Irish journal of medical science
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We aimed to investigate the quantitative detection of methylated suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), considering SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism and clinical parameters. ⋯ In summary, the methylated SOCS-1 quantity in DNA samples of SCZ and BD patients were significantly lower than in control samples. Whereas the SOCS-1 -1478CA/del polymorphism was not related to SCZ, it may be associated with the BD.
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Re-irradiation of a previously irradiated site must be done with careful consideration to minimize dose to organs at risk. ⋯ Sr-89 injection showed pain relief in most of our patients with painful bone metastases in a previously irradiated site and caused no grade 3 or worse adverse events. Sr-89 is an option for patients with a painful bone metastasis in a previously irradiated site.
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With blood products being a limited and expensive resource within the healthcare system, there is an ever-increasing emphasis on judicial and appropriate use. ⋯ The implementation of guidelines has resulted in substantial reduction in RCC transfusions between 2015 and 2018. Fewer women received a blood transfusion, and those who did received fewer units. There is a higher proportion of patients being reassessed between units and receiving single unit transfusions. Recording of consent has improved.
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The reasons underlying prolonged waiting lists for surgery in Ireland are multifactorial. Patient-related factors including non-attendances contribute in part to the current waiting times. ⋯ While cancellations remained high even after our intervention, a simple phone call was effective and more than halved our cancellation rate. Future efforts need to focus on increasing awareness of patient responsibility for attending scheduled appointments and procedures.
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Improvements in early detection, screening and treatment of cancer have resulted in a significant improvement in cancer mortality and an increase in the number of cancer survivors globally. Accordingly, a significant rise in the number of cancer survivors in Ireland has been observed. The surveillance of survivors of gastrointestinal malignancies in Ireland is heterogeneous and represents an unmet need for standardisation. ⋯ We hope that this initiative may help to homogenise survivorship practices in this cohort of Irish patients, and may support the implementation of survivorship initiatives by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).