Development of a machine learning detector for North Atlantic humpback whale song.

The study of humpback whale song using passive acoustic monitoring devices requires bioacousticians to manually review hours of audio recordings to annotate the signals. To vastly reduce the time of manual annotation through automation, a machine learning model was developed. Convolutional neural networks have made major advances in the previous decade, leading to a wide range of applications, including the detection of frequency modulated vocalizations by cetaceans. A large dataset of over 60 000 audio segments of 4 s length is collected from the North Atlantic and used to fine-tune an existing model for humpback whale song detection in the North Pacific (see Allen, Harvey, Harrell, Jansen, Merkens, Wall, Cattiau, and Oleson (2021). Front. Mar. Sci. 8, 607321). Furthermore, different data augmentation techniques (time-shift, noise augmentation, and masking) are used to artificially increase the variability within the training set. Retraining and augmentation yield F-score values of 0.88 on context window basis and 0.89 on hourly basis with false positive rates of 0.05 on context window basis and 0.01 on hourly basis. If necessary, usage and retraining of the existing model is made convenient by a framework (AcoDet, acoustic detector) built during this project. Combining the tools provided by this framework could save researchers hours of manual annotation time and, thus, accelerate their research.

Severe Congenital Heart Defects and Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in children with severe congenital heart defects (sCHD) and the outcome/severity of the CP. METHODS: Population-based, data linkage study between CP and congenital anomaly registers in Europe and Australia. The EUROCAT definition of severe CHD (sCHD) was used. Linked data from 4 regions in Europe and 2 in Australia were included. All children born in the regions from 1991 through 2009 diagnosed with CP and/or sCHD were included. Linkage was completed locally. Deidentified linked data were pooled for analyses. RESULTS: The study sample included 4989 children with CP and 3684 children with sCHD. The total number of livebirths in the population was 1 734 612. The prevalence of CP was 2.9 per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.8-3.0) and the prevalence of sCHD was 2.1 per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.1-2.2). Of children with sCHD, 1.5% (n = 57) had a diagnosis of CP, of which 35 (61%) children had prenatally or perinatally acquired CP (resulting from a brain injury at ≤28 days of life) and 22 (39%) children had a postneonatal cause (a brain injury between 28 days and 2 years). Children with CP and sCHD more often had unilateral spastic CP and more intellectual impairments than children with CP without congenital anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: In high-income countries, the proportion of children with CP is much higher in children with sCHD than in the background population. The severity of disease in children with CP and sCHD is milder compared with children with CP without congenital anomalies.

Declining trends in birth prevalence and severity of singletons with cerebral palsy of prenatal or perinatal origin in Australia: A population-based observational study.

AIM: To investigate temporal trends in birth prevalence, disability severity, and motor type for singletons with prenatal or perinatally acquired cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Numerator data, number of children with CP born a singleton between 1995 and 2014, confirmed at 5 years of age, were drawn from three state registers with population-level ascertainment. Birth prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated per 1000 singleton live births for the three states combined, overall, by gestational age group, by dichotomized disability severity, and spastic laterality. Poisson regression models were used to analyse trends. Using data from all eight registers, trends in the proportional distribution of CP subtypes overall and stratified by gestational age were examined. RESULTS: Birth prevalence of CP declined from 1.8 (95% CI 1.6-2.0) in 1995 to 1996 to 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.4) in 2013 to 2014 (average 5% per 2-year epoch, p < 0.001). Declines in birth prevalence were observed across all gestational age groups with the largest decline in children born at <28 weeks (average 8% per epoch, p < 0.001). Prevalence of moderate-severe disability declined for children born at <28 and ≥37 weeks (average 11% and 7% per epoch respectively, p < 0.001). The proportions of bilateral spastic CP declined (p < 0.001) at <28 weeks (p = 0.014) and ≥37 weeks (p < 0.001). The proportion of children with dyskinesia increased (28-31 weeks: p = 0.021, 32-36 weeks: p = 0.001, and ≥37 weeks: p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Birth prevalence of CP and moderate-severe disability (<28 and ≥37 weeks) declined in Australian singletons between 1995 and 2014, reflecting changes in prenatal and perinatal care over time. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Declines in birth prevalence of prenatal or perinatally acquired cerebral palsy were observed for singletons born in Australia between 1995 and 2014. These declines were evident across all gestational age groups. Declines in birth prevalence of moderate-severe disability were observed for children born at <28 weeks and ≥37 weeks.

Congenital anomalies in children with pre- or perinatally acquired cerebral palsy: an international data linkage study.

AIM: To describe the frequency and types of major congenital anomalies present in children with pre- or perinatally acquired cerebral palsy (CP), and compare clinical outcomes for children with and without anomalies. METHOD: This multi-centre total population collaborative study between Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe, Australian Cerebral Palsy Register, and European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) involved six European and three Australian regions. Data were linked between each region's CP and congenital anomaly register for children born between 1991 and 2009, and then pooled. Children were classified into mutually exclusive categories based on type of anomaly. Proportions of children with congenital anomalies were calculated, and clinical outcomes compared between children with and without anomalies. RESULTS: Of 8201 children with CP, 22.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.9, 23.8) had a major congenital anomaly. Isolated cerebral anomalies were most common (45.2%), with a further 8.6% having both cerebral and non-cerebral anomalies. Cardiac anomalies only were described in 10.5% of children and anomalies associated with syndromes were also reported: genetic (8.0%), chromosomal (5.7%), and teratogenic (3.0%). Clinical outcomes were more severe for children with CP and congenital anomalies, particularly cerebral anomalies. INTERPRETATION: This large, international study reports major congenital anomalies in nearly one-quarter of children with pre- or perinatally acquired CP. Future research must focus on aetiological pathways to CP that include specific patterns of congenital anomalies. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Congenital anomalies were reported in 23% of children with pre- or perinatally acquired cerebral palsy. A higher proportion of children born at or near term had anomalies. The most common type of anomalies were isolated cerebral anomalies. Clinical outcomes were more severe for children with congenital anomalies (particularly cerebral).

Cerebral palsy trends in Australia (1995-2009): a population-based observational study.

AIM: To investigate trends in birth prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) overall and by gestational age, and examine the distribution of motor type, spastic topography, and severity using Australian CP Register data from 1995 to 2009. METHOD: Prenatal and perinatal CP data were collated from state/territory CP registers. Birth prevalence estimates per 1000 live births and per 1000 neonatal survivors (NNS) were calculated in five epochs. Data from three state registers with population-level ascertainment were used to investigate birth prevalence trends by gestational age using Poisson regression. Distribution of motor type, spastic topography, and moderate to severe disability (IQ≤50 and/or Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III-V) were evaluated within birthweight categories. RESULTS: Birth prevalence of CP varied across population-level states but within each state declined significantly over time (p<0.05). Birth prevalence per 1000 neonatal survivors declined amongst children born before 28 weeks (South Australia, Victoria p<0.001) and those born at or after 37 weeks (Victoria p<0.001, Western Australia p<0.002). Across Australia the percentage of children with bilateral spastic CP declined amongst those born less than 1000g. The percentage of children with moderate to severe disability decreased (48%-34%, p<0.001). INTERPRETATION: Birth prevalence of CP declined. Encouragingly, the percentage of children with CP whose disability was moderate to severe also decreased. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Birth prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) differed but declined across Australian states (1995-2009). Australian CP birth prevalence declined significantly amongst children born before 28 weeks and those born at or after 37 weeks. The percentage of children with moderate to severe disability decreased.

Age range for inclusion affects ascertainment by birth defects registers.

BACKGROUND: The South Australian Birth Defects Register (SABDR) has collected the date of diagnosis of notified birth defects since the 2005 birth year cohort. This study aims to document the age at diagnosis for each of the main diagnostic categories of birth defects, to produce a profile of when defects are diagnosed. METHODS: Deidentified data were extracted from the SABDR for birth years 2005 to 2007. Each birth defect was assigned to a mutually exclusive date of diagnosis category (termination/stillbirth; neonatal [birth-28 days]; 1 month-1 year; 1-2 years; 2-3 years; 3-4 years; 4-5 years; unspecified). Each defect was also grouped according to the International Classification of Diseases Ninth edition-British Paediatric Association major diagnostic categories (nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, musculoskeletal, chromosomal, metabolic, hematological/immune, other). RESULTS: There were 6419 defects identified in 3676 individuals, and 98.6% of defects had a diagnosis date recorded. Terminations of pregnancy/stillbirths accounted for 20.3% of defects notified, and a further 46.7% of defects were diagnosed within the neonatal period. A total of 81.5% of defects were diagnosed by 1 year of age. An additional 17.2% of defects were diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 5 years. There were wide differences in age at diagnosis between the major diagnostic categories. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the value of birth defect registers collecting information about birth defects from terminations of pregnancy, stillbirths, and live births up to a child's fifth birthday. Reviewing diagnosis date provides insight into the pattern of diagnosis of different birth defects. This provides valuable information to medical specialists and researchers regarding the interpretation of information from birth defect data collections. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:761-766, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increase in late diagnosed developmental dysplasia of the hip in South Australia: risk factors, proposed solutions.

OBJECTIVES: To review evidence for the increased incidence of late diagnosed developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in South Australia; to identify perinatal risk factors associated with late DDH in babies born between 2003 and 2009 in SA. DESIGN: Linkage study of data collected prospectively by the South Australian Birth Defects Register (SABDR) and the Pregnancy Outcome Statistics Unit (SA Department of Health), supplemented by medical records review. PARTICIPANTS: All children born 2003-2009 in whom DDH was diagnosed between 3 months and 5 years of age and notified to the SABDR (data inclusion range, 2003-2014). Children with teratological hip dislocations and other major congenital abnormalities were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify perinatal risk factors for late diagnosed DDH. RESULTS: The incidence of late diagnosed DDH in babies born 2003-2009 was 0.77 per 1000 live births, contrasting with the figure of 0.22 per 1000 live births during 1988-2003. Significant perinatal risk factors were birth in a rural hospital (v metropolitan public hospital: odds ratio [OR], 2.47; CI, 1.37-4.46; P = 0.003), and being the second child (v being the first-born: OR, 1.69; CI, 1.08-2.66; P = 0.023). Breech presentation was highly significant as a protective factor when compared with cephalic presentation (OR, 0.25; CI, 0.12-0.54; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of late DDH has increased in SA despite an ongoing clinical screening program. Increased awareness, education, and avoidance of inappropriate lower limb swaddling are necessary to reverse this trend.

Biological sex and the risk of cerebral palsy in Victoria, Australia.

AIM: Males typically outnumber females in cerebral palsy (CP) cohorts. To better understand this 'male disadvantage' and provide insight into causal pathways to CP, this study used 1983 to 2009 Australian CP and population birth cohorts to identify associations and trends with respect to biological sex and CP. METHOD: Within birth gestation groups, sex ratios were calculated to evaluate any male excess in the CP cohort compared with livebirths, neonatal deaths, neonatal mortality and survival rates, neonatal survivors, and CP rates in survivors. Sex- and gestation-specific trends in neonatal mortality, CP rates, and CP sex ratios were assessed by plotting their annual frequencies and fitting quadratic curves. RESULTS: Over-representation of males in preterm live births partly explained the male excess in the CP cohort after preterm birth, especially at 28 to 31 weeks. Higher CP rates in male neonatal survivors also contributed to the male excess in CP, particularly at <28 and 37+ weeks. Higher neonatal mortality rates in males at all gestations had little impact on the CP sex ratio. There was no clearly discernible change over time in the CP sex ratio. INTERPRETATION: Gestation-specific associations between sex and CP provide insight into causal pathways to CP and suggest sex-specific differences in response to neuroprotective strategies.

Congenital anomalies in cerebral palsy: where to from here?

Proportions of cases of cerebral palsy (CP) with congenital anomalies recorded in Australian CP registers range from 15% to 40%. The anomalies seen in CP are extremely variable. We have identified that CP registers often do not have quality data on congenital anomalies, necessitating linkage with congenital anomaly registers. However, a lack of unified processes and definitions in congenital anomaly registers and data collections means that linkages are complex, need to be carefully planned, and limitations acknowledged. Historically in CP research, congenital anomalies have been classified by International Classification of Disease codes, then combined into brain and other major and minor anomalies. Systems have been developed to classify congenital anomalies into aetiologically related groups, but such a classification has yet to be trialled in CP. It is anticipated that primary prevention of a small proportion of cases of CP is possible through the primary prevention of congenital anomalies, especially those due to teratogens. Owing to the anticipated low prevalence of each subgroup, global collaboration will be required to further these lines of enquiry.

A special supplement: findings from the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register, birth years 1993 to 2006.

AIM: To briefly outline the strengths and limitations of cerebral palsy (CP) registers, and to report on findings of the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (ACPR) pertaining to a population cohort of children with CP. METHOD: De-identified data were extracted from the ACPR for people with CP in birth years 1993 to 2006, from South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Live birth prevalence of CP was estimated and risk factors described. RESULTS: The overall birth prevalence of CP (including those whose CP was postneonatally acquired) for the 1993 to 2006 birth cohort was 2.1 per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0-2.2). Excluding cases with a known postneonatal cause, the birth prevalence for pre/perinatally acquired CP was 2.0 per 1000 live births (95% CI 1.9-2.1). A downward trend in rates of CP in those born extremely preterm was evident over at least three consecutive periods across all three regions. Most (58.6%) children were born at term (≥ 37 wks). Male sex, early gestational age, low birthweight, and multiple birth were risk factors for CP. INTERPRETATION: Overall rates of CP did not change during this period. The proportion of those with CP born extremely preterm decreased. The ACPR Group will investigate whether this pattern continues when data pertaining to the next birth cohort for all three regions becomes available.

Genetic and clinical contributions to cerebral palsy: a multi-variable analysis.

AIM: This study aims to examine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with cerebral palsy in a multi-variable analysis adjusting for potential clinical confounders and to assess SNP-SNP and SNP-maternal infection interactions as contributors to cerebral palsy. METHODS: A case control study including 587 children with cerebral palsy and 1154 control children without cerebral palsy. Thirty-nine candidate SNPs were genotyped in both mother and child. Data linkage to perinatal notes and cerebral palsy registers was performed with a supplementary maternal pregnancy questionnaire. History of known maternal infection during pregnancy was extracted from perinatal databases. RESULTS: Both maternal and fetal carriage of inducible nitric oxide synthase SNP rs1137933 were significantly negatively associated with cerebral palsy in infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation after adjustment for potential clinical confounders and correction for multiple testing (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.79; odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.82, respectively). Analysis did not show any statistically significant SNP-SNP or SNP-maternal infection interactions after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal and child inducible nitric oxide synthase SNPs are associated with reduced risk of cerebral palsy in infants born very preterm. There was no evidence for statistically significant SNP-SNP or SNP-maternal infection interactions as modulators of cerebral palsy risk.

Diagnostic Needle Arthroscopy of the Shoulder: A Validation Study.

Background: Diagnostic needle arthroscopy offers an alternative imaging modality to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of intra-articular pathology. Purpose: To compare the accuracy of a needle arthroscopy device (Mi-eye2) versus MRI in identifying intra-articular anatomic abnormalities in the glenohumeral joint, with formal arthroscopy as the gold standard. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 22 patients underwent diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the shoulder, of whom 20 had preoperative MRI scans. A standardized 12-point noninstrumented diagnostic arthroscopy was performed on each patient using the 0° needle arthroscope, followed by a 30°, 4 mm-diameter conventional arthroscope. Intraoperative images were randomized and reviewed by 2 independent blinded fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons for identification of key pathology and anatomic structures. The MRI scans were reviewed by a single musculoskeletal radiologist to identify pathology in the same key areas. Results: For the identification of rotator cuff pathology, needle arthroscopy (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 1.00) was superior to MRI (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.75) with an interobserver reliability (κ) of 0.703. For long head of the biceps pathology, needle arthroscopy (sensitivity, 0.67; specificity, 0.95) was superior to MRI (sensitivity, 0.00; specificity, 0.83). It was less accurate for labral (sensitivity, 0.33; specificity, 0.50; κ = 0.522) and articular cartilage pathology (sensitivity, 0.00; specificity, 0.94; κ = 0.353). The number of anatomic structures that could be clearly identified was 8.35 of 12 (69.58%) for needle arthroscopy versus 10.35 of 12 (86.25%) for standard arthroscopy. Conclusion: Diagnostic needle arthroscopy was found to be more accurate than MRI for the diagnosis of rotator cuff and long head of the biceps pathology but was less accurate for diagnosing labral and cartilage pathology. Although the field of view of a 0° needle arthroscope is not equivalent to a 30° conventional arthroscope, it presents an alternative with potential for use in an outpatient setting.

The Australian cerebral palsy research study--protocol for a national collaborative study investigating genomic and clinical associations with cerebral palsy.

AIM: Previous studies have proposed a link between the presence of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cerebral palsy and the majority of these associations remain to be confirmed or rejected by prospective studies with sufficient statistical power. Prior studies have also given little attention to the interaction of genomic characteristics and clinical risk factors. METHODS: This paper describes the design of a prospective case-control study to test these genetic associations in conjunction with more stringent data collection in respect to clinical features associated with pregnancy, particularly maternal infection. Here we consider the ethical requirements, our hypothesis that genetic susceptibility modifies the risk of cerebral palsy in the presence of perinatal environmental triggers, a priori primary and secondary aims, power calculations, participant recruitment strategies, data linkage, sampling methods of genetic material and subsequent SNP analysis, collection of clinical data and the proposed final statistical analysis.

A polymorphism in a staphylococcal enterotoxin receptor gene (T cell receptor BV3 recombination signal sequence) is not associated with unexplained sudden unexpected death in infancy in an Australian cohort.

Polymorphisms in genes that influence the expression of toxin receptors could contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and unexplained Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (uSUDI) for which there is evidence of toxin involvement. We aimed to determine whether TCRBV3S1 allele 2 could be involved in a staphylococcal toxic shock hypothesis for uSUDI. Observed frequencies of the TCRBV3S1*2 allele and genotype in 48 Australian uSUDI cases and 96 live comparison infants did not differ. In future the role of other toxin receptor gene polymorphisms deserves investigation.

Genetic susceptibility to viral exposure may increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

AIM: Cytokine polymorphisms may alter the fetal inflammatory response, increasing susceptibility to cerebral palsy (CP). This study investigates associations between selected inflammatory mediator and cytokine gene polymorphisms (Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) Asp299Gly, interleukin-6 G-174C and interleukin-4 C-589T) and CP from 443 CP infants and 883 control infants. Results were correlated with viral nucleic acids in the same samples. RESULTS: At all gestational ages (GA), TLR-4 was associated with a decreased risk of developing CP (homozygous/heterozygous odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.98) and interleukin (IL)-6 was associated with an increased risk of developing hemiplegia (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.83). For infants born 32-36 weeks GA, there was a tenfold increase in the risk of quadriplegic CP with homozygous/heterozygous IL-6 (OR 10.42, 95% CI 1.34-80.82). Viral exposure in combination with IL-4 in preterm infants was associated with a fourfold increased risk of quadriplegia (homozygous/heterozygous OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.21-14.95). In very preterm infants, the absence of detectable viral exposure in combination with IL-4 decreased the risk of developing CP (homozygous/heterozygous OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.76). CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms in TLR-4 may be associated with a decreased risk of CP. Polymorphisms in IL-6 or IL-4 may act as susceptibility genes, in the presence of viral exposure, for the development of hemiplegic and quadriplegic CP. These associations require confirmation but they suggest a hypothesis for CP causation due to double jeopardy from neurotropic viral exposure and genetic susceptibility to infection.

Obtaining adolescents' views about inpatient facilities using conjoint analysis.

AIM: To determine if conjoint analysis is a suitable tool to use with the adolescent population to determine what factors adolescents consider important in inpatient hospital facilities. METHOD: Conjoint analysis requires the sorting of options, in this instance cards describing service attributes, into most preferred to least preferred scenarios and the resulting information analysed. A purposive group of 29 young people was recruited to ascertain what factors they considered important in inpatient hospital facilities. They were also asked their views on the ease of using conjoint analysis and about their experience with hospitals. Analysis was undertaken using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) conjoint programme. RESULTS: These young people could use the conjoint analysis approach. Their main preference for inpatient facilities was to have dedicated adolescent space. An important part of the decision regarding the choice of type of facility was the ability to use their cell phone. IMPLICATIONS: Adolescents have firm views and should always be consulted. In today's health environment many management decisions have to be made within economic constrains. If characteristics of services which are important can be ascertained and if economic considerations are added, the results can show how an optimal service can be provided within a definable resource.

Association between Apolipoprotein E genotype and cerebral palsy is not confirmed in a Caucasian population.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) plays a significant role in lipid metabolism and has been implicated in the growth and repair of injured neurons. Two small studies have suggested an association between APOE genotype and cerebral palsy. We investigated if APOE genotype is associated with an increased risk for cerebral palsy, influences the type of cerebral palsy or interacts with prenatal viral infection to influence risk of cerebral palsy. The population-based case-control study comprised newborn screening cards of 443 Caucasian patients with cerebral palsy and 883 Caucasian matched controls. APOE genotyping was performed on DNA extracted from dried blood spots. Allelic and genotypic frequencies did not differ between cases and controls and combined frequencies were 0.10 (epsilon2), 0.76 (epsilon3), 0.14 (epsilon4), 0.03 (epsilon2/epsilon2), 0.10 (epsilon2/epsilon3), 0.03 (epsilon2/epsilon4), 0.02 (epsilon4/epsilon4), 0.21 (epsilon3/epsilon4), 0.61 (epsilon3/epsilon3). APOE genotype was correlated with cerebral palsy, type of cerebral palsy, gestation at birth and the presence of viral nucleic acids detected in previous work. Analysis by gestational age (all gestational ages, >/=37, 32-36 and <32 weeks) and type of cerebral palsy (all types, diplegia, hemiplegia and quadriplegia) showed no association between APOE genotype and cerebral palsy in this Caucasian population. An association between prenatal viral infection, APOE genotype and cerebral palsy was not demonstrated. These results did not confirm an association between APOE genotype, cerebral palsy, type of cerebral palsy and prenatal infection in a Caucasian population. Given the low frequency of APOE epsilon2 and some of the heterozygote and homozygote combinations in this study, a larger study is assessing this further.

Mannose-binding lectin haplotypes may be associated with cerebral palsy only after perinatal viral exposure.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the associations between infection, polymorphisms in the mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL), and cerebral palsy (CP). STUDY DESIGN: This was a case-control study using deoxyribonucleic acid from newborn screening cards of 443 Caucasian CP cases and 883 Caucasian controls to screen for 6 polymorphisms within the MBL gene. These polymorphisms combine to create haplotypes with high (HYPA), intermediate (LYQA, LYPA), low (LXPA), and defective (HYPD, LYQC, LYPB) circulating MBL levels. RESULTS: chi(2) Analyses demonstrated significant differences between CP cases and controls (less than 37 weeks chi(2) 14.99, P = .02; less than 32 weeks chi(2) 13.62, P = .02). The MBL haplotype LYPA was associated with CP at all gestations (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00 to 2.46), less than 37 weeks (OR 2.43, 95% CI, 1.41 to 4.18), and less than 32 weeks (OR 2.54, 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.76). LYPA was also associated with hemiplegic CP for babies born at less than 37 weeks (OR 2.77, 95% CI, 1.02 to 7.26) and less than 32 weeks (OR 4.48, 95% CI, 1.55 to 12.65). HYPD was associated with quadriplegic CP at all gestations (OR 3.47, 95% CI, 1.41 to 8.31) as well as for babies born at less than 32 weeks (OR 7.86, 95% CI, 1.67 to 29.48). Subanalysis on samples previously testing positive for exposure to viral infection demonstrated similar patterns of significance as those presented above, whereas analysis on samples negative for exposure to viral infection showed no positive associations between any of the MBL haplotypes and CP. Potential type I error from multiple analyses is a caveat. CONCLUSION: MBL haplotypes LYPA or HYPD may be associated with an increased risk of CP in the presence of exposure to viral infection and may act as susceptibility factors for CP.

Comprehensive investigation of congenital anomalies in cerebral palsy: protocol for a European-Australian population-based data linkage study (The Comprehensive CA-CP Study).

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP), an umbrella term for non-progressive conditions of cerebral origin resulting in motor impairments, is collectively the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Cerebral and/or non-cerebral congenital anomalies are present in 15%-40% of children with CP. In order to identify effective prevention strategies for this substantial proportion of CP, a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of these congenital anomalies is required. International collaboration is needed, as previous attempts have fallen short due to a lack of power, since the anomalies are individually rare and CP comprises many clinical descriptions. The aim of this study is to generate new knowledge about the aetiologies of CP through a focused investigation into the role of congenital anomalies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This collaborative, population-based data linkage study includes nine geographic regions (six in Europe, three in Australia) served by both congenital anomaly and CP registers. Register data for children with CP (both with and without congenital anomalies) and children with specific congenital anomalies (without CP) born between 1991 and 2009 will be linked and de-identified within each region. The resulting linked data sets will be quality assured, recoded, harmonised and then pooled into one data set. Analysis of the combined data set will include: frequencies/proportions of congenital anomalies and outcomes (type of CP, severity, impairments); descriptive analyses comparing timing of congenital anomaly development and brain injury/abnormality responsible for CP; ORs to calculate the odds of CP following a specific congenital anomaly; and identification of anomalies on causal pathways to CP. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval for this collaborative study, The Comprehensive CA-CP Study, has been obtained from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00402). Study findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, and recommendations will be made regarding the collection and classification of congenital anomaly data by CP registers.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients in Rehabilitation with Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Chart Review.

ABSTRACTHip fracture rehabilitation has two streams: high tolerance short duration (HTSD) and low tolerance long duration (LTLD). This study examined patient characteristics and outcomes in HTSD and LTLD associated with length of stay (LOS) and discharge destination. We retrospectively examined patients' medical charts following hip fracture surgery and collected demographic, functional, and health characteristics. A statistical analysis was done to describe the differences between HTSD (n = 73) and LTLD (n = 57) patient characteristics and their relationship with LOS and discharge destination. Those in LTLD were significantly older, less independent with prefracture bathing and instrumental activities of daily living, had lower Functional Independence Measure (FIM) admission scores, and more co-morbidities. Higher FIM motor score on admission in HTSD and greater change in FIM total score in LTLD was significantly correlated with discharge home. Diabetes in LTLD and lower total admission FIM in HTSD was significantly associated with increased LOS.