Mandibular Incisive Canal Morphometry: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study in Jordan

SUMMARY: Mandibular incisive canal (MIC) and related mental foramen (MF) and anterior loop (AL) morphometrics are important landmarks in medical and dental clinical applications. The main aim of this retrospective study to determine the morphometry of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) in a Jordanian population and to propose a new shape-pattern classification of the MIC. In addition, MF and AL morphometrics were determined. Carestream 3D imaging software was used on 100 Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) of a Jordanian population to determine the MF, AL and MIC morphometrics. The detection prevalence of the MIC was 96 %. The right and left MIC showed four distinct line patterns, proposed for the first time in this paper. The line-patterns were angular (L-line), straight (I-line), curved (V-line) and wavy (W-line), with a prevalence of 41 %, 19 %, 25.5 %, and 10.5 %, respectively. MF was detected in all mandibles with a round shape in 58 % of the images. The most common horizontal and vertical positions of the MF were H4 and H3 (73.5 %) and V3 and V2 (95 %), respectively. An accessory MF was detected in 14.5 % of the samples and was more prevalent in males and on the right side. AL was detected in 92.5 % of the samples and exhibited a pattern prevalence of 25.5 %, 40 % and 27 % for types I, II and III, respectively. Results revealed that asymmetry and gender differences between right and left MIC, MF, AL and AMF was seen in patient's mandibles. In conclusion, this is the first study to propose and show that Mandibular incisive canal exhibits four potential line patterns (L, I, V and W lines patterns). Gender and ethnic variations of the mandibular canal landmarks morphometrics of both right and left hemi-mandible are important to be acknowledged in learning anatomy and when planning or performing dental and medical procedures.

Las relaciones de la morfometría del canal incisivo mandibular (MCI), del foramen mentoniano (FM) y del asa anterior (AA) son hitos importantes en las aplicaciones clínicas médicas y dentales. El objetivo principal de este estudio retrospectivo fue determinar la morfometría del MCI en una población jordana y proponer una nueva clasificación de patrón de forma del MCI. Además, se determinaron la morfometría de FM y AA. Se utilizó el software de imágenes 3D Carestream en 100 tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico (CBCT) de una población jordana para determinar la morfometría de FM, MCI y AA. La prevalencia de detección de MCI fue del 96 %. El MCI derecho e izquierdo mostraron cuatro patrones de líneas distintas, propuestas por primera vez en este artículo. Los patrones de líneas fueron angulares (línea L), rectos (línea I), curvos (línea V) y ondulados (línea W), con una prevalencia del 41 %, 19 %, 25,5 % y 10,5 % respectivamente. Se detectó el FM en todas las mandíbulas y con forma redonda en el 58 % de las imágenes. Las posiciones horizontal y vertical más comunes del FM fueron H4 y H3 (73,5 %) y V3 y V2 (95 %), respectivamente. Se detectó FM accesorio en el 14,5 % de las muestras y fue más prevalente en el sexo masculino y en el lado derecho. AA se detectó en el 92,5 % de las muestras y exhibió un patrón de prevalencia del 25,5 %, 40 % y 27 % para los tipos I, II y III, respectivamente. Los resultados revelaron asimetría y diferencias en el sexo entre MCI, FM, AA derecha e izquierda en las mandíbulas de los pacientes. En conclusión, este es el primer estudio que propone y muestra que el canal incisivo mandibular exhibe cuatro patrones de líneas potenciales (patrones de líneas L, I, V y W). Es importante reconocer las variaciones étnicas y de sexo de la morfometría de los puntos de referencia del canal mandibular de la hemimandíbula derecha e izquierda al estudiar y aprender anatomía y al planificar o realizar procedimientos médicos y dentales.

Protective effect of sterubin against neurochemical and behavioral impairments in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease

This study was conducted to evaluate how sterubin affects rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in rats. A total of 24 rats were distributed into 4 equal groups: normal saline control and rotenone control were administered saline or rotenone (ROT), respectively, orally; sterubin 10 received ROT + sterubin 10 mg/kg po; and sterubin alone was administered to the test group (10 mg/kg). Rats of the normal saline and sterubin alone groups received sunflower oil injection (sc) daily, 1 h after receiving the treatments cited above, while rats of the other groups received rotenone injection (0.5 mg/kg, sc). The treatment was continued over the course of 28 days daily. On the 29th day, catalepsy and akinesia were assessed. The rats were then euthanized, and the brain was extracted for estimation of endogenous antioxidants (MDA: malondialdehyde, GSH: reduced glutathione, CAT: catalase, SOD: superoxide dismutase), nitrative (nitrite) stress markers, neuroinflammatory cytokines, and neurotransmitter levels and their metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and homovanillic acid (HVA)). Akinesia and catatonia caused by ROT reduced the levels of endogenous antioxidants (GSH, CAT, and SOD), elevated the MDA level, and altered the levels of nitrites, neurotransmitters, and their metabolites. Sterubin restored the neurobehavioral deficits, oxidative stress, and metabolites of altered neurotransmitters caused by ROT. Results demonstrated the anti-Parkinson's activities of sterubin in ROT-treated rats.

Social media content analysis of public and private Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency facebook groups

Background@#As social media continue to grow as popular and convenient tools for acquiring and disseminating health information, the need to investigate its utilization by laypersons encountering common medical issues becomes increasingly essential. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to analyze the content posted in Facebook groups for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and how these engage the members of the group. @*Methods@#This study employed an inductive content analysis of user-posted content in both public and private Facebook groups catering specifically to G6PD deficiency. The G6PD Facebook groups with 10 or more posts within the past 12 months were selected for this study. Data were harvested from posts and comments using ExportComment. @*Results@#A total of 46 G6PD-related Facebook groups were identified. Of which, 19 were public and 27 were private groups, with an average membership of 5000-6000 accounts. After eligibility based on criteria and authorization for private groups, 3 public and 3 private groups were included, with the majority of these groups focused on sharing information. Five main themes of posted content were identified: diagnosis, management, beliefs, psychosocial factors, and medical requirements. “Diagnosis”-related posts referred to conversations about the causes and symptoms of G6PD, “management” referred to medication or diet, “beliefs” involved traditional or lay perceptions, “psychosocial factors” referred to posts that disclosed how psychosocial factors influenced G6PD deficiency practices, and “medical requirements” referred to documentation regarding the condition. The bulk of these posts used three strategies for communication: information-requesting, self-disclosure, and promotion of products/services. Information requests were the most common. @*Conclusion@#The results of the study showed opportunities and challenges in health education on G6PD, especially in evaluating the credibility and accuracy of the information given and received. Looking at the content and manner of communicating information noted, the newborn screening program may improve its advocacy and education campaign, and may develop targeted educational materials and effective dissemination strategies that could clarify, explain, or refute information and beliefs mostly shared on these platforms.

Coping strategies of Filipino mothers of children with congenital heart disease in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines

Background and Objective@#Mothers play a significant role as primary caregivers for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) within the family. Given the complex health needs of children with CHD, coping strategies are needed to deal with the challenges associated with caring for their children with the condition. Coping mechanisms encompass fostering resilience, seeking support, and maintaining a positive outlook to navigate stress, uncertainty, and obstacles throughout their child's medical journey with CHD. The objective of this study is to explore the coping strategies employed by mothers of children diagnosed with CHD in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. @*Methods@#Employing a descriptive qualitative study design, data was gathered through key informant interviews utilizing a semi-structured topic guide, which aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of mothers with children with CHDs. Ethical approval was obtained, and data collection occurred from January to March 2016. Interview transcripts were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and underwent content analysis. Themes derived from the analysis were then validated and confirmed by the study participants. @*Results@#A total of 11 mothers voluntarily participated in the study. These participants expressed utilizing various coping strategies to manage their child's condition, including seeking assistance from both physicians and traditional healers, advocating for their children, receiving support from their family and friends, regulation of emotion, and prayer and faith in God. @*Conclusion@#This study sheds light on the coping mechanisms used by mothers in raising thier children with CHD, highlighting the value of spirituality and psychological support in their journey. Enhancing assistance for impacted families and advancing genetic counseling services are two benefits of incorporating these findings into healthcare practice.

Efficacy of current vaccines against recently isolated foot and mouth disease virus type A South America (Venezuela) in Egypt 2022

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a significant economic threat to cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle and sheep. The emergence of a novel foot and mouth disease virus-A isolate, FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022, in Egypt in 2022 has raised concerns about its potential impact on existing vaccination programs. Given that vaccination is a key strategy for foot and mouth disease virus control, the present study was aimed to assess the cross-protective efficacy of both local and imported inactivated vaccines against this new threat. Through challenge experiments and serum neutralization tests, we observed limited effectiveness of both vaccine types. The calculated r1-values at 28 days post-vaccination indicated a minimal immune response to FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 (0.176 and 0.175 for local and imported vaccines, respectively). Challenge experiments further confirmed these findings, revealing 0percent protection from the local vaccine and only 20percent rotection from imported vaccines by day 7 post-challenge. These results underscore the urgent need to update existing foot and mouth disease virus vaccines in Egypt by incorporating the newly circulating FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 strain. This proactive measure is crucial to prevent future outbreaks and ensure effective disease control(AU)

La fiebre aftosa es una enfermedad vírica muy contagiosa que supone una importante amenaza económica para los animales biungulados, entre ellos el ganado vacuno y ovino. La aparición de un nuevo aislado del virus A de la fiebre aftosa, el FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022, en Egipto en 2022 ha suscitado preocupación por su posible impacto en los programas de vacunación existentes. Dado que la vacunación es una estrategia clave para el control del virus de la fiebre aftosa, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la eficacia protectora cruzada de las vacunas inactivadas locales e importadas frente a esta nueva amenaza. Mediante experimentos de desafío y pruebas de seroneutralización, observamos una eficacia limitada de ambos tipos de vacuna. Los valores r1 calculados a los 28 días posvacunación indicaron una respuesta inmunitaria mínima frente a FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022 (0,176 y 0,175 para las vacunas local e importada, respectivamente). Los experimentos de provocación confirmaron aún más estos resultados, revelando un 0 por ciento de protección de la vacuna local y sólo un 20 por ciento de protección de las vacunas importadas al séptimo día después de la provocación. Estos resultados subrayan la urgente necesidad de actualizar las vacunas existentes contra el virus de la fiebre aftosa en Egipto incorporando la nueva cepa circulante FMDV-A-Egy-AHRI-RL385-Ven-2022. Esta medida proactiva es crucial para prevenir futuros brotes y garantizar un control eficaz de la enfermedad(AU)

Prevalence and Intensity of Dental Caries in School-age Children of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Introduction: The high level of prevalence and intensity of dental caries in school children reflects the urgency of the problem and the necessity of proper dental education among children and their parents and to develop recommendations aimed at the prevention of dental caries. Aim: To find out the epidemiological situation of dental caries in school age children of Krasnoyarsk Territory. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on the prevalence and intensity of dental caries in 232 school-age children of educational institutions in the city of Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai and 386 children in the city of Talnakh aged 7 to 17 years. The study used a special dental examination card recommended by WHO (2013). Results: The results obtained characterize an unfavorable level of morbidity with a high level of dental treatment needs and preventive care. School children and their parents exhibited low level of knowledge pertaining to sanitary conditions. The situation dictates the need for further intensification of the prevention of dental diseases and sanitary and educational work among the population. Conclusion: The research showed the inimical epidemiological situation of dental caries in school-age children of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The situation dictates the need for further intensification of sanitary and educational work and the introduction of an interdepartmental program for the prevention of dental caries in the region.

Prevalence of smart phone addiction among medical students

Background: The use of smart phone is very common specially in young individuals. Excessive use leads to smart phone addiction, which may have harmful effect on the health of individuals. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study is to assess the smart phone usage in 1st-year medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have included 187 students from 1st-year MBBS. Out of which 125 (66.84%) are boys and 62 (33.16%) are girls in age group of 18–22 years. All the data were collected in Google form. We have used smart phone addiction scale long version. The Google form was filled by students who are willing to participate in this study. Result: We have found that out of total 187 students, 96 (51.34%) students having high smart phone use, out of which 68 (54.40%) are boys and 28 (45.16%) are girls while 91 (48.66%) students having low smart phone use, out of which 57 (45.60%) are boys and 34 (54.84%) are girls. Conclusion: The high smart phone usages present in the student can be prevented by specific intervention programs at college level.

Prevalence of internet gaming disorder among medical students at medical college in Jamnagar, Gujarat

Background: Smartphone usage became drastically increased in the past two decades. Spending abnormally more time playing games can lead to development of internet gaming disorder (IGD) which leads to negative impact on health and lifestyle. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of IGD and smartphone usage patterns in medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was held in M. P. Shah Government Medical College in Jamnagar. Total 206 1st year medical students were included for this study. Pre-validated self-made questionnaire and pre-structured IGD-20 questionnaire were used in this study. Results: The prevalence of IGD in medical students is 1.46%. In male population, the prevalence of IGD was higher (1.6%) compared to female population (1.23%). Conclusion: IGD can be a great disaster if remain unnoticed. It can change one’s lifestyle gradually. Preventive measures such as parental locking system and strong rules for mobile phone use in university hours should be implied.

Correlation of Body Mass Index and age with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in elderly of Guwahati City, Assam

Introduction: Obesity is on rise globally and may have a impact on cognition. Very limited research was done on the association of weight with neurocognition among the elderly. The study purpose was to determine the correlation between BMI and age with MCI and after stratifying for BMI and socio-demographic characteristics.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 elderly (≥60 years) in Guwahati city using a multi-stage sampling technique. Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination (HMMSE) tool was used for screening for dementia and MCI. Results: HMMSE scores were not significantly correlated with BMI (r =0.07). However, when strati-fied, a significantly negative correlation of BMI with HMMSE scores was seen for illiterates (r =-0.21), primary school education (r =-0.48) and unskilled workers (r =-0.49). There was a significant negative correlation between age and cognition for elderly belonging to OBC, (r =-0.21), Lower middle (III), (r =-0.39), Upper Lower (r =-0.17), Lower (V), (r =-0.26), Graduate, Post Graduate,(r = -0.23), Middle School, (r =-0.36), Illiterate, (r =-0.34), Clerical, (r =-0.60), Semi Professional, (r =-0.62), skilled worker (r=-0.68), Unemployed, (r =-0.15) and Obese, (r =-0.30). Conclusion: Various factors like age, category, socioeconomic status, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were found to be predictors of cognition among the elderly.

Quantification of human polyomaviruses MCPyV and HPyV6 in malignant and non-malignant skin lesions

Abstract Background: Human Polyomaviruses such as MCPyV and HPyV6 are frequently found as part of healthy skin microbiota and have been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), pruritic and dyskeratotic dermatoses, respectively. Their presence in other types of skin conditions varies greatly depending on lesion type and population. Objectives: To analyse comparatively the presence of MCPyV and HPyV6 in nonmelanoma skin cancers and healthy skin. Methods: The authors utilized qPCR techniques to quantify these pathogens in NMSC, premalignant diseases, and healthy skin of 87 patients. Results: MCPyV was detected in over 40% of samples, while HPyV6 was in 9.6%. MCPyV load was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared to basal cell carcinomas (BCC) (p = 0.016) and HPyV6 showed a higher percentage of infected cells in areas of low solar exposure as well as normal skin (p = 0.012). A fair agreement (kappa = 0.301) was found between MCPyV detection in lesions and their respective perilesional skin, indicating a random process of local dissemination of the virus. Study limitations: The lack of a larger sampling of different lesion types and protein expression analyses limits the correlation findings. Conclusions: This is the first report of HPyV6 detection in the healthy skin of a Brazilian population, but the role of both polyomaviruses in NMSC has yet to be demonstrated.

Repositioning of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: Structure-based virtual screening and in vitro assay

Background: Computer-aided repositioning of approved drugs is an increasingly popular strategy for the discovery of effective therapies. The potency of the newly repositioned drugs can be optimized using them as a component of an effective drug combination, thereby achieving the desired therapeutic effect at a lower and more tolerable drug concentration. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to perform structure-based virtual screening and repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of methicillin resistance by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and perform an in vitro validation of the prediction. Materials and Methods: Following ethical clearance at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, molecular docking was performed against 5 validated protein targets involved in the development of methicillin resistance by SA and an in vitro validation of the prediction was done using 3 of the top-ranking drug candidates against methicillin-resistant vancomycin-susceptible strain of the pathogen (ATCC 43300). Results: Desmopressin and docetaxel, two of the 20 top-ranking repurposed drugs discovered through virtual screening, enhanced the inhibitory effect of oxacillin against the ATCC 43300 SA strain in a ratio-dependent manner, although each of the two drugs singly was only weakly effective against the bacterial strain. The standard drug, vancomycin (also among the top-scoring candidates), alone, was effective against ATCC 43300 strain and in combination with oxacillin, the two drugs produced a ratio-dependent synergistic effect against the bacterial strain. Conclusion: These findings suggest that oxacillin-based combinations with desmopressin, docetaxel, and the standard drug vancomycin, three of the 20 top-ranking drugs, at optimum ratios, may be beneficial in reversing the resistance of the ATCC 43300 SA strain to oxacillin, thus supporting the prediction of the molecular docking results.

Online better for revision and offline better for motivation? - perspectives of online learning in undergraduate medical students in India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many institutions to unexpectedly adopt online learning methods to teach their students. As students’ perspectives are vital to be understood to determine whether any teaching learning method is optimum for implementation, we conducted a questionnaire-based study of students of a medical college. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this research study was to gain a better understanding of problems concerned with online learning methods. Materials and Methods: Undergraduate 1st year medical students of four different medical colleges of India were the participants. After ethical committee permission, responses were invited for a Google form’s questionnaire. Students were asked in detail about their choices. Results: Most students preferred the offline mode of study over the online mode. Majority of students preferred to keep their own camera off during online lectures. Biochemistry subject was considered comparatively easier and Anatomy was considered difficult to learn in online mode compared to offline mode. Few students felt comfortable with online learning of more than 5 h daily. Concentration in classes was deemed more difficult for online classes and majority of students felt a lack of motivation in online learning. Conclusions: Institutes using the online mode of learning need to address student’s problems before they mandate certain rules like keeping students’ videos on. Lack of motivation and screen fatigue are common problems among students which needs to be addressed by counseling or mentoring if necessary. Subject specific preferences of students need to be taken care of.

A cross-sectional study to find out association between smartphone addiction and dry eye disease among medical students in Jamnagar

Background: In the recent times, use of smart phone and multimedia devices is extensive. With prolonged use of smart phones, multimedia devices and social media ophthalmic and psychiatric complications are rising in young population. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out prevalence of smartphone addiction and dry eye disease and association between smartphone addiction and dry eye disease in medical students. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in M.P. Shah Government Medical College and included 201 medical students. This was analytical survey-based study. Data collection was done through Google form and the survey included demographic questions, pre-structured smartphone addiction scale-short version, and ocular surface disease index questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of dry eye disease in medical students was 52.73% and the prevalence of smartphone addiction was 20%. In our study, dry eye disease was present in 45% of subjects with smartphone addiction. Conclusion: The prolonged usage of smartphone leads to increased screen exposure time which may be causative factor for ophthalmic problems and dry eye disease. More awareness in adolescent and young population about potential hazards of prolonged screen exposure and smartphone is necessary nowadays.

Analysis of the Incidence of Leprosy in the Northeast Region of Brazil: 2011 to 2021

Leprosy is a pathology known to mankind for centuries. The clinical manifestations of leprosy depend on the patient’s immune reaction against Mycobacterium leprae, ranging from small hypochromic lesions and hypoesthesia to progressive and diffuse infiltrations of the skin, involvement of upper airway mucosa and involvement of cutaneous as well as nerve trunks. In some cases, and especially during reactions there are several manifestations and signs and symptoms of systemic involvement. The objective of the present study was to analyse the incidence of leprosy and the epidemiological parameters in the period from 2011 to 2021, in the Northeast of Brazil. The Notifiable Diseases Information System-SINAN of Brazil was consulted and is being reported on the detected cases of leprosy. The various parameters being discussed in the present study include sociodemographic aspects, types of injuries, clinical form, treatment regimen, degree of disability and clinical evolution. We were all during a global pandemic in 2020-21. The 2020-21 global pandemic of COVID-19 compromised the monitoring and recording of several diseases, which were left in the background. This fact may have contributed to the drop in the number of leprosy cases registered between 2020 and 2021 in the present study. There were 168,848 reported cases, of which 55.57% were males 62.87% were multiracial, most with low education level, until primary education, 35.63% had multiple skin lesions, 68.51% received treatment for the multibacillary type of disease, 26.83% (24.468) had neuronal impairment and, 71.74%, were considered cured. Despite the drop in the global number of cases observed in the region, several factors are still worrying, these require actions that contribute to the eradication of leprosy in the region, and these include programs that eradicate poverty, implementation of health programs that favour early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy cases, reduction of stigma and social exclusion of affected patients.

Evaluación en la aplicación de ácido hialurónico en pacientes postoperados de artroscopía con gonartrosis grado II-III mediante la escala de WOMAC / Evaluation of the application of hyaluronic acid in postoperative arthroscopy patients with grade II-III gonarthrosis using the WOMAC scale

Resumen: Introducción: la gonartrosis es una enfermedad degenerativa, cuya pérdida de cartílago origina cambios en el hueso adyacente y su respuesta produce deformaciones e intentos de regeneración. En 1934 Meyer y Palmer aislaron el humor vítreo bovino, polisacárido denominado ácido hialurónico, que tiene la propiedad de visco elasticidad. Hoy en día se conocen múltiples procedimientos realizados en ortopedia, con la finalidad de limitar el proceso degenerativo que este conlleva. Objetivo: conocer el uso y la eficacia del ácido hialurónico, en el paciente que requiere artroscopía de rodilla, valorando la evolución del paciente mediante escala de WOMAC; así como el tiempo ideal de aplicación del ácido hialurónico en este grupo de estudio. Material y métodos: ensayo clínico, no aleatorizado longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico. Se valoraron 48 pacientes de 45 a 60 años de edad, divididos en tres grupos con diagnóstico de gonartrosis grado II-III, en quienes se realizaron artroscopía con posterior aplicación ácido hialurónico; en el transquirúrgico (grupo 1), al mes del postquirúrgico (grupo 2) y sin aplicación (grupo 3) en un período de Septiembre de 2015 a Junio de 2016 en el Hospital del ISSSTE «Dr. Darío Fernández Fierro¼. Resultados: el tratamiento mostró diferencias en los pacientes en cuanto a reducción de dolor y rigidez; y mejoría en capacidad funcional. Conclusión: a pesar de que no es concluyente si algún tratamiento es mejor que otro, ciertos datos sugieren que el utilizar ácido hialurónico en el transquirúrgico mejora la rigidez y la función, sin embargo, no logró ser estadísticamente significativo.

Abstract: Introduction: gonarthrosis is a degenerative disease, whose loss of cartilage causes changes in the adjacent bone and its response produces deformations and attempts at regeneration. In 1934 Meyer and Palmer isolated bovine vitreous humor, a polysaccharide called hyaluronic acid, which has the property of visco-elasticity. Today, multiple procedures performed in orthopedics are known, in order to limit the degenerative process that this entails. Objective: to know the use and efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the patient requiring knee arthroscopy, evaluating the evolution of the patient using the WOMAC scale; as well as the ideal time of application of hyaluronic acid in this study group. Material and methods: clinical, non-randomized, prospective, analytical trial. 48 patients from 45 to 60 years of age, divided into 3 groups with a diagnosis of gonarthrosis grade II-III, who underwent arthroscopy with subsequent hyaluronic acid application, were evaluated; in the postoperative period (group 1), one month after the postoperative period (group 2) and without application (group 3) in a period from September 2015 to June 2016 at the ISSSTE Hospital «Dr. Darío Fernández Fierro¼. Results: the treatment showed differences in patients regarding reduction of pain and stiffness; and improvement in functional capacity. Conclusion: despite, there are no conclusive results if the treatment is better than the other, certain data suggests that using hyaluronic acid in the postoperative improves rigidity and function, however, it was not statistically significant.

A cross-sectional study to find out the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance of medical students

Background: During menstrual period, there are many changes occurs such as somatic changes and mood changes which may affect day-to-day activity as well as academic performance of the young female students. Aim and Objective: The aim of our study is to find out the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance of medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 female medical students were participated. For the assessment of the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance, students have to fill the Goggle Forms which contains the self-administered questionnaire. In this study, we have included young medical and female students age between 17 and 25 years who have any musculoskeletal abnormality and who are willing to participate in this study. Results: Effect on academic performance was suggest by 113 (62.78%) students think that the classroom performance is affected and 110 (61.11%) students think that the examination performance is affected during menstrual period. One hundred and thirty-three (73.89) having mood swings during menstrual period. Conclusion: In this study, we have found that the menstrual symptoms have major effect on academic performance of female medical students. Counseling, mentoring, and support of female students during the menstrual period may improve their academic performance.

Neuro-Physiotherapy at the Primary Health Care Level: Perception of Public Health Physicians

Background: There is consistent increase in chronic neurological conditions presenting at primary health care settings across the world. However, there is paucity of neuro-physiotherapy services and research on integrating neuro-physiotherapy to promote independence among thispopulation at primary health care settings. This study determined the perception of public health physicians on the integration of neuro-physiotherapy at the primary health care (PHC) level in Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a validated and pre-tested questionnaire to retrieve data from 149 Public Health Physicians in Nigeria to determine their perception of neuro-physiotherapy at the primary health care level.Results: Majority of the participants 133 (89.3%) agreed to the need for neuro-rehabilitation care at primary health care level. 83 (55.7%) believed that the physiotherapists are competent enough to handle neuro-rehabilitation needs at the PHC level. The findings highlighted the challenges towards implementing neuro-rehabilitation at the primary health care level.Conclusion: The results revealed positive recommendations from public heath physicians in Nigeria towards the integration of neuro-physiotherapy services in primary health care.

Treatment Outcomes in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities in Kaduna state, NorthwesternNigeria

Background: Severe COVID-19 disease has been reported among people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. This study determined the outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with comorbidities in Kaduna state, where we have the highest incidence in northern Nigeria.Methods: This study was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional review of the clinical records involving all age groups of 902 COVID-19 patients admitted at the four isolation centers of the Kaduna State Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC) between March 27th2020 to December 31st2021. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 and STATA SE 12 with p <0.05.Results: Out of the 902 cases, 245(27.2%) had comorbidities, hypertension 206(22.8%) was the most recorded comorbidity, others were diabetes 77(8.5%), asthma 7 (0.78%), HIV 7(0.78%), sickle cell anemia 7 (0.78%) and PTB 3 (0.33%). Patients with comorbidities had prolonged mean duration of symptoms 8.36±3.5 days, compared to 7.2±2.7 days in those without comorbidities (p=0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis further shows that the odds for clinical recovery from the COVID-19 disease was significantly lower for patient with hypertension (AOR=0.13, 95%CI=0.06-0.27, p = <0.01), diabetic (AOR=0.20, 95% CI=0.10-0.40, p<0.01) and HIV comorbidities (AOR=0.1, 95%CI=0.01-0.98, p=0.05) compared to those without comorbiditiesConclusion: Hypertension and diabetes were the major comorbidities in this study. Most patients with comorbidities had severe presentations and fatal poorer outcome. There is a need for sustained public health education targeted at patients with chronic diseases to be screened and treated early for COVID 19 Disease

Predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and diabetes

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the entire world, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have been particularly affected. We aimed to evaluate predictors of mortality during the first 30 days of hospitalization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and comorbid DM. This prospective study included 110 critically ill patients admitted with COVID-19 infection. Thirty-two (29%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Clinical variables, laboratory tests, and vascular biomarkers, such as VCAM-1, syndecan-1, ICAM-1, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoeitin-2, were evaluated after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A comparison was made between patients with and without DM. No difference in mortality was observed between the groups (48.7 vs 46.9%, P=0.861). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, VCAM-1 levels at ICU admission (HR: 1 [1-1.001], P<0.006) were associated with death in patients with DM. Among patients with DM, advanced age (HR 1.063 [1.031-1.096], P<0.001), increased Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio (HR: 4.515 [1.803-11.308] P=0.001), and need for dialysis (HR: 3.489 [1.409-8.642], P=0.007) were independent predictors of death. Higher levels of VCAM-1 in patients with DM was better at predicting death of patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM, and their cut-off values were useful for stratifying patients with a worse prognosis. Vascular biomarkers VCAM-1 and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were predictors of death in patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM and those without DM. Additionally, kidney injury was associated with an increased risk of death.