Frailty on the island of Ireland: evidence from the NICOLA and TILDA studies.

Background: Aimed to compare the prevalence, characteristics, and associated mortality risk of frailty in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Methods: Secondary analysis of the first wave of two nationally representative cohorts, the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing or NICOLA study (N = 8504) and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing or TILDA study (N = 8504). Frailty was assessed using a harmonized accumulation deficits frailty index (FI) containing 30 items.

International health experiences in postgraduate medical education: A meta-analysis of their effect on graduates' clinical practice among underserved populationsExpériences internationales de soins de santé en formation médicale post-doctorale : une méta-analyse des effets sur la pratique clinique des diplômés au sein des populations mal desservies.

Background: International health experiences (IHEs) are popular among medical learners and provide a valuable learning experience. IHE participants have demonstrated an increased intention to care for underserved populations in the future, but what is its actual impact on practice? This study evaluates the effect of postgraduate IHE participation on the future careers of clinicians regarding their work among underserved populations.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed articles comparing the populations served by physicians who had participated in an IHE with those of physicians who had not participated in an IHE.

An unusual "venous circle" of the internal mammary vein encountered during microvascular anastomosis and implications for practice.

The internal mammary vessels are commonly used for anastomosis in breast reconstruction. The anatomy when using the 2nd ICS has been shown to be predictable and hence preferentially used by the senior author. We present an unusual case of internal mammary vein bifurcation and immediate confluence forming a 'venous circle'.

Beware the Innocent Presentation of a Spontaneous Perforated Meckel Diverticulum: A Rare Case and Review of the Literature.

Perforation of a Meckel diverticulum in a preterm neonate is very rare. To our knowledge, only 7 cases of spontaneous Meckel perforation in a preterm neonate have previously been described in the literature. The etiology is uncertain.

Paralytic Ileus Secondary to Methamphetamine Abuse: A Rare Case.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride, colloquially referred to as "crystal meth," is a potent psychoactive amphetamine derivate. Methamphetamine produces stimulant effects in the user including increased energy and alertness as well as inducing intense euphoric symptoms and suppressing appetite through its dopaminergic, serotonergic, and adrenergic actions. Use of methamphetamine can adversely affect cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal physiology leading to significant morbidity.