Irish journal of medical science
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Variants in PARKIN, PINK1, and DJ1 are associated with early-onset Parkinson' disease (EOPD, age-at-onset < 45). We previously reported a single PINK1 and a single DJ1 heterozygous variant carrier. ⋯ These findings suggest that PINK1 and DJ1 are rarely associated with Irish YOPD, while PARKIN variant frequency is similar to that reported worldwide.
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Informed consent is an integral part of the process prior to any surgical procedure [1]. Flexible cystoscopy is a common day case urological procedure and it is the gold standard investigation for visible haematuria [2]. ⋯ Postal consent is commonly used for gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures. Postal consent for flexible cystoscopy is not well reported in the literature. Our study shows postal consent to be a suitable form of gaining informed consent for flexible cystoscopy.
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Schools in Ireland closed in March 2020 as part of a national strategy to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The extent to which schools contribute to the overall propagation of SARS-CoV-2 was continuing to evolve internationally. ⋯ During the first 6 weeks of the academic year, the rate of in-school SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the region was low, and schools did not contribute substantially to the overall burden of COVID-19.
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Cervical cancer is one of the most common and fatal malignancies among females, and biomarkers are essential for assisting in its management. Kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) has been exhibited to be a potential maker in various cancers; however, its role in cervical cancer has yet to be reported. Therefore, we aimed to assess the expression of KIF2A and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics as well as survival profile in cervical cancer patients. ⋯ Tumor tissue KIF2A expression could serve as a biomarker enhancing the disease surveillance and prognostication in cervical cancer management.
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Restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have demanded an innovative approach to provide appropriate patient review. We have been running virtual cardiology clinics as per Health Service Executive guidance. ⋯ This study highlights that virtual clinic consultations are associated with fewer investigations, fewer management changes, and increased discharge rates compared with traditional consultations. These practice changes would reduce costs and hospital outpatient congestion by avoiding unnecessary hospital reviews. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether patients requiring face-to-face consultations could be missed as a result of this virtual approach. Longitudinal studies are required to assess clinical outcomes as a result of these practice changes and whether patient satisfaction is altered.