The end of COVID-19: not with a bang but a whimper
AbstractThe formal announcement of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO came on the 5th of May 2023; however, unlike the pandemic onset, the pandemic end date was not met with any significant media coverage or news reporting in Ireland. Additionally, there were no series of contemplations either in newspapers or other media about the impact of the decision to formally end the pandemic despite having financial and legislative impacts on a wide number of people. Given the potential impact of the removal of government subsidies on health and occupations, government and media coverage of the decisions and potential impl...
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 29, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Long-term anatomical and functional findings of solar maculopathy
ConclusionsWhile no effective treatment has been identified for SM, VA can significantly improve in some cases, but persistent scotomata are reported and may be debilitating; thus, prevention by public health measures remains critical. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 29, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Patient –healthcare provider communication and age-related hearing loss: a qualitative study of patients’ perspectives
ConclusionEffective clinical communication can be achieved through a clear understanding of the patient ’s perspective. Healthcare providers should be made aware of the hearing issues and associated communication difficulties posed, within the context of the development of patient-centred strategies to improve patient safety. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 29, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
NR_103776.1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus
ConclusionsThis study not only provided a transcriptome profile of lncRNAs aberrantly expressed in individual nucleated cells of SLE patients but also suggested NR_103776.1 as a novel potential diagnostic biomarker. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 27, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
The impact of headache disorders: a prospective analysis of headache referrals to outpatient and inpatient neurology and emergency services in an Irish University teaching hospital
ConclusionsPrimary headache disorders have a large impact on hospital services. Diagnostic uncertainty is common; neuroimaging is relied upon. Appropriate care pathways, education, and resource allocation should be prioritized. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 27, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Treatment outcomes of PCR-positive acute retinal necrosis
ConclusionsOur review found increased incidence of CMV-positive ARN. Patients with zone 1 disease had worse initial visual acuity. Moreover, patients had more favorable outcomes with V2T and V9B compared to V1T. CMV-positive patients clinically worsened after intravitreal steroid injections, further underscoring the value of a PCR diagnosis to tailor the patients ’ treatment plan accordingly. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 27, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Apple Vision Pro and why extended reality will revolutionize the future of medicine
AbstractApple unveiled its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, called the Apple Vision Pro on June 5, 2023. The primary user interface relies on eye tracking, hand, gestures, cameras, and sensors, eliminating the need for physical controllers such as keyboards or touch screens. The refined capabilities of this technology can be utilized for diverse purposes, including but not limited to medical and surgical education, and remote medical consultations. All things considered, virtual reality is a highly promising area for the future of medicine, from improving medical education and vision screening to physical and psyc...
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 27, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Effects of balance training on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older adult patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial
ConclusionThe results suggested that home-based balance training led by nurse can improve global cognitive function and basic ADL and IADL in the older adults with HF.Trial registrationClinical trials registration number IRCT20150919024080N18. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 26, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Irish general practitioner (GP) perspectives on impact of direct access radiology on patient care in the community: results from a mixed-methods study
ConclusionsGPs felt enhancing access to diagnostics improved patient care by expediting diagnosis, decision-making, and treatment and by reducing hospital referrals. GPs were generally positive about the initiative and made some suggestions on future management of the initiative. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 24, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Implication of cognitive-behavioral stress management on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in acute myocardial infarction patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter, randomized, controlled study
ConclusionCBSM ameliorates anxiety, depression, and QoL but does not affect MACE in AMI patients after PCI. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 23, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Doublecortin-like kinase 3 (DCLK3) is associated with bad clinical outcome of patients with gastric cancer and regulates the ferroptosis and mitochondria function in vitro and in vivo
ConclusionsOur research suggests that DCLK3 modulates the levels of iron and reactive oxygen and may involve regulation of TCF4 pathway, thereby promoting the GC cell growth, indicating that DCLK3 may use as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC patients. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 21, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Plain film of the abdomen remains a low sensitivity test in A & amp;E
ConclusionPlain film abdomen requests are over utilised in the emergency department. PFAs are not sensitive for detecting acute pathology and should not be used to decide if a patient requires further imaging or a full clinical assessment. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 21, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Uptake rates and attitudes to influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy – a prospective cohort study
AbstractInfluenza and COVID-19 are highly prevalent RNA viruses. Pregnancy increases the frequency of severe maternal morbidity and mortality associated with these viruses. Vaccination plays an important role in protecting pregnant women and their infants from adverse outcomes. In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the vaccination uptake rate for influenza and COVID-19 in a pregnant population and to explore reasons why women remained unvaccinated. A prospective cohort study was conducted over a two-week period in December 2022 in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. There were 588 women surveyed over the 2-...
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 20, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
Association of TyG index with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in American men: results from NHANES, 2003 –2010
ConclusionsTyG index is related to lower serum PSA concentrations in adult men from the USA. Further comprehensive prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 20, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
The quantification of circular RNA 0007841 during induction therapy helps estimate the response and survival benefits to bortezomib-based regimen in multiple myeloma
ConclusionCirc_0007841 quantification during induction therapy may reflect the response and survival benefits to bortezomib-based regimen in MM patients. (Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science)
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - June 19, 2023 Category: General Medicine Source Type: research
