Analysis of fungal air pollution using different samplers

The aim of this study was the analysis of fungal air pollution in different rooms using different the air samplers. Air for mycological studies was collected from various hospital rooms. To monitor fungal air pollution were used samplers: SAS SUPER 100 (pbi-international), MAS 100 (Merck) and AIR IDEAL (BioMerieux). We found differences in CFU/L values in depending on hospital room and the air sampler type. The CFU/L values of air samples taken by the AIR IDEAL ranged from 350 to 850 and (724.2 ± 159.9), and the CFU/L values of air samples taken by the sampler SAS SUPER 100 ranged from 160 to 800 (455.3 ± 250.73). The CFU/L values of air samples taken by the MAS 100 sampler varied from 50 to 1340 (302.5±56.6) From the air samples of both samplers was incubated 6 genera/species of fungi. Candia albicans fungi species and genus Penicillium species were most frequently isolated from SAS Super 100 sampler, and Penicillium species from the AIR IDEAL sampler. From the air samples of MAS 100 was isolated 11 types/species of fungi and in air samples of SAS Super 100 was isolated 7 types/species. Significant differences of CFU/L values in the tested rooms were found in depending on the used sampler. Mycological analysis of the obtained cultures from air samples suggests that there is not same isolation of fungi using the different samplers

The Application of PCR and STR DNA Profiling for the Identification of Haematoxylin Eosin Histological Slides in a Case of Sample Mix-Up Involving Synonymous Patients

A good laboratory practice ensures that biopsy material is correctly identified and associated with a given patient. Nevertheless, there are cases where the proof of origin of a tissue sample may be questioned. In this case study we have identified the source of cervical cancer glass slide sections stained with H/E, (hematoxylin eosin), after the request of a patient of Northern Greek origin who suspected sample mix-up when she coincidentally found out that a synonymous patient was examined for cervical cancer at the same time period in the same hospital in Greece. The patient was prepared to legally challenge the administrators of the downstream chemotherapeutic regimen. A combination of organic gradient clean up and silica membrane method was used for DNA isolation. Powerplex-16® system (Promega U.S.A) was used to generate complete DNA profiles from histological slides and the reference blood sample collected from the patient. Histochemical slides often yield inadequate STR profiles for successful DNA typing. Complete profiling in this case could be attributed to the adequate removal of stain and fixatives inhibitors and the isolation of good quality DNA for PCR or STR, protocols. Matching of histochemical slide DNA with patient blood DNA prevented legal action

Satisfaction with nursing care provided to patients who have undergone surgery for neoplastic disease

Purpose: To investigate satisfaction of cancer patients, who have undergone cancer surgery, with nursing care and the association of patient satisfaction with demographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 181 patients with cancer who have undergone surgery and were hospitalized in clinics of University General Hospital of Greece. The instrument used in the study was the «Measurement of patient satisfaction scale» (MPSS). The model of multiple linear regression was used with the method of backward stepwise linear regression. Results: The results of the study showed that patients were overall satisfied with nursing care. The areas they were less satisfied were «Resting time», «Information», «Education», «Personal preferences» and «opportunities for participation in care». The patient satisfaction had a statistically significant association with the following characteristics of the patients: (a) patient education, less educated patients showed higher levels of satisfaction (p<0.001) and (b) the hospitalization at the chemotherapy clinic, patients hospitalized at chemotherapy clinic showed higher levels of satisfaction than patients hospitalized in the other two clinics (p=0.002). Also, there was a statistically significant association between the patients education level and the item «I wish nurses have knowledge about alternative methods of dealing with some disease symptoms» (r=-0.22, p=0.003). Conclusions: The training of the nursing staff that work in clinics where patients with cancer are hospitalized, is necessary not only at a scientific level but also at a communication level. The satisfaction of surgical patients with cancer should be continually evaluated in order to assess patients’ needs, to improve poor or problematic aspects of care and to manage patients’ personalized and expressed needs

Side effects from the use of azathioprine in Crohn's disease: A systematic review

Introduction: Crohn's disease is a chronic, relapsing and inflammatory condition. Azathioprine (AZA) is an immunosuppressive drug used for maintenance of the disease remission. However, the side effects this drug causes to patients, makes it questionable, as to its safety, for health. Purpose: To determine the type and severity of side effects caused by AZA treatment in Crohn's disease. Materials and methods: Through systematic review of literature, 85 studies were found, 10 of which were selected. The selection criteria were: a) articles, which were primary studies, reviews or meta-analyzes, b) available in full text, c) written in English and d) finally articles, referring to humans. Results: Studies show that AZA, is drug of choice, for treating Crohn's disease. However, side effects from its use are numerous and increasing in severity. According to the survey results, people who used this drug, developed at some point in their treatment, side effects such as hepatotoxicity, myelotoxicity, acute pancreatitis (p<0.001), gastrointestinal intolerance, general hardship, blood disorders, fever wave, itching and arthralgia. Conclusions: Recommendations from these studies show that side effects immerge from almost all systems in the patient's body, but it is not proven if all of them have to do exclusively with the drug or the disease’s nature. As AZA holds a prominent role in disease’s treatment, the use of more thorough controls is recommended for simultaneous treatment of side effects

Multimorbidity and unmet citizens’ needs and expectations urge for reforms in the health system of Cyprus: A questionnaire survey

Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Cyprus and the extent to which citizens are satisfied with the currently provided healthcare and to provide recommendations on the basis of findings. Design: A nationally based survey conducted through personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire designed for this survey. Setting: Cyprus rural and urban areas (excluding Turkish occupied areas). Participants: Four hundred and sixty-five Cypriot adults, average age 53 years. Main outcome measures: Lifetime prevalence of selfreported non-communicable diseases. Results: This study demonstrated initial evidence for a high prevalence of non-age specific multimorbidity among Cypriots and dissatisfaction with their doctors, especially for the time allocated to discuss their general state of health. Recommendations focus on a new cost-effective, person-centred model of healthcare. The model prioritizes prevention rather than treatment, targeting the determinants of complexity before their influences create conditions that demand high-cost interventions, and it is based on three fundamental principles: (1) tackling health as a political issue, (2) empowering the patient and (3) introducing Applied Nutrition in the system. Conclusions: This study threw light into the issue of patient complexity and revealed unmet people’s needs and expectations for a more person-centred care, providing a first challenge to the single disease-based system of healthcare in Cyprus. The findings of the study may have important implications for government policies and highlight the need for more research in this area to inform policy makers, particularly in view of the fact that a new Health System is currently being designed. © 2013 The Author(s)

Frequency of Operative Trauma to Anal Sphincters:Evaluation With Endoanal Ultrasound

Sphincter trauma after anorectal surgery is usually asymptomatic. Frequency of trauma cannot be established with the clinical examination only. The frequency of operative sphincter defects and their correlation with disorders of continence was evaluated with the endoanal ultrasound. This study includes 123 subjects who had undergone anorectal surgery in the past and were examined with endoanal ultrasound for various indications such as continence disorders, recurrent fistula, idiopathic perineal pain, or simple postoperative follow-up. No subjects had isolated external anal sphincter defects. Nineteen of 123 patients (15%) had minor or major continence disorders, 55 patients (45%) had no sphincter defects, 42 (34%) had only internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects, and 26 (21%) had simultaneously external and internal anal sphincter (EAS) defects. The incidence of IAS and EAS trauma after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy was 1/18 (5.5%) and 0/18 respectively; after fistula repair, 24/42 (57%) and 12/42 (29%); and after anal dilatation, 13/17 (76%) and 4/17 (24%). Sixteen of 26 patients (62%) with EAS trauma and 51/68 patients (75%) with IAS trauma did not report any disorders of continence. In patients with two or more operations, the frequency of IAS trauma was 74%, 30% for EAS trauma, and 26% for continence disorders. © 2002 Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins, Inc

Indoor air studies of fungi contamination in two kindergartens in Kavala, Greece

Introduction: Fungi and moulds are biological hazards that are ubiquitous both in the communal and occupational environments. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of airborne fungi in two kindergartens in Kavala, Greece. Materials and methods: Materials for the tests were: the air samples (in front of the buildings and the selected rooms) of the two kindergartens. The first Kavala kindergarten was located atop a hill and the second in the city center. The air pollution was determined using SAS SUPER 100. Results: The mean number of fungal colonies isolated from air of the kindergarten rooms in the city center was 478.3±148.4 CFU/m3. The mean number of fungal colonies isolated from air of the kindergarten on the hill was 343.6±188.8 CFU/m3. Aspergillus niger was most frequently isolated in air samples from the kindergarten rooms in the city center, while Penicillium species predominated the kindergarten rooms on the hill. CFU values in the air samples outside the kindergartens were higher in the center than on the hill of Kavala. CFU values of the examined air samples are varied. In the kindergarten rooms in the center of Kavala the most frequently isolated species was Aspergillus niger, and in the kindergarten on the hill it was Penicillium species. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated considerable numbers of fungi in the air in two kindergartens in Kavala, Greece

Somebody else&apos;s heart inside me: A descriptive study of psychological problems after a heart transplantation

This study describes the psychological problems of heart transplant recipients. Using a qualitative research approach, interviews were conducted with 42 patients (35 men and 7 women). Analysis of the data revealed concerns about the donor&apos;s heart and how receiving somebody else&apos;s heart might affect the recipient&apos;s own personality; feelings of guilt for the donor&apos;s death and feelings of gratitude towards the donor&apos;s family; and concerns about the recipient&apos;s own heart. These findings provide health care professionals with pointers that may aid improved information provision and maximise the use of existing coping strategies. Copyright © Taylor &amp; Francis Inc

Validation of a Greek version of the Trust in Physician Scale

Introduction: A sick person who trusts his or her physician feels safer and more easily complies with the physician’s recommendations. Purpose: To validate to validate a Greek-language version of the Trust in Physician Scale (TPS) for Greek patients. Materials and Methods: The validation of a Greek-language version of the TPS was performed with a group of 251 patients at Kavala Hospital in Kavala, Greece. Validation consisted of the translation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Greek TPS and its application among Greek-speaking patients. Results: The internal consistency of the Greek TPS was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.895). The highest mean scores were for the items “I trust my doctor very much, and I always try to follow his or her advice” (M = 3.63 ± 0.91), “If my doctor tells me that something is true, then it must be true” (M = 3.55 ± 0.89), “I trust my doctor’s judgment of my medical care” (M = 3.44 ± 0.86), and “My doctor is usually considerate of my needs and puts them first” (M= 3.41 ± 0.88). Conclusions: The Greek-language version of The Trust in Physician Scale fulfills all of the criteria of psychometric and functional validation with the original scale

Rescue medical activities among sea migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean region: lessons to be learned from the 2014–2020 period

Background: Since 2014, the number of migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean towards Europe has risen significantly due to various reasons. Both state agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have launched rescue missions in the Central Mediterranean in accordance with international legal obligations for search and rescue (SAR) operations for those under distress at sea. Our aim is to summarise the specific qualifications needed for maritime SAR in the Mediterranean both in terms of the population at risk, the equipment and the medical support required, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the operational legal framework. Materials and methods: This article aims to summarise the key points of SAR efforts from a medical perspective as depicted in the relevant literature during a specific timeline period (2014–2020) in a specific part of the Mediterranean Sea (Central Mediterranean route). Only papers published in English and whose full text was available were included in this study. The inclusion criteria were: a) articles referring to sea rescue operations between 2014 and 2020, b) research that focused on medical preparedness and assistance during rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean route, c) studies concerning demographic and clinical features of the rescue population, d) guidelines on the rule of conduct of persons and states participating in rescue activities. The exclusion criteria were: a) studies describing SAR operations in different regions of the world and b) studies focusing on routes, demographics and medical support of migrants/refugees on land. Results: Three major themes were identified: a) characteristics of the population in distress at sea: country of origin, age groups, presence of communicable and non-communicable diseases were identified in the relevant literature. Our research shows that dermatological and respiratory issues were the major concerns among sea migrants, coming from different countries of both Africa and Asia, being relatively young and mostly males; b) medical preparedness and equipment needed for rescue: according to current guidelines, revised during the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure needed during SAR operations includes both equipment for resuscitation, personal protective equipment, deck adjustments, medical personnel trained to function in an austere setting and able to handle vulnerable patient groups such as children and pregnant women; c) medico-legal implications of SAR operations: knowledge of the legal framework encompassing SAR operations seems necessary, as European Union and state led initiatives seem to withdraw from proactive SAR, while criminalising NGO led rescue efforts. Operating with the imperative to save lives seems to be the only way of respecting international law and human values, thus, a summary of what the law dictates was made in an effort to keep medical workers participating in such operations updated. Conclusions: Investigation aims to shed light on the special clinical features of sea migrants, the skills, equipment and organizational structure needed by medical workers participating in SAR operations as well as the legal framework under which they will be asked to operate. Special consideration will be given to the difficulties that emerged due to the COVD-19 pandemic. © 2021. PSMTTM