Journal of the Asian Medical Students Association
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Asian Medical Students’ Perspectives on Medical Education Curricula Standards: A qualitative research
No full textIntroduction: Universal health care, a key aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals, requires effective, safe, and people-centered services ensured through comprehensive medical education. This education involves curriculum development, assessment, and innovation, requiring effective change management. While core knowledge is consistent, curricula vary in diverse global contexts. Hence, this qualitative study combines panelists’ and medical students’ perspectives from Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Macau to compare and contrast medical curricula as well as their ideal version envisioned by students.
Methods: This qualitative study employed a constructivist, phenomenological approach to explore medical students’ perspectives on curricula. Data were gathered from an online event, featuring 48 participants from various countries. The event included a panel discussion and focus group discussions where attendees discussed curriculum design, admissions, learning media, clinical exposure, testing, standardization, and residency programs. Data were analyzed using open coding from transcriptions, with trustworthiness ensured through member checking.
Results: Gaps in medical education curricula were observed globally. Medical students perceived curricula duration, format, and testing methods currently in place to be in accordance with their expectations. Earlier clinical exposure was favorable. Disparities in learning media usage exist, particularly between private and state universities. Financial burdens affect residency decisions universally.
Conclusion: To narrow gaps, international standards should encourage quality improvement, while taking into account the perspectives of medical students
Medical Students' Role in Anticipating the Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected learning activities in medical educational institutions all over the world. The world has managed to rise to the challenge of the global health crisis including mental health and well-being. Rethink the role that health students play during their education, not only in maintaining the continuity of their learning process but, also as agents of change who are part of health actions and responses. This literature review focuses on the role of medical students in anticipating the psychosocial impacts from the Covid-19. The main and supporting articles are search results from indexed international journal databases from Pubmed, ScienceDirect, or Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched using specific keywords with full text written in English, open access, EBM articles with a minimum level 3, and published in the last 5 years. Medical students can take part in ensuring the correctness of circulated information and prevent the spread of hoaxes, and be advised to educate the public to carry out activities for maintaining mental health. Students with stakeholders can create a database to support the health team and share it with other students at medical institutions, design and build information storage databases, create support teams for students for academic counseling, and mutual emotional support through a group under supervision by practitioners to equalize perceptions about everything that happens using interprofessional collaboration principal. A holistic approach based on community intervention is very possible for medical students to minimize the psychosocial impact after the Covid-19 pandemic era
Association Between Blood Pressure Levels and Diabetic Retinopathy Stage Among Patients At Karsa Husada General Hospital, Batu City: A Cross-Sectional Study
Full text linkLatar Belakang: Retinopati diabetik merupakan penyakit mikrovaskuler pada retina mata yang bersifat progresif dan dapat mengancam penglihatan. Salah satu faktor risiko yang dapat mempengaruhi retinopati diabetik adalah hipertensi. Tekanan darah yang terlalu tinggi dapat memperburuk kondisi mikrovaskuler retina, seperti menyebabkan penebalan pembuluh darah, kebocoran pembuluh darah, dan neovaskularisasi. Angka kejadian retinopati diabetik di RSU Karsa Husada Kota Batu pada tahun 2020-2022 sebanyak 40 kasus Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan derajat hipertensi dengan derajat retinopati diabetik di RSU Karsa Husada Kota Batu. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional analitik dengan memperoleh data dari rekam medis rumah sakit. Desain penelitian ini adalah cross sectional dengan jumlah sampel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi sebanyak 32 pasien. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik non-probability sampling, jenis purposive sampling. Analisis data menggunakan analisis univariat dan bivariat. Hasil: Analisis data bivariat menggunakan uji Chi Square dengan nilai p sebesar 0,315. Kesimpulan: Jadi dapat dinyatakan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara derajat hipertensi dengan derajat retinopati diabeti
A Comparative Evaluation of Senolytics and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Elderly Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Full text linkIntroduction
The study aims to evaluate whether senolytics, targeting senescent cells, are more effective than conventional Disease-modifying antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in managing age-related autoimmune diseases. It highlights the significance of senolytics in these conditions, initially tested in mice with ongoing human trials. Objectives are to review molecular mechanisms and compare the efficacy of senolytics and DMARDs in older individuals.
Methods
The literature review initially found 20 papers, selecting 13 through databases like PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar using keywords such as senolytics, elderly, and autoimmune diseases. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews and meta-analyses that provided empirical data on the molecular mechanisms, clinical effectiveness, or safety profiles of senolytics, specifically in elderly populations with autoimmune diseases. Exclusions included studies on non-senolytic therapies and single case reports, primarily focusing on animal studies. Data on authors, publication years, journals, sample sizes, outcomes, and side effects were compiled into an Excel database to compare senolytics with DMARDs based on predefined objectives.
Results
Senolytics remove senescent cells, reducing inflammation and restoring immune function in age-related autoimmune diseases. By blocking survival pathways like Bcl-2 family proteins, senolytics induce cell death, reduce proinflammatory SASP factors, and improve tissue repair. This approach holds potential for treating autoimmune conditions in the elderly. As Table 1 illustrates, senolytics show potential, yet unlike DMARDs, which are validated through extensive trials, their effectiveness and safety remain unconfirmed.
Conclusion
Senolytics show promise in treating age-related autoimmune diseases by targeting senescent cells. This approach stands in contrast to the well-established DMARDs, which, while effective, are known for theirsignificant side effects. Further research is needed to determine their efficacy and safety
Harmony in Healing: COPD Rehabilitation Through Singing
Full text linkIntroduction
The main objective of this study is to identify effective methods that can help enhance the overall health of patients who suffer from COPD, which includes both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the study aims to explore ways to improve the efficacy of treatment options available for COPD patients, with the ultimate goal of providing them with better care and improving their quality of life.
Objective
A comprehensive search was conducted through the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar to discover the effect of singing on the health of COPD patients and how it can enhance the efficacy of various treatments. The objective of this study was to identify the benefits of singing in COPD patients and to analyze its potential role in the management and treatment of this condition.
Method
A study conducted on patients with stable (COPD) has revealed that group singing therapy has a positive impact on depression scores and overall quality of life. In Uganda, 11 patients participated in music and dance intervention sessions, which comprised relaxation and physical awareness exercises, breathing exercises, song repertoire selection, and warm-down relaxation. The social aspects of the sessions, such as peer support, were found to have enhanced rehabilitation efforts. Another study focused on individuals with COPD, specifically those participating in (SLH) programs. The research explored the potential physiological impact of singing in people with COPD and highlighted the need for larger-scale (RCTs) to gather more evidence. In Denmark, participants were randomized into two groups: the SLH group and the Pulmonary Exercise Training (PExT) group. The results showed that SLH was equally effective as PExT. A 10-week pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) course involved either SLH or PExT twice weekly, each session lasting 90 minutes. Moreover, an online SLH program was evaluated for its impact on health-related quality of life and other outcomes in COPD patients compared to usual care. The study showed that the SLH program led to improvements in the SF-36 Physical Health Composite (PHC) score compared to usual care, with a statistically significant difference in the responder analysis for a 10% improvement in SF-36 PHC.
Result
PR programs have demonstrated positive effects on patients with (COPD), including increased exercise capacity, enhanced walking distance, better dyspnea control, and improved quality of life. PR interventions primarily aim to support lifestyle changes, disease management, and daily life management. Additionally, (PExT) and (SLH), are effective in improving the aforementioned outcomes. Singing, a non-pharmacological intervention, has also been shown to improve breathing control, respiratory and postural muscles, and flexibility. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the benefits and medical applicability of singing in COPD patients.
Conclusion
Singing activities that incorporate repeat-voiced fricatives and biofeedback techniques have been found to strengthen respiratory muscles and contribute to breath management strategies in people with (COPD). However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the physiological mechanisms underlying these outcomes. In light of the present evidence, it can be concluded that singing has the potential to enhance the quality of life of COPD patients
Of Mice and Men – Exploring the Challenges to and Progression in the Treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
Full text linkStem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Promising Avenue for Neuroregeneration
Full text linkBackground
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive decline and neural damage due to abnormal protein aggregates, primarily beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These lead to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. As populations age, the prevalence of AD is increasing, and current treatments only provide symptomatic relief. This climaxes the imperative need for innovative cures. Stem cell therapy, with its regenerative potential, emerges as a promising avenue for treating AD. Understanding the interplay between stem cells and AD pathology is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies.
Objective
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy in mitigating AD progression by promoting neuroregeneration. It seeks to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential cognitive improvements associated with stem cell therapy
Method
A comprehensive review of current literature and studies on stem cell therapies for AD was conducted. The focus was on understanding the mechanisms by which stem cells contribute to neuronal repair. Ethical considerations, immune response modulation, and optimization of delivery methods were also analyzed to assess the feasibility of translating stem cell theory into effective clinical interventions for AD.
Result
Research suggests stem cells can potentially contribute to neuronal repair in AD. Neuroimaging data reveal structural changes indicating neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling. Additionally, a down regulation of pro-inflammatory markers suggests a potential anti-inflammatory effect of stem cell therapy. However, challenges such as the complex AD pathology, ethical concerns, and optimization of delivery methods present significant obstacles to clinical translation.
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy offers hope for effective AD treatment, shifting from symptomatic management to neurorestoration. However, translating this potential into clinical practice demands addressing several challenges. Safety concerns, such as the risk of tumorigenesis with embryonic stem cells and ethical dilemmas related to fetal stem cells, are notable. Mesenchymal stem cells offer a promising avenue for immunomodulatory treatment in AD without the ethical complexities associated with other stem cell sources. Additionally, advancements in induced pluripotent stem cells hold potential for better understanding AD, offering accurate modeling platforms, and paving the way for meaningful human studies aimed at memory restoration. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of the promises and limitations associated with stem cell therapies in the pursuit of AD therapeutics
A Comprehensive Review on the Utilization of Nanofiber Systems on Diabetic Wound Healing
Full text linkIntroduction
Diabetes is a multifaceted issue that creates significant hurdles to an already important clinical issue that is wound healing. Diabetes affects wound healing in various ways including but not limited to altering immune responses, impairing angiogenesis, increasing susceptibility to infections etc. Not only does diabetes significantly slow wound healing but it also dramatically increases the complications associated with it. This brings forth an urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches to facilitate wound healing in diabetic patients such as nanofiber aerogels, which this paper aims to provide an overview about.
Method
This review was synthesized by going through existing literature on pubmed and google scholar for recent findings on the application for nanofiber aerogels in wound healing in diabetic patients.
Result
The review shows promise for the application of electrospun nanofiber based systems for wound healing as they have several features which improve wound healing. Not only do they mimic the extracellular matrix but also provide better oxygenation and nutrient flow to the wound site, These aerogels can also infused with molecules such as LL-37 which has wound healing properties or be loaded with other factors that enhance growth, angiogenesis and other aspects of wound healing which would otherwise be impeded in diabetic patients.
Conclusion
These new technologies offer up a way to reduce the great strain that complications of diabetic wound healing create for the healthcare sector and to improve the lives of these patients vastly. With the proven efficacy of treatments, there is now a need for further research to understand the best clinical utilization of these therapies and to design the best implementation plans
The Possibility of Using Modern Methods to Control Bubonic Plague Infection, A Highly Infectious Zoonotic Disease, Mongolia: A Literature Review
No full textMongolia is a natural habitat to numerous zoonotic diseases including bubonic plague, anthrax, rabies and others. Lack of CDC-like structure, limited government capabilities and nomadic pastoral farming reflect high risk of future emerging and re-emerging outbreaks. Rapid risk assessment of outbreaks is conducted by the National Center for Zoonotic Diseases, meanwhile local and central governmental capacity of disease control remain unsatisfactory. With an AI-based disease control platform and instant mapping of hotspot locations should enable the rapid control and containment strategies. Furthermore, these dashboards and platforms will enable advanced level cooperation and management of emerging and re-emerging infections occurring within the intersection of nature, domesticated animals, wildlife and people in Mongolia and beyond. Ultimately, we aim to incorporate One Health approach and other International Health Regulations under the project outcomes. Mobile phone uses are above 90 per cent among Mongolian adults. In addition, connectivity is essentially well connected across the country. We therefore intend to develop AI based tracking through mobile phone usage, smart phone data, and social media (commonly used) datas for tracing, mapping and other disease-containing activities
Probiotics as adjuvant therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors vs placebo to treat major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
No full textIntroduction: Despite improvement in antidepressant treatment, half of the major depressive disorder (MDD) patients fail to achieve remission. Increasing evidence suggests the role of modulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis through probiotics in mental health therapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of probiotics as adjuvant therapy with antidepressants compared to placebo in patients with MDD.
Methods: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed in databases including PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCOHost, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The quality of studies was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tools. We performed a meta-analysis using Review Manager v5.4.
Results: Our study included 5 randomized controlled trials with a total of 369 participants. Statistical analysis showed that the pooled standardized mean difference among studies was favourable to the probiotics group (-0.43; 95%CI: -0.71, -0.14) with statistically significant results (p=0.003). Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of depression through inflammation and modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Probiotics modulate gut microbiota by reducing inflammation and improving the intestinal barrier. In addition, probiotics also improve the metabolism of tryptophan to serotonin and reduce kynurenine accumulation, which is also implicated in depression pathogenesis.
Conclusion: In conclusion, probiotics are beneficial for patients with MDD as an adjuvant to antidepressant drugs