Irish journal of medical science
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Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6 weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. ⋯ It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks.
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In-hospital stroke refers to a stroke arising in a patient during hospital admission for another condition. Between 2 and 17% of all inpatient strokes are in-hospital strokes. ⋯ When compared with community-onset stroke, in-hospital stroke represents a distinct stroke subgroup with poorer outcomes and delays to thrombolysis emphasising the need for standardised approaches to evaluation and management.
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Comparative Study
Validation and comparison of two new scoring systems for the prediction of complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis.
To validate the Atema and APSI scoring systems in the diagnosis of complicated vs uncomplicated appendicitis. To compare these scoring systems with computed tomography (CT) imaging alone to establish which method provides most accurate prediction of complicated vs uncomplicated appendicitis. ⋯ By comparing the APSI and Atema et al. scoring systems with CT reporting in our hospital, it appears that the Atema may confer some benefit in stratifying patient risk of complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis. Further larger scale prospective studies are required.
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It has been reported that the inflammatory process plays a role in the pathophysiology of frailty in elderly individuals and that diet is effective in regulating chronic inflammation. ⋯ The dietary inflammatory index was found to be high in frail and malnourished individuals. It was determined that the quality of life of individuals with malnutrition decreased.
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While biologic drugs have demonstrated efficacy across a range of indications, patient access to these drugs is constrained due to their high cost. Biosimilars provide a means to increase patient access while reducing the financial burden. ⋯ Biosimilar versions of trastuzumab and rituximab were in use to a variable extent. There remains a considerable opportunity to further increase the usage to maximise their potential benefits. A series of challenges were identified including reduced awareness among the medical profession and lack of clear nomenclature.