Correlation between parents and child's version of the child health survey for asthma questionnaire.

Background: The American Academy of Pediatrics Children's Health Survey for Asthma (CHSA) is a widely used instrument to assess various aspects of health and well-being in relation to asthma. There is a parent and a child version of this questionnaire and little is known about the concordance between these versions.

Method: In a cross-sectional study conducted in 13 facilities, hospitals and outpatient clinics covering all areas of Kosovo, children with asthma aged 7-16 years were enrolled.

Prevalence of Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in HCW in Kosovo during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

A pandemic may have a negative impact on healthcare workers' (HCW) mental health. In this cross-sectional study, we assess the self-reported prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression and identify their predictive factors among HCW in Kosovo. The online questionnaire collected data on socio-demographics (sex, age, occupation, education, workplace) and the presence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress through the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire.

CORRELATES OF IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME IN KOSOVO.

It has been demonstrated that pre-hospital emergency care reduces in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between pre-hospital emergency care and in-hospital mortality in ACS patients treated at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo Emergency Department (UCCK ED). This observational clinical study included 1498 ACS patients treated at UCCK ED and followed-up by phone call for one year after discharge from the hospital.

N-substituted phthalazine sulfonamide derivatives as non-classical aldose reductase inhibitors.

Aldose reductase (AR, AKR1B1; EC 1.1.1.

Splint Duration and Not the Mode of Anesthesia Is the Main Factor Influencing Avascular Necrosis After Closed Reduction for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Kosovo.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of analgesia and sedation (AS) as opposed to general anesthesia (GA) for closed reduction and spica casting of children with severe developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) influenced the long-term incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). In a prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial we investigated 100 pediatric patients with DDH type IIIa, IIIb, and IV (according to Graf classification), who were randomly assigned into the group receiving AS, and the group receiving GA. Baseline demographics, splint duration, and type of DDH were carefully assessed.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2013-2018, Adult and Pediatric Units, Device-associated Module.

Background: We report the results of INICC surveillance study from 2013 to 2018, in 664 intensive care units (ICUs) in 133 cities, of 45 countries, from Latin-America, Europe, Africa, Eastern-Mediterranean, Southeast-Asia, and Western-Pacific.

Methods: Prospective data from patients hospitalized in ICUs were collected through INICC Surveillance Online System. CDC-NHSN definitions for device-associated healthcare-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

A review of the current understanding of nanoparticles protein corona composition.

Upon entering into the biological environments, the surface of the nanoparticles is immediately coated with proteins and form the so-called a protein corona due to which a nanoparticle changes its "synthetic" identity to a new "biological" identity. Different types of nanoparticles have different protein binding profiles, which is why they have different protein corona composition and therefore it cannot be said that there is a universal protein corona. The composition and amount of protein in the corona depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles, the type of biological medium and the exposure time.

Anthropometric and Motor Competence Classifiers of Swimming Ability in Preschool Children-A Pilot Study.

Swimming is a form of physical activity and a life-saving skill. However, only a few studies have identified swimming ability classifiers in preschool children. This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to find anthropometric (AM) and motor competence (MC) predictors of swimming ability in preschool children, by building classifiers of swimming ability group (SAG) membership.

Galactomannan as a new bio-sourced corrosion inhibitor for iron in acidic media.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a bio-sourced polymer as a corrosion inhibitor against iron corrosion in a 1 M HCl solution. Galactomannan was obtained from the carob plant (Ceratonia Siliqua L) and its structure was verified by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The inhibitor concentration effects and immersion time on the resistance of the iron surface against corrosion are evaluated using impedance and polarization electrochemical measurements, UV-visible analysis and theoretical study.

Six-year multicenter study on short-term peripheral venous catheters-related bloodstream infection rates in 727 intensive care units of 268 hospitals in 141 cities of 42 countries of Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific Regions: International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) findings.

Background: Short-term peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (PVCR-BSI) rates have not been systematically studied in resource-limited countries, and data on their incidence by number of device days are not available.

Methods: Prospective, surveillance study on PVCR-BSI conducted from September 1, 2013, to May 31, 2019, in 727 intensive care units (ICUs), by members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 268 hospitals in 141 cities of 42 countries of Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. For this research, we applied definition and criteria of the CDC NHSN, methodology of the INICC, and software named INICC Surveillance Online System.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module.

Background: We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

Methods: During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

The Prognostic Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Expression in Thyroid Carcinomas.

Background: Thyroid carcinomas are the most common endocrine tumors - they account for 95% of all endocrine tumors. Thyroid carcinomas are more vascular than normal thyroid tissue. For the tumor to grow and subsequently metastasize it is crucial that it induces angiogenesis.

A very high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Kosovo: a nationwide study.

Background: Patients on hemodialysis are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection if measures for effective control of HCV infection in the hemodialysis environment are not implemented. Whereas in developed countries isolated small-scale outbreaks of HCV in hemodialysis units are occasionally reported, HCV transmission in the hemodialysis environment still represents a substantial problem in low-resource countries. This study systematically assessed the prevalence of HCV infection among all patients at all hemodialysis centers in Kosovo, determined the HCV genotype distribution, and reviewed the main risk factors associated with HCV infection in this group of patients.

Catastrophic expenditures and impoverishment due to out-of-pocket health payments in Kosovo.

Background: The current health system reforms in Kosovo aim to improve health status through universal health coverage. Risk pooling and ensuring access to necessary care without financial hardship are envisaged through compulsory health insurance. We measure the level of financial risk protection through two commonly applied concepts: catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment.

Association of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder with migraine: Data from Kosovo.

Introduction: Migraine is ranked as the seventh leading cause of disability worldwide, and it is characterized by a manifestation of combined neurological, gastrointestinal, and autonomic symptoms linked with different provoking factors.

Aim Of The Study: This study investigates the association between migraine and PTSD, depression and anxiety in the Kosovo population during the post-war period.

Material And Methods: 273 war survivors with headache were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups: 153 individuals with confirmed migraine (the study group) and 120 individuals with non-migraine headaches (control group).

A Nonfatal Case of Dobrava Hantavirus Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Combined with Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome.

Among hantaviruses (HTNV), 22 are known as pathogenic for humans. HTNV can cause two clinical entities: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). In most countries of Eastern Europe as well as in Kosovo, HTNV infection is presented mainly as HFRS.

Antioxidant defense system, immune response and erythron profile modulation in gold fish, Carassius auratus, after acute manganese treatment.

The manganese contamination has become a global problem, recently, because it is perceived as a real threat to the human health and the environment. It is well-known that overexposure to Mn may have negative physiological effects on fish and other organisms inhabiting heavy metal polluted waters. To the best of our knowledge, studies relating with manganese effects on fish antioxidant enzyme response in the blood, immunocompetence and erythron profile alteration, are scarce.

Public Health Profile of Road Traffic Accidents in Kosovo 2010-2015.

Aim: To determine the characteristics of the Socio-medical profile of road traffic accidents in Kosovo, between 2010 and 2015 year.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: A descriptive method based on the database of road traffic accidents from the National Police of Kosovo.

Availability of hepatitis C diagnostics and therapeutics in European and Eurasia countries.

Background: Treatment with direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has provided sustained virological response rates in >95% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However treatment is costly and market access, reimbursement and governmental restrictions differ among countries. We aimed to analyze these differences among European and Eurasian countries.

Is there a relationship between genetic factors and the incidence and severity of H1N1 in Kosova?: A preliminary investigation and pointers for further research.

Background: Host genetic factors may impact susceptibility to infection. A small number of studies have investigated the association between factors such as ABO blood groups and selected phenotypes on the incidence and severity of H1N1 infections with inconclusive results.

Methods: Using data from the Clinic of Infectious Diseases - University Clinical Centre Prishtina and based on the examination of 125 patients hospitalized with H1N1 in the period 2009-2014, the frequency of blood groups from ABO and Rhesus (Rh) systems as phenotypical markers were evaluated.

Clinical Manifestations in 82 Neurobrucellosis Patients from Kosovo.

Background: Central nervous system involvement is a serious complication of brucellosis with various incidence and various clinical presentations.

Patients And Methods: Hospitalized patients in University Clinical Centre, Clinic for Infectious diseases in Prishtina, with laboratory-confirmed brucellosis, were analyzed, a brucellosis-endemic region. Among the 648 confirmed cases with brucellosis during the period 1991- 2013, 82 patients (12.

Proton pump inhibitor use for 12 months is not associated with changes in serum magnesium levels: a prospective open label comparative study.

Background/aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely used class of drugs because of a generally acceptable safety profile. Among recently raised safety issues of the long-term use of PPIs is the increased risk of developing hypomagnesemia. As there have been very few prospective studies measuring serum magnesium levels before and after PPI therapy, we aimed to prospectively assess the potential association between PPI therapy for 12 months and the risk of hypomagnesemia as well as the incidence of new-onset hypomagnesemia during the study.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module.

Background: We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

Methods: During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.

Results: Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.

From Pre-Existing Renal Failure to Perioperative Renal Protection: The Anesthesiologist's Dilemmas.

Context: Pre-existing renal dysfunction presents specific features that anesthesiologists must deal with. Anesthesia and renal function are connected and can interfere with each other. Induced hypotension anesthesia and the toxic effects of anesthetic drugs can further deteriorate renal function.

PATIENTS' SATISFACTION WITH HEALTH SERVICES AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH OF KOSOVA.

Aim: Purpose of the research is to assess patient satisfaction with the quality of health services provided in National Institute of Public Health of Kosova.

Methods: Study was observational and cross-sectional. Interviews were conducted with 625 clients of IPH.