Search

Research highlights that children across the UK access the outdoors less than previous generations, often at levels below that prescribed by the United Nations as a basic level of outdoor access for prisoners. School staff and parents are intrinsic partners in facilitating children's access to the outdoors and the associated learning opportunities it presents. There exists however a complex set of relationships and perceptions governing the dynamics of these relationships and the resultant access to opportunities presented by learning outdoors. This paper aims to explore these perceptions by examining data collected through a combination of questionnaires and interviews with parents and teachers. The results indicate a significant disconnect in parent and teacher perceptions related to the purpose and opportunities for learning outdoors. These findings have a range of important implications for early childhood educators, parents and others looking to promote the outdoors as a learning environment across the foundation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of CT measurement of canine elbow axial radioulnar congruence using a duplicated circle superimposition technique. Materials and Methods: CT of six cadaveric canine elbows was performed following either: (1) placement of an external fixator on the radius with ostectomy and radial shortening of 1 to 5 mm; (2) radial lengthening of 1 to 5 mm using a radial lengthening system; or, (3) no axial length adjustment. Four observers, on two occasions, blinded to the amount of radial adjustment, placed a circle of best fit of the ulnar trochlear notch on a sagittal image that was duplicated and transposed to the articular contour of the radial head; then the axial distance between circles relative to the dorsal radius was measured. Statistical analysis assessed differences between actual and observer‐assessed radial length adjustment; inter−/intra‐observer interclass correlation coefficients and sensitivity/specificity were calculated to evaluate measurement reliability. Results: There was not a significant difference between actual and observer measures of radioulnar congruence. Inter‐ (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.98) and intra‐observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.94 to 0.99) were almost perfect for measurement of radioulnar incongruence when compared to the actual radial adjustment. A Bland–Altman plot revealed a 95% confidence interval range of −1.31 to 1.16 mm. Sensitivity and specificity were high for correct identification of congruent elbows and elbows with 1 or 2 mm incongruency. Clinical Significance: The duplicated circle superimposition technique provides a simple and accurate means of assessing radioulnar axial incongruence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Reasons for performing study: Mechanical characterisation of the high speed gallop has significant importance for animal welfare and basic biology. Kinematic parameters such as the velocity of each foot at contact can inform theories of why animals gallop, and supplant epidemiological investigation into the mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury. Objective: To determine the velocity at which the fore and hind hooves of elite galloping horses impact the surface. Methods: High speed videography was used to measure the horizontal and vertical velocity of the hoof immediately prior to impact, and the subsequent sink (vertical) and slip (horizontal) distances travelled by the hoof into the surface. Horse speed ranged from 11-19 m/s. In total 170 forelimb and 168 hindlimb foot falls from 89 horses were analysed. Results: Horizontal and vertical hoof velocity increased with speed (P<0.001). Horizontal hoof velocity was significantly greater in the hindlimbs compared to the forelimbs (P<0.001) and was greater in the nonlead limbs compared to the lead limbs (P<0.001). Vertical hoof velocity was significantly greater in the lead limb than the nonlead limb (P<0.001). Overall, forelimbs contacted the ground with a more acute velocity vector angle than hindlimbs (P<0.001). Lead limbs contacted the ground at more acute angles than nonlead limbs (P<0.001). Vertical and horizontal velocities were highly correlated to sink and slip distance. Conclusion: Hindlimbs impact the surface at higher velocity than forelimbs, which is likely to result in higher peak impact forces in the hindlimbs. This runs counter to the finding of lower incidence of injury in hindlimbs. Potential relevance: Explanations consistent with these findings include the hindlimbs more effectively dampening peak impact forces, or that other injury mechanisms, such as limb vibration and limb load at mid stance, play an important role in injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To review aetiology, clinical signs and outcome of cats surgically treated for septic peritonitis (2000-2007). Methods: A retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were the identification of intracellular bacteria and degenerate neutrophils and/or a positive culture from abdominal fluid and exploratory coeliotomy. Aetiology, clinical signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, surgical treatment and outcome were recorded and analysed. Results: Twenty-six cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Abdominal pain was reported in 10 (38 per cent) and vomiting was reported in 11 (42 per cent) of the cats. The most common aetiology was trauma (31 per cent). The principal source of contamination was the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperlactataemia, hypoproteinaemia and hyperglycaemia were reported in 9, 13 and 14 of the 26 cases, respectively. Non-survivors had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations than survivors (P=0·02). Nineteen cats were managed with primary closure, two with closed suction drains and three with open peritoneal drainage. Twelve (46 per cent) cats survived to discharge. Clinical Significance: In cats, lethargy, depression and anorexia were more common clinical signs than abdominal pain. Lactate level at the time of diagnosis may be a useful prognostic indicator in cats. The proportion of cats that survived was lower than previously reported and owners should be given a guarded prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]