Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
Is disposable continuous positive airway pressure system effective for the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure?
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of disposable continuous positive airway pressure (DCPAP) system in decreasing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). ⋯ The study demonstrated that the treatment of AHRF patients with a DCPAP provides a faster decrease in PaCO2 levels in hypercapnic patients compared to standard medical therapy alone.
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The transition from higher training to consultanthood is a crucial point in the medical training pathway. Despite comprehensive higher training programs, studies of new consultants have reported a disparity in their sense of preparation for non-clinical and clinical duties. Post- "Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training" (CSCST) fellowships have traditionally been undertaken as a means to access subspecialty clinical training which is otherwise unavailable in higher training programs. ⋯ The design and goals of fellowship posts should be considered in this context, to align them with the reported needs of new consultants. Special consideration should be given to defining roles of independence for the fellow and to the nature of the mentorship relationship, distinguishing these posts from higher specialist training. Well-designed post-CSCST fellowships have an important role in facilitating the successful transition to consultanthood.
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Myocardial strain-change in myocardial fibre length over the cardiac cycle-is a measure of cardiac muscle function. It is obtained using conventional techniques such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, adding additional clinical information to augment the current techniques. ⋯ This review explains advantages and disadvantages of myocardial strain imaging and explains why, through adding increased precision without additional burden, it should be a standard part of cardiac assessment.
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Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. ⋯ There is no significant difference in both bleeding and ischemic outcomes in long-term DAPT as compared to short-term DAPT for first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents in a real-world population.
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Many anatomical variations of the branching pattern of the aortic arch have been documented in the literature. These find their origin in alterations to the embryological development of the arch and have significant implications for surgical and radiological interventions. ⋯ Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch are present in over one-third of individuals in some populations. These are important pre- and intra-operatively during thoracic, neck and thyroid surgery. A greater effort should be employed to construct an official classification to facilitate greater understanding among clinicians.