Irish journal of medical science
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Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are a crucial provision of public health. The consequences of having suboptimal SRH services include unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, reproductive cancers, and sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections. This study was conducted to assess the role community pharmacists play in providing SRH, their practices, and their attitudes toward fulfilling the exciting demand. ⋯ The majority of pharmacists reported selling pregnancy tests and ovulation and educated patients regarding both these test kits. However, these services were more widely available in pharmacy chains than in independent pharmacies. Pharmacists exhibited a positive attitude toward SRH, exhibiting social accountability and an ethical responsibility to fulfill their role.
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Observational Study
Factors influencing accidental food allergic reactions in schools and preschools.
Children spend a large proportion of their childhood in schools. In Ireland, there is no government policy on the management of food allergy (FA) in schools or preschool childcare settings (CCS). There is limited data worldwide on rate of accidental allergic reactions (AARs) within these settings. ⋯ The incidence of AARs in this Irish cohort was found to be equivalent to the international experience. However, many of the recorded reactions identified in this study were likely avoidable. Preparation for AARs needs optimising. The ineffectiveness of "nut bans" remains unrecognised. Promoting milk and egg allergy resolution in infancy would likely reduce preschool- and school-based reaction numbers.
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Being sedentary is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection, suggesting the important role physical activity (PA) has as a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19 outcome. ⋯ Despite an overall positive attitude towards PA in this study, findings suggest exercise prescribing was not carried out regularly amongst the majority of participants. There was a lack of confidence and knowledge regarding exercise prescribing amongst NCHDs. The majority of NCHDs have not changed their exercise prescribing practices since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Findings suggest there is an urgent need for educational tools and supports to assist doctors with exercise prescribing.
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Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) carries high rates of major amputation and mortality. ⋯ Our findings suggest lncRNA DLEU1 and miR-96-5p as circulating biomarkers for DFU. Also, we provide the clue for the pathogenic significance of lncRNA DLEU1/miR-96-5p in DFU, as well as insights for new potential targets.