Irish journal of medical science
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients using HME filters and heated humidifiers.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a clinical form of hospital-associated pneumonia, which may develop within 48 h in patients on mechanical ventilation who had no pre-existing pneumonia at the time of intubation. ⋯ There were no significant differences between the groups on HME filters and heated humidifiers in terms of infection development; although pulmonary radiography showed delayed average days to infiltration development for subjects using HME filters.
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Guidelines issued by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons suggest that the ratio of elective to emergency cases in plastic surgery units should be 2:1. ⋯ Expansion of staff numbers at consultant and non-consultant grades, and increased resources (allocated theatre sessions and outpatient clinics) were pivotal to this change.
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The aim of this study was to determine the expression and function of miR-509-5p in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ⋯ In this study, we have shown that miR-509-5p played an important role in RCC by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration and by promoting cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-509-5p expression was significantly lower in RCC patient plasma compared to that in normal individuals.
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Traditional care pathways for patients with low back pain (LBP) where general practitioners (GPs) refer to consultant specialists can lead to excessive waiting times for patients and questionable use of health care resources. The evaluation of more cost effective pathways is a priority. ⋯ Clinical Specialist physiotherapists are effective in assessing and selecting appropriate care pathways for LBP patients in line with international LBP clinical guidelines. The utility of the physical and psychological measures to differentiate between groups of varying clinical severity has important implications for treatment selection and management.
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Although blood pressure cuffs are commonly used and shared in medical facilities, their routine disinfection is performed infrequently. ⋯ Blood pressure cuffs are frequently contaminated by MRSA.