Musculoskeletal Health, Kidney and Liver Function in Retired Jockeys.

The long-term implications of making-weight daily on musculoskeletal health and functioning of the kidney and liver remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate musculoskeletal health and kidney and liver function in a group of retired jockeys. 28 retired male jockeys (age 50-70 years) provided fasting blood samples for markers of bone metabolism and kidney and liver function. A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was performed for the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD). Established reference ranges were used for interpretation of results. Comparisons were made between retired jockeys based on the professional racing licence held: Flat, National Hunt or Dual. Mean whole-body osteopenia was reported, with no differences between groups. Bone markers, micronutrients, electrolytes and associated hormones, and markers for kidney and liver function were within clinical normative ranges. No differences existed between groups. Results indicate the retired jockeys in this study do not demonstrate compromised bone health or kidney and liver function. However, the retired jockeys may not have undergone chronic weight cycling in the extreme manner evident in present-day jockeys, indicating the next generation of jockeys may face more of a problem. Jockeys should be tracked longitudinally throughout their racing career and beyond.

An all-Ireland epidemiological study of MND, 2004-2005.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: We conducted an all-Ireland population-based prospective epidemiological survey of motor neurone disease (MND) using the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland MND registers to examine the incidence and prevalence of the disease over the period 2004-2005. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of MND was 1.9 per 100 000 person-years and rates were comparable in both the north and south of Ireland. Prevalence of MND was 5.0 per 100 000 population. When compared with previous published surveys of MND performed in the Republic of Ireland over the last 10 years, rates of disease have remained relatively constant. When standardized to the 1990 US population, the incidence of MND in Ireland was found to be consistent with other European prospective surveys of MND.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to conceive.

PIP: The first family planning legislation to be introduced in Ireland (the Health Family Planning Act 1979) permits contraceptives of all types to be sold only by pharmacists on presentation of a physician's authorization, which can be supplied only to those who desire contraceptives for bona fide family planning purposes. When the Act became law in November 1980, people displayed their lack of confidence in the legislation by flocking to family planning clinics. Panic buying indicated fear and confusion. The Catholic hierarchy issued a statement on the abortifacient action of IUDs, further adding to the confusion. The major difficulty for the family planning clinics was that they had to apply for ministerial approval to continue giving information, advice, and consultation. No clinics can sell contraceptives under the Act, thereby eliminating an important source of income. Companies who wished to import contraceptives had to apply to the Minister for an import license. Only 1 in 10 of the country's pharmacists opted to dispense contraceptives. 200 physicians said that they would supply contraceptives directly, because the pharmacists were not cooperating with the Act. As a direct result of the Act, the Minister has given initial grants totaling 70,000 pounds to help promote natural family planning methods. The position on IUDs is still unclear.^ieng