Consensus on a netball video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the netball video analysis consensus group.

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a netball video analysis consensus (NVAC) group of researchers and practitioners was formed to develop a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions of physical, technical and contextual aspects for netball research. The framework aims to improve the consistency of language used within netball investigations. It also aims to guide injury mechanism reporting and identification of injury risk factors. The development of the framework involved a systematic review of the literature and a Delphi process. In conjunction with commercially used descriptors and definitions, 19 studies were used to create the initial framework of key descriptors and definitions in netball. In a two round Delphi method consensus, each expert rated their level of agreement with each of the descriptors and associated definition on a 5-point Likert scale (1-strongly disagree; 2-somewhat disagree; 3-neither agree nor disagree; 4-somewhat agree; 5-strongly agree). The median (IQR) rating of agreement was 5.0 (0.0), 5.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) for physical, technical and contextual aspects, respectively. The NVAC group recommends usage of the framework when conducting video analysis research in netball. The use of descriptors and definitions will be determined by the nature of the work and can be combined to incorporate further movements and actions used in netball. The framework can be linked with additional data, such as injury surveillance and microtechnology data

Risky asset models with tempered stable fractal activity time

Two constructions of fractal activity time in the fractal activity time geometric Brownian motion (FATGBM) model for a risky asset are discussed. Both constructions produce tractable dependence structure that includes long-range dependence. One construction uses Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type processes and leads to stationary log returns with exact normal tempered stable distribution and pricing formula that is based on the asymptotic self-similarity of the activity time. The second construction uses convoluted subordinator with Holmgren-Liouville kernel and leads to exact pricing formula that is based on exact tempered stable distribution of the activity time. Option prices computed using our model and pricing formulae are remarkably close to the real market values

Thigh-length compression stockings and DVT after stroke

Controversy exists as to whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer, despite randomised controlled trials of more than 3000 patients. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of such treatment on survival in patients with this disease

Effects of cagA+ and cagA- strains of Helicobacter pylori on the human gastric mucus layer thickness

Background:  Infection with cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) Helicobacter pylori is associated with severe gastric diseases, with contradictory views being expressed concerning the effect of H. pylori on the gastric mucus thickness. The aim of the present study was to differentiate between the effect of cagA+ and cagA– strains on gastric mucus thickness.\ud \ud Methods:  Ninety-nine patients without peptic ulcers who were not on medication were randomly recruited from consecutive endoscopy clinics: six biopsies (five antral, one body) were obtained from each patient. Cryostat sections (18 µm) were cut and stained using the modified periodic acid–Schiff/Alcian blue technique. Mucus thickness was measured using computer-assisted light microscopy. The H. pylori status was assessed by histology, Campylobacter-like organism (CLO)test and culture, and cagA+ status determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).\ud \ud Results:  There was no significant difference (P = 0.784) in mean mucus thickness between cagA+ (52.7 ± 1.2 µm, n = 10), cagA– (46.6 ± 1.1 µm, n = 18) or H. pylori-negative patients (51.3 ± 1.1 µm, n = 30). In cagA– patients, mucus thickness was significantly reduced with increased H. pylori colonization density, Spearman (rs) = −0.805, P < 0.0001. In contrast, in cagA+ patients there was a weak positive, but not significant, association between mucus thickness and H. pylori colonization density, rs = 0.333, P = 0.381.\ud \ud Conclusions:  The human gastric mucus thickness is not affected by infection with cagA+ or cagA– strains of H. pylori compared with uninfected. Although a trend of increased mucus thickness with cagA+ infection was observed