Articles

Objective: Psychosocial approaches are increasingly being advocated as an efficacious means of addressing mental health problems. However, with a multitude of complex and varying interpretations present with the use of the term ‘psychosocial’ / ‘psycho-social’ in contemporary discussions of mental health, its application can be vague and even contradictory. This presents problems for research to inform practice and practice to inform research, ultimately inhibiting the help given to those suffering. Method: Literary review, reflecting an extended period of 10 years, explores and analyses the use of the terms ‘psychosocial’ and ‘psycho-social’ within a mental health context. Results: This article identifies that applications and use of the term psychosocial vary significantly, with two models being primarily evident in mental health applications: a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary model. Conclusion: A standardised system is established for mental health theorists and practitioners to identify and categorise these different applications. This outcome is intended to lead to a better understanding of different psychosocial applications, provide better communication between existing psychosocial applications, and improve clarity for future instruction.

Introduction: Corticosteroid therapy is widely used in dermatology for treating various conditions. In France, the cost of corticosteroid treatment varies, and in Mali, a significant prevalence of corticosteroid-treated diseases has been reported. Given the prolonged treatment duration often required, understanding the cost implications in resource-limited settings is crucial.Patients and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place at the dermatology department of the University Hospital Center of Dermatology in Bamako. Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy over one year. Variables included sociodemographic data, clinical information, and medication costs.Results: During the study period, 24 cases of dermatoses treated with corticosteroids were identified among 125 hospitalized patients, representing a prevalence of 19.2%. Most patients were women (58.3%), with an average age of 37.5 years. Lichen planus (54.2%) and pemphigus (37.5%) were the most common pathologies. Many patients had extensive lesions before treatment, but the majority responded well to corticosteroids.Discussion: Despite study limitations, such as its descriptive nature, it provided valuable insights into the economic evaluation of long-term corticosteroid therapy. The predominance of women, the age distribution, and the prevalence of specific dermatoses were highlighted. The study also revealed the substantial financial burden of corticosteroid treatment, primarily driven by direct costs.Conclusion: The study underscores the financial challenges associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy in dermatology in Mali. The high costs adversely affect patients and their families, especially considering the socioeconomic status of many patients. Moreover, the findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care strategies and the need for accessible healthcare solutions to address these challenges effectively.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a symmetrical length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy due to chronic hyperglycemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified diabetes as a major global health concern. Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by motor dysfunctions (weakness and atrophy) especially at the distal muscles of lower limbs, and impaired dynamic muscular control in type 2 diabetes patients. Symptoms start in a distal-to proximal pattern in the feet, and ankle and proximally in the hip and knee for both flexors and extensors. Proximal muscle weakness affects postural stability. Dorsiflexor weakness causes increased hip, knee flexion and metatarsophalangeal extension in the initial swing whereas weakness in plantar flexors causes a greater amount of hip and knee flexion during the stance phase.Methodology: 34 subjects with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Ethical standards have been maintained and informed consent was taken. Subjects were randomly assigned by lottery method into two groups, intervention, and control with 17 in each. Since it is a single blinded study subjects were blinded about the interventions provided. Pre and post-test scores were taken before and after 4 weeks using Surface Electromyography (sEMG), Kinovea Software, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Short Form -36 (SF-36).Results: The pre and post-score values of the kinematics of gait, Functional Gait Assessment, and Short Form - 36 were analyzed using a Paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test within the group analysis, Mann- Whitney U test and Independent t-test for between the group analysis. Both groups displayed notable variations, whereas the intervention group exhibited more significant differences (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be inferred that lower extremity training significantly improves gait kinematics and quality of life in diabetic neuropathy.Conclusion: Lower extremity training is effective in improving the kinematics of gait and quality of life in diabetic neuropathy.

A 43-year-old man presented to the emergency department with syncope following hematemesis. He gave the history of melena for 3 days.

Introduction: Residency training is built on a tripod of research, training, and services. This is well achieved through academic seminar presentations which are held two to three times weekly. This survey aims to examine the presentations of Resident Doctors for Medical Education.Methods: The presentations from 2017 to 2022 were requested and pooled through a submission point. They were assembled and sorted out based on the presenter’s name, specialties, and year of presentation. Results: The presentations covered all the 12 major subspecialties, with General Adult psychiatry having the highest of 41 (20.5%), while Social psychiatry had the lowest of 5 (2.5%). Only 40% followed presentation guidelines, and 30% were well formatted. Conclusion: Compendium 1.0 is a comprehensive encyclopedia of academic presentations that will aid easy accessibility when needed. It is recommended that sessions on academic writing are regular, including plagiarism, referencing, and using writing software applications.

Background: Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) results in a reduction in patients’ life expectancy. Different risk factors affect the risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). Although the role of kidney dysfunction in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in cardiac events has been identified, many patients with AMI are unaware of their underlying kidney disease. This study aimed to compare the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and identify predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in the medium term among patients with and without renal dysfunction following AMI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1039 patients who were hospitalized for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) between 2018 and 2019. The patient cohort comprised 314 women (mean age: 69.8 ± 13.2 years) and 725 men (mean age: 60.5 ± 13.8 years). Patient data were obtained from the registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction and the participants were followed up for a minimum of one year following hospital discharge to assess the incidence of MACE.Results: The study found that patients with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) level below 60 had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with a GFR level of 60 or above (15.7% vs. 3.5%,p < 0.0001). The multivariate analysis showed that Diabetes Mellitus (DM), GFR, and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events. (p = 0.016, p = 0.015, p = 0.006 respectively), while variables such as sex, age, and Hypertension (HTN) were not significant risk factors. There was a negative correlation between GFR and death (0.241 - = r, p < 0.0001)Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of detecting kidney disease during an AMI and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of mortality.

Maternal cardiac arrests are rare but serious events where recognition and prompt initiation of resuscitation are crucial. Obesity is a common risk factor encountered in disorders of pregnancy as well as maternal cardiac arrests. Cardiac arrest algorithms should be followed with some changes to accommodate maternal and fetal health. We present a case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient who had a perimortem caesarean section due to maternal cardiac arrest.

Thyroid cancer, characterized by the development of malignant tumors in the cells of the thyroid gland, impacts the quality of life and well-being of diagnosed patients. This article explores different aspects of this type of cancer, including everything from its typologies, incidence, causes, and risk factors to symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Furthermore, the impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is addressed, highlighting that, although the prognosis is generally favorable, patients can experience significant negative repercussions. Therefore, the need for further investigation into the priorities of psychological intervention with the population with this problem is emphasized.

To prepare the population for first aid in case of heat and sunstroke in the context of global warming, algorithms for the basics of didactics of the educational topic “Heat and sunstroke” of the subject “Life safety” are proposed. The 30-year experience of teaching the subject in humanitarian state educational institutions of higher professional education of a non-medical profile in Syktyvkar is summarized. For each of the considered educational issues, a brief summary of the material presented is given. 

Cataracts may be described as the opacity of crystalline lenses present in the eye. The translucent crystalline lens is a part of the human eye. It possesses all the physical characteristics of a biconvex lens. The eye’s lens performs similar functions to a camera’s lens. The lens directs light rays entering the eye to the retina’s sensitive layers. Any factor that increases the absorption of scattering of light by the lens reduces its transparency. The opacity of the lens or its capsule, whether developmental or acquired, is called a cataract. Cataracts vary in degree of density and site and assume various forms. Cataract is the leading cause of reversible visual impairment and blindness globally. There are several classifications of cataracts based on morphologic and/or etiologic criteria. However, in epidemiologic studies, the simplified system of three types based on localization of lens opacities is most commonly used: Nuclear cataract is the most common type, followed by cortical cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract. This most prevalent form of acquired cataract, also known as an “age-related cataract,” affects people of both sexes equally and typically develops after age 50. More than 90% of people experience senile cataracts by age 70. Although one eye is almost always afflicted before the other, the disorder is typically bilateral. In the available literature, there is no mention of any such drug that could reverse the opacity of the lens (cataract) once it occurred and make it clear and transparent again.Only replacement of opaque lenses with artificial transparent Intraocular lens (IOL) is successful treatment of cataracts. This review focuses on senile cataracts and the best possible management of senile cataracts.