Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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The aim of this article is to give an overview over the associations between self-harm and eating disorders, and to present theoretical models to interpret such associations. Common phenomenological characteristics between these conditions are emphasized. ⋯ Self-harm and eating disorder represent disturbed regulation of affects, and both practices can be interpreted as attempts of active coping.
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Calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein found in neutrophils. Increased levels are found in stools after mucosal damage due to inflammation, which causes influx of neutrophils into the gut lumen. ⋯ Correct use of the test can therefore contribute to reducing the number of unnecessary colonoscopies, which is especially important in children. Faecal calprotectin is a simple test and an objective parameter of inflammatory disease activity which is useful for assessment of disease course and monitoring of response to medical treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
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The aim of this paper is to assess the substance pregabaline's potential for abuse. Little information is available on the subject and that retrieved is in part conflicting. Pregabaline is likely to be abused for its positive psychological effects, e.g. euphoria. ⋯ Pregabaline is therefore likely to have a lower potential for abuse than benzodiazepines. In clinical studies, symptoms suggestive of physical dependence (e.g. insomnia, nausea, headache, diarrhoea) have been observed in some patients after abrupt discontinuation of pregabaline. However, available documentation indicates that pregabaline is associated with less physical and psychological dependence than benzodiazepines.
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Staphylococcus aureus rarely cause severe infections in otherwise healthy individuals, but is an important pathogen in settings where people susceptible to infectious diseases are gathered. Morbidity and mortality has increased more for MRSA infections than for those caused by sensitive background. Staphylococcus aureus rarely cause severe infections in otherwise healthy individuals, but is an important pathogen in settings where people susceptible to infectious diseases are gathered. Morbidity and mortality has increased more for MRSA infections than for those caused by sensitive S.AUREUS:. An increasing incidence of MRSA may necessitate changing the guidelines for empirical treatment of staphylococcal infections, which will in turn increase the costs of treatment and further accelerate the evolution of bacterial resistance. ⋯ The incidence of MRSA is low in the Nordic countries, but increasing. Few severe MRSA infections have been notified in Norway so far, but the number of severe infections will increase in line with the increasing incidence. The incidence of MRSA is decisive for choice of strategy. The Netherlands and the Nordic countries have a search and destroy strategy towards MRSA, but with some differences in the choice of measures and target groups. In the draft of a new Norwegian MRSA guideline it is suggested to have a search and destroy strategy in hospitals, while the measures outside health care institutions are targeted towards people with the highest risk of transmitting the bacteria to hospitals or nursing homes.
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While bacterial infections are one of the most important causes of disease and death in developing countries, the prevalence and consequences of antimicrobial resistance are not well known. ⋯ Developing countries have a much higher overall burden of infectious diseases than the rich western countries and also poor access to newer antibiotics, which can be lifesaving when treating infections caused by resistant bacteria. To combat overuse and misuse of antibiotics, the diagnosis of infectious diseases must be strengthened and antimicrobial resistance must be emphasized in education of health professionals and the general public. There is a need for improved surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and strengthened quality control of antimicrobial drugs. In the long-term perspective, poverty reduction, improved living conditions and hygiene, safe water supplies and access to quality health care (including vaccination and HIV care), may contribute to prevent emerging antimicrobial resistance.