Concussions in Ice Hockey: Baseline Testing, Reporting Accuracy, and Cervical Functioning

The purpose of this study was threefold: firstly, to demonstrate the utility of the SCAT2 as both a baseline measurement and a tool to aid in the decision making process following the occurrence of a concussion; secondly, to assess the accuracy of reporting and/or relaying a diagnosis of a concussion; and finally to attempt to measure a relationship between cervical spine functioning and past concussion occurrence. Eighty hockey players were assessed for cognitive, neuropsychological, and physical measures pertaining to concussive injuries within ice hockey. The results of the study showed a marked underreporting of concussions due to either fear of reporting, misdiagnosis, or simple lack of knowledge. The SCAT2 is demonstrated to be a useful and cost-effective tool for use as a baseline measure or for a means of following up post-injury. No significant findings appeared with regards to cervical functioning and past concussive injuries; recommendations for future research are offered

SHORT COMMUNICATION- An update on the diversity of \u3ci\u3eWolbachia in Spalangia\u3c/i\u3e spp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Results from 13 additional host populations improves resolution on the diversity of Wolbachia bacteria in Spalangia spp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). These bacteria are of interest because they can profoundly affect their host’s reproduction. Manipulating Wolbachia infections may provide a method to improve the efficacy of biocontrol agents including Spalangia spp. Parasitoid wasps (Pteromalidae: Hymenoptera) are of interest as biocontrol agents for pest flies (Diptera: Muscidae) of livestock confinements; e.g. dairies, cattle feedlots, poultry houses, swine barns. Many of these wasps are infected with Wolbachia bacteria that can profoundly affect their host’s reproduction. Wolbachia induce parthenogenesis in Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (Zchori-Fein, Gottlieb, and Coll 2000) and cytoplasmic incompatibility in Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Breeuwer and Werren 1990) and Urolepis rufipes (Ashmead) (Kyei-Poku, Floate, Benkel, and Goettel 2003). Additional information on the occurrence and effect of Wolbachia on members of this parasitoid guild may facilitate their mass-production for use in biocontrol programmes. A recent survey identified infections of Wolbachia in 15 of 21 species of these wasps (Kyei- Poku et al. 2006). Most of the species were infected with single isolates of Wolbachia as determined by genetic variation in the wsp gene. Infections of two and four isolates were detected in N. vitripennis and Spalangia cameroni Perkins, respectively. The same study showed incompatible crosses of S. cameroni to produce fertilised eggs that died during embryogenesis. In addition, the progeny of infected males exhibited prolonged development regardless of whether the female parent was infected or whether the males developed from fertilised or unfertilised eggs (Kyei-Poku et al. 2006)

SHORT COMMUNICATION- An update on the diversity of \u3ci\u3eWolbachia in Spalangia\u3c/i\u3e spp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Results from 13 additional host populations improves resolution on the diversity of Wolbachia bacteria in Spalangia spp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). These bacteria are of interest because they can profoundly affect their host’s reproduction. Manipulating Wolbachia infections may provide a method to improve the efficacy of biocontrol agents including Spalangia spp. Parasitoid wasps (Pteromalidae: Hymenoptera) are of interest as biocontrol agents for pest flies (Diptera: Muscidae) of livestock confinements; e.g. dairies, cattle feedlots, poultry houses, swine barns. Many of these wasps are infected with Wolbachia bacteria that can profoundly affect their host’s reproduction. Wolbachia induce parthenogenesis in Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (Zchori-Fein, Gottlieb, and Coll 2000) and cytoplasmic incompatibility in Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Breeuwer and Werren 1990) and Urolepis rufipes (Ashmead) (Kyei-Poku, Floate, Benkel, and Goettel 2003). Additional information on the occurrence and effect of Wolbachia on members of this parasitoid guild may facilitate their mass-production for use in biocontrol programmes. A recent survey identified infections of Wolbachia in 15 of 21 species of these wasps (Kyei- Poku et al. 2006). Most of the species were infected with single isolates of Wolbachia as determined by genetic variation in the wsp gene. Infections of two and four isolates were detected in N. vitripennis and Spalangia cameroni Perkins, respectively. The same study showed incompatible crosses of S. cameroni to produce fertilised eggs that died during embryogenesis. In addition, the progeny of infected males exhibited prolonged development regardless of whether the female parent was infected or whether the males developed from fertilised or unfertilised eggs (Kyei-Poku et al. 2006)

Complementary Medicine: A One Day Course

A one-day 2003 Interclerkship course introduced Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and was designed to enhance the knowledge, attitude, and skills of third year medical students. Students experienced a wide array of CAM modalities, interacted with CAM practitioners and learned the state of the art of evidence based CAM. Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2004

Oestrogen metabolites in relation to isoprostanes as a measure of oxidative stress

Objective  Oestradiol (E2) and its metabolites 2-hydroxyoestrone (2-OHE1) and 16Α-hydroxyoestrone (16Α-OHE1) are thought to curtail the greater oxidative stress found in the development and progression of disease conditions including atherosclerosis. We related oestrogen levels to F 2a -isoprostane levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress. Design and participants  Data were obtained from 1647 women, aged 47–57 years, participating in the fifth annual follow-up of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a study of the menopausal transition. Measurements  Serum E2 and urinary 2-OHE1 and 16Α-OHE1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and urinary F 2a -isoprostanes were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results  F 2a -isoprostane concentrations were elevated in women who smoked, a behaviour associated with increased oxidative stress, but not in stages of the natural menopause. Mean F 2a -isoprostane concentrations among pre- and postmenopausal women who smoked were 1082 and 1064 pg/ml, respectively, values double those in pre- (343 pg/ml) and postmenopausal (379 pg/ml) nonsmoking women. 2-OHE1 and F 2a -isoprostane concentrations were positively and highly correlated (partial correlations Ρ Y|X  = 0·44 and Ρ Y|X  = 0·43 in pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively). Similarly, 16Α-OHE1 concentrations were positively and highly correlated with F 2a -isoprostane concentrations (Ρ Y|X  = 0·52 and Ρ Y|X  = 0·59 in pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively). E2 was significantly correlated with F 2a -isoprostanes only in postmenopausal women (Ρ Y|X  = 0·20). Associations were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, lipids, physical activity level and alcohol consumption. Conclusions  This study does not support the commonly held hypothesis that levels of endogenous E2 or its oestrone metabolites favourably modify oxidative stress by decreasing F2 a -isoprostane levels.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/74943/1/j.1365-2265.2007.03108.x.pd

An evaluation of sit to stand devices for use in rehabilitation

There are many assistive devices to help with raising a person from a seat. These devices are considered active as they require some balance, trunk control and weightbearing ability. There is concern that this movement is mostly passive due to fixation at the trunk and knee. This study explores the movement patterns in sit to stand transfers active and assisted. Study Design: A fully squared repeated measures design was use. All participants (n = 20) used all conditions (n = 7) in a balanced order. Transfers were recorded with; video recordings, a 6 dimensional force plate, hip, knee and ankle positions were recorded with motion capture. Subjective evaluations for comfort and security were completed. Physical data was compared with ANOVA calculations with Bonferroni corrections. Results: Device G scored highest for comfort, knee support and overall preference. Sling movement had a negative effect on the sensations of comfort and security. The motion analysis of the flexible knee support showed: People push into the floor and CoP moved towards the toe.More anterior knee movement (P < 0.05).More bodyweight through feet (P < 0.05).Quicker transfer of weight onto feet.Very low bodyweight was recorded in all lowering actions. The use of a flexible knee support raised the subjective and physical performance of the assistive device and may improve rehabilitation responses

Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment

Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatmentTreatment for cancer (including bone marrow transplant) can cause oral mucositis (severe ulcers in the mouth). This painful condition can cause difficulties in eating, drinking and swallowing, and may also be associated with infections which may require the patient to stay longer in hospital. Different strategies are used to try and prevent this condition, and the review of trials found that some of these are effective. Two interventions, cryotherapy (ice chips) and keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin®) showed some benefit in preventing mucositis. Sucralfate is effective in reducing the severity of mucositis, and a further seven interventions, aloe vera, amifostine, intravenous glutamine, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF), honey, laser and antibiotic lozenges containing polymixin/tobramycin/amphotericin (PTA) showed weaker evidence of benefit. These were evaluated in patients with different types of cancer, undergoing different types of cancer treatment. Benefits may be restricted to the disease and treatment combinations evaluated