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Solidarity In Action: Social Service Of Caritas Organizations In Ukraine In Wartime, Andrii Marchenko

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article is devoted to the analysis of the activities of Caritas charitable organizations in Ukraine, which are affiliated with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (Caritas Ukraine) and the Roman Catholic Church (Caritas-Spes Ukraine), in the realities of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Particular attention is focused on considering how the fundamental ideas of Christian love, mercy, common good, and solidarity are embodied in the various practices of humanitarian, spiritual, and other support that these institutions provide to different categories of the population of Ukraine, especially those who have suffered from the destructive consequences of the war. Types of such support include, …

Imperial Pedagogy And Religious Constraint: The Politics Of Islamic Education In The Kazakh Steppe Under Tsarist Rule, Kunduzay Yerimbetova, Bekmurat Naimanbayev

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This article examines the evolution of the Russian Empire’s educational policies toward Islamic schools in the Kazakh Steppe from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1917 Revolution. While the early imperial administration initially tolerated Islamic institutions for pragmatic governance, the latter half of the nineteenth century witnessed a decisive paradigm shift toward systematic surveillance and restriction. Drawing on archival records and colonial administrative decrees, the study analyzes the implementation of the "Ilminsky system" and the compulsory introduction of the Cyrillic alphabet as tools for cultural assimilation and Russification. The research highlights the dual nature of colonial education: while the Tsarist authorities …

Volume 9 (2026) Climate And Responsibility

International Journal on Responsibility

This issue focuses on the various ways responsibility affects environmental justice. Specifically, this volume urges us to think about how societal and individual (in)action influences ecological crises and what informs this behavior, with a specific focus on religious and Indigenous beliefs and values.

Vermillion, Saptarshi Biswas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The sky is vermilion, and the sand below mirrors its hue—a seamless union of heaven and earth in the waning light. The setting sun spills its final radiance across the world, as if reluctant to surrender to night. In this mirrored brilliance lies a quiet truth about human life: that our final moments often reflect the sum of all that came before, casting meaning backward, tinting memory with the soft, forgiving glow of closure.

Just as the sand borrows its color from the sky, so too do our lives borrow significance from what we love, what we lose, and what …

We Grow Accustomed To The Light, Minh Q. Nguyen

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson’s exploration of the unknown in "We Grow Accustomed to the Dark," this poem, "We Grow Accustomed to the Light," re-examines the final transition of life through a clinical and humanist lens. While Dickinson focused on the bravery required to navigate the "Dark," this piece explores the courage needed to face the "Light," representing the clarity of terminal illness, the shedding of medical "fetters," and the shared experience of the "final goodbye." It challenges the traditional medical impulse to "push forward" at all costs, instead advocating for a "Wise" acceptance of the natural end of the …

Approaching Well-Being Through The Research Lens: How Hca Healthcare Colleagues Are Building Healthy Work And Learning Environments, Gregory Guldner, Allison Woodall, Deepinder Bal, Jennifer Larkin, Cynthia Borum, Sunny Hull, Annette Edens, Lisa H. Moore, Elaine K. Miller, Harold Gomez Acevedo, Katia M. Lugo Enriquez, Noor Judge, Yanie Oliva, Pablo E. Ramirez Caraballo, Faraz Jaffer, Prerna S. Sharma, Daniel Heller, Siddarth Kathuria, Nathaniel Banet, Orlando Nieves-Lugo, Adrienne Madison, Lily Martin, Oliwier Dziadkowiec

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

At the heart of our commitment to the care and improvement of human life are the physicians who dedicate themselves to delivering exceptional care. To support not only our physicians’ professional excellence but also to foster personal fulfillment, HCA Healthcare partnered with Claremont Graduate University to establish the Physician Wellness Research Lab (PWR Lab). In his new role as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Graduate Medical Education (GME), Dr Guldner led a nationwide search to establish and implement a new approach to well-being. At HCA Healthcare, we believe that true flourishing requires transforming the work and learning environment …

Beyond Drainage: Can Pleural Effusion Naturally Tamponade Tumor Hemorrhage? Literature Review Of Hypotheses For Possible Mechanisms, Pratyush Kumar, Kumar Abhishek, Pankti Shah, Amelia Goslin, Archana Machavarapu, Catherine Joyce, Michael J. Waxman, Kari Nilsen

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of advanced lung cancer and is typically treated with therapeutic drainage to relieve symptoms. Although this is a well-established palliative approach, removing pleural fluid—especially in cases of necrotic or post-radiation tumors—may disturb the fragile pressure balance within the thoracic cavity. The question of whether pleural effusion can act as a natural tamponade against tumor-related vascular fragility has not been thoroughly investigated.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a 49-year-old man with stage IIIB non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who experienced a catastrophic hemorrhage shortly after pleural fluid removal via a …

Myxedema Coma With Cardiogenic Shock: Diagnostic Challenges And Risks Of Amiodarone In Acute Thyroid Failure, Jean Carlos Ramos Cardona, Gunjan Mundhra, Munachiso Egbo, Veniamin Melnychuk, Suzanne Quinn Martinez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Myxedema coma is a rare but life-threatening manifestation of severe hypothyroidism characterized by altered mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and multiorgan dysfunction. Delayed diagnosis is common, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Cardiac complications, including malignant arrhythmias, are underrecognized contributors to morbidity and mortality. Profound hypothyroidism compromises cardiac myocyte function through reduced activity of enzymes involved in calcium uptake, leading to impaired myocardial contraction and relaxation. This results in decreased heart rate, reduced cardiac output, and altered left ventricular function, which may be further exacerbated in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Prolongation of the ventricular action …

Neuromotor Compromise As A Presenting Symptom In Advanced Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Series, Adam Maestas, Parsa Charkhchi, Farbod Malek

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, representing less than 1% of adult cancers. Approximately half arise in the extremities, most often presenting as a painless, enlarging mass. Symptoms are often misattributed to benign neuropathic or musculoskeletal causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Neurological deficits such as foot drop or distal weakness are exceptionally uncommon presenting signs and generally indicate advanced local invasion or compression of major peripheral nerves. Recognizing acute neuromotor compromise as a potential manifestation of soft tissue malignancy is crucial for timely oncologic evaluation and limb-sparing management.

Case Presentation

This series …

Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery In Acute Longus Colli Calcific Tendinitis: A Clinical Image Of A Retropharyngeal Abscess Mimicker, Brandon M. Nielsen, Oluyemi O. Omotoso

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli (LCT) is a rare, benign condition that frequently mimics retropharyngeal abscesses (RPA), a true surgical emergency. We present a 34-year-old woman presenting with 4 days of severe posterior neck pain, stiffness, and odynophagia. Initial evaluation revealed significantly elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] 113 mm/hr, C-reactive protein [CRP] 128 mg/L) and leukocytosis, raising immediate concern for deep neck infection. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a retropharyngeal fluid collection; however, the absence of peripheral ring enhancement and the presence of a pathognomonic calcification anterior to the C1 arch pointed toward LCT. This distinction …

Gallbladder Ascariasis Presenting As Acalculous Biliary Colic, Carmen A. Urbina, Luigi G. Cubeddu, Luigi X. Cubeddu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

We detail a case of gallbladder ascariasis, presenting as an acute episode of acalculous biliary colic, nausea, bloating, an unremarkable abdominal ultrasound, and negative helminth and protozoa stool smears. A follow-up ultrasound provided unexpected images consistent with gallbladder infection by Ascaris lumbricoides. Repeat ultrasonography performed 10 days after anthelmintic therapy showed no live worms and 2 newly appearing echogenic areas suggestive of gallbladder calculi that were confirmed following elective cholecystectomy. The case course highlights key clinical, diagnostic, and management considerations in gallbladder ascariasis and underscores the value of repeated ultrasonographic evaluation in affected patients.

Blaschko-Linear Lupus Erythematosus In A Pediatric Patient, Marshall Hall, Olivia Mayer, Henry Lim, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The lines of Blaschko represent epithelial cell migration during embryonic development. Rare forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus may manifest along these lines, and lesions are termed Blaschko-linear lupus erythematosus (BLE). The purpose of this case study is to present a rare manifestation of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko in a pediatric patient. To date, there are very few reports of BLE. We present a 17-year-old female with a 2-month history of a mildly tender growing lesion along the right nasofacial sulcus. The patient denied lesions elsewhere and any systemic, joint, or mucosal symptoms. A biopsy of …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Jamie Y. Choe, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent deep-seated nodules and painful abscesses with scars, fistulae, and sinus tracts that predominately affect the intertriginous sites. Onset typically occurs soon after puberty. Depending on disease severity, HS can lead to varying levels of pain, disability, and disfiguration with significant impacts on quality of life. Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed clinically, and no diagnostic tests are specific to the disease. Therefore, clinicians must have the knowledge and competence to identify the clinical features of HS accurately. The purpose of this report is to provide descriptions of characteristic clinical presentations …

Sebaceous Gland Heterotopia Of The Esophagus: A Rare Incidental Finding During Upper Endoscopy, Samuel Ramos, Margaret-Anne Huntley, Eric Vargas, Jignesh Parikh, Vania Zayat

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands (EHSG) are an extremely rare finding within the esophageal epithelium. These glands are typically benign, presenting as small, yellow-white plaques or lesions observed on endoscopy, often in the middle third of the esophagus. Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands are generally asymptomatic, and surveillance is not required. While their origin is unclear, proposed mechanisms include metaplastic transformation and congenital development. Recognition and histologic confirmation are essential to distinguish EHSG from other esophageal lesions and to avoid unnecessary interventions. We report the case of a 55-year-old man in whom multiple diminutive plaques were identified in the mid-esophagus during esophagogastroduodenoscopy …

Comparing The Expression Of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors, And Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Between Initial Biopsy And Excision Specimens In Invasive Breast Carcinoma Cases. Is There A Need For Universal Repeat Testing? Experience From A Community Hospital, Astrid M. Sacasa, Gul Emek Wymer, Susana Ferra

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The current national recommendation is that breast biomarkers estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing should be done on all primary invasive breast carcinomas and on recurrent or metastatic tumors. Repeat testing on a subsequent excision specimen is not indicated unless results appear discordant with the histopathologic findings. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the need for adopting universal reflex re-testing of breast biomarkers in excision specimens in our institution.

Methods

The study population included 70 sequential invasive breast cancer patients where the results of ER, PR, and …

Opioid Free Anesthesia In Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Feasible Approach To Patient Care, Carson Gifford, Denise Vidal, Dail Kim, Austin Goff, Paul Reynolds

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The opioid epidemic has prompted exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) techniques, but the optimal approach is still debated. While some OFA protocols substitute opioids with other agents, these alternatives can introduce their own risks. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eliminating intraoperative opioids without analgesic substitution in arthroscopic knee procedures affects postoperative pain control and opioid requirements.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee procedures between August and November 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative fentanyl (25-200 mcg, n = 144) and those who received …

Psychological Adaptation In Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings, Anuja L. Sarode, Emily M. Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.

Methods

This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping …

Coping Beyond Cancer: Exploring Fear Of Recurrence In Colorectal Cancer Survivors—A Pilot Investigation, Emily M. Su, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply, Anuja L. Sarode

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Evidence is limited on the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the US, especially regarding patterns and trends of post-recovery coping mechanisms. This pilot mixed-methods study quantified FCR, examined its associations with Brief COPE domains, and contextualized coping through qualitative analysis.

Methods

Twenty-three patients who successfully underwent CRC surgery were included in this pilot study. Fear of cancer recurrence was measured using the FCR Inventory (FCRI) Short Form, and coping strategies were assessed with the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) survey. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, FCR, and COPE scores. Spearman correlation …

An Acknowledgement To The Hca Healthcare Journal Of Medicine's Reviewers And Editors For The First Half Of 2026, Graig Donini

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine would like to thank those behind the scenes who make this publication possible. Our journal would not be possible without the assistance of our peer reviewers, authors, and board members.

Erratum: Presentation Of Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

This corrects the article “Presentation of Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type” in volume 6, issue 6 on page 527.

Introduction To Volume 9: Climate And Responsibility, Heather L. Scheuerman, Sylvia J. Whitney Beitzel

International Journal on Responsibility

No abstract provided.

Translating Higher Education Into Vietnamese: An Applied Linguistics Approach To Language Equity And Higher Education Access, Z.W. Taylor, Alan Do, Jase Kugiya, Tuan Le

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

One growing population of non-native English speakers in the U.S. education system are native Vietnamese speakers, yet no studies have examined how higher education communication could be made more accessible for Vietnamese speakers. As a result, this case study reports on human and machine translational linguistics work conducted in partnership with the University of Iowa focused on simplifying and translating English enrollment management information into Vietnamese. Findings suggest that the institution increased the clarity and accessibility of enrollment management information by using second-person pronouns, shorter sentence structures, clearer diction, and explanations of institution-specific jargon. Moreover, analyses of machine and human …

Enhancing Ecg Classification Using Systematic Cubic Spline Control Points With Deep Neural Networks, Hussein Qahtan Khalaf, Abeer Tariq Maolood, Nor Shahida Mohd Shah

Engineering and Technology Journal

The healthcare industry has undergone substantial growth over the past few years. Despite the development of medical technology, the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia is still a significant challenge for modern diagnostic methods for correct and efficient classification of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, especially in cases of class imbalance and the complexity of the arrhythmia. This study proposes a novel deep learning model where the class imbalance problem is addressed using the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and the effect of signal resolution on the classification is investigated using Cubic Spline (CS) interpolation and Lightweight Deep Neural Network (CSLWDNN). Both the MIT-BIH …

Aquila-X 3.0: Modular High-Throughput Mobile Potable-Water Factory With Adaptive Pretreatment, Parallel Production Trains, Seawater Energy Recovery, Multi-Grade Outputs, And Concentrate-First Residual Management Research Conceptual Invention, Michael Victor Caldwell Mr.

Defensive Publications Series

AQUILA-X 3.0 is a transportable, modular, multi-barrier water-production platform designed to produce more independently verified potable water per deployable system than conventional mobile RO plants while maintaining safe operation, source-specific treatment, practical energy demand, maintainability, redundancy, and complete residual accountability.

The system does not depend on one miracle component. Its capacity comes from:

• Selecting the shortest safe treatment route for each characterized source.

• Removing grit, solids, oil, algae, and foulants before fine membranes.

• Using multiple independently isolatable production trains.

• Avoiding high-pressure RO when freshwater does not need desalination.

• Using dedicated high-pressure SWRO equipment and energy recovery when seawater does need …

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Identifying Pyle's Metaphyseal Dysplasia – An Incidental Finding Of Skeletal Pathology On A Dental Checkup, Shruthi Parthasarathy, Amudhan Azhagan, Arthisri Anandhi Sekar, Poongodi V, Ram Shankar

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Introduction:

Pyle's disease, also known as familial metaphyseal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that primarily affects the skeletal system, particularly in children and adolescents. Characterized by distinctive radiographic features such as Erlenmeyer flask deformity and metaphyseal widening, Pyle's disease often goes underdiagnosed due to its mild clinical manifestations.

Case report:

This case report details a 15-year-old female patient presenting with retained milk teeth and unerupted permanent teeth, alongside notable skeletal abnormalities including genu valgum and kyphosis. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed significant dental anomalies, including multiple impacted permanent teeth and mild dysmorphic facial features. Although genetic testing …

Beyond Lipid-Lowering: Pleiotropic Effects Of Statins In Inflammation, Coagulation, And Cell Proliferation – Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Kasidid Lawongsa, Yutthana Pansuwan, Supanut Kumjan

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Statins are widely used lipid-lowering agents that significantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Beyond their cholesterol-lowering properties, increasing evidence demonstrates that statins exert several pleiotropic effects independent of lipid reduction. These effects include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-proliferative actions mediated primarily through inhibition of the mevalonate pathway and downstream signaling molecules such as Rho, Rac, and Ras. Experimental and clinical studies have suggested potential benefits of statins in various non-cardiovascular conditions, including autoimmune diseases, venous thromboembolism, sepsis-associated coagulopathy, and certain malignancies. In addition, pharmacoepidemiologic studies have provided insights into the real-world effects and …

Evaluation Of Mdm2 Mrna Expression According To Clinicopathological Characteristics In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oscc) Patients, Tirta Wardana

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets p53 for degradation, thereby influencing the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Objective. The present study investigates MDM2 mRNA expression and its association with clinical and pathological characteristics in OSCC patients.

Methods: We conducted an observational-analytical study using a cross-sectional design. The study involved 39 OSCC patients. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed. We quantified relative MDM2 mRNA expression using the Livak method (2-ΔΔCT) and GenEX MultiD software version 6.0. Statistical significance was assessed using independent t-tests.

Results: Although no …

Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision-Making Among Older Adults At The Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Chalisa Thanapura, Nawasiri Siriprasert, Thacha Pithayapibulpong, Bhorn-Ake Manasvanich, Vichai Viriyautsahakul

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Thailand is constantly increasing, and is highest in individuals aged 60-75 years. However, the number of older individuals undergoing CRC screening remains suboptimal.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with CRC screening decision-making among Thai older adults attending the Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the choice of screening method—colonoscopy versus fecal occult blood testing (FOBT)

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a data record form at the Comprehensive Geriatrics Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, …

Integrative Analysis Of Bioinformatics Databases To Identify Thyroid Cancer Drug Target Candidates, Desti Rahmawati, Putri Permata Suka Admanegara, Rista Yulianti, Siska Widiastuti, Wirawan Adikusuma, Brilliant Citra Wirashada, Rahmat Dani Satria, Darmawi Darmawi, Baik Heni Rispawati, Rockie Chong, Ilker Ates, Lalu Muhammad Irham, Petrina Theda Philothra

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Thyroid cancer is an endocrine malignancy whose incidence continues to rise globally. Although thyroid cancer generally has a favourable prognosis, aggressive subtypes such as anaplastic thyroid cancer remain a therapeutic challenge. Drug repurposing strategies offer the opportunity to accelerate the development of therapies by utilising drugs already available and with an established safety profile.

Objective: This study aims to identify candidate thyroid cancer risk genes by analyzing data extracted from GWAS and PheWAS databases, and to evaluate their potential therapeutic relevance through drug repositioning

Methods: Significant gene variants were obtained from GWAS and PheWAS databases and functionally annotated …

The Mathematical Model Predicts Peripheral Blood Cd34+ Cell Yield And Blood Volume Processing For Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Apheresis., Rattaporn Vichitratchaneekorn, Kanokpol Siriphanthong, Kanokwan Chinbordee, Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen, Ponlapat Ronjnuckarin

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Introduction: The accurate prediction of stem cell yields is important for planning peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection. This study aimed to develop a formula forecasting required blood volume processing to ensure adequate CD34+ cell products.

Methods: Data from donors and patients who underwent PBSC apheresis conducted at a tertiary care hospital were reviewed. BD FACSCanto™ II and Navios EX flow cytometry machines were used to determine the pre-collection CD34+ cell counts (preCD34).

Results: Of 50 donors and 85 patients, 145 leukapheresis procedures were performed. Linear regression models accurately predicted absolute CD34+ cell yields from pre-apheresis values, supporting optimal procedural …