Irish journal of medical science
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Healthcare workers are at very high risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection. This study evaluated anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital and then correlated seroprevalence with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ This study demonstrates that a substantial proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in healthcare workers may be asymptomatic or subclinical and thus potentially represent a significant transmission risk to colleagues and patients.
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The term "fetal growth restriction (FGR)" is commonly used to describe fetuses with an estimated fetal weight that is less than 10th percentile for gestational age. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal change of microRNA-590-3p (miR-590-3p), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PIGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 expressions in early, middle, and late pregnancy, and their correlations with the fetal growth restriction (FGR) risk. ⋯ miR-590-3p exhibits a growing trend during pregnancy, and its expression in middle and late pregnancy is associated with increased FGR risk via interaction with VEGF, PIGF, and MMP9.
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Despite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes. ⋯ The majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy.
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Myocarditis is a concerning potential consequence of COVID-19 infection, attributed to ventricular dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden cardiac death. Recently, the Israeli Health Ministry announced that a small number of cases of myocarditis may be linked to second dose of Pfizer's BioNTech-partnered COVID-19 vaccine. The long-term impact of COVID-19 myocarditis and coronary microthrombosis which has also been described and the best therapies for these complications remain unknown. ⋯ Follow-up assessment of cardiac function has been suggested for this cohort to detect and possibly prevent further cardiac events in the rehabilitation phase. Functional capacity has been shown to be a better determinant of long-term morbidity than diagnostic testing alone, but integrated approach is likely the way forward in clinical follow-up. Assessment of residual complications in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase may identify the population burden of long-term cardiac disease as a direct consequence of COVID-19.
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As genomic profiling of constitutional and tumour-derived DNA becomes increasingly critical in cancer risk estimation, prognostication and treatment, there is a growing need for clinicians involved in cancer care to up-skill in Cancer Genetics. In the Republic of Ireland (ROI), this is particularly crucial, given a paucity of vocationally trained Clinical Geneticists per capita compared to other European countries. ⋯ This study demonstrates an unmet need in dedicated Cancer Genetics training for postgraduate specialty trainees in ROI.