Irish journal of medical science
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Reproductive surrogacy can be altruistic or commercial, each with complex ethical considerations that are complicated by heterogeneity in governing laws across jurisdictions. Surrogacy in Ireland is relatively new and largely unregulated, so this review aims to elucidate its current regulatory status and associated ethical issues. AIMS: On reproductive surrogacy from an Irish legal perspective, to: 1. ⋯ However, Ireland is free to draft laws aligned with modern societal views on reproduction, which is especially relevant given the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage. Ethically, carrying mothers and children are vulnerable, particularly in commercial arrangements, with significant financial disparities between commissioning and surrogate parties. Altruistic arrangements can be a boon to Irish society if supported by public education and appropriate legal frameworks.
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University students have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is currently little data upon the measures that medical students and newly qualified doctors have taken to help their mental well-being and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Exercise can help to benefit the well-being of medical students and interim foundation doctors. It is hoped that higher education providers and employers recognise the importance of promoting physical activity for the well-being of their students and staff, respectively.
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COVID-19 is a new disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The olfactory dysfunction linked to COVID-19 is not associated with rhinorrhea but there is no objective evaluation. ⋯ Olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction are the two of the unknown for this disease. We evaluated the nasal mucosa secretions in COVID-19 patients with anosmia objectively to evaluate if there is inflammation in the nasal mucosa. We found no difference between healthy individuals. According to our study, SARS-CoV-2 causes anosmia without causing nasal mucosal inflammation. Invasion of the olfactory bulb and central nervous system by SARS-CoV-2 may lead to anosmia in COVID-19, which may cause olfactory dysfunction.
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Occasional smoking is defined as any smoking occurring on a less than daily basis. Social smoking, i.e. smoking primarily in social contexts, is a sub-group of occasional smoking. Data on occasional cigarette smoking and the subset of social smoking among third level students are limited. ⋯ Prevalence of self-reported occasional smoking among university students was higher than daily smoking. Most occasional smokers primarily smoked in social contexts. All current smokers reported that alcohol increased cigarette intake. Effective intervention campaigns tailored to determinants of occasional/social smoking are needed as part of induction to third level.
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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.