Irish journal of medical science
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Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended by international guidelines prior to initiation of systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT). In practice, CGA is limited by time constraints, lack of resources and expert interpretation. ⋯ Our study has several limitations but suggests that the majority of older adults with cancer would qualify for formal CGA assessment. The risk of high-grade toxicity from SACT is substantial in this cohort. Chronological age was not found to negatively impact pts' frailty, cognition, or risk of toxicity.
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Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) comprises patients with both radiographic and non-radiographic features. Previous studies have shown similar burden of disease between these two groups. ⋯ This study provides evidence to suggest that the burden of disease is less in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis than radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
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The widespread use of intraoperative fluoroscopy in orthopaedic procedures has revolutionised surgical practice. However, there are risks associated with using ionising radiation. Efforts to reduce radiation exposure include low-dose imaging protocols and lead protective equipment. Current communication during fluoroscopic procedures can be inefficient and lead to excessive radiation exposure for patients and staff. ⋯ Implementation of a standardised communication tool effectively reduced patient and staff radiation exposure. It was also believed to have a positive effect on theatre staff morale. Incorporating a universal language tool into training programmes could be beneficial. Surgeons and radiographers provided several suggestions to improve the effectiveness and implementation of this tool into other units.
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The prevalence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) significantly increases in people aged 60 and older. Medical errors are frequently reported because of communication breakdown, especially for patients with ARHL. ⋯ Effective clinical communication can be achieved through a clear understanding of the patient's perspective. Healthcare providers should be made aware of the hearing issues and associated communication difficulties posed, within the context of the development of patient-centred strategies to improve patient safety.
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With the development of sequencing technologies, there is increasing evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The level of NR_103776.1 expression in SLE and its clinical associations are still not well defined. ⋯ This study not only provided a transcriptome profile of lncRNAs aberrantly expressed in individual nucleated cells of SLE patients but also suggested NR_103776.1 as a novel potential diagnostic biomarker.