Irish journal of medical science
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Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a distinct, managed form of cell death. It is fundamentally different from necrosis. It is a genetically controlled, energy-dependent method of cellular deletion without inflammation. In the cardiovascular system, apoptosis occurs as a primary and secondary event in disease pathogenesis. This review addresses our current understanding of the initiation, propagation and significance of apoptosis in the cardiovascular system, as well as assessing therapeutic potentials arising therefrom. ⋯ and conclusions Apoptotic cell death is a key element in the pathogenesis and progression of ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and the clinical syndromes which these situations produce. Our increased understanding of the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease offers potential to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Future general practice funding is much debated but public opinion has not previously been reported. ⋯ There is dissatisfaction with existing GP fees and support for a scheme entitling free primary care. The amount of money people are willing to pay exceeds their current annual expenditure on GP services.
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A relationship between bone turnover and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotype is reported in Australian subjects of UK-Irish descent. There is conflicting evidence of linkage between the VDR genotype and differences in bone mineral density. No such study has been carried out on a resident Irish population. ⋯ These findings suggest that healthy Irish adults with the tt VDR genotype have higher rates of bone turnover than those with Tt or TTVDR genotypes. They may have a higher risk of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in later life.
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Scientific merit and clarity are critical in evaluation of quality in research. We hypothesised that avoidable errors of presentation adversely impact on abstract selection for scientific meetings. ⋯ Succinct presentation may reflect clarity of focus or increased writing experience. Reviewers favour concise abstracts. Concise presentation and timely submission are easily achieved and increase the likelihood of research acceptance for scientific meetings.