Radmila Peric, Igor Romčević, Milica Mastilović, Ivana Starčević, Jasmina Boban
{"title":"Correction to: Age‑related volume decrease in subcortical gray matter is a part of healthy brain aging in men.","authors":"Radmila Peric, Igor Romčević, Milica Mastilović, Ivana Starčević, Jasmina Boban","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03925-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03925-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143572847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fareeha Qamar, Amna Mehboob, Amna Rehman, Ali Afzal, Muhammad Babar Khawar
{"title":"Frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder among orthopedic trauma patients and its association with personal parameters.","authors":"Fareeha Qamar, Amna Mehboob, Amna Rehman, Ali Afzal, Muhammad Babar Khawar","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03914-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03914-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological condition following traumatic events, including physical trauma. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and demographic correlates of PTSD among orthopedic trauma patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used a cross-sectional survey design and assessed 200 orthopedic trauma patients, using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version to determine the prevalence of PTSD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that the prevalence of PTSD was 39%. Females had a higher incidence rate (63%) than males (26%). Females were 1.16 times more likely to suffer from PTSD following trauma as compared to males, with a statistically significant association found between PTSD and female gender. However, the study found no significant association between PTSD and age. Additionally, a high proportion of PTSD participants had comorbid depression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Future studies should further explore the demographic and psychological risk factors associated with PTSD following physical trauma.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143566601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"John Stearne (1624-1669). Founder of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and first Professor of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin.","authors":"Joseph Harbison","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03921-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03921-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>John Stearne was the first Regius Professor of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin and founded the Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall that later became the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. He was born in Ardbraccan, County Meath in 1624 and was a great nephew of the Archbishop of Armagh and renowned scholar James Ussher who was his patron. He entered Trinity College in 1639 and was elected Scholar in 1641, before fleeing Dublin at the outbreak of the Confederate Wars later that year. He moved to Cambridge and studied medicine in Sidney Sussex College. After a short period practicing medicine in Bedfordshire, he returned to Trinity in 1651 and was appointed Professor of Medicine and College medicus. He later also became Professor of Hebrew and Professor of Law. He wrote six books and became a Senior Fellow of the College. In 1654, he established the Fraternity of Physicians with some other Dublin physicians in a disused building on Trinity Street. Stearne resigned his Fellowship and Professorship in 1659 but had them restored by 1662 following the Restoration of the King Charles II. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland received its first royal charter in 1667. Stearne died in 1669 at the age of 44. This paper, written to celebrate the quatercentenary of his birth, discusses Stearne's life and achievements in more detail particularly in the context of the political turmoil of the age and the important role of his extended family in the important events that occurred.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143566760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correlation between serum C-peptide level and diabetic retinopathy according to estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes.","authors":"Jaipal Makina, Moogaambiga S, Rangabashyam S R","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03919-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03919-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss. The prevalence of DR increases with the duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, and the presence of other systemic conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Serum C-peptide is a marker of endogenous insulin production and is commonly used to assess residual beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine the relationship between serum C-peptide levels and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, categorized according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in VINAYAKA MISSION'S KIRUPANANDA VARIYAR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITALS, VINAYAKA MISSION'S RESEARCH FOUNDATION, (DU), in the Department of General Medicine. The study was performed between September 2023 and July 2024. A total of 120 patients who had diabetes mellitus attending the OPD were included in the study. Blood samples were taken to measure serum C-peptide levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Serum C-peptide levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Also, eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation based on serum creatinine levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of the participants had more than 10 years of diabetes (51.7%), while 48.3% had less than 10 years of diabetes. The mean HbA1c value was 8.2 ± 1.5, and the mean Serum C-peptide was 2.3 ± 1.1 ng/mL. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among the study participants was 45.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum C-peptide levels are significantly correlated with both diabetic retinopathy and kidney function. Lower C-peptide levels (reflecting worse beta-cell function) are associated with a higher risk of retinopathy and worse kidney function.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143542017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yinze Ji, Naqiang Lv, Yingzhen Gu, Xiaorong Han, Aimin Dang
{"title":"Role of abdominal aortic calcification score in predicting cardiovascular risk in the general population.","authors":"Yinze Ji, Naqiang Lv, Yingzhen Gu, Xiaorong Han, Aimin Dang","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03877-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03877-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is closely related to cardiovascular disease. Although its clinical significances have primarily been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease, its association with cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the general middle-aged and elderly population has not been sufficiently investigated.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To study the association of AAC and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in both the entire general middle-aged and elderly populations and age subgroups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data of participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 were analyzed. This study included middle-aged and elderly (≥ 40 years old) individuals who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The severity of AAC was assessed by an AAC scoring system (AAC score) with a maximum possible value of 24. Participants were tracked for survival status and major cause of death till 31st December 2019. This study utilized AAC score = 6 as the optimal cut-off according to Harrell's c statistic. Based on AAC scores, participants were trichotomized (0, 0-6, and ≥ 6). Groupwise survival curves and cumulative incidence functions were plotted to reveal the association of AAC and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality. Given results under trichotomization, combination of participants with AAC scores 0 and 0-6 was conducted to reaffirm the association of AAC and adverse prognosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Correlation between increased AAC score and poorer survival, higher cumulative incidence of events was revealed. Cox models identified AAC score ≥ 6 as an independent risk factor of cardio-cerebrovascular mortality (AAC score ≥ 6 vs. AAC score = 0: Hazard ratio: 2.38, P = 0.008) after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Results remained significant after regrouping (AAC score ≥ 6 vs. AAC score < 6: Hazard ratio: 2.06, P = 0.016). Subgroup analysis provided no evidence of unparallel change in hazard for the same amount of increase in AAC score among middle-aged (40-65 years old) and elderly (≥ 65 years old) individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>AAC score ≥ 6 independently indicate increased risk of cardio-cerebrovascular death and would be effective in risk stratification among the general middle-aged and elderly population in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143542019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Illuminating the path: the role of photodynamic therapy in comprehensive periodontal treatment.","authors":"Zahra Al-Timimi","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03924-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03924-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Evaluating photodynamic therapy's efficacy and suitability for treating periodontal disease is the main goal of this review. What are the best conditions for using photodynamic therapy, and how can it improve conventional periodontal treatments?.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search has been conducted to identify peer-reviewed research published up until August 2024. This search utilized reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, ensuring a robust selection of relevant studies. Selected studies were meticulously analyzed to their methodologies, types of photosensitizers employed, light intensity levels applied, as well as the resultant clinical outcomes observed. Additionally, a comparative analysis has been performed between photodynamic therapy and traditional periodontal therapy as documented in numerous clinical studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results show that photodynamic therapy considerably lowers the number of microorganisms present in periodontal pockets, which in turn reduces inflammation and improves healing responses. According to studies, photodynamic therapy is an efficient way to break up the biofilms that of harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease produce.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Photodynamic therapy is an intriguing alternative treatment option for periodontal disease. Because photodynamic therapy reduces biofilm resistance, improves blood flow, and promotes healing through anti-inflammatory effects, it may yield better clinical results when used in conjunction with conventional periodontal therapies. More research is required to create consistent guidelines for light dosage and photosensitizer selection in order to maximize therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143542018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of a hybrid model of a Physician Associate Studies programme: students, teachers, and examiner perspectives.","authors":"Pauline Joyce, Melanie Cunningham, Lisa Alexander","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03918-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03918-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To date, there is one university offering the Physician Associate (PA) Studies programme in Ireland. Responding to a demand for PAs outside of Dublin, a hybrid model was introduced, allowing students undertake the didactic phase of the programme online for synchronous instruction, attending campus twice a month for anatomy learning, clinical skills, and integration sessions.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the hybrid model from the perspectives of students and their teachers, including the external examiner.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a mixed methods study, using surveys (n = 15), focus groups with students (n = 10), teaching staff (n = 4), and a one-to-one interview with an external examiner. Action points of programme board meetings were also analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While attitudes to online learning were positive, the need for improvements was highlighted. During online teaching sessions, the students expressed the need to feel more a part of the traditional classroom experience. Even though lecturers were aware of students online, some found it difficult to engage with these students. Clinical teachers did not detect any differences between hybrid and on-campus students on their clinical application to practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that hybrid learning is influenced by previous online learning experiences. Students admitted to a feeling of social isolation at times and the reminder for faculty to support an inclusive environment. Student performance showed that hybrid students did as well or better across both years of the programme, and this translated into clinical practice too.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143531369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fluoroquinolones and tendon injury: a 5-year review of Irish national incident and claims data.","authors":"Mark McCullagh, Natasha Coen, Cathal O'Keeffe","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03913-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03913-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aim: </strong>In 2018, the European Medicines Agency strengthened warnings in relation to fluoroquinolone (FQ)-associated tendon injury. There is a lack of published data on FQs and tendon injury in an Irish context. The aim of the study was to investigate incidents and claims relating to FQs and tendon injury through an analysis of National Incident Management System (NIMS) data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The NIMS database was searched for incidents created between 1st June 2018 and 31st May 2023 which involved any FQ and referenced tendon injury. The incident data was analysed under predetermined field headings. NIMS was also searched for clinical claims involving any FQ with a Claim Finalised Date between 1st June 2018 and 31st May 2023. The claims were analysed to identify common themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified 20 incidents which related to FQs and tendon injury, although only six reported an actual tendon injury. In 15 (75%) of the incidents, the prescription of a FQ was deemed inappropriate by the reporter. The study found four finalised claims, all of which related to bilateral Achilles tendon rupture following FQ exposure. In all four cases, the patient was aged over 60 and the injury occurred within days of commencing treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study confirms that FQs continue to be prescribed inappropriately in high-risk patients and that incidents of tendon injury following FQ exposure continue to occur despite regulatory moves of raise awareness of this issue. Additional measures to minimise the risk of avoidable patient harm may be warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143515488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elaine Houlihan, Anna McCormick, Carol O ' Connor, Susan J Knowles
{"title":"Prevalence study of antimicrobial resistant organisms in very preterm neonates.","authors":"Elaine Houlihan, Anna McCormick, Carol O ' Connor, Susan J Knowles","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03903-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03903-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preterm neonates have underdeveloped organs, a fragile skin barrier and an immature immune system rendering them susceptible to infection. These infants are at an increased risk of developing a healthcare-associated infection because of antibiotic exposure, invasive monitoring and the general risk of outbreaks within a hospital setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant organism carriage in very preterm neonates (i.e. born ≤ 32 weeks gestation) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Neonates born ≤ 32 weeks' gestation in NMH from September 2022 to January 2023 were included. Swabs were taken at admission and fortnightly until week 10 of life. Screening investigations included ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases) and AmpC producers, organisms resistant to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, CPE (Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales), MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci). This differed from baseline screening by frequency of screening, and the recording of presence of AmpC-producers and ciprofloxacin-resistance. Ethical approval was sought and granted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 20 out of the 53 neonates (38%) included in the study were colonised with one or more resistant-gram-negative organism; 5 with ESBL (9%), 2 resistant to gentamicin (4%), 6 resistant to ciprofloxacin (11%) and 14 (26%) with AmpC producers. Three (6%) resistant gram-negative bacilli were detected on admission screens, and resistance rates peaked at week 4 where 14 screens were positive. No CPE, MRSA or VRE were isolated.</p><p><strong>Discussion/conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms in a vulnerable patient cohort, the very preterm infants. This review should prompt revision of the importance of infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship and regular MDRO (multi-drug resistant organism) screening in the neonatal critical care setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143501359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Darragh Nerney, Emer O'Malley, Caroline Kenny, Alana Ward, Geraldine Sweeney, Vicky McGrath, Laura Egan, Eileen Treacy
{"title":"Psychological supports for people living with a rare disease in Ireland: an online survey-based study.","authors":"Darragh Nerney, Emer O'Malley, Caroline Kenny, Alana Ward, Geraldine Sweeney, Vicky McGrath, Laura Egan, Eileen Treacy","doi":"10.1007/s11845-025-03902-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-025-03902-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with rare diseases have reported high unmet support needs for access to psychological services despite the significant impact rare diseases have on mental health.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to explore experiences in accessing psychological supports in the Republic of Ireland, and ways in which supports can be improved.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey was distributed to people living with rare diseases through Irish rare disease patient organisations and expert centres (May-June 2023). Paediatric and adult participants were included with carers providing information on behalf of those age < 18 years. A PRISMA-based scoping review was conducted to explore reported gaps in psychological supports for people living with rare diseases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eligible responses were received from 142 participants (87 adults, 55 children, 94 females, 47 males). People living with rare diseases reported a need for psychological supports at all stages of their patient journey. Participants indicated that a rare disease has an impact on educational, social, and financial aspects of daily living. A lack of understanding of the rare disease by healthcare professionals, extended waiting times, and the financial burden of accessing supports were key themes identified by participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Living with a rare disease is associated with an increased mental health burden. Gaps remain in the provision of psychological supports for people affected by rare diseases. The integration of mental health supports into the care of people living with rare diseases should be a priority for the Irish health service.</p>","PeriodicalId":14507,"journal":{"name":"Irish Journal of Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143501361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}