Irish journal of medical science
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The Advanced Paramedic (AP) is a relatively recent role in Ireland and refers to a prehospital practitioner with Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills and training. The Advanced Paramedic Clinical Activity Study (APCAS) was initiated to provide an evaluation of the impact of the AP programme on patient care in Ireland. ⋯ This study provides an insight into the work of APs in the mid-west region of Ireland. It would appear that despite the relative recency of the Irish AP programme, the findings of this study are in line with previous international studies.
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In terms of eradication, osteomyelitis represents one of the most challenging infective conditions in medicine and surgery. In recent years, the use of bioactive glass in conjunction with antimicrobial therapy has emerged as a viable new treatment. ⋯ Though a relatively recent development, bioactive glass used in concurrence with antibiotic therapy has significant potential in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
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The potential impact of surgical service reconfiguration on intensive care unit (ICU) resources needs to be assessed. ⋯ Open AAA surgery places significant demands on ICU resources. The planned reconfiguration of surgical services in Ireland must provide for parallel investment in ICU facilities and expertise.
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, the main cause of chronic gastritis, increases gastric cancer risk. Antibiotics-based H. pylori eradication treatment is 90% effective. However, it is expensive and causes side effects and antibiotic resistance. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could present a low-cost, large-scale alternative solution to prevent or decrease H. pylori colonization. ⋯ LAB extracts could inhibit the bacterial adhesion and invasion, gastric inflammation and DNA fragmentation induced by Helicobacter pylori.