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Objective of the study: to explore the impact of medical abortion on infections, stress, and the vaginal microbiota, providing essential insights into the associated risks and the need for comprehensive care. Materials and methods. A total of 120 patients were examined, divided into groups: 50 women who underwent medical abortion, 50 women underwent surgical abortion and 20 women with no abortions as the control group. Additionally, the women were categorized based on stress levels into high stress group (29 women), medium stress group (54 women), and low stress group (17 women). Bacteriological studies were conducted to assess the species composition and quantitative composition of the vaginal microbiota in women post-abortion and with varying levels of stress. Results. The study found significant alterations in the vaginal microbiota of women post-abortion, differentiated by the type of abortion and stress levels. Women who underwent medical abortions exhibited higher levels of S. epidermidis, including strains with hemolytic properties, compared to those who had surgical abortions. The concentration of S. epidermidis in the medical abortion group was significantly higher than in healthy women, suggesting a potential link between medical abortion and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Additionally, higher concentrations of E. coli, particularly hemolytic strains, were found in both abortion groups, with a slightly higher prevalence in the medical abortion group, highlighting an increased risk of post-abortion infections. The level of stress significantly affects the composition of the vaginal microbiota. Women experiencing high stress post-abortion showed a more pronounced dysbiosis compared to those with moderate or low stress levels. High-stress individuals had significantly elevated levels of pathogenic microorganisms, including S. aureus, S. agalactiae, and various Enterobacteriaceae, and a marked deficiency in protective Lactobacillus spp. The study also identified a higher incidence of mixed infections in high-stress women, often involving bacterial and viral pathogens such as G. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, and herpes simplex virus. Comparative analysis revealed that both types of abortion are associated with microbiota disruptions; however, medical abortions had a more substantial impact on certain pathogenic bacteria. For instance, the levels of Candida spp. were significantly higher in the medical abortion group compared to the surgical group, indicating a higher risk of fungal infections. Conversely, the concentration of Lactobacillus spp. was notably lower in women who underwent surgical abortions, suggesting a more severe impact on beneficial microbiota from surgical procedures. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing the vaginal microbiota in women post-abortion, particularly those undergoing medical abortions and those experiencing high stress levels. Prophylactic and therapeutic measures, including the use of probiotics, should be considered to mitigate the risk of infections and restore the balance of protective bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The subject of this review paper is to evaluate the underestimated hazard of multiple mycotoxin exposure of animals/humans for the appearance of foodborne ailments and diseases. The significance of joint mycotoxin interaction in the development of foodborne diseases is discussed, and appropriate conclusions are made. The importance of low feed/food levels of some target mycotoxins co-contaminations in food and feedstuffs for induction of target foodborne mycotoxicoses is also studied in the available literature. The appropriate hygiene control and the necessary risk assessment in regard to possible hazards for animals and humans are also discussed, and appropriate suggestions are made. Some internationally recognized prophylactic measures, management of the risk, and the necessity of elaboration of new international regulations in regard to the maximum permitted levels are also carefully discussed and analysed in the cases of multiple mycotoxin contaminations. The necessity of harmonization of mycotoxin regulations and control measures at international levels is also discussed in order to facilitate food trade between the countries and to ensure global food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health threat for humans and for non-human primates used for toxicology or research purposes. Emerging mycobacterial species represent a major challenge for diagnosis and surveillance programs. Here, we report a natural outbreak of Mycobacterium caprae in imported cynomolgus macaques ( Macaca fascicularis ) that occurred at AnaPath Research S.A.U. (APR). The macaques underwent repeated negative intradermal tuberculin tests (IDT) before importation and at the European quarantine station. Exhaustive TB screening was started at APR after confirmation of one positive case at another facility. The animal in question belonged to the same colony received at APR. Diagnostic approaches included clinical examination, PCR, culture, spoligotyping, IDT testing, interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), and thoracoabdominal ultrasound (US). Three regulatory toxicity studies and stock animals were affected. The macaques lacked clinical signs, except for one showing a fistulizing nodule in the right inguinal area, which tested positive for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by PCR. All animals were necropsied and 10 macaques (n=114) showed gross and histologic findings compatible with TB confirmed by PCR and culture. M. caprae was identified as the etiological agent by Direct Variable Repeat spacer oligonucleotide typing (DVR spoligotyping). The infection was traced to Asia via the SB1622 spoligotype involved, confirming that the animals were infected prior to their import into Europe. Tuberculin skin test (TST), IGRA, and US were only sensitive in detecting advanced cases of M. caprae infection. One staff member showed a positive TST reaction, which was handled in accordance with the Spanish government's health regulations. All the sanitary measures implemented were effective in eradicating the disease., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest for the coauthors from APR or APS, and the CRO wants to publish information on the scope of such a dangerous infection and how to deal with it. The co-authors of the Secció de Ramaderia i Sanitat Animal de Barcelona Catalunya and CReSA do not have a COI. R. Hartelust, CEO of the affected quarantine station, was interested in publishing data on the damage caused., (©2024 The Japanese Society of Toxicologic Pathology.)

The subject of this review paper is to evaluate the underestimated hazard of multiple mycotoxin exposure of animals/humans for the appearance of foodborne ailments and diseases. The significance of joint mycotoxin interaction in the development of foodborne diseases is discussed, and appropriate conclusions are made. The importance of low feed/food levels of some target mycotoxins co-contaminations in food and feedstuffs for induction of target foodborne mycotoxicoses is also studied in the available literature. The appropriate hygiene control and the necessary risk assessment in regard to possible hazards for animals and humans are also discussed, and appropriate suggestions are made. Some internationally recognized prophylactic measures, management of the risk, and the necessity of elaboration of new international regulations in regard to the maximum permitted levels are also carefully discussed and analysed in the cases of multiple mycotoxin contaminations. The necessity of harmonization of mycotoxin regulations and control measures at international levels is also discussed in order to facilitate food trade between the countries and to ensure global food safety.

Human-to-human transmission of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs most often when people are in the incubation stage of the disease or are carriers and have no symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 transmission on different levels showed that the cold and dry climate, hot wind and relative humid wind, maximum wind speed, turbulent wind, intensified recirculating flow were causing transmission higher than factors. The role of environmental factors described in Ayurveda like air, water, soil, season, frequent earthquakes, sunlight exposure, frequent thunderstorm with lightening, and factors from arthropods were revalidated in perspective of COVID-19 transmission. The authors searched the information regarding epidemic diseases in Ayurveda textbooks. Pubmed, Science Direct, Wikipedia, Elsevier, Lancet, and Springer were approached for the latest knowledge relating to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Google Scholar search engine was thoroughly checked upon for scientific evidence regarding the Ayurveda drugs. Various environmental factors like soil, air, water, frequent earthquake disasters, wildlife animals, aquatic birds, space, inevitable disastrous factors, weather or seasonal hazards, violent thunderstorm with lightning, intermediate hosts, sunlight exposure etc. were considered for their role in the genesis of the disease. The Ayurvedic concepts behind the etiology and development of epidemics are the same as modern epidemiological theories. The mysteries of many aspects of the current pandemic might be deciphered by traditional medicine knowledge and thus adding upon to the integrative medicine concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The goat milk industry has unquestionably grown in recent years due to the high demand for dairy products, which are considered nutritious and hypoallergenic. As a result, security measures are required in the production chain to provide consumers with safe products, although the concept of biosecurity is still incipient in Brazilian goat farming. Therefore, this study aimed to review the main biosecurity measures applied to dairy goat farms and suggest a program that contemplates these measures to promote animal health and welfare, given that biosecurity bolsters environmental sustainability and improves this agricultural sector. Biosecurity programs (BP) are composed of a set of measures and procedures aimed at herd health and applied in all stages of animal husbandry, interacting with different sectors that make up the production system and providing a set of policies and operational norms to protect herds against potentially pathogenic agents. Thus, BP require planning, execution, monitoring, audits, updates, understanding of the procedures, and awareness of those involved in the production chain. In addition, it includes continuing education programs and the development of contingency plans for specific emergencies. The information included in this study provides input to dairy goat farms to implement practices that improve the productivity of this agricultural sector.

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii protozoan. Toxoplasmosis is particularly dangerous for the foetus and any infection, regardless of the period of pregnancy, may cause disorders in the extra-fetal life. The paper assesses the knowledge of women about toxoplasmosis infection, basic definitions and prophylactic measures. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge of women about Toxoplasma gondii infection, as well as the basic preventive actions. Material and method: The study was conducted in the period from February to June 2016 by means of a diagnostic survey. 63 women aged 20 and over took part in the survey. The tool used in the study was a questionnaire. The most numerous group were the respondents aged 20-29 years and the least aged 40-49 years. The research results were developed in Microsoft Excel and Statistica 13.1. Results: The analysis of the collected data shows that women with higher and secondary education have the greatest knowledge of both defining and basic preventive measures. Conclusions: The level of women's knowledge about Toxoplasma gondii infections varies according to the education of the respondents. The knowledge about basic preventive measures that can significantly reduce the serious consequences of Toxoplasma gondii infections for the developing fetus should be disseminated.

This article aims at the reviewing current measures in prophylaxis and treatment of tetanus, well known neuroinfection, frequently met in farm animals and also in companion animals. Tetanus is a common neurologic disease, occurring as well in humans and characterized by spastic paralysis. It is caused by tetanus toxin, tetanospasmin, produced by Clostridium tetani, environmental, soil borne, anaerobic, Gram-positive, sporulating bacterium.Horses and humans appear to be the most susceptible of all mammals, whereas cattle, dogs, and cats are more resistant. The usual route of infection is a soil-contaminated injury, particularly deep, penetrating wounds, where necrotic tissues promote germination of spores, multiplication of anaerobic C. tetani and toxin production. The wound may be trivial, even unnoticed. The diagnosis of tetanus is mainly based on the typical clinical signs: jaw cramping, muscle spasm, painful muscle stiffness, seizures, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and also on ELISA testing for tetanospasmin. Identification of C. tetani at the portal of entry is often difficult. Prevention of tetanus depends on the regular immunization with tetanus toxoid. Treatment consists of wound care, medications to ease symptoms and supportive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elis descriptive research is aimed to assess the prophylactic measures used to deal with individuals with disabilities (IDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Arab countries. Eie United Nations Economic and Social Commission report for Western Asia (ESCWA, 2020) has been reviewed. Eie report included prophylactic measures employed to protect IDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in 15 Arab countries. Eie methodology of the research included using an analysis method to identify the nature and viability of the prophylactic measures used in Arab countries during the pandemic. Eie result showed that 65% of the prophylactic measures were governmental, and 35% were non-governmental. 55% of these measures dealt with all disability categories, 30% with hearing impairment, 10.83% with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and 4.17% with visual impairment. Saudi Arabia and Jordan were the two Arab countries that provided the most prophylactic measures to IDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study was to collate the lessons learned from application of differential approach to the areas with varying risk of infection while performing prophylactic measures in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Materials and methods. Archival epizootiological and epidemiological data of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Republican Center of Disinfection, Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Republic of Bashkortostan over the period of 2012–2017, as well as official statistics of the Rospotrebnadzor, including from Federal Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the data contained in the Form 1 of state statistics “Information on infection and parasitic diseases” were used for the analysis. Statistical processing of the data and results acquisition were carried out using standard software package of Microsoft Office and Statistica 8.0. Results and conclusions. It is established that in 2012–2017 due to selective concentration of preventive (anti-epidemic) activities in zones of high risk of HFRS contraction in Ufa city, significant decrement in HFRS morbidity rates was achieved. In order to deploy the stated tactics across the whole territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, factors and areas of risk of infection have been identified. It is determined that the total land area with high risk of infection amounts to 14096 square kilometers; i.e. 9.8 % of the whole area of the Republic of Bashkortostan. At that, in 2012–2017 4946 cases of HFRS infection were registered here, which is 50.5 % of the total morbidity rate in the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. It is substantiated that to stabilize the level of HFRS incidence it is necessary to provide three-fold (spring, summer, and autumn) running of disinfection activities (barrier, community deratization (disinfection)) in the territories of high risk of infection. Prophylactic measures must be aimed at protection of specific contingents falling under the high risk of HFRS contraction and be preventive in nature; i.e. be carried out prior to the periods of contact intensity and population density increase in the areas characterized by high risk of infection.

The people who had undergone or are undergoing glucocorticoid therapy present distinctive issues for dental surgeons. The people receiving the steroid therapy have their responses altered to infection and injury assuage. More importantly, the patients who are taking or have taken glucocorticoids have a possibility of suffering from acute-adrenal insufficiency when they are introduced to a stressful situation. When a patient with a history of glucocorticoid therapy is under treatment, actual details on the medical history must be obtained. The dentist must regulate the requirement for the ensuing preventive measures: a) Systemic antibiotic therapy, b) anxiety control, c) increased administration of glucocorticoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) causes clinical signs such as stranguria, pollakiuria, haematuria, vocalisation and periuria, and is often associated with recurring episodes. The primary objective of this study was to survey the long-term course of cats presenting with FLUTD in terms of recurrence rate and mortality. Methods: Data from cats that were presented with lower urinary tract signs from 2010 to 2013 were collected by telephone interview with cat owners, using a questionnaire. The observation period ranged from the first presentation due to FLUTD to the telephone interview or the cat's death. Data on diagnoses, recurrence of clinical signs and disease-free intervals, as well as implementation and impact of prophylactic measures (PMs), were collected and compared between groups with different aetiologies. Results: The study included 101 cats. Fifty-two cats were diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis, 21 with urolithiasis and 13 with bacterial urinary tract infection; 15 had no definitive diagnosis. Of the 86 cats with a known diagnosis, the recurrence rate was 58.1%, with no significant difference between groups. Twenty-one cats had one relapse, 12 had two relapses, 10 had three and seven had four to eight relapses within a median observation period of 38 months (range 0.5–138 months). Fourteen cats suffered from different causes of FLUTD at different episodes. Mortality due to FLUTD among all 101 cats was 5.0%. The recurrence rate in cats with urolithiasis receiving at least two PMs was significantly lower than the recurrence rate in those without PMs (P = 0.029). Conclusions and relevance: More than half of the cats with FLUTD presented with two or more recurrent episodes irrespective of the identified aetiology. Cats should be thoroughly investigated at each presentation as it cannot be presumed that the cause of FLUTD is the same at different episodes. The mortality due to FLUTD is lower than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study was to evaluate the state of parasitic systems and activity of the natural plague foci of the Russian Federation in 2016 and to develop epizootiological forecasting for 2017. In 2016 epizooties of plague were registered in the territory of the KoshAgach District of the Altai Republic and Mongun-Taiginsky, Ovyursky, and Tes-Khemsky Kozhuuns of the Republic of Tyva. The total area coverage was 1692.6 km2. Isolated were 87 strains of plague microbe, including the isolates from rodents and lagomorphs – 31, from fleas – 47, lice – 7, and Ixodidae ticks – 2. Verified has been epizootiological forecast for the year 2017, which shows that epidemiological situation will remain tense. In order to reduce the epidemic risks, comprehensive plans of preventive activities have been developed. In the territory of the other natural foci epizootic manifestations of plague are not expected to occur. Only in PreCaspian sandy focus, situated in the territory of Lagan and Chernozemelsky Regions of the Kalmyk Republic, probability of the singly infected animal findings during the autumn season, 2017 is retained.

Background: surgical site infections (SSIs) are microbial contamination of the surgical wound during a period of one month that could result in major post-operative morbidity and mortality rates. Objectives: this study aimed to identify the adhesion of surgeons to antibiotics prophylaxis guidelines at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: this study included 180 adult subjects who were scheduled to undergo major surgeries in the hospital. The data of the patients were collected from the surgical wards and day care unit. Results: most of the included surgeons showed no error during pre, intra and post operative duration as give the required antibiotics and didn't give the non-require antibiotics. The preoperative adherence of surgeons as most of the surgeons (73.9%) followed the prophylactic measures that included correct choice, indications, dosage and duration. Most of the surgeons (76.1%) followed the prophylactic measures including correct choice, indications, dosage and duration during intra-operative period. The majority of the surgeons (75%) followed the prophylactic measures including correct choice, indications, dosage and duration during post-surgical duration. Conclusion: The level of surgeon's adherence to antibiotic prophylactic guidelines was efficient among most of surgeons regarding the proper choice of antibiotic, duration, timing and indication. However, these results differ from other available studies, this study showed a good sign for application of antibiotic prophylactic measures in KSA hospitals. Further studies should be conducted to increase the knowledge and adherence of surgeons all over KSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study is to evaluate the state of parasitic systems and activity of natural plague foci of the Russian Federation in 2015 and to develop epizootiological forecast for 2016. In 2015, plague epizooties were detected in the territory of Gorno-Altaisk high-mountain, Tuva mountain, and Pre-Caspian sandy natural plague foci with a total area amounting to 1573.4 square kilometers. Isolated were 46 strains of plague microbe, including the isolates from rodents and leporines - 18, and from fleas - 28. Substantiated is epizootiological prognosis for sustaining challenging epidemiological situation in Gorno-Altaisk high-mountain and Tuva mountain natural foci in 2016. Demonstrated is the fact that consequently to effective prompt prophylactic measures (field deratization, disinsection) in 2015 decreased epizootic activity of Pre-Caspian sandy focus is observed. Specified is retention of low numbers of carriers and vectors of plague in natural foci of North and North-Western Caspian Sea Region, Pre-Caucasian, Caucasian, and Transbaikal Territories. Identified is upward trend for numbers of the little souslik in Pre-Caspian North-Western steppe, Volga-Ural steppe, Dagestan lowland-piedmont, and Pre-Caspian sandy natural plague foci.

Purpose: The risks deriving from the lack of compliance with universal safety precautions (USPs) are unequivocal. However, the adoption of these prophylactic precautions by healthcare providers remains unacceptably low. We hypothesized that trauma teams are not routinely adhering to USPs and that a brief educational intervention, followed by real-time peer feedback, would substantially improve compliance rates. Methods: This before-and-after interventional study took place in the resuscitation bay of a Level I Trauma Center during trauma team activations. Six USPs were examined: hand washing (before and after patient contact), use of gloves, gowns, eye protection, and masks. Surgery and Emergency Medicine attending physicians, residents, and nurses, who had direct patient contact, were included. Following 162 baseline observations, an educational intervention in the form of brief lectures was conducted, emphasizing the danger to self from dereliction of USPs. Subsequently, 167 post-intervention observations were made after a one-month period of knowledge decay. Finally, real-time feedback was provided by trauma team leaders and study staff. Adherence to prophylactic measures was recorded again. Results: Baseline compliance rates were dismal. Only hand washing prior to patient interaction, the use of eye protection, and the use of masks improved significantly ( p < 0.05) after the educational initiative. However, compliance rates remained suboptimal. No difference was noted regarding the three other USPs. Impressively, following real-time behavioral corrections, compliance improved to nearly 90 % for all USPs ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Compliance with OSHA-required USPs during trauma team activations is unacceptably low, but can be dramatically improved through simple educational interventions, combined with real-time peer feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition seen by the dermatologists. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit characterized by seborrhea, comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and in some cases scars and keloids, which persist for rest of the life. Objectives: the present work aimed at evaluating the level of awareness, Attitude And Practice toward acne vulgaris in Jeddah city. Methods: a cross sectional analytical questionnaire based study was carried out among the general population in Jeddah city. This study started in the year (2016) and composed of 461 subjects. The mean age of citizens was 28,82. To assess citizens' demographic factors and beliefs about acne vulgaris, consenting citizens completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The sample is consisted of 65,8% women and 34,2% men. Among the respondents 7,7% reported suffering from acne vulgaris and 13,6% confirmed having a history of acne vulgaris illness in their family. The results of the study showed that 153 (34,8%) subjects had weak knowledge related to the disease, 260 (59,1%) subjects had average level of knowledge while only 27 (6,1%) subjects had good knowledge regarding acne vulgaris. There was a statistical significant association between gender, educational level and the level of awareness about acne vulgaris. Conclusion: acne vulgaris is a disease that is potentially controllable but that cannot be cured. Education still be important overall the treatment of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the main infectious pathogens potentially transmissible to health care professionals during Dentistry and Odonto-Stomatological procedures is carried out, with particular attention focused on parenteral exposure in the dental, stomatological, and surgical environment. Epidemiological issues and specific risk factors are treated systematically based on available literature sources, together with all available, recommended chemo-prophylactic and immune-prophylactic strategies, as updated by the state of the art in this field.

Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is the most common condition seen among people who are travelling, especially from developed to developing countries, its prevalence reaching almost 70%. Even though, in most cases, TD is a non-aggressive, self-limited disease and there are effective treatment methods available, prevention measures are worth being taken, because, by controlling the risk of infection and its post-infectious complications, the traveler's health would not be affected either during the trip, or after. TD prevention consists in three main types of measures, often requiring a combination of all of them adjusted to the destination and traveler's risk factors: education on food and beverage safety/hygiene, chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis. Because bacterial infection is the most frequent cause of TD (up to 90%), it becomes rationale, not only for curative, but for prophylactic purposes too, the usage of a non-absorbable bactericide wide spectrum antibiotic like Rifaximin-α which also has a low rate of resistance patterns. Due to its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics advantages along with its favorable results from several clinical trials, Rifaximin-α is now probably the best and safest prophylactic (but curative, too) option in case of TD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary medicine is considered one of the most vulnerable professions to human health damage as a result of occupational accidents and diseases related to animals, being zoonotic diseases the primary occupational hazard faced by the veterinary staff daily. This study was conducted in the city of Pasto, in eight clinics and veterinary offices with the purpose of determining the biosecurity measures implemented during the provision of professional services. The collection of data was done using surveys to determine the protective measures used by veterinarians in their professional practice to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. The results obtained from the study show that 87.5% of the professionals are unaware of the scope of law 776 of 2002 on occupational accidents and diseases. Zoonotic diseases mainly known by veterinaries are rabies (100%) and brucellosis (87.5%). The 87.5% of the professionals surveyed are prophylactically vaccinated against tetanus and only 25% against rabies. A 37% of professionals have been affected by any zoonotic disease at the time of their professional practice. The primary preventive measures implemented are handwashing and deposit of sharp pointed material into suitable containers. The use of protective barriers varies depending on the method and type of patient. In conclusion, professionals surveyed dedicated to clinical and surgery of small species in Pasto know the risks they are exposed to in their professional practice and the need to implement prophylactic measures, but they do not have a biosafety scheme to follow strictly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials of the study of sociopsychological factors contributing to the development of occupational stresses are presented. The data show a relationship between the level of work motivation and its physiological cost. Characteristics of stress formation determined by psychoemotional strain related to nonphysical jobs of varying intensities have been determined, and the issue of biological age has been investigated. A faster aging of employees working under emotional loads (direct or indirect responsibility for the safety of other persons) has been found. The study allows some prospective areas for prevention of occupational stress to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: An epidemic situation on human immunodeficiency virus infection can be stopped and even compelled to step back, if adequate and comprehensive prophylactic measures are performed in the proper time. Methods: Prophylactic measures should be, directed on those groups, who are at high risk for becoming infected or who are carriers of HIV as the top priority. The epidemic situation in HIV infection in the northwestern region of Russia has been analyzed. The ways of the spread of HIV infection among the infected persons, residents of the St. Petersburg region, Kaliningrad, Novgorod, and Murmansk, have been studied. The infection is transmitted mainly through sexual contacts, both homosexual and heterosexual. High migration activity of HIV-infected persons, homo- and heterosexuals, has been established and a great number of unknown (casual) sexual contacts among them noted. Results: The results of these observations may be useful in the prognostication of the epidemic situation in HIV infection not only in the northwestern region, but also beyond its boundaries, and later in the optimization of screening. Conclusions: The pandemic of HIV infection causes enormous economic damage, destabilizes the socio-political situation in many countries of the world, and hinders the achievement of aims for the development of millennium, both in the area of health protection and in other spheres. In Novgorod region an epidemic situation on HIV infection is estimated as one of most strained one. The basic indexes and tempos of their growth in a region are higher in relation to average federal data. But it can be stopped and even compelled to step back. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injuries with sharp, potentially infected objects represent a danger, particularly due to the possibility of viral transmission, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus, and consequentially, the possibility of infections with these viruses. The possibility of a tetanus infection should always be excluded as well. In percutaneous exposure of patient’s blood to hepatitis B the possibility of infection ranges between 5–30%, while in exposure to hepatitis C it is 3–10% and in exposure to human immunodeficiency virus this rate is 0.3% (in exposure of mucous membranes 0.09%).Methods: The prospective investigation carried out in the period from 1997 to July 2004 was aimed at establishing the frequency and type of incidents as well as the categories of the affected health care workers along with the procedures and types of sharp objects involved in those incidents. A protocol with 20 incident-related questions was prepared. Post-exposure prophylaxis (immunoprophylaxis) against hepatitis B (specific anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin and/or anti-hepatitis B virus vaccine) and against human immunodeficiency virus infection (chemoprophylaxis) was carried out by infectologists according to state-of-the-art doctrine. Considering the possibility of infection with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus, the injured persons were subjected to a clinical, laboratory and serological follow up for at least 6 months or more following the incident. Exactly the same follow-up approach after injury was used also in the rest of the injured persons from Celje region. In co-operation with the Commission for Control of Nosocomial Infections, the infectologists prepared written guidelines regarding the post-exposure prophylaxis for health care workers in hospitals with the risk for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus transmission, and also participated in the implementation of immunoprophylaxis program against hepatitis B infection.Results: In the seven-year study period, there were 373 cases of percutaneous injuries with sharp objects and exposures of open wounds or eye mucosa to the blood or visibly hemorrhageous body fluids treated in 116 men and 257 women at a mean age of 36 years. The majority of incidents occurred in medical nurses and technicians (181), which were followed by orderlies and cleaning service staff (43), physicians (41) and other personnel (11). In 97 cases the incident occurred outside the hospital setting, to persons who were not employed in health care. In the majority of cases, i. e. in 255 instances (68.4%), the injury was caused by piercing with a hollow needle. The source of possible infectious substance was identified in 225 (60.3%) cases. The source of infection was found in hepatitis B virus carriers in 26 cases, in anti-hepatitis B virus antibody carriers in 4 and in human immunodeficiency virus carriers in 3 cases. At the time of incident, a sufficient quantity of protective antiHBs antibodies (≥ 10 ml U/ml) was established in 183 (49.1%) of the injured persons, mostly health care workers of the General Hospital Celje, due to previous immunoprophylaxis. Following the incident, the majority of the injured, i. e. 194 (52.0%) persons, received at least one revitalizing dose of vaccine against hepatitis B while 68 (18.2%) persons also received a passive prophylaxis with specific anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin; a 4-week chemoprophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus was required in 2 persons. In the course of 6-month follow up, none of the injured persons showed evidence of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus in the blood nor the presence of seroconversion; the 32 persons injured in 2004 are still being followed up.Conclusions: In health care institutions, the incidence of injuries with sharp objects can be reduced by ensuring a safe working environment, safe medical-technical equipment, organization of continuous education and training in the use of different techniques (workshops), as well as by appropriate use of sealed containers for sharp object collecting. The staff should be currently informed about the Commission for Control of Nosocomial Infections guidelines regarding the measures to be taken in the case of an incident, and, after having received a first aid intervention, should have the possibility of reporting as fast as possible (within 2–3 hours) to the infectological service for possible immuno- or chemoprophylaxis. In the future, it will be necessary to ensure an even wider vaccination of health care workers against hepatitis B, take care of an accurate registration of all incidents, and enable expert data analyses along with a permanent care for further improvement of the situation.

Copyright of Der Internist is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Reasons are advanced for believing that migraine and tension-type headaches are a continuum and that whether migraine or tension-type headache develops at any particular time is dependent on the relative vascular nociceptive, myofascial nociceptive and supraspinal (emotional) inputs that converge on and are integrated by the subnucleus caudalis (medullary dorsal horn). The prophylaxis of both these two types of headache involves reducing each of these various inputs and therefore a polytherapeutic approach is essential. The measures required include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and acupuncture. The aetiology and treatment of primary myofascial trigger point cephalaigia is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]