Assessing quality of life and depression in non-metastatic breast cancer patients following surgical treatment: A cross-sectional study in Lebanon.

Breast cancer is a global health concern that significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of individuals. This study aims to comprehensively examine the interplay between QOL and depression among nonmetastatic breast cancer patients in Lebanon, a region with limited research in this context. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hammoud Hospital-University Medical Center from January 2018 to January 2023. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed as Google Forms via WhatsApp. A total of 193 patients had non-metastatic breast cancer. Out of these, 81 valid responses were obtained. The Patient Health Questionnaire and Quality of Life Scale were used to assess depression and QOL, respectively. A total of 81 patients were included with mean age 54.4 years. Results revealed that 77.8% of patients experienced provisional depression, with 35.8% meeting criteria for major depressive disorder. Financial status and chronic diseases were associated with the likelihood of developing major depressive disorder. The mean QOL score was 81.14, lower than the average for healthy individuals. Educational level and presence of chronic diseases were significant factors influencing QOL. Postsurgical depression prevalence is substantial, underscoring the importance of integrating mental health care. Economic status and comorbidities are influential factors, necessitating targeted interventions. Breast cancer's impact on QOL is profound, falling below that of other chronic conditions. Education empowers coping, while comorbidities impact QOL. Our findings emphasize the multidimensional nature of breast cancer care, advocating for holistic support and addressing emotional well-being.

General Overview of Klebsiella pneumonia: Epidemiology and the Role of Siderophores in Its Pathogenicity.

The opportunistic pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) can colonize mucosal surfaces and spread from mucosae to other tissues, causing fatal infections. Medical equipment and the healthcare setting can become colonized by Klebsiella species, which are widely distributed in nature and can be found in water, soil, and animals. Moreover, a substantial number of community-acquired illnesses are also caused by this organism worldwide. These infections are characterized by a high rate of morbidity and mortality as well as the capacity to spread metastatically. Hypervirulent Klebsiella strains are thought to be connected to these infections. Four components are critical to this bacterium's pathogenicity-the capsule, lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, and siderophores. Siderophores are secondary metabolites that allow iron to sequester from the surrounding medium and transport it to the intracellular compartment of the bacteria. A number of variables may lead to K. pneumoniae colonization in a specific area. Risk factors for infection include local healthcare practices, antibiotic use and misuse, infection control procedures, nutrition, gender, and age.