Recently Published Articles
From Pelvis to Foot, Part II: A Longitudinal Kinetic Chain Hypothesis for Eversion Ankle Sprains in Athletes
Abstract:
Eversion ankle sprains, although less common than inversion injuries, are often associated with greater severity and more complex recovery patterns. Their biomechanical origin remains less clearly understood. To propose a functional, longitudinal kinetic chain model in which anterior innominate rotation (AS) may contribute to the development of eversion ankle sprain injuries. This hypothesis-driven model is based on clinical observation and biomechanical reasoning. Anterior innominate rotation may lead to pelvic asymmetry, a functional long-leg pattern, internal femoral rotation, and toe-in mechanics.
A Unifying Theory of Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Abstract:
The etiology and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases are incompletely understood, and the treatments largely ineffective. A unifying theory that explains otherwise poorly understood observations may help to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Here is proposed a unifying theory of neurodegenerative disease, the Pr2 theory, describing the origin, pathophysiology, optimal evaluation and treatment of patients, explanation of observations not explained by previous theories, and implications for further research and translation. The theory proposes that neurodegenerative diseases represent network insufficiencies, networks jeopardized by antagonistic pleiotropy. Through repeated evolutionary selection for performance over durability, highly functional and finely tuned neural subnetworks s...
Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Smallholder Farmer Perspectives on Fertilizer Adoption and Improved Crop Varieties in the Teso Sub-Region, Uganda
Abstract:
Smallholder farmers in Uganda's Teso Sub-Region are increasingly adopting fertilizers and improved crop varieties in response to declining soil fertility, climate variability, and the need to improve agricultural productivity. However, limited evidence exists on how farmers perceive and integrate these technologies into their farming systems. This study explored smallholder farmers' perspectives on fertilizer adoption and improved crop varieties within the context of resource constraints and changing agricultural conditions. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 32 smallholder farmers in Katete, Nyero, Oriyo, and Apeduru sub-counties in the Teso Sub-Region of Uganda. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi-structured guide. Discussions explored ex...
Contributory Factors to Malnutrition in Children under Five Years Received in Consultation at the Pediatric Service of Saint Martin of Papane Hospital in Northeast Benin
Abstract:
Malnutrition is a major global public health issue, especially in low-income regions. Identifying contributing factors is crucial for effective interventions. This study aims to determine the factors contributing to malnutrition among children under 5 years old at Papané Hospital in northeast Benin from April 6 to July 6, 2021. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted, involving structured questionnaires administered to 208 children aged 0 to 59 months and their parents or guardians. The study focused on socioeconomic characteristics and feeding practices. Predominantly male children (sex ratio 1.2) and mostly uneducated homemaker mothers were involved. Data were processed using Excel, WHO Anthro, and SPSS software. Statistical significance was assessed with SPSS, using a margin of error of 0.05. Results showed that 74.88% of the children experienced stunted growth, 90.34% suffered from wasting, and 79.43% were underweight. Exclusive breastfeeding was sig...
The Role of Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment in Optimizing Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Growth and Crop Yield
Abstract:
Enhancing crop productivity while minimizing chemical inputs remains a core objective of sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the efficacy of spiritual blessing energy treatments as a non-invasive biostimulant to optimize the growth dynamics and crop yield of radish ( Seeds and land were exposed to Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment (SBET) in her physical presence for about 4 minutes once, alongside untreated controls under identical environmental conditions. Morphological parameters and final biomass production were systematically evaluated. Photosynthesis traits such as number of leaves per plant, leaf width, and fresh weight of leaves per plant were...
Skilled Birth Attendance and Quality of Life among Young Mothers in Eastern Uganda: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract:
Skilled birth attendance (SBA) is a proven intervention for reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality through the prevention and management of childbirth complications. While its survival benefits are well established, less is known about its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), an important indicator of women’s physical, psychosocial and social well-being. Evidence on this relationship remains limited among young mothers in low resource settings such as Uganda. This study examined the association between SBA and HRQoL among young mothers aged 10-24years in Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 967 young mothers in Kamuli, Pallisa, and Ngora districts. Participants were young mothers aged 10–24 years who had deliv...
Isolation of Burkholderia cepacia Complex from Pericardial Fluid in a Patient with Lung Adenocarcinoma with Metastasis: A Rare Case Report
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Survival Differences After Diagnosis of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer by Race and Ethnicity and Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status
Abstract:
The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC), diagnosed at age <50 years, is increasing in the United States. Prior studies using national and state cancer databases have observed higher eoCRC mortality after diagnosis among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients. These studies, however, often did not account for insurance status, access to care, and comorbidity burden, which may contribute to the observed disparities. We examined the associations between race and ethnicity and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (measured by the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI)) and survival among persons with eoCRC in a large integrated healthcare delivery system whose racially/ethnically diverse members have standardized access to care. We included Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) mem...
Maternal Healthcare Utilization and Health-Related Quality of Life among Young Pregnant Mothers Aged 10-24 Years in Eastern Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study
Abstract:
Young pregnant mothers experience heightened biological, social, and economic vulnerabilities that may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in low-resource settings. Although maternal healthcare service utilization (MHCSU) improves clinical outcomes, evidence linking it to HRQoL among young mothers in Uganda remains limited. This study examined determinants of HRQoL among young pregnant mothers aged 10–24 years in Eastern Uganda, with emphasis on MHCSU. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 967 young pregnant mothers in selected districts of Eastern Uganda. The study used baseline data collected prior to randomization and implementation of any intervention. Although the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was administered in full, the present analysis utilized the g...
The Human Response to the Death of a Loved One
Abstract:
Everyone knows that death is a part of life, you live, then you die. But no one is ever truly prepared for the grief response that follows the death of a loved one whom you hold a deep, social, and intimate connection with. This paper explores the neurobiological activations and the multifaceted grief response to the loss of a loved one that is deeply connected to the brain’s collaborative abilities with the body. Throughout the paper, we will focus on the limbic brain and the key role it plays while mediating through the emotions, feelings, and decision-making processes as it responds to the external social environment and stimuli experienced, with the primary focus being on grief. The paper will also critically analyze Antonio Damasio’s theory on reason and emotion and how it pertains to the grief response to offer a thorough understanding of the human response to the death of a loved one and its implications for rational decision-making.