Irish journal of medical science
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We aimed to investigate the association between Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway-associated phosphatase (JKAP) and T helper type 1 (Th1) cell or Th17 cell, and their clinical values in sepsis patients. ⋯ Blood JKAP correlates with decreased Th1 and Th17 cells, also associates with reduced inflammatory cytokines, disease severity, and favorable outcome in sepsis patients.
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Distal radius fractures represent up to one in every sixth treated fracture. The majority of these are intra-articular and require operative management. Many recent studies advocate for the use of volar plating fixation. Following fixation, most patients attend the fracture clinic at 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively and may get repeat imaging at both visits, resulting in longer wait times and repeat exposure to radiation. Revision surgery is however rarely performed in the 2- to 6-week period, raising the question of the necessity of plain film at 2 weeks. ⋯ Repeat imaging at 2 weeks following distal radius ORIF did not change management of distal radius fractures in this study. Therefore, our data suggests 2-week plain films should not routinely be ordered for these patients which will reduce wait time and exposure to radiation.
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Modern medical and surgical training pathways have developed globally in response to changing expectations and requirements for trainees. ⋯ This study highlights variations in postgraduate Irish medical training pathways and discrepancies in training requirements expected in each specialty. The establishment of a modern guideline for young trainees working towards consultancy may be imperative in ensuring trainees have insight into training requirements expected in their specialty.
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The human body consists of water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and minerals that build cells, tissues, and organs. In healthy people, the content of these molecules remains nearly constant. The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to classify abnormal body composition among adults. According to the WHO, a high BMI is a major risk factor for many diseases. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a commonly used method for assessing body composition in clinical practice and medical research. ⋯ The BMI is useful to provide a warning of excessive fat content in overweight and obese women, whereas among normal weight and underweight women, it may mask various types of body composition defects.
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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.