Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis presenting as a fungal ball mimicking aspergilloma.

A 49-year old female, known to have had an asymptomatic pulmonary cavity since 2015, presented in 2023 with hemoptysis. Radiology showed a mass suspected to be an aspergilloma. Due to persistent hemoptysis, lobectomy was performed.

[Silicosis].

Background: Silicosis is a potentially severe but preventable occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of silica particles. There is a wide application in the usage of silica especially in lesser known industries. This disease has yet not been eradicated due to insufficient application of protective measures.

Intention to abstain from smoking among cardiac rehabilitation patients: the role of attitude, self-efficacy, and craving.

Background: Smoking cessation after developing coronary heart disease improves disease prognosis more than any other treatment. However, many cardiac patients continue to smoke after hospital discharge.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the intention to (permanently) abstain from smoking among cardiac rehabilitation patients 2 to 4 weeks after discharge from hospital.

Costs and management of urinary incontinence in long-term care.

The three aims of the study were (1) to assess the impact and cost of urinary incontinence in long-term care, (2) to determine whether 24-hour incontinence monitoring provides information that improves management, and (3) to ascertain whether costs (nursing time and laundry) could be reduced. The setting was two 24-bed long-term care units in an urban hospital. The research was conducted in three stages.