Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Current Trends In Clinical Trials For Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Mcc), Tilak Patel, Rachel Butz, Brian Boulmay, Vilija Vaitaitis

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The treatment of MCC has historically involved surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; however, current clinical trials are investigating immunotherapies, intratumoral injections, and combination therapies to improve outcomes. This review explores the current trends in clinical trials for MCC, highlighting recent advances in management.

Dysphonia In Division I Collegiate Sideline Cheerleaders, Anna Riley Reed

Student Theses and Dissertations

Many research studies have focused on voice disorders in occupational voice users (i.e., teachers, singers, coaches). However, there is limited research on voice disorders in cheerleaders. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of dysphonia in division I collegiate sideline cheerleaders before and after the 2023 football season. Participants included twenty-six collegiate sideline cheerleaders at a division I university. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). In addition, their modal, high, and low pitch frequencies were measured, and voices were assessed using the Consensual Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice. This study found significant results regarding the alteration subjective …

Medpix®: Database Of Medical Images, Teaching Cases, And Clinical Topics, Alex Henigman, Brandon Kennedy

Library Staff Publications

MedPix is a free, open-access, online database developed by the National Library of Medicine that houses a vast collection of over 59,000 medical images, 12,000 patient cases, and 9,000 clinical topics. Designed to support both teaching and self-directed learning, the platform serves a diverse audience including physicians, medical students, educators, and researchers. MedPix offers robust search capabilities as well as case-based learning tools that support Continuing Medical Education.

Non-Invasive Telemonitoring In Heart Failure: A Systematic Review, Patrick A. Kwaah, Emmanuel Olumuyide, Kassem Farhat, Barbara Malaga-Espinoza, Ahmed Abdullah, Michael H. Beasley, Novi Y. Sari, Lily K. Stern, Julio A. Lamprea-Montealegre, Adrian Dasilva-Deabreu, Jiun-Ruey Hu

School of Medicine Publications

Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) represents a major public health challenge worldwide, with rising prevalence, high morbidity and mortality rates, and substantial healthcare costs. Non-invasive telemonitoring has emerged as a promising adjunct in HF management, yet its clinical effectiveness remains unclear. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, we summarize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between 2004 and 2024 examining the efficacy of non-invasive telemonitoring on mortality, readmission, and quality of life (QoL) in HF. In addition, we characterize the heterogeneity of features of different telemonitoring interventions. Results: In total, 32 RCTs were included, comprising 13,294 participants. While some individual …

Promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Regimen Adherence Through A Multifaceted Approach To Increase Adherence: A Quality Improvement Project, Queen C. Ezenwome

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarly project was to implement the use of daily text message reminders to promote PrEP medication regimen adherence, thereby reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in an at-risk population. Patient interviews and surveys were also conducted to obtain valuable information regarding barriers and facilitators to PrEP regimen adherence.

Background

The project was implemented at a homeless shelter in Harris County, Houston, Texas, that houses homeless youth ages 18-24 while also providing medical, educational, and financial services or assistance. Due to risky behaviors prevalent in this population, coupled with living in the Houston area, these patients …

Baseline Characteristics Of Newly Registered Diabetic Patients In Primary Care Settings In Oman, Fathiya Al-Shariqi, Shaima Al-Mazoori, Zaher Al-Kharusi, Mohammed Al-Hinai, Samira Al-Maimani

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the baseline demographic characteristics, clinical profile and cardiovascular risk factors of newly registered diabetic patients in Muscat Governorate, Oman, in 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional study included newly registered diabetic patients attending all primary care centres in Muscat Governorate in 2022. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from the national diabetic registry and Al-Shifa health information system. Results: A total of 1,309 patients were included and their data analysed, of which 51% were male and the mean age was 53.89 ± 12.47 years. Approximately 50% of the participants were obese …

Analyzing Environmental Health: Air Pollution And Human Health Using Geospatial Data Science, Yanhong Huang

Geography ETDs

Air pollution from industrial emissions and wildfire smoke poses growing threats to public health. This dissertation employs geospatial data science to examine these challenges through three interrelated studies. The first study investigates the relationship between maternal residential exposure to industrial pollutants and low birth weight, identifying five chemicals as significant risk factors. The second study assesses the impact of industrial air pollution on lung and bronchus cancer survival, finding that exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane and cobalt is associated with reduced survival. The third study explores disparities in wildfire smoke PM_2.5 exposure and its association with asthma exacerbations. Results show disparities …

Centering And Shaping Abilities Of Three Different Cross-Section Rotary Systems In Curved Canals Using Cbct, Sherif Shafik

Dentistry

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine the centering and shaping abilities of the E3 Azure, T Blue and XPRS rotary devices in severely curved root canals utilizing CBCT. 51 mesial roots were used in this study, then distributed into three groups of 17 mesial canals each according to the instrumentation technique: T-Blue, E3 Azure and XPS. The final apical size of instrumentation was 30/0.04 for all groups. At 2 mm, all pairwise comparisons were statistically significant, with Azure showing the highest transportation, followed by T-Blue, and XPS showing the least (p< 0.001). At 4 mm and 6 mm, Azure and T-Blue showed significantly higher transportation than XPS (p< 0.001). For XP-Shaper files, centering ratios followed a descending order from 6 mm to 4 mm and were lowest at 2 mm, with all pairwise comparisons being statistically significant (p< 0.001). it was concluded that XPS show lesser transportation and better centering ability.

Transforming Health Care Through Research: Highlights From The 2025 Annual Conference Of The Health Care Systems Research Network, Michael A. Horberg, Suzanne Simons

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

During this unprecedented time of uncertainty and disruption, the 2025 Annual Conference of the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) took place on April 8 to 10, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand. Nearly 265 participants from 19 HCSRN member institutions came together to network, collaborate, and connect at the conference, which featured the theme, “Optimizing Collaborations to Advance Health in a Dynamic Research Landscape.”

The Hazard Ratio Is Equivalent To An Odds Under The Assumption Of Proportional Hazards, David M. Thompson

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Clinicians routinely interpret statistical findings from medical research to inform patients of treatment benefits. Studies that use the hazard ratio present special challenges. Clinicians should not equate hazard ratios with risk ratios, ie, relative risks. However, clinicians can provide patients with a straightforward interpretation of the hazard ratio as an odds, as long as the ratio was calculated in a study in which the assumption of proportional hazards is justified. In such a case, the hazard ratio is equivalent to the odds that a person, who is randomly chosen from the group represented in the ratio’s numerator, experiences an event …

Mechanisms And Intermediate Outcomes Of A Community Translation To Adapt A Whole Family-Inclusive Lifestyle Intervention: A Pilot Evaluation, Megan J. Moran, Kimberly Padilla, Abby Neiser, Nicole Clark, Virginia Jimenez, Natalia Sanchez, Talia Thompson, Ana M. Gutierrez-Colina, Jesse Owen, Chesleigh Keene, Matthew A. Haemer, Lauren B. Shomaker

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Involving community members in the process of translating scientific evidence into health messaging and interventions can lead to improved health outcomes and more patient-centered healthcare. Community Translation (CT) is one methodology for fostering collaboration between researchers and community members, and it has been shown to result in locally relevant, acceptable solutions to health challenges. There has been very little research on the direct effects that participation may have on community members who become involved in CT. Understanding the mechanisms of CT and its outcomes on participating community members is essential to maximizing the potential of CT. To address this …

Patient Information Needs During Ambulatory Medication Changes: A Qualitative Study, Elaine Giletta, Vanessa B. Hurley, Yushi Yang, Jessica L. Schwartz, Rabia Jalalzai, Nicole L. Mollenkopf, Raquel Mayne, Samantha I. Pitts

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: We performed interviews with patients and caregivers to explore whole-person, whole-regimen information needs at times of routine outpatient medication changes. We categorized information needs in this relatively unstudied context and identified which needs were commonly recognized as insufficiently met.

Methods: We explored the content of the semi-structured interviews, which involved nine patients and two caregivers of pediatric patients, all of whom experienced a recent medication change in the outpatient setting of a large urban academic healthcare system. We used inductive thematic analysis to organize information needs into categories to identify key information gaps.

Results: We identified five categories of …

Abstracts From The 2025 Health Care Systems Research Network (Hcsrn) Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, Health Care Systems Research Network

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) comprises 19 learning health systems with integrated care delivery and embedded research units. The network’s annual conference serves as a forum for research teams from member institutions to disseminate project findings, explore scientific collaborations, and share insights about population-based research practices that can measurably improve health and health care for all. The theme of this year’s conference was “Optimizing Collaborations to Advance Health in a Dynamic Research Landscape.” Abstracts presented at HCSRN 2025 are published in this issue supplement of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, the journal of record for …

Correction: Bid-Induced Release Of Aif/Endog From Mitochondria Causes Apoptosis Of Macrophages During Infection With Leptospira Interrogans (Frontiers In Cellular And Infection Microbiology, (2017), 7, (471), 10.3389/Fcimb.2017.00471), Wei-Lin Hu, Hai-Yan Dong, Yang Li, David M. Ojcius, Shi-Jun Li, Jie Yan

Pacific Faculty Work

In the published article, there was an error in Figure 1E as published. The representative flow dot plots were misplaced. The corrected Figure 1 appears below. Apoptosis, pathological changes, and MMP decrease in leptospire-infected macrophages. (A) Apoptosis of macrophages infected with L. interrogans strain Lai at the optimal apoptosis-causing time for different MOIs. J774A.1 and THP-1 cells were infected with leptospires at 4 h. Bars show the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Five thousand cells were analyzed in each specimen. *p < 0.05 vs. apoptotic ratios in leptospire-infected macrophages with an MOI of 10, 50, 100, or 500. (B) Apoptosis of macrophages infected with L. interrogans strain Lai at the optimal apoptosis-causing MOI for different times. J774A.1 and THP-1 cells were infected at an MOI of 100. Bars show the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Five thousand cells were analyzed in each specimen. *p < 0.05 vs. apoptotic ratios in each macrophage type before infection. (C) The representative pathological changes in the nucleus and mitochondria in macrophages infected with L. interrogans strain Lai (MOI 100) for 4 h. a: healthly cells showed normal cellular morphology, b: chromatin margination in leptospire-infected macrophages crescent, c: mitochondrial shape in healthly macrophages, d: disappearance of mitochondrial cristae in leptospire-infected macrophages. (D) The representative MMP changes in macrophages during infection with L. interrogans strain Lai for the indicated times determined by fluorescence microscopy. The red cells have a high MMP while the green cells have a low MMP. (E) The representative MMP changes in macrophages during infection with L. interrogans strain Lai for the indicated times determined by flow cytometry. The FL2 channel indicates high MMP (red) while the FL1 channel shows low MMP (green). (F) Statistical summary of MMP changes by flow cytometry in leptospire-infected macrophages. Statistical data from experiments such as shown in (E). Bars show the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. The values at “0” h show the MMP values before infection. Five thousand cells were analyzed in each specimen. *p < 0.05 vs. MMP value of the macrophages before infection. (G) CSA blockage of the apoptosis in macrophages infected with L. interrogans strain Lai. Bars show the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Five thousand cells were analyzed in each specimen. *p < 0.05 vs. apoptotic ratios in each macrophage type unpretreated with CSA infected with the spirochetes. The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated.

Predictors Of Final Visual Outcome In Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Treated With Lenadogene Nolparvovec Gene Therapy, Robert C Sergott, Valerio Carelli, Nancy Newman, Valérie Biousse, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Catherine Vignal-Clermont, Constant Josse, Magali Taiel, José-Alain Sahel, Piero Barboni

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

PURPOSE: This exploratory analysis aimed to identify predictive factors of final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) harboring the m.11778G>A mutation who received lenadogene nolparvovec gene therapy.

METHODS: The following covariates were individually evaluated as possible factors associated with improved final BCVA: age, gender, timing of treatment, baseline BCVA value, and baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters. Univariate analyses were performed from three phase 3 studies (RESCUE, REVERSE, and REFLECT), using BCVA at 1.5 years post-treatment as the dependent variable.

RESULTS: In 113 eyes treated at least 6 months after disease onset, the …

Exploring The Impact Of The Emergency Department Built Environment On Physician Workplace Stress: A Qualitative Study Utilizing High-Fidelity Virtual Reality, J Matthew Fields, Alan Price, Billie Faircloth, Eden Blas, Marah Sakkal, Sabrina Naumovski, Robert Ries, Callum Hamilton, Kit Elsworth, Morgan Hutchinson, Bon Ku, Christopher Connock, Jennifer Kahoud

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: Physician burnout in emergency medicine has serious consequences. An underrecognized stressor for physicians may be the emergency department (ED) environment itself. EDs can be noisy and chaotic, lack natural light, and have challenging layouts that create patient care and safety concerns. This study examines the relationship between the ED-built environment and physician workplace stress.

METHODS: A qualitative study of ED-attending physicians from a level I trauma center ED in Philadelphia was conducted. Participants underwent a semistructured interview followed by a walkthrough of a high-fidelity virtual reality (VR) simulation of the participant's ED. In the VR simulation, they rated the …

Serum Metabolomic Profiling Of Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis And Rotterdam Study, Xuanwei Jiang, Fang Zhu, Gonçalo Graça, Xihao Du, Jinjun Ran, Fariba Ahmadizar, Alexis C Wood, Yanqiu Zhou, Denise M Scholtens, Ali Farzaneh, M Arfan Ikram, Alan Kuang, Carel W Le Roux, Meghana D Gadgil, Marilyn C Cornelis, Kent D Taylor, Xiuqing Guo, Mohsen Ghanbari, Laura J Rasmussen-Torvik, Russell P Tracy, Alain G Bertoni, Jerome I Rotter, David M Herrington, Philip Greenland, Maryam Kavousi, Victor W Zhong

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objective: This study aimed to investigate serum metabolomic biomarkers associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate their performance in improving T2DM risk prediction.

Methods: Untargeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomics analyses were conducted in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA; n = 3460; discovery cohort) and The Rotterdam Study (RS; n = 1556; replication cohort). Multivariable cause-specific hazards models were used to analyze the associations between 23 571 serum metabolomic spectral variables and incident T2DM. Replicated metabolites required an false discovery rate-adjusted P < .01 in MESA, P < .05 in RS, and consistent direction of association. Pathway and network analyses were conducted to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying T2DM development. The utility of the replicated metabolites in improving T2DM risk prediction was assessed based on the Framingham Diabetes Risk Score. A 2-sample Mendelian randomization was conducted to assess causal associations.

Results: Nineteen metabolites were significantly associated with incident T2DM. Pathway analyses …

Cancer Vaccination And Immune-Based Approaches In Pancreatic Cancer, Matthew D. Bloom, Ali Raza Shaikh, Zhengyang Sun, Babar Bashir, Adam E. Snook

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with high recurrence rates even after curative resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. Although immunotherapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), have revolutionized the treatment of some solid tumor malignancies, this has not been the case for PDAC. Several characteristics of PDAC, including its distinctive desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME), intratumor heterogeneity, and poor antigenicity and immune cell infiltration, contribute to its dismal immunotherapeutic landscape. Cancer vaccines offer one approach to overcoming these barriers, particularly in the resectable or borderline resectable settings, where tumor burden is low and immunosuppression is less pronounced. Various vaccination …

Emergency Managers Perceived Effectiveness Of Disaster Mitigation Plans And Training Focused On The Special Needs Population, Jessica Windsor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The special needs population faces increased vulnerability during disasters, yet disaster planning often overlooks their unique requirements. This study focuses on the experiences and perceptions of emergency managers in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which emergency management plans recognize and address the needs of special populations and identify training gaps. The research questions aimed to uncover the factors that influence inclusive planning, training effectiveness, and resource allocation. Grounded in the Disaster Health Framework, the study utilized a qualitative research design involving surveys with 14 emergency managers, followed by thematic analysis …

The Effect Of Immunosuppressive Therapy On The Lipid Profile Of Kidney Transplant Patients: A Single-Center Study, Anas Saad Khalaf Algburi, Ali Jasim Alsaedi, Dalia Mahmood Ali

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Post-transplant dyslipidemia is common and presents unique management challenges for nephrologists. The most important outcomes of post-transplant dyslipidemia treatment include preserving or improving allograft function and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on lipid profiles in kidney transplant patients Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Renal Transplant and Nephrology Center, Baghdad Medical City, over 15 months. A total of 51 kidney transplant recipients were enrolled, including 34 males (66.7%) and 17 females (33.3%), with an age range of 20 to 60 years and a male-to-female ratio of …

Patients Journey To Hemodialysis Centers: Multi-Center Study, Ali Al Saedi, Dalia Ali, Anas Aljboori, Anas Mansour, Zahraa Mahdi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Hemodialysis is used to restore electrolyte balance (sodium levels, potassium in the body, bicarbonate, chloride, as well as magnesium, calcium, and phosphate) and filters the waste products and excess fluid. Unfortunately, developing nations continue to have a severe shortage of resources, which makes it difficult to provide highly technical and costly care like dialysis. Aim: The study's objective is to reveal and trace the journey of patients with end stage kidney disease who are on regular hemodialysis program and how they reach to dialysis centers. Methods: the study was to be conducted in many dialysis centers in different regions …

Effect Of Vitamin  C As An Iron-Supporting Supplement In Adolescents With Suspected Iron Deficiency Anemia: Is It Effective For Increasing Hemoglobin Levels?, Ryan Pramana Putra, Nany Hairunisa, Refia Putri Restiana, Husnun Amalia, Emad Yousif

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Anemia is a global health problem that affects adolescents, adults, and children in both developed and developing countries. Anemia in adolescent girls (10–19 years of age) is defined as a hemoglobin level in the blood of <12 g/dL. In Indonesia, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls reaches 48.9%. Iron supplementation can be enhanced with vitamin C as a companion supplement. Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body by reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+, which requires an acidic environment for optimal dissolution and absorption. Aim: This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness of iron supplementation with or without vitamin C in increasing hemoglobin levels. Methodology: An experimental design with consecutive sampling was conducted in September 2023 at Junior High School 1 Prambon, Nganjuk, East Java. The total sample consisted of 52 girls aged 12–13 years with anemia. The first group received iron and vitamin C, while the second group received iron only. Hemoglobin levels were  by the fingerstick method. Results: There were 32 samples (53.33%) aged 13 years. The average change in hemoglobin levels before and after intervention in group 1 was 2.238 g/dL with < 0.05, while in group 2 it was 0.661 g/dL with <0.05. The average difference in changes in hemoglobin levels between groups 1 and 2 after intervention was 1.303 g/dL with <0.05. Conclusion: Iron supplementation with vitamin C results in more significant increases in hemoglobin levels.

Role Of Surgical Excision In The Treatment Of Large Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformations In Children, Hiba Mahmood Yousuf, Moaied A. Hassan

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Lymphatic malformations are rare benign congenital cystic lesions that can develop anywhere in the body. Therapeutic options for these lesions include intralesional sclerotherapy, surgical excision, and other modalities. Aim: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of complete surgical excision as a therapeutic option in the treatment of large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children, as well as to introduce a novel modification to the surgical procedure. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 14 patients with large macrocystic lymphatic malformations in different body locations, treated between October 2018 and October 2021 at our institution. Complete surgical excision …

Concurrent Dermatological Manifestations, Covid-19 Infection, And Mds/Rcmd-Rs: A Unique Case Report, Amenah S. Abdulkareem, Qutaiba M. Alawaad, Asaad Khalaf

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

A 24-year-old male with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ring sideroblasts (MDS/RCMD-RS) who developed severe dermatological manifestations concurrent with COVID-19 infection. The patient exhibited complex vasculitic and purpuric skin lesions, which were hypothesized to result from COVID-19-induced endothelitis and vasculitis, exacerbated by underlying immune dysfunction from MDS. Despite treatment with EPO therapy, cyclosporin, and supportive care, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to fatal respiratory failure. The report underscores the interplay between hematologic malignancies, immune dysregulation, and COVID-19, highlighting the potential for exacerbated dermatological and systemic complications in such patients. This case emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and …

Knowledge And Practice Of Undergraduate Medical Students Regarding Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Baghdad, Iraq, Samer Shukur Mohammed, Wael Waleed Mustafa

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The global trend of self-medication is rising, making it a priority to investigate associated risks that could lead to life-threatening complications. Aim: To assess self-medication practices among undergraduate medical students and evaluate their knowledge and the factors influencing their use of self-medication Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 234 medical students from various medical colleges in Baghdad between November 2023 and March 2024. Participants were selected randomly. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The chi-square significance test was performed, and P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that 72% of …

Assessment Of Knowledge About Toxoplasmosis Among Nursing College Students, Zainab Hassan, Saba Adnan, Abdulameer Abdullah Al- Musawi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Humans acquire toxoplasmosis by consuming infected meat containing cysts of T. gondii or through contact with cat feces. Toxoplasmosis is known to cause miscarriage, also referred to as spontaneous abortion or pregnancy loss, which pertains to an unviable intrauterine pregnancy occurring during the first trimester and is the most common type of miscarriage. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of nursing students about toxoplasmosis. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 90 nursing students. The self-completed questionnaire consisted of 17 questions covering the parasite, …

Mothers’ Plan To Protect Their Children From Covid-19 And Other Viral Illnesses, Miami Kadhum Yossif, Rehab Abdulwehab Jaafer

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Mothers play a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of their children—a vulnerable population—particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Aim: This study investigated the strategies employed by mothers to protect their children from COVID-19 and other viral illnesses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient pediatric clinics of Basra Maternity and Children Hospital and Almawani Teaching Hospital, 118 mothers were enrolled from diverse backgrounds. Data was collected through structured interviews and a standardized questionnaire designed to assess maternal practices, attitudes, and experiences concerning the protection of their children. The key areas explored included hygiene practices, …

Knowledge And Attitudes Of Doctors In Basra Governorate Regarding The International Classification Of Diseases (Icd-10), Nada Hasan Abdulraheem Al-Kawaz, , Huda Hassan Muhaibes Al-Abbodi, Ziyad Tarik Shwaish

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), is a critical tool for standardizing health information globally. Despite its widespread adoption, gaps in understanding and application among healthcare providers persist, potentially affecting patient care and health system efficiency. Aim: To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians regarding the implementation of the ICD-10 system Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of 67 healthcare professionals (27 specialists, 25 senior residents, eight general practitioners, and seven junior residents) from various medical settings in Basra, southern Iraq, including hospitals and clinics. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their …

Monitoring Al-Hijamah Therapy On Pcv% In Tobacco Smokers: Pre-Post Analysis, Bahaa Kargule

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Al-hijamah is a traditional therapy used to clear blood and interstitial fluids, thereby helping maintain optimal levels of various blood solutes. Smoking is known to increase packed cell volume percentage (PCV%), leading to increased blood viscosity and associated complications. Aim: This study aimed to examine the impact of Al-hijamah therapy on reducing elevated PCV levels in healthy adult smokers Methods: A pre-post study was conducted on 25 healthy male adults aged 30–55 years who underwent Al-hijamah therapy in Fallujah, Iraq. All the participants were smokers who were medication-free and had PCV% values near the upper limit. Al-Hijamah was performed …

Barriers To Diet And Exercise Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Basrah Hospitals, Jhood Abdul Samad Molan, Fatima K. Hassan, Miaad K. Khaddam, Zainab A.R. Antesh, Hudaa S. Karim

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing health concern globally, particularly in the Middle East. To encourage individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle essential for managing diabetes, it is imperative to thoroughly understand the barriers, especially those that can be modified, encountered by patients following nutritional and exercise medical advice. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the barriers related to nutrition and exercise among patients with T2DM in hospitals located in Basrah. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 194 adults with history of T2DM who were visiting the outpatient departments of internal medicine in four selected …