Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare soft tissue sarcomas with poor prognosis due to their high recurrence rates. The prevalence of MPNST in the general population is 0.001%, with tumors arising from the retroperitoneum accounting for only 1% of all MPNSTs. In this report, we present a case of a 59-year-old male with pancreatic MPNST. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of pancreatic MPNST in the Philippines.

The patient initially presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, weight loss, and anorexia. On abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, a large cystic mass involving the pancreatic head and body, with an enhancing peripheral solid component in the superior region was seen. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy, en bloc splenectomy and excision of duodenal cyst. Post-operative histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining were consistent with pancreatic MPNST with tumor very near the margin of resection adjacent to the portal vein. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not performed due to lack of evidence of benefit over risk for this population. Disease recurrence (nodal-peritoneal metastases) was noted six months post-operatively and he was given palliative chemotherapy with single-agent doxorubicin. However, disease progression was noted after five cycles of chemotherapy. Second-line regimen was planned but the patient died of a pulmonary embolism prior to the initiation of chemotherapy.

Due to the rarity and highly aggressive nature of MPNSTs, furthering knowledge on these tumors is important, particularly in their inclusion among the differential diagnoses for pancreatic tumors. Prompt diagnosis and histopathologic confirmation by a pathologist specializing in sarcomas are crucial in the treatment planning and prognostication of these tumors. Lastly, further studies are needed to establish more effective treatments in unresectable or metastatic disease.

BACKGROUND

Graduating student nurses are crucial to healthcare delivery, yet concerns about their clinical performance persist. They often face challenges translating theoretical knowledge into practice, leading to a theory-practice gap. Clinical competence is essential for ensuring safe and effective nursing care.

This study assessed the clinical competence of graduating student nurses in HEIs within Baguio City. It specifically evaluated their proficiency in professional behavior, general performance, core nursing competency, and advanced nursing skills. Additionally, it examined whether significant differences in clinical competence existed based on sex, area of duty, and accreditation status.

A descriptive-quantitative non-experimental research design was employed. The study surveyed 285 graduating student nurses from six HEIs in Baguio City, selected through fishbowl sampling. Data was collected using the Clinical Competence Questionnaire (CCQ), a 47-item questionnaire with an I-CVI rating of 1.0 and a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.94. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Welch's T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Welch's ANOVA.

Students demonstrated high competence with the following means: 4.42 in nursing professional behaviors, 4.32 in general performance, 4.35 in core nursing skills, and 3.92 in advanced nursing skills. While the results were interpreted as high competence, specific advanced nursing skills require further enhancement. No significant differences (p-value < 0.05) in clinical competence were found concerning sex (0.38), duty area (0.92), or accreditation status (0.07).

Graduating student nurses show high competency upon entering level IV, emphasizing ongoing skill development for quality patient care. Both genders exhibit proficiency, indicating fair training and effective education regardless of duty area exposure and accreditation status.

Background: Accreditation of healthcare institutions serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring patient safety and validating the quality of medical services provided to the population. At Intermed Hospital, a quality measurement system for healthcare services has been established since 2015, encompassing 126 quality indicators at both institutional and departmental levels. This system facilitates continuous quality improvement efforts. In this context, quality indicators specific to the endoscopy department play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the quality of endoscopic services. Aim: To assess the quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted by collecting data from the Intermed hospital’s electronic information systems which included HIS and PACS and Quality and Safety Department’s Database and the results were processed using the SPSS software. Ethical approval was granted by the Intermed hospital’s Scientific research committee. The quality of endoscopic services in the Intermed hospital was assessed based on: a) the average values of four quality indicators measured monthly; b) sample survey data from five categories of quality indicators. Results : Between 2016 and 2024, the quality indicators of the endoscopy unit measured as the level of early warning score evaluations for patients was 95.97%±3.33, the level of cases where peripheral blood oxygen saturation decreased during sedation was 1.54%±3.78, the level of cases where patients experienced paradoxiical response during sedation was 5.82%±1.75, surveillance culturing level for validation of endoscopy reprocessing was 11.6%. The endoscopic documentation quality by peer review showed 95.7-100%, the colonoscopy quality indicators were followings as adenoma detection rate: 24.5% Cecal intubation rate: 99.1%, 95.2%, Colonoscope withdrawal average time: 13.28±10.62 minutes, Bowel preparation quality (Boston Scale): 89.3% 95.7%), patient discharge from the recovery room, Average discharge time post-procedure: With propofol alone: 30.92 minutes; With propofol and fentanyl combined: 31.52 minutes, The intermediate risk was 0.28% by the TROOPS evaluation during procedural sedation. Conclusion The quality benchmark levels for these endoscopic units, as determined by a single-center study, can be effectively implemented by benchmark endoscopy centers to enhance their quality and safety operations.

Background/Aims: This study aims to investigate the association between Binge Eating Disorder and functional dyspepsia in a Mexican population, focusing on symptomatology and demographic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1016 subjects, evaluating binge eating disorder (BED) and functional dyspepsia based on the Rome IV criteria. Data collection included sociodemographic information, gastrointestinal symptom severity, and anxiety/depression screening using validated tools. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with the 2 test was conducted for comparison analysis. Results: The prevalence of dyspepsia in BED was 53.6% (95% CI, 46-56). Postprandial fullness (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06-2.17; P = 0.021) and overlap syndrome (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.25-2.60; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with BED. Patients with BED also presented more severe postprandial distress syndrome (P = 0.027). Anxiety was prevalent in BED patients, while depression was more prominent in patients with BED and dyspepsia overlap. Conclusions BED patients have a high prevalence of dyspepsia with an association between postprandial fullness and this eating disorder. BED appears to be more prevalent in younger individuals and males. These findings underscore the importance of considering dyspepsia in the management of BED and highlight the need for further research on this association.

Background/Aims: This study aims to investigate the association between Binge Eating Disorder and functional dyspepsia in a Mexican population, focusing on symptomatology and demographic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1016 subjects, evaluating binge eating disorder (BED) and functional dyspepsia based on the Rome IV criteria. Data collection included sociodemographic information, gastrointestinal symptom severity, and anxiety/depression screening using validated tools. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with the 2 test was conducted for comparison analysis. Results: The prevalence of dyspepsia in BED was 53.6% (95% CI, 46-56). Postprandial fullness (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06-2.17; P = 0.021) and overlap syndrome (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.25-2.60; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with BED. Patients with BED also presented more severe postprandial distress syndrome (P = 0.027). Anxiety was prevalent in BED patients, while depression was more prominent in patients with BED and dyspepsia overlap. Conclusions BED patients have a high prevalence of dyspepsia with an association between postprandial fullness and this eating disorder. BED appears to be more prevalent in younger individuals and males. These findings underscore the importance of considering dyspepsia in the management of BED and highlight the need for further research on this association.

Background/Aims: This study aims to investigate the association between Binge Eating Disorder and functional dyspepsia in a Mexican population, focusing on symptomatology and demographic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1016 subjects, evaluating binge eating disorder (BED) and functional dyspepsia based on the Rome IV criteria. Data collection included sociodemographic information, gastrointestinal symptom severity, and anxiety/depression screening using validated tools. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with the 2 test was conducted for comparison analysis. Results: The prevalence of dyspepsia in BED was 53.6% (95% CI, 46-56). Postprandial fullness (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06-2.17; P = 0.021) and overlap syndrome (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.25-2.60; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with BED. Patients with BED also presented more severe postprandial distress syndrome (P = 0.027). Anxiety was prevalent in BED patients, while depression was more prominent in patients with BED and dyspepsia overlap. Conclusions BED patients have a high prevalence of dyspepsia with an association between postprandial fullness and this eating disorder. BED appears to be more prevalent in younger individuals and males. These findings underscore the importance of considering dyspepsia in the management of BED and highlight the need for further research on this association.

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer incidence has risen in recent decades, with excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure being a significant factor, especially among athletes involved in outdoor sports. This study examines differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sun exposure and protection between urban and rural college track and field athletes.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Philippines with 60 college track and field athletes selected through nonprobability convenience sampling. A questionnaire, adapted from two local studies, assessed KAP regarding sun exposure. The final questionnaire was then distributed via Google Forms. Pearson’s correlation assessed the relationships between KAP.

Urban and rural athletes lacked adequate knowledge about sun exposure and protection, though urban athletes had a slightly higher knowledge score. Urban athletes exhibited more desirable attitudes toward sun protection. Both the groups showed inadequate sun protection practices. Social media was the most common source of information.

This study found that while locality does not determine sun protection practices, urban athletes showed more positive attitudes. Greater knowledge was linked to better attitudes but did not always translate into improved practices. Addressing barriers that hinder the application of sun protection knowledge is essential to bridging this gap and promoting consistent sun safety behaviors, especially among athletes who engage in outdoor sports.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Nurses comprise the majority of the health workforce in the Philippines. Previous studies revealed that nurses manifest negative mental health outcomes exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) of nurses in the Philippines and their workplace psychosocial support interventions during the pandemic. The ProQOL measures compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS).

A self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated by the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. to affiliated nurses via email and Facebook posts. Out of 713 responses, 239 were eligible with their data analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc pairwise multiple comparisons.

Respondents were found to have high CS (41.95 [SD 5.97]), moderate BO (23.56 [SD 6.07]), and moderate STS (26.62 [SD 8.18]). The most reported intervention was policies on confidentiality of workers’ mental health (84.94%) while the least reported was community engagements under the hospital’s mental health program (61.51%). ProQOL scores significantly differed in CS by age (p=0.011), position (p=0.044) and monthly income (p=0.016), BO by age (p=0.001) and years with current employer (p=0.009), and STS by region (p=0.017) and area of assignment (p=0.015). The existence of interventions yielded significant increase in CS and decrease in BO scores.

Nurses in the Philippines exhibit high and favorable ProQOL during the pandemic. The majority of respondents reported the presence of workplace interventions which yield significant differences in CS and BO. The findings highlight the importance of workplace psychosocial support interventions and the need to strengthen implementation.

RATIONALE

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Overall, strategies focus on modifiable risk factors such as reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure through physical, topical or systemic protection. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude and practices of Filipino patients on UV index in relation to sun protection is unavailable.

The objective of this study is to improve sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

The study will be conducted among patients at the outpatient department of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology, after UV index education. Patients who will be included are aged 18 to 65 years old, belonging to both sexes and able to understand English or Filipino. The exclusion criteria includes children, elderly greater than the age of 65, prisoners, mentally handicapped or those with incurable diseases.

3 weeks 

The outcome is the improvement in sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

Background: A 2024 study by the National Statistical Office of Mongolia indicate an incidence rate of 38.8 per 100 000 population, with a total of 8169 new cancer cases diagnosed, of which 16.2% are gastric cancers. Notably, 64.4% of these diagnoses are made at advanced stages.2 Surgical intervention remains one of the most effective treatments for gastric cancer. Early-stage surgery confers a 5-year survival rate of 60-80%, whereas late-stage diagnosis reduces this to 18-50%.5 This study aims to investigate the causes, types, and contributing factors of postgastrectomy anemia in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer in Mongolia, where no prior study has been conducted on this topic. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed all patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia from 2022 to 2024. Data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical signs of anemia, and comorbidities were collected from medical records and confirmed by direct examination. Results: A total of 788 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer were included in the study, of whom 70.5% were male and 29.5% female, aged 22–70 years (mean age 46 years). Among the total cases, 461 patients underwent total gastrectomy, 128 had distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunal anastomosis, 39 underwent partial gastrectomy, 3 had gastrectomy with duodenal anastomosis, 5 underwent gastrectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis, and 6 underwent bypass procedures. Conclusions Postoperative monitoring after gastric surgery was insufficient, and there was a tendency for anemia to progress.