Comparative analysis of total protein, casein, lactose, and fat content in milk of cows suffering from subclinical and clinical mastitis caused by Streptococcus spp.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to analyse the total protein (TP), casein (CAS), lactose (LAC), and fat content of milk from cows with subclinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) caused by Streptococcus spp. Material and Methods: A total of 60 milk samples from diseased cows and 30 milk samples from healthy cows were included in the study. Milk samples were taken from Holstein-Friesian cows from four dairy farms in Lublin Province. The bacteriological examination of the milk was performed and the somatic cells count in 1 mL of milk was determined using a SomaCount FC automatic cell counter. Determination of TP, CAS, LAC, FAT and FA levels in milk was carried out using a DairySpec FT automated Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Results: Total protein in milk from HE was significantly higher than in milk from cows with mastitis (4.04% vs 3.57% in milk from SCM cows and 3.7% in milk from CM cows, P = 0.001). The CAS level was 2.73% in milk from CM cows and 2.92% in milk from SCM cows vs 3.30% in milk from HE cows, P = 0.001. The changes in CAS and TP in milk resulted in a significant difference in the CAS/TP ratio (81.7% in milk from HE cows vs 73.8% in milk from CM cows). A decrease in levels was also recorded for LAC (4.8% in milk from HE cows vs 4.51% in milk from SCM cows and 4.01% in milk from CM cows, P = 0.001). The fat level was significantly higher in milk from healthy cows than in milk from cows with mastitis (4.0% vs 2.3% in milk from SCM cows and 1.64% in milk from CM cows, P = 0.001). Conclusion: It should be emphasised that the decrease in the levels of TP, LAC and FAT was significant not only in milk from CM cows but also in milk from SCM cows. This is very unfavourable, because the reduction in the main milk components results in poor quality dairy products and impairs line processes.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of an extract rich in proteins obtained from Trametes versicolor.

Introduction: Bioactive proteins and peptides generated from fruit, vegetables, meat or fish have great potential as functional food or substitutes for antibiotics. In recent years it has also been demonstrated that the fungus kingdom could be a source of these compounds. The study investigated the bioactivity of an extract of the lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor and its hydrolysate. Material and Methods: The fungus was collected in a mixed forest in October, extracted and hydrolysed. To inspect the protein and peptide profiles before and after hydrolysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis was performed. To evaluate the antioxidant properties of the preparations, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) radical scavenging assays were used. The activity of the fungus extract and hydrolysate against Aeromonas veronii, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values. Results: The extract and its hydrolysate showed almost 100% ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging with a low half maximal inhibitory concentration. The water extract and hydrolysate of T. versicolor exhibited antimicrobial activity against two S. aureus strains, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella Typhimurium. Conclusion: These results provide compelling evidence that the analysed fungus extract and its hydrolysate hold promise with their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Evaluation of Spleen Stiffness in Young Healthy Volunteers Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been established as the most accurate noninvasive technique for diagnosing liver fibrosis. Recent publications have suggested that the measurement of splenic stiffness is useful in setting where portal hypertension may be present. The goal of the current study was to compile normative data for MRE-assessed stiffness measurements of the spleen in young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 healthy young Caucasian volunteers (65 females and 35 males) in the age range of 20 to 32 years were enrolled in this study. The participants reported no history of chronic spleen and liver disease, normal alcohol consumption, and a normal diet. The MRE data were acquired by using a 1.5 T whole-body scanner and a 2D GRE pulse sequence with 60 Hz excitation. Spleen stiffness was calculated as a weighted mean of stiffness values in the regions of interest manually drawn by the radiologist on three to five spleen slices. RESULTS: Mean spleen stiffness was 5.09 ± 0.65 kPa for the whole group. Male volunteers had slightly higher splenic stiffness compared to females: 5.28 ± 0.78 vs. 4.98 ± 0.51 kPa, however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). Spleen stiffness did not correlate with spleen fat content and liver stiffness but a statistically significant correlation with spleen volume was found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide normative values for 2D MRE-based measurement of spleen stiffness in young adults, a basis for assessing the value of this biomarker in young patients with portal system pathologies.

Intensive care nurse managers' experiences during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic: Implications for future epidemiological crises.

BACKGROUND: Nurse managers play an important role in coordinating the multidisciplinary teamwork, which is specifically important in emergency and crises situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this qualitative study is twofold: (1) to explore the experiences of the Intensive care units (ICU) nurse managers regarding their work during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) to analyse what implications might be provided based on experiences of nurse managers for future possible epidemiological crises. METHODS: In-depth phone interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of ward managers-nurses (n = 15) working in different hospitals across Poland. Interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim, and then qualitatively analysed. RESULTS: Three main categories were identified: (1) Challenge of working with the unknown, (2) Nurse managers' expectations, and (3) Methods of coping and received support. The COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected the work of ICU nurse managers and uncovered the malfunctioning of the healthcare system. CONCLUSION: It is important to improve the knowledge and competence of hospital management personnel through exercises and in-service training on how to handle emergencies in order to improve the management of healthcare facilities, increase the safety of patients and employees, and the quality of healthcare.

Mesoporous Silicas Obtained by Time-Controlled Co-Condensation: A Strategy for Tuning Structure and Sorption Properties.

Mesoporous silicas synthesized by the co-condensation of two and three different silica monomers were synthesized by varying the time intervals between the addition of individual monomers, while the total time interval was kept constant. This resulted in different structural properties of the final silicas, particularly in their porosity and local ordering. One of the obtained samples exhibited an unusual isotherm with two hysteresis loops and its total pore volume was as high as 2.2 cm3/g. In addition, to be thoroughly characterized by a wide range of instrumental techniques, the obtained materials were also employed as the adsorbents and release platforms of a diclofenac sodium (DICL; used here as a model drug). In the case of DICL adsorption and release, differences between the samples were also revealed, which confirms the fact that time control of a monomer addition can be successfully used to fine-tune the properties of organo-silica materials.

Prevalence of Culturable Bacteria and Yeasts in the Nasopharynx Microbiota during the Physiological Course of Pregnancy.

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of the nasopharyngeal carriage of culturable microorganisms in the microbiota of asymptomatic women with a physiological pregnancy (PW) and nonpregnant women (NPW). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 53 PW and 30 NPW to detect bacterial and fungal colonization. Isolates were identified using the culture method and the MALDI-TOF MS technique. The nasopharyngeal microbiota (NPM) partially differed between PW and NPW. These differences in the frequency of nasopharyngeal colonization between the PW and NPW groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05); all cases were colonized by bacteria and only two cases in the PW group were colonized by yeasts, namely, Rhodotorula spp. High levels of staphylococcal colonization, including predominantly coagulase-negative staphylococci and S. aureus in the nasopharyngeal sample, were present in both groups. The reduced number of Gram-negative rods colonized in the cases studied was seen in samples from the NPW group, particularly with Enterobacterales, and anaerobic Cutibacterium spp. were isolated only in the PW group (p < 0.05). Moreover, a higher carriage rate of Enterobacter aerogenes colonization was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and correlated with the NPW group. Pregnancy may disturb the composition of the NPM represented by commensals and opportunistic bacteria and promote yeast colonization as compared to nonpregnant women.

The Two-Track Investigation of Fibronectin Binding Protein A of Staphylococcus aureus from Bovine Mastitis as a Potential Candidate for Immunodiagnosis: A Pilot Study.

Bovine mastitis is the most common disease affecting dairy cattle worldwide and it generates substantial losses for cattle breeders. One of the most common pathogens identified in infected milk samples is Staphylococcus aureus. Currently, there is no fast test for recognizing bacteria species on the market. The aim of this study was to bioinformatically and laboratory detect and characterize the fibronectin binding protein A (FnBPA) of S. aureus (SA) in milk samples obtained from cows diagnosed with mastitis. More than 90,000,000 amino acid sequences were subjected to bioinformatic detection in the search for a potential biomarker for bovine SA. The analysis of FnBPA included the detection of signal peptides and nonclassical proteins, antigenicity, and the prediction of epitopes. To confirm the presence of the fnbA gene in four SA isolates, amplification with specific primers was performed. FnBPA was detected by immunoblotting. The immunoreactivity and selectivity were performed with monoclonal anti-FnBPA antibodies and SA-negative serum. The bioinformatic analysis showed that FnBPA is a surface, conservative, immunoreactive, and species-specific protein with antigenic potential. Its presence was confirmed in all of the SA isolates we studied. Immunoblotting proved its immunoreactivity and specificity. Thus, it can be considered a potential biomarker in mastitis immunodiagnostics.

Serotypes, Antibiotic Susceptibility, Genotypic Virulence Profiles and SpaA Variants of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strains Isolated from Pigs in Poland.

The aim of the study was phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains isolated from diseased pigs in Poland and comparison of the SpaA (Surface protective antigen A) sequence of wild-type strains with the sequence of the R32E11 vaccine strain. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using the broth microdilution method. Resistance genes, virulence genes, and serotype determinants were detected using PCR. The gyrA and spaA amplicons were sequenced to determine nonsynonymous mutations. The E. rhusiopathiae isolates (n = 14) represented serotypes 1b (42.8%), 2 (21.4%), 5 (14.3%), 6 (7.1%), 8 (7.1%), and N (7.1%). All strains were susceptible to ß-lactams, macrolides and florfenicol. One isolate showed resistance to lincosamides and tiamulin, and most strains were resistant to tetracycline and enrofloxacin. High MIC values of gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, trimethoprim, trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, and rifampicin were recorded for all isolates. Phenotypic resistance was correlated with the presence of the tetM, int-Tn, lasE, and lnuB genes. Resistance to enrofloxacin was due to a mutation in the gyrA gene. All strains contained the spaA gene and several other genes putatively involved in pathogenesis (nanH.1, nanH.2, intl, sub, hlyA, fbpA, ERH_1356, cpsA, algI, rspA and rspB) Seven variants of the SpaA protein were found in the tested strains, and a relationship between the structure of SpaA and the serotype was noted. E. rhusiopathiae strains occurring in pigs in Poland are diverse in terms of serotype and SpaA variant and differ antigenically from the R32E11 vaccine strain. Beta-lactam antibiotics, macrolides, or phenicols should be the first choice for treatment of swine erysipelas in Poland. However, due to the small number of tested strains, this conclusion should be approached with caution.

Detection of immunoreactive proteins of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, and Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from cows with diagnosed mastitis.

Introduction: Mastitis is a widespread mammary gland disease of dairy cows that causes severe economic losses to dairy farms. Mastitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and algae. The most common species isolated from infected milk are, among others, Streptococcus spp., and Escherichia coli. The aim of our study was protein detection based on both in silico and in vitro methods, which allowed the identification of immunoreactive proteins representative of the following species: Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Methods: The study group included 22 milk samples and 13 serum samples obtained from cows with diagnosed mastitis, whereas the control group constituted 12 milk samples and 12 serum samples isolated from healthy animals. Detection of immunoreactive proteins was done by immunoblotting, while amino acid sequences from investigated proteins were determined by MALDI-TOF. Then, bioinformatic analyses were performed on detected species specific proteins in order to investigate their immunoreactivity. Results: As a result, we identified 13 proteins: 3 (molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein B, aldehyde reductase YahK, outer membrane protein A) for E. coli, 4 (elongation factor Tu, tRNA uridine 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl modification enzyme MnmG, GTPase Obg, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) for S. uberis, and 6 (aspartate carbamoyltransferase, elongation factor Tu, 60 kDa chaperonin, elongation factor G, galactose-6-phosphate isomerase subunit LacA, adenosine deaminase) for S. agalactiae, which demonstrated immunoreactivity to antibodies present in serum from cows with diagnosed mastitis. Discussion: Due to the confirmed immunoreactivity, specificity and localization in the bacterial cell, these proteins can be considered considered potential targets in innovative rapid immunodiagnostic assays for bovine mastitis, however due to the limited number of examined samples, further examination is needed.

Hospital ethical climate survey - selected psychometric properties of the scale and results among polish nurses and midwives.

BACKGROUND: The hospital ethical climate affects the quality of nursing care. A positive ethical climate is likely to reduce the proportion of those who consider leaving the profession, so it is necessary to develop tools which will enable assessment and analysis of the hospital ethical climate. The aim of this study was to examine selected psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, assess the hospital ethical climate perceived by nurses and midwives from Polish hospitals, and to determine its correlations with job-related variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 558 nurses and midwives working in hospitals in Poland. RESULTS: The 21-item model showed acceptable model fitness between the hypothetical model of ethical climate and the data in the study. Five items with low factor loadings were removed from the study. The internal consistency was satisfactory (0.93). The mean score for the overall hospital ethical climate was 3.62. The highest mean score of hospital ethical climate in the present study was found in the "peers" subscale and the lowest in the "physicians" subscale. A positive correlation was found between overall hospital ethical climate and respondents' satisfaction with work, salary, and working time. The hospital ethical climate was associated with problems found in nurses and midwives' work, such as: limited time for direct face-to-face care, the lack of equipment and resources to provide high-quality health care, strained relations with hospital managers and other health care professionals, limitations to one's own competences or those of other medical professionals, moral dilemmas related to patient care, the low prestige of nurses'/midwives' work, physical and mental burden, and the risk of making a mistake. CONCLUSION: The Polish 21-item version of the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey is a reliable tool. Correlations revealed that relationships with managers and physicians, and working conditions should be improved in order for the hospital ethical climate to improve.

Genetic Diversity and Potential Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates Originating from Polish Artisanal Cheeses.

Artisanal cheeses can be sources of Listeria monocytogenes and cause disease in humans. This bacterial pathogen is a species of diverse genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. The aim of the study was to characterize 32 isolates of L. monocytogenes isolated in 2014-2018 from artisanal cheeses. The isolates were characterized using whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The artisanal cheese isolates resolved to four molecular groups: 46.9% of them to IIa (1/2a-3a), 31.2% to IVb (4ab-4b-4d-4e), 12.5% to IIc (1/2c-3c), and 9.4% to IIb (1/2b-3b-7). Two evolutionary lineages emerged: lineage II having 59.4% of the isolates and lineage I having 40.6%. The sequence types (ST) totaled 18: ST6 (15.6% of the isolates), ST2, ST20, ST26, and ST199 (each 9.4%), ST7 and ST9 (each 6.3%), and ST1, ST3, ST8, ST16, ST87, ST91, ST121, ST122, ST195, ST217, and ST580 (each 3.1%). There were 15 detected clonal complexes (CC): CC6 (15.6% of isolates), CC9 (12.5%), CC2, CC20, CC26, and CC199 (each 9.4%), CC7 and CC8 (each 6.3%), and CC1, CC3, CC14, CC87, CC121, CC195, and CC217 (each 3.1%). The isolates were varied in their virulence genes and the differences concerned: inl, actA, LIPI-3, ami, gtcA, aut, vip, and lntA.

Plasmid-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes in Quinolone-Susceptible Aeromonas spp. Phenotypes Isolated From Recreational Surface Freshwater Reservoir.

Aeromonas spp. are recognized as opportunistic pathogens causing diseases. Infections in humans can result mainly in gastrointestinal and wound diseases with or without progression to septicemia. Although Aeromonas spp. are not known uropathogens and they rarely cause urinary tract infection, we hypothesize that the presence of these bacteria in the water and the contact during, e.g., recreational and bathing activity can create the conditions for the colonization of the human body and may result to diseases in various locations, including the urinary tract. Our study presents the occurrence of aeromonad fluoroquinolone-susceptible phenotypes with the presence of plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in a natural freshwater reservoir occasionally used for recreational activities. Sixty-nine isolates collected during the bathing period were identified by mass spectrometry and screened for the presence of fluoroquinolone-resistant phenotypes and genotypes. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was determined as minimal inhibitory concentration values. PMQR qnr genes were detected by PCR. Isolates comprising eight species, namely, mainly Aeromonas veronii (50.7% isolates) and Aeromonas media (24.6% isolates) and rarely Aeromonas eucrenophila, Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas bestiarum, Aeromonas ichthiosmia, and Aeromonas hydrophila, were selected. All isolates were phenotypically susceptible either to ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Unexpectedly, at least one to three of the PMQR genes were detected in 42.0% of the fluoroquinolone-susceptible Aeromonas spp. phenotypes. Mainly the qnrS (34.8% isolates) and qnrA (14.5% isolates) determinants were detected. In conclusion, the freshwater reservoir occasionally used for bathing was tainted with aeromonads, with a high occurrence of opportunistic pathogens such as A. veronii and A. media. MALDI-TOF MS is a powerful technique for aeromonad identification. Our data reveals the mismatch phenomenon between fluoroquinolone-susceptible aeromonad phenotypes and the presence of plasmid-mediated qnr resistance genes. It suggests that phenotypically susceptible bacteria might be a potential source for the storage and transmission of these genes. The exposure during, e.g., a recreational activity may create the potential risk for causing infections, both diagnostically and therapeutically difficult, after expressing the resistance genes and quinolone-resistant strain selection.

The level of spiritual care competence of Polish nurses and the psychometric properties of the spiritual care competence scale (SCCS).

BACKGROUND: Providing effective spiritual nursing care requires development of professional competence which, when regularly evaluated, allows one to direct undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education in order to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes of nurses in the scope of spiritual care. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the level of spiritual competence of professionally active nurses in Poland and, additionally, to analyse the psychometric properties of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study among Polish nurses (n = 343) was performed in accordance with the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines. RESULTS: An exploratory factor analysis identified five factors with 27 items explaining a total variance of 64.75%. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the subscales ranged from 0.70 for 'Attitude toward the patient's spirituality' to 0.92 for 'Professionalisation and improving the quality of spiritual care'. Nurses reported a high level of spiritual competence (104.39 points) with better results in 'Attitude toward the patient's spirituality' and 'Communication, personal support and patient counselling' than in the 'Assessment and implementation of spiritual care', 'Professionalisation and improving the quality of spiritual care', and 'Referral, consultation and spiritual care'. Significant correlation was found between nurses' age, job seniority and spiritual competence, and between religiosity and spiritual competence. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed satisfactory psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale, confirming its potential to measure the level of spiritual competence of nurses, both in education and research processes. SCCS-PL revealed five-factor structure with good internal consistency. The findings highlight the importance of providing professional education in respect of spiritual nursing care, especially in its practical dimension regarding skills development in which nurses obtained lower scores.

Educational Needs of European Intensive Care Nurses with Respect to Multicultural Care: A Mix-Method Study.

The aim of the study is the analysis of educational needs of European intensive care nurses (ICNs) with regard to multicultural care. A mixed-method multinational study was performed among 591 ICNs coming from 15 European countries. An online survey was utilised with three research tools: participants' sociodemographic details, Healthcare Provider Cultural Competence Instrument, and a tool to assess the educational needs of ICU nurses with respect to multicultural care. The highest mean values in self-assessment of preparation of ICU nurses to provide multicultural nursing care and their educational needs in this regard were detected in the case of nurses coming from Southern Europe (M = 4.09; SD = 0.43). With higher age, nurses recorded higher educational needs in the scope of multicultural care (r = 0.138; p = 0.001). In addition, speaking other languages significantly correlated with higher educational needs related to care of patients coming from different cultures (Z = -4.346; p < 0.001) as well as previous education on multicultural nursing care (Z = -2.530; p = 0.011). Experiences of difficult situations when caring for culturally diverse patients in ICU were classified into categories: 'treatment procedures and general nursing care', 'family visiting', 'gender issues', 'communication challenges', and 'consequences of difficult experiences'. The educational needs of intensive care nurses in caring for culturally diverse patients are closely related to experiencing difficult situations when working with such patients and their families.

Adaptation and validation of the Barriers to Research Utilization (BARRIERS scale) questionnaire among Polish nurses and midwives: Cross-sectional study.

AIM: The study was designed to assess a Polish version of the Barriers to Research Utilization (BRU) scale for reliability and validity, in a group of nurses and midwives. BACKGROUND: The implementation of Evidence-Based in practice is a key element of care and the use of research requirements the research awareness of nurses. METHODS: In 2018, cross-sectional validation was carried out among nurses and midwives qualified for the project. RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha internal consistency index and mean correlations between items for each of the five subscales comprised in the BRU Instrument were satisfactory. The regression weights show that the items fit well with the subscales and there are no deviations from it. CONCLUSIONS: We should the right tools to assess research awareness and be able to identify barriers. Knowing them will allow us to implement preventative measures and allow us to plan our activities.

Characterization and Comparison of Enterococcus spp. Isolates from Feces of Healthy Dogs and Urine of Dogs with UTIs.

Enterococcus spp. are opportunistic pathogens of both humans and animals characterized by high resistance to antimicrobials. Dogs could be intestinal carriers or suffer from Enterococcus infections, mainly urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to analyze and compare Enterococcus spp. isolated from healthy dog stools and sick dog urine. Overall, 51 isolates (29 from stools and 22 from UTI) were characterized at species level and tested for antimicrobial resistance, biofilm production and presence of resistance and virulence genes. E. faecium and E. faecalis resulted as equally distributed in stools samples, while E. faecalis predominated among UTI isolates. HLAR phenotype was detected in 47.1% isolates; 64.7% isolates were resistant to ampicillin (47.1% with a MIC ≥ 64 µg/mL). High levels of resistance were recorded for fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin 74.5%, ciprofloxacin 66.7%), clindamycin (84.3%), tetracycline (78.4%) and quinupristin-dalfopristin (78.4%). No vancomycin resistant strains were detected. All but one isolate were multidrug-resistant. Most detected resistance genes were tetM (70.5%), pbp4 (52.9%) and aph(3')-IIIa (39.2%). All isolates were able to produce biofilm, but isolates from UTIs and belonging to E. faecalis more frequently resulted in strong biofilm producers. Most detected virulence genes were asa1 (52.9%), gelE (41.2%), cylA (37.3%) and esp (35.3%); all of them resulted as more frequently associated to E. faecalis. No particular differences emerged between isolates from feces and UTI, considering all evaluated aspects. Our results confirm pet dogs as carriers of multidrug-resistant enterococci; stool microflora could be considered as the most probable source of enterococcal UTI and E. faecalis carried by dogs seems to be more virulent than E. faecium, justifying its more frequent involvement in urinary tract infections.

Evaluation of Capillary Blood Gases in Medical Personnel Caring for Patients Isolated Due to SARS-CoV-2 in Intensive Care Units before and after Using Enhanced Filtration Masks: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The dynamically changing epidemiological situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is associated with the increased burden and fatigue of medical personnel. The aim of the study was to evaluate: (1) oxygen and carbon dioxide blood pressure and saturation levels in medical personnel caring for patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in ICUs; (2) adverse symptoms reported by medical personnel after leaving the isolation zone. DESIGN: A Prospective Cohort Study. METHODS: The project was implemented in the first quarter of 2021. Medical personnel working with patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU of three hospitals were eligible for the study. The participants of the study were subjected to two analyses of capillary blood by a laboratory diagnostician. RESULTS: In the studied group of medical personnel (n = 110) using FFP2/FFP3 masks, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the parameters of geometric examination performed before and after leaving the isolation ward of the hospital. After working in the isolation ward, nurses reported malaise (somnolence, fatigue, sweating, dizziness) more often than paramedics (44% vs. 9%; p = 0.00002). The risk of ill-being in nurses was approximately nine times higher than in paramedics (OR = 8.6; Cl 95%: 2.7 to 26.8) and increased with the age of the subjects (OR = 1.05; Cl 95%: 1.01 to 1.08). CONCLUSION: FFP2/FFP3 filter masks did not worsen blood oxygenation in medical staff caring for patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU. The presence of subjective symptoms such as fatigue may be due to lack of adequate hydration.

Parents' Opinions and Knowledge About Vaccination in Poland - A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the fact that vaccines save many lives worldwide, in many countries, including Poland, the percentage of unvaccinated children is constantly growing. The main reasons for low immunisation coverage include parents' concerns about the safety of vaccines, their fears related to possible adverse events following vaccination, and the increasingly powerful activity of anti-vaccine movements. It is necessary to monitor the public's attitudes to vaccination in order to implement appropriate solutions to prevent a resurgence of epidemics. The aim of the study was to assess Polish parents' opinions about and awareness of immunisation-related issues. METHODS: The study, based on an online survey, investigated Polish mothers' attitudes towards the use of vaccines, their opinions regarding the sanctions for a failure to vaccinate a child, and the correlations between the result and the socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 646 responses were collected, including 593 from mothers from general-interest groups and 53 from anti-vax groups. Differences were identified in vaccination coverage among children of respondents from general-interest groups and anti-vax groups. The findings show that the respondents from anti-vax groups stopped vaccinating more often due to vaccine adverse events and inadequate response from doctors. CONCLUSION: Most of the respondents are aware of anti-vaccine movements and have a negative attitude to them, but these movements still influence the public. Also, the findings show a correlation between the level of education and a general attitude to immunisation - people with higher education more often have a negative opinion on this matter.

Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections in ICU COVID-19 Patients-A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: The spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens is a serious problem and challenge for the whole medical community. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in immunocompromised patients have a severe course and may be fatal. Increasingly, these bacteria are exhibiting resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, which have been used as so-called drugs of last resort. The emergence of the new coronavirus and the pandemic that it has caused require changes to protect against the spread of the new SARS-CoV-2. These changes paradoxically may contribute to the spread of other infections. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library databases were searched using relevant keywords. A literature review of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. A written review protocol was not prepared. RESULTS: 1016 studies in scientific databases were searched. After rejecting duplicate studies, 964 results were obtained. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were then applied, and studies were qualitatively analyzed. Finally, 11 studies were included in the review. The results of infected patients were from six countries. The prevalence of CRKP in Covid-19 patients ranged from 0.35-53%. The majority of CRKP infected patients were male (85%), with a mean age of 61 years. Among isolates, the predominant genes were KPC, OXY-48, CTX-M, TEM, NDM and SHV. CONCLUSION: The results presented in our review indicate the necessity of paying attention to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in patients with COVID-19. In order to prevent the increase of bacterial resistance, rational antibiotic therapy should be used, as well as continuous control and surveillance of hospital infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Sleep Disturbances in Individuals Quarantined Due to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Poland: A Mixed Methods Design Study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess sleep disturbances in patients subjected to home quarantine due to suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study used a mixed methods design study as a research methodology. METHODS: A semi-structured interview and the scale for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to achieve the aim of the study. The survey was conducted from 16 to 20 April 2020 and 1 to 2 September 2020 in Poland, at the during of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in this country. The data were coded and cross-processed. The (COREQ) checklist was followed. RESULTS: Interviews with patients and a thorough analysis of recordings revealed commonly used phrases in the following categories: "anxiety", "Am I going crazy?", "Sleep problems". 10 out of 11 respondents reported sleep disorders of varying severity according to the Insomnia Severity Index scale. Patients presented a fear related to the return to society and normal functioning after quarantine. Additionally, some study participants voiced concerns related to their mental health; some cases of hallucinations were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Further global population studies should be conducted to analyse this phenomenon. Acute Stress Disorder should be understood as a threat to life and health of an isolated society in quarantine. Further research in this area should be promoted and the need for global guidelines for the entire population should be developed.