Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation and Baseline Vitamin D Status on Acute Respiratory Infections and Cathelicidin: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Vitamin D supplementation may lower the risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI), and the effects may be mediated through the induction of cathelicidin production.

Objective: To study the effect of vitamin D supplementation on ARI and cathelicidin concentration in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and to study the associations between baseline serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and ARIs and cathelicidin concentrations in a 14-week follow-up study.

Methods: In the RCT study, the participants were randomized into 2 groups to receive either 20 µg of vitamin D or an identical placebo daily.

Associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance and anabolic hormones in young men.

The present study examined the association of vitamin D measured by serum 25(OH)D with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men. 412 young men (age 19 ± 1 year) entering their compulsory military service volunteered to participate in the study. The study consisted of two groups from two different military bases: Group A was studied in January and group B in July.

Association between spinal disorders and different domains of physical activity among young adult men.

Background: There is limited evidence of how physical activity (PA) associates with low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP). Particularly, the association between occupational or commuting PA and LBP/NP is unclear. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between spinal disorders and different physical activity domains in young and healthy adult men.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Back Pain Among Young Male Conscripts During Compulsory Finnish Military Service.

Introduction: Back pain is a major reason for sick leaves and disability pension in primary health care. The prevalence of back pain among adolescents and young adults is believed to be increasing, and back pain during military service predicts unspecified back pain during later life. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of back pain among conscripts in compulsory Finnish military service during the period 1987-2005.

Delay to Surgery of Less Than 12 Hours Is Associated With Improved Short- and Long-Term Survival in Moderate- to High-Risk Hip Fracture Patients.

Introduction: The effect of delays before surgery of 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours on short- and long-term survival has been investigated comprehensively in hip fracture patients, but with controversial results. However, there is only limited evidence for how a threshold of 12-hour delay before hip fracture surgery affects survival.

Materials And Methods: A prospective observational study of 884 consecutive hip fracture patients (age ≥ 65 years) undergoing surgery was carried out in terms of 30- and 365-day survival.

Regular physical exercise before entering military service may protect young adult men from fatigue fractures.

Background: Bone stress fractures are overuse injuries commonly encountered in sports and military medicine. Some fatigue fractures lead to morbidity and loss of active, physically-demanding training days. We evaluated the incidence, anatomical location, risk factors, and preventive measures for fatigue fractures in young Finnish male conscripts.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Foot and Ankle Disorders in Male Finnish Conscripts.

Introduction: Many studies focusing on musculoskeletal disorders or injuries have been performed in countries where the army is recruited as volunteers. Little is known about foot and ankle disorders among young men in conscript armies.

Materials And Methods: We studied the incidence and risk factors of foot and ankle disorders in 4,029 Finnish army male conscripts of the same age among five different cohorts born in 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, or 1989.

The Effect of an In-Hospital Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment on Short-Term Mortality During Orthogeriatric Hip Fracture Program-Which Patients Benefit the Most?

Aims: To examine the association of patient-related factors with the effect of an in-hospital comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) on hip fracture mortality.

Methods: Population-based, prospective data were collected on 1425 consecutive hip fracture patients aged ≥65 in a central hospital providing orthogeriatric service. Outcome was mortality at 1 month after hip fracture associated with receiving versus not receiving CGA.

Incidence and risk factors of exercise-related knee disorders in young adult men.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are common causes of morbidity and loss of active, physically demanding training days in military populations. We evaluated the incidence, diagnosis, and risk factors of knee disorders and injuries in male Finnish military conscripts.

Methods: The study population comprised 5 cohorts of 1000 men performing their military service, classified according to birth year (1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 1989).

Low back pain during military service predicts low back pain later in life.

The aim of the present study was to assess associations between physician diagnosed unspecified low back pain (LBP) during compulsory military service and self-reported LBP and physical fitness measured on average four years after military service. From a total of 1155 persons who had been pass medical examination for military service and who had completed physically demanding military training between 1997 and 2007, 778 men participated in a refresher military training course and physical tests. In this study, the association between LBP during military service and LBP in later life in addition to the association between LBP and physical fitness were examined.

Does cognitive/physical screening in an outpatient setting predict institutionalization after hip fracture?

Background: Institutionalization after hip fracture is a socio-economical burden. We examined the predictive value of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for institutionalization after hip fracture to identify patients at risk for institutionalization.

Methods: Fragility hip fracture patients ≥65 years of age (n = 584) were comprehensively examined at a geriatric outpatient clinic 4 to 6 months after surgery and followed 1 year postoperatively.

Decreased glomerular filtration rate estimated by 2009 CKD-EPI equation predicts mortality in older hip fracture population.

Objective: We examined estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation (eGFRCDK-EPI), removal of urinary catheter during hospitalization and polypharmacy as predictors of mortality in older hip fracture patients.

Methods: Population-based prospective data were collected on 1425 consecutive hip fracture patients aged ≥65 years. Outcome was mortality at one year.

Role of overweight and obesity in low back disorders among men: a longitudinal study with a life course approach.

Objectives: To assess the association between being overweight or obese with low back pain (LBP) and clinically defined low back disorders across the life course.

Design: A longitudinal and cross-sectional study.

Setting: A nationwide health survey supplemented with data from records of prior compulsory military service.

Pre- and perioperative predictors of changes in mobility and living arrangements after hip fracture--a population-based study.

Purpose Of The Research: Examining pre- and perioperative predictors of changes in mobility and living arrangements after hip fracture.

Materials And Methods: Population-based prospective data were collected on 1027 hip fracture patients aged ≥65. The outcomes were decreased vs.

Risk factors of acute and overuse musculoskeletal injuries among young conscripts: a population-based cohort study.

Background: Military service in Finland is compulsory for all male citizens and annually about 80% of 19-year-old men enter into the service. The elevated risk for many chronic diseases and loss of function among those who are inactive and unfit can be often detected already in youth. On the other hand, activity-induced injuries among young are true public health issue.

Medial patellofemoral ligament avulsion injury at the patella: classification and clinical outcome.

Purpose: To define medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury characteristics at the patellar attachment and clinical outcome in patients with primary traumatic patellar dislocation and MPFL avulsion injury at the patella.

Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess patients with primary (first-time) patellar dislocation and MPFL injury at the medial margin of the patella. Fifty-six patients with patellar attachment MPFL injury were enrolled in the study.

Surgical procedures in femoral neck fractures in Finland: a nationwide study between 1998 and 2011.

Purpose: For femoral neck fractures, recent scientific evidence supports cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) over uncemented HA and suggests that total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be performed more frequently. We report the current surgical trends in treating femoral neck fractures in Finland.

Methods: The study was conducted using the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register and included all Finns at least 50 years of age who underwent surgery for femoral neck fractures from 1998 through 2011.

Pertrochanteric fracture of the femur in the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register: validity of procedural coding, external cause for injury and diagnosis.

Background: Hospital discharge data is routinely collected in Finland and it is an invaluable source of information when assessing injury epidemiology as well as treatment. The database can be used when planning injury prevention and redirecting resources of the health care system. Most recently our hospital discharge register has been used to assess the incidence of surgical treatment of common fractures.

Declining incidence of surgery for Achilles tendon rupture follows publication of major RCTs: evidence-influenced change evident using the Finnish registry study.

Objectives: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures are common among highly active people. Recently published studies have provided increasing evidence to support non-surgical treatment. This study aimed to assess the incidence trends of surgically treated, acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Surgical treatment of clavicular fractures in Finland - A register based study between 1987 and 2010.

Background: Clavicle fractures are among the most common upper extremity injuries. Traditionally most clavicle fractures have been treated non-surgically, but during recent decades the surgical treatment of clavicle fractures has increased. The purpose of this study was to assess the numbers and trends of surgically treated clavicle fractures in Finland between 1987 and 2010.

Trends in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures - a nationwide 23-year study in Finland.

Background: Proximal humeral fractures are common osteoporotic fractures. Most proximal humeral fractures are treated non-surgically, although surgical treatment has gained popularity. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures in Finland between 1987 and 2009.

Trends in musculoskeletal disorders and related health care utilization among conscripts in Finland, 1967-2006.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate time trends in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Finnish conscripts over a period of 40 years.

Methods: A nationally representative health examination survey (the Health 2000 study) was carried out in 2000-2001 among 10,000 adult Finns. All 18- to 50-year-old men were further sampled (n = 2674) and those with completion of the 6 to 12 month compulsory service were included.

Neuromuscular exercise and counseling decrease absenteeism due to low back pain in young conscripts: a randomized, population-based primary prevention study.

Study Design: Controlled intervention with group randomization.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a 6-month neuromuscular exercise and counseling program for reducing the incidence of low back pain (LBP) and disability in young conscripts, with a healthy back at the beginning of their compulsory military service.

Summary Of Background Data: Basic military training is physically demanding on the back and requires adequate physical fitness.

Surgical treatment of humeral-shaft fractures: a register-based study in Finland between 1987 and 2009.

Introduction: Humeral-shaft fractures are not uncommon osteoporotic fractures. While most of the humeral-shaft fractures can be treated conservatively, some need surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the trends of the surgical treatment of humeral-shaft fractures.

Sports activity and the use of cigarettes and snus among young males in Finland in 1999-2010.

Background: Studies of the relationship between sports activity and smoking among adolescents and young adults report contradictory results. We examined the association between sports activity (intensity and type of sport) and the current use of snus (Swedish snuff), cigarette smoking, and the combined use of cigarettes and snus (dual use) among young males in Finland.

Methods: Data were collected from 16,746 male conscripts who completed a survey during the first days of their conscription during the years 1999-2010 (median age 19 years, response rate 95%).