British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research

Empathy in Paediatric Postgraduate Trainees: The Gender Effect

Alina Zia — 2025-03-27

Empathy is a key element of patient-physician relationship. Higher empathy levels are associated with better clinical outcome. Gender differences have been observed in prior international studies. The purpose of this study was to explore the empathy levels among the male and female postgraduate trainee residents in Paediatrics in Pakistan. This study involved 129 postgraduate trainee residents in Paediatrics. The participants anonymously completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (HP-Version). The data were analysed by SPSS 20. Comparison of empathy score between males and females was carried out by the independent sample t-test. The mean empathy score was 102.75. Females had significantly higher empathy levels than males (105.22 vs. 99.43). The gender difference was statistically significant (p=0.028). The male residents were significantly less empathic than males. Targeted educational activities are recommended to sustain and enhance empathy during postgraduate training.

Living with a Sibling who is on the Autism Spectrum: The Siblings’ Perspective

Colin Calleja — 2025-04-01

This study explores the lived experiences of neurotypical siblings who have a brother or sister on the autism spectrum. Drawing on qualitative case studies of three adolescent siblings, the research investigates the emotional, social, and developmental impacts of these relationships. Through semi-structured interviews, the study identifies themes such as caregiving responsibilities, the emotional burden of unequal attention, and future caregiving concerns. The findings highlight both the challenges and growth opportunities associated with these sibling relationships. By examining these experiences within the unique cultural context of Malta, this study contributes to the broader discourse on inclusion and family dynamics in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Implications for educational systems, family support programmes, and future policy developments are discussed.

Homeopathy in the Treatment of Viral Diseases: Scientific Data on the Basis of which it is Possible to Reason Scientifically on the Therapeutic Potential of Homeopathic Medicines

Giovanni De Giorgio — 2025-03-19

Homeopathy, discovered about two centuries ago by Samuel Hahnemann, is a therapy based on the so-called “law of similarity”, or, “similia similibus curentur”, according to which “similar” is cured by “similar”: the patient is treated with the administration of “small doses” of substances that, if administered in “high doses” to a healthy subject, would cause “similar” symptoms to those suffered by the patient. Based on the law of similarity, various pathologies are treated with homeopathy, including viral pathologies. Various scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of homeopathy in some viral pathologies, even serious ones, and several scientific articles report extremely interesting data that have been acquired during important and rigorous in vitro studies, in vivo studies and clinical studies. Although studies on homeopathy need to be further explored, with regard to the treatment of viral pathologies, it is necessary to take into account the scientific data currently available on the basis of which it is possible to scientifically reason about the therapeutic potential of homeopathic "small doses" and their efficacy demonstrated through some important in vivo studies, in vitro studies and clinical studies.

Damage Control Surgery: A Strategic Resource!

Morelos Adolfo García Sánchez — 2025-03-19

Introduction: damage control surgery is a surgical strategy, applicable to traumatic and non-traumatic patients, in a context of severe physiological instability, addressing a complex surgical situation in stages. Objective: experience of the strategy of damage control surgery in trauma surgery, complicated elective surgery or a non-traumatic surgical emergency. Method: retrospective, longitudinal, observational and descriptive study. Reviewing the records of patients treated surgically applying damage control surgery, for 5 years. Results: 21 of 221 patients were documented applying the strategy, 9.95%, 19 were men (90.47%), 2 women (9.53%) with an average age of 25 years, range 17 to 64 years. Discussion: hemorrhagic shock is the most common immediate cause of death in trauma and requires immediate and coordinated action to reverse it. When there are few resources or limited infrastructure, trauma surgeons take the options of resuscitative thoracotomy and/or abdominal packing, at lower costs. Observations: the surgical technique of damage control surgery and the reasons that support it for the first time are detailed; coining innovative terms such as: "damage control surgery cycle", "planned hemostatic compression", "infection containment" Conclusions: damage control surgery is an effective, economic, and ethical strategic resource, which, if well carried out and allowed by the case, saves human lives and with an early closure cycle reduces morbidity, without sequelae and mitigates mortality.

Complete Heart Block Induced by Hyperemesis: Integrating the Vagal Score to Guide Management and Avoid Invasive Interventions

Joshua Hermiz — 2025-03-13

Complete heart block (CHB) represents the complete absence of atrioventricular (AV) conduction between the atria and ventricles, preventing the sinoatrial node from regulating heart rate and cardiac output through communication with the AV node. Although standard treatment involves permanent pacemaker implantation, it is crucial to identify reversible causes such as electrolyte imbalances or vagal-mediated mechanisms, as it may allow for alternative, non-invasive management. This case report discusses a rare instance of hyperemesis-induced CHB and utilizes the "vagal score" via ECG-based assessments to determine approach to management, ultimately identifying reversible etiologies and preventing unnecessary invasive interventions such as permanent pacemaker placement.

Primary Breast Burkitt's Lymphoma: A Case Report

Deisy Areli Lárraga Bautista — 2025-03-06

We report the case of a 59-year-old Mexican woman who was treated in the emergency department (ED) on two occasions, the first one for a gastroenteritis episode, during which a tumor mass was found in the upper outer quadrant of her right breast along and ipsilateral axillary adenomegaly, both painful, with a three-month evolution. After the patient’s discharge, she was unable to continue the diagnostic protocol on an outpatient basis, as she was readmitted 15 days later due to a convulsive episode in conjunction with severe hyponatremia. Relevant prior findings to this admission included episodes of fever and a weight loss of eight kg. During the physical examination, the presence of the tumor was ratified, and an excisional biopsy was performed. On the sixth day of hospitalization, she began to experience progressive neurological deterioration. A cranial tomography revealed a hypodense lesion in the right occipital lobe of the brain. Due to the imminent need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures, the family's request was denied, and the patient passed away shortly after. Histopathological examination of the biopsy identified a lymphoid neoplasm with a diffuse growth pattern composed of medium-sized, monotonous, discohesive cells with evident nucleoli, frequent atypical mitosis, and abundant macrophages—findings suggestive of a Burkitt lymphoma, ratified six days after the death with immunohistochemical studies that identified positive CD20 and CD10, negative bcl-2 and CD3, and 90% for Ki-67 and 90% for MYC. The patient did not receive any type of chemotherapy.

Evaluation of Adherence to the Guideline in Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Patients Attending Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College. 2023

Betelhem Alemu Mulugeta — 2025-04-05

Background: Tuberculosis has plagued humanity for centuries, causing significant suffering. References to the disease may even be found in the Old Testament, dating back to when the Israelites lived in Egypt, where TB was widespread. The term "tuberculosis" was first introduced by Lanneal and Bayle in the early 19th century. In 1882, Robert Koch identified the TB bacillus, marking a breakthrough in understanding the disease. Chalmette and Querin later laid the foundation for the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. TB chemotherapy began in 1943 with the introduction of streptomycin, followed by para-aminosalicylic acid in 1951. Short-course chemotherapy became the standard of care in the mid-1970s. Objectives: To evaluate the quality of TB diagnosis based on national tuberculosis guidelines. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Yekatit 12 Hospital, reviewing the records of patients of all ages treated for Tuberculosis (TB) between September 8 and October 9, 2023. Two nurses and one medical intern evaluated patient charts, sputum microscopy results, and radiographic records to assess adherence to diagnostic criteria. The collected data was checked for completeness and analyzed using SPSS software 24.1. Results: Out of the 116 patient records reviewed, 38 (32.6%) were diagnosed with smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB), 48 (41.4%) with smear-negative PTB, and 30 (25.9%) with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). Among those with smear-positive PTB, 24 (63.2%) were diagnosed correctly based on national guidelines. However, only 15 (31.2%) met the diagnostic criteria for smear-negative PTB cases when cases with three consecutive negative smears were excluded. Encouragingly, more than half of the patients diagnosed with lymph node TB had findings that aligned with national guidelines. Conclusion and Recommendation: Non-adherence to national TB diagnostic guidelines remains a significant challenge at Yekatit 12 Hospital. This gap in adherence underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve diagnostic practices. To enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, it is essential to identify and implement strategies that encourage better compliance with these guidelines among clinicians. This could include regular training, closer monitoring, and more precise guidelines to ensure consistent and accurate TB diagnoses.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome Presenting with Condylomata Acuminata in a 28 Years Old Zambian Woman: A Case Report

Victor Mwanakasale — 2025-03-13

We present a rare form of Differences in sex development (DSD) that presented with Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The case is that of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome presenting with condylomata acuminate in a 28 years old Zambian woman. The diagnosis was made clinically and in the operating theatre. The case underscores the importance of taking a thorough gynaecological history and physical examination in all female patients that present with sexually transmitted infections as rare DSD may be missed due to cultural barriers. Imaging techniques are key to confirming the diagnosis of DSD such as MRKH syndrome.

The Case for Molybdenum in ALS Therapy

Amos Gelbard — 2025-03-27

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease without a known cure or cause, herein 3 studies will be presented that all somehow contribute to the possibility of Molybdenum, a chemical element with the atomic number 42 is what's missing in ALS patients diet leading to their disease, that at least according to one study done mostly on animals. Both other studies mentioned Molybdenum only as an afterthought, on a list of many vitamins and minerals contributing to their interventions. Both studies who used Molybdenum showed decisive results with one study reporting the thorough healing of an ALS patient and the other, with much lower levels of Molybdenum per intervention resulted in much better mortality rates in the intervention group. Brought together these finding warrant further study of Molybdenum's possible therapeutic role in intervention for ALS.

Prediction of Preeclampsia and Other Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women of Advanced Maternal Age: The Use of Mid Trimester Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry.

Ngwu Hillary Oforma — 2025-03-27

Background: Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight are significant contributors to maternal and fetal morbidity. The use of Doppler ultrasonography, particularly pulsatility index (PI) and the presence of a notch, has been explored as a predictive tool for identifying pregnancies at risk of these complications. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between uterine artery Doppler findings, specifically PI and notching, with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes among pregnant women. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 pregnant women at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess PI and the presence of a notch. Participants were followed up to delivery, and data on outcomes, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and pre-term delivery, were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Women with abnormal PI were four times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia compared to those with normal PI. Abnormal PI was also associated with twice the risk of gestational diabetes and three times the likelihood of delivering a low-birth-weight infant. The presence of a notch was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia, doubling the risk compared to cases without a notch. However, neither abnormal PI nor notching demonstrated significant associations with caesarean section rates, ICU admission, or poor APGAR scores. Conclusion: Doppler findings, particularly abnormal PI and notching, are valuable in identifying pregnancies at risk for complications like pre-eclampsia and low birth weight. Routine integration of Doppler screening into antenatal care is recommended to enable early detection and timely interventions, thereby improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

An at Glance Insight to Gut Microbiome Driven Autoimmunity

Ibrahim M S Shnawa — 2025-03-19

Autoimmunity is attributed to genetic predisposition [Genome] and environmental factors[exposome] and microbiome[microbiota]. The objective of the present opinion paper was to present an at glance insight to gut microbiome driven autoimmune diseases GMDADs based upon current published literature .The exposome components are; infection ,vaccination ,allergy and stress .Human balanced microbiome is noted in immune homeostasis. While, in its dysbiotic state in which specific microbe linked to induction of auto immune reactions, the infectome. On the onset of autoimmune diseases, leaky gut initiated, the antigens of the infectious agent translocated, molecular mimicry, autoantigen overproduction and cytokine overproduction, all of these were moved through blood to other extra-intestinal compartments into which brook of tolerance and dysregulate homeostasis. Then, changes happened in transcription and translation of the gene(s) encoding the autoimmune reaction pathway along with the coevolved changes immune reaction pathways. To this end autoimmune reactions are either goes on or blocked by the dysbiotic microbiome. In case of rise up of autoimmune reactions producing clinical concentration levels of either auto –antibodies or auto-reactive T or B lymphocytes indicating autoimmune diseases. Auto-immune T cells produced in the gut lymphoid tissues migrate from gut to an eye auva leading to auto-immune auvitis. Gut lymphoid tissue produced T reg., migrate to reach the autoimmune inflamed central nervous system leading to inhibition of auto immune reactions. A suggestion for an animal model for infection induced auto immune disease in lapin animal was made. Not all dysbiotic microbiomes driven autoimmune diseases showing clear immunopathological mechanisms. A call suggestion for study the molecular mechanisms of the presently unknown microbiome driven autoimmune diseases.

Impacts of L-Arginine on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Rats Exposed to Chlorpyrifos

Motunrayo Ganiyat Akande — 2025-03-19

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphorus insecticide that is applied expansively for pest control and its usage has been linked to several cases of poisoning. L-arginine is an α-amino acid that is crucial in protein biosynthesis and it has been reported to exert bioprotective effects in the body. The research was conducted in order to find out the impacts of L-arginine (AG) on haematological and serum biochemical indices in male Wistar rats exposed to chlorpyrifos. Thirty five rats were distributed into five groups. They received the following treatments by oral gavage for 28 days: distilled water [DT group], olive oil [LV; 1 ml/kg], chlorpyrifos (CF group; 8.5 mg/kg), L-arginine (AG; 100 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (8.5 mg/kg)+L-arginine (100 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed after the termination of the research. Subsequently, haematological and serum biochemical parameters were assessed. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the MCV of the CF group compared to the LV group was observed. Additionally, a substantial (p < 0.05) elevation was recorded in the MCHC of the CF group relative to the AG group. There were significant reductions in the calcium levels, while the magnesium levels were remarkably elevated in the CF and CF+AG groups compared to the DT and LV groups respectively. However, no significant alteration was noticed in the serum oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase and superoxide dismutase) that were analyzed. In this study, CF disrupted some haemato-biochemical parameters while AG minimally suppressed its effects. Further studies are warranted to expound the mechanisms of toxicity of CF, and the bioprotective propensity of AG.

Commercial and Tactical Herbicides used in Vietnam and Thailand During the Vietnam War

Alvin Lee Young — 2025-03-15

Issue: There continues to be much confusion among Vietnam and Vietnam-Era veterans, Non-Governmental Organizations, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and others as to the differences between the uses of military “tactical” herbicides versus the military use of “commercial” herbicides during the Vietnam War. If veterans were presumptively exposed to tactical herbicides while in military service in Vietnam, 9 January 1962 – 7 May 1975, they were entitled for health care for any of 19 different conditions “presumed to be service connected.” Health care and compensation were provided by the Agent Orange Act of 1991. Approximately 50,000 United States Air Force Veterans served at Royal Thai Airbases in the Kingdom of Thailand during the Vietnam War, especially during the years 1965-1971. Thailand veterans were previously eligible for health care for any injuries they incurred during their service. However, they were not eligible for conditions under the Agent Orange Act. Nevertheless, there have been numerous allegations that US Thailand veterans were indeed exposed to the wide-spread use of the same tactical herbicides, e.g. Agents Orange, White, and Blue, that had routinely been used in Vietnam to control unwanted vegetation. In 2022, the US Congress passed the PACT Act that permitted veterans who served in Thailand and Guam during the Vietnam War to be eligible for health care and compensation for 26 different conditions “presumed to be service connected” to their exposure to Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides while in service in Thailand during the period 9 January 1962 to 30 June 1976. The Congress made the decision despite the absence of any evidence from available historical records or the absence of any knowledge about the use of “commercial herbicides” during the Vietnam War. Thus, the issue is whether Thailand veterans were exposed to tactical herbicides or commercial herbicides and has that exposure impacted their long-term health. Background: The first use of tactical herbicides was on 7 January 1962 in Operation RANCHHAND in South Vietnam. Approximately 74.2 million L of Agents Orange, White and Blue were sprayed on jungles, mangroves, savannas and for crop denial. Records confirmed that limited quantities of tactical herbicides were stored in Thailand for missions by RANCH HAND in Laos. When Thailand joined the Allied Forces in the Vietnam War in September 1964, the Thai government, under the Rules of Engagement, did not permit tactical herbicides to be used for vegetation control on Royal Thai Airbases. If not tactical herbicides, could commercial herbicides be the explanation for Thailand veteran allegations? Tactical herbicides differed from commercial herbicides in the development and testing of formulations, purchase specifications, guidelines, regulatory oversight, shipment requirements, toxicological evaluations and military record keeping. Findings: Recently identified procurement records confirm that at least 262, 800 L of commercial low volatile 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T herbicides were shipped and approved for vegetation control on four airbases in Vietnam, 1962-1971. Records confirm that the total volume of low volatile 2,4,5-T shipped to Thailand was 29,120 L. Distribution to the Royal Thai Airbases and subsequent vegetation control was the responsibility of Pacific Architect & Engineers, a private company trained as commercial herbicide applicators for both Vietnam and Thailand. Dioxin (TCDD) analysis confirmed that the low volatile 2,4,5-T was ~ 1 ppm, and the rate of application, ~ 2.4 kg/ha, was similar to the same formulation sprayed in 1966 on 2.3 million ha on rangeland and pasture in the United States. It was also a choice herbicide for control of unwanted vegetation on most of the Department of Defense’s more 500 bases worldwide. Policy Considerations: The Congress of the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Thailand Veterans simply refused to accept the reality that little or no exposure to either tactical or commercial herbicides or TCDD ever occurred on Royal Thai Airbases in Thailand. The dilemma for the DVA is that to recognize Thailand veterans for commercial herbicide exposure fails to acknowledge that millions of military men and women were on hundreds of military bases worldwide that were sprayed with the same low volatile 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T commercial herbicides from 1962 -1972.

Healing Transgenderism After Surgical Detransition Through Cannabidiol, Magnetic Acupuncture and Neutrons – Theoretical and Practical Prospects

Claire Lavin — 2025-03-06

There are promising yet unexplored pathways for healing transgender people who detransitioned through a combination of cannabidiol, surgery, magnetic acupuncture and neutrons. The pattern behind transgenderism is explored again through a review of the existing literature showing the links with internal contamination with alpha emitters. This contamination can be removed through magnetic acupuncture, neutron treatment (with fission) or a combination of both. Non-magnetic acupuncture also helps neurologically. It is argued that the proven stem cell boost and stem cell migration effect of cannabidiol can be used to restore the primitive organs.

Ownership and Utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets in Woji Obio Akpor L.G.A Rivers State

Victor Ugochukwu Obisike — 2025-04-07

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable, however, efforts made to eradicate malaria in Nigeria totally have proved abortive. The study aims at determining the ownership and utilization of long-lasting insecticide treated nets in Woji Obio Akpo L.G.A in Rivers State. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Data for this study was collected from the respondents through the use of questionnaires. Questionnaires were shared to all 360 respondents which were randomly selected using Bourley Proportion Allocation formula, which determined number of respondents per household in each village, and field surveys through responses to questions in the questionnaire served as the main source of primary data for this study. From the tables, 276 of 76.7% have idea about treated nets. Moreso, only 174 of 48.3% have nets and out of that number, only 154 (94.4%) use nets. In conclusion, Ownership and utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) play a crucial role in preventing malaria and reducing the burden of the disease. The widespread distribution of LLINs has been successful in increasing their ownership and availability, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. However, the challenge lies in ensuring optimal utilization and consistent use over time.

Application of Continuous Wavelet Transform to Raw Magnetic Resonance Signals to Differentiate Tissue Features

C. A. Martínez-Hernandez — 2025-03-06

It is quite useful to diagnose different health conditions such as cancer, osteolysis, amongst others, by the use of images for clinical practice or research. The study and to interpret, anatomical areas of interest has always been a core subject of imaging systems. Technological development in this area has produce had focuses on enhance temporal and spatial resolutions. Although a lot of research has been done to improve images characteristics, the final diagnostic relies on the judgment and experience of the medical specialist since there is not a numerical relationship to the mechanical properties of the human tissues. Based on the former, this work is aimed to develop a procedure to identify the characteristics of tissue and relate them to mechanical properties as an aid to medical diagnosis. Here, the continuous wavelet transform is applied as a passband filter tool to raw magnetic resonance signals. A relation between frequency content and tissues present in the image was identified. From here,it was found that tissue regions exhibiting higher stiffness and toughness emit signals with low frequency, while tissues with lower stiffness and toughness emit signals with high frequency. The method proposed allows to extract information that can help to generate parameters for classification, detection and mechanical properties of human tissue, for the tissue disease diagnosis.

Assessment of Anti-fungal Drugs Utilization Pattern Among Patients Attending at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022

Samrawit Teame Gebremariam — 2025-04-05

Background: the inappropriate use of anti-fungal agents can cause adverse events, toxicity, unnecessary exposure and cost, and increased microbial resistance, which has important implications for morbidity and mortality. With a lack of adequate Information on how drugs are being prescribed and utilized, it is almost impossible to initiate a discussion on rational drug use or improvement on prescription habits and developing practical guidelines. Drug utilization might not necessarily provide answers on its own, but it contributes to rational drug use. Objective: To Assess anti-fungal agent utilization patterns among patients attending Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022. Methodology: A Retrospective Cross-sectional study design was used. Data regarding patient characteristics, medications, diagnosis, dose and type of anti-fungal agent used were collected using data abstraction forms by reviewing the patient's medical card and medication charts. The data was entered into the SPSS 21 version for analysis. The analyzed data was interpreted and presented in charts, graphs and tables. Results: 124 anti-fungal agents were prescribed to 75 patients. Female patients received (n=66, 53.23%) of these prescriptions, and Male patients received (n=58, 46.77%).patients who were under 18 years old received (n=100, 80.6%), and patients who were 18 years old and above received (n=24, 19.3%).In this study, prescription of Fluconazole was(n=54, 44.4%) and Ketoconazole (n=55, 43.5%) while Clotrimazole was(n=9, 7.3%) and Terbinafine(n=6, 4.8%).the fungal infection of this patients were tinea capitis (n=48, 64%,) tinea unguium (n=13, 17.3%),tinea corporis(n=6, 8%)tinea pedis(n=7, 9.3%) tinea barbea (n=1, 1.3%). Conclusion: This study finding shows that Fluconazole was the most common anti-fungal drug prescribed orally, similar to elsewhere. However, oral Fluconazole was closely followed by Ketoconazole, which was the most frequently prescribed drug topically. This differed from other studies, meaning Clotrimazole was the most prescribed drug topically anti-fungal in different countries. Lastly, most studies support that Combination therapy of antifungals was more likely than Monotherapy.

Cervical Cancer: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects Experience of the Mohamed VI Center for Cancer Treatment

G. Hatim — 2025-03-13

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer after breast cancer in low-middle income countries, particularly Morocco. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the 4th most frequently diagnosed cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Its pathogenesis is linked to HPV infection. Improved hygiene and living conditions, and the organization of FCV screening, could reduce the incidence and mortality of this neoplasm. HPV vaccination and screening remain the two mainstays of cervical cancer prevention. Aim of the study: The aim of our work is to study the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of cervical cancer at the Mohamed VI Center for Cancer Treatment. Material and methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study, spread over a six-year period from December 31, 2016 to, January 1, 2010, including all patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and initially managed at the Mohamed VI Center for Cancer Treatment. Results: A total of 168 cases meeting the inclusion criteria were collected. The age group most affected was between 51 and 60. The age of onset of sexual activity was before 18 in 23.8% of cases. Multiparity was noted in 73.82% of cases. 48.8% of patients were using oral contraception. Repeated genital infections were found in 41.07% of patients, the majority of whom were inadequately treated and monitored. Genital bleeding was the main reason for consultation in 89.25% of cases. The mean tumor size was 5 cm, with extremes of 2 and 10 cm. Squamous cell carcinoma predominated with a percentage of 87.5%. Patients were classified according to F.I.G.O 2009 criteria, and stage IIB was most frequently found, with a percentage of 64.2% (108 patients). The most commonly used protocol was concomitant radio-chemotherapy (CRT) followed by brachytherapy in 51.2% of patients. Outcome was specified for 112 patients. It showed locoregional recurrence in 16 patients, lymph node metastases in 2 patients, 1 case of bone metastasis and 1 case of liver metastasis. In our study, estimates of overall survival, progression-free survival and relapse-free survival at 5 years were 71%, 63.2% and 78% respectively. Survival by F.I.G.O. stage was 86%, 78%, 56% and 9% respectively for stages I, II, III and IV. Conclusion: Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem, especially in low and middle income countries where it is a major cause of death. Major advances in diagnosis and treatment occurred in the management of cervical cancer but we still need to step up our screening efforts and extend them to the entire population in order to make impacting breakthroughs.

Mechanistic Explanation for Actions Based on the Joint Construction of Goals and Means

Pavel N. Prudkov — 2025-03-27

People describe and explain everyday behavior and cognition in terms of actions, that are goal-directed processes. There are two conventional approaches explaining the construction of goal-directed processes (predetermined goals and means and the separate and arbitrary construction of goals and means). However, these approaches cannot elucidate the flexibility and diversity of actions and some characteristics of thinking. We hypothesize that the goal and means of an action are constructed jointly on the basis of the criterion of minimal construction costs and this entirely determines actions. Some ideas in favor of this mechanistic explanation of actions and objections against it are considered. The idea that the mechanism of joint construction entirely determines actions was examined in an experiment when participants were informed about the joint construction mechanism and instructed to violate its functioning by performing an action. Participants could violate the functioning of the mechanism at two levels of the action but information about one level was more explicit than about another level. It was assumed that participants would violate the functioning of the mechanism only at one level. This indicates that joint construction really determines actions because a sort of compliance between these levels was necessary to perform the action. This assumption was confirmed experimentally.

Metal Complexes as Antimicrobial, Antiviral and Antiparasitic Agents

Nyasha Makuve — 2025-03-27

Metal complexes have demonstrated multifaceted utility, serving as potent antimicrobial, antiviral and antiparasitic agents due to their diverse properties and mechanisms of action against drug-resistant pathogens. Cobalt (III) complexes to copper (II) compounds have showcased remarkable efficacy against a variety of microbial adversaries. They exhibit broad-spectrum activity, targeting viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa with equal fervour. Notably, cobalt (III) complexes like the CTC series have shown promise as antiviral agents, particularly in inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus and other viral strains. Similarly, copper (II) complexes have displayed potent antiparasitic properties, effectively combating parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. As the threat of antimicrobial resistance looms large, the exploration of metal complexes offers a ray of hope in the quest for effective treatments. This review explores the unique properties of these metal complexes and their application as antimicrobial, antiviral and antiparasitic agents. Furthermore, the review discusses the proposed mechanism of action of metal complexes as they interact with drug-resistant microbes.