Interobserver variability in analysis of asbestos fibres and asbestos bodies in human lung tissue.

Two different methods of quantifying asbestos fibre burden were assessed and the counts obtained were compared with semi-quantitative asbestos body counts in corresponding tissue sections. Comparison of the two methods found significantly different asbestos fibre counts between specimens. Each technique showed wide limits of agreement for reproducibility and interobserver variability as assessed by Bland-Altman plots, such that a repeated count could not necessarily be expected to lie within the same exposure category. Asbestos body counts in tissue sections were reproducible with good correlation between observers. Asbestos body and asbestos fibre counts showed correlation in some samples but not others. Counting of asbestos bodies is a valuable screening technique as the finding of asbestos bodies is accepted as a marker of significant asbestos exposure. When no asbestos bodies are identified asbestos fibres estimations may be useful in proving asbestos exposure. Different techniques are not interchangeable and each laboratory should establish a background range from unexposed individuals.

Spatial asynchrony and periodic travelling waves in cyclic populations of field voles.

We demonstrate evidence for the presence of travelling waves in a cyclic population of field voles in northern Britain by fitting simple, empirical models to spatially referenced time series data. Population cycles were broadly synchronous at all sites, but use of Mantel correlations suggested a strong spatial pattern along one axis at a projection line 72 degrees from North. We then fitted a generalized additive model to log population density assuming a fixed-form travelling wave in one spatial dimension for which the density at each site was offset in time by a constant amount from a standard density-time curve. We assumed that the magnitude of this offset would be proportional to the spatial separation between any given site and the centroid of the sampling sites, where separation is the distance between sites in a fixed direction. After fitting this model, we estimated that the wave moved at an average speed of 19 km yr-1, heading from West to East at an angle of 78 degrees from North. Nomadic avian predators which could synchronize populations over large areas are scarce and the travelling wave may be caused by density-dependent dispersal by field voles and/or predation by weasels, both of which act at a suitably small spatial scale.

Comparison of the Effects of the Anderson Knee Stabler and McDavid Knee Guard on the Kinematics of the Lower Extremity during Gait*.

* This study was completed in partial fulfillment of Ms. Van Horn's master's degree, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The purpose of this study was to compare gait patterns among subjects wearing Anderson Knee Stabler braces, McDavid Knee Guards, and no braces. Fifteen male subjects were filmed while running on a treadmill at 4 mph and 8 mph without a brace, with an Anderson Knee Stabler, and with a McDavid Knee Guard. Fourteen gait variables were measured for each brace and speed condition. Analysis of the variables with multivariate ANOVA indicated that there was an increase in hip and knee flexion and knee angular velocity with and without braces at 8 mph as compared to 4 mph, a decrease in knee extension when either brace was worn, and minimal gait pattern differences with the Anderson Knee Stabler as compared with the McDavid Knee Guard (all results p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that no clear superiority exists between the braces' effect on the gait characteristics measured. Therefore, other parameters should be considered when making brace selections.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(7):254-260.

Ultraviolet light treatment of a patient with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (Mucha-Habermann disease). A case report.

The purpose of this case report is to detail the physical therapy of a patient with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (Mucha-Habermann disease), a condition usually not encountered by physical therapists. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light was the effective mode of treatment.

Physical therapy treatment of a patient with a conversion reaction. A case report.

Physical therapists are important members of the treatment team involved in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a conversion reaction. A physical therapist can assist a physician in making the diagnosis by performing various tests, such as manual muscle tests and nerve conduction studies, and guide the patient's return to normal physical function. This goal can be reached by the physical therapist who structures the patient's treatment by understanding that a patient suffering from a conversion reaction is not consciously aware that the problem is psychogenic in origin.

Review of the postbaccalaureate degree for professional entry into physical therapy.

The American Physical Therapy Association has endorsed the postbaccalaureate entry-level degree for the physical therapy profession. This article reviews the purpose of entry-level professional training and contrasts various options of educational systems with degree structures. Professional economic, political, and educational factors are considered. After analysis of these variables, the Master of Physical Therapy degree is my recommendation for the postbaccalaureate entry-level degree for physical therapists.

Study of Doppler ultrasonic peripheral vascular assessments performed by physical therapists.

The Doppler ultrasound assessment is an effective diagnostic method for determining peripheral vascular status. Because the evaluation currently is not often performed by a physical therapist, the purpose of this study was to provide objective information on the competency of a group of physical therapists who were doing these evaluations. Therapists at a state psychiatric hospital in North Carolina performed a total of 577 Doppler assessments from May 1976 to May 1981. Forty-eight of these evaluations were followed by an invasive peripheral vascular diagnostic technique, either a venogram or an arteriogram. When Doppler results were compared with invasive results, 85 percent of the Doppler evaluations agreed with results obtained using the invasive techniques. There was complete agreement with arterial evaluations, and 81 percent agreement with venous assessments. These results support the contention that Doppler ultrasonic evaluations of peripheral vascular disease can be competently performed by physical therapists trained in the technique.