Kavita Batra, Vidhani S. Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Deborah A. Kuhls
{"title":"Unifying and linking data sources in medical and public health research","authors":"Kavita Batra, Vidhani S. Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Deborah A. Kuhls","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Data linkage methods, including probabilistic, deterministic, and hybrid are critical for linking medical and public health records, expanding data scope, and improving research outcomes. These methods differ in accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. This letter seeks to identify best practices for enhancing data quality and linkage rates in healthcare and public health research using these techniques. Data linkage enhances data quality by removing duplicates and correcting artifacts, facilitates cost-effective longitudinal studies by integrating existing data, and supports public health through person-oriented statistics and disease registries. Tools like \"RecordLinkage\" in R and EpiLink have advanced linkage accuracy, particularly in epidemiological studies. A PubMed search in November 2023 identified 176 studies, with 29 meeting inclusion criteria. Hybrid methods showed superior accuracy, with some studies achieving over 90 % linkage rates. Emerging AI-driven methods can further improved scalability, efficiency, and automation, employing privacy-preserving techniques like federated learning to address confidentiality concerns. However, challenges such as inconsistent data, incomplete identifiers, and technical complexities remain, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols and robust ethical frameworks. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), tailored strategies such as enhancing health information systems, adopting open-source tools, and fostering regional collaborations are essential to address resource constraints. Initiatives like the Western Australian Data Linkage System exemplify the potential impact of linkage on healthcare and public health. Future research should focus on refining methods, integrating diverse datasets, and leveraging AI to improve linkage efficiency and reliability. By adopting best practices, data linkage can enhance decision-making, optimize interventions, and advance global health research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Smoking among females in Bangladesh: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Tonmoy Alam Shuvo , Kabir Hossain , Sorif Hossain , Asma-Ul-Hosna , Dipu Rani Dey","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Female smoking in Bangladesh is a growing public health concern, though the overall prevalence remains lower compared to men. Cultural norms and social stigma surrounding women’s smoking habits have traditionally kept the rates relatively low. However, the influence of urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increased access to tobacco products may be contributing to a rise in female smoking rates. A comprehensive search across multiple databases identified 25 studies for the meta-analysis. The I² statistic and Q-tests were used to assess heterogeneity. A random-effects model and subgroup analyses were conducted. Egger's test and funnel plots were utilized to evaluate potential publication bias. Meta-regression analysis was performed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the meta-analysis. All analyses were performed using STATA 17. The results showed that women's pooled smoking prevalence was 5.50 % (95 % CI: 3.19–7.81) based on 25 selected studies (n = 71,824). The pooled prevalence was 4.90 % (95 % CI: 1.18–8.62) from 2001–2008, dropped to 3.11 % (95 % CI: 1.09–5.12) in 2009–2016, and then rose to 6.28 % (95 % CI: 1.67–10.89) in 2017–2024. Among age groups, the prevalence stood at 6.39 % for those aged ≥ 15 and slightly decreased to 5.36 % for those ≥ 18. For students, the pooled prevalence was 7.61 %. Public health interventions should emphasize smoking cessation programs, with a particular focus on implementing prevention strategies targeted at younger women. Community outreach and awareness efforts will further promote smoking reduction across all age groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"3D printing of cancer models for drug discovery: Advancements, challenges, and future perspectives","authors":"Tolu Fanibuyan, Abdulbasit Opeyemi Muili, Alimi Kehinde Hikmat, Akinmeji Ayodeji, Ridwanullah Ajedamola Lawal, Mubarak Jolayemi Mustapha, Piel Panther Kuol","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100165","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The advent of 3D printing technology has a great role in cancer research, offering massive opportunities for drug delivery and development. This commentary provides a well-detailed review of the advancements in 3D printing of cancer models, details their application in imitating the complex tumor microenvironment, and enables more meticulous pre-clinical drug testing. We discuss the various 3D printing techniques like “stereolithography”, “selective laser sintering”, and “fused deposition modeling” with their advantages, effects, and limitations. The commentary also makes headway on the critical problem in these vascular networks. In extension, we explore the future perspectives of 3D-printed cancer models, emphasizing the potential for personalized medicine and high–throughput screening. By accentuating these advancements and challenges, we aim to provide a roadmap for future research and development in the use of 3D printing for cancer drug discovery, contributing to more effective and patient-centric cancer treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143105292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pharmacovigilance, cosmetovigilance, hemovigilance, and materiovigilance in healthcare domains","authors":"Sachdev Yadav , Mansi Sinha , Kanishka Taradia , Anuj Kumar Sharma , Mayank Kulshreshtha","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This commentary provides a comprehensive examination of four critical surveillance systems: pharmacovigilance, cosmetovigilance, hemovigilance, and Materiovigilance. It examines the surveillance systems used in each sector to ensure the safety of medicines, cosmetics, medical equipment, and blood products. The research emphasizes the significance of attentive monitoring to guarantee public health and safety, focusing on the distinct problems and regulatory frameworks connected with each vigilance sector. The synthesis of this comparative study helps to a thorough knowledge of the numerous tactics used to preserve health across different product categories. Pharmacovigilance is a crucial component of healthcare that focuses on monitoring and assessing the safety of pharmaceutical products. The evolving context of drug safety surveillance, regulatory frameworks, and the implementation of technology into pharmacovigilance methods are also discussed. Additionally, this commentary discusses the collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical industries to ensure the ongoing safety of medications and improve patient outcomes. The other three essential components of healthcare safety- Hemovigilance, Cosmetovigilance, and Materiovigilance. Hemovigilance focuses on monitoring and ensuring the safety of blood and blood product transfusions. Cosmetovigilance involves the surveillance of adverse events related to cosmetic products, emphasizing consumer safety. Materiovigilance addresses the monitoring and management of incidents associated with medical devices, emphasizing their safety and performances. The outcome of this comparative commentary highlights both shared and different issues across various vigilance systems. Underreporting, data integration, and the need for strong regulatory frameworks are typical problems. The analysis offers a comprehensive picture of the vigilant environment by combining information from these four domains, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to improving consumer product and healthcare safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143105293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cytomegalovirus and pneumocystis jirovecii co-infection pneumonia as an initial presentation of HIV infection","authors":"Sharare Noruzi , Sobhan Mehdipourrabori , Zeynab Yassin","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100174","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100174","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It has been reported that patients with an immunocompromised status, particularly HIV-infected individuals, are at risk of opportunistic infections. We present the case of a CMV and PJ co-infection in a 41-year-old man with pneumonia who had never been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This report highlights CMV/PJ causing pneumonia as an initial manifestation of HIV infection. It underscores that such pulmonary co-infection should be part of the routine investigation of acute respiratory complications in newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons whose clinical manifestations do not resolve in response to treatment of common respiratory bacterial and viral infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Imad Talahma , Yazan Abudeyak , Mahmoud N. Khadra , Hamza A. Abdul-Hafez , Yousef S. Abuzneid
{"title":"Skull reconstruction with titanium mesh following burr hole craniotomy for chronic subdural hematoma","authors":"Imad Talahma , Yazan Abudeyak , Mahmoud N. Khadra , Hamza A. Abdul-Hafez , Yousef S. Abuzneid","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case report describes a 58-year-old male who presented with severe headache two months after head trauma, with imaging confirming a left-sided chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). He underwent Burr hole craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, followed by skull reconstruction using a titanium mesh implant. Postoperative recovery was smooth, with no neurological symptoms or complications, and follow-up imaging showed no residual hematoma. Titanium mesh allowed for effective skull reconstruction, eliminating risks of cosmetic deformities like scalp depression and potentially reducing infection and other post-surgical complications. Our findings highlight titanium mesh as a valuable option in neurosurgery for cSDH, providing both functional and cosmetic benefits. While complications with titanium implants have been noted in some cases, our patient’s recovery was uneventful. This case highlights titanium mesh’s use and supports further exploration of materials to enhance outcomes in surgical management of cSDH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genetic polymorphisms in the chromatin modifier gene ARID5B in modulating the risk of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Bangladesh","authors":"Farhana Jahan , Sajib Chakraborty , Mahrima Parvin , ATM Atikur Rahman , Zakir Hossain Howlader , Md. Ismail Hosen","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100184","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100184","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent form of hematological cancer in children. In Bangladesh, the number of acute leukemia among children has been increasing each year and the genome studies regarding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in different genes related to lymphocyte development have not been explored yet. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the association between a specific SNP (rs10821936) in the <em>ARID5B</em> gene and the risk of childhood ALL in Bangladeshi children. The identification of the children's demographic and clinical characteristics as well as real-time PCR-based allelic discrimination method was employed to identify the genotypes of 194 ALL cases and 209 controls, respectively. Both the age difference and serum creatinine level between the control and patient groups were insignificant. In comparison to individuals who were healthy, both the blood ALT and LDH levels of the male and female child ALL participants were considerably high. However, compared to control groups, the serum calcium level in child ALL patients was considerably low. Serum ALT and LDH had a significant positive relationship while both had a negative correlation with serum calcium. The investigation revealed that the minor allele C was the risk allele for the SNP (rs10821936) and it has been linked to a higher incidence of ALL in Bangladeshi children [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.35; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.02–1.79; <em>P</em>-value = 0.0380]. Thus, the findings of this study could help to understand the background of genetic predisposition and risk assessment of childhood ALL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muzamil Akhtar , Danish Ali Ashraf , Muhammad Umar Liaqat , Mohammad Saad Ullah , Mehmood Akhtar , Muhammad Salman Nadeem , Shehar Bano
{"title":"Mortality trends related to postoperative respiratory disorders in the United States, 1999–2020","authors":"Muzamil Akhtar , Danish Ali Ashraf , Muhammad Umar Liaqat , Mohammad Saad Ullah , Mehmood Akhtar , Muhammad Salman Nadeem , Shehar Bano","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2024.100176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite being a critical area of concern, mortality trends for postoperative respiratory disorders in the United States remain underexplored. This study analyzes nationwide trends and regional disparities in deaths related to these disorders using CDC WONDER mortality data from 1999 to 2020, categorized under ICD-10 code J95. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 were calculated, and trends were analyzed across demographics, regions, urbanization levels, places of death, and states. Annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were computed using Joinpoint regression. From 1999–2020, 45,828 deaths related to postoperative respiratory disorders were recorded, with AAMR declining from 1.06 in 1999–0.33 in 2020 (AAPC: −5.55 %; 95 % CI: −5.96 to −4.98). Males had higher AAMR (0.8) than females (0.5). Non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks reported the highest AAMR (0.75), followed by NH Whites (0.63), Hispanics (0.45), and NH Asians (0.37). Nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMR (0.75) compared to small (0.68) and medium metropolitan areas (0.64). Regionally, the Midwest had the highest AAMR (0.67). State-level disparities were notable, ranging from 0.26 in Massachusetts to 0.98 in New Mexico. Despite a significant decline in mortality, likely driven by advancements in management and technology, persistent disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address underlying inequities in healthcare access and outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interdisciplinary cross-sectoral strategies to mitigate health workforce migration in Africa","authors":"Gabriel Oke","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Africa is grappling with a severe healthcare workforce shortage, with only 1.55 health workers per 1000 people, far below the WHO’s recommended threshold of 4.45. This deficit is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals to developed countries. This study conducts a comprehensive review to identify practical solutions to mitigate healthcare workforce migration in Africa. A targeted literature review methodology was employed, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid, and WHO repositories from 2014 to 2024. Supplementary searches were performed using Google, incorporating grey literature, reports from governmental and international organizations, and media articles. A total of 45 sources were included, consisting of 36 peer-reviewed articles and 15 pieces of grey literature, including blogs, news articles, and reports. The review identified 13 key solutions from peer-reviewed sources and 11 additional solutions from grey literature, which were analyzed and categorized into thematic areas. Key solutions highlighted by the review include enhancing professional training and career development opportunities, offering financial incentives, improving working conditions, and fostering international collaboration. Specific strategies include addressing wage disparities, providing mentorship, creating competitive postgraduate training programs, and improving workplace environments. These factors are critical to retaining healthcare professionals within African countries and ensuring their sustained engagement in the local healthcare systems. Results indicate that while salary increases were frequently suggested, a multifaceted approach is essential for addressing healthcare migration. Improvements in working conditions, career development, and the establishment of robust mentorship programs were emphasized as more sustainable solutions. In particular, the study highlighted the importance of comprehensive strategies that go beyond financial incentives, as merely increasing salaries may not adequately address the structural issues driving migration. The findings suggest that combating healthcare migration in Africa requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including government, health administration, and international organizations. A holistic approach, focusing on strengthening local healthcare systems, improving professional opportunities, and creating supportive working environments, is crucial for mitigating brain drain and improving healthcare delivery on the continent. The review underscores the need for sustained policy interventions, with a focus on both retention and attraction of healthcare professionals within Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriella Szörényiné Ványi , Annamária Szigeti , János G. Pitter , Zita Battyáni , Imre Repa
{"title":"The importance of an oncology database in planning melanoma prevention programs","authors":"Gabriella Szörényiné Ványi , Annamária Szigeti , János G. Pitter , Zita Battyáni , Imre Repa","doi":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early detection and early treatment are key to melanoma survival. To organise prevention programs, we need to know the detailed datas of melanoma. Our objective was to assess and understand the epidemiological data of melanoma patients treated at our institution. We investigate whether the available database is suitable for more detailed epidemiological and morphological data analysis; and whether the results can contribute to the design of programs for melanoma prevention and detection. In our study, we retrospectively analyzed data from 636 melanoma patients treated at the Moritz Kaposi General Hospital, based on a unique clinical oncology patient pathway management system (Onkonetwork) database. We analyzed the distribution by sex and age, the subtype of melanoma, localization, tumor thickness, stage, risks, and detection mode. Our results showed that most melanoma cases occurred in women under 40 years and in men aged 60–79 years. There was an increase in the incidence of thin melanomas and a relatively stable incidence of thick melanomas. The study confirmed that the Onkonetwork system serves as a valuable database to support the identification of prevention sites where improvements in early detection, prevention and early treatment of melanoma are needed, tailored to the specific geographical location.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100804,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}