Irish journal of medical science
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Obesity and its increasing prevalence are global public health concerns. Following joint replacement, there is evidence to support that obese patients are more likely to suffer complications. We examined 10-year trends in BMI of the primary total hip and total knee replacement cohorts in our institution to discern whether the BMI of these patients has changed over time. ⋯ The average BMI of patients undergoing primary hip and knee arthroplasty in our high-volume tertiary orthopaedic centre has remained relatively unchanged over the past 10 years; however, our local service is caring for a greater number of overweight/obese patients due to the increase in overall volume. This will have significant implications on health care expenditure and infrastructure going forward which further emphasises the importance of ongoing national obesity prevention strategies. The increase in BMI seen in females aged < 45 may mark an impending era of obese younger patients with end-stage osteoarthritis.
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Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) clinical decision rules can provide successful results in the differential diagnosis of non-traumatic headache. ⋯ EMERALD SAH rule plus eosinophil, which offers 100% sensitivity and NPV for predicting SAH in adult non-traumatic headaches, may be recommended as a successful and practical decision rule for clinical use according to the Ottawa and EMERALD SAH rule.
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There is a worldwide struggle to quit smoking and prevent relapsing. Aerobic exercises are frequently utilized to aid in smoking cessation and prevent relapse. ⋯ The benefits of mild and moderate aerobic exercise on quality of life and anxiety are similar. However, mild-intensity aerobic exercises may be suitable for sleep difficulties while moderate-intensity aerobic exercises may be preferred for reducing smoking addiction.
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Evidence has shown that cysteine protease enzymes, such as cathepsin D, cathepsin A, cathepsin K, and alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) are involved in the chronic degenerative joint process. This study aimed to determine the potential involvement of cathepsin K, cathepsin D, and AAT in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ The decreased level of AAT in OA patients and a rise in serum level of cathepsin K are involved in the pathogenesis of OA via stimulation of bone resorption and cartilage degradation.
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Qualitative research regarding the experience of diabetes self-care management in schools is underrepresented in published literature. In addition, there are methodologic limitations in some of the existing studies. ⋯ Our findings suggest that experiences regarding self-care management of type 1 diabetes are generally more positive among primary school students. Education and knowledge of school staff should be a particular area of focus in both cohorts.