Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Ultrasonography-Guided Periforaminal Oxygen-Ozone Therapy In Chronic Low Back Pain, Esra Ülgen Kiratlioğlu, Kutay Tezel, Eda Gürçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP) includes various minimally invasive image-guided interventional techniques. The aim of this study, which was planned based on the idea that periforaminal oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) gas application with ultrasonography (USG) could be an alternative treatment option, was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of USG-guided periforaminal ozone infiltration (PFOI) or transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in patients with chronic radicular LBP on pain, disability, and quality of life (QoL).

Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 patients each underwent PFOI by USG or TFESI via fluoroscopy. …

Prognostic Factors For Long-Term Outcomes Of Unilateral Atrophic Kidneys In Adult Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Zülal İstemi̇han, Ahmet Burak Di̇ri̇m, Ali̇ Riza Uçar, Ceren Bağriaçik, Gamze Kemeç, Şafak Mi̇ri̇oğlu, Seda Şafak, Vafa Suleymanova, Özgür Akin Oto, Ayşe Serra Artan, Alaatti̇n Yildiz, Aydin Türkmen, Hali̇l Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Unilateral atrophic kidney (UAK) could be related to many etiologies that can cause chronic kidney disease in adults. There is limited data on the long-term outcome of adults with UAK in the literature.

Materials and methods: This study included 199 adult patients with UAK. The etiology, baseline clinical/laboratory, and radiological findings were evaluated. Composite primary outcomes (CPO) (chronic kidney disease stage 5 or doubling of serum creatinine) and secondary outcomes (new-onset proteinuria (>0.5 g/day or g/g) or >50% increase in proteinuria level according to baseline, mortality, and nephrectomy requirement during follow-up) were evaluated in 166 patients with at …

One-Year Clinical Follow-Up Of Granulomatous Lymphadenitis Diagnosed Viaebus-Tbna In A Tuberculosis-Endemic Region, Hasret Gi̇zem Kurt, Ayperi̇ Öztürk, Melahat Uzel Şener, Fi̇gen Öztürk Ergür, Zeynep Ti̇lbe Saymaz Guvanjov, Aydin Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Granulomatous lymphadenitis is not a specific clinical diagnosis. In regions where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, differentiating between various diseases presenting with granulomatous lymphadenitis poses a significant clinical challenge. This study aims to evaluate the etiological distribution of underlying conditions and to assess diagnosis changes observed during at least one year of follow-up in patients diagnosed with granulomatous lymphadenitis through endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Materials and methods: A total of 4711 patients were included in the study, and 9353 lymph node samples were collected. Granulomatous lymphadenitis was identified in 791 patients, from whom 1505 lymph node samples were …

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Triglyceride Glucose Index And Metabolic And Hematological Parameters In Obese Individuals, Özge Baş Aksu, Feri̇de Özkara, Rifat Emral, Volkan Genç, Demet Çorapçioğlu, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This research examined the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and metabolic, hepatic, and hematologic variables in a population of severely obese subjects, with a focus on the assessment of glycemic control.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 315 adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m² who were evaluated for bariatric surgery. Participants were grouped according to HbA1c levels: those with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and those with HbA1c < 6.5%. TyG, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and hematological inflammation markers were assessed and compared between groups. To investigate associations, correlation and regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Individuals with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% had significantly higher TyG, AIP, APRI, and FIB-4 values than those with lower HbA1c. The TyG index showed a strong …

Medicolegal Evaluation Of Pediatric Patients With Injection Neuropathy, Hizir Asliyüksek, Caner Beşkoç, Ömer Faruk Şi̇mşeker, Ni̇han Hande Akçakaya, Adem Karbuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Injection neuropathy (IN) is a rare but preventable form of iatrogenic nerve injury, particularly affecting the sciatic nerve when intramuscular injections are administered incorrectly. While IN is uncommon in high-income countries, it remains a sig- nificant public health issue in Türkiye, especially in pediatric populations. The aim of this study is to evaluate pediatric IN cases referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine and highlight medicolegal aspects to inform clinical and legal preventive strategies.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 pediatric cases (age range: 1–17 years; mean age: 10.5 years; 57 boys, 10 girls) referred to the Council …

Thermal Compensation Algorithm In Manoscan™ High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry: Does It Really Affect Manometry Metrics And Final Diagnosis?, Ekrem Aslan, Erdem Akbal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The accuracy of pressure measurements with ManoScan™ high-resolution manometry (HRM) catheters decreases due to the development of pressure drift (PD) resulting from variations between room and body temperature. The corrective algorithm called thermal compensation (TC), added to the manometry software program by the manufacturer is used to prevent the development of PD. To date, no studies have demonstrated that PD leads to changes in manometry metrics and/or clinical diagnosis. The present study aims to demonstrate the impact of the TC algorithm on HRM metrics and final diagnosis.

Materials and methods: Records of 124 consecutive esophageal HRM studies with ManoScan™ …

Health Impacts And Medical Assistance After Libyan Flood Disaster: Emergency Medical Teams’ Responses, Hakan Güner, Okan Maden, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Şükrü Yorulmaz, Mehmet Enes Gökler

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Floods are the most frequent natural disasters and pose direct and indirect health risks, some well-documented and others poorly understood. Epidemiological studies help bridge these gaps and guide effective public health responses.In September 2023, Storm Daniel caused severe flooding in Libya, damaging infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. The disaster affected 250,000 people, displaced 48,000, and claimed 15,000 lives, making it the second deadliest natural disaster of the year. This study aims to assess the characteristics of flood-affected patients to improve disaster preparedness.

Materials and methods: This descriptive study examined disaster victims who visited three clinics established as part of an …

Development Study Of Scientific Competence And Activity Scale In Medical Faculty Research Assistants, Cemal Koçak, Hande Güverci̇n, Ecem Esen, Meltem Çöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: One mission of medical faculties is training scientists equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, who can evaluate the scientific research. The aim was to develop a scale for evaluating the level of scientific competence and activity in research assistants.

Materials and methods: The study is a methodological study, conducted in October 2023-May 2024 with 299 research assistants working at X University Faculty of Medicine. The reliability was assessed by item-total correlation and Cronbach-alpha coefficient; construct validity was assessed by EFA. In EFA, principal component analysis, Varimax rotation were used. KMO and Barttlet test p value were calculated. Groups …

Forensic Identification Using Airdna: A Preliminary Study On The Collection, Isolation, Amplification And Sequencing Of Human Dna From Air Samples, Sitki Tiplamaz, Zehra Ömeroğlu Ulu, Bestami̇ Çolak, Hizir Asliyüksek, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Humans continually release skin cells and DNA fragments into the air. This DNA can either remain airborne or drop onto surfaces as indoor dust. This study investigates the collection, isolation, amplification, and sequencing of human DNA from air samples, focusing on both nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted in a 15 m3 room and a meeting room, where air samples were systematically collected and filtered using a vacuum device equipped with various sterile filters. The rigorous protocols were implemented to prevent contamination throughout the process. Thirteen air samples were processed in this research, …

Erratum To " Evaluation Of Clinical Features And Treatment Modality Of Pediatric Patients With Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Single-Center Experience " [ Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 55 2 461 469], Funda Ayteki̇n Güveni̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In the original article, the ORCID of one of the co-authors, Hatice Irmak ÇELİK, was incorrectly reported by the corresponding author. At the request of the authors, the ORCID has been corrected to reflect the accurate information. This correction does not affect the content or conclusions of the article. The authors apologize for this oversight.

Link to the original article: https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.5990

Administration Of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Anosmic Mice, Burak Hazir, Alper Ceylan, Emi̇n Ümi̇t Bağriaçik, Duygu Dayanir, Betül Öğüt, Ni̇han Örüklü, Mücahi̇t Yalçin, Berkay Şi̇mşek, Muammer Meli̇h Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anosmia, a serious condition that affects the sense of smell, has no universally agreed-upon treatment. Adult stem cells are considered a potential option for treating anosmia. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissues in an anosmic mouse model induced by 3-methylindole (3-MI).

Materials and methods: In our study, 36 mice with 3-MI-induced anosmia were divided into subgroups. Anosmia was confirmed by performing a food-finding test (FFT) in each group. Intranasal phosphate-buffered saline was administered to the first group, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) to the second group, and bone marrow-derived …

Do The Amplitude Ratios Of Sensory Nerve Action Potentials In The Lower Extremities Have Any Diagnostic Utility In Distal Diabetic Polyneuropathy?, Işil Yazici Gençdal, Nermi̇n Görkem Şi̇ri̇n, İrem İlgezdi̇, Ümmü Mutlu, Eli̇f Kocasoy Orhan, Mehmet Bariş Baslo, Nevi̇n Di̇nççağ, Ali̇ Emre Öge

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the diagnostic sensitivity of sural sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) to medial femoral cutaneous nerve and dorsal sural to sural SNAP amplitude ratios in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.

Materials and methods: Sural/radial (SRAR), sural/medial femoral cutaneous (SMFAR), and dorsal sural/sural (DSSAR) SNAP amplitude ratios were calculated in 22 controls and 46 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Combined sensory scores (superficial peroneal, sural, dorsal sural, and medial plantar SNAPs), and amplitude ratio scores (SRAR, DSSAR, and SMFAR) were assessed. The parameters were compared statistically between the patient and control groups.

Results: All SNAP amplitudes were significantly lower …

Demographics, Clinical Features And Genetics Of Common Inherited Arrhythmias In Oman, Kadhiya Al Azri, Ismail Al Abri, Maryam Al Shehhi, Maria Al Hinai, Tahlil Al Amri, Narjis Al Sheala, Ammar Al Shabibi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives:

Inherited arrhythmia syndromes (IAS) are a group of rare disorders that result from genetic mutations in several genes including congenital long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome (BrS), short QT syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). Affected individuals may have various symptoms including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Few reports have highlighted long QT syndrome from the Arbian Gulf region. The current study aims to describe demographics of children and adults with inherited arrhythmia syndromes; report the presenting clinical features, genetic mutations and management strategies.

Material and Method:

This is a descriptive retrospective study that included Omani children and adults with …

Efficacy And Safety Of Olezarsen In Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review And Dose-Response Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Christopher D. Tristan, Risalina Myrtha, Matthew A. Wijayanto, Erlangga M. Kynaya, Muhammad F. Hamka, Nathania E. Sudiono, Muhammad A. Rusyidi, Muhana F. Ilyas

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Olezarsen emerged as a novel promising Apo-C3 inhibitor for dyslipidemia. However, its dose-response relationship remains uncertain. This review aims to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of olezarsen, safety measures, and dose-response effects to determine the optimal dose. A systematic search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CENTRAL on January 2, 2025. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing olezarsen with placebo in dyslipidemia was included. The Rob 2.0 tool was implemented to assess quality. R-studio and STATA were used to conduct statistical analysis. From a total of 194 documents at initial search, four RCTs involving 361 patients were included in the present …

Nosocomial Sepsis Triggered By Pluralibacter Gergoviae In A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report And Literature Review, Abdulrahman Özel, Nurettin Onur Kutlu, Servet Yüce, Cenk Özdalgiçoğlu, Meltem Erol

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Pluralibacter gergoviae is a rare opportunistic gram-negative bacillus in humans and exhibits resistance to preservatives in cosmetic products. In this case report, we present nosocomial P. gergoviae sepsis that developed through contamination from a cleaning product in a previously healthy child without known chronic diseases, pediatric intensive care unit care. Contamination with the same microorganism was detected even in unused samples of the cleaning product, leading to a recall of these items. This report highlights the case of hospital-acquired P. gergoviae sepsis to emphasize the importance of adherence to antiseptic protocols by health care work as well as the necessity …

New Insights On The Clinical Significance Of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Dna Load In Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia, Chen Yu, Lin Chenxi, Huang Rui, Chen Qi, Zhang Min, Chen Ling, Lai Xingqian

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: This study aimed to assess the consistency of MP-DNA load in the respiratory tracts, its correlation with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) manifestations, and its predictive value for refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP).

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on a cohort of MPP cases, including 215 patients with positive nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) MP-DNA and 59 with positive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) MP-DNA. Patients were categorized into two groups based on MP-DNA load: low-load (≤106/mL) and high-load (>106/mL). The consistency of MP-DNA load in NPA and BALF was determined by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were …

Comparison Of Delta Neutrophil Index And Inflammatory Markers In The Diagnosis Of Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis In Preterm Infants, Aybuke Yazici, Hayriye Gozde Kanmaz Kutman, Gulsum Kadioglu Simsek, Betul Siyah Bilgin, Fuat Emre Canpolat, Bedia Dinc, Serife Suna Oguz

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To assess the performance of the relatively new hematological marker delta neutrophil index (DNI) and other inflammatory markers in proven sepsis of the very preterm infant.

Methods: Infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and examined for suspected late-onset sepsis (LOS) were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and neonatal morbidity and mortality were compared between infants with blood culture-confirmed sepsis and clinical sepsis.

Results: The study included 358 infants, 90 with proven sepsis and 268 with clinical sepsis. The mean gestational ages in these groups were 28.2±2 and 28.2±2.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1139±372 and 1148±370 g, respectively (p>0.05). The proven sepsis group had higher DNI (median 7.1% [range, 0.1-74] vs. 0.6% [range, 0.1-24.7%], p<0.01], CRP (median 5 [range, 1-38] mg/L vs. 1 [range, 1-15] mg/L, p<0.001), interleukin 6 (median 620 [range, 6.9-5500] pg/mL vs. 42.2 [range, 2.2-5500] pg/mL, p<0.01), and procalcitonin (median 6.2 [range, 0.26-86] μg/L vs. 0.6 [range, 0.06-25.7] μg/L, p=0.002). According to ROC analysis, interleukin 6 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.74 (95% CI 0.60-0.88, p<0.01). The AUC values were 0.73 (95% CI 0.59-0.88, p=0.01) for procalcitonin, 0.62 (95% CI 0.44-0.80, p=0.18) for DNI, and 0.66 (95% CI 0.50-0.82, p=0.05) for CRP.

Conclusion: The delta neutrophil index showed a statistically significant elevation …

Diagnostic Value Of Lncrna Fgd5-As1 Sponge Mir-223-3p In Infantile Pneumonia And Its Prognostic Effect On Rehabilitation, Hong-Ping Ren, Hong-Lin Wen, Ya-Nan Liu, Lin Cai

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: This study aimed to uncover the value of long non-coding RNA FGD5-AS1 (lncRNA FGD5-AS1) in the diagnosis of infantile pneumonia and explore its pathological mechanism in lung fibroblasts. This research may provide a potential biomarker for diagnosing patients and predicting their rehabilitation outcomes.

Methods: This study included 92 children with infantile pneumonia as the research object, and an equal number of healthy children were introduced as controls. The FGD5-AS1 content was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. The diagnostic value of FGD5-AS1 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic analysis. The molecular mechanism of …

Hematological Parameters And Systemic Inflammatory Markers In Children With Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections, Sadiye Sert, Fatma Sargin, Şerife Karaçal Say, Berna Erayman, Ebru Buldu

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Viral acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, particularly those under 5 years. Accurate diagnosis and timely management are crucial to improve outcomes. This study aimed to address the lack of comparative analysis between hematological and systemic inflammatory markers concerning established disease severity scores in children with viral ALRTIs. We sought to evaluate the correlations between these markers and severity scores to identify which parameters provide the most reliable predictive value for assessing the severity of ALRTI diagnoses in this population.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 191 children hospitalized …

Evaluation Of Gastrointestinal Pathogens In Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, Yeliz Çağan Appak, Özgür Appak, Betül Aksoy, Büşra Emi̇r, Ayça Arzu Sayiner, Maşallah Baran

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Impaired gastrointestinal mucosa and immunosuppressant therapies increase the risk of secondary infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluated the detection of pathogens in children with IBD using a gastrointestinal panel (GP). This is the first study to compare this method with clinical data from pediatric IBD patients.

Methods: Children with newly diagnosed IBD or experiencing disease flares were included. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, treatment durations, and disease activity were analyzed. Stool samples were assessed using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction with QIAstat-Dx GP®. Results were compared between groups.

Results: Thirty-five patients with …

Abdominal Tuberculosis In Children, Melike Emiroglu, Gulsum Alkan, Meltem Kiymaz, Sadiye Kubra Tuter Oz, Hatice Turk Dagi, Mehmet Öztürk, Zeliha Esin Çelik

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To provide an insight into the presentation, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in children.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of children who were diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis, between October 2013 and October 2023. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

Results: During the study period, 11 of 76 tuberculosis pediatric patients (14.5%) were diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Six of 11 patients (54.5%) were female. The median age of the patients was 60 months (51-205 months). Eight of 11 patients had intra-abdominal lymph node involvement, 3 of 11 patients had intestinal tuberculosis and 2 of 11 patients had …

Urgent Implementation Of Point-Of-Care Testing For Group A Streptococcal Infection In A Uk Children’S Emergency Department, Ruth Shorrocks, Philip J. Turner, Thomas Fanshawe, Umasha Ukwatte, Jim Gray, James Taylor, Liliana Graveto, Gail Hayward, Chris Bird

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: In late 2022, Western Europe and the United States experienced increased incidences of scarlet fever and life-threatening invasive group A strepto- coccal (iGAS) infections, especially among children. The outbreak was widely reported in the media in the United Kingdom, leading to increased emergency department (ED) attendances and threatened supplies of antibiotics. Our ED rapidly introduced point-of-care testing for GAS pharyngitis with the aim of rationalizing antibiotic prescribing.

Methods: We rapidly implemented the use of a molecular-based (polymerase chain reaction) point-of-care test for all children scoring 3 or higher on the McIsaac clinical prediction rule for GAS pharyngitis in children …

Epidemiology Of Acute Infectious Diarrhea-Associated Viruses In Children In Hangzhou, China, 2023, Ya-Jun Guo, Lin Li, Qin-Rui Lai, Wei Li

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of children infected with diarrheal virus in Hangzhou, China, 2023.

Methods: From January 2023 to December 2023, 20,939 stool samples from children with acute infectious diarrhea were collected for detection of rotavirus A and human adenovirus, using Latex agglutination detection kits; 7584 stool samples were collected for detection of norovirus, using real‐time PCR reagent.

Results: 639 (3.0%, 639/20,939) tested positive for rotavirus A, and 1,201 (5.7%, 1,201/20,939) positive samples were detected by Colloidal gold method. The positive rates of norovirus were 42.2% (3,203/7,585). Among all age groups, the rotavirus A positive detection rate was …

Evaluation Of Pediatric Patients Diagnosed With Measles: A Retrospective Study In Istanbul, Zehra Yazi, Nahide Haykir Zehi̇r, Merve Akçay, Ufuk Yükselmiş, Ceren Çetin, Ayşe Karaaslan, Yasemin Akin

Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Objective: Measles, predominantly impacting the pediatric population, manifests symptoms encompassing fever, rash, rhinorrhea, cough, conjunctivitis, accompanied by infrequent yet plausible life-threatening complications.

Methods: This retrospective study conducted between January 2022 and July 2023 at a 1105-bed tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye, was focused on children diagnosed with measles and aged(PCR) were defined as definite measles cases.

Results: A total of 78 pediatric patients were diagnosed with measles, of whom 40 were evaluated as definite (51.3%) cases. Among the definite cases, 29 (72.5%) and 11 (27.5%) were girls and boys, respectively. Their median age was 78 (42–158) months. It was observed …

Levothyroxine Requirement In A Patient With Lrba Deficiency And Gvhd Induced Cholestasis, Yusriya Al Rawahi, Hussain Alsaffar, Amr Abdalla, Azza Nasser Al Shidhani

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Levothyroxine is a lipophilic hormone that is absorbed in the small intestine, mainly in the jejunum and ileum. The absorption of levothyroxine after oral administration averages 60–80%. We report a 7-year-old male patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2020 at the age of three years with an early diagnosis of lipopolysaccharide beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency. LRBA deficiency is characterised by recurrent infections, autoimmune thyroid disease and autoimmune cytopenia. The patient was prescribed levothyroxine treatment (112.5 mcg daily) and underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in March 2023; four months post-HSCT, he developed appendicitis …

The Case For Compulsory Dna Testing At Birth To Confirm Paternity: Ethical, Legal, And Social Considerations, Michael Mncedisi Willie

Journal of Indonesian Health Policy and Administration

Compulsory paternity testing at birth has sparked significant legal, ethical, and social debate due to its potential impact on family dynamics, child well-being, and parental responsibility. This review explores the ethical, legal, and societal implications of such testing, using Bioecological Systems Theory and Rawls' Theory of Justice to frame the discussion. This review evaluates the benefits and challenges of mandatory DNA testing at birth, particularly in reducing paternity fraud, ensuring fairness in child support allocation, and enhancing socio-economic outcomes, especially in low-income households. This qualitative review draws on multidisciplinary literature from family law, genetic counseling, social policy, and fathers' rights …

Small Gifts, Big Questions: The Ethical Dilemma In Accepting Gifts In Medicine, Meiqi Luo, Md

The Medicine Forum

I remember discussing the topic of gift-giving by patients in a small group session in medical school. When asked whether it’s ethical for medical professionals to accept gifts from patients, I responded, “It depends on the value of the gifts.” If the gifts were of appropriate value and given purely out of appreciation, they serve to strengthen the physician-patient relationship. However, what I failed to realize was the difficulty in determining the value and intention of a gift. My personal experience of receiving gifts from a patient made me aware of such ethical ambiguities.

At the community clinic where I …

Navigating Care And Loss Through Aging, Disease, And Decision-Making In The Covid Era, Michael Predi, Do

The Medicine Forum

There is only one of the loved one you know.
Often it can be hard to let go.
Five years old the world became cold.
Lost my mother to breast cancer.
A cold wound that can’t be answered
Father raised you in a foreign land.
Drove you to school, combed your hair, gave you a life you could have never planned.
Taught me that I would catch a cold from the wind.
No arguing about modern medicine, my dad was thick skinned,
Here comes college, first generation, what an exciting time.
Get to medical school so exciting; here comes the …

Existential Pain, Kian Waddell

The Medicine Forum

A new type of pain
Never covered in a lecture
Not neuropathic, visceral, post-procedural, cancer, phantom pains,
But existential.

She didn’t want pain meds
And she had her reasons -
We didn’t push.

What she wanted was to talk
To be heard
For us to be silent and stop
Asking her every second
If she’d moved bowels, vomited, slept…

What she wanted was to talk.
What other medication is there for pain of the soul?

Eternal Light, Anurag Modak, Md

The Medicine Forum

The microscope is held aloft in a sea of darkness,
Illuminating the gyri and sulci of the exposed brain below.
Its harsh, sterile light creates a veritable barrier
So hot, so intense, it threatens to explode forth at any moment.

The screens scattered across the room provide companionship to this lonely machine
And I, residing amidst the sea of shadows,
Bear witness to its solitude
To the silence of the light.

I have seen vessels tied and aneurysms clipped,
And an eon has gone by…
There’s an air of anticipation,
An expectation of something more.

But, solace and quietude prevail …