Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a major clinical problem given the widespread use of steroids and limited efficacy of biphosphonates. Existing animal models of GIOP are both slow and expensive. Hence, there is a need both for adjunctive modelling systems, as well as more efficacious therapies for the treatment of GIOP. We have addressed this issue through the creation of a zebrafish model of GIOP, which can be used for 96-well plate in vivo screening with an assay time of 5 days. The model demonstrates key similarities to human GIOP including a partial response to bisphosphonates. The ability to extract detailed pharmacological data, including concentration-response analyses, enables the screening and ranking of candidate therapeutic compounds. In addition, the zebrafish model is highly relevant for pathway dissection through genetic knockdown and overexpression studies.

A study was undertaken, using methods of stabilometry to compare stability of stance in normal children (n = 37) and those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 61). The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in the locus of the center of gravity and the range and frequency of sway and to evaluate the effect of orthotic application in an attempt to obtain information that would assist further development of orthoses. In group 1, boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who were still walking without assistance (mean age 7.2 +/- 1.76 years), the analysis of sway showed that, between 5 and 6 years of age, the boys already had ranges of anteroposterior (A/P) and lateral (Lat) sway that were significantly greater than those found in normal children (A/P P less than 0.05, Lat P less than 0.01). In group 2, boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when orthoses had been introduced (n = 23, mean age 10.4 +/- 1.47 years), the center of gravity was returned to a more normal position. There was a reduction of the anteroposterior range of sway, but the lateral range of sway remained significantly greater (P less than 0.01) as did the frequency of sway in both the anteroposterior and lateral directions (A/P P less than 0.001, Lat P less than 0.001).

A force platform was built that was shown to meet the design and operating specifications for clinical use in the application of techniques of stabilography to investigate disturbances of equilibrium in young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The force platform was tested for reliability and repeatability and results were at an acceptable level for clinical application. Further, the design of the force platform and the associated software for system operation and computation of results were usable by non-technical staff. A feasibility study reporting the effect of the application of orthoses to a group of eight boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who had lost the ability to walk independently, is represented.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is related to the use of antibiotics and ranges in severity from mild diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis and death. A new strain of C. difficile (polymerase chain reaction ribotype 027) has been associated with increased severity of CDI and outbreaks but is still uncommon in New Zealand or Australia. The mortality related to CDI in the Canterbury District Health Board region is unknown.Methods: This was a case-control study. Cases (167) were all patients testing positive for C. difficile toxins A and B during 2009/2010 in the DHB's hospitals. Two control subjects (334) testing negative were selected from the same database as the cases and matched for age, sex, and admission to the same medical specialty. Potential predictors of complications such as mortality before 30 days were assessed.Results: The median age was 73 years (range, 1Y99 years). Overall 30-day mortality was 17% for the cases and 9% for the control subjects (P G 0.01). Males had an increased mortality (P G 0.01). Mortality was increased in untreated cases (P G 0.01) and cases with white blood cell (WBC) count outside the reference range (P G 0.01).Conclusions: Even in hospitals with a low CDI rate, there might be significant mortality in the older age group, with an increased risk of mortality in males and patients not treated for CDI.