Varna Medical University Press: Journals
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Cross-infection control in dental laboratories: an overview
In the field of dentistry, cross-infection control is an integral aspect of professional dental healthcare practice. Increasing number researchers are focusing their interest on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of dental technicians related to cross-infection control in dental laboratories, as defining good dental practice and patient and professional safety.The aim of this study is to review the publications on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to cross-infections control in dental laboratories, to establish their geographical and time range, preferred design and the instruments used.Material and methods: A search for scientific research has been conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Research gate, Google scholar in May 2023. Keywords used included: dental laboratory, cross-infection control, dental technicians, knowledge, attitudes, practices. A search period has been set as January 2000 to May 2023.Results: As a result of the pre-established criteria, the literature overview includes 28 publications presenting cross-sectional studies from 19 countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Information on the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to infection control in dental laboratories was gathered through questionnaires. The size of the investigated samples varies: at the individual level - from 11 to 200 working dental technicians, from 48 to 193 dental doctors, from 15 to 400 owners / directors of dental laboratories, and at the group level - from 20 to 96 dental laboratories.Conclusion: The quality of studies of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of dental technicians related to cross-infection control in dental laboratories can be improved by covering larger samples and using standardized tools
The puzzle of clinical coding. Overview and options
Clinical coding is a key element in modern medical services, representing a puzzle that accurately places medical information in the right place. This includes standardized codes and terminologies that allow unambiguous and systematic representation of medical data. The clinical coding puzzle has several aspects, including diagnoses, procedures, medications, and other aspects in medical practice. Accurate and comprehensive coding ensures quality and interoperable medical information, which supports decision making and optimal delivery of medical services. But this puzzle also poses challenges such as complexity of systems, different standards, and the need to train medical professionals. In the deployment of clinical coding, ongoing work to improve standards, training, and the use of automation technologies will aid in achieving the full potential of this important element in the health information system
Comprehensive Review of Assessment Tools for Nutrition and Feeding Practices in Early Childhood: Applications, Strengths, and Limitations
This narrative review provides a significant contribution to the field of developmental disabilities by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the prevalence and patterns of malnutrition in individuals with cerebral palsy. The findings from this study shed light on the high prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors, such as motor impairment severity, functional limitations, feeding difficulties, and socio-demographic factors. By synthesizing the existing literature from global studies, this manuscript enhances our understanding of the complex relationship between malnutrition and cerebral palsy, providing valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. The comprehensive nature of this review, encompassing various continents and countries, helps to identify regional variations in malnutrition prevalence and highlights the need for targeted interventions and tailored nutritional care strategies for individuals with cerebral palsy worldwide
Assessing the Effectiveness of qSOFA and SIRS Scoring Systems:t a Single-Center
In the context of post-2016 redefinitions of sepsis and septic shock, this prospective, non-interventional single-center clinical trial was carried out at St. Marina University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria. The study encompassed 87 participants, approximately 45 of whom presented with sepsis and septic shock. Employing logistic regression, the study aimed to assess the predictive value of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) criteria in sepsis. Additionally, sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using ROC curve analysis. The findings revealed the substantial predictive potential of both SIRS and qSOFA for septic patient mortality. Notably, the qSOFA score exhibited a significantly higher likelihood (2.581 times, p = 0.0001, 95% CI 1.557 - 4.279) of predicting mortality compared to the SIRS scale (2.050-fold, p = 0.004, 95% CI 1.255 - 3.349). The study contributes to guiding the enhancement of patient care strategies, effortlessly aligning with the core tenets of evidence-based nursing practices
Unveiling Respiratory Challenges in Cerebral Palsy: A Comprehensive Review
Respiratory issues pose significant challenges for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), often leading to high morbidity and mortal-ity rates. This review focuses on the complex factors influencing the respiratory health of CP patients. Recurrent lung infections are a leading cause of CP-related complications, underlining the importance of optimizing airway health to enhance quality of life and life expectancy. The diagnosis of respiratory diseases in CP patients can be challenging due to atypical symptoms, indirect communication, limited investigations, and accessibility to medical examinations. Common risk factors for lung infec-tions include recurrent aspiration, compromised airway clearance, and spinal or chest wall deformities. Additionally, nutritional status significantly impacts outcomes, with malnutrition prevalent among CP patients and influencing both respiratory health and overall well-being. An interdisciplinary approach is crucial to managing these multifaceted issues, necessitating the col-laboration of specialists and interventions targeting various aspects of CP-related respiratory problems. This review emphasizes the significance of early identification, comprehensive evaluation, and tailored interventions to improve the respiratory health of individuals with CP
Macrophage activation syndrome after COVID-19 infection in a patient with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Macrophage activation syndrome is a serious, potentially fatal complication of the systemic form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It shares some common characteristics with the multisystem inflammatory disease in children, which is a late complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.We present an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis who has been diagnosed with macrophage activation syndrome soon after recovering from COVID-19 infection. The patient has developed pronounced thrombotic microangiopathy, a severe complication marked by significant drop in platelets, anaemia combined with low levels of haptoglobin, presence of schistocytes in blood smear, and new onset gross haematuria
Anti-VEGF therapy and retinopathy of prematurity
Introduction:Nowadays, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is widely used as first-line therapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with very good therapeutic and visual results.Aim:The aim of the present study is to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes between different anti-VEGF drugs.Materials and Methods:For the period January 2005–April 2023, in the available database (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus), a systematic analysis of scientific publications examining the impact of anti-VEGF drugs on ROP was conducted.Results:Anti-VEGF drugs inhibit the second phase of pathogenesis of ROP, which is characterised by excessive production of VEGFs. In the last 15 years, many clinical trials comparing the efficacy of different concentraionts of the drugs, safety, ocular and systemic outcomes have been conducted.Conclusion:There are several advantages of anti-VEGF therapy, such as easier application, earlier regression of ROP, peripheral vascularisation of the retina, and lower risk of myopia