Irish journal of medical science
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The aim of this audit was to assess the effect of new guidelines on virtual triage referrals to an Irish eye emergency department (EED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ This audit addressed the need to reduce footfall during the COVID-19 pandemic, identified suitable avenues of referrals for certain conditions, and demonstrated that these guidelines significantly reduced the number of patients presenting to EED with conditions amenable to phone review or clinic follow-up.
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Ending tuberculosis (TB) is a global priority and targets for doing so are outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy. For low-incidence countries, eliminating TB requires high levels of wealth, low levels of income inequality and effective TB programmes and services that can meet the needs of people who have not benefited from these and are still at risk of TB. In Ireland, numerous reports have noted a need for more funding for TB prevention and control. ⋯ Given the estimated cost, Ireland's current prospects of eliminating TB and the tendency towards programmatic funding internationally, greater investment in TB prevention and control in Ireland is justifiable. A national elimination strategy with actions at the levels of the social determinants of health, the health system and the TB programme should be funded.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of cognitive behavioral stress management on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients post tumor resection: a randomized, controlled study.
Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) is a psychotherapy helping individuals develop adaptive behaviors, whose application in colorectal cancer (CRC) is rare. This randomized, controlled study intended to explore the effect of CBSM on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in CRC patients post tumor resection. ⋯ CBSM program alleviates anxiety, depression, and elevates quality of life in CRC patients post tumor resection.
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Observational Study
Is disposable continuous positive airway pressure system effective for the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure?
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of disposable continuous positive airway pressure (DCPAP) system in decreasing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). ⋯ The study demonstrated that the treatment of AHRF patients with a DCPAP provides a faster decrease in PaCO2 levels in hypercapnic patients compared to standard medical therapy alone.
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In humans, zinc is involved in many biological functions acting as signaling ion, neurotransmitter, structural component of proteins, and cofactor for many enzymes and, through this, is an important regulator of the immune and nervous system. Food supplies zinc to the human body, but a high prevalence of inadequate dietary zinc intake has been reported worldwide. ⋯ We conclude that at present, low zinc intake may be prevalent in as much as 87% of women, including 47% of pregnant women. Therefore, zinc status needs to be considered as a factor impacting the health of women, and in particular pregnant women, also in industrialized and developed countries such as Ireland.