Huyen Tran Thi, Phuc Nguyen Hoang, Phuong Pham Thi Minh, Vinh Nguyen Thi Ha, Son Dao Anh
{"title":"Association Between HLA-A*02:07 and Fixed Drug Eruption Caused by Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim.","authors":"Huyen Tran Thi, Phuc Nguyen Hoang, Phuong Pham Thi Minh, Vinh Nguyen Thi Ha, Son Dao Anh","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.111-116","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.111-116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is an adverse drug reaction that recurs at the same site upon re-exposure to the triggering medication. Sulfonamide antibiotics, especially sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, are common causes of FDE. Previous studies have linked drug hypersensitivity reactions to specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the association between HLA-A and FDE induced by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 FDE patients and 30 healthy controls who had tolerated sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Blood samples (3 ml) were collected for HLA-A typing using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three HLA-A alleles were detected. In the FDE group, the alleles with high frequency were HLA-A*02:07 (12 patients; 40%), HLA-A*11:01 (10 patients; 33.3%), and HLA-A*24:02 (6 patients; 20%). In the control group, the most commonly observed alleles were HLA-A*11:01 (12 patients; 40%), HLA-A*24:02 (6 patients; 20%), HLA-A*24:07 (6 patients; 20%), HLA-A*29:01 (6 patients; 20%), and HLA-A*33:03 (9 patients; 30%). The FDE group had a higher frequency of HLA-A*02:07 than the control group (40% vs. 16.67%, p < 0.05). No differences in the frequencies of other HLA-A alleles were observed between the two groups. Participants with the HLA-A*02:07 allele were 3.33 times more likely to develop FDE caused by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim compared to those without the allele (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.09 - 11.14).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study suggests an association between the HLA-A*02:07 allele and FDE induced by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim in the Vietnamese population. Screening for HLA-A*02:07 prior to prescribing sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim could help identify at-risk individuals and prevent FDE.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 2","pages":"111-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12212223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556278","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":"Bridging the Gaps in Sexual Health: Gender, Age, and Educational Disparities Among Albanian University Students.","authors":"Jonila Gabrani, Voltisa Gjergji, Lumturi Merkuri, Iva Rugia, Rovena Kushta, Kristi Cela","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.92-97","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding sexual health inequalities among university students is essential to inform targeted public health interventions. Previous studies show that knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors differ based on sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, and level of education.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to assess how gender, age, and SRH education influence knowledge, behaviors, and use of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among Albanian university students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 7,679 university students in public and private institutions across Albania. A structured questionnaire assessed SRH knowledge, STI prevention behaviors, and access to healthcare services. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine relationships between sociodemographic variables and SRH outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Female students reported higher engagement in preventive practices such as gynecological visits and Pap tests (p < 0.001), while male students reported earlier sexual debut and less consistent condom use. Prior SRH education significantly increased the likelihood of STI/HIV testing (p < 0.001). Age was positively associated with STI awareness but not necessarily with service use. Only 11.4% of respondents reported STI testing, and 7.6% had been tested for HIV, while 53.8% were unaware of available testing services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights disparities in SRH knowledge and service utilization driven by gender, age, and educational exposure. Tailored public health programs that integrate SRH into university curricula and emphasize outreach to young men and underserved populations are needed to reduce inequities and promote preventive behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 2","pages":"92-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12212243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556279","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":"Assessing Venous Thromboembolism Incidence and Risk Factors: a Narrative Review.","authors":"Abdullah D Alotaibi","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.296-302","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.296-302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the venous thromboembolism (VTE) events that together present a major healthcare problem in the world, which results in significant morbidity, mortality and economic outflow. VTE is a multifactorial disorder, determined by a combination of risk factors including hospitalization, surgery, critical care, and one or more isolated medical conditions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of the study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of VTE and to identify key risk factors across various clinical and demographic conditions, in order to inform prophylactic measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar among the studies that were published between 1998 and 2022 in the English language. The keywords were used as \"venous thromboembolism\", \"deep vein thrombosis\", \"pulmonary embolism\", \"incidence\", and \"risk factors\". The observational, cohort studies, and systematic reviewed research on the VTE epidemiology and risk factors among human populations were considered as the eligible studies. Studies with improper methodologies and editorials, non-English studies were eliminated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The incidence of VTE varies worldwide, ranging from 2 cases per 1,000 person-years, with higher prevalence in hospitalized patients (15-30%) and critically ill patients (up to 20 %). The main risk factors include advanced age, hospitalisation, and surgical intervention, as well as malignant tumours (4-7-fold increased risk), obesity, immobility, inherited thrombophilia with a common genetic background, and rare diseases such as KILT syndrome. Additionally, ethnic and gender differences influence the incidence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VTE is a complex condition that must be prevented on an individual basis, considering different risk profiles. Future research should focus on prospective studies across various groups to enhance risk assessment models and enable personalised thromboprophylaxis, thereby reducing the burden of VTE.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 4","pages":"296-302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12923284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147273768","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":"High Prevalence of Multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella Pneumoniae</i> in Elderly Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia: Risk Factors and Clinical Implications.","authors":"Huy Bao Le, Cong Duc Nguyen, Sy Van Hoang","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.316-322","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.316-322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> is an emerging cause of severe pneumonia in Southeast Asia. However, data on MDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine MDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> prevalence among elderly CAP patients, identify risk factors, and evaluate resistance to empiric antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary geriatric hospital in Vietnam from January 2023 to June 2024. We analyzed a subgroup of 181 patients aged ≥ 60 years with culture-confirmed <i>K. pneumoniae</i> CAP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median age was 81 years. The prevalence of MDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> was 26.5% (48/181). Resistance rates to first-line empiric agents were high: ciprofloxacin (50.6%), levofloxacin (30.0%), ceftazidime (38.7%), and ceftriaxone (31.1%). Amikacin remained highly effective (1.5% resistance). In univariable analysis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.03-4.53; p = 0.039), prior intravenous antibiotic use within 90 days (OR 3.32; 95% CI 1.49-7.42; p = 0.002), and hospitalization within the preceding 30 days (OR 2.28; 95% CI 0.99-5.21; p = 0.048) were associated with MDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i>. In the multivariable model, prior intravenous antibiotic use within 90 days (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.32-6.80; p = 0.009) was identified as the independent risk factor for MDR acquisition.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A substantial proportion of elderly CAP patients harbor MDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> at admission. Given high resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, empiric guidelines require re-evaluation for patients with recent intravenous antibiotic exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 4","pages":"316-322"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12923280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147273338","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":"Community-Based Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Practices Among Adult Women in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Ali Falah Alharbi, Amal Hussain Alali","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.288-295","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.288-295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, where cases are increasingly diagnosed at younger ages and advanced stages. Early detection through screening is essential to improve survival outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and screening practices related to breast cancer among women in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 adult women residing in Hafar Al-Batin using a self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed via social media and healthcare networks. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, and screening practices, including mammography and clinical breast examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied to examine associations between knowledge, practices, and socio-demographic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants (97.8%) had heard about breast cancer, and 79.1% reported receiving health education. However, only 17.5% had ever undergone mammography screening, and 22.1% had received a clinical breast examination. Higher education and a positive family history were significantly associated with better knowledge levels (p < .05). Age, marital status, and employment were significantly linked to mammography screening uptake, with older, married, and employed women more likely to participate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although awareness of breast cancer was generally high, participation in preventive screening remained low. Targeted health education and outreach programs focusing on younger, unmarried, and unemployed women are needed to enhance early detection and reduce breast cancer mortality in Saudi Arabia.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 4","pages":"288-295"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12923285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147273836","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}
Faisal O AlQurashi, Beshaier Almulhem, Sarah H AlShawaf, Hassan Alsaif, Ruqayah T Almozayin, Bashair Alabkari, Ibtisam Alkhamis, Hassan N Al Dhneem, Hadi A Aljarrash, Bushra E Alabbas, Fedaa A AlMossally, Reem F AlShammari
{"title":"Evaluation of Pediatricians' Knowledge of Autism in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Faisal O AlQurashi, Beshaier Almulhem, Sarah H AlShawaf, Hassan Alsaif, Ruqayah T Almozayin, Bashair Alabkari, Ibtisam Alkhamis, Hassan N Al Dhneem, Hadi A Aljarrash, Bushra E Alabbas, Fedaa A AlMossally, Reem F AlShammari","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.281-287","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.281-287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and early detection is essential for improving outcomes. Pediatricians are often the first point of contact; however, their knowledge of ASD in Saudi Arabia remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this sudy was to evaluate the knowledge of pediatricians in Saudi Arabia regarding childhood autism using the validated Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 pediatricians practicing in Saudi Arabia from September 2021 to August 2022. Participants completed the 19-item KCAHW questionnaire, which covered four knowledge domains: social interaction impairments, communication impairments, repetitive behaviors, and classification/comorbidities. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (t-tests, analysis of variance, and regression models) assessed associations between participant characteristics and knowledge scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean overall knowledge score was 15.24 ± 2.23 out of 19. While most participants performed well in the communication domain (90.5% scored above average), only 49.6% scored above average in social interaction knowledge. Pediatricians trained abroad scored significantly higher in domains 1 and 2. Subspecialists, particularly those in developmental/behavioral pediatrics and neurology, scored the highest. Pediatricians with 4-6 years of experience showed a positive association with overall knowledge.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pediatricians in Saudi Arabia demonstrated above-average knowledge of ASD, significant gaps remain - particularly in social interaction and comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for enhanced ASD-focused training, particularly for locally trained and early-career pediatricians.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 4","pages":"281-287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12923286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147273030","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}
Saleh Saeed AlJathnan AlQahtani, Mohammed Ibrahim A Almakrami, Reema Ali Lesloom, Bader Mohammed A Al-Obayiah, Saad Mohammed Alharthi, Omar Humoud M Albahli, Rawan Hendi Aljohani, Arwa Hussain Al-Alhareth, Saleh Khalid Aldhalai
{"title":"Assessing Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude Regarding the Triage System Among the Population of Najran.","authors":"Saleh Saeed AlJathnan AlQahtani, Mohammed Ibrahim A Almakrami, Reema Ali Lesloom, Bader Mohammed A Al-Obayiah, Saad Mohammed Alharthi, Omar Humoud M Albahli, Rawan Hendi Aljohani, Arwa Hussain Al-Alhareth, Saleh Khalid Aldhalai","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.250-257","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.250-257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Emergency departments (EDs) in Saudi Arabia are seeing more patients and facing a shortage of resources. Prioritizing care based on medical urgency requires triage systems. Understanding triage and raising public awareness are key for improving ED effectiveness and patient satisfaction. However, few studies have examined these issues among Saudi citizens, particularly in the Najran area.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study is to evaluate the overall attitudes, degree of awareness, and depth of knowledge regarding the emergency triage system in the Najran population. Despite the significance of triage, little research has been done in Saudi Arabia to determine how the general public views this approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical components was conducted from February to August 2025 targeting residents of Najran, Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered Arabic questionnaire was filled up by 452 participants. The survey assessed awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward the ED triage system in addition to demographic data. SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that 58.8% of participants had strong or excellent knowledge of the triage system, and 82.9% had high or very high awareness of it. A strong majority, 88.1%, had positive views on triage and recognized its role in providing fair and efficient emergency care. Age and education were significant predictors of higher awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Knowledge was also found to have a strong positive correlation with both awareness and attitudes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite a lack of specific information, most Najran locals support and are aware of the ED triage procedure. To increase public awareness, maximize ED utilization, and improve patient experience, educational programs aimed at demographic groups - especially younger and less educated people, are advised.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 3","pages":"250-257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12858277/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108801","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}
Nizama Salihefendic, Muharem Zildzic, Izet Masic, Slobodan M Jankovic
{"title":"Anthropometric Data by Using Bioelectrical Analysis as a Parameters for New Classification and Definition of Obesity.","authors":"Nizama Salihefendic, Muharem Zildzic, Izet Masic, Slobodan M Jankovic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2024.37.11-17","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2024.37.11-17","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related clinical conditions, including metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), sarcopenia, and a wide spectrum of pathological manifestations, is rising globally. According to WHO, BMI is the only anthropometric measure currently used to classify obesity, overweight, and underweight. However, emerging research suggests that obesity is a complex pathological state influenced by multiple etiological factors. Given the limitations of BMI, there is a growing need for a more comprehensive assessment of body composition, particularly fat mass quantity and distribution. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides valuable anthropometric data that can help differentiate obesity phenotypes and guide improved therapeutic approaches.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to analyze body composition using BIA in a randomly selected sample of adults from primary healthcare settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary goal is to assess total body weight, fat mass quantity, fat distribution, and obesity types prevalent in this population. Additionally, the study seeks to establish reference values for further diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies to improve public health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults (≥18 years) in Gračanica, Bosnia & Herzegovina (B6H), from January 2021 to January 2025. Inclusion criteria required participants to provide signed informed consent, while exclusion criteria included acute systemic diseases, severe dehydration, and fasting for more than 24 hours. Anthropometric parameters measured included age, height, weight, BMI, body fat mass (BFM), fat-free mass (FFM), percent body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and bone mineral content (BMC). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 18), with results presented as medians, interquartile ranges, and percentiles (5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 4,628 adults participated in the study, of whom 2,824 (61.0%) were female and 1,804 (39.0%) were male. The median age was 45 years (IQR: 29 years). The findings revealed that over one-quarter of the B&H population is obese, with abdominal obesity being the predominant type. This phenotype is associated with the highest risk for metabolic syndrome and MASLD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study highlights a high prevalence of obesity among the examined individuals in primary care settings in B&H, with abdominal obesity being the most common type. This phenotype is strongly associated with metabolic complications. BIA-derived parameters of fat distribution and visceral fat mass may serve as valuable tools for improving obesity classification and developing more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 1","pages":"11-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652941","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":"Characteristics of Patients with Benign Acute Childhood Myositis (BACM).","authors":"Tarik Jarkoc, Adisa Cengic, Velma Selmanovic, Amila Hadzimuratovic, Emina Vukas, Sajra Uzicanin, Zinka Huseinbegovic, Mirna Sarajlic","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.106-110","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.106-110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare complication of viral URTIs, usually occurring in winter. It is characterized by acute onset of bilateral calf pain and difficulty/refusal to walk. A prodromal phase precedes these manifestations, consisting of catarrhal and constitutional symptoms. These are associated with increased muscle-specific enzymes, usually normal inflammatory parameters, and leukopenia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Our study aimed to define the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of BACM patients and determine the etiology leading to their development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical charts for patients diagnosed with BACM from October to April 2023/2024 at the Pediatric Clinic Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Department of Allergology, Rheumatology, and Immunology were reviewed retrospectively. Relevant medical information was collected for 20 patients. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2013.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Demographic analysis demonstrated male predominance (75%), with primarily school-aged children affected (median age 8.36). Most cases occurred in winter (60%). The majority of patients presented with bilateral calf pain (100%), difficulty walking (90%), and fever (100%). All cases demonstrated increased CK levels, with median values of 3779 U/L; a notable number had leukopenia (70%). The most commonly isolated pathogen was Influenza B virus (75%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BACM is relatively rare but presents acutely and leads to plenty of distress for both patients and their parents. A child with coryzal symptoms complicated by bilateral calf pain or difficulty/refusal to walk and an increase in CK levels should raise suspicion of BACM. The condition is self-limiting and usually resolves without complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 2","pages":"106-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12212264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556309","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}
Vinh Nguyen Thi Ha, Son Dao Anh, Sang Ho Anh, Linh Phung Thuy, Ngan Tran Ha, Vinh Pham Ba, Doanh Le Huu
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medical Students at Hanoi Medical University Regarding Skin Cancer and Sun Protection: a Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Vinh Nguyen Thi Ha, Son Dao Anh, Sang Ho Anh, Linh Phung Thuy, Ngan Tran Ha, Vinh Pham Ba, Doanh Le Huu","doi":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.136-143","DOIUrl":"10.5455/msm.2025.37.136-143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, yet awareness and protective behaviors remain limited in many populations. In Vietnam, there is a lack of research examining knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to skin cancer, particularly among future healthcare providers.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the current levels of KAP regarding skin cancer and sun protection and to identify associated factors among medical students at Hanoi Medical University.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 923 undergraduate medical students at Hanoi Medical University during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire, including validated scales for knowledge (SCSK), attitudes (SSEAS), and practices (SEPI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean knowledge score was 13.84 (SD = 3.3), with 57.7% of students classified as having low knowledge. Attitude scores were moderate, with 33.4% demonstrating a positive attitude. Practices were poor overall, with 71.4% engaging in inadequate sun protection behaviors. Higher knowledge was associated with academic program, year of study, gender, ethnicity, rural background, personal or family history of skin cancer, and trusted information sources. Favorable attitudes were linked to academic year, program, having freckles, exposure to reliable information, and beliefs about sunscreen. Better practices were associated with being female, in later years, having skin conditions, previous sunburn, internet use, and a preference for lighter skin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed substantial gaps in skin cancer knowledge and protective behaviors among medical students, despite generally favorable attitudes. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, especially during early academic training, to enhance skin cancer prevention efforts among future healthcare professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":94128,"journal":{"name":"Materia socio-medica","volume":"37 2","pages":"136-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12212244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556312","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}