INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with adherence to treatment often influenced by socioeconomic status. This study assessed adherence to hypertension medication among patients in Quezon City across economic classes from August to October 2023. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 116 hypertensive Filipinos aged 18-64 years using the Brief Medication Questionnaire-1 (BMQ-1) and socioeconomic classifications based on multiples of the poverty line. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 50.9% of respondents were adherent or probably adherent to treatment, while 49.1% exhibited low or probable low adherence. Those who are low adherent and probable low adherent are 1.399 times more likely to belong to the “Low Income and Below.”, though this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Adherence to hypertension treatment among the respondents was suboptimal, particularly among the lower-income groups. While the association between socioeconomic status and adherence was not statistically significant, the findings underscore the need for interventions targeting financial barriers and improving healthcare accessibility. Addressing these challenges can enhance adherence levels and reduce the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular risks across socioeconomic strata.
Cardiovascular diseases ; hypertension ; prescription drugs ; medication adherence ; developing countries

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare changes in soft and hard tissue and the histologic composition following early implant placement in sites with alveolar ridge preservation or spontaneous healing (SH), as well as implant performance up to 1 year after crown insertion. Methods: Thirty-five patients with either intact buccal bone plates or dehiscence of up to 50% following single-tooth extraction of incisors, canines, or premolars were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to undergo one of three procedures: deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM-C) covered by a collagen matrix (DBBM-C/ CM), DBBM-C alone, or SH. At 8 weeks, implant placement was carried out, and cone-beam computed tomography scans and impressions were obtained for profilometric analysis.Patients were followed up after the final crown insertion and again at 1 year post-procedure. Results: Within the first 8 weeks following tooth extraction, the median height of the buccal soft tissue contour changed by −2.11 mm for the DBBM-C/CM group, −1.62 mm for the DBBM-C group, and −1.93 mm for the SH group. The corresponding height of the buccal mineralized tissue changed by −0.27 mm for the DBBM-C/CM group, −2.73 mm for the DBBM-C group, and −1.48 mm for the SH group. The median contour changes between crown insertion and 1 year were −0.19 mm in the DBBM-C/CM group, −0.09 mm in the DBBM-C group, and −0.29 mm in the SH group. Conclusions Major vertical and horizontal ridge contour changes occurred, irrespective of the treatment modality, up to 8 weeks following tooth extraction. The DBBM-C/CM preserved more mineralized tissue throughout this period, despite a substantial reduction in the overall contour. All 3 protocols led to stable tissues for up to 1 year.

Purpose: To investigate the long-term effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection on choroidal thickness and its correlation with visual acuity (VA) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: This retrospective study evaluated VA, central macular thickness (CMT), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography at baseline, followed by assessments for up to five years post-injection. Comparisons were made between nAMD and fellow eyes, as well as between baseline and post-injection values within each group. A multiple regression model was used to analyze factors influencing final VA, including baseline VA, age, sex, number of injections, nAMD subtype, baseline CMT and SFCT, and final CMT and SFCT. Results: A total of 57 patients was included in this study. VA improved significantly in nAMD eyes up to one year after injection and then declined. Compared to fellow eyes, nAMD eyes had significantly poorer VA over the entire follow-up. In nAMD eyes, SFCT decreased significantly at each annual follow-up visit (p < 0.001 at every visit). The SFCT of nAMD and fellow eyes showed no significant difference at baseline and after one year. However, a significant difference was observed from the second year onward. Final VA significantly correlated only with baseline VA (standardized coefficients Beta = 0.380, p = 0.011). Conclusions The SFCT of nAMD eyes significantly decreased each year, becoming thinner than fellow eyes from the second year on.Throughout follow-up, nAMD eyes had poorer VA than fellow eyes and final VA of nAMD eyes correlated only with baseline VA.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of disability, and its surgical management is crucial for improving patient neurological outcomes. Given the varied presentations and severities of DCM, treatment options are diverse. Surgeons often face challenges in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach because there is no universally correct answer. This narrative review aimed to aid the decision-making process in treating DCM by presenting a structured treatment algorithm. The authors categorized surgical scenarios based on an algorithm, outlining suitable treatment methods for each case. Four primary scenarios were identified based on the number of levels requiring surgery and K-line status: (1) K-line (+) and ≤3 levels, (2) K-line (+) and ≥3 levels, (3) K-line (−) and ≤3 levels, and (4) K-line (−) and ≥3 levels. This categorization aids in determining the appropriateness of anterior or posterior approaches and the necessity for fusion, considering the surgical level and K-line status. The complexity of surgical situations and diversity of treatment methods for DCM can be effectively managed using an algorithmic approach. Furthermore, surgical techniques that minimize the stages and address challenging conditions could enhance treatment outcomes in DCM.

Purpose: The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) without chemoprophylaxis could be as high as 50% in Caucasians. However, according to several subsequent studies, the incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in Asians was much lower. The routine use of chemoprophylaxis, which could potentially cause increased bleeding, infection, and wound complications, has been questioned in low-incidence populations. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of VTE after primary THA without chemoprophylaxis in an Asian population using a fast-track rehabilitation protocol and to verify the safety profile for use of ‘mechanical prophylaxis alone’ in patients with standard risk of VTE. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 542 Hong Kong Chinese patients who underwent primary THA without chemoprophylaxis. All patients received intermittent pneumatic compression and graduated compression stockings as mechanical prophylaxis. Multimodal pain management was applied in order to facilitate early mobilisation. Routine duplex ultrasonography was performed between the fourth and seventh postoperative day for detection of proximal DVT. Results: All patients were Chinese (mean age, 63.0±11.9 years). Six patients developed proximal DVT (incidence rate, 1.1%). None of the patients had symptomatic or fatal pulmonary embolism. Conclusion The incidence of VTE after primary THA without chemical prophylaxis can be low in Asian populations when following a fast-track rehabilitation protocol. Mechanical prophylaxis alone can be regarded as a reasonably safe practice in terms of a balanced benefit-to-risk ratio for Asian patients with standard risk of VTE.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a pivotal tool for diagnosing and risk-stratifying patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent advancements in image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have enabled the comprehensive quantitative analysis of coronary atherosclerosis. Fully quantitative assessments of coronary stenosis and lumen attenuation have improved the accuracy of assessing stenosis severity and predicting hemodynamically significant lesions. In addition to stenosis evaluation, quantitative plaque analysis plays a crucial role in predicting and monitoring CAD progression. Studies have demonstrated that the quantitative assessment of plaque subtypes based on CT attenuation provides a nuanced understanding of plaque characteristics and their association with cardiovascular events.Quantitative analysis of serial CCTA scans offers a unique perspective on the impact of medical therapies on plaque modification. However, challenges such as time-intensive analyses and variability in software platforms still need to be addressed for broader clinical implementation. The paradigm of CCTA has shifted towards comprehensive quantitative plaque analysis facilitated by technological advancements. As these methods continue to evolve, their integration into routine clinical practice has the potential to enhance risk assessment and guide individualized patient management. This article reviews the evolving landscape of quantitative plaque analysis in CCTA and explores its applications and limitations.

Methods: We used 1.0-mm interval computed tomographic scan images of 100 patients (50 men and 50 women) and screw trajectory simulation software. The diameter of all screws was set at 3.5 mm, considering its common usage in real surgery. The anatomical feasibility of placing both pedicle and laminar screws on the same side was evaluated. For all feasible sides, the three-dimensional distance between the screw entry points was measured. Results: In 85% of cases, both pedicle and laminar screws could be placed on both sides, allowing for the insertion of 4 screws. In 11% of cases, 2 screws could be placed on one side, while only 1 screw was feasible on the other side, resulting in the placement of 3 screws. In all 181 sides where both types of screws could be inserted, the distance between their entry points exceeded 16.1 mm, which was sufficient to prevent the collision between the screw heads. Conclusions C2 vertebra can accommodate three (11%) or four (85%) screws in 96% of cases.

Background: Disruption of the rotator cuff muscles compromises concavity compression force, which leads to superior migration of the humeral head and loss of stability. A novel idea of using the magnetic force to achieve shoulder stabilization in massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) was considered because the magnets can stabilize two separate entities with an attraction force. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect of the magnetic force on shoulder stabilization in MRCTs. Methods: Seven fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used with a customized shoulder testing system. Three testing conditions were set up: condition 1, intact rotator cuff without magnets; condition 2, an MRCT without magnets; condition 3, an MRCT with magnets. For each condition, anterior-posterior translation, superior translation, superior migration, and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction. The abduction capability of condition 2 was compared with that of condition 3. Results: The anterior-posterior and superior translations increased in condition 2; however, they decreased compared to condition 2 when the magnets were applied (condition 3) in multiple test positions and loadings (p <0.05). Abduction capability improved significantly in condition 3 compared with that in condition 2, even for less deltoid loading (p < 0.05). Conclusions The magnet biomechanically played a positive role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabled abduction with less deltoid force in MRCTs. However, to ensure that the magnet is clinically applicable as a stabilizer for the shoulder joint, it is necessary to thoroughly verify its safety in the human body and to conduct further research on technical challenges.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted students' lives and daily routines, resulting in increased stress and mental health issues that impact their perceived life satisfaction and self-efficacy. While life satisfaction and self-efficacy may influence student academic performance and success, current data on life satisfaction and self-efficacy in Filipino occupational therapy students is limited. Objectives: This study aims to describe the life satisfaction and self-efficacy level of occupational therapy students at a university in Metro Manila, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationship between these two variables. Methods: The study adopted an analytic cross-sectional study design and records review methodology utilizing the Student Life Survey 2021 database. Data from the survey participants who fit the study's inclusion criteria were extracted to determine their life satisfaction and self-efficacy based on their responses on the Satisfaction with Life Scale and Self-Efficacy Formative Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using measures of central tendency and dispersion were used to analyze data. Spearman-Rho correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy. Results: A total of 205 occupational therapy students completed the survey. Results reveal that the participants were slightly dissatisfied with their lives (M=18.45; SD=1.52) and that they had satisfactory or adequate self-efficacy (M=64.66; SD=1.37). An analysis of their self-efficacy scores reveals that participants had a poor belief in their personal ability (M=37.71; SD=1.33) and a satisfactory or adequate belief that their ability can grow with effort (M=26.92; SD=1.32). Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to decrease as the participants’ year level increased. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy (⍴=0.40, p<0.05). Conclusion The participants have a slightly dissatisfied level of life satisfaction and a satisfactory or adequate level of self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to have moderate correlation. Online learning adjustments, pandemic restrictions, and societal expectations are factors that may have influenced these findings, as emphasized in existing studies. This study may inform the academe in modifying existing learning environments and providing enhancement programs to deliberately target these constructs influencing overall academic performance.
Self Efficacy

Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Prothrombin ; Biomarkers