BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The global pandemic caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions, with growing evidence of the potential role of ocular tissues in viral transmission. At the time of writing, local data regarding the phenomenon was limited. This study investigated external ocular manifestations in patients with COVID-19 at a referral center in the Philippines, examined correlations between demographics, systemic manifestations, and laboratory results with ocular manifestations, and determined their timing relative to systemic symptoms.

METHODS

This single-center, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from December 8 to 18, 2020 at the adult COVID-19 wards of the Philippine General Hospital involving 72 participants. Data collection involved relevant clinical history taking and performing gross eye examination. The prevalence of ocular manifestations was described with 95% confidence intervals. Correlations between ocular manifestations and quantitative variables were analyzed with point-biserial correlation, and associations with qualitative variables were tested using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

RESULTS

Among participants, 31.9% presented with ocular manifestations with foreign body sensation as the most prevalent ocular symptom (11.1%) and conjunctival hyperemia as the most prevalent ocular finding (19.4%). The median age of patients with ocular manifestations was 41 years old with a higher prevalence in the male population (73.9%, CI=95%, p=0.001). No significant correlation was observed between presence of external ocular manifestations and the different systemic and ocular co-morbidities as well as with COVID-19 clinical classification. Among those who experienced symptoms, majority (29.2%) of the patients experienced systemic symptoms prior to the onset of ocular symptoms. Ocular complaints may present as the sole manifestation (13.9%). Several laboratory parameters were measured and only temperature and AST levels showed a low positive correlation with the presence of ocular manifestations. 

CONCLUSION

Ocular manifestations occur in roughly one third of patients with COVID-19 based on this study population. With some individuals presenting with ocular signs or symptoms as the initial and sole manifestation, healthcare practitioners must exercise caution and remain vigilant in managing patients who present as such. At the time of writing, this is the first local study investigating the different external ocular manifestations in patients with COVID-19. There is a need to pursue more robust studies and conduct more local investigations which will guide both ophthalmologists and other practitioners in strengthening existing guidelines regarding precautionary practices, clinical diagnosis, and management of COVID-19 patients.

Human ; Sars-cov-2 ; Covid-19 ; Philippines ; Adult ; Association ; Classification ; Collection ; Confidence Intervals ; Coronavirus ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Data Collection ; Demography ; Diagnosis ; Disease ; Exercise ; Eye ; Foreign Bodies ; History ; Hospitals ; Hospitals, General ; Hyperemia ; Laboratories ; Male ; Morbidity ; Ophthalmologists ; Pandemics ; Patients ; Population ; Prevalence ; Referral And Consultation ; Role ; Sensation ; Temperature ; Time ; Tissues ; Volition ; World Health Organization ; Writing

This study explores the impact of perceived stress on the academic performance of orthopaedic surgery residents in the Philippines. Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, it involved 126 residents who participated in the 2024 Philippine Board of Orthopaedics In-Service Training Examination (ITE). Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), while ITE scores served as the measure of academic performance. A significant negative correlation was identified between stress and academic performance (r = -0.3138, p = 0.00010). Residents experiencing high stress achieved lower scores (55.2%) compared to those with low to moderate stress (61.8%). Other demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status and type of training institution (public and private) were not significantly associated with stress level findings. On the other hand, key factors contributing to elevated stress included insufficient sleep (0–4 hours nightly; OR = 5.83, p = 0.0289) and limited awareness of mental health issues (OR = 13.34, p = 0.0014). These results highlight the pressing need for stress reduction initiatives, improved mental health education and strategies to address challenges posed by sleep deprivation and extensive work hours. This study provides a foundation for improving both academic outcomes and overall well-being in residency programs.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; World Health Organization ; Sleep Deprivation ; Internship And Residency ; Health Education ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Marital Status

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily. They regulate steroid secretion from mammalian granulosa cells, promote granulosa cell survival and proliferation, and inhibit follicular atresia, luteinization, and granulosa cell apoptosis, thereby promoting the development and maturation of mammalian follicles. At the same time, BMPs play an important role in embryonic morphogenesis, induction of uterine receptivity, and blastocyst attachment. This paper describes the effects of BMPs on mammalian follicular and embryonic development and the roles of BMPs in female reproduction, focusing on the process in which BMPs promote follicular maturation by regulating steroid secretion from granulosa cells during mammalian oocyte maturation. This review aims to provide a reference for further research on mammalian oocyte culture and improvement of reproductive efficiency in female animals.
Animals ; Embryonic Development/drug effects* ; Female ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/pharmacology* ; Reproduction/physiology* ; Humans ; Granulosa Cells/cytology* ; Oocytes

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome(GTPS)is a disease caused by structural lesions of the muscles,fascia,ligaments,and bursae near the greater trochanter of the femur.GTPS causes lateral hip joint pain,severely affecting patients' quality of life.Ultrasound has many advantages,such as real-time diagnosis,portable operation,non-radiation,and high resolution,demonstrating a high application value in the diagnosis and interventional therapy of GTPS.This article reviews the current status of ultrasound in the diagnosis and interventional therapy of GTPS and prospects its application.
Humans ; Ultrasonography ; Femur/diagnostic imaging* ; Hip Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Arthralgia/therapy*

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic brought insurmountable changes, leading to work demands and resource limitations that placed additional physical and occupational stress.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the change in the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort among selected university faculty members. It also determined the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, workplace conditions, and involvement in physical activity with musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 that surveyed university faculty members from Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Outcome measures include sociodemographic data, anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, workplace conditions, exercise participation, and musculoskeletal discomfort using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Data from 120 participants, mostly female, with an average BMI of 27.78 ± 12.09 kg/m2 and 11.82 ± 10.39 years of teaching experience revealed increased computer usage and reduced teaching hours during the Pandemic lockdown. There was also prevalent musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), particularly in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Factors associated with increased MSD were female gender, longer computer use, and pre pandemic MSD history.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the significance of addressing ergonomic factors and work conditions to mitigate MSD risks among educators during challenging situations.

Human ; Musculoskeletal Pain ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics ; Occupational Stress

The theory of the "Three Phases of moxibustion sensation", originating from ZHOU Meisheng's Moxibustion Cord, summarizes the clinical transmission process of moxibustion sensation into three phases: initial sensation, diffusion, and conduction. Inspired by this theory, the authors analyze factors affecting moxibustion sensation-including moxibustion temperature, location, dose, and technique-and summarize its guiding role in clinical practice. It is proposed that in clinical application, the generation pattern of the initial sensation phase can be used to judge the immediate efficacy of moxibustion and adjust treatment locations accordingly; the diffusion pattern of the diffusion phase can help assess individual moxibustion dose to ensure optimal therapeutic effects; and the conduction phase not only indicates the endpoint of moxibustion therapy but can also reveal hidden lesions and deeper pathological causes in patients. In addition, due to differences in patient constitution and disease state, the manifestation of moxibustion sensation may not always strictly follow the pattern of the "Three Phases", requiring careful clinical differentiation.
Moxibustion/methods* ; Humans ; Sensation ; Acupuncture Points

INTRODUCTION: Odour recognition is influenced by culture. Odour identification tests need to be adapted to a population to accurately assess olfactory function. This study's objectives were to validate the Singapore version of the Sniffin' Sticks (SS-Sg) and a locally-developed odour recognition test (Scentsor) for Singapore. METHOD: This prospective study was performed in 3 otolaryngology outpatient clinics in 3 phases (1 May to 15 November 2024). Phase 1 was a survey evaluation of 93 odour descriptors to identify familiar odour descriptors to be used in the tests (n=414); Phase 2 evaluated and finalised SS-Sg and Scentsor to ensure test odours were recognised by ≥75% of healthy controls (n=130); and Phase 3 validated both tests on healthy controls (n=473) to obtain normative data, to determine test-retest reliability (n=50), and to assess the ability to distinguish patients with olfactory loss (n=67). RESULTS: In Phase 1, the unmodified SS blue and purple sets had 15/32 (46.9%) unfamiliar test odours and 25 unfamiliar distractors combined. In Phase 2, after modification, all odours in SS-Sg and Scentsor were correctly identified by ≥75% of controls. In Phase 3, normative data (age 21-83 years) was obtained. Both tests had good test-retest reliability (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.88 with<0.001 for SS-Sg; and at 0.90 with<0.001 for Scentsor). Both tests differentiated among normosmia, hyposmia and anosmia (SS-Sg scores: 12.6 [±2.4] versus [vs] 9.8 (±3.2) vs 6.0 [±2.3] respectively,<0.001; Scentsor scores: 14.3 [±1.8] vs 11.3 [±2.8] vs 5.8 [±3.4] respectively,<0.001). CONCLUSION SS-Sg and Scentsor have been validated to assess olfaction in Singapore.
Humans ; Singapore ; Male ; Female ; Odorants/analysis* ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis* ; Adult ; Reproducibility of Results ; Aged ; Smell/physiology* ; Young Adult

The development of bone in human body and the maintenance of bone mass in adulthood are regulated by a variety of biological factors. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), as one of the many factors regulating bone tissue development and balance, has been shown to play a key role in bone development and metabolism. However, there is limited systematic analysis on the effects of MEF2C on bone tissue. This article reviews the role of MEF2C in bone development and metabolism. During bone development, MEF2C promotes the development of neural crest cells (NC) into craniofacial cartilage and directly promotes cartilage hypertrophy. In terms of bone metabolism, MEF2C exhibits a differentiated regulatory model across different types of osteocytes, demonstrating both promoting and other potential regulatory effects on bone formation, with its stimulating effect on osteoclasts being determined. In view of the complex roles of MEF2C in bone tissue, this paper also discusses its effects on some bone diseases, providing valuable insights for the physiological study of bone tissue and strategies for the prevention of bone diseases.
Humans ; MEF2 Transcription Factors/physiology* ; Bone and Bones/metabolism* ; Animals ; Bone Development/physiology* ; Osteogenesis/physiology* ; Myogenic Regulatory Factors/physiology*

Tujia ethnic group medicine Xuetong is derived from Kadsura heteroclita, the stem of which has the medicinal value for anti-rheumatoid arthritis, liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation effects, and has been widely used in Hunan and Guangdong in China. The selection of reliable and stable reference genes is the basis for subsequent molecular research on K. heteroclita. In this study, GAPDH, TUA, Actin, UBQ, EF-1α, 18S-rRNA, CYP, UBC, TUB, H2A, and RPL were selected as candidate reference genes in Kadsura heteroclita. The gene expression levels of the 11 candidate reference genes of K. heteroclita in its 6 different parts(stem-inside of the cambium, stem-outside of the cambium, fruit, flower, root, and leaf) and under different intervention conditions [drought stress, salt stress, and methyl jasmonate(MeJA) treatment] were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). The expression stability of the 11 candidate reference genes was comprehensively analyzed and evaluated by geNorm, NormFinder, ΔCT algorithm, and RefFinder software. The results showed that the expression of UBC and RPL was relatively stable in 6 different parts, and UBC and GAPDH genes were relatively stable under different intervention conditions. To verify the reliability of reference genes for K. heteroclita, this study further examined the relative expression levels of KhFPS, KhIDI, KhCAS, KhSQE, KhSQS, KhSQS-2, KhHMGS, KhHMGR, KhMVD, KhMVK, KhDXR, KhDXS, KhPMVK, and KhGGPS in different parts and under different intervention conditions, which might relate to the synthesis of the main component(Xuetongsu) of K. heteroclita. The results showed that with UBC and RPL or UBC and GAPDH as the reference genes, the expression trends of these 14 genes were basically consistent in different parts or under different intervention conditions for K. heteroclita. In conclusion, UBC can be used as a reference gene of K. heteroclita for its different parts and different intervention conditions, which lays a foundation for further research on the biosynthetic pathway of main components in K. heteroclita.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Reference Standards ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

The zebrafish model has attracted much attention due to its strong reproductive ability, short research cycle, and ease of maintenance. It has always been an important vertebrate model system, often used to carry out human disease research. Its motor behavior features have the advantages of being simpler, more intuitive, and quantifiable. In recent years, it has received widespread attention in the study of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for the treatment of sleep disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, fatigue, epilepsy, and other diseases. This paper reviews the characteristics of zebrafish motor behavior and its applications in the pharmacodynamic verification and mechanism research of TCM extracts, active ingredients, and TCM compounds, as well as in active ingredient screening and safety evaluation. The paper also analyzes its advantages and disadvantages, with the aim of improving the breadth and depth of zebrafish and its motor behavior applications in the field of TCM research.
Zebrafish/physiology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods* ; Animals ; Sleep Wake Disorders/physiopathology* ; Epilepsy/physiopathology* ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/physiopathology* ; Fatigue/physiopathology* ; Behavior, Animal/physiology* ; Motor Activity/physiology*