Primary anastomosis of segmental external auditory canal atresia in one dog

This report describes a case of canine segmental external auditory canal atresia (EACA). The dog was managed medically with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until clinical deterioration, at which time a novel and successful end-to-end anastomosis surgical repair was performed. At the 30 day postoperative re-examination, the dog was clinically well and otoscopy confirmed that there was no evidence of auditory canal stenosis. The patient remained free of ongoing issues 20 months after the surgery. End-to-end anastomosis should be considered for treatment of developmental segmental EACA in the canine.

Combined Radiotherapy Using a Method for Biologically Informed IMRT Planning

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiotherapy (RT) regimens routinely employ multiple courses that vary by delivery modality and/or fractionation schedule as part of initial or follow up treatment. The combination of RTs ideally should consider the biological effect of the total composite dose distribution. Biological effect can be quantified by biological effective dose (BED) which is a function of the RT modality, dose fractionation, and tissue radiosensitivity. This work describes a method of optimizing a follow up intensity modulated RT (IMRT) plan that considers BED from prior RT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Required inputs for this method are the desired composite BED objectives (BEDref) for target volume(s) and organs at risk (OARs). First, the physical dose in each CT voxel from prior RT (Dprior) is converted to BED (BEDprior). The difference between BEDref and BEDprior gives the optimal BED distribution for the follow up IMRT plan (BEDIMRT). Next, the optimal physical dose (DIMRT) corresponding to BEDIMRT is calculated for each voxel as a function of the number of IMRT fractions (nIMRT). Commercial IMRT treatment planning systems require optimization objectives to be specified for contoured structures, not individual voxels, so a workaround is proposed: 1) for each structure, BEDref is converted to physical dose (Dopti) as a function of nIMRT, and 2) for each voxel, the difference of Dopti and DIMRT is calculated. The result is a "base dose distribution" (Dbase) that is used with standard inverse optimization tools to optimize an IMRT plan so that the sum of Dbase and the IMRT dose approaches Dopti for each voxel. This method was implemented using a custom software workflow to calculate Dbase as a function of Dprior and input BEDref values. Validation was performed by comparing the workflow output with hand calculated Dbase values at randomly selected points within clinically significant regions. Satisfactory agreement was considered to be within 5%.

RESULTS

Feasibility of the method was demonstrated using an RT trial protocol for glioblastoma multiforme that combines permanent low dose rate brachytherapy (BT) using collagen tiles embedded with 131Cs seeds and follow-up IMRT (20 fractions). The Dbase distribution was obtained from the software as a function of the BT dose and BEDref for one patient model. Comparison of Dbase values from the software and hand calculated values resulted in agreement within 5% for 22/25 points and within 10% for 3/25 points. Discrepancies >5% (max 9.4%) were attributed to data precision resolution effects inherent in the DICOM standard. The resulting IMRT plan was deemed clinically acceptable and the composite dose distribution achieved dosimetric objectives for all target and OARs.

CONCLUSION

A method for optimizing a follow up IMRT plan that considers dose from prior RT to produce a desired composite BED distribution was derived and proof of concept was successfully demonstrated. Further validation of this method with additional patients and multimodality RT protocols will be performed.

Cysteine-rich peptides: From bioactivity to bioinsecticide applications

Greater levels of insect resistance and constraints on the use of current pesticides have recently led to increased crop losses in agricultural production. Further, the health and environmental impacts of pesticides now restrict their application. Biologics based on peptides are gaining popularity as efficient crop protection agents with low environmental toxicity. Cysteine-rich peptides (whether originated from venoms or plant defense substances) are chemically stable and effective as insecticides in agricultural applications. Cysteine-rich peptides fulfill the stability and efficacy requirements for commercial uses and provide an environmentally benign alternative to small-molecule insecticides. In this article, cysteine-rich insecticidal peptide classes identified from plants and venoms will be highlighted, focusing on their structural stability, bioactivity and production.

Combined transposition of internal obturator and superficial gluteal muscles for perineal hernia treatment in dogs: 17 cases (2017-2020)

OBJECTIVES

To report the results of the combined transposition of the internal obturator muscle and superficial gluteal muscle for perineal hernia treatment in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case series of dogs treated with this technique from November 2017 to May 2020, including pre- and post-operative clinical findings, outcome and complications.

RESULTS

Seventeen dogs were included in the study. Twelve dogs were presented with unilateral perineal hernia and five dogs with bilateral perineal hernias. Mean duration of clinical signs before presentation was 9 months. All perineal hernias were successfully repaired using a transposition of the internal obturator muscle to cover the ventral aspect of the perineal hernia and the superficial gluteal muscle to cover the dorsal aspect of the hernia with minimal tension. All dogs regained normal defecation within 24 hours post-surgery. Average follow-up time was 16 months. No recurrence of clinical signs or rectal deviation was observed. Five dogs developed a superficial minor partial necrosis of the T-shaped incision and two had surgical site infections.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Perineal herniorrhaphy using a combined transposition of the internal obturator and the superficial gluteal muscles is feasible and offered excellent results in this cohort of dogs. It may be considered as a technique for repairing chronic and extensive unilateral and bilateral perineal hernias.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

656 Making an Effective Ward Round Model in the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery for University Hospitals of Birmingham Trust

Background

Ward rounds in hospitals are crucial for decision-making in the context of patient treatment processes.

Objectives

Improve the standard of ward rounds with a review of care and planning.

Method

6 key elements were established using the Modern ward rounds report by the Royal College of Physicians and Nursing. This includes daily ward rounds which will be multidisciplinary, documented clearly and handed over to relevant staff; consisting of a board, bedside ward round and debrief; using Prompts in the form of REMIND mnemonic : R = Respect form, E = Electronic Prescribing, M = Mental Capacity, mobility status, I = Investigations, N = Nutrition and Hydration, NBM status, D=DVT assessment and Thromboprophylaxis; with practices being audited.

Results

After running a successful pilot in Respiratory in August 2021 the quality improvement project (QIP) was introduced in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery.

88 patients were included in the initial audit prior to implementation and 91 in the re-audit. There was a 85% improvement seen in completion of respect and dementia forms with a 90% improvement in electronic prescribing. There was an 75% improvement in documentation of mobility status, investigations performed and NBM status. Fluid prescription, DVT assessment and LMWH prescription also improved by 85%.

Conclusions

A successful Pilot in Respiratory and Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery shows the feasibility of the QIP in other departments. However, Education should also include Consultant and nurses. We are overcoming this but establishing a virtual module that can be made mandatory for induction of junior doctors, consultants, and nurses.

A Thermodynamic Model for Interpreting Tryptophan Excitation-Energy-Dependent Fluorescence Spectra Provides Insight Into Protein Conformational Sampling and Stability

It is now over 30 years since Demchenko and Ladokhin first posited the potential of the tryptophan red edge excitation shift (REES) effect to capture information on protein molecular dynamics. While there have been many key efforts in the intervening years, a biophysical thermodynamic model to quantify the relationship between the REES effect and protein flexibility has been lacking. Without such a model the full potential of the REES effect cannot be realized. Here, we present a thermodynamic model of the tryptophan REES effect that captures information on protein conformational flexibility, even with proteins containing multiple tryptophan residues. Our study incorporates exemplars at every scale, from tryptophan in solution, single tryptophan peptides, to multitryptophan proteins, with examples including a structurally disordered peptide, de novo designed enzyme, human regulatory protein, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in active commercial development, and a mesophilic and hyperthermophilic enzyme. Combined, our model and data suggest a route forward for the experimental measurement of the protein REES effect and point to the potential for integrating biomolecular simulation with experimental data to yield novel insights.

POS1268 COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS RECEIVING INFLUENZA VACCINE

Background:

Adults with rheumatic diseases are a COVID-19 vulnerable population with potential increased risk for severe infection. COVID-19 vaccines are a key strategy to ending the pandemic. Unfortunately, fears about vaccines, some of which are propagated by misinformation, are common and may prevent or inappropriately delay vaccination. Refusal or uncertainty to get a vaccine despite its availability is known as vaccine hesitancy.

Objectives:

This study aims at defining causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among rheumatology patients.

Methods:

Between November and December 2020, a cross-sectional survey was completed by rheumatology patients presenting to a large Canadian tertiary-care center for influenza immunization. COVID-19 risk factors, previous COVID-19 infection, the likelihood of getting a future COVID-19 vaccine (scale 0-10), and contextual, individual, and vaccine-specific potential determinants of vaccine hesitancy were assessed. Patients were classified into 5 groups based on how likely they were to get a future COVID-19 vaccine (0= not likely at all; 2.5= unlikely; 5= intermediate; 7.5= likely; 10= highly likely). A machine learning approach (XgBoost) was used to fit univariate models for a multi-class correlation.

Results:

157 rheumatology patients completed the survey. Most were females (n=112, 71%) with a mean age of 54.6 (standard deviation 17.9). The majority (73%) had tertiary-education, and 46% were employed at the time of the survey. The most common rheumatology diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (n=90, 58%), systemic lupus erythematosus/vasculitis (n=41, 26%) and spondyloarthropathies (n=39, 25%). Most patients were on immunosuppressors (n=93, 59%). Only half (n=85, 54%) were highly likely to accept a future COVID vaccine, 17% (n=26) likely, 19% (n=30) intermediate, 6% (n=10) unlikely, and 4% (n=6) not likely at all. One hundred thirty-five patients (86%) previously received the flu vaccine, whereas 6% (n=10) previously rejected it. Only three patients were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 (2%) one of whom was hospitalized. Eighty-seven patients (56%) considered that the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory, and 101 (65%) that they should receive it. Most respondents were somewhat concerned about receiving a future COVID-19 vaccine (n=116, 76%) despite that 65% believed that vaccines benefits outweighed their risks. Almost all, (n=145, 96%) believed that governmental decisions about vaccines are in the best interest of the population, while less than half (n=70, 45%) were confident that pharmaceutical companies would provide safe and effective vaccines. One hundred participants (65%) denied feeling social pressure to get the vaccine, and 55% (n=81) were willing to pay for the vaccine. Feeling social pressure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, having severe concerns about receiving a future COVID-19 vaccine, distrust in pharmaceutical companies, lower education, and doubts of whether vaccines benefits outweigh their risks, were negatively associated with COVID vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion:

Forty six percent of rheumatology patients being immunized against influenza showed at least some hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination. Multiple contextual, individual, and vaccine-related factors may contribute. Targeted educational strategies, including producing and communicating data on vaccine safety, may help promote vaccine uptake in this potentially vulnerable population.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Replication of Marek's disease vaccines in turkey embryos and their effect on TLR-3 and IFN-γ transcripts

Understanding the pathogenesis of herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) in its natural host is necessary before recombinant HVT (rHVT) can be used efficiently in turkey flocks. The objectives of this study were to evaluate when commercial turkey flocks get infected with wild type HVT, to study replication of HVT (conventional and recombinant rHVT-Newcastle disease, rHVT-ND) and other Marek's disease (MD) vaccines (SB-1 and CVI988) in turkey embryonic tissues, and to evaluate the expression of TLR-3 and IFN-γ in the lung and spleen of one-day-old turkeys after in ovo vaccination with MD vaccines. Our results demonstrated that commercial turkeys got exposed to wild type HVT within the first days of life; therefore, there is a potential of interaction between wild type HVT and rHVT when administered at day of age. On the other hand, all evaluated vaccines (especially HVT and rHVT-ND) replicated very well in turkey embryonic tissues. In ovo vaccination with HVT and CVI988 increased transcription of TLR-3 in the spleen of one-day-old turkeys. However, no effect on the transcription of TLR-3 or IFN-γ in the lungs and IFN-γ in the spleen in newly hatched turkeys was detected in the present study. Because of the limitations of evaluated genes, timepoints, and studied tissues, future studies are warranted to better understand the effect of MD vaccines on the turkey embryo immune responses.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Commercial turkey flocks get infected with wild type HVT within the first days of life.HVT and rHVT replicates readily in turkey embryonic tissues.SB-1 and CVI988 also replicate in turkey embryonic tissues, but at lower rates than HVT and rHVT.HVT and CVI988 increase transcription of TLR-3 in the spleen.

An eco-friendly decontaminant to kill Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Mycobacteria are difficult to kill due to the complexity of their cell wall. Further, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has one of the more elaborate cell wall compositions of all the mycobacteria. As a working pathogen within a research laboratory setting or as an environmental contaminant shed in the manure from infected animals, MAP is highly resistant to typical disinfectants. In the past, the most successful disinfectants to kill mycobacteria were based upon phenolics, harsh compounds that can break down the lipids within the cell wall. New disinfectants have been developed that are less toxic to the environment, however, it is unknown how well they perform compared to more traditional disinfectants. In the present study, we present comparative data on the utility of a commercial eco-friendly disinfectant, Benefect®, compared to Amphyl®, a phenolic-based disinfectant, and Lysol®, a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant, to kill MAP in pure culture, tissues, and manure. Results demonstrated that Benefect was highly effective with up to 100% kill of MAP within 30 min in all experiments, paralleling results obtained with Amphyl. Lysol performed the most poorly, requiring longer contact times to kill MAP. These results suggest that natural, nontoxic ingredients can be used to disinfect even hearty pathogens such as MAP effectively, both within the laboratory and on-farm.

0864 Race/ethnicity And Sex-dependent Effects Of Metabolic Burden Across Different Age-categories On Trends In Self-reported Sleep Duration: Findings From The National Health Interview Survey, 2004-2013

Introduction

We examined race and sex-dependent effects of metabolic burden across different age-categories on trends in self-reported sleep duration for the U.S. non-institutionalized civilian population.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) adults aged 18-85 from 2004 to 2013 (N=258,158). Metabolic burden was characterized by obesity (BMI>30), dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension morbidity burden levels. Racial/ethnic categories included non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), Blacks/African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics. Sleep duration within a 24-hour period on average was categorized as short sleep (≤ 6hrs), adequate sleep (7-8 hrs.), and long sleep (≥ 9hrs). Age was categorized as 18 - <26, 26 - <65 and 65 - 85. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression models stratified by race, sex and age-categories examined effects of metabolic burden on trends in self-reported sleep duration.

Results

The prevalence of short sleep duration was relatively stable from 2004-2012 for NHW and all females. However, AA and Hispanic males showed consistent increase in the rates of short sleepers beginning in 2007 through 2013 especially for ages 18 - <26, and 26 - <65 (P <.001 for trend). For all racial/ethnic categories, compared to individuals aged 18 - <26, individuals aged 26 - <65 were more likely to report short sleep (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.50-1.61) and individuals aged 65 - 85 were more likely to be long sleepers (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.86-2.05). Interestingly, the rate of short sleep increased as the metabolic burden increased (P <.001 for trend). This trend was more pronounced among AA and Hispanic males aged 65 - 85 with ≥ 2 metabolic conditions who were more likely to report short sleep (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.44-2.19 and aOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17-1.93 respectively), compared to NHW males.

Conclusion

Increased metabolic burden among minority populations and especially in the elderly male, affect sleep and may have consequences for treating these populations.

Support

NIH/NIA/NHLBI (L30-AG064670, CIRAD P30AG059303 Pilot, T32HL129953, R01AG056531, R25HL105444, R25NS094093, K07AG05268503, R01HL142066, K23HL125939)

High Precision Detection of Change in Intermediate Range Order of Amorphous Zirconia-Doped Tantala Thin Films Due to Annealing

Understanding the local atomic order in amorphous thin film coatings and how it relates to macroscopic performance factors, such as mechanical loss, provides an important path towards enabling the accelerated discovery and development of improved coatings. High precision x-ray scattering measurements of thin films of amorphous zirconia-doped tantala (ZrO_{2}-Ta_{2}O_{5}) show systematic changes in intermediate range order (IRO) as a function of postdeposition heat treatment (annealing). Atomic modeling captures and explains these changes, and shows that the material has building blocks of metal-centered polyhedra and the effect of annealing is to alter the connections between the polyhedra. The observed changes in IRO are associated with a shift in the ratio of corner-sharing to edge-sharing polyhedra. These changes correlate with changes in mechanical loss upon annealing, and suggest that the mechanical loss can be reduced by developing a material with a designed ratio of corner-sharing to edge-sharing polyhedra.

Improving patient outcomes in fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome: an international multidisciplinary workshop to inform an international partnership

To develop consensus on improving the management of patients, we convened an international workshop involving patients, clinicians, and researchers. Key findings included the diagnostic delay and variability in subsequent management with agreement to develop an international natural history study. We now invite other stakeholders to join the partnership.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was develop a consensus on how to improve the management of patients with fibrous dysplasia and prioritize areas for research METHODS: An international workshop was held over 3 days involving patients, clinicians, and researchers. Each day had a combination of formal presentations and facilitated discussions that focused on clinical pathways and research.

RESULTS

The patient workshop day highlighted the variability of patients' experience in getting a diagnosis, the knowledge of general clinical staff, and understanding long-term outcomes. The research workshop prioritized collaborations that improved understanding of the contemporary natural history of fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS). The clinical workshop outlined the key issues around diagnostics, assessment of severity, treatment and monitoring of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of advances in understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome, clinical management remains a challenge. From the workshop, a consensus was reached to create an international, multi-stakeholder partnership to advance research and clinical care in FD/MAS. We invite other stakeholders to join the partnership.

Measurement of the B^{±} Meson Nuclear Modification Factor in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The differential production cross sections of B^{±} mesons are measured via the exclusive decay channels B^{±}→J/ψK^{±}→μ^{+}μ^{-}K^{±} as a function of transverse momentum in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV per nucleon pair with the CMS detector at the LHC. The pp(Pb-Pb) data set used for this analysis corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 28.0  pb^{-1} (351  μb^{-1}). The measurement is performed in the B^{±} meson transverse momentum range of 7 to 50  GeV/c, in the rapidity interval |y|<2.4. In this kinematic range, a strong suppression of the production cross section by about a factor of 2 is observed in the Pb-Pb system in comparison to the expectation from pp reference data. These results are found to be roughly compatible with theoretical calculations incorporating beauty quark diffusion and energy loss in a quark-gluon plasma.

Bone density and body composition in newly licenced professional jockeys

The primary objective is the description of bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in newly licensed jockeys. One in three male, flat jockeys has a very low bone mineral density. Further research is needed to assess the short-term risk of fractures and long-term health implications of these findings.

INTRODUCTION

Describe bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in entry-level male and female, flat and jump jockeys in Great Britain.

METHODS

Data was collected on jockeys applying for a professional jockey license between 2013 and 2015. Areal BMD at the spine, femoral neck (FN), total hip and body composition were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. We examined differences between BMD and body composition by gender and race type (flat or jump). Volumetric bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) of the spine and FN was also calculated to account for group differences in bone size.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine male flat jockeys (age 18.5 ± 1.9, BMI 19.0 ± 1.4), 69 male jump (age 20.7 ± 2.0, BMI 20.6 ± 1.3) and 37 female flat jockeys (age 19.3 ± 2.0, BMI 20.8 ± 1.7) took part in this study. Spine BMD Z-scores ≤-2 for male flat, male jump and female flat jockeys were 29, 13 and 2.7%, respectively. Spine BMD was lower in male than female flat jockeys (p<0.001). All BMD scores were lower in male flat compared to male jump jockeys (p<0.001). Body fat percent (BF %) was lower in male flat jockeys compared to male jump and female flat jockeys (p<0.05). Lean mass index (LMI) was lower in male flat compared to male jump jockeys (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Male flat jockeys had a significantly lower BMD, LMI and BF% compared to jump jockeys and female flat jockeys. Male flat jockeys had lower spine BMD scores than females. Individual bone maturation may influence these findings. Further investigation into the relevance of low BMD and altered body composition on jockey health is required.

Follow-up after curative treatment for colorectal cancer: longitudinal evaluation of patient initiated follow-up in the first 12 months

PURPOSE

To compare patient-triggered follow-up (PTFU) for curatively treated colorectal cancer against traditional outpatient follow-up (OPFU).

METHODS

Questionnaires were mailed at four time points over one-year post-treatment to two prospectively-recruited cohorts: A, patients entering follow-up and receiving OPFU pre-implementation of PTFU; B, patients entering follow-up (FU) and receiving either OPFU (B1) or PTFU (B2) post-implementation of PTFU. Bi-variate tests were used to compare patient characteristics and outcomes eight months after entering follow-up (generic and cancer-specific quality of life (QoL), satisfaction). Regression analysis explored associations between follow-up model and outcomes. Resource implications and costs of models were compared.

RESULTS

Patients in Cohort B1 were significantly more likely to have received chemotherapy (p < 0.001), radiotherapy (p < 0.05), and reported poorer QoL (p = 0.001). Having a longstanding co-morbid condition was the most important determinant of QoL (p < 0.001); model of care was not significant. Patients were satisfied with their follow-up care regardless of model. Health service costs were higher in PTFU over the first year CONCLUSIONS: PTFU is acceptable to patients with colorectal cancer and can be considered to be a realistic alternative to OPFU for clinically suitable patients. The initial costs are higher due to provision of a self-management (SM) programme and remote surveillance. Further research is needed to establish long-term outcomes and costs.

Biomechanical and Clinical Assessment of Hip Nerve Block in Unilateral Osteoarthrosis

This paper combines a biomechanical analysis with a clinical assessment of eighteen patients with unilateral hip osteoarthrosis. A double blind trial was established to evaluate the potential of a regional hip nerve block in relieving pain. The characteristics of the vertical ground-reaction forces were analysed using two Kistler force plates, once before the injection and at three-monthly intervals following it. At the same time pain, mobility and functional activity were assessed clinically.

A significant change in some of the gait parameters for the good leg was recorded for the total patient group one month after the injection. However, no further significant differences were found. When the symmetry of gait was evaluated no significant differences at the 1 per cent level were observed at any period. These results suggest that gait symmetry is not a significant factor in assessment of patients with hip osteoarthrosis.

There was a transient decrease in subjective pain level following the injection, but this rose to pre-injection levels by the fourth week. There were no other significant general improvements after the injection.

It is concluded that the biomechanical/clinical assessment has demonstrated that the hip nerve block does not provide any useful long-term pain relief.

The RUDY study platform - a novel approach to patient driven research in rare musculoskeletal diseases

BACKGROUND

Research into rare diseases is becoming more common, with recognition of the significant diagnostic and therapeutic care gaps. Registries are considered a key research methodology to address rare diseases. This report describes the structure of the Rare UK Diseases Study (RUDY) platform that aims to improve research processes and address many of the challenges of carrying out rare musculoskeletal disease research. RUDY is an internet-based platform with online registration, initial verbal consent, online capture of patient reported outcome measures and events within a dynamic consent framework. The database structure, security and governance framework are described.

RESULTS

There have been 380 participants recruited into RUDY with completed questionnaire rates in excess of 50 %. There has been one withdrawal and two participants have amended their consent options.

CONCLUSIONS

The strengths of RUDY include low burden for the clinical team, low research administration costs with high participant recruitment and ease of data collection and access. This platform has the potential to be used as the model for other rare diseases globally.

A Brief Activities of Daily Living (BADL) Measure to Assess Dependency of Psychogeriatric Patients with Change of Location

The effects of environmental change on the dependency levels of a group of psychogeriatric patients were determined by a simple, brief activities of daily living (BADL) measure. The patients were relocated from old wards with very cramped facilities to refurbished wards with a purpose-built day room. The dependency levels were measured by the BADL assessment on five separate occasions to coincide with the ward relocation. Results showed little change overall during the study period, although specific activities were found to vary according to the ward relocation. The BADL measure demonstrated some evidence for validity and good reliability and, from experience gained from its use in this study, may be suitable for repeated administration to assess changes in ward environment, clinical management and the general progress of elderly patients.

Within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius architectural properties

This study aimed to determine the within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius (MG) architecture (e.g. muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA)), as derived via ultrasonography followed by manual digitization. A single rater recorded three ultrasound images of the relaxed MG muscle belly for both legs of 16 resistance trained males, who were positioned in a pronated position with their knees fully extended and the ankles in a neutral (e.g. 90°) position. A subset of participants (n = 11) were retested under the same conditions ~48-72 hours after baseline testing. The same rater manually digitized each ultrasound image on three occasions to determine MG MT, FL and PA before pooling the data accordingly to allow for within-image (n = 96), between-image (n = 32) and between-session reliability (n = 22) to be determined. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) demonstrated excellent within-image (ICCs = 0.99-1.00, P < 0.001) and very good between-image (ICCs = 0.83-0.95, P < 0.001) and between-session (ICCs = 0.89-0.95, P < 0.001) reliability for MT, FL and PA. Between-session coefficient of variation was low (≤ 3.6%) for each architectural parameter and smallest detectible difference values of 10.6%, 11.4% and 9.8% were attained for MT, FL and PA, respectively. Manually digitizing ultrasound images of the MG muscle at rest yields highly reliable measurements of its architectural properties. Furthermore, changes in MG MT, FL and PA of ≥ 10.6%, 11.4% and 9.8% respectively, as brought about by any form of intervention, should be considered meaningful.

UK national guidelines on the management of syphilis 2015

These guidelines are an update for 2015 of the 2008 UK guidelines for the management of syphilis. The writing group have piloted the new BASHH guideline methodology, notably using the GRADE system for assessing evidence and making recommendations. We have made significant changes to the recommendations for screening infants born to mothers with positive syphilis serology and to facilitate accurate and timely communication between the teams caring for mother and baby we have developed a birth plan. Procaine penicillin is now an alternative, not preferred treatment, for all stages of syphilis except neurosyphilis, but the length of treatment for this is shortened. Other changes are summarised at the start of the guideline.