Information practices of disaster preparedness professionals in multidisciplinary groups

OBJECTIVE: This article summarizes the results of a descriptive qualitative study addressing the question, what are the information practices of the various professionals involved in disaster preparedness? We present key results, but focus on issues of choice and adaptation of models and theories for the study. METHODS: Primary and secondary literature on theory and models of information behavior were consulted. Taylor's Information Use Environments (IUE) model, Institutional Theory, and Dervin's Sense-Making metatheory were used in the design of an open-ended interview schedule. Twelve individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with disaster professionals drawn from the Pennsylvania Preparedness Leadership Institute (PPLI) scholars. Taylor's Information Use Environments (IUE) model served as a preliminary coding framework for the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Disaster professionals varied in their use of libraries, peer-reviewed literature, and information management techniques, but many practices were similar across professions, including heavy Internet and email use, satisficing, and preference for sources that are socially and physically accessible. CONCLUSIONS: The IUE model provided an excellent foundation for the coding scheme, but required modification to place the workplace in the larger social context of the current information society. It is not possible to confidently attribute all work-related information practices to professional culture. Differences in information practice observed may arise from professional training and organizational environment, while many similarities observed seem to arise from everyday information practices common to non-work settings

The temporal relationship of acute rheumatic fever after COVID-19 infection

Intoducere. Febra reumatismală acută (FRA) este un răspuns inflamator ce apare după o infecție streptococică, afectând în special articulațiile, inima și sistemul nervos central. În contextul pandemiei COVID-19, există o preocupare tot mai mare legată de impactul acesteia asupra apariției FRA. Înțelegerea relației temporale dintre infecția cu COVID-19 și debutul FRA este esențială pentru gestionarea complicațiilor și îmbunătățirea rezultatelor clinice. Scopul lucrării. Evaluarea relației temporale dintre infecția cu COVID-19 și debutul FRA, cu accent pe identificarea factorilor de risc, a simptomelor și a strategiilor eficiente de prevenție. Material și metode. A fost realizată o revizuire a literaturii din ultimii cinci ani din bazele de date PubMed, MEDLINE și SciSearch, alături de date clinice de la IMSP Spitalul Clinic Republican. Istoricul infecției COVID-19, debutul simptomelor și diagnosticul de FRA au fost analizate pentru a căuta posibile corelații. Rezultate. FRA este o boală sistemică asociată cu infecția cu Streptococcus pyogenes, care se manifestă prin mișcări coreiforme, artralgie migratoare și erupții cutanate. Rezultatele sugerează o posibilă legătură între COVID-19 și febra reumatismală acută, cu cazuri de debut observate în câteva săptămâni după infecția cu COVID-19. Modelele clinice indică o intensificare a răspunsului inflamator la pacienții post-COVID-19, sugerând o predispoziție pentru FRA datorată hiperactivității sistemului imunitar. Prezența suprainfecției bacteriene la pacienții cu COVID-19 grav bolnavi a fost, de asemenea, documentată, mulți dintre aceștia necesitând tratament suplimentar pentru pneumonie bacteriană sau sepsis. În acest context, diagnosticul precoce, monitorizarea markerilor inflamatori și tratamentele preventive cu antibiotice pentru pacienții cu risc ridicat devin esențiale pentru reducerea riscului de FRA. Concluzii. Infecția cu COVID-19 poate influența debutul FRA, subliniind necesitatea unei vigilențe sporite la pacienții cu simptome inflamatorii post-COVID-19. Diagnosticul precoce, evaluarea riscului și îngrijirea interprofesională sunt esențiale în gestionarea FRA și prevenirea complicațiilor severe.Introduction. Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory response that occurs after a streptococcal infection, primarily affecting the joints, heart, and central nervous system. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing concern regarding its impact on the occurrence of ARF. Understanding the temporal relationship between COVID-19 infection and the onset of ARF is essential for managing complications and improving clinical outcomes. Aim of the study. To evaluate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and the onset of ARF, focusing on identifying risk factors, symptoms, and effective prevention strategies. Material and methods. A review of the literature from the past five years was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciSearch databases, along with clinical data from the Republican Clinical Hospital. The history of COVID-19 infection, the onset of symptoms, and the diagnosis of ARF were analyzed to investigate possible correlations. Results. ARF is a systemic disease associated with infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, which manifests as chorea, migratory arthralgia, and skin rashes. The results suggest a possible link between COVID-19 and acute rheumatic fever, with cases of onset observed within weeks after infection. Clinical patterns indicate an intensification of the inflammatory response in post-COVID-19 patients, suggesting a predisposition to ARF due to immune system hyperactivity. The presence of bacterial superinfection in severely ill COVID-19 patients has also been documented, with many requiring additional treatment for bacterial pneumonia or sepsis. In this context, early diagnosis, monitoring of inflammatory markers, and preventive antibiotic treatments for high-risk patients become essential to reduce the risk of ARF. Conclusions. COVID-19 infection may influence the onset of ARF, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance in patients with post-COVID-19 inflammatory symptoms. Early diagnosis, risk assessment, and interprofessional care are essential in managing ARF and preventing severe complications