Irish journal of medical science
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While biologic drugs have demonstrated efficacy across a range of indications, patient access to these drugs is constrained due to their high cost. Biosimilars provide a means to increase patient access while reducing the financial burden. ⋯ Biosimilar versions of trastuzumab and rituximab were in use to a variable extent. There remains a considerable opportunity to further increase the usage to maximise their potential benefits. A series of challenges were identified including reduced awareness among the medical profession and lack of clear nomenclature.
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Several reports showed that sexual function was affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ An association of new-onset ED in men who suffered COVID-19 infection was established. This may be due to virus-induced endothelial cell dysfunction; however, an underlying mechanism and causation have not yet been clearly elucidated. While it appears that COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for ED, additional research is needed to establish causality.
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This study aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of bedside thoracic ultrasound according to BLUE protocol and to investigate its superiority over other imaging methods in the emergency service. ⋯ USG imaging could be preferred in the diagnosis of pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, and differential diagnosis at the emergency service.
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This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with regorafenib in the second-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ DEB-TACE combined with regorafenib is safe and feasible in the treatment of unresectable HCC, with good efficacy and mild adverse reactions.
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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common pulmonary manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) and associated with an increased risk of death. Early detection and treatment of ILDs and knowing the risk factors are very important for prognosis in rheumatic diseases. ⋯ The distribution of male patients compared to female patients was higher in patients with lung involvement than in patients without lung involvement. This may be related to older age, higher smoking rate, and longer nicotine consumption in men. Age, smoking, and severity of lung involvement are more important than inflammation status and autoantibodies for prognosis.