1.Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Assessment of Unvaccinated Adult In-patients Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines: A Cross-sectional Study.
Charity May B. Pazziwagan ; Emmeline B. Borillo
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):78-87
OBJECTIVES
his quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices
regarding COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated adult patients admitted at Region II Trauma and Medical Center
(R2TMC). This may help determine the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 vaccination, address it, and to achieve
the goal to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos. Furthermore, this may also be a springboard for future researches and
management regarding novel infections needing new vaccinations.
Collected data from the sample size of 197 using the formula for finite population with 95% confidence
level, population proportion of 50%, population size of 400, allowing 5% margin of error were summarized in a
Microsoft excel database and tables, then were analyzed using Jamovi version 2.6.22 software. Frequency, mean,
and standard deviation were calculated to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices; Pearson correlation and
Kendall’s Tau b correlation for its relationship.
There is moderate level of knowledge (MS: 9.80-11.8), a positive attitude (MR: 2.35-2.60), and good preventive
practices (MS: 12.00-13.00) regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among the unvaccinated adult in-patients
of R2TMC post-pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices statistically differed (pCONCLUSION
There is a significant correlation among the knowledge of the respondents about COVID-19 vaccination,
their attitude towards it, and their practices, implying that promoting preventive behaviors toward COVID-19 would
require promoting both knowledge and efficacy beliefs among the public.
Human ; Bacteria ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Population Density ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Forecasting ; Sars-cov-2 ; Sars Virus ; Covid-19
2.Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma in a Posttraumatic Contusion Eyeball in a 7-year-old Filipino Male: A Case Report.
Aramis B. Torrefranca ; Angel Antonette L. Devocio ; Mary Caroline E. Magboo ; Allan Joseph D. Limbago ; Mariel B. Abaquita
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):99-103
Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma is an extremely rare form of retinoblastoma which is characterized by its atypical growth pattern. This unusual presentation adds complexity to the diagnostic process. The purpose of this paper is to report a rare presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma presenting after an ocular trauma. We described a 7-year-old Filipino boy presenting with total hyphema following an ocular trauma. Comprehensive ophthalmologic clinical and diagnostic evaluations were performed including visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, ocular ultrasound, neuroimaging, and histopathology post enucleation to determine diagnosis. The misleading, atypical presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma may delay diagnosis. While this dilemma is expected in these scenarios, it should be remembered that timing of diagnosis in retinoblastoma is crucial, as this also equates to optimal management. One should remain vigilant for these uncommon presentations especially in the setting of any intraocular inflammation in children.
Human ; Male ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Visual Acuity ; Retinoblastoma ; Research Report ; Neuroimaging ; Inflammation ; Hyphema ; Contusions
3.Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis and vaccination reactions in a Filipino child: A case report.
Anne Camilley T. CUMAGUN-YAPTINCHA ; Maria Lourdes H. PALMERO
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2026;10(1):1928-1933
INTRODUCTION
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare and severe form of cutaneous mastocytosis which may present in the neonatal period; thus early recognition is essential. Symptoms of mastocytosis are exacerbated by mast cell degranulating agents more commonly from heat, friction, local trauma, drugs and food. This is a case of DCM presenting with bullous eruptions after immunization.
CASE REPORTAn 11-month-old boy presented with generalized erythematous to hyperpigmented macules and patches initially at birth, with progression to bullous eruptions immediately after immunization without any systemic symptoms. Biopsy revealed superficial and deep mixed cell infiltrates consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes and numerous mast cells. Giemsa stain highlighted the metachromatic mast cell granules. Serum tryptase was elevated by 13 times (130 ug/L). The patient was prescribed oral antihistamines and topical steroids that offered good response. Avoidance of all potential triggers was instructed.
DISCUSSIONThe extensive cutaneous involvement in DCM (generalized erythema, diffuse papules that develop pachyderma, darker skin, peau d’orange) are due to the diffuse infiltration of the dermis with mast cells, accompanied with an elevated serum tryptase.
Unique to this local case are exacerbations triggered by vaccination. There is literature to support evidence of vaccination reactions to pentavalent vaccine in children with DCM though the pathway associated with mast cell degranulation after immunization has not yet been specified.
It is advised that patients with DCM follow scheduled immunization guidelines with precautionary measures.
Human ; Male ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Wounds And Injuries ; Research Report ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; Mastocytosis, Cutaneous ; Hot Temperature
4.Trauma prevention care in natural disaster-prone areas: Concept analysis.
Eriyono Budi Wijoyo ; Mustikasari
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(2):73-83
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Natural disasters occur frequently in Indonesia, so the community must understand the impact of these disasters. Nurses, on the other hand, can perform trauma prevention care and carry out interventions in areas prone to natural disasters. The concept of trauma prevention care is not new in nursing. However, it needs to be analyzed further because there are still unclear definitions and inconsistencies in its implementation.
This study aims to describe the concept of trauma prevention care using the Walker & Avant analysis method.
METHODSThe Walker and Avant concept analysis method was used which consists of eight systematic steps. Information sources include electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, EBSCO, and SAGE, for articles published from January 2006 to June 2024. Embase was searched for the terms "trauma prevention," AND "trauma prevention care," AND "trauma prevention natural disasters."
RESULTSThe literature search identified 80 articles in the fields of medicine, nursing, sociology, and psychology. After analysis, 13 articles were selected for this study. Data extraction and analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Trauma prevention care is defined as 1) knowledge, 2) recognition, 3) caring, 4) respect, and 5) communication. The idea of antecedents includes trauma, education, and skills, while consequences comprise assessment, safety, resources, psychological stress, unidentified trauma, and limitations of nurses.
CONCLUSIONUnderstanding the attributes of trauma prevention care, along with its antecedents and consequences, can facilitate development in nursing practice. This concept of trauma prevention care can be used to conduct trauma assessment and prevention in natural disaster-prone areas to minimize the impact that will occur.
Natural Disasters ; Wounds And Injuries
5.Local understandings and first aid responses to burn injuries: A phenomenological study in an urban Indonesian community.
Hardin La Ramba ; Yarwin Yari ; Ulfa Nur Rohmah ; Fitri Diana Astuti ; Fransiska Anita Ekawati Rahayu Sa&rsquo ; pang ; Indra Gilang Pamungkas ; Kristoforus Marselinus
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):107-114
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.
OBJECTIVESThis qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.
METHODSThe study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTSThree (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.
CONCLUSIONCommunity knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.
Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population
6.Outcomes of the survivors of combat related penetrating brain injury in a tertiary care military facility from a low to moderate income country.
Christopher Brian M. Reyes ; Rhoby U. Orata ; Abdul-aziz D. Ontok
Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2026;81(1):8-17
BACKGROUND
Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is a leading cause of combat mortality but local outcome data is limited. The authors examined combat-related PBI cases to describe patient characteristics and identify clinical and radiologic predictors of functional recovery
METHODSThis is a retrospective cohort study of military personnel aged 18–56 years with combat-related PBI referred to VLGH AFPMC between January 2017 to June 2022. The authors collected demographics data, injury mechanism, pre-hospital and transfer details, admission clinical and radiologic findings, treatments, and follow-up outcomes. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), dichotomized into unfavorable (GOS 1–3) and favorable (GOS 4–5), was used to assess functional status. Associations were tested with Fisher’s Exact Test.
RESULTSThirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria: 31 survivors with follow-up and 6 who died in hospital. All were male; gunshot wounds accounted for 81% of injuries. At a median follow-up of 27 months, among survivors, 74% had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 and 45% achieved good recovery (GOS 5). Pre-hospital timing measures (evacuation time, interval to surgery, and transfer delays) were not significantly associated with outcome. Favorable outcomes correlated strongly with higher admission GCS (p < 0.001), preserved baseline motor function (p < 0.001), smaller hemorrhage volume (p = 0.01), and injury limited to a single lobe (p < 0.001). Unfavorable outcomes were associated with intracranial infection, post-traumatic seizures, and need for multiple surgeries (all p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONFunctional recovery after combat-related PBI in this cohort was principally determined by initial neurologic status, injury extent, and subsequent complications The lack of association with pre-hospital timing possibly reflects survivorship bias and incomplete capture of early fatalities.
Human ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Glasgow Outcome Scale ; Wounds, Gunshot ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic
7.Advances of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in the past decade.
Liping FU ; Lixia YUAN ; Jie WANG ; Xuelan CHEN ; Guizhi KE ; Yu HUANG ; Xinyi YANG ; Gang LIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):661-668
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are characterized by extensive pathological involvement and high prevalence and cause a significant disease burden. Long-term drug administration often causes by adverse effects with poor therapeutic efficacy. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), as a specialized therapeutic modality, delivers acoustic energy at a low intensity in a pulsed wave mode, thus ensuring stable energy transmission to the target tissues while minimizing thermal effects. This non-invasive approach has demonstrated significant potential for MSD treatment by delivering effective physical stimulations. Extensive animal and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of LIPUS for accelerating the healing process of fresh fractures and nonunions, promoting soft tissue regeneration and suppressing inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence suggests promising applications of LIPUS in skeletal muscle injury treatment and promoting tissue regeneration and repair. This review outlines the recent advancements and mechanistic studies of LIPUS for treatment of common MSDs including fractures, nonunions, muscle injuries, and osteoarthritis, addressing also the technical parameters of commercially available LIPUS devices, current therapeutic approaches, the existing challenges, and future research directions.
Humans
;
Ultrasonic Therapy/methods*
;
Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy*
;
Ultrasonic Waves
;
Osteoarthritis/therapy*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/injuries*
8.Monotropein improves motor function of mice with spinal cord injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to suppress neuronal apoptosis.
Yue CHEN ; Linyu XIAO ; Lü REN ; Xue SONG ; Jing LI ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):774-784
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of monotropein on motor function recovery of mice with spinal cord injury (SCI) and explore the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Forty-five adult female C57BL/6 mice were randomized equally into sham operation group, SCI group, and SCI group with daily intraperitoneal monotropein injection. The mice in the former two groups received daily saline injections. Motor function of the mice was evaluated using BMS scores, slant plate test, and footprint analyses. Pathological changes and neuronal counts in the spinal cord were observed using HE, LFB, and Nissl staining. The biological functions of monotropein were explored using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. NeuN/cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the spinal cord of the mice. In cultured HT22 cells, the effect of monotropein on TNF-α-induced cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining and Western blotting. In monotropein-treated HT22 cells and SCI mice, the changes in the PI3K/AKT pathway were examined, and the effect of a PI3K/AKT pathway activator (IGF-1) on HT22 cell apoptosis and motor function recovery of SCI mice were observed.
RESULTS:
SCI mice with monotropein treatment showed significantly improved motor functions with reduced SCI areas and increased myelin retention and neuron counts in the spinal cord. Bioinformatics analysis suggested a role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mediating the anti-apoptotic effects of monotropein. In SCI mice, monotropein obviously reduced apoptotic neurons, decreased expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression in the spinal cord. In HT22 cells, monotropein significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced apoptosis and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Treatment with IGF-1 obviously increased apoptosis of HT22 cells and exacerbated locomotor dysfunction in SCI mice.
CONCLUSIONS
Monotropein promotes motor function recovery in SCI mice by reducing neuronal apoptosis possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Neurons/pathology*
;
Recovery of Function
9.Orexin-A promotes motor function recovery of rats with spinal cord injury by regulating ionotropic glutamate receptors.
Guanglü HE ; Wanyu CHU ; Yan LI ; Xin SHENG ; Hao LUO ; Aiping XU ; Mingjie BIAN ; Huanhuan ZHANG ; Mengya WANG ; Chao ZHENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1023-1030
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of orexin-A-mediated regulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors for promoting motor function recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).
METHODS:
Thirty-six newborn SD rats (aged 7-14 days) were randomized into 6 groups (n=6), including a normal control group, a sham-operated group, and 4 SCI groups with daily intrathecal injection of saline, DNQX, orexin-A, or orexin-A+DNQX for 3 consecutive days after PCI. Motor function of the rats were evaluated using blood-brain barrier (BBB) score and inclined plane test 1 day before and at 1, 3, and 7 days after SCI. For patch-clamp experiment, spinal cord slices from newborn rats in the control, sham-operated, SCI, and SCI+orexin groups were prepared, and ventral horn neurons were acutely isolated to determine the reversal potential and dynamic indicators of glutamate receptor-mediated currents under glutamate perfusion.
RESULTS:
At 3 and 7 days after SCI, the orexin-A-treated rats showed significantly higher BBB scores and grip tilt angles than those with other interventions. Compared with those treated with DNQX alone, the rats receiving the combined treatment with orexin and DNQX had significantly higher BBB scores and grip tilt angles on day 7 after PCI. In the patch-clamp experiment, the ventral horn neurons from SCI rat models exhibited obviously higher reversal potential and greater rise slope of glutamate current with shorter decay time than those from sham-operated and orexin-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS
Orexin-A promotes motor function recovery in rats after SCI possibly by improving the function of the ionotropic glutamate receptors.
Animals
;
Spinal Cord Injuries/drug therapy*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Receptors, Ionotropic Glutamate/metabolism*
;
Recovery of Function/drug effects*
;
Orexins/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Animals, Newborn
;
Neuropeptides/pharmacology*
;
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/pharmacology*
10.Intraoperative renal collecting system damage increases risks of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy: a 1∶2 propensity-matched case-control study.
Yanzhong LIU ; Run ZHU ; Yuzhu LI ; Xin MA ; Haixing MAI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1880-1888
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy and its risk factors.
METHODS:
We retrospectively analyzed baseline patient characteristics (age, gender, and body mass index), smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and cardiovascular diseases), preoperative tumor conditions (tumor diameter, multiple foci, location, hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic changes, and endophytic growth), preoperative glomerular filtration rate and intraoperative factors (renal collecting system damage, ischemia time, operation time, surgical approach, and estimated intraoperative blood loss) to identify the risk factors for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy in our center.
RESULTS:
The overall incidence of upper urinary tract stones following partial nephrectomy was 7.80% (112/1435). The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones was significantly higher than those of contralateral stones (4.95% vs 1.46%, P<0.001) and bilateral stones (4.95% vs 1.39%, P<0.001). Intraoperative damage to the renal collecting system was identified as a significant risk factor for ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones (OR=4.550, 95% CI: 2.237-9.252, P<0.001). Diabetes was a probable risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy (OR=2.419, 95% CI: 0.973-6.012, P=0.057).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy is higher than that of contralateral and bilateral stones. Intraoperative renal collecting system damage is a risk factor for secondary ipsilateral upper urinary tract stones after partial nephrectomy.
Humans
;
Nephrectomy/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Male
;
Female
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Kidney Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Intraoperative Complications
;
Kidney Tubules, Collecting/injuries*
;
Propensity Score
;
Incidence
;
Kidney Calculi/etiology*
;
Urinary Calculi/epidemiology*


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