Irish journal of medical science
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Endometrial injury or 'scratch' preceding an assisted reproductive therapy (ART) cycle has recently been shown not to improve livebirth rates among women undergoing ART. The objective of this study was to compare pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women who underwent an accurately timed mid-luteal scratch biopsy prior to ART with those who did not. ⋯ Endometrial scratch is a simple, inexpensive and low-risk procedure. However, in this relatively small cohort study, no differences in rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy or live birth in women with primary infertility were determined between those who underwent a scratch and those who did not.
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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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Alopecia areata (AA) is considered an organ-specific autoimmune disease of hair follicles. Adipose tissue plays a role in lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism and secretes adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin. Dysregulation in the adipokine balance may be associated with metabolic syndrome. We aimed to determine serum adipokine levels in AA patients and compare them with healthy controls, and to determine whether there was metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the AA patients. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that adiponectin and leptin probably has a role in the pathogenesis of AA with scalp hair involvement.
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Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign and rare chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with unknown etiology. While there is no consensus regarding its post-diagnosis management, there are different treatment alternatives. ⋯ For IGM, the "watch and wait" approach is an effective option. A chance should be given to the self-limiting nature of the disease with the addition of drainage when necessary.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and disability. Its diagnosis, classification and management are complex. There is a paucity of data on the standard of COPD management in Irish general practice. ⋯ This study provides a comprehensive snapshot of care in Irish general practice for patients with COPD prior to introduction of the Chronic Disease Management programme (CDM).