EABR. Experimental and Applied Biomedical Research Feed

Palliative Care during COVID-19 Pandemic: Practical Recommendations from Literature Evidence

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

COVID-19 patients incidence rate is constantly expanding worldwide and the risk of mortality is extremely high among elderly population and those with acute or cronic disease and comorbidities. The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has strongly affected the functioning of healthcare networks around the world and changed many palliative care units in healthcare institutions into covid patients treatment units. Palliative care in many countries has insufficient number of resources and suitable legal and regulatory frameworks in order to guarantee the integration in the system in pandemic. Palliative care deals with the ways to prevent diseases and how to treat some serious medical sequeae resulting from any kind of disease that in a serious way affects the quality of life. The basic postulate of palliative treatment include providing immediate decrease or complete elimination of somatic symptoms, providing support psychological, spiritual and ensuring empathic care for both the patient and the family. They all have come into focus during a pandemic. Grown-ups and children requiring palliative care, especially in low and countries with lower-middle income, oftentimes have to face with difficulties and problems in approaching necessary services. Society has recognized their vulnerability during COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has been aggravated by their incompetence to have an approach to all necessary health accomodation, treatments, drugs and backing to manage hazardous diseases and medical agony. For all the above, palliative care is to be consolidated into national and international plans in response to COVID-19. It is expected that pandemic due to COVID-19 will be a longlasting health problem, which emphaises the necessity to simultaneously health care for patients sensitive to COVID-19 and other patients. This obliges the medical professionals to constantly increase their knowledge by searching, relevant literature and applying practical recommendations and guidelines.

HBOT - An Effective Option for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds in Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, caused by an absolute or relative lack of insulin secretion and/or action. It is manifested by a characteristic clinical picture, and in the further course of the disease, complications occur in small blood vessels (microangiopathy) and large blood vessels (macroangiopathy). Diabetic foot syndrome is “foot ulceration, associated with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease of varying degrees and infection”. It is the most common and serious complication associated with this chronic metabolic disease. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is inhaling 100% oxygen under carefully controlled elevated pressure conditions. It has found its significant place as one of the treatment modalities for several pathological conditions characterized by tissue hypoxia, such as diabetic wounds. In this report we presented a 59-year-old male patient and a 73-year-old female patient with different kinds of diabetic wounds on which hyperbaric oxygenation had an evident positive effect.

Comparative Performance of Two Immunoassay Platforms for Pediatric Hormone Testing

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

To compare the analytical performance of the Roche Cobas Pro and Siemens Atellica Solution platforms for measuring serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone in pediatric samples, with an emphasis on analytical bias, agreement, and clinical interpretability. A method comparison study was conducted using paired serum samples from children (LH: n = 132; FSH: n = 140; estradiol: n = 413; testosterone: n = 125). An additional 125 adult female samples were included to extend the estradiol measurement range. Hormone concentrations were measured on both platforms according to CLSI EP09-A3 guidelines. Analytical agreement and bias were evaluated using Passing–Bablok regression, Bland–Altman analysis, and Spearman correlation. Strong correlations were observed for all analytes (Spearman r ≥ 0.899; p < 0.0001). However, clinically relevant biases were detected. Compared with Cobas Pro, Atellica underestimated LH (slope 0.856; intercept −0.424 IU/L) and overestimated FSH (slope 1.087). Estradiol demonstrated the greatest disagreement, with Atellica showing higher values in pediatric samples (mean bias +24.65 pmol/L) and adult female samples (mean bias +142.18 pmol/L). Among pediatric estradiol measurements, 232/413 samples were below the limit of quantification (LOQ) on one or both platforms; notably, 147 samples were undetectable by Cobas Pro but quantifiable on Atellica. Testosterone showed near-proportional agreement (slope 0.99), although non-linearity was observed at lower concentrations. Although both platforms demonstrate strong analytical correlation, measurement biases, particularly for LH and estradiol, are of sufficient magnitude to influence clinical interpretation in pediatric endocrinology, including puberty assessment and longitudinal hormone monitoring.

L-Carvone as a Metabolic Enzyme Modulator in Doxorubicin Toxicity Induced Rat Tissue: A Combined Computational and Cardiac Slice Study

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiac hypertrophy and Heart failure are frequently caused by essential dysfunction, including deficiencies in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) enzymes and redox state imbalances. The well-known cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX), a frequently used chemotherapeutic drug, are mostly ascribed to its disruption of metabolic enzymes and consequent rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mentha spicata L., is the source of L-Carvone, a monoterpenoid molecule with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calcium-regulatory qualities. To assess the effectiveness of L-Carvone in reducing DOX-induced metabolic dysfunction, this work proposes an integrated approach that combines in situ experimental validation using rat heart slices with in silico kinetic modelling. We examined the effects of normal; DOX and DOX treated with L-Carvone circumstances on three important TCA cycle enzymes: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and Malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Within a brief time frame, L-Carvone significantly restored enzymatic activity which may balance the NAD+/NADH redox ratio according to simulations and experimental experiments. Our results show strong proof that L-Carvone modulates TCA cycle key enzymes quickly and effectively, potentially providing treatment for chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy.

Psychological Safety and Burnout among Community Pharmacy Employees: A Longitudinal Study

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Burnout is a significant issue among healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacies. This study aimed to examine changes in burnout levels over six months and explore the role of psychological safety and stress management programs. The study included 651 licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed in community pharmacies. Burnout was assessed using the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ), while psychological safety was measured with a validated 15-item scale. All participants completed stress management training. Data were collected at three time points and analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, correlations, and multiple regression. Group differences between pharmacists and technicians were examined through separate analyses and Fisher's r-to-z transformation. The results indicate that burnout levels remained stable across the measurement points, with no significant differences observed. A slight increase in psychological safety was detected over time, suggesting a trend toward improved perceptions of workplace support. No significant overall differences in burnout levels were found between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The findings suggest a potential protective effect of stress management training and psychological safety in mitigating burnout. Future research should explore individual and organizational factors influencing these interventions and assess long-term burnout trends. Implementing systematic stress prevention programs may be essential for safeguarding the mental health of pharmacy professionals.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Children with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The most common primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia in children is immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with extremely variable clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic forms to life-threatening bleeding. The latest classification divides ITP into acute (ndITP), persistent (pITP) and chronic form (cITP). This research was designed as a retrospective–prospective study which analyzed basic demographic, clinical and routine laboratory parameters relevant to ITP. There was slight predominance of girls in all forms of ITP. Children of preschool age dominated in ndITP, while adolescents in cITP group. pITP and cITP patients predominantly presented as asymptomatic or with mild haemorrhagic signs, while ndITP patients had moderate or severe bleeding. Skin hematomas are the most common sites of bleeding. Mostly ndITP patients did not have other diseases, while 30% of cITP patient have other autoimmune disease. No hepatosplenomegaly was observed in ndITP patient, but almost a quarter of the cITP patients had splenomegaly. The mean value of platelet count is significantly higher in chronic groups compared to ndITP group, against mean platelet volume values that show an inverse correlation. More than half ndITP patients achieved complete remission after intravenous immunoglobulin and additional 30% experienced spontaneous remission during the persistent disease period and about one third of cITP patients required therapy. The spleen is dominant or only organ of platelet sequestration in cITP patients.

Artificial Intelligence in Improving Stroke Diagnosis: Focus on Machine Learning Models and Explainable AI Application

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Stroke is a major and deadly health concern on a global scale, requiring fast and precise methods for effective management. The current research explores six machine learning models: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), to improve stroke diagnosis. By applying Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), this work bridges the gap of interpretability in conventional machine learning models, making it easier for healthcare experts to understand generated model predictions. 5,109 clinical cases with features including age, gender, hypertension, heart disease, average glucose level, and details of patient lifestyle as risk variables, were used to train the applied algorithms. As a result, Logistic Regression had an accuracy of 77%, whereas KNN and SVM had accuracies of 92% and 89%, respectively. The decision tree classifier achieved high precision and accuracy of 95%; however, the random forest and XGBoost models achieved the highest accuracy (97%) and AUC (99%), respectively, outperforming all applied classifiers. The importance of various attributes for each prediction was assessed using LIME, supporting a clear and transparent understanding of the model predictions. Case-based analyses revealed that age, gender, BMI, average glucose level, as well as stressful lifestyle conditions were the major risk factors for stroke. This study highlights the importance of explainable artificial intelligence in assisting healthcare professionals and offering transparent, reliable, and effective personalized treatments relative to specific patient needs.

Influence of Collateral Circulation and Clamping Duration on Neurological Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients after Carotid Endarterectomy

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) is prevalent in approximately 2% of the general population and increases with age. Identifying high-risk patients for neurological complications during elective carotid endarterectomy (eCEA) is critical for improving surgical outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included 70 asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis >70%, treated with eCEA between January and July 2023. Patients were classified based on the morphology of the Circle of Willis (CoW) into complete and incomplete groups. Primary outcomes were postoperative stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and neurological mortality. Additional variables included risk factors and clamping duration. The frequency of incomplete CoW was significantly higher in men (p=0.004). Neurological complications were observed in 2 patients (2.9%). There was no significant association between risk factors and postoperative complications. However, longer clamping duration was significantly associated with neurological complications (p=0.034). Interestingly, the absence of anatomical CoW variations did not correlate with post-operative complications, suggesting effective compensatory collateral flow. Neurological complications in eCEA are low and more closely related to clamping duration than CoW morphology. Effective preoperative assessment and surgical technique are essential for minimising risks.

Neonatal Mediastinal Teratoma: A Case Report

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mediastinal teratomas are the second most common extragonadal teratomas in children. They can be detected as mediastinal mass during routine prenatal ultrasound screening. Our case report shows neonates (female) with severe respiratory distress syndrome and cardiogenic shock due to pressure on the lungs, heart, aorta and systemic veines. Early surgical intervention is important but outcome depends on the stage of development of the mediastinal organs and complications in the postoperative period.

Selected Genetic Polymorphisms and their Association with Pre-Eclampsia: A Meta-Analysis and Power Analysis

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This meta-analysis investigates the association between four gene polymorphisms - IL1A rs17561, IFN-γ rs2430561, STOX1 rs1341667, and PPAR-γ rs1801282 and the risk of preeclampsia (PE). Case-control studies published between 2005 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The inclusion of newly available data enhances statistical power and offers an updated, reliable synthesis of evidence. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using MetaGenyo software across various genetic models. Power analysis validated statistical strength, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the database, STRING. A total of 14 research articles, including 3,151 PE cases and 6,101 controls data were analysed. The IL1A rs17561 polymorphism was significantly linked to preeclampsia (PE) susceptibility, demonstrating a protective effect under the recessive model (OR = 0.67) and an elevated risk for heterozygous carriers in the over-dominant model (OR = 1.49). Subgroup analyses were feasible for IFN-γ, STOX1, and PPAR-γ, but no significant associations were identified. Power analysis confirmed an adequate sample size, and PPI network analysis revealed interactions involving 8 nodes and 7 edges. The findings suggest that IL1A rs17561 has a variant-specific influence on preeclampsia risk, supporting the role of IL-1–mediated inflammation in its pathogenesis, while IFN-γ, STOX1, and PPAR-γ polymorphisms showed no significant associations.

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Martial Arts

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of consuming sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and to gain insight into the nature of any changes in performance following NaHCO3 supplementation among combat sport athletes. The analysis of the results provides compelling evidence in favor of acute or chronic NaHCO3 supplementation as an ergogenic substance which could have an impact on several aspects of performance in judo [23, 31, 32], taekwondo [17, 20], karate [17, 33] [28, 29], wrestling [18, 19], jiu-jitsu [32] and boxing [16]. Acute or chronic NaHCO3 supplementation is effective in the improvement of several variables of physical performance in combat sports during testing and simulated matches. Enhanced performance resulted in the increased capacity of the glycolytic system. However, the positive effects of its use are most often visible following the onset of fatigue. In addition, the use of NaHCO3 is associated with an increased concentration of lactate in the blood. This systematic review provides data relevant for sports professionals and athletes alike regarding the use of NaHCO3 as a supplement, prior or during training and matches.

Tuberous Sclerosis and Kidney Failure - A Case Report

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare systemic autosomal-dominant genetic disease in which multiple hamartomatous lesions occur in many organs and tissues. Kidney involvement of TS usually includes angiomyolipomas, cysts, rarely kidney tumors, but there is not much description of other kidney involvement (proteinuria, hematuria, advanced kidney failure). We present a patient with preterminal renal failure who is diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. A 52-year-old female was admitted to the hospital, due to decreased kidney function with worsening of the general condition and crises of consciousness. During the examination, cutaneous lesions -facial angiofibrolipomas were noticed, the patient was dehydrated and pale. Laboratory analyzes showed elevated parameters of nonspecific inflammation, anemic syndrome, azotemia (Cr 578umol / l, urea 50.1mmol / l, CKD e GFR 10 ml / min / 73m2), leukocyturia, microerythrocyturia, proteinuria 1.5 g / 24h. MSCT of the abdomen indicated hemangiomas of the liver, enlarged kidneys with several hypodense and hyperdense changes - angiomyolipomas. Due to the crisis of consciousness, MSCT of the head was performed, on which cysts and calcifications of the brain were observed. During the treatment, there was a confusing state, agitation, and epilepsy seizure. MRI brain showed multi locular brain cysts with ependymal and subependymal calcified nodules in the lateral ventricles.The applied treatment resulted in a partial recovery of kidney function (CKDeGFR 17 mil / min / 1.73 m2, and further approach in the monitoring and treatment of this patient was multidisciplinary. Chronic renal failure of 4 stages was maintained for a further six-month followup. We underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of patients, bearing in mind that, as in our patient, a rare genetic disease - tuberous sclerosis can be manifested by kidney failure of preterminal rank.

Prognostic Significance of P21 Protein in Breast Cancer

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Bearing in mind these circumstances, a review of new molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression, resistance and various aspects of existing therapeutic methods would lead to new insights for biologists and clinicians. In this regard, we conducted a study covering recent advances in breast cancer biology with a focus on the p21 protein. The study included 147 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. The presence of non-invasive lesions was noted in each invasive breast cancer and surrounding tissue. p21 expression was determined by reading the percentage of nuclear expression in epithelial cells of invasive breast cancer and non-invasive lesions. Results showed that expression of p21 increases with the progression of cytological changes in the epithelium; it is significantly higher in invasive breast cancer compared to non-invasive lesions (p<0.001). There is a difference in p21 expression between different molecular subtypes of breast cancer (p=0.004). Statistically significantly higher values of p21 expression were observed in those breast cancers that showed overexpression of HER2 compared to HER2-negative tumors (p=0.001). Depending on Ki67 expression, the highest p21 expression is in the group with high Ki67 expression values (p=0.019). The increase in p21 expression in tumor cells was accompanied by a statistically significantly reduced expression of ER (p=0.015, ρ=−0.225) and PR (p=0.027, ρ=−0.205). p21 protein plays an important role in proliferation, malignant transformation, as well as in progression from non-invasive lesions to invasive breast cancer.

Electromechanical Association as a STEMI Mimicry - Case Report

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Electromechanical association is a very unique physiological type of ECG artifact caused by the radial artery pulse tapping. ECG presentation of this artifact may imitate primary repolarization changes characteristic for acute coronary syndrome or electrolyte abnormalities. The peculiarity of electromechanical association is the synchronization with regular cardiac cycles, making a diagnostic challenge even for experience physicians. The present case is a rare example of an ECG artifact localized in a specific pattern mimics ECG changes of acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI), including reciprocal ST depression. Moreover, serial prehospital ECGs verify evolution from hyperacute T waves to true ST elevation, as we seen in acute myocardial infarction. The key for artefact recognition was the knowledge about ECG leads derivation and identification the affected electrode. Electromechanical association frequency is unknown: it may be common, but often unrecognized finding. So far, electromechanical association in serial ECGs wasn’t reported, as per our knowledge.

A Study of Absorption and Selected Molecular Physicochemical Properties of Some Antipsychotic Drugs

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Antipsychotic drugs are commonly prescribed for different mental disorders and can be classified into two main groups: the first which contain originally developed antipsychotics of the first generation or typical antipsychotics and the other group with newly developed antipsychotics or atypical antipsychotics of the second generation. In this study, eleven antipsychotic drugs (chlorpromazine, flupentixol, haloperidol, zuclopenthixol, aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone) were investigated to evaluate significance of their molecular physicochemical properties (lipophilicity, aqueous solubility, polar surface area, molecular weight, volume value and acidity) for their bioavailability. Relationships between literature available intestinal absorption data of antipsychotic drugs and their lipophilicity descriptor with one additional molecular descriptor, investigated using multiple linear regression analysis provided high correlations for molecular descriptors, Mw, Vol, pKa, as additional independent variables. Values of correlation coefficients (R2) were ranged from 0.951 (for Vol) above 0.944 (for Mw) to 0.923 (for pKa).

The Antitumor and Toxicity Effects of Ruthenium(II) Complexes on Heterotopic Murine Colon Carcinoma Model

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of the present study was to examine the antitumor and toxicity effects of ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(Cl-tpy)(en)Cl][Cl] (Ru-1) and [Ru(Cl-tpy)(dach)Cl][Cl] (Ru-2) on heterotopic murine colon carcinoma model. For tumor induction, 1×106 CT26 cells suspended in 100 μl of DMEM were injected subcutaneously into flank of male BALB/c mice. Treatment groups were as follows: Ru-1, Ru-2, oxaliplatin and control (saline). The intraperitoneal administration of the tested complexes began on 6th day after CT26 cells inoculation. Each complex was administered at dose of 5 mg/kg, twice weekly, four doses in total. To assess toxicity, serum values of urea, creatinine, AST and ALT were determined and histopathological analysis of organs and tumor were performed. In order to assess the effects of Ru(II) complexes on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system, we determined the TBARS, GSH, SOD and CAT in the homogenate of tumor, heart, liver, lungs and kidney tissues. The findings indicate that Ru-1 and Ru-2 exerts equal or better antitumor activity in comparison with oxaliplatin, but with pronounced toxic effects such as reduced survival rate, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The increased index of lipid peroxidation in the tissues of the kidneys and heart, but decreased in tumor tissue, after Ru(II) complexes administration, indicates the importance of the induction of oxidative stress as a possible mechanism of nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, but not the mechanism by which they realize antitumor activity. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of antitumor activity and toxicity of the Ru(II) complexes.

Population Aging as a Global Demographic Phenomenon and its Implications for Public Health

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Population aging is defined as one of the most current phenomena and challenges facing world. The WHO defines population aging as one of greatest successes of human society, resulting from reduction of mortality among elderly and their longer life expectancy in the protection of population, pharmacology, public health and promotion of healthy lifestyles. The certainty of the continuity of population aging in future continues to capture attention of the general public and initiates a whole series of open questions that will require very specific and concrete answers from each country. The aim of this paper is to review available literature to indicate the specific determinants of the elderly population, identify the challenges faced by the elderly population and indicate implications of the phenomenon of population aging. The unstoppable process of population ageing has profound consequences for health, social and economic spheres of society due to specific and very different needs of elderly population. The role of demographics, social factors, health needs and barriers as economic resources and differences in use of health services among elderly need to be systematically addressed and monitored. A well-organized health and social care system is important for improving the health of older people. Public health policy should address the diversity of health and functional conditions experienced by older people and maximize number of people who promote a positive journey of ageing. The creation and implementation of innovative strategies to improve health and quality of life of older people would enable well-being in old age.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Left Accessory Pathways Using Conventional Methods

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways is considered the treatment of choice for patients with atrioventricular reentry tachycardia due to its proven safety and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of this treatment for left-sided accessory pathways in 58 consecutive patients with manifest preexcitation who were treated at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje. The procedure duration varied significantly (p<0.05) depending on the localization of accessory pathways along the mitral annulus (anterior 60.0±26.0 min; anterolateral 45.2±28.4 min; lateral 73.9±27.9 min; posterolateral 59.1±25.5 min; posterior 83.1±29.6 min), as did the number of applied radiofrequency pulses (anterior 9.0±4.5; anterolateral 4.3±4.7; lateral 8.1±5.8; posterolateral 4.0±2.9; posterior 8.1±4.2; p<0.05). Fluoroscopy exposure time did not differ significantly (p=0.078). Atrial fibrillation was recorded in 15.5% of patients prior to the procedure. For the ablation of left-sided accessory pathways, the transaortic approach was used significantly more often (74.1%) than the transseptal approach. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of primary procedural success (100% for anterior and anterolateral, 82.1% for lateral, 100% for posterolateral, and 88.9% for posterior; p=0.672), recurrence rate (10.7% for lateral and 5.5% for posterior; p=0.023), or final success rate, defined as definitive cure (100% for anterior, anterolateral, and posterolateral, 94.8% for lateral, and 89.3% for posterior; p=0.421). Despite the increased time and more radiofrequency energy pulses necessary for ablating laterally and posteriorly positioned accessory pathways, the procedure's success rate remained comparable regardless of accessory pathways location along the mitral annulus.

Factors Influencing Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Index of Meropenem in Critically Ill Patients

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There is a growing consensus that, in critically ill patients, meropenem dosing should aim to achieve 100% fT > MIC. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the frequency of meropenem underdosing—considering its widespread use in this population—and to identify factors associated with such underdosing. This prospective, cross-sectional study included two groups of critically ill patients: a control group, comprising patients who received optimal meropenem dosing (100% fT > MIC), and a case group, consisting of patients who were underdosed (fT > MIC < 100%). A validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was employed to measure meropenem concentrations in plasma. The effects of various independent and confounding variables on the dichotomous dependent variable were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. We recruited a total of 63 critically ill patients. The results of our study demonstrated that the majority of critically ill patients (n = 52; 82.5%) received an adequate meropenem dose, achieving fT > MIC of 100%, whereas 11 patients (17.5%) were underdosed, with fT > MIC below 100%. Finally, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as causative pathogens of bacterial infections, were identified as significant risk factors for meropenem underdosing in critically ill patients. Clinicians should exercise caution when selecting the meropenem dosage for critically ill patients with infections caused by Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Motility of Peripheral Smooth Muscles

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

According to the World Health Organization, part of the quality of life is the perception of one's body concerning the culture and values of each individual. Limb amputation affects the quality of life through several defined aspects. Observing the available statistical data, after the amputation of the lower extremities, only 65% survived the first year, 52% survived the first two years, 37% survived three years, and five or more years, only up to 15% of patients with amputated limbs. Epidemiological data on the frequency of lower limb amputations are pretty similar to those in developed countries. Modern prostheses enable daily use, intending to replace the missing limb. Many factors influence the outcome of rehabilitation treatment and the result of functional recovery. Among the factors that influence the favorable outcome of rehabilitation and independence in activities of daily living is the level of amputation, age, and comorbidities. For patients after amputation of the lower extremities, the goal in rehabilitation is to achieve as much independence as possible within the activities of daily life. Our study aimed to examine daily functionality and activity through the Barthel and functional independence indices-FIM tests during post-operative rehabilitation and after one month.