Irish journal of medical science
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Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6 weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. ⋯ It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks.
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Implantable central venous port systems are widely used in oncology. We upgraded our fluoroscopy machines, and all anesthetists completed two training courses focusing on the risks of ionizing radiation for patients and health workers. ⋯ Upgrading the fluoroscopy equipment and completing two dedicated training courses allowed for a drastic decrease patient exposure to ionizing radiation during venous access port implantation by non-radiologist practitioners.
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Observational Study
Epiregulin: A new prognostic molecule in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Epiregulin is a molecule that plays a role in cell proliferation, tumor development, inflammation, and angiogenesis in malignant diseases. ⋯ Our study suggests that serum epiregulin levels, discovered to increase in NHL patients for the first time, may be an independent predictive molecule in an advanced stage, extranodal involvement, and the DLBCL subtype of this disease. Epiregulin positively correlates with prognostic molecules such as beta 2-microglobulin, LDH, and CRP. Illuminating its potential role in NHL pathogenesis could make epiregulin a vital drug target for treatment.
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The current study assessed the knowledge of the medical students regarding the nature of radiation, associated risks, and protective measures. ⋯ Most of the participants showed satisfactory result. However, the knowledge regarding protection measures was poor in almost half of the population.
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Clinical handover is an essential step in the surgical patient's hospital journey, but one that is not without risk. Within cardiothoracic surgery, endeavours to protocolise post-operative handover from cardiac theatre to cardiac intensive care units have resulted in enhanced patient safety, but little to no effort has focused on the pre-operative setting and the dissemination of information throughout the surgical team. ⋯ Clinical handover tools have the potential to enhance the quality of pre-operative handover and protect against poor handover practices such as interruptions, safe-guarding patient welfare. We provide the first cardiothoracic specific pre-operative handover tool based on the RCSE guidelines.