1.The sphenopalatine vein: anatomical study of a rarely described structure
Joe IWANAGA ; Eric PINEDA ; Yusuke MIYAMOTO ; Grzegorz WYSIADECKI ; Samir ANADKAT ; R. Shane TUBBS
Anatomy & Cell Biology 2023;56(2):200-204
Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.
2.Return-to-work among COVID-19 survivors in the Philippines and the role of rehabilitation: A mixed-method design.
Michael P. SY ; Roi Charles S. PINEDA ; Daryl Patrick G. YAO ; Hans D. TOGONON ; Eric ASABA
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-12
BACKGROUND
A substantial number of COVID-19 recoverees are working-aged individuals, which makes return-towork (RTW) an essential part of rehabilitation. Many COVID-19 recoverees must deal with physical and mental symptoms of post-COVID conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and anxiety. These symptoms coupled with often insufficient support from employers and the government can make the RTW process complicated. Although research related to RTW after COVID-19 has begun to emerge over the years, few primary studies have come out from developing countries.
OBJECTIVESThis exploratory study aims to describe perceived work ability and health-related quality of life, lived experiences of the RTW process, and role of rehabilitation in a limited sample of Filipino COVID-19 recoverees.
METHODSUsing purposive sampling and a convergent parallel mixed-method design, the study draws on an online survey and group interviews to understand expectations, experiences, and self-rated work ability of working-age adults with post-COVID condition. We report the findings of the questionnaire data using descriptive statistics. From the questionnaire respondents, eight participants were interviewed to explore the RTW experiences from multiple perspectives. The group interview was conducted online, and narrative analysis was used to explore the data. This analytic process involved an iterative and inductive process between data gathering and data analysis.
RESULTSFindings from our narrative analysis are reported under four themes: 1) The period of liminality; 2) A ‘positive’ problem; 3) Health as a psychosocial and justice issue; and 4) The reimagination of paid work. The narratives gathered document an overview of how selected Filipinos overcame the COVID-19 infection and their recovery and RTW process.
CONCLUSIONResults call for a re-examination of the concept of health and paid work for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.
Human ; Pandemics ; Rehabilitation, Vocational ; Occupational Therapy