Irish journal of medical science
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There are limited studies examining alcohol consumption in Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) players. In a previous paper, we reported excess alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms and binge drinking amongst elite GAA players. In that survey, the players were provided with an opportunity to provide comments on alcohol. This current study analyses these comments. ⋯ These data show players recognise intermittent binge drinking with periods of abstinence and alcohol-related harms. Further initiatives regarding alcohol harm reduction merit consideration including prohibition of alcohol sponsorship, similar to the GAA's ban on gambling.
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Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major risk factor for stroke, with an incidence rate of 4-5% per year. The use of DOACs is recommended for specific patient populations however the risk of bleeding commonly precludes their use. Left atrial appendage occlusion is a relatively novel procedure recommended for such patients. We set out to analyse the initial success and safety of this procedure in a single site. ⋯ We report lower technical success and procedural success rates in an older population cohort than historically studied, 90% of whom had an absolute contraindication to oral anticoagulation, with higher CHADS2VaSc and HASBLED scores than commonly studied.
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The COVID-19 pandemic produced unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems. These challenges were amplified in the setting of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion strokes given the time-sensitive nature of the procedure. ⋯ Despite the myriad of challenges presented by the pandemic, service provision at the primary Irish ESC, and the referring hospitals, has proven to be robust. Procedural time metrics were maintained whilst the expected reduction in number of EVTs performed did not materialise, there actually being a significant increase in number of EVTs performed in the pandemic's second year.
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This research was conducted to determine the effect of COVID-19 on fear, anxiety, and sleep in nursing students. ⋯ In our study, there is a relationship between nursing students' fear of COVID-19 and anxiety and sleep quality. Accordingly, it is recommended to train students in effective methods for coping with the fear of COVID-19, and to take initiatives to reduce related anxiety and sleep problems.
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Acute liver failure (ALF) is a potentially fatal illness marked by the abrupt development of jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in persons having no previous history of hepatic disease. It is a relatively uncommon illness, having an incidence of 1 to 8 per million people. Hepatitis A, B, and E viruses have been documented as the most prevalent etiologies of acute liver failure in Pakistan and other developing nations. ⋯ Unfortunately, the incidence of documented adverse effects linked to the usage of herbal products has increased recently, but still, these events are underreported, and the condition is known as drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and herb-induced liver injury (HILI). The estimated total herbal retail sales increased from $4230 million in 2000 to $6032 million in 2013, representing a total of 42 and 3.3% per annum increase. To reduce the occurrence of HILI and DILI, physicians in general practice settings should inquire about patients' understanding of potential toxicity with the consumption of hepatotoxic and herbal medicines.