Latest Articles
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Psychogenic hearing loss is often neglected in the differential diagnosis of hearing disorders. In a difficult diagnostic process and treatment of psychogenic hearing loss disorder, the close cooperation of the audiologist, psychologist, patient, and his family is required. The study aimed to improve the knowledge and understanding of psychogenic hearing loss, establish a differential diagnosis in audiological tests in children, determine diagnostic procedures and finally apply adequate therapeutic procedures. The professional knowledge presented in the study will enable adaptation of reliable information which can be transferred to young patients and their families to let them recognize their problems. ⋯ Family and personality problems cause unresolved difficulties in children and can lead to psychogenic deafness. Constant interest demonstrated by a guardian not only when the child is causing troubles or is complaining of disease is the key to avoiding developing psychosomatic disorders such as psychogenic hearing loss.
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Observational Study
Vancomycin wound penetration in open-heart surgery patients receiving negative pressure wound therapy for deep sternal wound infection.
It is hypothesized that systemically administered antibiotics penetrate wound sites more effectively during negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). However, there is a lack of clinical data from patients who receive NPWT for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after open-heart surgery. Here, we evaluated vancomycin penetration into exudate in this patient group. ⋯ Vancomycin effectively penetrates wound exudate in patients receiving NPWT for DSWI after open-heart surgery.The protocol for this study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on July 16, 2024 (NCT06506032).
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The Republic of Srpska (RS), as a part of the Western Balkans (WB) region, has a higher diabetes prevalence than the EU. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of early treatment of high-risk patients with pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes in our setting. We designed a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) model which reflects the current International Diabetes Federation (IDF) three-step plan for the prevention of T2DM in those at increased risk. ⋯ In high-risk IGT patients, ICER was the most favorable, being both a cost saving and QALY gaining, with the consistent results confirmed by the sensitivity analysis. The results recommend the acceptance of a new health policy of identifying IGT patients with the use of FINDRISC questionnaire and plasma glucose measurements; providing them with a lifestyle change program; and implementing intensive diabetes treatment, as their disease progresses. Our results are especially significant for the Western Balkan countries, since this was the first cost-effectiveness study of T2DM prevention in this region.
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Observational Study
Global burden and trends of the Clostridioides difficile infection-associated diseases from 1990 to 2021: an observational trend study.
This study was aimed to explore the global burden and trends of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) associated diseases. ⋯ The global burden of CDI has significantly increased, particularly in regions with high SDI and among individuals aged 70 years and above. During the COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2021, the burden of CDI further increased in regions with low, low-middle, and middle SDI. These findings underscore the need for increased attention and intervention, especially in specific countries and populations.
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Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and decreased sleep quality. Although these are not diagnostic criteria, they may increase dependence risk and complicate treatment. This study aims to analyze comorbidities and their complex relationships in AUD patients through epidemiological surveys and network analysis. ⋯ Among the comorbid symptoms of AUD, sleep latency appears to be a key factor in triggering other comorbid symptoms. This study provides a basis for interventions aimed at reducing the comorbid symptoms of AUD and promoting recovery.