Quality of life among Filipino amputees after prosthetic rehabilitation at the UERMMMCI Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics Charity Clinic / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION: Amputation is often associated with depression, isolation and anxiety, resulting in changesin the functioning and quality of life of an individual. This study aimed to compare the quality of life ofamputees before and after prosthetic rehabilitation and to determine the level of satisfaction with theservices provided by the rehabilitation team.METHODS: This was a longitudinal study conducted at the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthoticsfrom 2016 to 2017. Quality of life was measured at baseline and at the end of prosthetic rehabilitationusing the Short Form-36 version 2 Philippines (Tagalog) and compared. Patient satisfaction was determinedusing the UERMMMCI Out-Patient Satisfaction Survey. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-testand stratified analysis.RESULTS: Twelve participants were included; majority were adult males and all were unemployed. Therewere no statistically significant changes in the quality of life of amputees after prosthetic rehabilitation.Stratification analysis revealed significant decreases in scores in bodily pain and general health scales forfemales. On the other hand, males had statistically significant increases in vitality scores. Participantswere generally satisfied with the services they received.CONCLUSION: While no significant changes were observed for overall quality of life, certain aspects may berelated to factors such as sex, comorbidities, and type of caregiver. Recommendations include further studiesto explore other factors affecting quality of life among Filipino amputees after prosthetic rehabilitation.

Prevalence of postpartum depression among Filipino mothers seen at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. (UERMMMCI) from 2012-2013: A descriptive study

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This paper sought to describe the prevalence rate of postpartum depression in patients seen for follow-up at the UERMMMCI Obstetrics and Gynecology Services from June 01, 2012 to May 31, 2013.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> Participants of the study included mothers who sought consult at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service of the UERMMMCI  Outpatient Department after giving birth. These participants were recruited via convenience sampling. A survey method was used to determine variables under study, which included age, relational status and length of relationship, occupation, income, presence of feto-maternal complications, and manner of delivery, while the Filipino version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen depression risk. Ethics approval was secured prior to study initiation. Analysis of data was done using SPSS v.16.0.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A total of fifty-one mothers participated in the study. Of the total sample, the majority were of adult age and were unemployed. It was observed that 20% of the sample had an EPDS of 10 and above, with 6% having an EPDS score of 14 and above. Mothers who presented with higher EPDS scores were noted to have had a caesarean section delivery and feto-maternal complications after delivery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The study showed that the prevalence of post partum depression was clinically significant to warrant routine screening among mothers.</p>

Immune efficacy of OmpH and OmpA DNA vaccines against avian Pasteurella multocida

Avian Pasteurella multocida is an agent of fowl cholera. The protective effect achieved through orthodox vaccines is not ideal. The research on novel vaccines against avian Pasteurella multocida is imperative. In this study, the genes encoding outer membrane protein H and A [OmpH and OmpA] were cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1[+] and the recombinant plasmids, namely DNA vaccines [pOMPH and pOMPA] were obtained. Five groups of chickens [n=20 per group] were intramuscularly injected with the two recombinant plasmids, attenuated live vaccine, control vector pcDNA[3.1[+]] and PBS, respectively. The immune responses and protective efficacy were evaluated after immunization by serological and challenging. A significant increase in serum antibody levels was observed in chickens vaccinated with the attenuated live vaccine and the two DNA vaccines. Additionally, the lymphocyte proliferation [SI values] were higher in chickens immunized with the attenuated live vaccine and the two DNA vaccines than in those vaccinated with pcDNA[3.1[+]] and PBS [P<0.05]. Furthermore, the two DNA vaccines provided partial protection to the vaccinated chickens; however, the protective efficacy was inferior to that provided by the attenuated live vaccine

Sphenoidal mucocele presenting as acute cranial nerve palsies

Sphenoidal sinus mucoceles are indolent lesions that, when sufficiently large, can compress on the optic canal or superior orbital fissure, rapidly causing loss of vision, optic neuropathy, ptosis, pain, ophthalmoplegia, and diplopia. We herein report a 72-year-old gentleman who presented acutely with Cranial Nerve II, III, and IV palsies secondary to a sphenoidal sinus mucocele that was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging and successfully treated with endoscopic drainage. This cause of orbital apex syndrome is important for clinicians to know as early diagnosis and treatment is critical in recovering visual potential