a NNW orientation of present-day maximum horizontal stress (

S

H

max

), an approximate 20° rotation (in a clockwise direction) in the orientation of

S

H

max

with depth and an abrupt stress shift below the Williams Fork Formation within the Rollins Sandstone Member.