[Preoperative Disability and Its Influencing Factors in Patients With Lumbar Spondylolisthesis].

Background: Patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis typically suffer from symptom discomfort and various degrees of disability for months or years prior to receiving surgical treatments. Knowing the factors that influence the disability status of these patients will help healthcare providers develop effective preventive measures.

Purpose: To explore preoperative disability and its important predictive factors in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Tanshinone IIA decreases the levels of inflammation induced by Aβ1-42 in brain tissues of Alzheimer's disease model rats.

To study the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and explore the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of tanshinone IIA (TanIIA), we evaluated the quantity of neurons and the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD11b, C1q, C3c, and C3d in brain tissues of AD rats treated with TanIIA. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: sham group, TanIIA treatment group, and Aβ1-42 group. Aβ1-42 treatment was performed by injecting Aβ into the hippocampus of rats and then tagged position.

A survey of patients' quality of life and health-care needs prior to undergoing total joint replacement surgery.

The objective of this study was to identify patients' quality of life (QOL) and health-care needs before undergoing total joint replacement surgery. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey approach. Data were collected in 2007.

The effects of a care map for total knee replacement patients.

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate the effectiveness of a care map for total knee replacement patients.

Background: Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan is about to launch a diagnosis-related group. This major reform has seriously affected the running of medical institutions, which are facing unprecedented management pressure.

Risk factors in cutout of sliding hip screw in intertrochanteric fractures: an evaluation of 937 patients.

The aim of this study was designed to assess the risk factors of lag-screw cutout in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture with a dynamic hip screw (DHS). From 2003 to 2007, 1,150 patients who had acute unilateral intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were enrolled to the study. All fractures were managed by closed reduction and internal fixation with 135° DHS devices.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a discharge-planning programme for hip fracture patients.

Aims And Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive discharge-planning service for hip fracture patients, including length of stay, functional status, self-care knowledge and quality of life (QOL).

Background: Hip fractures are the most devastating result of osteoporosis. Care of these patients from the moment they enter the hospital until discharge and postdischarge is a challenging task, requiring a coordinated approach by an interdisciplinary team.