Irish journal of medical science
-
To investigate minor procedures performed in general practice, to alleviate the burden on the economy, patients and secondary care physicians. ⋯ This study has demonstrated the ability for minor surgery to be safely carried out in primary care. The integration of general practice, general surgery and plastic surgery could provide a higher level of patient care and exchange of skills to help reduce waiting lists and alleviate the burden secondary care.
-
Virtual clinics were introduced to our practice in March 2020. We aimed to assess outcomes from virtual clinics and to assess staff views on them and their barriers to implementation nationally. ⋯ If virtual clinics are to play a long-term role in oncology, it is essential to monitor clinic quality and plan visits proactively.
-
Competency-based medical education has been emerging as a new educational model for learning. The development of medical education in Middle Eastern countries lacks basic literature in the area of medical education, particularly competency-based medical education (CBME). ⋯ The Englander's common taxonomy scale is valid and reliable among Lebanese medical students and could be used for concise assessment of current and past medical education in faculties among Lebanese medical students. Using such scales can be used in assessing the improvement of medical education towards CBME.
-
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that causes cartilage and bone damage as well as disability. AIMS : The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute aerobic exercise on cytokines such as serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and irisin, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and klotho in RA patients. METHODS: Forty RA patient and 40 healthy volunteers of the same age participated in this study. All participants walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes at 60-80% of maximal heart rate. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the exercise. Serum levels of IL-6, IL1β, TNF-α and irisin, VEGF and klotho were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis. RESULTS: Baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines, irisin, VEGF and klotho were found to be higher in RA patients compared to the control group. In both groups, there was an increase in serum klotho levels after exercise compared to baseline (p<0.05), while a decrease in IL1β, TNF-α levels were observed. While serum VEGF level decreased in RA group, it increased in the control group(p<0.05). Irisin levels decreased in both groups. IL-6 level did not change in the control group, while it increased in RA group. A single exercise session had an acute anti-inflammatory effect in RA patients. ⋯ It can be concluded that acute aerobic exercise can be beneficial for patients with RA through cytokine, irisin, klotho and VEGF levels, and also it can be safely implemented to the RA rehabilitation program for additional anti-inflammatory effects. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04439682.
-
To evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and persistence of headache in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients who are hospitalised and to determine if there is a link between headache and smell and/or taste dysfunction. ⋯ In this prospective study in COVID-19 patients presenting with headache upon admission, a correlation between persistent headache 3 months after discharge and persistent smell/taste dysfunction was found that could point to common underlying pathophysiology.