Examining the link between thoracic rotation and scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain amongst college swimmers.

OBJECTIVES: In National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers, we examined the differences in thoracic spine rotation in swimmers with and without scapular dyskinesis and the relationship between thoracic spine rotation and shoulder pain/dysfunction according to the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Laboratory-based. PARTICIPANTS: 34 NCAA Division I swimmers (13 males, 21 females). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported upper extremity function and pain assessed with the KJOC questionnaire, thoracic spine range of motion, presence of scapular dyskinesis. RESULTS: Dyskinesis was present in 15 of 34 (44%) subjects. Thoracic rotation averaged 136.7° and KJOC averaged 87.7 with no differences between swimmers with or without dyskinesis. We observed no correlation between KJOC-identified shoulder pain/dysfunction and thoracic rotation. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of NCAA Division 1 swimmers, no differences were found between swimmers with or without scapular dyskinesis and extent of thoracic rotation. We found no correlation between thoracic rotation and the amount of self-reported pain and dysfunction experienced in the upper extremity. The presence of scapular dyskinesis in nearly half of our subjects indicates that swimmers need to be assessed for this abnormality. If observed, rehabilitation should address the dyskinesis and improve thoracic rotation in an attempt to alleviate further upper extremity pain and dysfunction.

Acrylamide monitoring in Switzerland, 2007-2009: results and conclusions.

Parallel to the European Union acrylamide monitoring for the years 2007-2009, Switzerland performed its own monitoring, covering the whole range of products that significantly contain acrylamide (almost 300 samples per year), but focusing on those products that may result in high exposure. As reducing sugars are critical for potato products, these were included. No significant change, particularly improvement, was noticed, especially regarding those products for which substantial potential for improvement is known. 'Western-style' French fries continued to contain some four times more reducing sugars than 'traditional' fries, with correspondingly higher acrylamide in the finished product. The supply of raw potatoes low in reducing sugars by retail shops needs improvement, but there seemed to be insufficient willingness on a voluntary basis. A foreign producer was successful in penetrating the Swiss market with special potato chips containing up to 7000 microg kg(-1) acrylamide and only harsh measures could stop this. Three of about 61 products in the group of bakery ware showed a marked improvement. But there was also a store brand cracker that competed with a leading brand which contained 15 times more acrylamide (845 microg kg(-1)). Cereals contained 1080 microg kg(-1) acrylamide and even a warning did not prompt the producer to sell substantially better products one year later. It seems that only measures by the authorities will achieve improvements. The following seem promising: a limit for reducing sugars in prefabricates for French fries; the improved supply of raw potatoes low in sugars for roasting and frying; a legal limit for acrylamide content in potato chips; a general provision that products must not contain substantially more acrylamide than achievable by good manufacturing practice; and fryers with a temperature profile from an initial high to a lower final value.

A GPS logger and software for analysis of homing in pigeons and small mammals.

A detailed analysis of homing in pigeons and small mammals has remained difficult because the paths of the animals could not be reconstructed precisely. Here, we describe a lightweight global position system (GPS) data logger (35 g including battery and casing; 40 x 68 x 18 mm) that records the flight of pigeons and the path of dogs with an accuracy of +/-12 m. With one battery, the logger runs in continuous mode (1 fix/s) for 3.5 h and in power-saving mode (1 fix/5 s) for about 16 h, and stores a maximum of 100,000 data points that are downloaded to a PC. A module of our public domain software WINTRACK permits a detailed numerical and graphical analysis of path geometry, phases of resting and moving, and path similarity. The device can be adapted to different species provided that satellite signals can be received reliably and that the loggers can be recovered. We expect it to be useful for testing hypotheses about pigeon homing, assessing natural spatial behavior and orientation of many species, and anticipate further miniaturization.