Molecular and culture based assessment of bacterial pathogens in subjects with diabetic foot ulcer

Introduction

Expeditious and precise discerning of bacterial pathogens is a fundamental grail, of clinical diagnostic microbiology. Genotypic detection is a budding substitute to recognize phenotypic culture based processes in bacterial identification.

Recurrent acute hepatitis following the use of factor VIII concentrates

During a 3-yr period, a patient with hemophilia A experienced 5 episodes of acute hepatitis within 7-16 days following 5 separate infusions of factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates. Although the exact mechanism of the recurrent hepatitis remains unclear, these episodes most likely represented repeated allergic reactions to an antigenic protein derived from the FVIII concentrates. Although no evidence was found for a specific humoral immune response to FVIII in the circulation of the patient, an isolated cellular immune response was suggested by the finding of in vitro lymphocyte stimulation in response to the FVIII concentrate. This unusual type of posttransfusion hepatitis must be added to the list of adverse responses to FVIII concentrates.     

Cranial cystic epidermoid: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Intercranial epidermoid tumours are benign lesions of congenital origin that are potentially curable. Although computerized axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are usually diagnostic, a few atypical features sometimes make pre-operative diagnosis difficult. Two cases of cystic epidermoids with peripheral ring enhancement are reported. Relevant literature has been reviewed.     

Attitudes towards acceptance of an innovative home-based and remote sens-ing rehabilitation protocol among cardiovascular patients in Shantou, China

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) protocols have diversified to include home-based cardiac tele-rehabilitation (HBCTR) as an alternative to hospital-based or center-based CR. To adopt the use of home-based cardiac tele-rehabilitation, it is necessary to assess cardiac patients’ attitudes towards acceptance of such e-health technology, especially in China where knowledge of such technology is deficient. Methods Interviews were conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China. After percutaneous coronary interventional (PCI) surgery, patients completed the survey. Results Among the 150 patients, only 13% had ever heard of HBCTR. After an introduction of our HBCTR program, 60% of patients were willing to participate in the program. From our multivariate analysis of questionnaire data, age (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.98; P = 0.007), average family monthly income (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.34; P < 0.001), education level (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10–0.59; P = 0.002) and physical exercise time (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.56; P = 0.003) were independent predictors for acceptance of HBCTR. From the reasons for participation, patients selected: enhanced safety and independence (28.3%), ability to self-monitor physical conditions daily (25.4%), and having automatic and emergency alert (23.1%). Reasons for refusal were: too cumbersome operation (34.3%) and unnecessary protocol (19.4%). Conclusions Most patients lacked knowledge about HBCTR but volunteered to participate after they have learned about the program. Several personal and life-style factors influenced their acceptance of the program. These indicate that both improvement of technology and better understanding of the program will enhance active participation.     

Two years after cancer diagnosis,which couples become closer?

PRÉAU M., BOUHNIK A.D., REY D., MANCINI J. & THE ALD CANCER STUDY GROUP (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care 20 , 380–388
Two years after cancer diagnosis, which couples become closer? The aim of this study was to determine characteristics of patients who reported a strengthening of their couple relationship 2 years after cancer diagnosis. Using a cross‐sectional design, data were obtained from a representative sample of patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer. Medical and reported data were collected by physicians and a patient telephone interview respectively. Among the 3221 participants who were living with the same partner as at the time of their cancer diagnosis, 32.8% of men and 41.5% of women declared their illness had brought them closer to their partner. The following factors were independently associated with closer couple relationships for women: high monthly monetary resources, chemotherapy treatment, sequelae, increased consumption of psychotropic drugs since cancer diagnosis, satisfaction with information provided by medical staff, specialised psychological support at the time of diagnosis and regular sexual activity. Independently associated factors for men were as follows: younger age, financial difficulties since diagnosis, cancer other than gastrointestinal tract/upper GI tract or lung cancer, progressive disease, satisfaction with information provided by medical staff and specialised psychological support at the time of diagnosis. Our findings underline the importance for healthcare workers to provide adequate information and psychological support in order to help couples facing cancer. Comprehensive care and not simply supplying medicines is crucial in order to better manage their experience.     

An organ systems-based review of outcomes associated with sleep apnea in hospitalized patients

The current global health crisis due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted the medical community to investigate the effects of underlying medical conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing, on inpatient care. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep-disordered breathing that may complicate numerous acquired conditions, particularly in inpatient and critical care settings. Viral pneumonia is a major contributor to intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and often presents more severely in patients with underlying pulmonary disease, especially those with obesity and OSA. This review summarizes the most recent data regarding complications of both OSA and obesity and highlights their impact on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients. Additionally, it will highlight pertinent evidence for the complications of OSA in an organ-systems approach. Finally, this review will also discuss impatient treatment approaches for OSA, particularly in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.