Validity of patient-derived disability and clinical data in multiple sclerosis.

Patient-derived historical data are widely employed to make fundamental management decisions in multiple sclerosis, although the validity of the information provided is unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine validity of patient-derived historical data and to describe the utility of a locally relevant, patient-administered questionnaire designed to ascertain current disability and other important disease milestones. A well-described cohort of 99 patients was identified for whom comparable, detailed, prospective longitudinal clinician-derived data were available. Patient-derived data were collected by completion of a standardized questionnaire or telephone interview for comparison. Reliability analysis for current Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) demonstrated an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.79 between questionnaire and clinician-derived data in 79 patients, with complete agreement in 75.9%. Intraclass correlation coefficient for year of disease onset, diagnosis and onset of secondary progression was 0.86, 0.91 and 0.78, respectively. Time to EDSS >4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 all had an intraclass correlation coefficient of >0.9. Less robust agreement was observed for current disease course (Kappa coefficient 0.71), initial relapse rate (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.37) and clinical features at disease onset (Kappa 0.25). We conclude that self-reported questionnaires can provide reliable current and retrospective data on time-to-disability milestones with high levels of correlation observed for some additional elements, supporting the use of selected components of patient-derived data in clinical practice and for epidemiological studies.

Anthropometric and somatotype variables related to strength in American football players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in somatotype, % fat, and strength in relation to body mass of two groups of American football players. One hundred and forty-three football players (85 high school and 58 college) were classified into five weight groups (< 73 kg, 73-82 kg, 83-91 kg, 91-100 kg, > 100 kg). Body composition was estimated from skinfold, and somatotype was determined using the Heath-Carter method. Strength was measured from one-repetition maximum (1-RM) lifts in the bench press and deadlift. Most of the somatotypes were dominant mesomorphs for the high school player and endomesomorphs for the college player. The weight groups in both the high school and college footballer showed significant differences in % fat, somatotype, and strength measures between the lower and higher weight categories. Weight was a greater factor dictating strength in either lift in the high school player than in the college player. A higher mesomorphic component was a more important factor determining strength in the college player while a lower ectomorphic component contributed more in the high school player. The proportion of the variance accounted for by regression equations for the bench press and deadlift was 17% to 41% in the high school player and 35% to 61% in the college player. Although football requires a large individual at certain positions, the question remains concerning overall size versus muscularity to achieve a superior performance level.

Comparative ultraviolet action spectra (254-320 nm) of five "wild-type" eukaryotic microorganisms and Escherichia coli.

The action spectra of five eukaryotic organisms and the prokaryote, Escherichia coli, were examined over the wavelength range, 254-320 nm. Both the repair competent and three repair defective strains (E. coli, Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces) were examined. Tetrahymena pyriformis action spectra were performed with and without the excision repair inhibitor caffeine present. Others have observed that lethality, mutation, and the production of pyrimidine dimers show much the same wavelength dependence as DNA absorption. The results presented here demonstrate several action spectra which deviate from the DNA absorption spectra. Ultraviolet sensitization ratios (repair competent/repair defective) were also examined and were shown to change over the wavelength range. These findings suggest that DNA may not be the only important chromophore leading to cell death in the uv wavelength range studied. Since uv-B is of major importance in solar uv damage, these findings may also yield important implications for solar uv studies.

Anthropometric and training variables related to 10km running performance.

Sixty male distance athletes were divided into three equal groups according to their personal best time for the 10km run. The runners were measured anthropometrically and each runner completed a detailed questionnaire on his athletic status, training programme and performance. The runners in this study had similar anthropometric and training profiles to other distance runners of a similar standard. The most able runners were shorter and lighter than those in the other two groups and significantly smaller skinfold values (P less than 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for either bone widths or circumferences but the elite and good runners had significantly higher ponderal indices (P less than 0.05) than the average runners, indicating that they are more linear. Elite and good runners were also less endomorphic but more ectomorphic than the average runners. The elite runners trained more often, ran more miles per week and had been running longer (P less than 0.05) than good or average runners. A multiple regression and discriminant function analysis indicated that linearity, total skinfold, the type and frequency of training and the number of years running were the best predictors of running performance and success at the 10km distance.

Anthropometric and training characteristics of female marathon runners as determinants of distance running performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine how female marathon runners of varying standards differed in body composition and physique and in their training regimes, and secondly to develop predictors of distance running performance from the anthropometric and training variables. Female marathon runners (n = 36), all participants in a national 10 mile (16 km) road racing championship, were divided into three groups according to their best time for the 26.2 mile race. They were assessed for body composition and somatotype using anthropometric techniques and completed a questionnaire about their current training for the marathon. No difference was found between the groups of distance runners when measured for height, bone widths and circumferences. The three groups were found to have similar body weights of approximately 53 kg, a value which is much lower than the average for sedentary women, but which compares favourably with those from previous studies of female long distance runners. While all the runners had a lower per cent fat, as measured from skinfold thicknesses, than sedentary women, the elite runners were seen to have significantly lower values (P less than 0.05) than the other two groups. The difference in body fat was particularly reflected in the triceps skinfold value. There was also a tendency for the elite runners to be more ectomorphic and less endomorphic than the others. The better runners were seen, on the whole, to have been running longer, and to have more strenuous regimes, both in terms of intensity of training and distance run per week. Multiple regression and discriminant function analyses indicated that the number of training sessions per week and the number of years training were the best predictors of competitive performance at both 10 mile and marathon distances. They also indicated that a female long distance runner with a slim physique high in ectomorphy has the greatest potential for success.

Axillary lymphadenitis due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare.

A 5-year-old girl presented with a swelling in the right axilla from which Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare was cultured. The gland was excised and she made an uneventful recovery.

Listeria monocytogenes encephalitis associated with corticosteroid therapy.

A fatal case of Listeria monocytogenes septicaemia and encephalitis is described. The infection was associated with steroid therapy given for necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis. Agglutinating antibodies were not detectable in the patient's serum. Reasons for the failure of apparently appropriate antibiotic therapy are discussed.