Background During the COVID-19 outbreak, standard methods for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were used for patients presenting with ARDS. One such treatment method involves placing patients prone to improve oxygenation and reduce mortality risk. Challenges in preventing pressure injuries in patients placed prone have been reported, and no studies have explored the effects of including a certified wound and skin care nurse as part of the care team on the incidence of pressure injuries in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients with ARDS. Objectives To evaluate the association between including a certified wound and skin care nurse on a multiprofessional pronation team and prevention of pressure injuries in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients with ARDS. Methods This multicenter observational cohort study used retrospective data from the electronic health record. The intervention group consisted of SARS-CoV-2–infected patients diagnosed with ARDS who were treated by a multidisciplinary prone-positioning team that included a certified wound and skin care nurse specialist. The comparison group of SARS-CoV-2–infected patients with ARDS was treated by a multidisciplinary prone-positioning team that did not include a certified wound and skin care nurse specialist. Results As shown by multivariable logistic regression mixed-effect modeling, patients in the intervention group had a 97% lower adjusted odds ratio of a pressure injury developing than did patients in the comparison group (0.03 [95% CI, 0.01–0.14]; P < .001). Conclusion The inclusion of a certified wound and skin care nurse on a multiprofessional prone-positioning team significantly reduced the odds of pressure injuries developing in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

This pilot study compares the treatment of osteoarthritic hips by hydrotherapy with that of short wave diathermy and exercises. Fourteen patients were randomly allocated to one of the treatment groups. Outcome measures of pain ratings, function and life satisfaction scales, range of motion and gait assessment by pedabarography were used. There were no significant differences between the groups prior to treatment, but at the end of treatment there were significant differences in pain, function and life satisfaction. Following treatment, pain had decreased significantly ( p < 0.02) in both groups. Functional ability had improved in the group treated by hydrotherapy ( p < 0.05), who also reported a higher score on the life satisfaction scale. Gait and range of motion did not show any statistically significant changes with either treatment.

481 CommentThe survey clearly disclosed widespread public ignorance of the elementary facts relating to testicular cancer. Hence, not surprisingly, most of the respondents had never heard ofa self examination procedure and only five men (1-3%) examined themselves regularly. The biased nature of the study group in favour of better education highlights the findings. We should reasonably expect a better appreciation of health matters in these men than in the general population.The positive aspects of the results indicate the way for future action. The affirmed interest by nine out of 10 Patients with ulcerative colitis tend to be non-smokers,' and it has been suggested that smoking may protect against the disease.2 Colonic mucus in ulcerative colitis has been shown to be qualitatively and quantitatively abnormal,3 and cigarette smoking is known to produce hypersecretion and modification of respiratory mucus by systemic as well as local effects.4 We have therefore investigated colonic mucus production in vitro in patients with ulcerative colitis and assessed the possible influence of smoking. Patients, methods, and resultsPatients attending for routine colonoscopy answered a detailed questionnaire which included details of smoking habits and other relevant social and clinical data. Patients were then divided into a group with ulcerative colitis and a "control" group (comprsing 63 subjects with diverticular disease or irritable bowel syndrome, 18 with colonic carcinoma, and 40 with colonic polyps). Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by independent histological examination offixed biopsy material.The control group contained 70 non-smokers and 51 current smokers (42%), while the ulcerative colitis group contained 71 non-smokers and 11 current smokers (13%), emphasising the infrequency of smoking among patients with ulcerative colitis.Biopsy specimens were obtained from the descending colon (adjacent to the site used for histological diagnosis) and, using established tissue culture techniques, incubated in Roswell Park Memorial Institute culture medium 1840 containing 10 mg fetal calfserum per ml, 100 ig gentamicin per ml, and 1-25 FtCi (46-2 kBq) D-[l1-H]-glucosamine hydrochloride (specific activity 2 2 Ci (81-4 GBq)/mmol) at 37'C in a mixture of 5% carbon dioxide and 95% air for 24 hours. Glucosamine is incorporated into the carbohydrate chains of the newly synthesised mucus glycoproteins. After tissue culture the specimens were homogenised and an aliquot of the homogenate assayed for total protein concentration by a modified L^owry method. The mucus glycoproteins were extracted by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid and phosphotungstic acid.5 The resultant protein and glycoprotein pellet was solubilised and synthesised mucus quantified by liquid scintillation counting of the newly incorpo,rated tritiated glucosamine. After extensive ,dialysis to remove unincorporated label the culture medium was precipitated and coUinted in the same way. The results from the biopsy and medium fractions were combined to give total...

A comparative study of a purpose-made cock-up orthoplast splint with a ready-made Camp Droitwich splint, was undertaken in 12 children with juvenile chronic arthritis involving the wrists and carpi. The splints were randomly allocated so that in half, the dominant hand received the orthoplast and in half the non-dominant. Assessments of joint range, grip strength and functional activities were undertaken at 3 and 6 months after use of the splint; the durability of the splints was also assessed. Overall both splints performed their function adequately, the Camp Droitwich being preferred for comfort, but the orthoplast maintaining a slightly better joint position.