Irish journal of medical science
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The reconfiguration of many Irish stand-alone psychiatric units has led to many patients in acute mental health need now being assessed in emergency departments (EDs). This has implications for ED resources and raises questions about appropriate assessment location for this group. ⋯ Removing a direct community access point for this group resulted in a substantial increase in ED presentations, many of which did not have physical needs. This study has implications for future policy to address the needs of this group, especially in light of the pandemic.
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To describe the epidemiology, outcomes, and prognostic factors of intraocular foreign body (IOFB) injuries at a tertiary ophthalmic referral centre in Cork University Hospital, Ireland. ⋯ This review provides important epidemiological data for IOFB injuries in Ireland. It also adds some useful information to the literature in relation to prognostic factors and lens status post IOFB injury.
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Headache is the most common reason for referral to neurology outpatient clinics in Ireland and represents approximately 30% of all new appointments. ⋯ Most patients referred to a neurology outpatient clinic with headache have a primary headache disorder. Alternate pathways should be considered to reduce the burden on Ireland's limited neurology resources without compromising patient safety.
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Contact tracing remains a critical part of controlling COVID-19 spread. Many countries have developed novel software applications (Apps) in an effort to augment traditional contact tracing methods. ⋯ The Irish citizens surveyed expressed high levels of willingness to download a public health-backed App to augment contact tracing. Concerns raised regarding privacy and data security will be critical if the App is to achieve the large-scale adoption and ongoing use required for its effective operation.
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This study aimed to investigate the correlation of JNK pathway-associated phosphatase (JKAP) with clinical features, inflammation, exacerbation risk, and severity in asthmatic children. ⋯ JKAP serves as a potential biomarker for asthmatic susceptibility, inflammation, exacerbation risk, and severity in children.