Irish journal of medical science
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This research attempted to assess whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as adjunctive therapy can be useful in the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF). ⋯ These preliminary data support experimental findings showing that NAC supplementation is able to improve heart function.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in many Western countries, but its incidence has never been studied in Northern Ireland. ⋯ Northern Ireland had the lowest incidence of lung cancer in the UK, but its overall rate was still 40% higher than that observed in the Republic of Ireland which had the lowest rate in the British Isles. Across regions, the pattern of incidence by age and sex was complicated, but a linear logistic model fitted all of the Irish data and the female data in Scotland, satisfactorily.
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The aim of this study was to identify the trends in antidepressant (AD) medication use in two Irish general practices over a 5-year period, 2016 to 2020. The rationale for this study is attributed to the growing prevalence of depression amongst the Irish general public as well as concerns surrounding long-term AD medication use. ⋯ This study illustrates a steady rise in AD medication within the general practice setting, with an observed rise in prescription dispensing rates. The high proportion of refill prescriptions demonstrates the long-term use of AD medications. This may be indicative of chronic depression or may highlight a lack of appropriate medication cessation strategies.
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Involving medical students in research in their undergraduate careers may increase the likelihood that they will be research active after graduation. To date, there has been a paucity of published research of students doing research in general practice. ⋯ We found this audit initiative feasible and useful in helping students learn about audit skills, patient safety and real-world prescribing. GPs and students would benefit more if it were linked to a substantial clinical placement, focussed on a topic of interest and given protected time. Separate research projects may be needed to develop research skills confidence.