Acta Informatica Medica[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Justification of Screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Elderly Population Through Clinical and Financial Cost-benefit Analysis.
Djedovic M, Banjanovic B, Hadzimehmedagic A … +5 more , Karabdic IH, Selimovic T, Kurtagic D, Kabil E, Straus S
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 40223848 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition of reduced blood flow through the arteries. Early detection and prevention of PAD, especially in at-risk populations, is crucial to reducing morbidity...
BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition of reduced blood flow through the arteries. Early detection and prevention of PAD, especially in at-risk populations, is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the clinical feasibility of vascular ultrasound screening for early detection of PAD, as well as potential financial savings through preventive measures. METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospectively designed cross-sectional study with retrospective sample analysis, in which the sample consisted of 826 patients over 60 years of age, of both sexes, divided into two groups, conducted from January 2023 to May 2024. RESULTS: The study included 826 patients aged 60 and over, divided into two groups after ultrasound examination of the arteries (Group A with atherosclerosis /63.8%/; Group B - without atherosclerosis /36.2%/). The average age was 65.44±5.9 years, 60-65 years was 64.3%, and over 65 years was 35.7%. A statistically significant difference was recorded between the analyzed groups in terms of comorbidities and risk factors. We found that age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking and chronic obstructive disease have a significant relationship with the degree of atherosclerosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the age of the subjects, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and smoking are significant predictors of atherosclerosis. The prevalence for hemodynamically significant stenosis of ACI/ACC was 5.0%, for peripheral arteries 4.2%, the prevalence of aneurysm abdominal aorta (>3 cm) was 2.3%, and 0.5% for diameter >5 cm. CONCLUSION: The results show the high efficiency of ultrasound diagnostics in identifying asymptomatic patients with advanced atherosclerosis, emphasizing the need for better organization of preventive programs, which could lead to potential savings in healthcare costs through earlier detection and treatment.
The Red-cell Transfusion Strategy Dilemma in Critically Ill Patients in ICU: Is Restrictive or Liberal the Answer?
Wisnawa ADF, Aryabiantara IW, Senapathi TGA … +1 more , Widnyana IMG
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 40223847 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The primary therapeutic approach for promptly increasing haemoglobin concentration is red blood cell transfusion. However, the risk associated with RBC transfusion and the overall accessibility exhibit signif...
BACKGROUND: The primary therapeutic approach for promptly increasing haemoglobin concentration is red blood cell transfusion. However, the risk associated with RBC transfusion and the overall accessibility exhibit significant variation. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis evaluates the comparison and outcome of restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies in intensive care unit. METHODS: A comprehensive search was carried out on various databases, including CENTRAL, PubMed, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect for randomized control clinical trials evaluating the comparison of clinical outcomes of restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies in critically ill patients. The primary outcomes measure was mortality, which included ICU mortality and hospital mortality. In addition, data were pooled using random-effect models and heterogeneity was evaluated through I statistics. RESULTS: Out of 15 eligible RCTs obtained, involving 12,439 patients. The result demonstrated no significant difference of restrictive red-cell transfusion strategy over liberal red-cell transfusion strategy in reducing mortality outcomes with a pooled effect size (relative risk [RR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 - 1.08; I2 = 0%, indicating minimal to no difference. Similarly, analyses of secondary outcomes identified no significant differences in several clinical results. CONCLUSION: This present meta-analysis provides evidence that restrictive red-cell transfusion strategy doesn't significantly difference in overall mortality and several secondary clinical results of critically ill patients in ICU compared to liberal red-cell transfusion strategy. Otherwise, restrictive transfusion strategy lowered RBC transfusion requirements, and was expected to be more cost-effective.
Knowledge and Competency of Chest Tube Insertion Among Medical Students and Interns in Saudi Arabia.
Almulhim M, Alhamaid YA, Alsharif SS … +7 more , Alsulaimi LL, Julidan BK, Alotaibi LO, Alotaibi RJ, Aljamaan SI, Altamimi LO, Alali A
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624472 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Chest tube insertion (CTI) is a vital procedure in the management of chest trauma and pleural diseases. Challenges associated with CTI often stem from an inadequate understanding of relevant anatomy and unsaf...
BACKGROUND: Chest tube insertion (CTI) is a vital procedure in the management of chest trauma and pleural diseases. Challenges associated with CTI often stem from an inadequate understanding of relevant anatomy and unsafe procedural practices. Despite is importance, there is a noticeable lack of data on the current state of CTI competence and knowledge among medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the knowledge and competency of CTI among medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students and interns across various locations in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through a comprehensive questionnaire that evaluated participants' knowledge, practical experience, training and education, as well as their attitudes and beliefs regarding CTI. RESULTS: A total of 413 medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia participated in the study, with 58.1% currently in their clinical years (Years 4-5). The findings revealed that only 35.6% demonstrated adequate knowledge about CTI. Regarding training and education, 53.5% of participants believed that the instruction they received on CTI was sufficient. Additionally, the majority (61.0%) expressed a positive attitude towards CTI, recognising its importance. However, a striking 88.4% reported having no experience performing a CTI independently, with the most commonly reported challenge being "insufficient practice opportunities" (73.6%). CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the necessity for targeted education to address knowledge deficits and enhance procedural competency, thereby improving clinical safety.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approach to Identify and Investigate the Mechanisms of Active Components of Areca Catechu in Relation to Gut Disorders.
Ariestine DA, Sari DK, Siahaan L … +5 more , Widyawati T, Ahmad WANW, Rusda M, Sari MD, Sofyani S
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624471 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Gut disorders present a considerable worldwide health challenge, and increasing attention is being paid to natural substances as prospective treatment agents. OBJECTIVE: This research utilizes network pharmac...
BACKGROUND: Gut disorders present a considerable worldwide health challenge, and increasing attention is being paid to natural substances as prospective treatment agents. OBJECTIVE: This research utilizes network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to examine the mechanisms of active compounds from Areca catechu in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. METHODS: Employing a comprehensive methodology, we evaluated active compounds from A. catechu, conducted drug-likeness and ADMET assessments, and identified principal protein targets linked to gastrointestinal diseases. RESULTS: Utilizing a protein-protein interaction network, gene ontology enrichment, and KEGG pathway analysis, we identified that chemicals from A. catechu are significantly associated with metabolic activities, including cholesterol metabolism, fat digestion and absorption, and the PPAR signaling pathway. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to evaluate the binding affinities and stability of selected compounds with three pivotal proteins: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein large subunit (MTP). Among the compounds analyzed, catechin emerged as the most promising candidate, exhibiting the highest binding affinity and exceptional stability in inhibiting all three target proteins. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that catechin from Areca catechu holds significant potential as a therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorders, acting through the modulation of critical metabolic and inflammatory pathways. This study underscores the importance of natural compounds in developing novel treatments for complex gastrointestinal conditions.
IOL Power Calculation Formulas in Post-LASIK Eyes Using Two Biometry Systems in Vietnam.
Khanh TN, Anh BTV, Thuy PTT
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624470 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery aims to restore clear vision by replacing the clouded crystalline lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Accurate IOL power calculation is crucial to achieve desirable postoperative refractive...
BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery aims to restore clear vision by replacing the clouded crystalline lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Accurate IOL power calculation is crucial to achieve desirable postoperative refractive outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the predictive accuracy of multiple intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in eyes with prior LASIK surgery using two biometric devices, LenStar 900 and IOLMaster 500, combined with immersion ultrasound (US). METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 37 eyes of 29 patients who underwent previous LASIK and subsequent cataract surgery. Biometric measurements included axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness, which were obtained using LenStar 900 (19 eyes) or IOLMaster 500 combined with US (18 eyes). IOL power was calculated using the Shammas PL, Haigis-L, Barrett TK no history, Shammas Cooke, and EVO 2.0 (without PK1/PK2). The mean absolute error (MAE) at 3 months postoperatively was assessed for each formula within each device group. RESULTS: For LenStar 900, the MAE ranged from 0.389 ± 0.329 D (Barrett TK no history) to 0.574 ± 0.689 D (Shammas Cooke), with no significant differences among the formulas. For IOLMaster 500 + US, the MAE ranged from 0.423 ± 0.210 D (Barrett TK no history) to 0.601 ± 0.510 D (Shammas Cooke). Comparisons between devices revealed significantly lower MAE with LenStar 900 for Shammas PL, Shammas Cooke, and EVO 2.0, whereas differences for Haigis-L and Barrett TK showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: IOL power prediction in post-LASIK eyes varied according to the biometry device. Barrett TK had no history, and EVO performed well with LenStar 900, while Haigis-L showed consistent accuracy across devices, suggesting that it may be the most reliable formula when using non-synchronous biometry systems.
Neural Network-Based Cancer Diagnosis from Routine Hematological and Biochemical Data: Performance, Target Leakage, and Clinical Implications.
Alhmoud JF, Alqaraleh M, Al-Rawashdea FA … +1 more , Al-Omari L
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624469 · Full text
BACKGROUND: In everyday oncology practice, routine blood tests and a small panel of tumour markers are almost always requested when a patient is being worked up for possible malignancy. With the rise of machine-learning...
BACKGROUND: In everyday oncology practice, routine blood tests and a small panel of tumour markers are almost always requested when a patient is being worked up for possible malignancy. With the rise of machine-learning methods, it is tempting to treat these familiar measurements as raw material for automated cancer prediction. In reality, it is not clear how far such data can help once a patient has already entered a specialist pathway, and careless modelling may easily introduce target leakage. OBJECTIVE: We set out to explore, in a straightforward way, how cancer diagnosis (cancer vs no cancer) relates to a set of basic demographic, haematological, biochemical, and clinical variables in a cancer-enriched cohort, and to reflect on what this means for neural-network based prediction. METHODS: We undertook a secondary, analytical cross-sectional study using 1,000 cases from the Cancer Risk Stratification Using Lab Parameters dataset. Age, sex, smoking status, family history, complete blood count indices, blood glucose, CA-125, PSA, CEA, risk level, stage, treatment outcome and survival were extracted. Cancer status was coded as cancer vs no cancer. Neural network analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Just over four out of five patients in the cohort had a malignant diagnosis. Apart from haemoglobin, most routine laboratory and biochemical values did not differ significantly between cancer and non-cancer cases, and the raw means generally lay within conventional reference ranges in both groups. Haemoglobin was modestly but significantly lower in patients with cancer. Cancer status was, by definition, strongly linked to stage and showed a weaker relationship with survival. CONCLUSION: In this referred, cancer-enriched population, familiar clinical risk factors and single routine laboratory parameters offered little additional discrimination beyond the simple presence or absence of a cancer stage. Haemoglobin behaved as a non-specific indicator of overall illness rather than a diagnostic test.
Evaluation of Hematological Parameters in Diabetic Patients.
Hamdan TA, Alhmoud JF, Dalbooh WA
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624468 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant health concern, affecting a large portion of the global population, including Jordan. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia and leads to a wide range of complications an...
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant health concern, affecting a large portion of the global population, including Jordan. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia and leads to a wide range of complications and comorbidities. Hyperglycemia influences blood components and parameters, which is a major area of medical research. However, there is no consensus on how hyperglycemia impacts hematological parameters among different types of DM in Jordan. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the effects of T1DM, T2DM, and prediabetes on selected hematological, inflammatory, and metabolic markers. METHODS: This study population consisted of one hundred and twenty samples and divided into 4 distinct groups as follows: 40 samples for prediabetic individuals, 40 samples for T2DM patients, 10 samples for T1DM, and 30 samples for normoglycemic individuals as controls. Hematological, inflammatory, and metabolic markers were measured using flow cytometric analysis and ELISA. Our results showed that individuals with T2DM and prediabetes have higher levels of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets compared to healthy controls. Consistently, complete blood count (CBC)-derived parameters in T2DM were also elevated, but this was not significant in prediabetic and T1DM groups. Hyperglycemia in T1DM increased platelet counts but did not affect leukocyte and erythrocyte counts. Additionally, diabetic patients exhibited inflammatory phenotypes, indicated by an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in T2DM patients and circulating IL-6 levels in both T2DM and T1DM. The positive effects of hyperglycemia on insulin resistance and secretion were consistent across all three forms. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide insights into using hematological parameters as valuable tools for understanding the pathophysiology of hyperglycemia.
Interactive Virtual Reality (iVR) Improves Psychological Well-being in Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorder: Meta - Analysis Approach.
Purnomo AS, Rahmad, Purnomo AF … +10 more , Pringga GA, Anggraini VP, Hapsari RP, Nugroho MB, Istiqomah R, Yudhantara DS, Purbasari B, Pratama MZ, Pradana AS, Lutfiana NC
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624467 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Interactive virtual reality (iVR) has found extensive application as a treatment modality for individuals suffering from persistent musculoskeletal conditions. With the rising application of Interactive Virtu...
BACKGROUND: Interactive virtual reality (iVR) has found extensive application as a treatment modality for individuals suffering from persistent musculoskeletal conditions. With the rising application of Interactive Virtual Reality (iVR) in treating chronic musculoskeletal disorders, it is essential to understand its efficacy concerning psychological relief and functional improvement. OBJECTIVE: This study delves into the comparative benefits of iVR against conventional therapeutic methods and non-rehabilitation. METHODS: A thorough search was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) from January 2018 to December 2021. The study focused on randomized controlled trials that employed interactive virtual reality (iVR) in regards to psychological well-being effect in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was conducted to compare the effects of nonimmersive and immersive iVR on the measured outcomes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our study proves that non-immersive iVR showed a reduction in psychological distress compared to no rehabilitation, but no significant difference was observed between nonimmersive and immersive iVR. Although previous studies suggested that interactive virtual reality (iVR) could be a therapeutic option, this study particularly shown that non-immersive iVR can enhance psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Nonimmersive iVR is suggested for improving psychological well-being, comparable to conventional rehabilitation.
Laparoscopic Subtotal Cholecystectomy for Difficult Gallbladders: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.
Alshammary SA, Othman SA, Boumarah DN … +5 more , Alkhald N, Alshaikh HN, Amer N, Alsaleem H, Alarfaj M
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624466 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Operating on difficult cholecystectomy with the intent to proceed with total cholecystectomy can be associated with longer postoperative time, excessive bleeding, and increased risk of intraoperative bile duc...
BACKGROUND: Operating on difficult cholecystectomy with the intent to proceed with total cholecystectomy can be associated with longer postoperative time, excessive bleeding, and increased risk of intraoperative bile duct injury and other complications. Subtotal cholecystectomy is a part of bail-out procedures recommended in cases of difficult cholecystectomy. It is a convenient alternative to total cholecystectomy as it is a comparatively more manageable and safer treatment procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the difference in outcomes between laparoscopic total cholecystectomy (LTC) and laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), Saudi Arabia, between 2010 to 2020. The study included patients over 18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic (subtotal and total) cholecystectomy at KFHU. RESULTS: Out of 636 cases in the study period, only 21 patients underwent laparoscopic subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy. The laparoscopic total cholecystectomy group was more diagnosed with biliary colic (56.1%), whereas those who underwent laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy were mainly diagnosed with acute cholecystitis (66.7%). We found a significant association between WBC, reticulocyte count level, and the conversion to LSC. Regarding postoperative outcomes, only 7.8% had a drain in the laparoscopic total cholecystectomy group compared to the majority (71.4%) in the laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy group (p<0.0001). A significantly longer length of stay was reported in the subtotal cholecystectomy group (9.14±7.63 versus 4.6±3.84) and a greater rate of reoperation (9.5% versus 0.7%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy should be performed in difficult cases when total cholecystectomy is not possible, considering the possible complications of subtotal cholecystectomy. More prospective studies should take into consideration other patient-related factors that might influence postoperative outcomes and overall success rates.
Machine Learning-Based Classification of Diabetes: Model Accuracy, Feature Importance, and Clinical Implications.
Obeidat N, Obeidat M, Zihlif M … +2 more , Ababneh SK, Yousef I
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624465 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly prevalent and often remains undiagnosed until complications appear, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Simple tools that use routinely collected clinical and demo...
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly prevalent and often remains undiagnosed until complications appear, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Simple tools that use routinely collected clinical and demographic variables may support earlier identification of individuals at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to build a supervised achine-learning model to classify individuals as diabetic or non-diabetic using a large publicly available dataset, and to identify which variables contributed most to the model decisions. METHODS: We analysed a cleaned subset of 89,540 records from a Kaggle diabetes dataset. A multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN) was trained and tested on separate subsets. Model performance was evaluated by overall accuracy and misclassification rates, and post-hoc variable importance scores were used to summarise the contribution of each predictor. RESULTS: The ANN achieved an overall prediction accuracy of 96.8% in both the training and testing samples. Most records were correctly classified, although the error pattern suggested that non-diabetic cases were recognised more easily than diabetic cases. Blood glucose, HbA1c and body mass index (BMI) showed the highest importance values, whereas demographic and lifestyle variables contributed less to the classification. CONCLUSION: In this dataset, an ANN based on simple clinical and demographic variables was able to distinguish between diabetic and non-diabetic records with high internal accuracy and a plausible pattern of variable importance. The model could form the basis for a practical screening aid, but it requires external validation and further work on handling class imbalance and explainability before use in routine care.
Associated Factors and Treatment Outcomes of Hori's Nevus Treated with Lasers.
Nguyen VL, Quach NL, Nguyen HG
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624464 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Treatment of Hori's nevus can help reduce psychological burden, restore normal skin, improve aesthetics, and quality of life for patients. However, studies related to the morphological characteristics and eff...
BACKGROUND: Treatment of Hori's nevus can help reduce psychological burden, restore normal skin, improve aesthetics, and quality of life for patients. However, studies related to the morphological characteristics and effectiveness of Hori's nevus treatment are still limited in Vietnam. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate some factors related to the degree of pigmentation of Hori's nevus and evaluate the results of Hori's nevus treatment with Pico Nd:YAG laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. METHODS: A descriptive study of a series of cases was conducted on patients diagnosed with Hori's nevus who visited Can Tho Dermatology Hospital and FOB International Dermatology and Aesthetic Research Institute, Can Tho City, Vietnam, from March 2021 to June 2023. RESULTS: The study results showed that 53.7% of patients with Hori's nevus had grade III hyperpigmentation; The predominant color was blue-brown (46.3%); 100% of patients had lesions on both cheeks. Older age (p=0.008), frequent sun exposure (p=0.001), non-using sunscreen (p=0.031), and not wearing masks (p<0.001) were statistically significantly associated with greater pigmentation of Hori's nevus. In the Pico Nd:YAG laser treatment group, the lesion color score decreased from 26.62±1.9 before treatment to 21.9±2.6 after 7-10 treatments (p<0.001). In the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment group, the lesion color score decreased from 27.29±1.3 before treatment to 22.13±2.3 after 7-10 treatments (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study showed that Hori's nevus is common in people over 30 years old and often exposed to sunlight. Two laser methods have been effectively applied in treatment. Measures such as protecting the skin from the sun and using sunscreen and masks can prevent or reduce the progression of Hori's nevus. These two methods can be applied in Vietnam depending on the conditions of the medical facility.
Optimizing the Efficiency of Operating Room by Extending the Working Hours during Evening and Weekends.
Althaqeel MF, Khalidi AS, Alshanwani MN … +5 more , Alqahtani KJ, Hussain Al-Johani A, Khan MS, Altassan WA, Binjudiaan SI
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624463 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Due to high demand and limited infrastructural capacity, the performance of the operating room at our facility was very complaisant which resulted in high waiting time for elective surgery and accumulation of...
BACKGROUND: Due to high demand and limited infrastructural capacity, the performance of the operating room at our facility was very complaisant which resulted in high waiting time for elective surgery and accumulation of cases waiting for surgery Aim: To improve the efficiency of operating room by expanding the surgical volume and thereby improve the access to elective surgical services. METHODS: We introduced an innovative OR scheduling whereby we added extra slots each for the evening and weekends. The staff working during those hours were arranged for their shifts accordingly with flexibility in their off-hour during weekdays and weekends. RESULTS: During full year 2024, a total of 1488 surgeries were conducted during extended OR schedule at our hospital, which comprised of about 53% cases (702/1488) conducted during evening and 64% (786/1488) during weekends. The cases conducted during extended hours contributed to 25% of overall elective routine cases performed. The highest proportion was contributed by ophthalmology (39%) followed by general surgery (28%) and orthopedic surgery (16%). While all the cases under ophthalmology were performed during weekends, majority of orthopedic cases were conducted during evening time. We noted 27% improvement in the waiting time for elective surgical admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Redesigning the traditional working hours proved to utilize the available infrastructure and manpower in a better way, whereby we observed a huge expansion in the surgical volume.
Global Perspectives on Renal Transplantation in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review of Adult and Geriatric Populations in Europe and Indonesia.
Purnomo AF, Lutfiana NC, Purnomo AS … +3 more , Purnomo ASN, Satriawan I, Javier RM
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624462 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a significant global health issue, especially among the aging population. Renal transplantation is considered the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (...
BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a significant global health issue, especially among the aging population. Renal transplantation is considered the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet disparities exist in its accessibility and outcomes across different regions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the perspectives and outcomes of renal transplantation in adult and geriatric patients with CKD in Europe and Indonesia, highlighting differences in healthcare systems, patient management, and socio-cultural considerations. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, focusing on publications from the last 10 years. Studies involving adult and elderly CKD patients undergoing renal transplantation in both Europe and Indonesia were analyzed for themes related to access, outcomes, quality of life, and post-transplant management. RESULTS: European countries generally demonstrated more structured transplantation programs, better post-operative care, and higher graft survival rates due to strong infrastructure and funding. In contrast, Indonesian patients faced challenges such as limited donor availability, economic constraints, and lower awareness about transplantation. Geriatric patients in both regions exhibited more complications post-transplantation compared to younger adults, but still benefited in terms of survival and quality of life. DISCUSSION: Disparities between Europe and Indonesia in renal transplantation stem from differences in healthcare access, government support, and patient education. Cultural and ethical issues also influence organ donation rates. Despite challenges, renal transplantation remains a viable option for geriatric patients, especially with proper selection and monitoring. CONCLUSION: While renal transplantation offers improved outcomes for CKD patients globally, substantial disparities remain between regions. Efforts to enhance transplantation programs in developing countries like Indonesia are crucial, especially in addressing the needs of the aging population.
Instagram Use by Dental Schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): A Content and Engagement Analysis.
Al-Khalifa KS, Alakloby DO, Alsubaii D … +5 more , Asiri R, Alsaif R, Asiri A, Halawany HS, Al-Johani MH
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624461 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Social media platforms like Instagram offer significant potential for dental education, outreach, and branding, though their specific utilization by dental schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remain...
BACKGROUND: Social media platforms like Instagram offer significant potential for dental education, outreach, and branding, though their specific utilization by dental schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remains underexplored despite high regional use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to analyze the utilization of Instagram by official dental school accounts across the GCC, specifically examining content types, media formats (images, carousels, reels), target audiences, and engagement metrics. METHODS: This study investigated how 11 official GCC dental school Instagram accounts utilized the platform over 12 months, analyzing content types, media formats, target audiences, and engagement. A cross-sectional observational study collected publicly accessible data, including post details, engagement metrics, and thematic classifications. Posts were coded for target audience, language, and media format, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and Multiple Linear Regression. RESULTS: Of 11 accounts, five showed consistent activity. Educational content was predominant (43.6%), with "news" being the most common sub-classification (52.9%). Most posts targeted a general audience (64.6%), and while language varied, posts targeting professionals and Reels generated the highest engagement and visibility. Regression confirmed post nature, language, and hashtag use as significant predictors of engagement. CONCLUSION: Instagram is a valuable tool for GCC dental schools, primarily for education and professional engagement. The high engagement with professional content and Reels suggests strategic opportunities, and future research should explore longitudinal outcomes and user perceptions for optimization.
Correlation Between Vitamin D and TSH Levels in Healthy Controls and Individuals with Hypothyroidism According to Age and Sex.
Abaza S, Hasan D, Jamal Al-Khreisat M … +6 more , AlRamadneh TN, Al-Sanabra OM, Ababneh SK, Alsawalha L, Ababneh S, Al-Jaloudi R
Acta Inform Med · 2025 · PMID 41624460 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) are correlated with reduced levels of circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relatio...
BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) are correlated with reduced levels of circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and circulating TSH levels based on sex and age, with a focus on thyroid autoimmunity and thyroid hormone levels. METHODS: Fifty samples were obtained from patients with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, HT) aged 18-59 years (49.4% men, 50.6% women). The samples were tested for serum vitamin D and TSH levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean TSH level in the HT group (5.97 ± 0.18) was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.61 ± 0.1) ( < 0.001). Conversely, the mean vitamin D level was significantly lower in the HT group (40.5 ± 0.72) than in the control group (57.3 ± 0.72) ( < 0.001). Differences based on sex were not statistically significant ( = 0.096). Similarly, no differences were observed in age group distributions. Overall, moderate and strong positive correlations were observed in the control (r = 0.4767, = 0.0009) and HT (r = 0.7493, < 0.0001) groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed a negative correlation between serum vitamin D and TSH levels in both healthy controls and patients with HT, regardless of age and sex.
Correlation Between Carotid Stenosis and Pulsatile Index Measured by Transcranial Doppler.
Amidzic A, Tiro N, Salkic A … +2 more , Gorana-Polimac N, Tiric-Campara M
Acta Inform Med · 2024 · PMID 38645684 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Carotid atherosclerosis is often mentioned as one of the main causes of stroke. Currently, embolization is considered the most common mechanism that causes ischemic strokes due to atherosclerotic lesions in t...
BACKGROUND: Carotid atherosclerosis is often mentioned as one of the main causes of stroke. Currently, embolization is considered the most common mechanism that causes ischemic strokes due to atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid artery. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound provides relatively inexpensive, noninvasive, real-time measurement of blood flow characteristics and cerebrovascular hemodynamics within brain arteries. The pulsatile index measured by transcranial Doppler is a parameter that indicates the degree of elasticity of the blood vessels of the brain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the value of the pulsatile index of the middle cerebral artery and the basilar artery in patients with carotid stenosis using transcranial Doppler and the value of the pulsatile index in relation to the degree of carotid stenosis. METHODS: The study involved a total of 140 patients examined at the Color Doppler and Transcranial Doppler Department of the Neurology Department of the General Hospital "Prim Dr. Abdulah Nakas" Sarajevo The patients were divided into two groups. The research was conducted in the General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas" in Sarajevo at the Department for Color Doppler and Transcranial Doppler of the Department of Neurology and included patients examined in the period from February 2022 to December 2022. All patients underwent extracranial Doppler of the carotid arteries and transcranial Doppler of the middle cerebral artery and basilar artery. RESULTS: The mean values of PI in ACM in the total sample were statistically significantly lower in patients with stenosis up to 50% compared to the average in patients with stenosis over 50%. Average values of PI in AB in the total sample were statistically significantly lower in patients with stenosis up to 50% compared to the mean values in patients with stenosis over 50%. CONCLUSION: Transcranial Doppler findings showed an increased pulsatile index in patients who had carotid stenosis greater than 50% compared to patients with mild carotid stenosis. The study showed that in clinical work it would be necessary to introduce the pulsatile index as an indispensable neurosonological parameter that would be included in the findings of the transcranial Doppler and thus objectify the potential risk of a cerebrovascular ischemic event.
Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Non-dialysis Inpatients With Chronic Kidney Disease: a Single-center, Mixed-methods Study.
An NM, Linh HD, Long VH … +2 more , Van DT, Duc NV
Acta Inform Med · 2024 · PMID 40066142 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a prevalent and critical complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, adversely affecting clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors,...
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a prevalent and critical complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, adversely affecting clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and implications of malnutrition in CKD patients, focusing on the role of nutritional interventions and family support. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CKD patients, utilizing the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) method to evaluate nutritional status. Additional parameters included body mass index (BMI), serum albumin levels, and self-reported information on nutritional counseling and family support. Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for malnutrition. RESULTS: Malnutrition was identified in 76.1% of patients, with a higher prevalence among those aged ≥60 years and those with a disease duration ≥2 years. Elderly patients exhibited a 3.29-fold higher risk of malnutrition, while prolonged disease duration was associated with a 3.68-fold increased risk (both p < 0.05). BMI indicated chronic energy deficiency in 34.0% of patients, highlighting the utility of multi-parameter nutritional assessments. Only 23.2% of patients received nutrition-related information from healthcare professionals, and 81.2% relied on family support, which played a complex yet significant role in dietary adherence. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition remains a pervasive issue among CKD patients, driven by aging, prolonged disease duration, and limited access to structured nutritional counseling. Comprehensive strategies incorporating early assessment, individualized nutritional interventions, and family engagement are essential to mitigate malnutrition and improve outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal, multi-center studies to refine and scale effective nutritional care models for CKD populations.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders Among Healthcare Workers After the Pandemic in Vietnam and Associated Factors: a Cross-sectional Study.
Sinh NP, Hoa LTT, Duc ND … +2 more , Hoa T, Dung NT
Acta Inform Med · 2024 · PMID 40061011 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 was declared no longer a global health emergency. The mental health of healthcare workers has become a critical concern, highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to d...
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 was declared no longer a global health emergency. The mental health of healthcare workers has become a critical concern, highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental disorders among healthcare workers in Vietnam and the associated factors in the post-pandemic era. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Hung Vuong Hospital, Vietnam. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 660 healthcare workers, and the outcomes were assessed using the DASS-21 scale. RESULTS: The participants' ages ranged from 22 to 62 years, with 66.2% female. The majority were nurses (48.9%) and doctors (25.8%). A significant proportion worked in clinical sectors (77.9%) and had less than 10 years of work experience (84.4%). Overall, 39.5% of participants had at least one mental disorder, specifically, 31.7% had anxiety, 16.2% had stress, and 18.9% had depression. Significant associated factors included pressure from administrative duties (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.39-3.35), intensive work (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.55), relationships with colleagues (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.10-2.29), and perceived fairness in work-performance evaluations (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.22-2.91). CONCLUSION: The mental disorders among healthcare workers in Vietnam remained relatively high after the pandemic. Interventions should prioritize work-environmental factors including pressure from administrative duties, intensive working, the absence of good relationships with colleagues, and the fairness in work-performance evaluation.
IVF/ICSI Outcomes on Hyperthyroidism - Treated Patients at Hanoi Medical University Hospital.
Hoa NT, Tam DTM, Ha NM
Acta Inform Med · 2024 · PMID 40061010 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The relationship between the thyroid hormones and reproductive function is complex. Increased thyroid function can directly affect ovarian function and can lead to infertility. After treatment to achieve a eu...
BACKGROUND: The relationship between the thyroid hormones and reproductive function is complex. Increased thyroid function can directly affect ovarian function and can lead to infertility. After treatment to achieve a euthyroid state, symptoms such as menstrual disorders, shakiness, or rapid heartbeat are resolved, but the question is whether fertility problems can persist even when thyroid function is improved or restored to normal. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to initially evaluate the impact of women's hyperthyroid status on the outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) when the patients have been treated to achieve a euthyroid state. METHODS: This retrospective study included 48 infertile couples with hyperthyroidism-treated females (HT group) and 48 infertile couples due to blocked fallopian tubes as a control group from January 2022 to April 2024 at IVF and Tissue Engineering Center, Hanoi Medical University Hospital. The outcomes were the characteristics of IVF cycles and pregnancy rates in the first embryo transfers compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including age, type of infertility, or quality of semen, between the two groups. The BMI of the HT group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The number and rate of mature oocytes in the HT group tended to be lower than in the group without this disorder (7.2 ± 4.4 vs. 9.2 ± 5.6 mature oocytes per cycle, p = 0.055, and 63.0 ± 24.3% vs. 70.3 ± 15.6%, p = 0.079). However, no difference in pregnancy rates was observed between the HT group and the control group. CONCLUSION: In our study, it seems that hyperthyroidism could affect the oocyte maturation in the ovarian stimulation cycle even after treatment to achieve a euthyroid state, but there was no difference in pregnancy rates between the HT group and the control group.
Surgical Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease: Current Evidence and Future Directions.
Busbait S
Acta Inform Med · 2024 · PMID 40061009 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Perianal manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) are common, with fistulas being the most prevalent and challenging to manage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this articles was to describe and explain how Perianal fistu...
BACKGROUND: Perianal manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) are common, with fistulas being the most prevalent and challenging to manage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this articles was to describe and explain how Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease significantly impacts patients' quality of life and poses a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. METHODS: The author used published papers deposited in index databases PubMed Central, Scopus, HINARY etc. rergarding Surgical Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease: Current Management requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach, integrating both medical and surgical interventions tailored to disease severity and fistula complexity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Despite advancements in therapy, the majority of patients require multiple interventions due to high rates of primary non-healing, surgical morbidity, and recurrence..Medical treatment primarily includes biologics, particularly anti-TNF agents such as infliximab and adalimumab, which have demonstrated efficacy in fistula closure and symptom control. Surgical approaches remain critical with various degrees of success. CONSLUSION: Despite the availability of multiple therapeutic options, Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease remains a complex condition with ongoing challenges in achieving sustained remission. Future research should focus on novel treatment strategies and optimizing individualized patient care.
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