Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Breaking The Yoke: A Systematic Unmasking Of Challenges To Sustainable Rural Development In South Sudan, Gai Chol Paul

Journal of Sustainable Social Impact

South Sudan, a young nation grappling with the legacy of protracted conflict, faces significant challenges in fostering sustainable rural development. While the immense potential of its vast agricultural lands remains largely untapped, the persistent triple threat of insecurity, deficient infrastructure, and the absence of robust government policy actively hinders progress. The ongoing armed conflict, characterized by inter-communal violence and sporadic attacks, casts a long shadow over rural areas in South Sudan. Thus, I developed this mixed-method multiple-case study, grounded in the sustainable livelihoods framework, to explore challenges that hinder sustainable rural development in South Sudan. I collected data through document …

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Prescription For Optimal Oral Health, Liz Pearson Rd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet on periodontal health, highlighting research that supports its role in reducing inflammation and preventing periodontal disease. It emphasizes the benefits of diets such as the Mediterranean and Nordic diets, which can improve oral health outcomes, reduce tooth loss, and complement traditional dental treatments.

It’S Time To Get Hyped!, Brian Gurinsky

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dr. Brian Gurinsky, Chair of the 117th Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC), shares exciting highlights of the upcoming event. He emphasizes diverse learning formats such as lectures, hands-on workshops, Industry Ally sessions, and Professional Industry Panels featuring thought leaders. Additional features include dynamic speakers, on-demand course access, a vibrant Expo Hall, fun social events and unique wellness activities like Puppy Playtime, oral health screening and more.

Connected For Joy: The Power Of Relationships In Cultivating Happiness, Amisha Singh Dds, Edd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the profound connection between human happiness and meaningful relationships. It discusses the critical role of human connection in promoting health and longevity, the impact of social isolation on well-being and the call to action to mend the social fabric. The piece also reflects on how organized dentistry fosters community, mentorship and connection, offering a vital antidote to loneliness in the dental profession.

A Different Spin On An Old Solution For Oral Health In Long-Term Care, Brooke Fukuoka Dmd

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the challenges of providing oral health care in long-term care facilities, emphasizing the complexities faced by caregivers in managing oral hygiene for elderly residents. It discusses the importance of caregiver education and training, the time constraints involved, and a solution involving dental team members visiting weekly to provide assisted oral hygiene, highlighting the value of dental hygiene students in improving patient care and fostering professional development.

Beyond Dentistry: Achieving Personal And Professional Balance, Laura Brenner Dds

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the challenges dental professionals face in balancing personal fulfillment with career obligations. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, aligning career with personal values, and rediscovering identity beyond the profession to achieve true well-being and rekindle passion for dentistry.

Biodata Drives Treatment Success, Steve Carstensen Dds

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article explores the growing role of biosignals and digital health technologies in dentistry, emphasizing how devices like wearable rings and sensors are enhancing the diagnosis and management of conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodontal disease and chronic pain. By integrating biosignal data into patient care, dentists can provide more precise, personalized treatments, improving outcomes and supporting collaboration with primary care providers in managing chronic diseases.

The Power Of Prevention: Integrating Dental And Cardiovascular Care With The Baledoneen Method™, Amy Doneen Dnp

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article details the BaleDoneen Method™ which offers a collaborative, science-based approach to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by targeting the root causes of arterial plaque formation. This method integrates dental care by addressing high-risk periodontal pathogens, recognizing the critical connection between oral health and vascular health, and emphasizes the importance of personalized care to reduce systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Articulator Q4 2024

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This issue serves as a preview for the 117^th Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) and features articles from subject matter experts speaking at the convention in January 2025. Content includes:

• A Reflection from MDDS Co-Editor, Dr. Amisha Singh on the connection between human happiness and meaningful relationships.
• A feature from Registered Dietician, Ms. Liz Pearson, on the impacts an anti-inflammatory diet can have on oral and periodontal health.
• A feature from Dr. Brooke Fukuoka on the challenges of providing oral health care to residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities.
• An article from professional career coach, Dr. Laura …

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Prediction And Validation Of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability And Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion Profiles In Natural Product Research Laboratory Compounds, Jai-Sing Yang, Eddie Tc Huang, Ken Yk Liao, Da-Tian Bau, Shih-Chang Tsai, Chao-Jung Chen, Kuan-Wen Chen, Ting-Yuan Liu, Yu-Jen Chiu, Fuu-Jen Tsai

BioMedicine

Introduction: Our previous research demonstrated that a large language model (LLM) based on the transformer architecture, specifically the MegaMolBART encoder with an XGBoost classifier, effectively predicts the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of compounds. However, the permeability coefficients of compounds that can traverse this barrier remain unclear. Additionally, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) characteristics of substances obtained from the Natural Product Research Laboratory (NPRL) at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) have not yet been determined.

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic ADME properties and BBB permeability coefficients of NPRL compounds.

Materials and Methods: A …

Juxtaposition Of Bone Age And Sexual Maturity Rating Of The Taiwanese Population, Wen-Li Lu, Chung-Hsing Wang, Yi-Chun Lin, Fuu-Jen Tsai

BioMedicine

Background Bone age (BA) and sexual maturity rating (SMR) are the imperative measures in assessing adolescent growth and development. However, studies indigenous to the Taiwanese population with regard to the association of SMR and BA in adolescence is scarce. This study attempts to utilize the AI-assessed BA results to establish a relationship between BA and SMR of the Taiwanese population in regard to the initiation of puberty. Materials and methods The electronic medical records with examinations of bone age assessed between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Records of the same individuals were retained only the …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai)-Powered Bibliometric Analysis Of Global Trends In Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Mscs)-Derived Exosome Research: 2014-2023, Shih-Chang Tsai, Bing-Han Wan, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Jai-Sing Yang

BioMedicine

Introduction: In recent years, significant progress has been made in regenerative medicine, specifically in using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their regenerative and differentiating abilities. An exciting development in this area is the utilization of exosomes derived from MSCs, which have shown promise in tissue restoration, immune system modulation, and cancer treatment.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze global research trends and the academic impact of MSCs-derived exosomes from 2014 to 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of this emerging field.

Materials and Methods: The Web of Science database selected 948 relevant publications from 2014 to 2023. Artificial intelligence …

Application Of Machine Learning To Identify Risk Factors For Outpatient Opioid Prescriptions Following Spine Surgery, Alexander Bouterse, Andrew Cabrera, Adam Jameel, David Chung, Olumide Danisa

BioMedicine

Introduction: Spine surgery is a common source of narcotic prescriptions and carries potential for long-term opioid dependence. As prescription opioids play a role in nearly 25% of all opioid overdose deaths in the United States, mitigating risk for prolonged postoperative opioid utilization is crucial for spine surgeons.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to employ six ML algorithms to identify clinical variables predictive of increased opioid utilization across spinal surgeries, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), posterior thoracolumbar fusion (PTLF), and lumbar laminectomy.

Methods: A query of the author’s institutional database identified adult patients undergoing …

Advanced Whole Transcriptome Sequencing And Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (Ai/Ml) In Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation Of Human Keratinocytes, Lii-Tzu Wu, Shih-Chang Tsai, Tsung‑Jung Ho, Hao-Ping Chen, Yu-Jen Chiu, Yan-Ru Peng, Ting-Yuan Liu, Yu‑Ning Juan, Jai-Sing Yang, Fuu-Jen Tsai

BioMedicine

Introduction: Although the HaCaT keratinocyte model has been used in previous research to study the effects of anti-psoriatic agents, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced proliferation and signal transduction in psoriasis-like keratinocytes.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pathways associated with psoriasis-like inflammation caused by IMQ in human keratinocytes.

Materials and Methods: HaCaT cells were exposed to different concentrations of IMQ to induce inflammation similar to that observed in psoriasis. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay and cell morphology was examined using phase-contrast …

Machine Learning-Guided Differential Gene Expression Analysis Identifies A Highly-Connected Seven-Gene Cluster In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Hany Ghazal, El-Sayed A. El-Absawy, Waleed Ead, Mohamed E. Hasan

BioMedicine

Background: One of the most challenging cancers is triple-negative breast cancer, which is subdivided into many molecular subtypes. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity, the role of precision medicine remains challenging. With the use of machine learning (ML)-guided gene selection, the differential gene expression analysis can be optimized, and eventually, the process of precision medicine can see great advancement through biomarker discovery.

Purpose: Enhancing precision medicine in the oncology field by identification of the most representative differentially-expressed genes to be used as biomarkers or as novel drug targets.

Methods: By utilizing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository …

Integrating Natural Product Research Laboratory With Artificial Intelligence: Advancements And Breakthroughs In Traditional Medicine, Jai-Sing Yang, Shih-Chang Tsai, Yuan-Man Hsu, Da-Tian Bau, Chia-Wen Tsai, Wen-Shin Chang, Sheng-Chu Kuo, Sheng-Chu Kuo, Chien-Chih Yu, Yu-Jen Chiu, Fuu-Jen Tsai

BioMedicine

The Natural Product Research Laboratory (NPRL) of China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) was established in collaboration with CMUH and Professor Kuo-Hsiung Lee from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The laboratory collection features over 6,000 natural products worldwide, including pure compounds and semi-synthetic derivatives. This is the most comprehensive and fully operational natural product database in Taiwan. This review article explores the history and development of the NPRL of CMUH. We then provide an overview of the recent applications and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in new drug discovery. Finally, we examine advanced powerful AI-tools and related software …

The Impact Of Judo Training On The Development Of Cognitive Functions - A Systematic Review, Jakub Biedrzycki, Radosław Laskowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

A careful review of research was conducted to evaluate the impact of martial arts training on cognitive development in people of various ages. The analyzed research from the areas of psychology and physiology suggested that physical activity may have a positive impact on cognitive functions. Judo, as a form of martial art, not only offers physical benefits, but can also impact the cognitive function of practitioners. The purpose of this review is to examine the available scientific research on the effects of judo on various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, concentration, problem-solving ability, and other related mental functions. Therefore, …

Delinquency And Inadvertent Neglect As Byproducts Of Work-Addicted Parents, Shelley Sasser

Bridges: A Journal of Student Research

Over the past decade, discussions of work addiction throughout academic literature have increased substantially. However, the relationship between childhood outcomes and parental work addiction has yet to be explored. In this study, I set out to identify functions of parent-child relationships and comparisons of situational outcomes stemming from work addiction in relation to social determinants such as income, ethnicity, and gender, along with resulting stratification. The degree to which children benefit from features of lifestyles typically associated with high household incomes, such as financial security, health care benefits, access to educational resources, and neighborhood socioeconomic advantage, wherein parental work-addiction might …

Efficacy Of M-Health Solution On The Paternal Postpartum Depression Affecting The Relationship Of The Couple: A Pilot Study In Four Hospitals Of Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Sakina Mehdi, Naghma Rizvi, Saleema A. Gulzar, Nuruddin Badruddin Mohammed, Vardah Bharuchi, Syeda Aleena Abbas, Mehak Barolia

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts mothers and fathers, with paternal PPD (PPPD) affecting 28.3% of fathers in Pakistan. PPPD exacerbates maternal symptoms and disrupts family dynamics but remains underdiagnosed due to cultural stigmas and gender-specific presentations, such as aggression and stress. Socio-economic challenges, marital dissatisfaction, and limited support further heighten PPPD risks. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer accessible, stigma-free solutions for mental health support. This study explores PPPD health needs and evaluates an mHealth intervention for improving detection, support, and relationship outcomes among postpartum couples in Pakistan.
Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study will be conducted in two phases. …

Beyond Tradition: Exploring The Underlying Factors Of Delayed Cord Clamping, Sehar Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) benefits mothers and infants by improving iron levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes while reducing neonatal complications. It is a crucial intervention, especially where iron-rich foods are scarce. Despite its advantages, DCC is often neglected due to medical complications, inconsistent policies, and clinical time constraints. Promoting DCC requires comprehensive education, clear protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adequate skilled staffing. This paper emphasizes the importance of consistent DCC practices to enhance maternal and infant health and urges healthcare providers and parents to prioritize DCC in birth plans.

Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Pubertal Changes Among Adolescent Males In Karachi: A Study Protocol, Sabah Muhammad Nazim, Saleema A. Gulzar, Hussain Maqbool Ahmed Khuwaja, Zohra Lassi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Adolescence (the period between childhood and adulthood) is characterized by significant changes in bodily functions, along with psychological and cognitive growth, which lays the foundation for future health. The unanticipated changes in that phase (especially related to sexuality) can cause adolescents embarrassment and distress, thus impacting their well-being and development. Despite the critical role of puberty in adolescents’ physical, psychological, and social development, research focusing on the knowledge and experiences of male adolescents going through puberty is limited, especially in urban Karachi, Pakistan. Several Pakistani studies have mainly focused on female adolescents and their experiences with puberty, leaving a …

“Time To Rebuild The Healthcare Workforce”: Addressing Socio-Cultural And Psychological Perspectives Of Men’S Presence In Nursing And Midwifery, Sarmad Muhammad Soomar, Salima Farooq, Sarosh Tahar Khymani, Nargis Asad

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: There is a global scarcity of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and midwives, who make up more than half of the current workforce associated with “care”, which is the essence of nursing and midwifery in patient and family care. This is always considered as a profession for women in most of the global workforce. In a patriarchal society, nursing and midwifery limits the choice to be adopted by men. Based on male nurses and midwives’ experiences and stories, it was aimed to explore the present literature to see the citations related to this area, which have been cited to address …

Indications And Outcomes Of Emergency And Elective Cesarean Section Deliveries In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan: A Retrospective Study, Bakhtawar Muhammad Hanif Khowaja Bk, Sabahat Naz, Komal Valliani, Aqsa Nizar Maknojia, Asfa Anwer Ali, Mahek Zaheer Maknojia, Tabish Ali Shalwani, Sheikh Irfan Ahmed, Farida Mughal

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: This study identified major determinants of Cesarean-sections and the outcomes in one referral center.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare facility and all women who had cesarean section between January 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled. A chi-square or independent t-test was used to compare maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and neonatal outcomes between emergency c-sections (EmCS) and elective c-sections (ElCS) groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis compared indications and outcomes between the two groups.
Results: Among 767 women, there were 417 (54.4%) emergency and 350 (45.6%) elective cesarean sections. A multivariable logistic regression revealed that …

Impact Of Climate Change On Maternal Health In Pakistan: A Review Paper, Ihsan Ullah, Kiran Mubeen, Dilshad Begum, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Pakistan is one of the country’s most susceptible to the effects of climate change. Recent floods, heavy snowfall and rain have significantly impacted maternal and infant health. Indigenous women of child-bearing age especially those in rural areas are among the most vulnerable, facing food insecurity, disruptive food systems, rising food prices, and disrupted food production due to climate change. This review highlights a critical gap in research on indigenous women's maternal nutrition in the context of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It emphasized the necessity for culturally responsive approaches and a deeper understanding of how climate change …

Maternal Care Providers’ Perspectives Of Selective Vs Routine Episiotomy, Uzma Akhtar, Salma Rattani, Rahila Meghani, Nadeem F. Zuberi

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Normal Vaginal delivery is considered the favorable mode of delivery, but perineal trauma due to episiotomy is a significant concern in obstetric care nowadays. Although, routine episiotomy practice is discouraged because there is no evidence regarding its benefits, the rate of episiotomy is very high especially in lower-middle-income countries as compared to recommended rate given by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is 10% of all normal vaginal deliveries.
Method: Utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. (PRISMA) guidelines, the study searched for appropriate literature on Investigating Healthcare Professionals' Views on Selective versus Routine Episiotomy. Significant databases: …

Epidemiology Of Stroke And Risk Factors In Punjab, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Hospital-Based Study, Saima Ahmad, Adnan Khan, Fatima Gul Chaudhary, Haseeb Manzoor, Hira Jamil, Hamid Mahmood, Kausar Tayyab, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Stroke is a significant global health challenge, particularly burdening low- and middle-income countries where it leads to substantial mortality and disability-adjusted life years. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of stroke and its subtypes among adults in Pakistan's Punjab region.

Methods

This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital in Punjab, Pakistan, serving as the primary referral center for stroke cases. Medical records from January 2019 to December 2020 were reviewed using the International Classification of Diseases. A structured data collection form captured demographics, stroke types, risk factors, medical histories, and …

Electrodiagnostic Patterns In Neuromuscular Disorders: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Ayisha Farooq Khan, Sajid Hameed, Dureshahwar Kanwar, Sara Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are essential for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders and differentiating various peripheral nervous system conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and trends of neuromuscular disorders based on EMG/NCS findings in a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the neurophysiology laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. A total of 961 EMG/NCS records were analyzed, including both inpatient and outpatient cases. Data was extracted from the EMG registry, and findings were categorized into mononeuropathy, …

Clinical And Radiological Profile Of Patients Presenting With Neurolisteriosis: A Retrospective Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Zainab Memon, Muhammad Abdullah, Fatima Mubarak

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Neurolisteriosis, a central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological data from the patients of this disease presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This retrospective review analyzed clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data from 12 patients diagnosed with neurolisteriosis at Aga Khan University Hospital between September 2018 and March 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed through blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid cultures or polymerase chain reaction assays. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for …

Houge-Janssens Syndrome-1 Associated With Protein Phosphatase 2 Regulatory Subunit B’ Delta And Epilepsy: A Case Report, Dua Saleem, Fizza Akbar, Noor Zeeshan, Rabab Jafry, Salman Kirmani, Sidra Kaleem Jafri

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Houge-Janssens syndrome 1 is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with approximately 100 case reports worldwide. Here, we present a case of a Pakistani toddler who presented with epilepsy and developmental delay. Family history was significant with reported and documented developmental delays in both father and elder sister, with subsequent improvement. Trio-whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing were performed, revealing a heterozygous LP variant NM_006245.4: c.626A>C, p.(His209Pro) in the girl. The same variant was also identified in her father and sister. This case sheds light on the variability of phenotypic expression amongst affected individuals and recommends the need for further …

High Dose Methylprednisolone In Children With Severe Headache In Viral Encephalitis: A Case Series, Abia Abdullah, Jay Kumari, Prem Chand

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Severe headache is a common symptom in children with viral encephalitis (VE), yet effective symptom-specific therapies are limited. In this case series, we present three children of ages 15, 14, and seven diagnosed with VE who presented with severe headaches unresponsive to standard analgesics but showed significant clinical improvement following high-dose methylprednisolone therapy. Although this is not first line treatment, these cases suggest a possible role for methylprednisolone in alleviating severe VE-associated headaches. Further controlled studies are needed to establish its effectiveness and safety in such settings.