Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences
Not a member yet
1473 research outputs found
Sort by
A Systematic Review on the Impact of Various Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get PDFA comprehensive analysis was carried out to assess the effects of different therapies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disease that is typified by confined, repetitive behaviours and difficulties with social communication. The information from significant research and randomised controlled trials is compiled in this review to give a thorough summary of therapy approaches for ASD. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBIs) are a some of the interventions that are discussed in this review. The results indicate that improving behavioural, developmental, and communication outcomes in people with ASD requires early intervention, customised strategies, and evidence-based methods. This review seeks to inform clinical practice, research, and policy creation in autism intervention and therapy support by offering an updated synthesis of the evidence
Evaluating Endocrine Changes and Surgical Complications following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Excision of Pituitary Macroadenomas
Get PDFBackground: Intracranial lesions arising in the region of the pituitary gland are relatively common. Pituitary adenomas (PAs) with extensive suprasellar extension are a challenge for therapeutics. For evaluation of PAs, the clinical and biochemical assessment stands as the cornerstone. The easy access of advanced neuroimaging has increased the sensitivity of detection of smaller lesions in the pituitary region. Many treatment modalities have developed so far undergoing numerous refinements over the past 100 years. Transsphenoidal surgery is considered relatively safe and widely being practiced. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in national neurosurgical referral center, Bir hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, on 38 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary gland excision for pituitary macroadenomas. Results: The mean serum prolactin (PRL) level was observed as 706.57 ± 1196.09 ng/mL preoperatively and 42.91 ± 109.1 ng/mL postoperatively. The mean value of growth hormone (GH) was observed as 13.34 ± 12.59 ng/mL preoperatively which was reduced to 6.48 ± 6.90 ng/mL postoperatively. Postoperatively, neurogenic diabetes insipidus was observed in 12 patients. 5 patients had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak postoperatively. Meningitis was seen in 2 cases. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary gland excision is an effective surgical modality for the management of pituitary macroadenomas which led to significant improvements in endocrine function postoperatively. The marked decrease in serum PRL and GH levels postoperatively shows the efficacy of this surgery in treating hormone-secreting adenomas. Complications such as neurogenic diabetes insipidus, CSF leaks, and meningitis should be an important consideration in the post-operative care even though they are less frequent
Effect of Dentulous and Edentulous Status on Articular Eminence Inclination of Temporomandibular Joint in Adult Patients – A Cross-sectional Orthopantomogram Study
Get PDFIntroduction: The inclination of articular eminence (AE) varies across population. The AE dictates the path of condylar movement as well as the degree of rotation of the disc over the condyle. Mechanical conditions caused by aging and influenced by the loss of teeth might have some effect on remodulation and reshaping of the AE. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the inclination of AE of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in dentulous and edentulous elderly patients. Materials and Methods: Orthopantomogram scans fulfilling the inclusion criteria for dentulous and edentulous patients were included in the study. Patients with age range of 50–70 years were divided into two groups: Group A (dentulous) and Group B (edentulous). The inclination of AE was measured and compared. Results and Conclusion: Mean AE Inclination (AEI) value in dentulous and edentulous was 36.56 degrees and 30.16 degrees, respectively. The AEI was significantly increased in dentulous patients as compared to edentulous patients. The results of the current study are of great relevance as it suggests that maintenance of dentition is necessary to retain the proper physiologic function of TMJ
Status of Alcohol Consumption among Medical Students in Nepalgunj Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground: The growth in alcohol consumption is skyrocketing. Alcohol ranks first as the most commonly misused substance by medical students. Considerably more stress has been documented among medical students. They tend to consume alcohol to cope with stressful situations. Excessive drinking can lead to consequences like loss of concentration and poor performance in academics. While there is extensive research on alcohol consumption patterns in various populations, there is a notable scarcity of localized studies, particularly in medical schools in periphery of Nepal. This study aims to fill the gap by providing specific data on the status of alcohol consumption among students at Nepalgunj Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of Nepalgunj Medical College. Results: Among 406, 15% (61) consumed alcohol. Among the alcohol consumers, 15% were CAGE positive and possibly have alcohol problems and all of them were male. About 32.8% of them initiated drinking due to peer pressure, 29.5% of the students started out of curiosity. Conclusion: The prevalence of alcohol consumption is comparatively lower among medical students in Nepalgunj Medical College. However, the alcohol problem is more among the drinkers. Alcohol problem is very common in male and final-year students. The most common reasons for initiation of drinking by them is peer pressure. Further studies regarding alcohol abuse pattern, its determinants, and treatment among the medical students are the current necessities to apply the proper interventional strategies to ensure the production of compatible and genuine doctors in the future
When Nurses Missed the Required Patient Care: A Case Study
Get PDFBackground and Aim: The required nursing care when missed can be detrimental to the life of the patient. This study focused on exploring the insights of nurses when they omit care, identifying the factors contributing to these incidents, and examining how nurses cope with missed nursing, which plays a pivotal role in patient outcomes. Design: Using a qualitative, case study design, data were collected from 10 registered nurses working in ward departments from different hospitals in Iligan City through semi-structured interviews. Results and Discussion: Nurses perceived missed care as a form of malpractice and negligence, as evidenced by the failure to provide essential care in their duty. These occurrences are linked to busy work schedules and stressful work environments. The study also revealed that nurses experience a range of emotions after dealing with missed care including fear and guilt. Seeking support, guidance, and self-reflection are strategies for addressing missed nursing care. Conclusion: Nurses emphasized that using an adaptive strategy can minimize the occurrence of missed care and its emotional impact. The study reveals that nurses suffer a range of emotions but still retain their professional responsibility as nurses. Creating a supportive work environment, promoting ongoing professional growth, and encouraging self-reflection among nurses are essential steps toward reducing missed care incidents
Perception of Matched Sibling Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donor about Donation of Stem Cells
Get PDFAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the curative treatment option for a variety of hematological disorders. Usually, stem cells for HSCT are obtained from matched related donors through bone marrow harvest or apheresis. Although stem cell donation is relatively a safe procedure, there are many psychosocial concerns among potential donors regarding the donation of stem cells and its possible complications. The present study aims to understand the experience of being a hematopoietic stem cell donor for a sick sibling. Eighty hematopoietic stem cell sibling donors were interviewed with a self-structured questionnaire comprising of 3 domains-intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and deterrents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS® Statistics version 20.0. The present study found that nearly half of them (47.5%) were <30 years of age with 52.5% being male, 57.5% were married and 53.8% were employed. 43.8% were graduates of which 7.5% had a family income of <Rs.5,000. 51.2% hailed from rural backgrounds. The majority of them (90%) of them had no co-morbidities. All of them underwent local anesthesia and had peripheral stem cells as the source of harvest. None of them had a previous history of stem cell donation. The majority of the matched sibling donors were primarily influenced by intrinsic factors (median score-3.2). The influence of the deterrents is lesser than the influence of the motivators (median score-1). There is a statistically significant association between gender and the influence of extrinsic motivators (P = 0.024), marital status and deterrents (P = 0.003), and age and deterrents (P = 0.019) in the hematopoietic stem cell donation process. Among the deterring facets, the emotional concern of being responsible for the outcome of the transplant was the major barrier (45%). The family concern of taking up the burden of being a donor and a family member is the least deterring facet (62.5%). Among the intrinsic motivating facets, positive feelings (87.5%) and family loyalty (81.3%) were the major motivating factors whereas reinvesting back into the community was the least intrinsically motivating factor (32.5%). Among the extrinsic motivating facets, complete awareness of the donation process through explanation was the highly motivating factor (93.8%). Family pressure/social obligation was the least extrinsically motivating facet (83.8%). The study highlights the role of intrinsic motivation in the stem cell donation process and warrants for further exploration
Correlations between Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Oral Glucose Tolerance test, OGTT (and Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors) in a Cohort Population of Patients at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in prevalence globally and in Nigeria today. Fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) have been the traditional gold standard tests for diagnosis of DM until recently when glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is being used. Is there a correlation between the two? Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of correlation between HbA1c and OGTT and some cardiovascular risk factors in a certain population in UPTH, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 400 consecutively attending patients at the medical and general outpatient clinics of UPTH. Results: The HbA1C had a strong positive correlation with the 2 h post-glucose load of the OGTT (r = 0.652, P < 0.001). The HbA1c also had a positive correlation with the body mass index, waist circumference, age, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but it was most positively correlated with the TC (r = 0.582, P < 0.001). It was, however, negatively correlated with the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.166, P = 0.001).Conclusion: Glycated HbA1c had a positive correlation with OGTT, and most of the cardiovascular risk factors of DM studied
Clinical Courses and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Northeast Thailand
Get PDFEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) is one of the risk factors for infection, morbidity, and mortality in SARS-CoV-2. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical courses, and outcomes of patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of ESRD patients admitted to Sakon Nakhon Hospital between October 2020 and September 2022. Data were analyzed for the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, laboratory tests, and mortality rates of the HD and PD patients who tested positive for COVID-19. Results: There were 73 ESRD patients (mean age 58.7 years, male 50.7%), who were positive for COVID-19 infection, of which 76.7% were on HD and 23.3% in the PD program. Hypertension (89.0%) and diabetes (54.8%) were more frequent comorbid conditions. Compared to the route of transmission, the HD group was more from hospital transmission (P = 0.03), while home transmission was more common in the PD group (P = 0.003). Serum potassium (P = 0.008) and albumin (P = 0.0005) were more in HD than PD, but bicarbonate (P = 0.01) was less. There was no significant in severity (P = 0.88) and mortality (P = 0.55) between both groups. Seven (9.6%) patients died. Risk factors compared between survivor and non-survivor groups significantly were serum albumin <3.5 g/dL (P = 0.008) and vaccination <2 shots (P = 0.04). Risk factor associated mortality in COVID-19 patients ongoing dialysis was low serum albumin <3.5 g/dL ([OR] 11.22, 95%, [CI] 1.27–98.91, P = 0.029). Conclusion: ESRD patients undergoing HD or PD were susceptible to COVID-19 infection. A comparison between the standard deviation and PD was found, but there was no significant difference in the clinical course and outcome of treatment in both groups
The Relationship between Motivation, Coping Mechanisms, and Alcohol Cessation among Alcohol Drinkers in Barangay Ubaldo Laya, Iligan City
Get PDFBackground and Aim: Alcohol consumption remains a prevalent and varied practice across cultures worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the level of motivation, coping strategies, and alcohol cessation among individuals attempting to cease alcohol consumption. In addition, this study aimed to explore the relationships between motivation, coping mechanisms, and alcohol cessation among alcohol drinkers in the Philippines. Design: This study employs a descriptive-correlational design. Using convenient sampling, it targets male and female residents aged 18–59 years old in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, who have attempted to quit alcohol consumption. Results: Personal growth and development, relationships, and physical appearance were the primary motivators for alcohol cessation. Effective coping mechanisms included confronting negative emotions, boosting mood through special treats or increased productivity, and reflecting on past drinking consequences. Respondents reported significant improvements in well-being, excellent stress management, and strong support from groups and family, leading to increased confidence in maintaining cessation, infrequent alcohol consumption, and success in quitting. Individuals with higher motivation and effective coping strategies were more likely to maintain cessation, manage stress without alcohol, attend support sessions, and experience overall well-being improvements. Conclusion: These results suggest that targeted interventions that enhance motivation and provide effective coping mechanisms are essential. Counseling, support groups, and educational programs emphasizing personal growth, strong relationships, and self-improvement can achieve this. These findings are valuable for health-care providers, counselors, and policymakers, highlighting key factors for successful alcohol cessation. By focusing on motivation and coping mechanisms, support systems can improve the likelihood of sustained alcohol cessation, leading to better community health and well-being
Formulation and Evaluation of Gastroretentive Floating Microspheres of Amiloride Hydrochloride
Get PDFBackground: Amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic, is widely prescribed for the management of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and various renal disorders. However, its low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and short half-life necessitates frequent dosing, leading to patient inconvenience and compromised therapeutic outcomes. To address these limitations, the development of novel drug delivery systems capable of enhanced gastrointestinal retention of amiloride has garnered significant attention. Among these, gastroretentive microspheres represent a promising approach, offering prolonged drug release and improved absorption. Objectives: The present work by formulation and evaluation of gastroretentive floating microsphere (FM) plays a highly significant role as a particulate drug delivery method. Particle sizes for microspheres range from 0.1 to 200 μm, and they can be administered orally, parenterally, nasally, ophthalmologically, transdermal, colonically, etc. Site-specific targeting and enhanced release kinetics are just two of the issues that have been solved through recent advances in microspheres, including those that are mucoadhesive, hollow, floating, micro-balloons, and magnetic. Microspheres will play a key role in novel drug delivery in the future by fusing different new methods, particularly sick cell sorting, genetic materials, safe, targeted, and effective drug delivery. Discussion: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and ethylcellulose were used in varying concentrations to give the FMs of amiloride HCl release-controlling properties by increasing their bioavailability. Lactose was used as a diluent and sodium bicarbonate served as an effervescent agent. Using a solvent evaporation method approach, the gastroretentive FM of amiloride HCl was created. The generated microsphere indicated good floating strength and remained buoyant in the sustained released medium for 24 h. For systemic delivery of amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic and antihypertensive medication, through the oral route, a gastroretentive FMs drug delivery system was developed. The different ratios of ethylcellulose and HPMC K-100, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, and ethanol are used in formulation. The weight, thickness, percentage of moisture absorbed and lost, surface pH, folding resistance, content homogeneity, in vitro residence time, in vitro release, and ex vivo penetration of the microspheres were all assessed. Conclusion: The formulation and evaluation of gastroretentive FMs represent a significant advancement in particulate drug delivery systems. These microspheres, with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 200 μm, offer versatility in administration