Analytical Bayesian approach for the design of surveillance and control programs to assess pest-eradication success.

Large invasive species eradication programs are undertaken to protect native biodiversity and agriculture. Programs are typically followed by a series of surveys to assess the likelihood of eradication success and, when residual pests are detected, small-scale control or 'mop-ups' are implemented to eliminate these infestations. Further surveys follow to confirm absence with 'freedom' declared when a target probability of absence is reached. Such biosecurity programs comprise many interacting processes - stochastic biological processes including growth, and response and control interventions - and are an important component of post-border biosecurity. Statistical frameworks formulated to contribute to the design and efficiency of these surveillance and control programs are few and, those available, rely on the simulation of the component processes. In this paper we formulate an analytical Bayesian framework for a general biosecurity program with multiple components to assess pest-eradication success. Our model incorporates stochastic growth and detection processes, and several pest control mechanisms. Survey results and economic considerations are also taken into account to support a range of biosecurity management decisions. Using a case study we demonstrate that solutions match published simulation results and extend the available analysis. Principally, we show how analytical solutions can offer a powerful tool to support the design of effective and cost-efficient biosecurity systems, and we establish some general principles that guide and contribute to robust design.

Analytical Bayesian models to quantify pest eradication success or species absence using zero-sighting records.

It is not possible to establish the absence of a population with certainty using imperfect zero-sighting records, but absence can be inferred. In this paper we use Bayesian methods to formulate analytical inferred distributions and statistics. When such formulations are available, they offer a highly efficient and powerful means of analysis. Our purpose is to provide accessible and versatile formulations to support an assessment of population absence for management decisions, using data from a series of regular and targeted surveys with zero-sightings. The stochastic processes considered here are prior population size, growth and imperfect detection, which are combined into a single distribution with sufficient flexibility to accommodate alternative distributions for each of the driving processes. Analytical solutions formulated include the inferred mean and variance for population size or number of infested survey-units, the probability of absence, the probability of a series of negative surveys conditional on presence, and the probability a population is first detected in a given survey, although we also formulate other statistics and provide explicit thresholds designed to support management decisions. Our formulation and results are straightforward to apply and provide insight into the nonlinear interactions and general characteristics of such systems. Although motivated by an assessment of population absence following a pest eradication program, results are also relevant to the status of threatened species, to 'proof-of-freedom' requirements for trade, and for inferring population size when a population is first detected.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on coronary calcifications in COVID-19.

Chest CT is valuable to detect alternative diagnoses/complications of COVID-19, while its role for prognostication requires further investigation. Non-pulmonary radiological findings such as cardiovascular calcifications could increase the predictivity of clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients beyond pulmonary involvement. Several observational studies have reported mixed results on the role of coronary calcifications in COVID-19 patients as a predictor of hospitalization, ventilatory support, and mortality. The purpose of the study is to systematically review the available evidence on the predictive role of cardiovascular calcifications in SARS-CoV2 disease. The meta-analysis confirms the prognostic significance of coronary calcifications on hospital mortality, and coronary calcifications (CAC ≠ 0) were associated with an OR for mortality of 2.19 (95% CI 1.36-3.52). CAC was neutral on respiratory outcomes, but it was associated with an increased trend of cardiovascular events. Coronary calcium appears as a promising biomarker imaging even in short-term outcomes (MACEs, hospital mortality) in a non-cardiovascular disease such as Sars-CoV2 infection. Further large studies are needed to confirm promising results of this imaging biomarker in non-cardiovascular disease.

Paraffin waxes in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea: A comprehensive assessment in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance.

Paraffin waxes are widely recognized as emerging marine pollutants, even their classification by the recent monitoring programs and the knowledge of their occurrence, and sources of contamination in marine ecosystems are poorly defined and reported. Wax presence and distribution have been evaluated in different environmental compartments in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) floating on the sea surface and stranded on beaches, focussing on their characterization, accumulation areas and pollution inputs. More than 2500 yellow paraffin residues were detected and analysed in the study area showing a prevailing dimension smaller than 5 mm. The Genoa Canyon and the waters facing Gorgona Island resulted in the more polluted areas representing two distinct hotspots of wax accumulation potentially related to the high density of tanker vessels sailing to and from the harbour of Genova and Livorno. Higher concentrations of beached particles were found along the Tuscan coast (11 items/100 m) and on Pianosa Island (110 items/m2). This study gives valuable insights into paraffin wax pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for harmonized monitoring and detection methods to elucidate the potential impacts on marine organisms. Moreover, mitigating actions are crucial to prevent and curb the waxes pollution of marine ecosystems.

Rituximab in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: a report of 13 cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: A few case reports have shown controversial results of rituximab efficacy in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficacy of rituximab in a large CIDP cohort. METHODS: A retrospective, observational and multicentre study on the use of rituximab in CIDP. 13 Italian CIDP patients were treated with rituximab after the partial or complete lack of efficacy of conventional therapies. Eight patients had co-occurring haematological diseases. Patients who improved by at least two points in standard clinical scales, or who reduced or discontinued the pre-rituximab therapies, were considered as responders. RESULTS: Nine patients (seven with haematological diseases) responded to rituximab: six of them, who were non-responders to conventional therapies, improved clinically, and the other three maintained the improvement that they usually achieved with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. Significantly associated with shorter disease duration, rituximab responses started after a median period of 2.0 months (range, 1-6) and lasted for a median period of 1 year (range, 1-5). CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab seems to be a promising therapeutic choice when it targets both CIDP and co-occurring haematological diseases. Timely post-onset administration of rituximab seems to be associated with better responses.

Wernicke encephalopathy after gastrointestinal surgery for cancer: causes of diagnostic failure or delay.

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological emergency due to thiamine deficiency. We aimed to identify clinical course and causes of diagnostic delay or failure of WE in a group of patients who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal tumors. A retrospective review of clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, and therapeutic features of 10 patients with WE following abdominal surgery for cancer was carried out. Four patients died; in these subjects, diagnosis was delayed and supplementation of vitamin was absent or likely inadequate. Diagnostic delay or failure was also related to the coexistence of several medical complications at presentation masking typical symptoms of WE. In the surviving patients, outcome was influenced by promptness and type of therapy. Postoperative abdominal bleeding and number of subsequent operations may also had an effect. Postsurgical patients with gastrointestinal tumors may develop a subtle WE. The number of subsequent operations and the severity of postoperative complications may increase the risk of unrecognized WE. The disease should be suspected in postsurgical patients who have unexpected mental status changes, even under prophylactic treatment with vitamins. We suggest that prophylaxis with high doses of thiamine should be undertaken in patients with gastrointestinal tumors before surgery.

CT and MRI of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to present the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Wernicke's encephalopathy, a rare, severe, acute neurological syndrome due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The classical clinical triad, which includes ocular signs, altered consciousness and ataxia, can be found in only one-third of patients. Although chronic alcoholic patients are the most commonly affected, Wernicke's encephalopathy may complicate malnutrition conditions in nonalcoholic patients, in whom it is greatly underestimated. CT and above all MRI of the brain play a fundamental role in diagnosing the condition and ruling out other diseases. MRI is the most sensitive technique and is required in all patients with a clinical suspicion of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Medial thalami, mamillary bodies, tegmentum, periaqueductal region, and tectal plate are typical sites of abnormal MRI signal. The dorsal medulla, red nuclei, cranial nerve nuclei, cerebellum, corpus callosum, frontal and parietal cerebral cortex are less common sites of involvement although they are more frequently affected in nonalcoholic patients. Paramagnetic contrast material may help to identify lesions not otherwise visible.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of polar extracts obtained from waste product of wine making.

A lot of diseases are characterized by an increased inflammatory response with an exacerbated production of free radicals. The anti-inflammatory effect of different compounds with antioxidant capacity, as polyphenols present in grape is well known. Therefore, the objective is to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of waste product of wine production.Six different non-toxic-marc-polar extracts from Malbec and Syrah grape varieties were obtained, their total phenol and flavonoid content were evaluated, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity were determined.High content of total phenols and flavonoids were found mainly in extracts obtained from Syrah (80.51 ± 16.63 g equivalent to gallic acid/100 g and 25.47 ± 3.33 g equivalent to quercetin/100 g). In addition, they had a high antioxidant effect (above 88.5% of ABTS inhibition by Syrah extracts). Finally, all extracts decreased the nitric oxide (NO) production, but this was more accented when extract from Syrah obtained by infusion was used, which decreased NO levels to baseline (4.46 µM).Taking together, our results show the potential pharmaceutical use of waste product of wine making to prevent or to treat diseases which inflammatory response is exacerbated.

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: how frequent is the idiopathic form? An ultrasonographic study in a cohort of patients.

OBJECTIVE: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most frequent focal neuropathy of the arm. The aim of our study was to establish the frequency of anatomical changes of the cubital tunnel capable of causing UNE. METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive patients affected by UNE, as established by neurophysiological studies, were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent ultrasonographic examination of the elbow, paying particular attention to the cubital tunnel, which was studied with either static or dynamic scans. RESULT: Fifty-four of the 91 patients (59.3%) had at least one anatomical alteration of the cubital tunnel. The changes observed in our patients were: subluxation of the ulnar nerve (18.7%), luxation of the ulnar nerve (9.9%), presence of osteophytes (6.6%), presence of accessory muscle (8.8%), articular ganglion (1.1%), post-traumatic lesions (3.3%), presence of osseous fragment (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A possible cause of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow was found in more than half of the patients. Joint ultrasonography is indispensable for the identification of such alterations as it allows for both static and dynamic evaluation of the ulnar nerve.

Sustained response to subcutaneous immunoglobulins in chronic ataxic neuropathy with anti-disialosyl IgM antibodies (CANDA): report of two cases and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic ataxic neuropathy with anti-disialosyl IgM antibodies (CANDA) is a rare disorder for which the pathological, neurophysiological, and therapeutic evidence remains anecdotal and controversial. METHODS: This report on CANDA focuses on the neurophysiological patterns and treatment responses shared by two cases. One patient underwent nerve ultrasound follow-up. A comprehensive review of the literature highlighted the diverse experiences with different treatment options. RESULTS: Response to different therapies was similar in both patients: intravenous immunoglobulins achieved a favorable response albeit with significant wearing-off fluctuations; treatment with subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIg) was an effective alternative leading to a clinical response for at least 2 years. Rituximab, which was trialed in both patients, was not continued long enough to determine its efficacy in modifying the disease course and/or modulating responsiveness to immunoglobulins. Steroids caused clinical worsening in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immunoglobulin therapy appeared as the most effective in the treatment of these two patients. SCIg provided an effective treatment option for the long-term management of CANDA.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in floor cleaners.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in a cohort of floor cleaners and to check differences between workers with and without CTS. METHODS: All female floor cleaners of three major hospitals in Tuscany (Italy) were contacted. Clinical and electrophysiological severity of CTS and UNE were evaluated with standardized scales and symptoms were assessed with the self-administered Boston Questionnaire (BQ); demographic and non-occupational factors and durations of current and previous occupations were recorded. Univariate analysis of risk factors was performed in workers with and without CTS. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the capacity of independent variables to predict CTS. RESULTS: Out of a total of 179 cleaners, 145 (81%)-mean age 39.6 years (20-64 years)-were enrolled in the study; 70 (48%) had CTS (diagnosis based on clinical and electrophysiological findings). BQ symptom and hand function scores were anomalous in 108 (74%) and 84 (58%) subjects, respectively. UNE was detected in 7/103 women. Univariate analysis showed that cleaners with CTS were older, had greater BMI and longer exposure to cleaning with previous employers than those without CTS. In the logistic regression, the only predictor of CTS was cleaning with previous employers (O.R. 12.1, 95% CI 3-49.9). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a high occurrence of CTS in floor cleaners; UNE is less frequent than CTS, presumably due to repetitive movements that stress wrists more than elbows. The only predictive factor of CTS was cleaning as an occupation with previous employers. Therefore, the actual risk factor for CTS could not be cleaning per se, but how this job is performed.

Association of extrahepatic manifestations with HLA class II alleles and with virus genotype in HCV infected patients.

It has been postulated that host factors, such as the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system, may play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of HCV-related extra-hepatic manifestations. This study was performed to investigate the role of HLA- DR and DQ alleles in a group of Italian patients, with HCV infection and associated extrahepatic manifestations and to test whether an association between HCV genotype, HLA locus and clinical or serological manifestations can be demonstrated. Thirty unrelated patients affected by HCV infection with extra-hepatic manifestations were consecutively included in the study. One hundred and sixty-three HCV patients without extrahepatic manifestations were tested as controls for the prevalence of HCV genotypes, and 283 healthy donors were used as controls for HLA class II alleles distribution. HCV-RNA was quantified by an reverse transcription-PCR. HLA class II alleles typing was performed using a standard microlymphocytotoxicity assay on B lymphocyte purified. HCV 2c genotype was found in 53.3% compared to 18.4% of controls (p=0.00001; OR=5.1). Cryoglobulins were detected in 72.7% DR6+ patients and in 31.6% DR6- patients (p=0.05; OR=3.21). Rheumatoid factor was found in 90.9% of DR6+ patients and in 42.1% DR6- patients (p=0.018; OR 13.7). Only two DR5+ patients (20%) had cryoglobulinemia, while 6 patients (30%) in the DR5- group had cryoglobulinemia (p=0.02; OR=0.07). Associations were found between DR7 and ANA (OR=1.74) and between DQ2 and ANA (OR=1.97). According to our findings HLA-DR6 might play an important role in developing extra-hepatic manifestations and genotype 2c could be considered as a risk factor for their onset.

Italian multicentre study of peroneal mononeuropathy at the fibular head: study design and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The most common entrapment in the lower extremity is peroneal mononeuropathy (PM) at the fibular head. Several studies of this condition have been published but, until now, no wide multicenter clinical-neurophysiological studies on PM are available. In recent years, multicenter studies have been suggested; moreover it is commonly accepted that a multiperspective approach provides more comprehensive results. METHOD: The Italian CTS and other entrapments Study Group has designed a strict clinical and neurophysiological protocol to carry out a wide multicentre study on PM at the fibular head. In addition to traditional clinical-neurophysiological evaluation, the group has also adopted validated disability and patient-oriented measurements in order to obtain more comprehensive and reliable data about this entrapment. The study was designed: 1) to identify predisposing factors; 2) to better assess the clinical picture; 3) to evaluate relationships between etiological, clinical and neurophysiological findings; 4) to evaluate the natural evolution of the entrapment. Study design is described. FINDINGS: During the period from November 2002 to January 2004, 69 patients were enrolled consecutively in eleven Italian centres. Our preliminary data show that PM involves men more frequently than women (M:F = 3.9:1). With regard to the predisposing factors, PM is idiopathic (16%) or due to surgery (21.7%), prolonged posture (23.2%), weight loss (14.5%), external compression (5.8%), arthrogenic cyst at the fibula (1.4%), trauma (10.1%); it also occurred in bedridden patients (7.3%). Unexpectedly, peroneal nerve lesions were due not only to surgical operation close to the peroneal region, but were also associated with thoracic-abdominal surgery. Usually PM involves both terminal branches; patients complain of motor deficit in 99.5% of cases, sensory symptoms in 87.9% and pain in 19.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results provide some interesting information and confirm the usefulness of multicentre and multiperspective studies to standardise the approach to nerve entrapment.

Polysomnographic characterization of pergolide-induced sleep attacks in idiopathic PD.

Both dopamine agonists and levodopa may induce episodes termed "sleep attacks" in patients with PD. These episodes are well detailed behaviorally, but little is known about their neurophysiologic characterization. The authors performed a 24-hour polysomnography (PSG) in a PD patient taking pergolide in combination with levodopa, in which four of these diurnal sleep episodes occurred. PSG findings were followed up after pergolide withdrawal. Sleep episodes shared with narcolepsy both behavioral and EEG findings. However, pergolide partly restored a more physiologic sleep architecture, which was disrupted during therapy with levodopa alone.

A new CACNA1A gene mutation in acetazolamide-responsive familial hemiplegic migraine and ataxia.

OBJECTIVE: To search for mutations in the calcium channel gene CACNA1A and to study the genotype-phenotype correlation in a family with a severe familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) phenotype and a slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. BACKGROUND: CACNA1A gene mutations on chromosome 19 are involved in approximately 50% of FHM families. The association of FHM and cerebellar ataxia has been reported in a small number of FHM families, all linked to chromosome 19. METHODS: The proband, in addition to typical hemiplegic migraine attacks, experienced severe episodes during which hemiplegia was associated with acutely altered consciousness and fever lasting several days. She, as well as her affected sister, developed a permanent, late-onset cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy evident on MRI. Linkage analysis was performed and the whole CACNA1A gene, 47 exon-intron boundaries, was analyzed by double gradient-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DG-DGGE). RESULTS: Genetic studies suggested linkage to chromosome 19p13, and DG-DGGE analysis detected a heteroduplex fragment in exon 13 of the CACNA1A gene. By direct sequencing, a G-to-A substitution resulting in an arginine to glutamine change at codon 583 in the second putative voltage sensor domain of the channel alpha1A-subunit, was identified, possibly representing the disease-causing mutation. The proband and her affected sister were treated with acetazolamide, reporting freedom from new FHM attacks but no benefit in the progression of ataxia. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of episodic dysfunction and permanent deficit could depend on the variety of functions of calcium channels and their distribution in the nervous system.

Expression of glutathione-S-transferase-pi in human tumours.

Expression of glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GST-pi) gene was quantitatively analysed on various human tumours (renal cell, colorectal, head and neck, ovarian carcinomas, soft tissue sarcomas; non-Hodgkin lymphomas) and on the corresponding normal tissues when available (kidney, colorectum and head and neck). GST-pi mRNA expression level was found to be significantly higher in tumours (P less than 0.01) than in the normal counterparts (mainly 7.3, 3.5- and 3.0-fold in colorectal, head and neck, and renal carcinomas, respectively). Most tumours displayed a significant relationship between higher GST-pi expression level and poor differentiation grade of tumour cells, thus suggesting a relationship between GST-pi activity, neoplastic transformation and cellular differentiation grade. The high requirement of GST-pi activity neoplastic cells displayed was not singularly related to cellular replication rate. Finally, GST-pi gene expression levels were not affected by chemotherapeutic treatments.

Sex differences in surface EMG interference pattern power spectrum.

Sex differences in the spectral parameters of the surface electromyogram (EMG) power spectrum were studied during voluntary muscle contractions of different strength with rest in between. The influence of two different types of leads (unipolar and bipolar) on the values of the spectral parameters was also investigated under the same experimental conditions. The subjects were 15 healthy female and 15 healthy male volunteers. The relationship between the amplitude (root mean square) of the EMG and the force developed was not linear. The mean values of the median power frequency were lower in women than in men. With both types of lead, the increase in force was accompanied by a progressive increase in median power frequency in male and female subjects. The significant differences in spectral parameters observed in the two sexes are probably correlated with anatomic differences.

Diagnostic specificity of sensory and motor nerve conduction variables in early detection of carpal tunnel syndrome.

In the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) sensory nerve conduction is more sensitive than motor conduction. However, 8%-25% of the sensory distal latencies in symptomatic hands may still be normal. A systematic study was made of the median, ulnar and radial orthodromic nerve conduction velocities (SNCV) stimulating each of the fingers separately. Four SNCVs from the median nerve, two SNCVs from the ulnar nerve and one from the radial nerve were obtained, and the ratio of the median to radial SNCV and the ratios of the median and ulnar SNCVs were estimated. The significance of these parameters in the diagnosis of the CTS was studied, and a rapid technique for the screening of nerve entrapment in the initial stages of the disease is proposed. Three hundred and seventy-five symptomatic hands were examined. Seventy-five hands showed normal distal latency, in which cases, however, the SNCV of the ring finger was always outside the normal range, while the SNCVs of the thumb, index and middle fingers were abnormal in 64%, 80% and 92% of cases respectively. The amplitudes of the sensory responses were the least sensitive of the parameters studied. Our results suggest that a study of the median nerve digital branch to the ring finger may be of value in providing an easily performed and rapid technique for screening an early median nerve entrapment at the wrist.

Brain-stem compression in vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. A multimodal electrophysiological study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of mechanical compression of the brain-stem in patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD). METHODS: In the framework of a prospective, observational study that collected clinical and laboratory data in patients with VBD, we studied 20 patients with compression of the brain-stem due to ectatic, tortuous basilar or vertebral arteries. Patients with cerebral lesions other than small lacunae in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres were excluded from the study. Patients underwent vestibular and auditory function testing, including brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), blink reflex (BR), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and motor evoked potentials (MEPs). RESULTS: Almost all of the patients complained of auditory or vestibular symptoms and none had symptoms or signs of impairment of long tracts or the facial and trigeminal nerves. The most consistent findings were BR abnormalities with prolongation of ipsilateral R1 latency in cases of compression of the pons (10/16) and prolongation of the R2 and R2c latencies with compression of the medulla oblongata (5/15). Subclinical impairment of corticospinal pathways was found in 13 out of 25 instances of compression, and this was more frequent with compression of the pons. Abnormal BAEPs or SEPs were less frequently encountered, and only in cases with compression of the pons. CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular compression of the brain-stem, even with severe distortion, is seldom associated with overt clinical signs, whereas subclinical dysfunctions are relatively frequent. The central pathways of the BR and the corticospinal pathways are more susceptible to compression than acoustic and sensory pathways. BR, MEP and BAEP data provide a functional evaluation of the brain-stem and some cranial nerves, which is lacking in imaging studies. Functional investigations may be useful in the long-term management of these patients, since VBD may be progressive and surgical correction may be required at some stage.

A new clinical scale of carpal tunnel syndrome: validation of the measurement and clinical-neurophysiological assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a new clinical scale of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The scale is based on clinical history and physical examination findings and includes two figures. The first is a score determined by clinical history and objective findings. The second evaluates the presence/absence of pain as a dichotomous categorical score. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive idiopathic CTS hands were studied in two centers (Rome, Siena). We compare the results of the historical-objective scale (Hi-Ob scale) with the results of other validated measurements of CTS severity: (1) the Italian version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, (2) the neurophysiological classification adopted by the Italian CTS study group. Furthermore, for the Hi-Ob scale the intra-observer and inter-observer evaluations were assessed. RESULTS: The main Hi-Ob parameter was positively related to the conventional validated measurements. Conversely, the category 'PAIN' of the Hi-Ob scale appeared unrelated to the other clinical and electrophysiological parameters. Intra- and inter-observer evaluation showed the reproducibility of the Hi-Ob assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the Hi-Ob scale is a reliable measurement which may be useful in CTS evaluation either for clinical or for scientific purposes.