187 research outputs found
Inge Revsbech wins The Journal of Experimental Biology’s Outstanding Paper Prize 2013
Full text linkThe Editors of The Journal of Experimental Biology are pleased to announce that Inge Revsbech from Aarhus University, Denmark, is the winner of this year’s JEB Outstanding paper prize. The prize is awarded in memory of Bob Boutillier (JEB Editor-in-Chief 1994–2003) to a junior author who has made the most significant contribution to an outstanding paper. ‘The prize aims to promote and reward the hard work that individual young scientists have put into solving different riddles of any particular species using ingenuity, perseverance and sound technology and methodology’, explains Hans Hoppeler, Editor-In-Chief.
Revsbech was the first author on the paper ‘Hemoglobin function and allosteric regulation in semi-fossorial rodents (family Sciuridae) with different altitudinal ranges’ (Revsbech et al., 2013). Reflecting on the paper, Hoppeler says, ‘This year’s winner stands out because it integrates mechanistic molecular understanding of a physiological process, in this case the conditions for oxygen transfer in hemoglobin, and relates this understanding to an ecological context. Because of the novel insight provided, this manuscript received top ratings and was therefore shortlisted for the prize, and in the final selection the majority of the editors felt that this particular manuscript represented the kind of research that JEB would like to promote.’
Prize is for: Revsbech, I. G., Tufts, D. M., Projecto-Garcia, J., Moriyama, H., Weber, R. E., Storz, J. F. and Fago, A. (2013). Hemoglobin function and allosteric regulation in semifossorial rodents (family Sciuridae) with different altitudinal ranges. J. Exp. Biol. 216, 4264-4271.
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Once in Nebraska, Revsbech found herself hitting the ground running: ‘The day I arrived in Lincoln, we went out to a cemetery where the largest nearby population [of thirteen-lined ground squirrels] was. It had been drizzling all day and these ground squirrels didn’t want to come out. So we hid, and as soon as we saw one come out we’d put out traps with peanut butter, so everything smelt of peanut butter – it was a great start.
Compensatory trunk movements in patients with hip osteoarthritis accuracy and reproducibility of a body-fixed sensor-based assessment
No full textReininga IHF, Stevens M, Wagenmakers R, Boerboom AL, Groothoff JW, Bulstra SK, Zijlstra W: Compensatory trunk movements in patients with hip osteoarthritis; Accuracy and reproducibility of a body-fixed sensor-based assessment. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2011;90:681-687. This study examined the accuracy and reproducibility of a body-fixed sensor-based assessment for quantifying frontal plane angular movements of the (upper) thorax and pelvis of patients with hip osteoarthritis at different walking speeds. To evaluate accuracy, the angular movements of sensors attached to the thorax and pelvis of three patients were compared with results based on an optical motion analysis system. Accuracy was high, with small and consistent mean differences (<1.0 degree) and corresponding standard deviations (<1.3 degrees) between optical motion analysis system and body-fixed sensor data. To evaluate reproducibility, angular trunk movements were assessed twice in 15 patients. Reproducibility was high (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.86 to 0.97), and the values of the mean differences between the test and retest were small, with the 95% confidence interval containing zero. This body-fixed sensor-based assessment is an accurate and reproducible method for quantifying frontal plane compensatory trunk movements during gait of patients with hip osteoarthritis at different walking speeds
Elbow-specific clinical rating systems:extent of established validity, reliability, and responsiveness
No full text<p>Background: The modern standard of evaluating treatment results includes the use of rating systems. Elbow-specific rating systems are frequently used in studies aiming at elbow-specific pathology. However, proper validation studies seem to be relatively sparse. In addition, these scoring systems might not always be used for appropriate populations of interest. Both of these issues might give rise to invalid conclusions being reported in the literature. Our aim was to investigate the extent to which the available elbow-specific outcome measurement tools have been validated and the quality of the validation itself. We also aimed to provide characteristics of the populations used for validation of these scales to enable clinicians to use them appropriately.</p><p>Methods: A literature search identified 17 studies of 12 different elbow-specific scoring systems. These were assessed for validity, reliability, and responsiveness characteristics. The quality of these assessments was rated according to the Consensus Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist criteria, a standardized and validated tool developed specifically for this purpose.</p><p>Results: Currently, the only elbow-specific rating system that is validated using high-quality methodology is the Oxford Elbow Score, a patient-administered outcome measure tool that has been validated on heterogeneous study populations.</p><p>Conclusion: Other rating systems still have to be proven in the future to be as good as the Oxford Elbow Score for clinical or research purposes. Additional validation studies are needed.</p><p>Level of evidence: Basic Science, Validation of Outcome Instruments, Systematic Review. (C) 2013 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.</p>
Outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of 3-and 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly: a 10-year retrospective cohort study
Full text linkPURPOSE: Despite a rising incidence in proximal humeral fractures, there is still no evidence for the best treatment option, especially for elderly patients. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional outcome, pain and social participation in elderly patients, after operative and nonoperative treatment of displaced 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: 150 patients aged ≥ 65, treated for a displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fracture between 2004 and 2014, were invited to participate. Eventually 91 patients (61%) participated, of which 32 non-operatively treated patients were matched to 32 of the 59 operatively treated patients by propensity score matching. The EQ-5D, DASH, VAS for pain and WHODAS 2.0 Participation in Society domain were administered. Complications and reinterventions were registered. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two treatment groups in HRQoL (p = 0.43), function (p = 0.78) and pain (p = 0.19). A trend toward better social participation in the operative group (p = 0.09) was found. More complications and reinterventions occurred in the operative group than the nonoperative group, with 9 versus 5 complications (p = 0.37) and 8 versus 2 reinterventions (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found no evidence of a difference in HRQoL, functional outcome or pain 1-10 years after operative or nonoperative treatment in patients of 65 and older with a displaced 3- or 4-part humeral fracture. Operatively treated patients showed a trend toward better social participation but also higher reintervention rates
The Dutch language anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury scale (ACL-RSI) - validity and reliability
Full text linkThe ACL-Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) measures athletes' emotions, confidence in performance, and risk appraisal in relation to return to sport after ACL reconstruction. Aim of this study was to study the validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the ACL-RSI (ACL-RSI (NL)). Total 150 patients, who were 3-16 months postoperative, completed the ACL-RSI(NL) and 5 other questionnaires regarding psychological readiness to return to sports, knee-specific physical functioning, kinesiophobia, and health-specific locus of control. Construct validity of the ACL-RSI(NL) was determined with factor analysis and by exploring 10 hypotheses regarding correlations between ACL-RSI(NL) and the other questionnaires. For test-retest reliability, 107 patients (5-16 months postoperative) completed the ACL-RSI(NL) again 2 weeks after the first administration. Cronbach's alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), SEM, and SDC, were calculated. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess bias between test and retest. Nine hypotheses (90%) were confirmed, indicating good construct validity. The ACL-RSI(NL) showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC 0.93). SEM was 5.5 and SDC was 15. A significant bias of 3.2 points between test and retest was found. Therefore, the ACL-RSI(NL) can be used to investigate psychological factors relevant to returning to sport after ACL reconstruction
After total knee arthroplasty, many people are not active enough to maintain their health and fitness: an observational study
Full text linkAbstractQuestionsWhat proportion of people after total knee arthroplasty adheres to the physical activity regimen recommended for maintenance of health (moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30min on 5 days/week)? What proportion adheres to the activity regimen recommended to improve fitness (vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 20min on 3 days/week)? What factors are associated with adherence to these recommendations?DesignAn observational study.Participants830 adults who underwent a total knee arthroplasty between 2002 and 2006 at University Medical Center Gronigen or Martini Hospital Gronigen, the Netherlands.Outcome measuresThe Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (SQUASH) was used to measure the physical activity behaviour of the participants. These data were analysed as adherence to each recommendation.ResultsThe health recommendation was adhered to by 51% of the participants. The fitness recommendation was adhered to by 53% of participants. Almost half (46%) of the participants fulfilled both recommendations, and 42% did not fulfil either recommendation. Males and more educated participants had higher odds of meeting the health, fitness, and both recommendations. Respondents living with family had higher odds of meeting the fitness recommendation.ConclusionAfter total knee arthroplasty, 42% of people are not active enough to maintain their health and fitness. Physiotherapists should encourage people with a total knee arthroplasty to undertake the recommended exercise regimens to maintain health and fitness, with particular attention to those people with characteristics known to be associated with poor adherence to the recommendations
Injury mechanisms, patterns and outcomes of older polytrauma patients: An analysis of the Dutch Trauma Registry
Full text linkBackground Polytrauma patients nowadays tend to be older due to the growth of the elderly population and its improved mobility. The aim of this study was to compare demographics, injury patterns, injury mechanisms and outcomes between younger and older polytrauma patients. Methods Data from polytrauma (ISS >= 16) patients between 2009 and 2014 were extracted from the Dutch trauma registry (DTR). Younger (Group A: ages 18-59) and older (Group B: ages >= 60) polytrauma patients were compared. Differences in injury severity, trauma mechanism (only data for the year 2014), vital signs, injury patterns, ICU characteristics and hospital mortality were analyzed. Results Data of 25,304 polytrauma patients were analyzed. The older patients represented 47.8% of the polytrauma population. Trauma mechanism in the older patients was more likely to be a bicycle accident (A: 17%; B: 21%) or a low-energy fall (A: 13%; B: 43%). Younger polytrauma patients were more likely to have the worst scores on the Glasgow coma scale (EMV = 3, A: 20%, B: 13%). However, serious head injuries were seen more often in the older patients (A: 53%; B: 69%). The hospital mortality was doubled for the older polytrauma patients (19.8% vs. 9.6%). Conclusion Elderly are involved more often in polytrauma. Although injury severity did not differ between groups, the older polytrauma patients were at a higher risk of dying than their younger counterparts despite sustaining less high-energy accidents
Validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the Copenhagen Hip And Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS-NL) in patients with hip pathology
Get PDFBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Copenhagen Hip And Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was developed to assess disease-specific consequences in young to middle-aged, physically active hip and/or groin patients. The study aimed to determine validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the HAGOS (HAGOS-NL) for middle-aged patients with hip complaints. DESIGN AND METHODS: To assess validity, 117 participants completed five questionnaires: HAGOS-NL, international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12NL), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), RAND-36 Health Survey and Tegner activity scale. Structural validity was determined by conducting confirmatory factor analysis. Construct validity was analyzed by formulating predefined hypotheses regarding relationships between the HAGOS-NL and subscales of the iHOT-12NL, HOOS, RAND-36 and Tegner activity scale. The HAGOS-NL was filled out again by 67 patients to explore test-retest reliability. Reliability was assessed in terms of Cronbach's alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). The Bland and Altman method was used to explore absolute agreement. RESULTS: Factor analysis confirmed that the HAGOS-NL consists of six subscales. All hypotheses were confirmed, indicating good construct validity. Internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.89 to 0.98. Test-retest reliability was considered good, with ICC values of 0.80 and higher. The SEM ranged from 6.6 to 12.3, and MDC at individual level from 18.3 to 34.1 and at group level from 2.3 to 4.4. Bland and Altman analyses showed no bias. CONCLUSION: The HAGOS-NL is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring pain, physical functioning and quality of life in middle-aged patients with hip complaints
Intraoperative fluoroscopic protocol to avoid rotational malalignment after nailing of tibia shaft fractures:introduction of the 'C-Arm Rotational View (CARV)'
Full text linkPurpose Rotational malalignment (>= 10 degrees) is a frequent pitfall of intramedullary-nailing of tibial shaft fractures. This study aimed to develop an intraoperative fluoroscopy protocol, coined 'C-Arm Rotational View (CARV)', to significantly reduce the risk for rotational malalignment and to test its clinical feasibility. Methods A cadaver and clinical feasibility study was conducted to develop the CARV-technique, that included a standardized intraoperative fluoroscopy sequence of predefined landmarks on the uninjured and injured leg in which the rotation of the C-arm was used to verify for rotational alignment. A mid-shaft tibia fracture was simulated in a cadaver and an unlocked intramedullary-nail was inserted. Random degrees of rotational malalignment were applied using a hand-held goniometer via reference wires at the fracture site. Ten surgeons, blinded for the applied rotation, performed rotational corrections according to (1) current clinical practice after single-leg and dual-leg draping, and (2) according to the CARV-protocol. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of the corrections relative to neutral tibial alignment. The CARV-protocol was tested in a small clinical cohort. Results In total, 180 rotational corrections were performed by 10 surgeons. Correction according to clinical practice using single-leg and dual-leg draping resulted in a median difference of, respectively, 10.0 degrees (IQR 5.0 degrees) and 10.0 degrees (IQR 5.0 degrees) relative to neutral alignment. Single-leg and dual-leg draping resulted in malalignment (>= 10 degrees) in, respectively, 67% and 58% of the corrections. Standardized correction using the CARV resulted in a median difference of 5.0 degrees (IQR 5.0 degrees) relative to neutral alignment, with only 12% categorized as malalignment (>= 10 degrees). The incidence of rotational malalignment after application of the CARV decreased from 67% and 58% to 12% (p =</p
Does Imageless Computer-assisted TKA Lead to Improved Rotational Alignment or Fewer Outliers?: A Systematic Review
No full textComputer-assisted surgery (CAS) has been developed to enhance prosthetic alignment during primary TKAs. Imageless CAS improves coronal and sagittal alignment compared with conventional TKA. However, the effect of imageless CAS on rotational alignment remains unclear. We conducted a systematic and qualitative review of the current literature regarding the effectiveness of imageless CAS during TKA on (1) rotational alignment of the femoral and tibial components and tibiofemoral mismatch in terms of deviation from neutral rotation, and (2) the number of femoral and tibial rotational outliers. Data sources included PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Study selection, data extraction, and methodologic quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Standardized mean difference with 95% CI was calculated for continuous variables (rotational alignment of the femoral or tibial component and tibiofemoral mismatch). To compare the number of outliers for femoral and tibial component rotation, the odds ratio and 95% CI were calculated. The literature search produced 657 potentially relevant studies, 17 of which met the inclusion criteria. One study was considered as having high methodologic quality, 15 studies had medium, and one study had low quality. Conflicting evidence was found for all outcome measures except for tibiofemoral mismatch. Moderate evidence was found that imageless CAS had no influence on postoperative tibiofemoral mismatch. The measurement protocol for measuring tibial rotation varied among the studies and in only one of the studies was the sample size calculation based on one of the outcome measures used in our systematic review. More studies of high methodologic quality and with a sample size calculation based on the outcome measures will be helpful to assess whether an imageless CAS TKA improves femoral and tibial rotational alignment and tibiofemoral mismatch or decreases the number of femoral and tibial rotational outliers. To statistically analyze the results of different studies, the same measurement protocol should be used among the studies
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