Irish journal of medical science
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Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) participates in the autoimmune disease pathology by regulating T helper (Th) cell differentiation, NF-κB pathway, toll-like receptor 4, etc. This study intended to investigate the association of serum PCSK9 with disease activity, Th cells, and treatment response in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. ⋯ Serum PCSK9 is positively associated with disease activity and Th17 cells, while its short-term decline reflects desirable treatment response in AS patients.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The relationship between infarct volume and high sensitivity troponin I level in patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke.
Various biomarkers and clinical variables are used to determine the probability risk, diagnosis, and the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke, but effective markers are still warranted. ⋯ Hs-troponin I may be an effective biomarker in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Multicenter comprehensive prospective studies are warranted to obtain stronger results.
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Multicenter Study
Increasing hip fracture volume following repeated lockdowns: an Irish multicentre study of periods pre-Covid, during Covid lockdown and following vaccination.
Older age groups were identified as a high-risk cohort for Covid-19 and thus were a focus of lockdown measures enacted internationally. Resultant decreased social mobility and physical activity levels are associated with sarcopenia, which may lead to increased risk of hip fracture upon resuming social integration and physical activities after easing of lockdown restrictions. ⋯ An increase in hip fracture volume was observed during the period post vaccination with subsequent relaxation of restrictions and increased social mobility, compared to those prior to and during the Covid pandemic. These findings have implications for hospital planning and orthopaedic resourcing as we navigate our way forward past the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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Multicenter Study
Stress level assessment among health care workers involved in the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Intensive care health care workers (HCWs) are frontlines of this crisis as they deal with critically ill COVID-19 patients which can potentially affect their mental well-being and causes different levels of stress. ⋯ Stress level was moderate to severe among intensive care HCWs during this pandemic, and many factors were associated with stress emphasizing the importance of psychological support during that unprecedented pandemic.
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Multicenter Study
Open, prospective, multicenter study on postoperative intranasal phototherapy in nasal polyposis.
The therapeutic effect of ultraviolet (UV) light is generally attributed to its immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects. Since chronic inflammation is the major factor in the development of nasal polyposis, we have previously used mixed ultraviolet-visible light (mUV-VIS, Rhinolight®) phototherapy for the treatment of nasal polyps. ⋯ Rhinophototherapy together with standard nasal steroid application may have a supportive role in the treatment of recurrent bilateral nasal polyps.