Irish journal of medical science
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Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are among the most common causes of cirrhosis in the USA, with high mortality and morbidity but comparative outcomes were not well studied. ⋯ Cirrhosis with HBV and coinfection is associated with increased duration of hospital stay and cost when compared to HCV infection. There is a higher risk of mortality in cirrhotic patients with HBV infection compared to HCV; however, no significant difference in mortality for coinfection compared to HCV.
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Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an emergency and severe disorder of the cardiovascular system. This paper assessed the expression of plasma HAND2-AS1 in patients with ACS, researched its diagnostic and prognostic significance, and studied its possible mechanism for participating in ACS. ⋯ HAND2-AS1 was an independent biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ACS. HAND2-AS1 might be involved in ACS development by regulating endothelial damage.
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Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are a crucial provision of public health. The consequences of having suboptimal SRH services include unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, reproductive cancers, and sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections. This study was conducted to assess the role community pharmacists play in providing SRH, their practices, and their attitudes toward fulfilling the exciting demand. ⋯ The majority of pharmacists reported selling pregnancy tests and ovulation and educated patients regarding both these test kits. However, these services were more widely available in pharmacy chains than in independent pharmacies. Pharmacists exhibited a positive attitude toward SRH, exhibiting social accountability and an ethical responsibility to fulfill their role.
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Observational Study
Factors influencing accidental food allergic reactions in schools and preschools.
Children spend a large proportion of their childhood in schools. In Ireland, there is no government policy on the management of food allergy (FA) in schools or preschool childcare settings (CCS). There is limited data worldwide on rate of accidental allergic reactions (AARs) within these settings. ⋯ The incidence of AARs in this Irish cohort was found to be equivalent to the international experience. However, many of the recorded reactions identified in this study were likely avoidable. Preparation for AARs needs optimising. The ineffectiveness of "nut bans" remains unrecognised. Promoting milk and egg allergy resolution in infancy would likely reduce preschool- and school-based reaction numbers.
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Being sedentary is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection, suggesting the important role physical activity (PA) has as a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19 outcome. ⋯ Despite an overall positive attitude towards PA in this study, findings suggest exercise prescribing was not carried out regularly amongst the majority of participants. There was a lack of confidence and knowledge regarding exercise prescribing amongst NCHDs. The majority of NCHDs have not changed their exercise prescribing practices since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Findings suggest there is an urgent need for educational tools and supports to assist doctors with exercise prescribing.