rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Scienceshttps://sciendo.com/journal/OAMJMShttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/667ee14c244b564e1b9f36f3/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/OAMJMS140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11906<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>A supramolecular complex of ecdysterone triacetate with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was synthesized to obtain new potentially bioactive substances and study the effect of bulky pharmacophore-functional groups on the preservation of the specific activity of 20-hydroxyecdysone. The adaptogenic and anabolic activities of the resulting water-soluble inclusion complex were studied. It was established that with the introduction of 3 acyl-pharmacophore groups in the form of encapsulated and hydrophilic supramolecular forms to experimental animals at a dose of 10 mg/kg, the studied complex has anabolic and adaptogenic effects, including increased stress resistance, increased physical endurance, as well as slightly increased weight of the heart and gonads compared to the control.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>Study of the specific activity of the supramolecular complex of ecdysterone 3-acetate with β-CD.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>During the experimental study of the adaptogenic and anabolic effects of the supramolecular complex of ecdysterone 3-acetate with β-CD, the “open field” and “free swimming” tests were used. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the Statistica 8 software package. Intergroup differences were assessed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test. For unpaired related groups, the non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>It has been established that physical activity (swimming) simultaneously has a significant stressor effect on animals and is characterized by an increased supply of glucose into the blood and the breakdown of blood proteins. It was revealed that the supramolecular complex of ecdysterone 3-acetate with β-CD at a dose of 10 mg/kg has anabolic and adaptogenic effects, in particular increased stress resistance and physical endurance of animals, as well as a slightly increased weight of the heart and gonads compared to the control.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119062024-06-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11916<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>To facilitate better implant survival rates in areas with clinically low bone density, osteotomy techniques that provide higher implant stability and improve bone quality are often recommended. The most widely used are under-drilling (UD) and osseodensification (OD). In the UD technique, the diameter of the final osteotomy drill is narrower that the diameter of the placed implant, whereas in the OD technique, special drills that rotate counter-clockwise to condense and densify the bone are used.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different implant osteotomy methods – UD versus osseodensification (OD) in terms of implant stability during the period of osseointegration in the posterior maxillary region.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>MATERIAL AND METHODS</title> <p>This prospective randomized clinical study included 22 patients who received a total of 37 implants in the posterior maxillary region. They were divided into two groups: In 11 patients, 18 implants were placed using the under-drilling method (UD), while the other 11 patients received 19 implants using the osseodensification method (OD). Within the OD group, 10 implants were placed in areas with the initial height that was insufficient to accommodate implants with a minimal length of 8 mm. In these areas, crestal sinus elevation without bone graft use was performed simultaneously with implant placement, according to the osseodensification protocol proposed by the manufacturer. All implants were placed in a dual-stage manner – completely covered with soft tissue and uncovered 4 months later, at the time of second-stage surgery. The implant stability was determined by measurement of implant stability quotient (ISQ) with instrument that utilizes the method of resonance frequency analysis (RFA) to discover implant stability. The ISQ represents a value on a scale between 0 and 100, with values above 65 indicating high implant stability. ISQ values were measured at two timepoints: At the time of implant placement and at the time of their uncovery. Statistical analysis was performed with Prism 9 statistical program for Mac. The data were analyzed using one-sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and paired two-way ANOVA test. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>The differences between the primary implant stability ISQ values in the UD and osseodensification (OD) groups were not statistically significant. The secondary implant stability was statistically significantly higher in the osseodensification group (p &lt; 0.001) There were no statistically significant differences between secondary implant stability values in implants placed with and without crestal sinus floor lift within the osseodensification group.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Within the limitations of the study, the conclusion is that osseodensification method of implant osteotomy (OD) results in higher secondary implant stability values that the under-drilling method (UD), which has clinical relevance regarding long-term implant survival. It should be a preferred method of choice for osteotomy in areas with clinically low density of bone due to its predictability and effectiveness.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119162024-06-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11900<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Since musculoskeletal disorders at work (MSDW) are very common among physiotherapists, we must introduce strategies that could help reduce their prevalence. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDW among physiotherapists, which parts of the body are most often affected, what are the ergonomic risk factors for MSDW among physiotherapists and what are strategies to reduce them.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>In the systematic literature review, involving a total of 2127 physiotherapists, search terms such as occupational musculoskeletal disorders, physiotherapists, and occupational risk factors were used in the SCOPUS (n = 24), MEDLINE (n = 2), ScienceDirect (n = 103), PEDro (n = 0), Cumulative index of the nursing and allied health literature (n = 3), and PubMed (n = 30) databases in February 2024. The search included only original studies published in English, cross-sectional studies published in thepast 10 years, studies that included the prevalence of MSDW, and studies that included risk factors for MSDW. In the end, we included eight studies in the systematic review.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>A systematic review of eight studies highlighted the prevalence and risk factors associated with MSDW among physiotherapists. The studies were conducted on samples ranging in size from 75 to 501 individuals and focused on determining the prevalence of MSDW and identifying the associated risk factors. The prevalence rates differ, with the lower back region being the most affected region in all studies (38–68.8%), followed by the neck (10–59.2%) and the shoulder girdle (7–51.7%). Risk factors included back strain, awkward posture, prolonged posture, frequent bending/turning of the trunk, performing manual therapy techniques, patient lifting, repetitive tasks, work environment, and psychosocial issues. Reported coping strategies included changing one’s working posture, improving one’s body mechanics, and taking more breaks during the workday.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Our systematic review of the literature revealed a high prevalence of MSDW among physical therapists (up to 92%) and highlighted the urgent need for strategies to mitigate this widespread problem. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of the etiology of MSDW and point to the interplay of physical demands, ergonomic challenges, and psychological stressors that characterize the profession of a physical therapist.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119002024-06-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11917<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Malignant melanoma (MM) is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the most common carcinoma to metastasize into the gastrointestinal tract (GI). While the jejunum, ileum, colon, and rectum are common gastrointestinal sites of metastasis, metastatic melanoma in the stomach is rare and usually not detected until late in the disease.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>We report a patient who presented with hematemesis, epigastric pain, and weight loss. In the second esophagogastroduodenoscopy, after 8 months from the first endoscopic assessment, a double ulcerative gastric mass was found, and histopathology confirmed metastatic malignant melanoma. The complete surgical resection of GI metastatic MM in carefully selected patients not only provides symptom control but has also been associated with an increase in overall survival in the absence of other metastatic sites. At present, the overall survival of patients with advanced metastatic MM who have been treated with a combination of immunotherapeutic agents reaches 52% at 5 years.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>The role of surgery for patients with metastatic involvement of the GI tract with MM is evolving in the era of effective systemic treatments.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119172024-06-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11847<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>To compare nano-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus with MTA Fillapex sealers regarding their sealing ability, adaptability, and antibacterial effect.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>Forty freshly extracted sound single-rooted permanent maxillary central incisors were used. Following access cavity preparation and root canal preparation. All the samples (n = 40) were randomly and equally categorized into two groups (n = 20 each) according to the sealer employed: group I, in which MTA Fillapex was utilized, and group II, in which nano-MTA Plus was applied. Obturation of root canals was accomplished using the lateral compaction technique. Decoronation of all teeth was performed for standardization of the root length at 12 mm. Roots were submerged in a 2% methylene blue dye solution for 72 h. The roots were divided lengthwise. Linear apical dye penetration and gaps between gutta-percha and dentin were measured under a stereomicroscope at 30× magnification to determine the sealing ability and adaptability, respectively. While the antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis was tested using the Agar Diffusion Test (ADT). Data were statistically estimated utilizing the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient examination, and the independent T-test.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>Although Nano-MTA Plus showed higher sealing ability and lower antibacterial action than MTA Fillapex, we didn’t record any statistically substantial variation (2.05 ± 1.43 mm and 11.00 ± 9.42 mm, respectively), (2.10 ± 1.17 mm and 14.25 ± 6.70 mm, respectively). While statistical significance was reported in adaptability, Nano-MTA Plus showed a statistically significant lower adaptability compared with MTA Fillapex (57.89 ± 23.45 μm and 26.82 ± 16.55 μm, respectively).</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Nano-MTA Plus and MTA Fillapex have comparable sealing abilities, and antibacterial effects. While MTA Fillapex was superior to Nano-MTA Plus regarding adaptability.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118472024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11866<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>A decrease in the incidence of syphilis has been observed in the world and in Ukraine in recent years. At the same time, an increase in cases of neurosyphilis is recorded. Diagnosis of neurosyphilis is quite difficult and based on the correct interpretation of the complex of various diagnostic tests.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>OBJECTIVES</title> <p>The paper is aimed to determine diagnostic potential of treponemal tests (TTs) and evaluate effectiveness of <italic>Treponema pallidum</italic> immunoblot (TPI) while research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in differential diagnosis of neurosyphilis.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>MATERIALS AND METHODS</title> <p>The research object was CSF of patients with late forms of syphilis. The regulated serological and immunological methods in accordance with current guidelines and orders of the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine were used for laboratory diagnosis of neurosyphilis: Enzyme immunoassays (EIA), fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA), T. pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), and TPI.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>Effectiveness of TTs in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis while research on 23 samples of CSF was carried out by the following methods: EIA (Immunoglobulin [Ig]M + IgG), FTA, andTPHA. The above-mentioned TTs used in serological diagnosis of CSF do not always meet the problem of confirming neurosyphilis diagnosis. According to these investigations, both positive and false positive results were obtained. In order to verify the diagnosis, a study on positive and false positive samples of CSF by TPI method was carried out. Positive results were obtained in 13 samples with the established duration of the disease.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>TPI is an optimal treponemal immunological method of examination of CSF to diagnose neurosyphilis with a high degree of reliability. The use of TPI while research on CSF makes it possible to verify the diagnosis of neurosyphilis by differentiated detection of antibodies to the most immunogenic antigens of T. pallidum eliminating the subjective factor of the reaction and simplifies diagnostic procedure.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118662024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11909<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Culturally sensitive caring-based nursing services yield numerous benefits for patients, nurses, and hospitals. One of the advantages hospitals derive is enhanced patient satisfaction and loyalty, leading to financial benefits.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>The aim of this study was to assess the impact of culturally sensitive caring-based nursing services on patient satisfaction in hospitals.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>Quasi-experimental pre-post-test control group design. The sample consisted of inpatients that were purposefully selected. The formula for the difference in proportions between the two groups was used to determine the sample size, yielding a total sample of 360 people, 180 in the intervention group and 180 in the control group. The intervention group received model socialization, module books, and 2 months of assistance with model implementation practices, while the control group only received module books without socialization and assistance. Data collection utilized a patient satisfaction questionnaire developed from the Swanson caring instrument, validated for reliability. Data analysis involved independent sample t-tests to ascertain differences in patient satisfaction between the intervention and control groups, and the general linear model repeated measure (GLM-RM) test to assess the development of patient satisfaction during the intervention and the model’s contribution to its increase.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>The independent t-test yielded a p = 0.0001 &lt;0.05, signifying a significant difference in patient satisfaction between the intervention and control groups. The GLM-RM test demonstrated a Partial Eta Squared value of 0.715, indicating that the model contributed to a 71.50% increase in patient satisfaction, with the remainder influenced by other variables.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Culturally sensitive caring-based nursing services enhance patient satisfaction in hospitals. Suggestion: This model can be implemented across hospitals.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119092024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11896<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Balance is essential to maintain and stabilize the transition from static to dynamic posture. The human body can maintain the center of gravity within the base of support and to process input from vision, the vestibular apparatus, and the somatic senses.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>The research aimed to check the correlation of the active body-weight shift test (Y balance test [YBT]) and two sudden perturbation tests in physiotherapy students.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>In a cross-sectional study, a descriptive research design was used. Twenty-nine healthy adults (14 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 23.6 ± 6.3 were tested using the active body-weight shift test and two sudden perturbation tests. A descriptive statistical analysis using correlation coefficients was performed.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>Our subjects’ average values of the test results meet the normative values. There is a correlation between the YBT test and the crossover hop test in the anterior (p &lt; 0.01), posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral directions (p &lt; 0.05), and the triple-hop test forward in the posterior-medial and posterior-lateral directions (p &lt; 0.05), and anterior direction (p &lt; 0.01) for the left extremity, except for the anterior direction to the right. With the right extremity, there is a correlation between the YBT test and the crossover hop test and triple-hop test forward in the posterior medial (p &lt; 0.05), the crossover hop test in the posterior medial and posterior lateral to the left (p &lt; 0.05), and the right (p &lt; 0.01), but no correlation in the anterior direction in either of them.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>The data of all physiotherapy students in our study meet the normative data, and no difference due to gender has been observed. There is a correlation between the active body-weight shift test and sudden perturbation tests with or without lateral movement for the left extremity, but not for the right extremity. We can assume better results when standing on an undominant limb, which can lead to insufficient support when standing on a dominant limb. What should not be the case in providing patient safety.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118962024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11918<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is due to the overproduction of PTH by one or more abnormally altered parathyroid glands and leads to the development of hypercalcemia.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>We present a case of a 69-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with carcinoma of the right mammary gland in 2010. She underwent surgical treatment (right sided mammectomy) and follow-up hormone therapy with Letrozole until cancer remission in 2020. The patient was sent for a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scan for restaging in May 2022. The patient underwent a whole-body PET/CT 18F-Fluorodesoxyglucosae (18F-FDG) examination on a “SIEMENS” hybrid PET/CT device, model “Biograph mCT64.” During the processing of the hybrid PET/CT images, a rounded lesion suspicious for a parathyroid adenoma of the lower right parathyroid gland was visualized with a slightly increased metabolic activity of SUVmax-2.91. The neck ultrasound revealed a solid, hypoechoic, rounded formation with peripheral blood supply suspicious for a lower right parathyroid adenoma. Blood tests revealed primary hyperparathyroidism osteoporosis of the proximal femur. To diagnostic clarification of the area caudal to the right lobe of the thyroid gland, after 1 month, a single isotope two-phase scintigraphy with 99 mTc-tetrofosmin combined with an early single-photon emission CT (SPECT/CT) technique was performed on a SPECT/CT gamma camera “Siemens,” model “Symbia Intevo 6.” In the early phase (20 min.) and on the early SPECT/CT images, a hyperfixing zone accumulating the radiomarker, suspicious for a parathyroid adenoma, was visualized under the right lobe of the thyroid gland. The patient underwent surgery, during which a parathyroid adenoma was histologically proven.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>This case shows that PET/CT 18F-FDG examination can be useful in discovering parathyroid adenomas.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119182024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11893<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>If composite resin restoration is required following external bleaching treatment, a waiting period of between 1 and 3 weeks is needed to avoid restoration failure. However, patients usually need faster treatment.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>This study aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles as an antioxidant material on the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin restorations to enamel after external bleaching.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>Thirty premolars were used in this study and randomly assigned into four groups of six samples, Group 1, no bleaching – no antioxidant, Group 2, bleaching – composite restoration, Group 3, bleaching – waiting 2 weeks – composite restoration, Group 4, bleaching – sodium ascorbate – composite restoration, Group 5, bleaching – chitosan nanoparticles – composite restoration. The SBS was tested with a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance and the Turkey’s test were used for statistical data analysis (p &lt; 0.05).</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>The group that applied chitosan nanoparticles to the teeth previously bleached and then restored with composite resin resulted in similar SBS as the other groups (p &gt; 0.05), except for the group that was bleached and directly restored with composite resin (p = 0.000).</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>The chitosan nanoparticle has the potential as an antioxidant material since it produces similar SBS to composite resin restorations on enamel after external bleaching than the other groups.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118932024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11883<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been accepted as an alternative option for the treatment of a wide spectrum of human ailments. It is a minimally invasive treatment that involves the interaction of a non-toxic photosensitizer. In PDT, combining photosensitizing (PS) agent that absorbs specified wavelength of light, which in turn produces free radical molecules to eliminate unwanted cells and tissues. The photosensitization process is activated by the light-induced excitation of molecules within the tissue. Bioactive principles acquired from plants documented as nature-inspired potential photosensitizers with varied properties against microbes, insects, or tumor cells. PDT is a promising method for removing diverse types of cancers but needs to be recognized in therapy as conventional chemotherapy. At present, natural compounds with PS properties are being continuously unearthed and identified. As of now, hundreds of photosensitive drugs or drug leads identified from natural sources with reduced or no toxicity to healthy tissues and no side effects encourage investigators to pursue natural PS for PDT. Although existing PS was developed years back, only a handful of them are engaged in human clinical applications. The main classes of natural photosensitizers discussed in this review are chlorophylls (hypocrellin A and B), hypericin, chlorins (Chlorin e6), and other emerging ones such as curcumin. Hence, the present review aimed to explore the efficacious PS properties of a few herbal-derived PS, preferably the potential ones in terms of specificity, and mechanism of action, inducing less or no toxicity to normal cells but their other medicinal applications.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118832024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11882<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Navigating the complex health-care system requires the patients to have comprehensive knowledge, active participation, and self-efficacy in health management to effectively engage in planned activities that include diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, to ensure a high quality of life and successfully prevent disease-related complications.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>This study aims to investigate which activities nurses in hospital settings perform to support patients with heart failure to increase health literacy and navigate effectively through the health-care system.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>METHODS</title> <p>Based on qualitative research, the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 nurses from hospitals where patients with heart failure are treated. After reviewing and analyzing the transcribed interviews, a qualitative content analysis of the text followed.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>Based on an inductive approach, we first identified coding units, which were grouped into 10 subcategories, and these into five categories: General health literacy, digital literacy, communication health literacy, interprofessional collaboration, and navigation through the health-care system. We found that the treatment of patients with heart failure varies in Slovenian hospitals.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Inequality in the treatment of patients between different hospitals highlights the need for a coordinated approach in the Slovenian health-care system. It is crucial to establish uniform national guidelines that would define treatment standards, ensure evidence-based patient care, and thus reduce the disparity in the quality of treatment between different medical institutions.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118822024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11905<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>AIM</title> <p>In our case–control study of the Caucasian Macedonian myopia population of adults aged over 40 years, to analyze the environmental risk factors such as education level and outdoor activity levels in hours.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>MATERIALS AND METHODS</title> <p>We included 53 patients with myopia and 64 control subjects. The following demographic characteristics were evaluated using questionnaires: Age, gender, level of education, outdoor activities (hours), and parental myopia. Ophthalmic examination was performed with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and parameters: best corrected visual acuity, cycloplegic autorefraction, and corneal curvature radius were recorded.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>RESULTS</title> <p>About 54.7% of the myopia study population were male, and most of the subjects had high education (58.5%). About 43.4% of the myopia subjects did have parental myopia in the family history. The mean age of onset of myopia was 22.5 years, and the mean age when myopia stopped was 37.1 years. The mean value of near tasks (screen time, reading, etc.) time in hours, in the myopia group was 5.6, whereas in the emmetropia group 4.9. The mean value of outdoor activity in hours per day (prior 26 years of age, recent years, and today) was: 5.1 h, 4.2 h, 3.9 h in the myopia group versus 4.8 h, 3.8 h, 3.3 h in the emmetropia group, respectively.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>The prevalence of male gender in myopia group was higher. Near task time in hours was higher in myopia group versus emmetropia group. Parental history of myopia was significantly more present in patients with myopia. Environmental risk factors such as outdoor activities in hours and level of education did not differ significantly among the groups.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.119052024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11891<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Spontaneous perforation of the colon in full-term neonates is a rare case, with perforation of the cecum being rarely reported.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>We present a rare case of spontaneous perforation of the cecum in a term neonate who presented with vomiting and flatulence on the second day of life. Surgical intervention revealed full-thickness perforation in the caecum. Histopathologically, there was no necrotizing enterocolitis and Hirschsprung’s disease.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Clinical awareness in this rare case can help prevent delays in diagnosis and hopefully prompt surgical management.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118912024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.11895<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a subset of NORSE that requires a febrile infection between 24 h and 2 weeks before the onset of refractory status epilepticus (SE), with or without fever at the onset of SE, and with no restriction to the age of the patient. The literature on FIRES is scarce.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>This article reports a case of a patient of 8 years old without relevant family, psychosocial, prenatal or perinatal, or pathological history and normal neurodevelopment. The child consulted on a pediatric emergency with convulsive SE preceded 8 days before by otitis with acute fever managed with cephalosporin. Subsequently, seizures appeared in the following 48 h, characterized by generalized tonic-clonic seizures lasting 5–6 min. The seizures became more frequent until consciousness deteriorated, and motor SE appeared. In consequence, a coma was initiated, and the patient was hospitalized for emergency pediatric reanimation, where multifocal clonic and myoclonic seizures continued. A lumbar puncture with polymerase chain reaction was done twice and returned negative. Two magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed: the first was normal and the second, after 20 days in the hospital, showed cortical damage with SE. Different anticonvulsant treatments were used for 4 weeks: Valproic acid, clobazam, ketamine, levetiracetam for 24 days, and relay to, brivaracetam used in the treatment of epilepsy to control focal seizures; propofol, midazolam, and some antiepileptic drugs were used simultaneously and at maximum recommended doses, achieving a poor initial response, but eventually leading to total crisis control. The patient receives immunoglobulin for 2 days 1 g/kg/J. A ketogenic diet aimed at therapy and known antiepileptic properties, rich in lipids, and low in sugars, causing ketonemia in non-surgical drug-resistant epilepsies, was used for our patient with an efficacy that proved to be remarkable on the frequency of undergoing seizures, his tolerance was good. The diet can be maintained for 20 days without incident, in particular, with no episode of hypoglycemia. Electroconvulsive therapy (formerly called sismotherapy, electronarcosis, or shock therapy) is a therapeutic tool used in several psychiatric illnesses was also used with different frequencies for our patients twice a week with no favorable response. The evolution was marked by the aggravation of the patient following diffuse cerebral edema resulting in cardiac arrest and non-response to resuscitation measures, the patient declared at 07 AM on February 27, 2023.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>FIRES is a rare epilepsy syndrome of unclear aetiology in which children, usually of school age, suddenly develop very frequent seizures after a mild febrile illness. Seizures in FIRES are typically difficult to treat, and the prognosis is poor.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2024.118952024-06-18T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10755<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by plasmodium parasites. Malaria is commonly spread by female anopheles mosquitoes carrying the plasmodium parasite, although it can also be transferred through blood transfusion. In the developing world, malaria frequently affects the most vulnerable, including small children and pregnant women, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>This case report presents a primigravida with beta-thalassemia who developed malaria during her pregnancy despite never having visited a malaria-endemic region. A 22-year-old primigravida in her 29th week of pregnancy presented to an outpatient clinic with a 1-week history of fever. Blood smears, both thick and thin, revealed <italic>Plasmodium malariae</italic> trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes. She was diagnosed with a mild form of beta-thalassemia and required monthly blood transfusions. We think the patient got malaria from a blood transfusion because she has never been to or lived where malaria is common. Infections transferred through blood transfusions should be prevented in thalassemia patients who require regular transfusions, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>Transfusion-transmitted diseases can be prevented by screening donors who have a history of malaria and have traveled to endemic areas.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.107552023-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.11223<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Infective endocarditis (IE) was a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Infective endocarditis could occur in all ages with higher in children below 1-year-old, including neonates. Various clinical manifestations of IE in children make it difficult to make a prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. Finding in echocardiography could help clinicians determine the diagnosis of IE. Systemic embolization could cause many complications that may present as chief complaint underlying patient hospitalization.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>We present case series of diverse manifestation of IE in children in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Two cases had a history of structural heart disease, while one case with no history of any structural heart disease before.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION:</title> <p>Wide range of symptoms that could occur in children with IE, made it challenging to make a proper diagnosis</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.112232023-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.11009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are pathological, congenital, or acquired communications between the arterial and venous vascular bed. Asymptomatic AVFs do not require surgical or endovascular treatment; however, if they are symptomatic, they must be treated to relieve the patient of symptoms and cardiovascular disorders.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>Our patient had an undiagnosed AVF that became symptomatic after femoropopliteal bypass surgery. We successfully treated these complications with four cover stents.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>The presence of AVFs should be kept in mind in the case of rapidly developing leg edema after revascularization. Endovascular treatment of symptomatic AVF is a safe and effective treatment modality. Treatment of symptomatic AVFs is not only recommended for improving impaired arterial or venous blood flow, but also for preventing recurrent PE.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.110092023-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10498<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is a pandemic that began to emerge in December 2019 in various countries with high death rates of 4–9% until now. In March 2020, Indonesia found its first case where the condition of the infection kept spreading to various regions in Indonesia. Different regional conditions in Indonesia make it difficult to manage this virus infection. The capability of the regional hospitals to detect this virus infection with their facilities and infrastructure is required.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE PRESENTATION</title> <p>A 17-year-old man came to the Ajibarang Regional Hospital with complaints of coughs and colds felt for 4 days and fever for 2 days. Physical examination found a good general condition, moderate pain, the temperature of 38.8°C, pharyngeal hyperemia, and minimal lung crackles sound. Laboratory tests showed normal leukocytes, platelet, and hemoglobin levels. Chest radiograph was suggestive of bronchitis. The patient was hospitalized for approximately 4 days until the fever resolved and was discharged. Five days after the patient was discharged from the hospital, the results of the viral load examination using real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>This case showed unusual conditions of a mild clinical COVID-19 infection, laboratory results that did not support viral infections, as well as radiology examination of only bronchitis. The viral load test was found to be positive. Therefore, the diagnosis of the COVID-19 infection requires a comprehensive interpretation of complete history taking, clinical examination, laboratory, and radiology examinations for clinicians working with limited hospital facilities and infrastructures.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.104982023-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.11536<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <sec><title style='display:none'>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can lead to bilateral adrenal tumors. Excess adrenocorticotropic hormone is thought to play a role in the development of adrenal nodules. Here, we present a patient with a simple virilizing form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, a married man, bilateral adrenal tumors, and 46-XX chromosomes.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CASE REPORT</title> <p>A 39-year-old man suffered from abdominal pain and tension. Abdominal tomography showed macronodular hyperplasia in both adrenal glands, with the largest nodule reaching 4.2 cm on the left side. The patient’s old records showed that CAH had been diagnosed at the age of 11 years, but the patient was not taking any medication. The patient was treated with glucocorticoid. Despite irregular use of the treatment, the size of the nodules remained stable for 3 years, and then a significant reduction in nodule size was observed.</p> </sec> <sec><title style='display:none'>CONCLUSION</title> <p>In patients with bilateral adrenal masses and incidentaloma, CAH should be considered to avoid unnecessary surgery or biopsy. A 17-hydroxyprogesterone test in a suspicious patient is a useful tool for diagnosis.</p> </sec> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.3889/oamjms.2023.115362023-12-25T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1