Irish journal of medical science
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Self-reported concussion rates among U-20 and elite rugby union players in Ireland are 45-48%. Half of these injuries go unreported. Accurate knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms and appropriate management practices among coaches and medical staff is important to improve the welfare of players. ⋯ Overall, the coaches in this investigation have accurate knowledge of concussion and medical staff use effective techniques for managing this injury. On-going education is needed to assist coaches in identifying concussion signs and symptoms. It is recommended that medical staff increase their reliance on objective methods for assessment and return-to-play decision making.
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Inferior vena cava filter insertion and retrieval patterns in a tertiary referral centre in Ireland.
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used in clinical practice to prevent large, clinically significant pulmonary emboli. Modern filters are designed to be retrievable within a specific time window; however, many become lost to follow-up. ⋯ Inferior vena cava filter insertion and retrieval patterns in our centre were comparable to trends reported internationally with scope for improvement in terms of filter retrieval rates and minimising filter dwell time. Particular vigilance is required in younger patients where the indication for filter insertion was prophylactic.
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Fluoroscopy is frequently used in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in a trauma setting. Exposure of patients and staff to ionising radiation has been studied extensively; however, little work has been done to evaluate current knowledge and practices among orthopaedic trainees. ⋯ Although most Irish orthopaedic trainees have some knowledge regarding radiation safety, many do not regularly use all available measures to reduce exposure to ionising radiation. Barriers to use of protective mechanisms include lack of availability and perceived impracticality.
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Pre-pubertal varicocele can result in hypotrophy of testes, progressive deterioration of Sertoli cells and spermatogonia cell number, decrease in seminiferous diameter and cause to sperm damage. ⋯ This study suggests varicocele has a detrimental, time-dependent effect on cytokines levels and decreases Sertoli cells, spermatogonia cell number, seminiferous tubules diameter, and sperm indices.
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Hypercholesterolemia indirectly increases the risk of myocardial infarction by enhancing platelet aggregation. Chromium has been shown to lower plasma lipids. ⋯ Chromium supplementation to hypercholesterolemic rats improves the lipid profile and returns platelet hyperaggregability to control levels. This normalization is mostly due to a reduction in plasma cholesterol level.