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Neuro-ophthalmic Manifestations of Giant Cell Arteritis: A Review
No full textGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis of large and medium vessels affecting adults over the age of 50. Due to its acute ischemic damage through a systemic inflammatory process, GCA is a medical emergency with the risk of permanent vision loss. Therefore, early intervention is critical. Patients often present with well-documented systemic manifestations such as jaw claudication, headache, scalp tenderness, and fatigue. These patients are usually subject to blood tests for inflammatory markers and temporal artery biopsy. However, clinical manifestations vary considerably and may masquerade as neuro-ophthalmic manifestations that are not pathognomonic of GCA. We conducted a review to discuss documented neuroophthalmic manifestations and provide insight into the rare presentations to help avoid pitfalls in its diagnosis. Findings from the included articles were sorted into afferent and efferent neuroophthalmic manifestations. According to our literature review, the main afferent manifestations documented are ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal artery occlusion, choroidal infarction, ocular ischemic syndrome, orbital inflammatory syndrome, and strokes causing visual field loss. The efferent manifestations include cranial neuropathy (3rd, 4th, and 6th), extraocular muscle ischemia, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Other rare causes are tonic pupil from ciliary ganglion involvement, uveitis, and encephalopathy. If GCA is suspected, in addition to inquiring about systemic symptoms and doing a complete neuro-ophthalmic exam, these patients should be sent for inflammatory serological markers, as well as temporal artery biopsy (TAB). If clinical suspicion remains high, high-dose steroids should be started immediately
Analyzing the Social Support Among Family Caregivers of Elderly Individuals in China: A Scientific Mini Review
No full textWith the rapidly aging population in China, the role of family caregivers has become increasingly significant. These caregivers, often family members, provide essential care for elderly individuals with chronic health conditions. The physical and emotional demands of caregiving can significantly impact their well-being. This review examines various social support systems aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by family caregivers in China, focusing on recent studies and systematic reviews from the past 5 years in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Social support interventions show promise in easing caregivers’ burdens and improving their well-being. This paper aims to provide insights into the types of social support that can benefit family caregivers and reduce their burden, offering a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers working to enhance the well-being of both caregivers and the elderly they care for
Empowering Patient Self-care in Plantar Hyperkeratotic/Palmoplantar Keratodermas Eczema: A Case Report
No full textIntroduction: Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs) include a range of inherited or acquired skin disorders characterized by thickening of the skin on the soles. Hyperkeratotic dermatitis on the hands and feet is a chronic, challenging-to-treat condition that often results in pain, reduced mobility, and impaired functionality.
Case Report: This study describes a 42-year-old man with idiopathic PPK and no prior dermatological history. He initially presented with recurrent eczema on his left foot, which gradually spread to both feet, particularly affecting the lateral borders. Despite the negative results for fungal and patch tests, as well as a biopsy, his hyperkeratosis and peeling skin have persisted for 5 years.
Conclusion: Because plantar hyperkeratotic eczema is a chronic condition, effective management requires a combination of patient selfcare and medical treatment. Standard therapies, including antifungal, antibiotic, and steroid creams, keratolytic agents, acitretin tablets, and regular wound care, were insufficient in this case, with the patient experiencing recurrent symptoms that impacted his quality of life. A collaborative self-care approach is essential, focusing on minimizing adverse effects such as scarring, skin peeling, and hemorrhaging while considering personal and environmental factors contributing to the condition
Neonatal Presentation of Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata: Spot Diagnosis and Myriads of Unmet Needs
No full textBackground: Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is an uncommon inborn error of metabolism related to peroxisome. The inheritance pattern of this problem is autosomal recessive in nature. Five genetic subtypes have been reported which are clinically indistinguishable. Majority of cases have arthrogryposis, cataract, and significant growth and neurodevelopmental impairments. Diagnosis is made by observing skeletal changes, cataract, and biochemical changes of peroxisomal dysfunction, including raised phytanic acid and reduced red cell plasmalogen level, and is confirmed by genetic analysis. The mainstay of treatment is supportive measures.
Case Report: We present a term male neonate born with cataract and bilateral contracture at hip, knee, elbow, and wrist. Skeletal radiographs suggested shortening of proximal long bones of the limbs (both humerus and femur) as compared to distal long bones (suggesting rhizomelia) and asymmetric multiple punctate calcifications in epiphyseal regions of femur and humerus.
Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach including neonatology/pediatrics, pediatric neurology, ophthalmology, physical and occupational therapy, cardiology, and pediatric orthopedic services would bring about optimal results for the infant and the family. The use of genetic epidemiological approaches to compute the struggles of individuals affected with this disorder will help in understanding their unmet medical needs, improving diagnostic support, and furthering therapeutic development efforts
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Beyond Reproduction: An Ethnic, Endocrine, and Lifestyle Enigma Demanding Holistic and Lifelong Solutions for the Modern Woman
No full textThis is an Editorial and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML
Hydrogel Based Microfluidic Systems for High-Throughput Drug Evaluation in Osteoarthritis
No full textOsteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and chronic pain, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Traditional drug screening methods often fall short in mimicking the complex in vivo environment of joint tissues, leading to suboptimal evaluation of potential treatments. This study introduces microfluidic hydrogel systems specifically designed for high-throughput drug evaluation targeting osteoarthritis. By utilizing hydrogel matrices within microfluidic channels, a biomimetic platform will create that allows for precise control over the cellular microenvironment and drug delivery, facilitating the simultaneous assessment of multiple drug candidates. There is platform’s efficacy through experiments evaluating the therapeutic effects of various anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective agents on chondrocyte viability and function. Findings indicate that the microfluidic hydrogel systems not only enhance screening throughput but also provide more physiologically relevant insights into drug efficacy for osteoarthritis treatment. This innovative approach has the potential to accelerate the discovery of effective therapies and improve patient outcomes in osteoarthritis management
Nanoparticles Reinforcing Hydrogels: A Novel Approach to Improving the Properties of Wound Healing Hydrogels
No full textHydrogels, which are porous three-dimensional polymers with a high capacity for water absorption, have a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering, particularly in wound healing. However, limitations such as low mechanical strength and the absence of controlled drug release hinder their effectiveness. Incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) into hydrogels presents an effective solution to enhance these properties. NPs not only serve as drug carriers, improving drug stability and enabling controlled release, but certain types, such as silver (Ag), gold, and silica NPs, also augment the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of hydrogels. Additionally, metal NPs, including Ag, copper, and zinc oxide (ZnO), contribute to reducing the risk of infection and accelerating the wound healing process through mechanisms such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the inhibition of microbial proliferation. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and silica v, enhances the strength, flexibility, and durability of hydrogels in physiological environments. These advancements have positioned nanoparticle-reinforced hydrogels as a promising option in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
Ecological Perspective on Self-advocacy Skill Acquisition: Insights from Higher Education Students with Disabilities
No full textSelf-advocacy is essential for students with disabilities (SwDs) because it facilitates access to necessary support and accommodations tailored to their individual needs. The environment significantly influences the acquisition of self-advocacy skills among these students. This study explores the ecological factors pivotal in this process, specifically examining how environmental elements impact students’ self-advocacy and how these factors interact to shape their experiences. Using a qualitative research approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with three students with various disabilities—physical, visual, and auditory. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory methods, including initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical building, supported by Atlas.ti software. The analysis revealed three main themes: (1) The environment as a source of knowledge, (2) Changes and demands of academic life, and (3) A disability-friendly environment. The key ecological actors identified include family, peers—both typical peers and persons with disabilities—and campus communities. These findings highlight the importance of multiple ecological factors in self-advocacy skill acquisition. Integrating support from these actors can enhance self-advocacy training programs and improve support systems for SwDs
Measuring the Content Validity of Physical Literacy Assessment Instruments for Manipulative Games through Aiken Index Analysis
No full textThis study aimed to measure the content validity of physical literacy assessment instruments on manipulative motion games. A quantitative approach was used to describe the results of content validity from five experts. Data were analyzed using Aiken’s V index. The physical literacy instrument was developed based on the domains and elements of physical literacy from the Australian Physical Literacy Framework. The instrument used four domains—physical, psychological, social, and cognitive, with each domain focusing on one element. The physical domain focused on the manipulative movement element. The psychological domain focused on self-confidence. The social domain concentrated on the relationship element. The cognitive domain focused on understanding rules. According to the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy, each element has three ability levels: pre-structural, unistructural, and multi-structural. The physical literacy assessment instrument assessed five manipulative movement games. Each game emphasizes one skill: throwing, catching, dribbling, kicking, and striking. Each manipulative motion game assessment consists of 12 items. Content validation using Aiken’s V method involved five raters. Evaluation of the relevance of each instrument item using a scale of one to four, corresponding to irrelevant and very relevant respectively. The results of content validation with the Aiken’s V index on the physical literacy assessment instrument are as follows: i. 12 valid items on throwing games, ii. 9 valid items and three invalid items on catching games, iii. 12 valid items on dribbling games, iv. 12 valid items on kicking games, and v. 12 valid items on striking games. The minimum value of Aiken’s V index that meets validity at the 5% significance level is ≥0.87. Invalid items need to be revised to differentiate ability levels
Halal Lifestyle Knowledge on Hotel Facilities Selection in Generation Z
No full textThanks to globalization, technological development and easy access to information are significantly impacting people’s lifestyle choices, especially among generation Z. Currently, the halal lifestyle is developing rapidly and is becoming trendy among Indonesians. One sector that has experienced significant changes is the hospitality industry. When choosing a hotel, generation Z is very likely to consider religious and ethical values that are within their halal lifestyles. Hotel selection is a process where customers evaluate and select a facility that meets their needs and preferences. This research analyzes the impact that halal lifestyle awareness has on hotel selection in generation Z. This study employs an associative quantitative method, with the distribution of questionnaires continuiting until July 2024 using Google forms. The reaserch sample was selected using non-probability sampling technique with purposive sampling, resulting in a sample of 384 respondents with the birth range 1997–2007. This study shows that knowledge of the halal lifestyle and choosing a hotel are both categorized as high. The regression test results in this study indicate that awareness of the halal lifestyle influences generation Z’s decisions when choosing a hotel with a p-value of 0.000<0.05. This study shows that the more knowledge a participant has on the halal lifestyle, the more likely they are to choose a hotel that accommodates to their values