Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Economic Growth, Poverty Gap, And Health Inequality: Implications Based On Panel Analysis Of Organization For Economic Cooperation And Development Data, Sangik Han

Kesmas

This study investigated the impact of economic growth and income distribution on health inequality using data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Employing a panel analysis, this study amalgamated 21 years of data (spanning from 2000 to 2020) from 37 OECD countries. The dependent variables (life expectancy and avoidable mortality) were scrutinized against independent variables (gross domestic product and poverty gap). Control variables encompassed body mass index, consumption patterns, smoking rates, health workers availability, number of beds in health facilities, national medical expenses, and unemployment rates. This study revealed significant associations between economic growth, poverty gap, and …

Social Determinants Of Neonatal Health Outcomes In Indonesia: A Multilevel Regression Analysis, Rooswanti Soeharno, Amal Chalik Sjaaf

Kesmas

Indonesia’s neonatal mortality rate remains alarmingly high. This study addressed the determinants of neonatal outcomes in Indonesia, including the effects of a decentralized health system, socioeconomic disparities, and geographic variations. The analysis used 2018 national survey data across 34 provinces, 513 cities/districts, and 300,000 households, with a sample of 73,864 women aged 10-54 years who have given birth in the preceding five years. The multilevel regression was used to assess the impact of social determinants and systemic inequalities on neonatal health. Key findings revealed a neonatal mortality rate that, despite being preventable in many cases, remained high with significant disparities. …

Telemedicine Adoption In Developing Economies: A Systematic Review On The Enablers And Barriers, Zaidbren Macabato, Lemuel Clark Velasco, Art Brian Escabarte, Mae-Lanie Ong Poblete, Armando Isla Jr., Rentor Cafino, Sarah Lizette Aquino-Cafino, Frevy Teofilo-Orencia

Kesmas

Telemedicine’s adoption has been effective in certain contexts despite being controversial in certain settings because of its tendency to cause misdiagnosis and concerns about data privacy. This study aimed to synthesize the research findings on the factors leading to the adoption of telemedicine among developing economies. The study utilized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology to analyze 27 related literature and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to map out the factors considered enablers and barriers in adopting telemedicine. Results showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions were significant predictors. …

“Medical Tent Scenes - Spectrum Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Runners During A Distance Run In Coastal South India”, Santosh Pv Rai, Abhavya Jha, Ashish Prabhakar, Jeedhu Radhakrishna, Kausthubh Hegde

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Problem Statement : Musculoskeletal injuries encountered by runners, especially during competitive sporting events like marathons and distance runs have a longstanding and significant impact on the well being and may result in a dip in the performance of the runners. They may be the cause of recurrent injuries in the future and can lead to complicated injuries, thus compounding the morbidity associated with initial injuries. In such cases, it is essential to allocate medical supplies and facilities based on the incidence of common injuries encountered by runners in the respective geographical and climate settings.

Approach : This cross sectional study …

Fragile Foundations: Unravelling Osteogenesis Imperfecta, From The Womb To The Afterlife, Santosh Rai, Shreya Matele Dr., Sharada Rai Dr., Urvi Ahlawat, Sunita Hegde Dr., Arvind Natarajan Dr.

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract: We report the case of a 36-year-old multiparous woman whose routine antenatal ultrasound at 28 weeks gestation raised suspicion of severe skeletal dysplasia. At 38 weeks, she presented with decreased fetal movements, and intrauterine fetal demise was confirmed. An emergency cesarean section revealed a stillborn fetus with craniofacial deformities, large head with soft scalp bones, and blackish skin discoloration.

Post-mortem imaging, including CT and X-ray, showed severe skeletal abnormalities, including pneumocephalus, pneumothorax, wormian skull bones, extensive demineralization, spina bifida, and multiple fractures with bowing of long bones. Based on antenatal ultrasound and postnatal radiological findings, a diagnosis of …

Exploring Alternative Treatments For Acute Exacerbations Of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome In Patients Who Plan To Continue Using Cannabis, Tabitha E H Moses

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Dean DJ, Sabagha N, Rose K, et al. A Pilot Trial of Topical Capsaicin Cream for Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Acad Emerg Med. 2020;27(11):1166-1172. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14062

for a patient with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

Clinical Utility Of Abbreviated Eeg Monitoring In Patients Unable To Tolerate A Long-Term, Ambulatory Eeg, Jack T. Mcconnell

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Lee C, Lim S-N, Lien F, et al. Duration of electroencephalographic recordings in patients with epilepsy. Seizure. 2013;22(6):438-442. https://10.1016/j.seizure.2013.02.016

for a patient with an inability to tolerate a long-term, ambulatory EEG.

Breast Cancer Screening In Transgender Women With High-Risk Family History, John F. Lloyd

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

de Blok CJM, Wiepjes CM, Nota NM, et al. Breast cancer risk in transgender people receiving hormone treatment: nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands. BMJ. 2019;365:l1652. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1652

for a transgender woman with family history of breast cancer.

The Use Of Chewing Gum To Alleviate Thirst In Chf Patients Requiring Fluid Restrictions And Oral Diuretics, Madeline B. Simone

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Allida SM, Shehab S, Inglis SC, Davidson PM, Hayward CS, Newton PJ. A RandomisEd ControLled TrIal of ChEwing Gum to RelieVE Thirst in Chronic Heart Failure (RELIEVE-CHF). Heart Lung Circ. 2021;30(4):516-524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2020.09.004

for a woman with heart failure and under fluid restriction.

Exploring Alternative Treatment Options For A Patient With Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (Adem) Suffering From Iatrogenic Cushing’S Symptoms, Alejandro Ponce Sepulveda

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Ravaglia, S,MD, P., Piccolo G, MD, Ceroni M, MD, et al. Severe steroid-resistant post-infectious encephalomyelitis: General features and effects of IVIg. J Neurol. 2007;254(11):1518-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-007-0561-4

for a patient with ADEM and iatrogenic Cushing’s secondary to long-term high dose corticosteroid therapy.

Etanercept, Methotrexate, Or Combined Therapy For Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Ajith Dupati

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

van der Heijde D, Klareskog L, Rodriguez-Valverde V, et al. Comparison of etanercept and methotrexate, alone and combined, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: two-year clinical and radiographic results from the TEMPO study, a double-blind, randomized trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54(4):1063-1074. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21655

for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Use Of Empagliflozin As An Adjuvant Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea For A Patient Who Has Not Seen A Physician In Over 40 Years, Andrew Demko

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Neeland IJ, Eliasson B, Kasai T, et al. The Impact of Empagliflozin on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes: An Exploratory Analysis of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial. Diabetes Care. 2020;43(12):3007-3015. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-1096

for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea who has not seen a physician in over 40 years.

Mirabegron Does Not Adversely Impact Cognitive Function In Older Adults With Overactive Bladder Compared To Placebo, Sanjna Ghanshani, Abbie R. Bauer

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Griebling TL, Campbell NL, Mangel J, et al. Effect of mirabegron on cognitive function in elderly patients with overactive bladder: MoCA results from a phase 4, randomized, placebo-controlled study (PILLAR). BMC Geriatr. 2020;20(1):109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-1474-7

for a patient with a history of lacunar infarctions who is experiencing urge incontinence.

Predictors And Diagnosis Of Adjustment Disorder In A Middle-Aged Patient With Cholangiocarcinoma, Zoya Gurm, Abbie R. Bauer

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

Hund B, Reuter K, Härter M, et al. Stressors, Symptom Profile, and Predictors of Adjustment Disorder in Cancer Patients. Results from an Epidemiological Study with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, Adaptation for Oncology (CIDI-O). Depression and Anxiety. 2016;33(2):153. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22441

for a patient with recently diagnosed solid tumor malignancy.

Safety Of Ipsilateral Intravenous Access In Breast Cancer Surgery Patients, Austin J. Piontkowski, Abbie R. Bauer

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report appraising

Naranjo J, Portner ER, Jakub JW, Cheville AL, Nuttall GA. Ipsilateral Intravenous Catheter Placement in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients. Anesth Analg. 2021 Sep 1;133(3):707-712. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005597

for a post-lumpectomy patient requiring ipsilateral peripherally inserted central catheter.

Influence Of Acute High-Intensity Resistance Exercise On Cognitive Performance And Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation In Recreational Weightlifters, Samuel M. Camacho, Terence Moriarty, Mick G. Mack, Jacob P. Reed, Hyeyoung Cho

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Acute exercise has been shown to be effective in improving post-exercise cognitive performance, including executive function. In addition, changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation have been linked to any such improvements. Since resistance and higher intensity exercise is much less studied, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise on cognitive performance and to determine if PFC activation was related to this cognitive performance in recreationally trained weightlifters. Ten (M = 5, F = 5) college aged (22 ± 2 years) recreationally trained weightlifters completed the Stroop task prior to and 15- and 30-min …

Comparison Of Toxic Element Cadmium Levels In Female Patients With ‎Benign And ‎‎‎Malignant Uterine Tumors‎ By Flame Atomic Absorption ‎Spectrometry ., Hiba Ghmeedh Adhab, Liwaa Hussein Mahdi, Eman M. Al-Hilo

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal known to be associated with various health issues, including cancer. Elevated blood cadmium levels can be a concern and may require medical evaluation and intervention. Some studies describing the etiology of cancer have focused on heavy metals, however, there is little information available for uterine cancer. This study assessed the levels of cadmium in the serum of 60 women with benign and malignant uterine tumors. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed using FAAS spectrometry in Najaf City, Iraq. Serum cadmium levels exhibited higher concentration in patients with malignant uterine tumors than those with benign …

Reconsidering The Need For Intraoperative Frozen Section In Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy For Early Breast Cancer In Bahrain, Ahmed Z. Salman, Noora F. Ali, Ali H. Abdulla, Sarah J. Alaraibi, Fatema A. Alkhabbaz, Maryam Hammad, Hussain A. Abdulla

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Frozen section is performed in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for early breast cancer to prevent a second surgery, but it has certain disadvantages. Several trials have demonstrated the oncological safety of avoiding axillary dissection in patients with 1–2 positive nodes. This study aimed to assess the need for frozen section during SLNB in early breast cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with early-stage clinically node-negative breast cancer who underwent SLNB with frozen section at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Bahrain, between October 2021 and September 2023. Patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, cT3-4 tumours, ductal carcinoma in situ, …

Inclusion Body Myositis: A Case Report On Navigating Diagnostic Challenges, Marwa Al Sharji, Salim Al Busaidi, Suad Al Jahdhami, Zabah Jawa, Hatem Farhan, Abdullah M. Al Alawi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a rare progressive myopathy affecting individuals older than 50 years. It is associated with significant morbidity by restricting the patient's mobility and it has a relatively low mortality risk with respiratory muscles involvement. Muscle biopsy is the gold standard method for diagnosis. We report a 72-year-old female patient who was admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2023 with progressive weakness of lower limbs. Various diagnostic tests were performed and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with IBM. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone, immunoglobulins, rituximab and prednisolone; this resulted in moderate clinical …

Short-Term Weight Loss Outcomes Of 104 Mini-Gastric Bypass Or One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Operations: Retrospective Study, Nabaz H. Ismael, Nazar P. Shabila

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of mini-gastric bypass (MGB) or one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) procedures on weight loss in individuals with obesity. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Medicano Hospital, Erbil, Iraq, from January 2019 to May 2020. Preoperative body mass index (BMI), age, height and preoperative weight were recorded as baseline measures. Weight-related changes were evaluated during a follow-up phase of 48 weeks. Results: A total of 104 patients with obesity underwent MGB or OAGB surgery. The mean baseline parameters of the subjects before surgery included 1.64 m for height, 122.9 kg for weight …

Profile Of Perinatal Infections Among Abandoned Neonates Admitted In A Tertiary Hospital In Oman, Laila Al Yazidi, Tahani Almughaizwi, Khuloud Al Maamari, Fatma Al Farsi, Mohamed Abdellatif, Naema Al Shibli

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Little is known about the profile of perinatal infections among abandoned neonates, and there are no specific evidence-based guidelines on how to screen and manage these neonates. This study aimed to report the rate of perinatal infections among abandoned babies managed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, over 15 years (2006–2021). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all abandoned babies admitted at SQUH from January 2006 to December 2021. Demographic data, the area where they were found, anthropometric parameters, symptoms, investigations and management were included in the study. Results: Of the 20 neonates included in this study, …

Bloodstream Infection In Children Managed At A Tertiary Hospital In Oman, Nadiya Al Saeghi, Marwah Al Thuhli, Hajer Al Hamrashi, Naema Al Shibli, Adil Al Wahaibi, Badriya Al Adawi, Laila Al Yazidi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the local epidemiology and outcome of bloodstream infection (BSI) among Omani children. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, over 5 years (2014–2018) and included laboratory-confirmed BSI among children aged 0–12 years old. Patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the hospital's electronic records and used to assess BSI rates and outcomes. Results: A total of 1,253 positive blood cultures were identified, of which 592 (47.2%) were regarded as contaminants. Overall, 404 (32.2%) significant episodes of BSI were identified in 272 patients; 346 (85.6%) significant episodes …

Wet-Cupping's Impact On Pancreatitis Induced By Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Study And Brief Literature Review, Waleed Al Saadi, Amna S. Al Balushi, Amani Al Mukhaldi, Hatem Al Farhan, Abdullah M. Al Alawi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Familial hypertriglyceridemia is a genetic disorder marked by excessive production of very low-density lipoproteins, resulting in elevated serum triglyceride levels. This can lead to various medical conditions including acute pancreatitis. In cases of recurrence, it may progress to chronic pancreatitis. Cupping therapy, a traditional treatment practiced in numerous cultures worldwide, is utilised to address various medical conditions. We report a 34-year-old male patient who presented to a tertiary hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2022. He was diagnosed with familial hypertriglyceridemia and subsequently developing chronic pancreatitis. During his last presentation with acute-on-chronic pancreatitis, his lipid profile revealed a notable reduction in serum …

A Prospective Cohort Study On The Effect Of Antiseizure Medications On Thyroid Function In Children Aged 6 Months To 12 Years With Epilepsy, Shivaprasad Mohankumar, Ramachandran Rameshkumar, Tamil Selvan, Hanumanthappa Nandeesha, Delhikumar Cg

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effect of antiseizure medications (ASM) on thyroid function in children with epilepsy. Methods: A prospective study involving children between 6 months and 12 years of age with new-onset seizures who took ASM within 2 months was conducted in the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India, between August 2019 to March 2022. Thyroid function tests—free T3, free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)—were done at baseline and after completing 3 months by competitive immunoassay using direct chemiluminescent technology. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients diagnosed with thyroid …

Unusual Presentation Of Crohn’S Disease: Distal Transverse Colon Mass, Abdulrahman Aljuraisi, Sultanah Bin Gheshayan, Sarah Marie, Salahaldin Binnafisah, Nahar Alselaim

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory chronic disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, mostly the colon and terminal ileum. A 42-year-old female patient presented to a tertiary care centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2021 with chronic abdominal pain. The computed tomography findings showed a transverse colon mass invading the stomach. The biopsy report indicated reactive colonic mucosa with focal inflammatory exudate. She underwent a laparoscopic extended left hemicolectomy with en-bloc resection of the greater curvature of the stomach and primary anastomosis. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease based on the final pathology report. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative …

Influence Of Drinking Context And Age Of Onset On Alcohol Consumption Patterns And Motivations Among Uruguayan Adults, Paul Ruiz, Agostina Barey, Angelina Pilatti, Ricardo Marcos Pautassi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: An early age of drinking onset is linked to a greater likelihood of alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use occurs in places featuring characteristic social groups, and different drinking contexts are associated with different levels of alcohol-related outcomes. Drinking context may affect drinking motives, expectations or alcohol-related outcomes in concert with individual-level variables. The study aimed to examine how the preferred drinking context and age of the first drink affects the occurrence and volume of alcohol use, drinking motives and alcohol-related expectations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay, from September …

Duodenal Diverticulum Causing Lemmel Syndrome: Diagnosis By Computed Tomography, Carutia A. Soares, Silvia Ads Carvalho, Márcio L. Duarte, Thaís Nd Gastaldi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Isolation And Characterization Of Lignin From Oil Palm Shells Using A Precipitation Method With Sulfuric Acid And Polyaluminum Chloride As Coagulant, Eny Kusrini, Ria Yolanda Arundina, Anwar Usman, Resti Marlina, Bambang Subiyanto, Volkan Degirmenci, Nofrijon Sofyan, Yudan Whulanza

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Lignin has useful and significant properties such as stiffness, resistance to UV radiation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, high thermal stability, and high carbon content. Due to these properties, lignin can be used for several applications including wood adhesive, carbon-based material, and can be developed as a functional material composite. Isolation and utilization of lignin from lignocellulosic biomass offers significant opportunities in various now and future industrial applications mainly for development advanced materials. In this study, isolation and characterization of lignin from oil palm shells (OPS) was conducted. Lignin was isolated from OPS using the precipitation method with sulfuric acid and coagulation using …

Increased Neuroinflammation And Compromised Blood Brain Barrier In A Mouse Model Of Autism, Amani S. Ikram, Rekha Jagadapillai, Idil Tuncali, Gregory N. Barnes, Evelyne Gozal

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.

Low Concentrations Of Hexavalent Chromium In Drinking Water Induce Alzheimer’S Disease Neuropathology: Using A Toxic Aging Coin Approach To Assess Hexavalent Chromium Neurotoxicity, Liam Buchanan, Samuel Vielee, Spencer Roof, Haiyan Lu, Jamie L Young, Idoia Meaza Isusi, Aggie Williams, Joseph Kouokam, Sandra Wise, Luping Guo, Jun Cai, John Wise, John P. Wise Jr.

The Cardinal Edge

Introduction: We are currently facing an aging crisis, as 20% of the U.S. population will be geriatric (65+) by 2030. This growing geriatric population will result in increasing prevalence of age-related diseases, coinciding with increasingly prevalent environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is a ubiquitous health threat that affects people at all ages and contributes to aging pathology. However, geriatric individuals are likely more susceptible to the negative health effects from environmental pollution. The distinct effects of environmental pollutants across age groups are currently understudied. We use a Toxic Aging Coin approach to investigate: 1) how age impacts toxicity (heads), …