Influence of common antibiotics (amoxicillin / clavulanate, clarithromycin, imipenem / cilastatin), on the clinical course of pulmonary TB and community acquired pneumonia SummaryThis was the first retrospective clinical study of efficacy of common antibiotics (amoxicillin / clavulanate, clarithromycin, imipenem / cilastatin) administered ex juvantibus to differentiate pulmonary tuberculosis and community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Administration of these antibiotics in 162 patients with confirmed pulmonary TB led to significant activation of pulmonary inflammation, extended infiltration of the lung tissue, cav itation and bronchogenic dissemination, culturing of M. tuberculosis from sputum and clinical worsening of the disease. On contrary, in 108 patients with CAP, the same antibiotics resulted in resolution of pulmonary infiltrates and relief of signs of the disease. Amoxicillin / clavulanate, clar ithromycin and imipenem / cilastatin were proven not to have any effect on M. tuberculosis including those with MDR; they do not pertain to anti TB chemotherapeutic drugs.

The concept of ‘bientraitance’(good treatment) of older adults was introduced in Quebec policy a few years prior to the pandemic, and its significance from the perspectives of those directly involved in care remains underexplored. Centring these perspectives, this article presents findings from a study of the meanings, practices and conditions of good treatment. Data was collected at three different residential care settings through world cafés with residents, staff, management, volunteers and family members ( n = 61) and through interviews with care aides ( n = 13). The study results indicate that those directly involved in care identify good treatment as fundamentally oriented towards developing and maintaining good relationships with residents; as contingent upon interpersonal, material, and organizational factors; and as requiring (more) time. Given the need for radical reform within Quebec’s residential care settings revealed by the pandemic, it is imperative that these perspectives inform the changes introduced.

Today’s aging population means that retirement homes must be considered more carefully in research, particularly in terms of social ties. After moving into a retirement home, many seniors wish to remain active and contribute to society, thereby maintaining a sense of purpose. The objective of this exploratory qualitative research is to explore and better understand the perceptions and experiences of seniors living in retirement homes regarding their social participation, in terms of interpersonal relationships and recreational activities. We interviewed 11 residents of private seniors’ residences in Quebec City, Canada. At the personal level, the central factors for social participation are adaptation to the new environment, involvement in this environment, especially via volunteering, and health status. Regarding the social environment, important factors include geographic proximity to the social network, diversity of proposed leisure activities and staff permanence. In conclusion, we compiled a list of recommendations in respect of intervention strategies and defined future research avenues that would address the issues of social participation highlighted in this study.