Irish journal of medical science
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Validity of galactin-3 in acromegaly: comparison with traditional markers.
Acromegaly occurs due to overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has recently emerged as a novel biomarker, related to IGF-1. This study aimed to assess Gal-3 in patients with acromegaly and compare its effectiveness with traditional biomarker tests. ⋯ In a summary, this study recommended clinicians measure serum Gal-3 as biomarkers for patients with acromegaly. In addition, the result above shed light on role of Gal-3 on acromegaly pathogenesis and might provide a therapeutic target of acromegaly patients.
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Patients with breast pain are usually seen in 'one-stop clinic' (OSC) with breast imaging. In the absence of associated red flag features, the incidence of breast cancer is extremely low. With increase in referrals the OSC capacity is over-stretched. We developed a consultant nurse-led dedicated 'breast pain clinic' in September 2021 without routine breast imaging. After meticulous history and examination, patients obtained detailed counselling and advice regarding breast pain management. If any abnormality was noted then appointment was given for OSC. ⋯ A consultant nurse-led 'breast pain clinic' provides service improvement as it eases the pressure on the OSC. Most patients were managed without breast imaging with high level of patient satisfaction and low rereferral rate.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) impose burdens on individuals and communities, while their prevalence in young people has risen continually in recent years. Partner notification is an effective public health strategy which can limit STI transmission. ⋯ As STIs are becoming increasingly prevalent in young adults, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the interventions used to break the transmission chain and how different beliefs and attitudes may affect them. Self-efficacy was a key component in PN intentions, suggesting that the belief in someone's ability or skillset to perform a sexual health behaviour is positively related to their intention to perform the behaviour.
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Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the induction of reactive oxygen species and the ability of cells to metabolize them. Numerous markers can be used to assess the level of oxidative stress. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) are some of them. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of TDH and IMA, which are indicators of oxidative stress, in older patients with osteosarcopenia (OS). ⋯ In our study, the role of oxidative stress in OS was demonstrated by using TDH as an oxidative stress parameter.
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Malnutrition poses a significant global health challenge, affecting various age groups, with infants under 6 months being particularly vulnerable. Vitamin B12, an essential micronutrient critical for neurological development, has been identified as a key player in the overall health of both mothers and infants. ⋯ The findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions addressing maternal and infant nutrition, with a focus on ensuring adequate vitamin B12 levels.