Irish journal of medical science
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Overweight and obese patients are known to have more diseases than normal weight individuals, but it is currently unknown if there is higher utilization of computed tomography (CT) exams among those with larger body sizes. ⋯ Our first-of-its-kind study demonstrating the manyfold use of CT in patients with large body sizes may be interesting for healthcare policy planning and developing guidelines for allocating resources for obese patients.
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There are very few studies comparing patients with and without repair after digital nerve injury. It is still controversial whether digital nerve repair is necessary. ⋯ In this study, it was seen that there was no difference between the results of repair and non-repair of unilateral nerve injuries distal to the middle level of the middle phalanx, but repair is required in injuries proximal to this level.
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British American Football (BAF) is a developing sport in the UK, with keen growth in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. Participation in BAF carries risks and so to facilitate safe participation medical care services must be evaluated. ⋯ These findings provide key information on the status of medical provision, facilities and protocols in BUCS BAF. Data reveals a lack of consistent medical personnel, particularly at training and away games, and training in emergency care.
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Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices play a key role in airway clearance, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. These devices, however, have the potential to become reservoirs for pathogenic organisms and require daily, or even more frequent, cleaning. This places a large burden on patients and their carers. ⋯ The UL-OPEP device is a small, disposable OPEP device, that generates pressure and oscillation amplitudes for clinically effective airway clearance. The device negates the need for cleaning and disinfecting, removing the risk of devices acting as a potential reservoir for pathogenic organisms while maintaining mucus-clearing benefits.
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Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, caused by CGG-repeats expansion (> 200 repeats). Premutation alleles (PM) (55-200 CGG repeats) are associated with tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), and autistic problems. ⋯ Molecular diagnostic assay including (MS-PCR) and (qRT-PCR) proved to be a sensitive and rapid screening tool for the detection of premutation cases. Furthermore, the presence of positive correlation between FMR1 mRNA expression levels with CGG repeats in premutation cases could serve as a potential diagnostic marker. Application of these diagnostic tools on larger number clinically suspected cases is recommended.