Articles: adult.
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 1995
[Contribution to the problem of classification of fractures of the proximal end of the humerus in adults.].
A classification is useful only if it helps the surgeon to resolve a given fracture. This applies obviously also to fractures of the proximal end of the humerus. In the submitted paper the authors review the problem of classification of fractures of the proximal humerus which could help orthopaedists and traumatologists to decide on the therapeutic approach to these serious injuries. ⋯ The mentioned modern classifications meet to a certain extent their purpose and each department which is used to a method will find it difficult to switch over to another one. Because all classifications comprise also therapeutic guidelines for treatment of different types of fractures, the therapeutic results achieved by the given department in the treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus by using a certain classification are decisive. Key words: classification of fractures of the proximal humerus.
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Drug and alcohol review · Jan 1995
Patterns of petrol sniffing and other drug use in young men from an Australian Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
Petrol sniffing and use of other drugs were examined among 48 males aged 13-32 years resident in a remote Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land. The study group consisted of 13 non-sniffers, 13 ex-sniffers and 22 current sniffers. Unemployment was highest among those with a history of petrol sniffing. ⋯ Of the selected study group, 52% smoked >or=25 cigarettes per day. On the basis of the research findings, the local community Council has implemented employment, skills training and recreation strategies to reduce petrol sniffing in this age group. A reduction in tobacco consumption in both adults and young people has also been targeted through health education programmes developed by the community health clinic and the school.
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Painful episodes are the most frequent complaints of patients with sickle cell disease. The Emergency Department (ED) has provided management for acute events using the usual triage format for emergencies. A prospective study evaluated the role of the ED in the care of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). ⋯ Absolute indications for admission include sepsis, fever >102 degreeF, white cell counts >20 000, worsening anemia, hypoxemia, acute chest syndrome and new CNS events. Patient database in the ED must be revised annually to avoid extensive workup in the ED and a complete history/physical examination, and a CBC could be sufficient for triage in an uncomplicated pain crisis. An acceptable protocol for care should be available at all EDs and a registry and information system for SCD will discourage overutilization of investigational tests and visits to multiple EDs.
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A high caloric intake from fat sources and prevailing obesity in the Saudi population prompted this study. Waist to hip circumference ratio (WHR), fasting cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured in 76 non-insulin dependent adult Saudi diabetics. Serum LDL, HDL and VLDL were measured in 45 of these diabetics. ⋯ This preliminary study reveals the presence of significant central adiposity and an atherogenic lipid profile in Saudi diabetics. The sex differences in lipids indicates the need for studies involving lipoprotein metabolism in Saudis. Further, an increase in atherosclerosis-related disorders should be expected in Saudi diabetics.
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The exceedingly large grip forces that many older adults employ when lifting objects with a precision pinch grip (Cole, 1991) may compensate for a reduced capability to produce a stable isometric force. That is, their grip force may fluctuate enough from moment to moment to yield grip forces that approach the force at which the object would slip from grasp. We examined the within-trial variability of isometric force in old (68-85 years, n = 13) and young (n = 11) human subjects (a) when they were asked to produce a constant pinch force at three target levels (0.49, 2.25, and 10.5 N) with external support of the arm, hand, and force transducer and (b) when they were asked to grasp, lift, and hold a small test object with a precision grip. ⋯ Thumb and finger forces for grip are produced through coactivation of many muscles and thus promote smooth force output through temporal summation of twitches. We conclude that peripheral reorganization of muscle in older adults does not yield increased instability of precision grip force and therefore does not contribute directly to increased grip forces in this population. However, force instability may affect other grip configurations (e.g., lateral pinch) or manipulation involving digit abduction or adduction forces.