The saphenous nerve in foot and ankle surgery: its variable anatomy and relevance.

Background: Several studies have raised doubt regarding the role of the saphenous nerve (SN) in the foot, and some authors omit the SN from ankle blocks. Our aim was to assess the SN anatomy with reference to foot and ankle surgery.

Methods: In 29 cadaveric feet the SN was traced to its termination.

An incidence estimation model for multi-stage diseases with differential mortality.

Prevalence and incidence are two important measures of the impact of a disease. For many diseases, incidence is the most useful measure for response planning. However, the longitudinal studies needed to calculate incidence are resource-intensive, so prevalence estimates are often more readily available.

Are drug detection dogs and mass-media campaigns likely to be effective policy responses to psychostimulant use and related harm? Results from an agent-based simulation model.

Background: Agent-based simulation models can be used to explore the impact of policy and practice on drug use and related consequences. In a linked paper (Perez et al., 2011), we described SimAmph, an agent-based simulation model for exploring the use of psychostimulants and related harm amongst young Australians.

SimAmph: an agent-based simulation model for exploring the use of psychostimulants and related harm amongst young Australians.

Background: Computer simulations provide a useful tool for bringing together diverse sources of information in order to increase understanding of the complex aetiology of drug use and related harm, and to inform the development of effective policies. In this paper, we describe SimAmph, an agent-based simulation model for exploring how individual perceptions, peer influences and subcultural settings shape the use of psychostimulants and related harm amongst young Australians.

Methods: We present the conceptual architecture underpinning SimAmph, the assumptions we made in building it, the outcomes of sensitivity analysis of key model parameters and the results obtained when we modelled a baseline scenario.

Estimating incidence of vision-reducing cataract in Africa: a new model with implications for program targets.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of vision-reducing cataract in sub-Saharan Africa and use these data to calculate cataract surgical rates (CSR) needed to eliminate blindness and visual impairment due to cataract.

Methods: Using data from recent population-based, standardized, rapid-assessment surveys, we calculated the age-specific prevalence of cataract (including operated and unoperated eyes) from surveys in 7 "districts" across Africa. This was done at 3 levels of visual acuity.