During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

Family physicians (FPs) are exposed to high amounts of stress, and could be susceptible to the development of mental health disorders (MHD), especially after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the current study was to assess MHD history, attitudes toward MHDs and stress‑coping strategies in FPs. An additional goal was to estimate their comprehensive well-being and investigate connections with resilience and a healthy lifestyle. A total of 483 FPs submitted their responses via online survey. MHD attitudes were assessed with the according questionnaires, while burnout levels, healthy lifestyle, resilience, job and life satisfaction were estimated with validated scales. Results have shown that 32.5% of FPs disclosed positive MHD history, while 68.7% used professional help. Resilience and healthy lifestyle levels were significantly higher in MHD negative FPs (p < 0.001), while burnout levels were lower (p < 0.001). Moreover, healthy lifestyle (β = 0.03, p < 0.001) was an independent correlate of resilience, while healthy lifestyle (β= −0.35, p < 0.001, and resilience (β= −1.82, p < 0.001) were of burnout levels. Finally, resilience (OR = 0.387, p < 0.001) and healthy lifestyle (OR = 0.970, p = 0.021) were shown as independent predictors of positive MHD history status. Strong promotion and education of FP population regarding resilience and healthy lifestyle should be utilized in practice in order to alleviate the possibility of mental health disturbances and the according consequences.

Background: Studies show that hyperuricemia is an element of the pathophysiology of many conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout management. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the primary physicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and patient management regarding hyperuricemia and gout. Results: A total of 336 primary care physicians were included. Physicians who read at least one scientific paper covering the topic of hyperuricemia in the past year scored significantly higher in knowledge questions (N = 152, 6.5 ± 2.05 vs. N = 183, 7.04 ± 2.14, p = 0.019). Only around half of physicians correctly identified drugs that can lower or elevate serum uric acid levels. Furthermore, the analysis of correct answers to specific questions showed poor understanding of the pathophysiology of hyperuricemia and possible risk factors. Conclusions: This study identified gaps in primary care physicians’ knowledge essential for the adequate management of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout. As hyperuricemia and gout are among the fastest rising non-communicable diseases, greater awareness of the available guidelines and more education about the causes and risks of hyperuricemia among primary care physicians may reduce the development of diseases that have hyperuricemia as risk factors.

The aim of this study was to find out the clinical and ultrasonographic effects of locoweed A. lentiginosus in pregnant goats. Five pregnant does were given a dose of finely ground A. lentiginosus on the 30th day of gestation while four other does were given an equivalent amount of ground lucerne hay as negative controls. Blood samples were then collected from the experimental and control animals and results showed that locoweed poisoned goats developed mild proprioceptive deficits within 9 to 10 days of treatment. The clinical signs became more severe with the poisoned animals becoming weak, hesitant to move, prominent intention tremors and proprioceptive deficits. The result suggests that Spanish goats are very sensitive to the negative effects of locoweed as shown on its reproductive performance. The early reduction in fetal movement and fetal death is indicative of this sensitivity.

The prevalence and incidence of gout doubled from 1990 to 2017. Therefore, we can expect that a number of doctors have come across a patient with gout in their daily practice. Hence, we wanted to investigate how familiar our medical students, as future medical professionals, are with gout. This cross-sectional survey included Medical Studies students from the two largest universities in Croatia: the University of Split School of Medicine, and the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, and included a total of 221 fifth or sixth year medical students. Most students gave correct answers to questions about treatment approach and non-pharmacological interventions in asymptomatic hyperuricemia (>80%). Less than 3% of all students agreed they knew enough about care for patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, whereas almost 15% thought they were well familiar with care for gout patients. Less than 8% of students considered their school education adequate on both topics, and less than 2% were aware of the existence of EULAR guidelines. Physicians lacking in the latest knowledge on the pathophysiology of gout, the influence of lifestyle, and genetic factors limits their ability to properly manage gout. With increasing prevalence, gout should be more represented in medical students’ education.

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