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Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) have been used separately across different populations to alleviate movement impairment. Recently these two forms of covert motor simulation have been combined (combined action observation and motor imagery; AOMI), resulting in greater neurophysiological activity in the motor system, and more favourable behavioural outcomes when compared to independent AO and MI. This review aims to outline how some of the neural deficits associated with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are evident during AO and MI, and highlight how these motor simulation techniques have been used independently to improve motor skill learning in children in this population. The growing body of evidence indicating that AOMI is superior to the independent use of either AO and MI is then synthesised and discussed in the context of children with DCD. To conclude, recommendations to optimise the delivery of AOMI for children with DCD are provided and future avenues for research are highlighted.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the stiffness and resistance to elongation of an internal bracing (IB) construct in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR). The authors hypothesized that augmentation with an internal brace would increase construct stiffness and decrease posterior tibial translation during cyclic loading in a fresh frozen cadaveric model. Ten cadaver knees underwent PCL reconstruction with (PCLR+IB) and without (PCLR) augmentation with an internal brace and were compared with an intact PCL state. Knees were subjected to cyclic posterior drawer loading at 45 N, 90 N, and 134 N. The PCLR+IB showed significantly less tibial translation with posterior drawer loading compared with the PCLR. Posterior tibial translation measured 8.83 mm for the PCLR vs 6.59 mm for the PCLR+IB ( P =.05) at 45 N posterior load. This difference remained significant at higher loads, with posterior translation of 10.84 mm and 8.44 mm for PCLR and PCLR+IB, respectively, at 90 N ( P =.035) and posterior translation of 12.80 mm and 10.23 mm for PCLR and PCLR+IB, respectively, at 134 N ( P =.023). No significant differences were found in overall construct stiffness between groups. These data suggest a checkrein mechanism of action for the internal brace in this construct, rather than a load-sharing mechanism. Importantly, the PCLR+IB technique did not constrain posterior translation more than the intact, physiologic state. Clinical studies are warranted to determine whether these ex vivo biomechanical benefits will translate to improved outcomes. [ Orthopedics . 2021;44(4):235–240.]

OBJECTIVES To evaluate axial fracture obliquity and posterior inferior comminution in vertically oriented femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in the physiologically young patient. A biomechanical investigation was designed to evaluate the impact of these fracture elements on torque to failure using cannulated screw (CS) and sliding hip screw fixation. METHODS Four Pauwels III FNF models were established in synthetic femurs: (1) vertically oriented in the coronal plane (COR), (2) coronal plane with axial obliquity (AX), (3) coronal plane with posterior inferior comminution (CCOM), and (4) coronal plane with axial obliquity and posterior inferior comminution (ACOM). In each group (n = 10), specimens were fixed using either 3 CSs or a sliding hip screw with supplemental antirotation screw (SHS). Quasistatic cyclic ramp-loading to failure was performed using a custom testing jig combining axial preloading and torsional ramp-loading. The primary outcome was torque to failure, defined as angular displacement ≥5 degrees. RESULTS In the CS group, torque to failure was 40.2 ± 2.6 Nm, 35.0 ± 1.4 Nm, 29.8 ± 1.5 Nm, and 31.8 ± 2.2 Nm for the COR, AX, CCOM, and ACOM fracture groups, respectively (P < 0.05). In the SHS group, torque to failure was 28.6 ± 1.3 Nm, 24.2 ± 1.4 Nm, 21.4 ± 1.2 Nm, and 21.0 ± 0.9 Nm for the COR, AX, CCOM, and ACOM fracture groups, respectively (P < 0.05). In both constructs, groups with posterior inferior comminution demonstrated significantly lower torque to failure compared to the COR group (P < 0.05). The CS construct demonstrated higher torque to failure in all groups when compared to the SHS construct (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Posterior inferior comminution significantly affects torque to failure in vertically oriented FNFs. Three peripherally placed CSs may resist combined axial and torsional loading better than a sliding hip screw construct.

OBJECTIVES This biomechanical study compares the effectiveness of dual-plate (DP) and plate-nail (PN) constructs for fixation of supracondylar distal femur fractures in synthetic and cadaveric specimens. METHODS Twenty-four synthetic osteoporotic femurs were used to compare 4 constructs in an extra-articular, supracondylar fracture gap model (OTA/AO type 33-A3). Constructs included: (1) distal lateral femoral locking plate (DLFLP), (2) retrograde intramedullary nail (rIMN), (3) DLFLP + medial locking compression plate (DP construct), and (4) DLFLP + rIMN (PN construct). DP and PN constructs were then directly compared using 7 matched pairs of cadaveric femurs. Specimens underwent cyclic loading in torsion and compression. Biomechanical effectiveness was measured by quantifying the load-dependent stiffness of each construct. RESULTS In synthetic osteoporotic femurs, the DP construct had the greatest torsional stiffness (1.76 ± 0.33 Nm/deg) followed by the rIMN (1.67 ± 0.14 Nm/deg), PN construct (1.44 ± 0.17 Nm/deg), and DLFLP (0.68 ± 0.10 Nm/deg) (P < 0.01). The DP construct also had the greatest axial stiffness (507.9 ± 83.1 N/mm) followed by the PN construct (371.4 ± 41.9 N/mm), DLFLP (255.0 ± 45.3 N/mm), and rIMN (109.2 ± 47.6 N/mm) (P < 0.05). In cadaveric specimens, the DP construct was nearly twice as stiff as the PN construct in torsion (8.41 ± 0.58 Nm/deg vs. 4.24 ± 0.41 Nm/deg, P < 0.001), and over one-and-a-half times stiffer in compression (2148.1 ± 820.4 vs. 1387.7 ± 467.9 N/mm, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS DP constructs provided stiffer fixation than PN constructs in this biomechanical study of extra-articular distal femur fractures. In the clinical setting, fracture morphology, desired healing mode, surgical approach, and implant cost should be considered when implementing these fixation strategies.

Open practices: The study in this article earned an Open Materials badge for transparent practices. Materials and data for the study are available at https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/624008. Copyright © 2019 The Authors. The dual-action simulation hypothesis proposes that both an observed and an imagined action can be represented simultaneously in the observer's brain. These two sensorimotor streams would either merge or compete depending on their relative suitability for action planning. To test this hypothesis, three forms of combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) instructions were used in this repeated-measures experiment. Participants observed index finger abduction-adduction movements while imagining the same action (congruent AO + MI), little finger abduction-adduction (coordinative AO + MI), or a static hand (conflicting AO + MI). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the left primary motor cortex. The amplitude of motor evoked potential responses were recorded from both the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles of the right-hand while eye movements were tracked. When controlling for the influence of relevant eye movements, corticospinal excitability was facilitated relative to control conditions in the concurrently observed and imagined muscles for both congruent and coordinative AO + MI conditions. Eye-movement metrics and social validation data from post–experiment interviews provided insight into the attentional and cognitive mechanisms underlying these effects. The findings provide empirical support for the dual-action simulation hypothesis, indicating for the first time that it is possible to co-represent observed and imagined actions simultaneously.

Cholinergic degeneration is a key feature of dementia in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Quantitative electro-encephalography (EEG) metrics are altered in both conditions from early stages, and recent research in people with Lewy body and AD dementia suggests these changes may be associated with atrophy in cholinergic basal forebrain nuclei (cBF). To determine if these relationships exist in predementia stages of neurodegenerative conditions, we studied resting-state EEG and in vivo cBF volumes in 31 people with PD (without dementia), 21 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 21 age-matched controls. People with PD showed increased power in slower frequencies and reduced alpha reactivity compared to controls. Volumes of cholinergic cell clusters corresponding to the medial septum and vertical and horizontal limb of the diagonal band, and the posterior nucleus basalis of Meynert, correlated positively with; alpha reactivity in people with PD (p< 0.01); and pre-alpha power in people with MCI (p< 0.05). These results suggest that alpha reactivity and pre-alpha power are related to changes in cBF volumes in MCI and PD without dementia.

Background The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study-IV-Pediatric (REDS-IV-P) Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic (RESPONSE) seroprevalence study conducted monthly cross-sectional testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in blood donors in 6 US metropolitan regions to estimate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infections over time. Methods During March–August 2020, approximately ≥1000 serum specimens were collected monthly from each region and tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a well-validated algorithm. Regional seroprevalence estimates were weighted based on demographic differences compared with the general population. Seroprevalence was compared with reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case rates over time. Results For all regions, seroprevalence was, SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance of blood donors in 6 US regions enabled population weighted seroprevalence estimates. Seroprevelance rates were higher in younger, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic donors and correlated with regional case rates. The study has expanded to a national serosurveillance program.

IntroductionThe REDS-IV-P Epidemiology, Surveillance and Preparedness of the Novel SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic (RESPONSE) seroprevalence study conducted monthly cross-sectional testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on blood donors in six U.S. metropolitan regions to estimate the extent of SARS-COV-2 infections over time.Study Design/MethodsDuring March-August 2020, approximately ≥1,000 serum specimens were collected monthly from each region and tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a well-validated algorithm. Regional seroprevalence estimates were weighted based on demographic differences with the general population. Seroprevalence was compared with reported COVID-19 case rates over time.Results/FindingsFor all regions, seroprevalence was ConclusionIncreases in seroprevalence were found in all regions, with the largest increase in New York. Seroprevalence was higher in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic blood donors than in non-Hispanic White blood donors. SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing of blood donor samples can be used to estimate the seroprevalence in the general population by region and demographic group. The methods derived from the RESPONSE seroprevalence study served as the basis for expanding SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveillance to all 50 states and Puerto Rico.SummarySARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance data from blood donors in 6 US regions were used to estimate population weighted seroprevalence. Seroprevelance rates were higher in case rates. The study was expanded to a national donor serosurveillance program.DisclaimerThe content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the policy of the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Health and Human Services. Any specific brandnames included in this manuscript are for identification purposes only and are not intended to represent an endorsement by CDC. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authorsand do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

BACKGROUND Predonation donor deferral is used to select donors with presumed lower risk for transfused transmitted infections. The contribution to blood safety from this practice has not been reported previously for Brazil. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS At four large Brazilian blood centers from September 2010 to March 2011, donors who were deferred due to responses on eligibility questions were invited to provide a blood sample to test for HIV, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, human T-lymphotropic virus, syphilis, and Trypanosoma cruzi and complete an audio computer-assisted structured interview on risk behaviors. RESULTS Of 299,848 potential donors during the study period, 66,870 were deferred with 10,453 (15.6%) for high-risk behaviors. Of those, 4860 (46.5%) were consecutively approached and 4013 (82.5%) participated. Disclosed risk behaviors by audio computer-assisted structured interview included 4 or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (15.0% of females [F] and 34.5% of males [M]), unprotected sex (62.0% F and 44.0% M), other high-risk sexual exposure (85.0% F and 73.0% M), being a person who injects drugs (3.0% F and 10.0% M), and test-seeking (17.0% F and 22.0% M). Eleven percent of deferred males reported male-to-male sex. Individuals who reported other high-risk sexual exposure, sexual partner risk, or male-to-male sex had the highest frequency of confirmed HIV: 1.2, 0.7, and 0.7%, respectively. Individuals who reported male-to-male sex, sexual partner risk, test seeking, and unprotected sex had the highest frequency of confirmed syphilis: 3.8, 3.3, 2.4, and 2.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION Donor deferral deters donation by individuals with risk behaviors and elevated rates of infectious disease markers.

To evaluate the contribution of each of the rotator cuff muscles and deltoid to fracture deformity in a 2-part proximal humerus fracture model. Our hypothesis was that superior cuff muscles would have the greatest contribution to coronal plane deformity, whereas muscles with anterior and posterior attachments would have the greatest contribution to axial and sagittal plane deformity.A medial wedge osteotomy was created in 8 cadaveric shoulder specimens. A custom shoulder testing system was used to load each rotator cuff muscle and deltoid under increasing loading conditions. Fracture displacement was measured using a Microscribe digitizing system. The primary outcome was the contribution of each muscle to varus collapse. Secondary outcomes included contributions of each muscle to apex anterior/posterior deformity and humeral head anteversion/retroversion.Unbalanced loading of the supraspinatus resulted in the greatest varus deformity (34.5 ± 2.3 degrees), followed by the infraspinatus (22.3 ± 3.6 degrees) and subscapularis (21.7 ± 3.1 degree) (P0.05). Unbalanced loading of the subscapularis induced the greatest apex posterior (27.5 ± 4.8 degrees, P0.05) and retroversion (39.0 ± 5.6 degrees, P0.05) deformity, whereas the infraspinatus induced the greatest apex anterior (8.7 ± 3.4 degrees, P0.05) and anteversion (17.7 ± 5.7 degrees, P0.05) deformity.In this proximal humerus fracture model, the supraspinatus was the primary driver of varus deformity, whereas the subscapularis and infraspinatus contributed to apex posterior/retroversion and apex anterior/anteversion, respectively. The subscapularis and infraspinatus are also important secondary drivers of varus deformity. This study establishes a physiologically relevant fracture model that mimics in vivo conditions for future biomechanical testing.

Introduction Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution commonly have a compromised soft tissue envelope. Combined plate-nail fixation is an emerging technique that utilizes a limited anterolateral approach for plate application and percutaneous incisions for placement of an intramedullary nail. This technique alleviates the need for a separate medial approach to the proximal tibia. We report a series of patients treated with this approach and outline the steps for implementation. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients treated with combination lateral locked plating and intramedullary nailing at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2019. Of these, 16 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. All patients had AO/OTA type 41C2/C3 fractures. Primary outcomes included coronal plane and sagittal plane alignment at latest follow up, rate of articular subsidence at latest follow up, and rate of postoperative infection. Results Of the 16 patients included, average followup was 8.2 months (range 0.1-29.7 months). At latest follow-up, average coronal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.2 degrees of varus (maximum 4.0 degrees) to 1.4±1.7 degrees of valgus (maximum 4.0 degrees). Average sagittal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.1 degrees of procurvatum (maximum 3.0 degrees) to 0.6±1.2 degrees of recurvatum (maximum 4.0 degrees). There was no radiographic evidence of articular subsidence at latest follow up for any patient. One patient (5.9%) presented at 141 days postoperatively with a draining wound and infection. Conclusions Combination plate-nail fixation is a viable option for treating patients with select bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution. This case series with short-term followup demonstrates acceptable radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as rates of postoperative infection and implant removal similar to those currently reported in the literature for other techniques used to treat these fractures.

Contains fulltext : 225390.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was designed to avoid complications related to the transvenous ICD lead by using an entirely extrathoracic placement. Evidence comparing these systems has been based primarily on observational studies. METHODS: We conducted a noninferiority trial in which patients with an indication for an ICD but no indication for pacing were assigned to receive a subcutaneous ICD or transvenous ICD. The primary end point was the composite of device-related complications and inappropriate shocks; the noninferiority margin for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval for the hazard ratio (subcutaneous ICD vs. transvenous ICD) was 1.45. A superiority analysis was prespecified if noninferiority was established. Secondary end points included death and appropriate shocks. RESULTS: A total of 849 patients (426 in the subcutaneous ICD group and 423 in the transvenous ICD group) were included in the analyses. At a median follow-up of 49.1 months, a primary end-point event occurred in 68 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 68 patients in the transvenous ICD group (48-month Kaplan-Meier estimated cumulative incidence, 15.1% and 15.7%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 1.39; P = 0.01 for noninferiority; P = 0.95 for superiority). Device-related complications occurred in 31 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 44 in the transvenous ICD group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.09); inappropriate shocks occurred in 41 and 29 patients, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.30). Death occurred in 83 patients in the subcutaneous ICD group and in 68 in the transvenous ICD group (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.70); appropriate shocks occurred in 83 and 57 patients, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.12). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an indication for an ICD but no indication for pacing, the subcutaneous ICD was noninferior to the transvenous ICD with respect to device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. (Funded by Boston Scientific; PRAETORIAN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01296022.).

OBJECTIVE Current management of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries is variable with operative decisions based on assumptions that irreversible degeneration of the human motor endplate (MEP) follows prolonged denervation and precludes reinnervation. However, the mechanism and time course of MEP changes after human peripheral nerve injury have not been investigated. Consequently, there are no objective measures by which to determine the probability of spontaneous recovery and the optimal timing of surgical intervention. To improve guidance for such decisions, the aim of this study was to characterize morphological changes at the human MEP following traumatic nerve injury. METHODS A prospective cohort (here analyzed retrospectively) of 18 patients with traumatic brachial plexus and axillary nerve injuries underwent biopsy of denervated muscles from the upper extremity from 3 days to 6 years after injury. Muscle specimens were processed for H & E staining and immunohistochemistry, with visualization via confocal and two-photon excitation microscopy. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated varying degrees of fragmentation and acetylcholine receptor dispersion in denervated muscles. Comparison of denervated muscles at different times postinjury revealed progressively increasing degeneration. Linear regression analysis of 3D reconstructions revealed significant linear decreases in MEP volume (R = −0.92, R2 = 0.85, p = 0.001) and surface area (R = −0.75, R2 = 0.56, p = 0.032) as deltoid muscle denervation time increased. Surprisingly, innervated and structurally intact MEPs persisted in denervated muscle specimens from multiple patients 6 or more months after nerve injury, including 2 patients who had presented > 3 years after nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS This study details novel and critically important data about the morphology and temporal sequence of events involved in human MEP degradation after traumatic nerve injuries. Surprisingly, human MEPs not only persisted, but also retained their structures beyond the assumed 6-month window for therapeutic surgical intervention based on previous clinical studies. Preoperative muscle biopsy in patients being considered for nerve transfer may be a useful prognostic tool to determine MEP viability in denervated muscle, with surviving MEPs also being targets for adjuvant therapy.

Introduction The relation between dysglycaemia and morbidity, cost of hospitalisation and mortality is well established.1 Even in the presence of established guidelines, human factors may play an important role in the insufficient control of diabetes. The identified gaps include contextual and biomedical knowledge, attitudes, clinical inertia, confidence, and familiarity with existing hospital resources and guidelines with regards to hospital diabetes care.2 Adherence to guidelines for inpatient diabetes management has shown to be greater with repeated training.3 Management of blood glucose in an in-patient requires basal-bolus insulin therapy, regular glucose monitoring, as well as enhancing healthcare provider’s role and knowledge.4 Implementation of training in practice is challenging, mainly due to increasing workload burden on staff and fear of hypoglycaemia. We seek to demonstrate the efficacy of multiple, short duration in-situ simulation; a pilot study in a ward to improve outcomes in patients with diabetes. Methodology This study will be conducted in the Ward 70 of the Hull University Teaching Hospital. In the first week, 6 patients with diabetes on insulin will be chosen and their blood sugar recordings will be noted. The insulin therapy and adherence to guidelines will be noted. Also noted will be the number of hypoglycemic episodes. This will serve as the baseline-our current data suggests that there is inadequate adherence in this area. In the second week an in-situ simulation will be delivered replicating hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. This will be repeated twice a week for 3 weeks. Every week data will be collected on the adherence to guidelines in the ward from the medical records of patients with diabetes on insulin. Data will be analysed for number of episodes of dysglycaemia ( 14 mmol/L) and deviation from the hospital protocol. This is an ongoing study and is expected to be completed in 8 weeks. Discussion Continuing education to health care professionals is essential to improve patient outcomes and can be provided as in-situ simulation.2 We believe that this study will form the basis for further research in using low dose high frequency methodology of in-situ simulation for improving ward based care. We believe that our project is unique in identifying whether this methodology can be used for medical patients in a busy tertiary care hospital. If found effective and feasible we hope to share our results widely and replicate this model in other wards and other hospitals in our region. References Schmeltz LR, Ferrise C. Glycemic management in the inpatient setting. Hosp Pract1995. 2012 Apr;40(2):44–55. Pichardo-Lowden A, Haidet P, Umpierrez GE. Perspectives on learning and clinical practice improvement for diabetes in the hospital: a review of educational interventions for providers. Endocr Pract Off J Am Coll Endocrinol Am Assoc Clin Endocrinol. 2017;23(5):614–26. Alkhiari R, Alzayer H, Aljazeeri J, Vanniyasingam T, Punthakee Z. Adherence to Guidelines for Inpatient Pharmacologic Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults and Glycemic Outcomes. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42(2):158–62. Thabit H, Hovorka R. Glucose control in non-critically ill inpatients with diabetes: towards closed-loop. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2014 June;16(6):500–9.

Historically chloroquine was used to treat the most deadly form of malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The selective pressure of chloroquine therapy led to the rapid emergence of chloroquine resistant parasites. Resistance has been attributed to the Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter (PfCRT), an integral membrane protein of unknown structure. A PfCRT structure would provide new insights into how the protein confers chloroquine resistance and thereby also yield novel opportunities for developing anti-malarial therapies. Although PfCRT is an attractive target for characterisation and structure determination, very little work has been published on its expression and purification. Here we present a medium throughput protocol, employing Sf9 insect cells, for testing the expression, stability and purification yield of rationally designed PfCRT mutant constructs and constructs of a PfCRT orthologue from Neospora caninum (NcCRT). We have identified a conserved cysteine residue in PfCRT that results in elevated protein stability when mutated. Combining this mutation with the insertion of T4-lysozyme into a specific surface loop further augments PfCRT protein yield and thermostability. Screening also identified an NcCRT construct with an elevated purification yield. Furthermore it was possible to purify both PfCRT and NcCRT constructs at milligram-scales, with high purities and with size exclusion chromatography profiles that were consistent with monodispersed, homogeneous protein.

Background: After home health care, the skilled nursing facility (SNF) is the most commonly used postacute care modality, among Medicare beneficiaries, after total joint arthroplasty. Prior studies demonstrated that a loss in postsurgical ambulatory gains is incurred in the interval between hospital discharge and arrival at the SNF. The aim of this present study is to determine the consequences of that loss in function, as well as compare SNF-related outcomes in patients with Medicare vs Managed Care (MC) insurance. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 80 patients (54 Medicare and 26 MC) who attended an SNF after hospitalization for total joint arthroplasty. Outcomes from physical therapy records were abstracted from each patient's SNF file. Results: There was an approximately 40% drop-off in gait achievements between hospital discharge and SNF admission. This decline in ambulation was significantly greater in Medicare patients (Medicare: 94.6 ± 123.2 ft, MC: 40.0 ± 48.9 ft, P = .034). Larger reductions in gait achievements between hospital discharge and SNF admission were significantly correlated with longer SNF lengths of stay and poorer gait achievements by SNF discharge. Patients with MC insurance made significant improvements in gait training at the SNF beyond that which was acquired at the hospital, whereas Medicare patients did not (PMedicare = .28, PMC = .003). Conclusions: Large losses in motor function between hospital discharge and SNF admission were associated with poor functional outcomes and longer stays at the SNF. These effects were more pronounced in Medicare patients than those with MC insurance. Keywords: Total joint arthroplasty, Skilled nursing facility, Medicare, Managed Care, Physical therapy

Iron deficiency anemia is a common clinical condition often treated with tablets containing 65 mg of elemental iron. Such doses can elicit gastrointestinal side effects lowering patient compliance. Oral iron supplements also increase hepcidin production causing decreased fractional absorption of subsequent doses. Frequent blood donors often become iron deficient. Therefore, they were enrolled in a two-year study involving continued blood donations and randomization to receive no pill, placebo, 19, or 38 mg ferrous gluconate for 60 days. Total body iron (TBI) did not change for the subset of donors in the no pill and placebo groups who completed both enrollment and final visits (p=0.21 and p=0.28, respectively). However, repeated measures regression analysis on the complete dataset estimated a significant decrease in TBI of 52 mg/year for the placebo and no pill groups (p=0.001). The effects of 19 and 38 mg iron supplementation on TBI were indistinguishable (p=0.54). TBI increased by 229 mg after the initial 60 days of iron supplementation (p

BACKGROUND Repeated blood donation alters the iron balance of blood donors. We quantified these effects by analyzing changes in body iron as well as calculating iron absorbed per day for donors enrolled in a prospective study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS For 1308 donors who completed a final study visit, we calculated total body iron at the enrollment and final visits and the change in total body iron over the course of the study. Taking into account iron lost from blood donations during the study and obligate losses, we also calculated the average amount of iron absorbed per day. RESULTS First-time/reactivated donors at enrollment had iron stores comparable to previous general population estimates. Repeat donors had greater donation intensity and greater mean iron losses than first-time/reactivated donors, yet they had little change in total body iron over the study period, whereas first-time/reactivated donors had an average 35% drop. There was higher estimated iron absorption in the repeat donors (men: 4.49 mg/day [95% confidence interval [CI], 4.41-4.58 mg/day]; women: 3.75 mg/day [95% CI, 3.67-3.84 mg/day]) compared with estimated iron absorption in first-time/reactivated donors (men: 2.89 mg/day [95% CI, 2.75-3.04 mg/day]; women: 2.76 mg/day [95% CI, 2.64-2.87 mg/day]). The threshold for negative estimated iron stores (below “0” mg/kg stores) was correlated with the development of anemia at a plasma ferritin value of 10 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS These analyses provide quantitative data on changes in estimated total body iron for a broad spectrum of blood donors. In contrast to using ferritin alone, this model allows assessment of the iron content of red blood cells and the degree of both iron surplus and depletion over time.

OBJECTIVES To determine if orthogonal or parallel plate position provides superior fixation of the separate capitellar fragment often present in intra-articular distal humerus fractures. We hypothesized that orthogonal plating would provide stiffer fixation given a greater number of opportunities for capitellar fixation and screw trajectories perpendicular to the fracture plane offered by a posterolateral plate compared with a parallel plate construct. METHODS Ten matched pairs of cadaveric distal humeri were used to compare parallel and orthogonal plating in a fracture gap model with an isolated capitellar fragment. The capitellum was loaded in 20 degrees of flexion using a cyclic, ramp-loading protocol. Fracture displacement was measured using video tracking software. The primary outcome was axial stiffness for each construct. Secondary outcomes included maximum axial and angular fracture displacement. RESULTS The parallel plate construct was more than twice as stiff as the orthogonal plate construct averaged across all loads (1464.8 ± 224.0 N/mm vs. 526.3 ± 90.8 N/mm, P < 0.001). Average axial fracture displacement was 0.15 ± 0.03 mm versus 0.53 ± 0.10 mm for parallel versus orthogonal plating, respectively (P = 0.003). Angular fracture displacement was minimal for both constructs (0.009 ± 0.001 degrees vs. 0.028 ± 0.006 degrees for parallel vs. orthogonal constructs). CONCLUSIONS Despite fewer points of fixation, a parallel plate construct provided stiffer fixation with less displacement of the simulated capitellar fracture fragment than an orthogonal plate construct in this biomechanical study. In the setting of an articular fracture, in which absolute stability and primary bone healing are desirable, parallel fixation should be considered even in fractures with a separate capitellar fragment if the size of fragment and fracture orientation allows.

Selective degradation of proteins by proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offers a promising potential alternative to protein inhibition for therapeutic intervention. Current PROTAC molecules incorporate a ligand for the target protein, a linker, and an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruiting group, which bring together target protein and ubiquitinating machinery. Such hetero-bifunctional molecules require significant linker optimization and possess high molecular weight, which can limit cellular permeation, solubility, and other drug-like properties. We show here that the hetero-bifunctional molecule can be formed intracellularly by bio-orthogonal click combination of two smaller precursors. We designed a tetrazine tagged thalidomide derivative which reacts rapidly with a trans-cyclo-octene tagged ligand of the target protein in cells to form a cereblon E3 ligase recruiting PROTAC molecule. The in-cell click-formed proteolysis targeting chimeras (CLIPTACs) were successfully used to degrade two key oncology targets, BRD4 and ERK1/2. ERK1/2 degradation was achieved using a CLIPTAC based on a covalent inhibitor. We expect this approach to be readily extendable to other inhibitor-protein systems because the tagged E3 ligase recruiter is capable of undergoing the click reaction with a suitably tagged ligand of any protein of interest to elicit its degradation., Tetrazine-tagged thalidomide derivatives undergo click reaction with trans-cyclo-octene-tagged protein ligands in cells: the resulting click-formed proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecule elicits ubiquitination and degradation of the target protein.

Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons worldwide. However, operative indications, techniques, and reported outcomes following operative fixation vary widely in the literature. This evidence-based review focuses on recent advances in the operative management of ankle fractures including arthroscopic-assisted surgery, deltoid ligament complex repair, expanded indications for posterior malleolus fixation, fibula intramedullary nailing, and dynamic syndesmosis repair.Level of Evidence:Level V, expert opinion.

The internal modelling deficit (IMD) hypothesis suggests that motor control issues associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are the result of impaired predictive motor control. In this study, we examined the benefits of a combined action observation and motor imagery (AO + MI) intervention designed to alleviate deficits in internal modelling and improve eye-hand coordination during a visuomotor rotation task. Twenty children with DCD were randomly assigned to either an AO + MI group (who watched a video of a performer completing the task whilst simultaneously imagining the kinaesthetic sensations associated with action execution) or a control group (who watched unrelated videos involving no motor content). Each group then attempted to learn a 90° visuomotor rotation while measurements of completion time, eye-movement behaviour and movement kinematics were recorded. As predicted, after training, the AO + MI group exhibited quicker completion times, more target-focused eye-movement behaviour and smoother movement kinematics compared to the control group. No significant after-effects were present. These results offer further support for the IMD hypothesis and suggest that AO + MI interventions may help to alleviate such deficits and improve motor performance in children with DCD.

BACKGROUND The concept of stabilizing the humerus has taken on an important role in the treatment of irreparable cuff tears, and the biceps rerouting (BR) method is considered one of the most effective treatments in this field. The study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of BR for large irreparable rotator cuff tears (LICTs). METHODS A total of 8 cadaveric shoulders were used for testing under 5 conditions: intact shoulder, LICT, partial repair (PR), BR, and biceps rerouting with side-to-side repair (BRSS). Total rotational range of motion was measured at 40°, then 20°, and finally 0° of glenohumeral (GH) abduction. Superior humeral translation and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of external rotation at each abduction angle. Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Tukey post hoc tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS Superior humeral translation was significantly decreased in the BR and BRSS conditions compared with the LICT and PR conditions at 0° and 20° of GH abduction (P < .001). BR and BRSS significantly reduced subacromial contact pressure compared with LICT and PR at 0° of GH abduction (P < .001). There was no significant decrease in total rotational range of motion after BR at any abduction angle. CONCLUSION BR biomechanically restored shoulder stability without overconstraining range of motion in an LICT model.

© 2019, © 2019 Association for Applied Sport Psychology. We investigated the effects of PETTLEP imagery combined with action observation on bicep curl performance. Using a single-case design, four participants completed a baseline phase followed by PETTLEP imagery with and without an observational aid. Results indicated that using an observational aid in conjunction with PETTLEP imagery can improve bicep curl performance, but not to a greater degree than PETTLEP imagery alone. This indicates that observational aids may not be an essential addition to imagery interventions. The study highlights further the benefit of using PETTLEP imagery for enhancing strength performance, which should be considered by practitioners delivering resistance training programs.

BACKGROUND A minimum male hemoglobin (Hb) level of 13.0 g/dL becomes a Food and Drug Administration requirement effective May 2016. In addition, extending whole blood (WB) interdonation intervals (IDIs) beyond 8 weeks has been considered to reduce iron depletion in repeat blood donors. This study estimates the impact these changes might have on blood availability and donor iron status. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Six blood centers participating in Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study-II (REDS-II) collected information on all donation visits from 2006 to 2009. Simulations were developed from these data using a multistage approach that first sought to adequately reproduce the patterns of donor return, Hb and ferritin levels, and outcomes of a donor's visit (successful single– or double–red blood cell donation, deferral for low Hb) observed in REDS-II data sets. Modified simulations were used to predict the potential impact on the blood supply and donor iron status under different Hb cutoff and IDI qualification criteria. RESULTS More than 10% of WB donations might require replacement under many simulated scenarios. Longer IDIs would reduce the proportion of donors with iron depletion, but 80% of these donors may remain iron-depleted if minimal IDIs increased to 12 or 16 weeks. CONCLUSION Higher Hb cutoffs and longer IDIs are predicted to have a potentially large impact on collections but only a modest impact on donor iron depletion. Efforts to address iron depletion should be targeted to at-risk donors, such as iron supplementation programs for frequent donors, and policy makers should try to avoid broadly restrictive donation requirements that could substantially reduce blood availability.

BACKGROUND The historical approach of offering dietary advice to donors with low hemoglobin (Hb) is ineffective for preventing iron deficiency in frequent donors. Alternative approaches to maintaining donor iron status were explored. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Frequent blood donors were randomly assigned into five arms for 2 years of follow-up. Three double-blinded arms provided 60 once-daily pills after each donation (38, 19, or 0 mg of iron). Two single-blinded arms provided iron status (ferritin) or no information letters after each donation. Ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and complete blood count were measured at each donation. RESULTS There were 692 subjects enrolled and 393 completed the study. Subjects in pill groups deenrolled more than those in letter groups (39% vs. 7%). Adverse events occurred equally in subjects receiving iron or placebo pills. Of those completing the study, the prevalence of ferritin of less than 12 or less than 26 ng/mL declined by more than 50% and was statistically indistinguishable in the three intervention groups (19 or 38 mg of iron; iron status letter). Longitudinal analyses of all subjects showed improved iron status in iron pill groups and worsening iron status in control groups (placebo; no information letter). The iron pill groups experienced a net increase of approximately 0.6 g/dL Hb compared to control groups. The iron status letter group had little change in Hb. CONCLUSION Providing 19 or 38 mg of daily iron or iron status information were effective and mostly equivalent interventions for mitigating iron deficiency in regular donors when compared at the end of the 2-year longitudinal phase of the study. Donors without intervention had worsened iron deficiency with continued donation.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) is a recently US Food and Drug Administration–approved antibody–drug conjugate for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). InO consists of a CD22-targeting immunoglobulin G4 humanized monoclonal antibody conjugated to calicheamicin. Although initially developed for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) because of activity in preclinical models and high response rates in indolent lymphomas, a phase 3 trial was negative and further development focused on CD22+ ALL. Although results in NHL were disappointing, parallel testing in early-phase trials of CD22+ ALL demonstrated feasibility and efficacy. Subsequently, the randomized phase 3 Study Of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin Versus Investigator's Choice Of Chemotherapy In Patients With Relapsed Or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia trial showed that InO was superior to standard of care regimens with a significantly improved complete remission (CR) rate in patients with relapsed/refractory disease (80.7% vs 29.4%, P < .001). Patients achieving CR with InO also had a significantly higher rate of undetectable minimal residual disease compared with chemotherapy (78.4% vs 28.1%, P < .001). InO-specific side effects, including veno-occlusive disease, have been an ongoing area of concern, and consensus guidelines for minimizing toxicities are now available. Ongoing trials are investigating the combination of InO with other agents in the relapse setting and the addition of InO to frontline therapy. This review details the preclinical and clinical development of InO, focusing on how best to use it and future directions for further development.

Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) are techniques that have been shown to enhance motor skill learning. While both techniques have been used independently, recent research has demonstrated that combining action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) promotes better outcomes. However, little is known about the most effective way to combine these techniques. This study examined the effects of simultaneous (i.e., observing an action whilst imagining carrying out the action concurrently) and alternate (i.e., observing an action and then doing imagery related to that action consecutively) AOMI combinations on the learning of a dart throwing task. Participants (n = 50) were randomly allocated to one of five training groups: action observation (AO), motor imagery (MI), simultaneous action observation and motor imagery (S-AOMI), alternate action observation and motor imagery (A-AOMI) and a control group. Interventions were conducted three times per week for six weeks and pre- and post-measures of total score were collected. Results revealed that all intervention groups, with the exception of the AO and control groups, significantly improved performance following the intervention. Posthoc analyses showed that S-AOMI group improved to a significantly greater degree than the MI and AO groups, and participants in the A-AOMI group improved to a significantly greater degree than the AO group. Participants in the A-AOMI group did not improve to a significantly greater degree than the S-AOMI group. These findings suggest that combining AOMI, regardless of how it is combined, may be the beneficial method for improving the learning and performance of aiming skills.

Action observation has been suggested to be an effective adjunct to physical practice in motor (re)learning settings. However, optimal viewing conditions for interventions are yet to be established. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to investigate the effect of two different screen positions and participants’ screen position viewing preference on the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during observation of a ball pinch action. Twenty-four participants observed four blocked conditions that contained either a dynamic index finger-thumb ball pinch or a static hand holding a ball in a similar position on a horizontally or vertically positioned screen. TMS was delivered to the hand representation of the left primary motor cortex and MEPs were recorded from the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the right hand. Initial analysis of the normalized MEP amplitude data showed no significant differences between conditions. In a follow-up procedure, participants engaged in individual semi-structured interviews and completed a questionnaire designed to assess viewing affect and screen position viewing preference. The MEP data were subsequently split by screen position preference and re-analyzed using a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. Main effects indicated that participants who preferred the horizontal screen position (n = 16) demonstrated significantly greater MEP amplitudes during observation of the ball-pinch action compared to the static hand condition irrespective of screen position, and during the horizontal compared to the vertical screen position irrespective of video type. These results suggest that ensuring anatomical and perceptual congruency with the physical task, alongside consideration of participants’ screen position viewing preferences, may be an important part of optimizing action observation interventions.

Aim Our aim was to increase our patient and actor database for the training courses we run at HILS and define a recruitment process. We planned to do this through the trust funded Pioneer Team Academy as they gave expert knowledgeable advice with each step of our project, as well as financial support. Method We attempted to build interest in the following ways: Created posters, flyers and a pull-up, then distributed them throughout the hospital and local colleges. Visited medical outpatients and spoke with those visiting the clinics. Visited school careers fairs to discuss the project with prospective students. For those who signed up we created a basic induction which included a presentation, tour of the facility and an introduction to SimMan. Once completed, they were allowed to observe scenarios until they felt ready to act for HILS. Results Working as the Pioneer Project team we have been very successful in achieving the majority of our objectives so far. Not only have we been able to recruit a sufficient number of actors and nurses to fill all the courses we are hosting this year, we are also oversubscribed with interest and continue to receive enquiries on a regular basis from prospective actors. This highlights the success of the promotional materials used for our campaign. We have attracted a higher calibre of actors through this programme as we recruited already professional actors, and have a much larger pool from which to select the most appropriate actor depending upon the course running. In order to continue to engage the actors we have implemented a policy of awarding certificates of recognition which we feel makes the programme mutually beneficial. Overall, not only has the project helped with actor and patient recruitment but it has also heightened the level of interest in what we offer as a department as a whole and the courses which we run. Conclusion In order to develop and extend the project we have set objectives for the future. For the actor recruitment we aim to devise a full and comprehensive training programme which can be implemented. Within this programme we would like to design and develop the characters for each scenario so that the actors themselves are able to have input and are familiar with the roles they will undertake. For patient recruitment we wish to continue expanding the database so that we have sufficient numbers of patients available to allow us to take on extra courses and exams. To do this, we are working to establish a contact with a Consultant or Registrar within each of the main departments who will be able to help push recruitment in clinics and also triage the suitability of the patients being recruited.

Author(s): Sabino, EC; Ribeiro, AL; Lee, TH; Oliveira, CL; Carneiro-Proietti, AB; Antunes, AP; Menezes, MM; Ianni, BM; Salemi, VM; Nastari, L; Fernandes, F; Sachdev, V; Carrick, DM; Deng, X; Wright, D; Goncalez, TT; Murphy, EL; Custer, B; Busch, MP; Chagas Study Group of the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study-II, International Component | Abstract: BackgroundThe significance of detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in blood of antibody-positive patients for risk of development of Chagas heart disease is not well established. The objective of this study was to compare detection of T. cruzi DNA with known clinical and laboratory markers of Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) severity.MethodsThis is a case-control study nested within a retrospective cohort developed in Brazil to understand the natural history of Chagas disease. The study enrolled 499 T. cruzi seropositive blood donors (SP-BD) and 488 frequency matched seronegative control donors (SN-BD) who had donated between 1996 and 2002, and 101 patients with clinically diagnosed CC. In 2008-2010 all enrolled subjects underwent a health questionnaire, medical examination, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. A blinded panel of three cardiologists adjudicated the outcome of CC. Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast minicircle sequences were amplified by real-time PCR using an assay with a sensitivity of one parasite per 20 mL of blood. All testing was performed on coded samples.ResultsRates of PCR detection of T. cruzi DNA were significantly (P = 0.003) higher in CC patients and SP-BD diagnosed with CC (79/105 [75.2 %]) compared with SP-BD without CC (143/279 [51.3%]). The presence of parasitaemia was significantly associated with known markers of disease progression such as QRS and QT interval duration, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher left ventricular index mass, and elevated troponin and NTpro-BNP levels.ConclusionTrypanosoma cruzi PCR positivity is associated with presence and severity of cardiomyopathy, suggesting a direct role of parasite persistence in disease pathogenesis.

Background and Objectives Repeated blood donation produces iron deficiency. Changes in dietary iron intake do not prevent donation-induced iron deficiency. Prolonging the interdonation interval or using oral iron supplements can mitigate donation-induced iron deficiency. The most effective operational methods for reducing iron deficiency in donors are unknown. Materials and Methods ‘Strategies To Reduce Iron Deficiency’ (STRIDE) was a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study in blood donors. 692 donors were randomized into one of two educational groups or one of three interventional groups. Donors randomized to educational groups either received letters thanking them for donating, or, suggesting iron supplements or delayed donation if they had low ferritin. Donors randomized to interventional groups either received placebo, 19-mg or 38-mg iron pills. Results Iron deficient erythropoiesis was present in 52·7% of males and 74·6% of females at enrolment. Adverse events within 60 days of enrolment were primarily mild gastrointestinal symptoms (64%). The incidence of de-enrolment within 60 days was more common in the interventional groups than in the educational groups (P = 0·002), but not more common in those receiving iron than placebo (P = 0·68). Conclusion The prevalence of iron deficient erythropoiesis in donors enrolled in the STRIDE study is comparable to previously described cohorts of regular blood donors. De-enrolment within 60 days was higher for donors receiving tablets, although no more common in donors receiving iron than placebo.

Background Few studies were conducted on hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV, respectively) risk factors among Chinese blood donors in recent years since voluntary donors replaced commercial donors. Study Design and Methods A case-control survey was conducted in HBV- or HCV-positive and -negative donors from five blood centers in China between September 2009 and April 2011. Case status was defined by having a reactive result on Monolisa HBsAg Ultra (Bio-Rad) for HBV and Ortho anti-HCV EIA 3.0 (Johnson & Johnson) for HCV. Controls were randomly selected qualified blood donors matched to cases by donation month and blood center. Specific test-seeking, medical-related, and behavioral risk factors were compared by HBV and HCV status using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Results A total of 364 HBV cases, 174 HCV cases, and 689 controls completed the survey; response rates were 66.2, 47.3, and 82%, respectively. HCV-positive donors were significantly more likely to report having a blood transfusion history (23.4% vs. 3.0%, p

BACKGROUND Donor behaviors in STRIDE (Strategies to Reduce Iron Deficiency), a trial to reduce iron deficiency, were examined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Six hundred ninety-two frequent donors were randomized to receive either 19 or 38 mg iron for 60 days or an educational letter based on their predonation ferritin. Compliance with assigned pills, response to written recommendations, change in donation frequency, and future willingness to take iron supplements were examined. RESULTS Donors who were randomized to receive iron pills had increased red blood cell donations and decreased hemoglobin deferrals compared with controls or with pre-STRIDE donations. Donors who were randomized to receive educational letters had fewer hemoglobin deferrals compared with controls. Of those who received a letter advising of low ferritin levels with recommendations to take iron supplements or delay future donations, 57% reported that they initiated iron supplementation, which was five times as many as those who received letters lacking a specific recommendation. The proportion reporting delayed donation was not statistically different (32% vs. 20%). Of donors who were assigned pills, 58% reported taking them “frequently,” and forgetting was the primary reason for non-compliance. Approximately 80% of participants indicated that they would take iron supplements if provided by the center. CONCLUSIONS Donors who were assigned iron pills had acceptable compliance, producing increased red blood cell donations and decreased low hemoglobin deferrals compared with controls or with pre-STRIDE rates. The majority of donors assigned to an educational letter took action after receiving a low ferritin result, with more donors choosing to take iron than delay donation. Providing donors with information on iron status with personalized recommendations was an effective alternative to directly providing iron supplements.

Pain catastrophizing has been suggested as a prospective risk factor for poor postoperative pain outcomes in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, results from the previous studies have been mixed and have not controlled for postoperative opiate analgesic intake. This study investigates pain catastrophizing and postoperative pain intensity in TJA patients, adjusting for analgesic intake. We hypothesized that “pain catastrophizers” would exhibit higher pain scores and increased analgesic requirements postoperatively. In this prospective cohort study, patients were defined as catastrophizers (PCS > 30), or non-catastrophizers (PCS ≤ 30). The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) for the index hospitalization, total daily opiate analgesic intake, and VAS pain scores on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3 through discharge. Multivariable regression was used to control for total daily morphine equivalent dose consumed during the stay in addition to other clinical and demographic factors. There were 87 patients in the “non-catastrophizing” and 36 in the “catastrophizing” groups. There was no clinically significant difference in VAS pain scores between groups at 3-month follow-up. Patients with a length of stay (LOS) ≥ 3 postoperative days differed in VAS pain scores (“non-catastrophizers” = 5.08 vs. “catastrophizers” = 7.13; p = 0.002) and were 2.4 times more likely to be catastrophizers than non-catastrophizers (p = 0.042). There were no differences in the remaining secondary outcomes. The pain catastrophizing scale is a poor predictor of postoperative pain at 3-month follow-up. However, it may be a risk factor for increased LOS.

Aims: Remote management of heart failure using implantable electronic devices (REM-HF) aimed to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring (RM) of heart failure in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs).Methods and results: Between 29 September 2011 and 31 March 2014, we randomly assigned 1650 patients with heart failure and a CIED to active RM or usual care (UC). The active RM pathway included formalized remote follow-up protocols, and UC was standard practice in nine recruiting centres in England. The primary endpoint in the time to event analysis was the 1st event of death from any cause or unplanned hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons. Secondary endpoints included death from any cause, death from cardiovascular reasons, death from cardiovascular reasons and unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization, unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization, and unplanned hospitalization. REM-HF is registered with ISRCTN (96536028). The mean age of the population was 70 years (range 23–98); 86% were male. Patients were followed for a median of 2.8 years (range 0–4.3 years) completing on 31 January 2016. Patient adherence was high with a drop out of 4.3% over the course of the study. The incidence of the primary endpoint did not differ significantly between active RM and UC groups, which occurred in 42.4 and 40.8% of patients, respectively [hazard ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–1.18; P = 0.87]. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to any of the secondary endpoints or the time to the primary endpoint components.Conclusion: Among patients with heart failure and a CIED, RM using weekly downloads and a formalized follow up approach does not improve outcomes.

Background: Expenditures for postacute care in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have risen dramatically over recent decades. Therefore, efforts are underway to better identify cost savings in postacute rehabilitation centers, such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The primary purpose of this study was to analyze gait training achievements in post-TJA patients in the interval between hospital discharge and the patients’ first 4 days at the SNF. Identification of potential losses in therapeutic progress may lead the way for improved patient care, outcomes, and cost savings. Our hypothesis is that patients discharged to an SNF will have a decline in gait achievements upon transfer from the hospital. Methods: A total of 68 patients who underwent TJA were included. The total distance ambulated during physical therapy (PT) was recorded for the last day of hospital therapy and the first 4 days at the SNF as well as the reported visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores. Results: There was a 73% decline in distance ambulated on SNF day 0 ( Hospital: 138.6 ft vs SNF: 37.9 ft; P < .001) and a 50% decline on SNF day 1 ( Hospital: 103.0 ft; SNF vs 51.1 ft; P < .001) compared to the last hospital session. There were no significant differences in distance walked on SNF days 3 and 4 relative to the last hospital session. The VAS pain scores did not significantly differ on SNF days 0 and 1 compared to the last hospital day but began to significantly decline on SNF day 3 ( Hospital: 4.9; SNF: 3.3; P = .02) and day 4 ( Hospital: 3.9; SNF: 2.3; P = .03). Conclusion: There was a significant decline in ambulatory proficiency in post-TJA patients on the day of and the day following hospital discharge to an SNF. These deficits cannot be attributed to heightened pain levels. Early and progressive ambulation is a recognized component of appropriate PT following TJA. This study therefore highlights the transition from hospital to SNF as a crucial and novel target for improvement in post-TJA care.

Environmental phenols are a group of chemicals with widespread uses in consumer and personal care products, food and beverage processing, and in pesticides. We assessed exposure to benzophenone-3, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, methyl- and propyl parabens, and 2,4- and 2,5-dichlorophenol or their precursors in 506 pregnant women enrolled in the National Children’s Study (NCS) Vanguard Study. We measured the urinary concentrations of the target phenols by using online solid-phase extraction-isotope dilution high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. NCS women results were compared to those of 524 similar-aged women in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, and to 174 pregnant women in NHANES 2005–2010. In the NCS women, we found significant racial/ethnic differences (p

Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) have traditionally been viewed as two separate techniques, which can both be used alongside physical practice to enhance motor learning and rehabilitation. Their independent use has largely been shown to be effective, and there is clear evidence that the two processes can elicit similar activity in the motor system. Building on these well-established findings, research has now turned to investigate the effects of their combined use. In this article, we first review the available neurophysiological and behavioral evidence for the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery (AO+MI) on motor processes. We next describe a conceptual framework for their combined use, and then discuss several areas for future research into AO+MI processes. In this review, we advocate a more integrated approach to AO+MI techniques than has previously been adopted by movement scientists and practitioners alike. We hope that this early review of an emergent body of research, along with a related set of research questions, can inspire new work in this area. We are optimistic that future research will further confirm if, how, and when this combined approach to AO+MI can be more effective in motor learning and rehabilitation settings, relative to the more traditional application of MI or AO independently.

Advances in technology have allowed research in cognitive neuroscience to contribute significantly to the discipline of sport psychology. In most cases, the research has become more rigorous and has directed current thinking on the mechanisms subserving a number of psychological theories and models of practice. Currently, the three most common neuroscience techniques informing sport and exercise research are electroencephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we highlight and discuss the contributions to sport psychology that have been made in recent years by applying these techniques, with a focus on the development of expertise, motor cognition, motor imagery and action observation.

BACKGROUND: Reducing risk of HIV window period transmission requires understanding of donor knowledge and attitudes related to HIV and risk factors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of 7635 presenting blood donors at three Brazilian blood centres from 15 October through 20 November 2009. Participants completed a questionnaire on HIV knowledge and attitudes about blood donation. Six questions about blood testing and HIV were evaluated using maximum likelihood chi-square and logistic regression. Test seeking was classified in non-overlapping categories according to answers to one direct and two indirect questions. RESULTS: Overall respondents were male (64%) repeat donors (67%) between 18 and 49 years old (91%). Nearly 60% believed blood centres use better HIV tests than other places; however 42% were unaware of the HIV window period. Approximately 50% believed it was appropriate to donate to be tested for HIV but 67% said it was not acceptable to donate with risk factors even if blood is tested. Logistic regression found that less education Hemope-Recife blood centre replacement potential and self-disclosed test-seeking were associated with less HIV knowledge. CONCLUSION: HIV knowledge related to blood safety remains low among Brazilian blood donors. A subset finds it appropriate to be tested at blood centres and may be unaware of the HIV window period. These donations may impose a significant risk to the safety of the blood supply. Decreasing test-seeking and changing beliefs about the appropriateness of individuals with behavioural risk factors donating blood could reduce the risk of transfusing an infectious unit. (c) 2013 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

During the 2012 outbreak of West Nile virus in the United States, approximately one third of the cases were in Texas. Of those, about half occurred in northern Texas. Models based on infected blood donors and persons with neuroinvasive disease showed, respectively, that ≈0.72% and 1.98% of persons in northern Texas became infected.