Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Concerning Antibiotic Use in a Large Metropolitan Area: Implications for Public Health and Policy Interventions

The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics pose a grave threat to public health, contributing significantly to the accelerated development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and increased rates of morbidity and mortality, making it a leading cause of death globally. To examine the relationship between demographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning antibiotic use, a survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1158 individuals. The questionnaire included two sections: in the first section, participants' socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed; the second investigated knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning antibiotics utilization using a total of 36 questions. Descriptive statistics were used, and then a multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) using three models was carried out. In Model I, knowledge about antibiotics exhibited correlations with smoking habits and educational attainment. In Model II, attitudes were significantly associated with gender, smoking habits, age, education, relationship status, and knowledge. In Model III, behaviors related to antibiotics were correlated with educational attainment, having children, knowledge, and attitudes. Implementing tailored public health programs could be a cost-effective intervention to enhance behaviors associated with antibiotic use in the general population. This study offers valuable insights into the determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotics in the general population.

Electron thermalization length in solid para-hydrogen at low-temperature

We report the first ever measurements of the thermalization length of low-energy electrons injected into solid para-hydrogen at a temperature T ≈ 2.8 K. The use of the pulsed Townsend photoinjection technique has allowed us to investigate the behavior of quasi-free electrons rather than of massive, slow negative charges, as reported in all previous literature. We have found an average thermalization length ⟨z0⟩ = 26.1 nm, which is three to five times longer than that in liquid helium at the same temperature.

Determinants Analysis Regarding Household Chemical Indoor Pollution

Indoor household pollution is not yet sufficiently studied in the general population. Over 4 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution in households. This study aimed to propose quantitative data research through the administration of a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) Survey Questionnaire. This cross-sectional study administered questionnaires to adults from the metropolitan city of Naples (Italy). Three Multiple Linear Regression Analyses (MLRA) were developed, including Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior regarding household chemical air pollution and the related risks. One thousand six hundred seventy subjects received a questionnaire to be filled out and collected anonymously. The mean age of the sample was 44.68 years, ranging from 21-78 years. Most of the people interviewed (76.13%) had good attitudes toward house cleaning, and 56.69% stated paying attention to cleaning products. Results of the regression analysis indicated that positive attitudes were significantly higher among subjects who graduated, with older age, male and non-smokers, but they were correlated with lower knowledge. In conclusion, a behavioral and attitudinal program targeted those with knowledge, such as younger subjects with high educational levels, but do not engage in correct practices towards household indoor chemical pollution.

Extremely long decay time optical cavity

We report on the resonant Fabry Perot cavity of the PVLAS (Polarization of the Vacuum with LASer) experiment operating at λ = 1064 nm with a record decay time of 2.7 ms, a factor more than two larger than any previously reported optical resonator. This corresponds to a coherence length of 8.1 · 10(5) m. The cavity length is 3.303 m, and the resulting finesse is 770,000.

A laser system for the parametric amplification of electromagnetic fields in a microwave cavity

We describe recent improvements in the development of the high power laser system used in the motion induced radiation (MIR) experiment to amplify electromagnetic fields inside a microwave cavity. The improvements made on the oscillator stabilization, the pulse train shaping device, and the spatial beam uniformity are reported.

Laser system generating 250-mJ bunches of 5-GHz repetition rate, 12-ps pulses

We report on a high-energy solid-state laser based on a master-oscillator power-amplifier system seeded by a 5-GHz repetition-rate mode-locked oscillator, aimed at the excitation of the dynamic Casimir effect by optically modulating a microwave resonator. Solid-state amplifiers provide up to 250 mJ at 1064 nm in a 500-ns (macro-)pulse envelope containing 12-ps (micro-)pulses, with a macro/micropulse format and energy resembling that of near-infrared free-electron lasers. Efficient second-harmonic conversion allowed synchronous pumping of an optical parametric oscillator, obtaining up to 40 mJ in the range 750-850 nm.

[Efficacy of inhalation therapy with water of Salsomaggiore (Italy) in chronic and recurrent nasosinusal inflammation treatment]

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the research was the demonstration of the efficacy of thermal water vs saline in the recurrent and chronic nasosinusal pathologies treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 patients randomized into 2 groups of 60 subjects each, all affected by recurrent or chronic rhinosinusitis with/without I degree nasal polyposis. At the beginning and at the end of the study, in all the subjects the clinical history, objective examination and the instrumental analysis of nasal functions by active anterior rhinometry, acustic rhinometry, nasal mucociliary transport time determination and nasal mucosa scraping were performed. Patients of the study group underwent crenotherapy treatment (vapour inhalation, aerosol and nasal douching) with thermal water for 14 days at Salsomaggiore Thermal baths. Other patients underwent nasal douching and aerosol with saline twice a day for 14 days at the Rhinologic Centre of the ENT Clinic of Siena University.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, only the patients undergone to crenothrapic treatment with salt-bromine-iodic water showed a significant improvement of nasal obstruction, rinorrea and number of nocturnal arousals. The improvement, even if present, was not significant in the control group. Same positive variations were observed concerning nasal mucosa congestion, nasal secretion and mucociliary transport time reaching the significance in the study group.

CONCLUSIONS

Crenotherapy with salt-bromine-iodic water should be considered as efficacious therapeutic tool in the management of chronic and recurrent rhinosinusitis.