Irish journal of medical science
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Resistance training (RT) has become an important topic for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM); however, there are still controversies regarding its ability to significantly improve physical symptoms and a lack of adequate recommendations for evidence-based practice. ⋯ RT was effective in reducing pain and fatigue and increasing strength and functional capacity; however, due to the quality of the evidence, more studies are needed.
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Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral drug that received Emergency Use Authorization in three countries for the treatment of mild COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review was to find out the safety and efficacy of Molnupiravir in SARS-COV-2 infections. ⋯ Evidence from clinical studies showed that Molnupiravir caused significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death in high-risk mild COVID-19 patients. Molnupiravir was also found to be well tolerated and safe without any major adverse events on short-term use. For confirmative use of this drug in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease, further studies are required in vaccinated COVID-19 patients and against emerging variants.
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Diabetic gastroparesis carries a heavy burden on people with diabetes and the healthcare system. It remains underdiagnosed and represents challenges to treat. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. ⋯ Diagnosing diabetic gastroparesis requires careful history, examination and investigations to exclude other disorders that could mimic its clinical presentation. Treatment involves a wide variety of options starting with optimization of glycaemic control, stopping any offending medications and lifestyle modifications followed by the introduction of medical therapeutics such as prokinetics. Then, surgical interventions are considered in refractory cases.
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The development of community hubs through the Slaintecare initiative will rely on respiratory physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists for the management of chronic respiratory diseases. The role of the respiratory physiotherapist has evolved dramatically over the last decade. ⋯ We give an in depth review of sputum clearance techniques. We also address areas of potential future expansion for the role of the physiotherapist such as prescription and initiation of non-invasive ventilation.
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In Ireland, a 'COVID-19 death' is defined as any death in which the decedent was COVID-19 positive and had no clear alternative cause of death unrelated to COVID-19, a definition based on World Health Organization guidance. ⋯ The COVID-19 death definition in Ireland may require revision so it can distinguish between deaths caused by COVID-19 and those in which COVID-19 played a less direct role. The current COVID-19 mortality reporting system may also need updating to capture more clinical nuance.