Irish journal of medical science
-
In laboratory medicine, reference intervals (RIs) are key decision support tools used to guide the clinical interpretation of numerical test results. Best practice suggests each laboratory establishes RIs in the local population prior to introducing an assay into routine clinical practice. ⋯ Normative biological intervals established in a healthy adult Irish population for 37 commonly requested biochemical/haematological parameters will be a valuable aid to result interpretation in clinical laboratories after appropriate verification in accordance with ISO 15189: 2012.
-
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has shown promising results in the treatment of myriad head and neck pathologies but is now most commonly used in the investigation and management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ We anticipate the integration of TORS into routine practice in the investigation and management of a number of ENT pathologies following robust clinical trials.
-
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are a high-risk group for COVID-19. Although the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on physical health are well-documented, the psychological impact is frequently overlooked. ⋯ The long-term psychological sequelae of COVID-19 will be felt as the physical burden eases. As we adjust to new normalities, ENT surgeons must be conscientious of the mental health issues that arise from the working environment. Sources of anxiety emanated from a lack of control over infection risk, increased vulnerability to COVID-19 relative to other specialties and the implications this has for ENT specialists and their families. Future interventions must focus on increasing awareness of the available psychological support services for our healthcare workers.
-
This study aimed to investigate the correlation of sirtuin2 (SIRT2) with clinical characteristics, prognosis in endometrial cancer (EC) patients, and its effect on chemosensitivity in EC cell lines. ⋯ SIRT2 correlates with lymph node metastasis, increased FIGO stage, worse OS, and reduced chemosensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel in EC.
-
The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of on-admission plasma levels of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI in diagnosing the clinical severity and progression of heart failure (HF) in children with CHD. Also, to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with the HF outcome (survival versus in-hospital mortality). ⋯ There is a high diagnostic value of measuring the on-admission levels of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI regarding the clinical severity and disease progression in the setting of pediatric heart failure, but the BNP level was more superior in prediction of the patients' outcome.