Medicina
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Background and objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the third most common infections in humans, representing a significant factor of morbidity, both among outpatients and inpatients. The pathogenic role of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Serratia species (CES bacteria) has been described in UTIs. CES bacteria present a therapeutic challenge due to the various intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms they possess. ⋯ Results: The ratio of resistant strains to most of the indicator drugs was higher in the inpatient group and lower in the second half of the study period. ESBL-producing isolates were detected in 0-9.75% from outpatient and 0-29.09% from inpatient samples. Conclusions: Resistance developments of CES bacteria, coupled with their intrinsic non-susceptibility to several antibiotics, severely limits the number of therapeutic alternatives, especially for outpatients.
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Glaucoma is a common complex disease that leads to irreversible blindness worldwide. Even though preclinical studies showed that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) could prevent retinal ganglion cells loss, clinical evidence suggests that lessening IOP does not prevent glaucoma progression in all patients. Glaucoma is also becoming more prevalent in the elderly population, showing that age is a recognized major risk factor. ⋯ Experimental animal models have helped to understand the mechanisms of formation and evacuation of aqueous humor, and the maintenance of homeostasis of intra-ocular pressure. However, the transfer of pre-clinical results obtained from animal studies into clinical trials may be difficult since the type of study does not only depend on the type of therapy to be performed, but also on a series of factors observed both in the experimental period and the period of transfer to clinical application. Conclusions: Knowing the exact characteristics of each glaucoma experimental model could help to diminish inconveniences related to the process of the translation of results into clinical application in humans.
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Background and objectives: Health systems all over the world are confronted with an alarming rise of cases in which individuals hesitate, delay, and even refuse vaccination, despite availability of quality vaccine services. In order to mitigate and combat this phenomenon, which are now defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as vaccine hesitancy (VH), we must first understand the factors that lead to its occurrence in an era characterized by wide access to safe and effective vaccines. To achieve this, we conducted field testing of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS), as it was developed by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts Working Group (SAGE WG), in Cluj-Napoca city, Cluj County, Romania. ⋯ Contextual influences identified for VH were "media," "leaders and lobbies," and "perception of the pharmaceutical industry." Individual and group influences for VH were "beliefs," "knowledge," and "risk/benefits (perceived)." Vaccine and vaccination specific issues for VH were "risk/benefit (rational)" and "health care practitioners (trustworthiness, competence)." Conclusions: One-third of the investigated population had expressed VH, and a further one-third of these had refused a vaccine for their child. Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and HPV vaccines generated the most hesitation. Negative information from the media was the most frequently evoked reason for VH.
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Background and Objectives: Quality of life (QOL) assessment during pregnancy contributes to determining women's unmet needs and preventing negative health outcomes. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of participants' characteristics, perceived stress, and perceived social support on their QOL. We also aimed to determine the differences in QOL according to these factors. ⋯ The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey was a reliable tool for measuring the QOL in pregnancy. Conclusions: Parity factor and social support should be recognized in any health promotion intervention and during providing antenatal care. Further research is needed toassess the QOL during pregnancy.
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Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to research oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis in Graves' patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 Graves' patients (research group) and 35 healthy subjects (control group). Serum oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis (a new and automated spectrophotometric method developed by Erel and Neselioglu) parameters were studied and compared between the groups. ⋯ In the Graves' disease group, the free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were significantly positively correlated with impaired thiol/disulphide homeostasis and oxidative stress parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that oxidative stress and thiol/disulphide homeostasis increased towards disulphide formation due to thiol oxidation in Graves' disease. In addition, a positive correlation of FT3 and FT4 was observed with oxidative stress parameters and impaired thiol/disulphide homeostasis.