Irish journal of medical science
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To evaluate the characteristics of mental health presentations to the emergency department in two different hospital settings. ⋯ A large proportion of ED referrals to psychiatry constitute patients with unmet social and addiction needs, who are seen out of hours. This prompts consideration of expanding both ED and community services to comprise a more multidisciplinary-resourced, 24/7 care model.
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The European and American colonoscopy guidelines recommend mandatory photodocumentation of caecal intubation to allow retrospective analysis and improve outcomes. We aim to demonstrate whether photodocumentation of caecal intubation improves colonoscopy outcomes. ⋯ While failing to reach statistical significance, there was a nominal difference in ADR and PDR demonstrated between the two groups, and with predominantly positive confidence intervals, this might suggest that a larger sample size could result in significance in favour of photodocumentation of caecal intubation. Future studies would be warranted. However, endoscopists that take more images were more likely to have proven caecal intubation.
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Claudin proteins are a component of tight junctions found in cell-cell adhesion complexes. A central feature of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is intestinal permeability, with changes to claudin proteins potentially contributing to intestinal instability, inflammation, and the progression of NEC. A current area of interest is the development of a novel, noninvasive biomarker for the detection of NEC in neonates at risk of developing this disease, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality through earlier intervention. ⋯ Alterations to claudin proteins may reflect changes seen to intestinal permeability and inflammation in the context of NEC. Further research is necessary to understand the relevance of claudin proteins in the pathophysiology of NEC and their use as a biomarker.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused worldwide upheaval from early 2020. Trauma and orthopaedic services are no different. A fundamentally important and significant portion of trauma services is the treatment of fragility fractures of the proximal femur, otherwise known as hip fractures. The hip fracture "Blue book Standards", the key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with appropriate hip fracture care are challenging during non-crisis times. We aim to review Blue Book compliance during the Covid-19 crisis and review outcomes of hip fractures, including Covid-19 infection rates. ⋯ Despite improvements in hip fracture care KPIs, the Covid-19 crisis was associated with increased 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients. A positive Covid-19 swab was associated with higher mortality. These observations are of paramount importance to ensure adequate service planning and provision in the face of a potential "second wave" of Covid-19 infections leading into the winter months of 2020.
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This study aimed to determine the absolute and relative test-retest reliability of the functional reach test (FRT) and the handgrip strength test (HGST) in older adults using nursing homes. ⋯ Findings show that the FRT and the HGST are reliable, have acceptable measurement error, and may be used for research and clinical purposes to assess functional balance and strength of the hands in older adults using nursing homes.