Exploring adolescents' practice and perspective on the use and misuse of kratom in northwest Malaysia.

Kratom is a plant homogenous to Southeast Asia with a long history of traditional use as medicinal herbs. However, recent years have witnessed its pervasive infiltration into international audience with growing public health concern. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 August 2017 till 31 August 2018 aiming to explore the practice and perspectives of kratom use and misuse among adolescents in northwest Malaysia. The study involved a self-administered questionnaire that was designed for the purpose of the study. The instrument had undergone prior validation process with a good overall internal reliability for the knowledge domain (Cronbach's alpha = 0.728) and attitude domain (Cronbach's alpha = 0.700). The questionnaire was distributed to 135 respondents involving adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old via convenience (non-kratom user) and snowball sampling (kratom users). There were 65 (47.8%) kratom users, while 70 (51.5%) were kratom-naïve. Among the kratom users, peer influence was the most common reason for them to be first involved with kratom, 26 (41.3%) whereas the reasons for kratom use quoted were to improve physical stamina, 10 (16.4%), as painkiller, 9 (14.8%), and to be accepted by peers, 7 (11.5%). Multiple logistic regression found that older age (95% CI: 0.13, 0.58; p = 0.001) and being active smokers (95% CI: 39.33, 980.63; p < 0.001) significantly predict kratom use among adolescents. The emerging trend of kratom abuse and misuse especially among the younger generation in Malaysia is raising concern and warrants social and governmental vigilance.

Side Effects of Chronic Methadone Use in Opioid Addiction: A Scoping Review on Hematological Derangements.

BACKGROUND: Per oral methadone maintenance therapy [MMT] was introduced as part of harm reduction strategy to manage rising numbers of HIV infections caused by intravenous use of illicit drugs. METHOD: We aim to review published articles related to the side effects of long-term methadone therapy, focusing on hematological derangements in human studies published between 1 January 2000 till 31 January 2021. RESULTS: Our search databases include Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline. Our search yielded 971 articles, of which 55 articles were related to the effects of MMT on various organ systems: cardiovascular [n=12], respiratory [n=1], endocrine [n=10], central nervous system [n=12], neurobehavioral [n=10], gastrointestinal [n=1], and bone [n=1]. There were eight articles specifically related to the hematological side effects of chronic methadone therapy that include [i] immune system hyperactivation, [ii] reduced circulating lymphocytes, and [iii] increased blood viscosity. CONCLUSION: In view of all foreseeable health risks seen with prolonged methadone therapy, pharmacological modulation is warranted to find a better substitute for managing patients with opioid dependence.

Enhancing employment outcome among stable psychiatric patients: lesson learnt on innovative model of work inclusion.

BACKGROUND: Poor employment rate among psychiatric patients is poorly discussed. PURPOSE: To share our strategies in boosting employment rate among stable psychiatric patients and discuss the lessons learnt. PARTICULAR FOCUS: Multifaceted strategies were remodelled to ensure a three-dimensional optimisation: (1) strengthening clinical service to ensure stable disease and appropriate patient selection through battery of assessments, (2) provision of psychosocial support to boost self-esteem and foster discipline among patients through encouragement, guidance and regular monitoring by the multidisciplinary community mental health team and (3) encourage willingness and confidence among stakeholders and local market to host job opportunities to stable mental health patients. OVERVIEW: The yearly employment rate among our stable psychiatric patients under supported employment programme from 2020 to 2021 was 28.6% (2/7) and 30.0% (3/10), respectively. A qualitative survey found the main hindrance to recruitment were employers' scepticism on work performance, while poor work retention was due to patients' lack of specific skill set and discipline to adhere to routine. We restructured our supported employment programme by adding the role of community mental health facility to foster discipline and routine for 6 months prior to referral to a job coach. Until June 2022, two out of five patients managed to secure job positions (40.0%). Despite our efforts to improve employment with the instituted remedial strategy, we still fail to reach the minimum standard set by ministry. Future plan will focus on tailoring individual interests to a specific set of skills that match industrial expectation prior to seeking employment. Additionally, enhancing public education using social media may foster better inclusion of psychiatric patients and social acceptance.

Fatigue, bleeding tendency and osteoporosis in an adolescent: a diagnostic conundrum.

Scurvy is a rare nutritional deficiency, particularly in developed nations. Sporadic cases are still reported, particularly among alcoholics and malnourished. Herein we present an unusual case of a previously healthy 15-year-old Caucasian girl, who was recently hospitalized for low velocity spine fractures, back pain and stiffness over several months and rash for 2 years. She was later diagnosed with scurvy and osteoporosis. Dietary modifications were instituted together with supplementary vitamin C, supportive treatment with regular dietician review and physiotherapy. Gradual clinical recovery was seen over the course of therapy. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing scurvy even among low-risk populations to ensure prompt and effective clinical management.

Recommended Interventions to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake among Adolescents: A Review of Quality Improvement Methodologies.

BACKGROUND: Routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake continues to be suboptimal since its recommendation in 2006 for girls and in 2011 for boys. This paper aims to review published quality improvement (QI) methodologies on interventions to improve HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents. METHODS: Science Direct and Scopus databases were searched for QI initiatives evaluating the effect of multimodal interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates (initiation and/or completion of series) among adolescents. Studies that included an outcome of interest among adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old were included. Two investigators worked independently to screen for potential articles and a designated investigator extracted data on study characteristics and evaluated the outcomes. RESULTS: A preliminary search yielded a total of 523 articles and 13 were included in the final analysis. Common strategies were provider-specific (i.e., webinar, telementoring, train-the-trainer approach) and patient- and/or parent-specific interventions (i.e., reminder emails, phone calls and text messages, social events), with an emphasis on education and knowledge empowerment. System-level interventions such as policy changes and revised protocols were less commonly prescribed despite being associated with a more significant weight on the overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Creative, sustainable, and economical multilevel interventions that focus not only on provider training and public education but also incorporate local policies and system enhancements can substantially improve HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents.

Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Reproductive Hormones in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Context: Ketogenic diet has recently made a comeback as a part of lifestyle and dietary modifications in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Despite studies suggesting its beneficial effects in reversing hormonal imbalance in women with PCOS, evidence has been patchy and derived from small populations under varying conditions. Objective: To pool evidence from clinical trials to study the effects of ketogenic diet on reproductive hormones (LH/FSH ratio, free testosterone, serum progesterone) and observe evidence of weight change. Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science core collection were searched for clinical trials evaluating the effects of ketogenic diet in established PCOS women consistent with the Rotterdam classification. Single- or double-arm studies that included an outcome of interest were included. Two investigators worked independently to screen potential articles and a designated investigator extracted data on study characteristics and evaluated the outcomes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: Following ≥45 days of intervention with ketogenic diet among women with PCOS, significant improvement was observed in reproductive hormone levels, with reduced LH/FSH ratio (d -0.851; 95% CI -1.015, -0.686; P < .001), reduced serum free testosterone (d -0.223; 95% CI -0.328, -0.119; P  < .001), and an increased in serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (d 9.086; 95% CI 3.379, 14.792; P = .002). Significant weight loss was unanimously observed in all included studies (d -11.56; 95% CI -14.97, -8.15; P < .001). Conclusion: Short-term ketogenic diet potentially improved hormonal imbalances commonly associated with PCOS.

Enhancing Consistency in Posterior Malleolus Fracture Classification: A Comprehensive Interobserver Reliability Study With 20 Raters Using the Mason & Molloy Classification.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in the identification and treatment of posterior malleolus fragments, driven by a better understanding of their significance. The Mason & Molloy (M&M) classification system has emerged as a valuable tool for systematically categorizing these fractures and assisting clinicians in formulating treatment. We aim to assess the interobserver reliability of the M&M classification for posterior malleolus fracture by using 20 raters. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted at a major foot and ankle referral center in Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK. Thirty-eight Computed Tomography (CT) scans were evaluated by 20 independent raters: 15 general orthopedic and trauma surgeons plus five foot and ankle surgeons. Each rater classified the posterior malleolus fracture according to M&M classification into type 1, 2A, 2B, 3, or not classifiable. Statistical analysis was done with the R software package and SPSS (v26; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Fleiss kappa (κ) coefficient with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement was moderate with a global κ value of 0.531 (95% CI: 0.518, 0.544). There were good agreements for identifying type 3 M&M (κ=0.785) and those that are not applicable for M&M classification (κ=0.785). There was a strong correlation between all raters in using M&M classification (Tb=0.53-0.59) except for Rater 12. CONCLUSION: M&M classification remains a valuable tool to guide the management of patients with these subsets of ankle fractures.

Therapeutic challenges of extrapulmonary dual organ system involvement in COVID-19: A case report.

Respiratory symptoms and signs remain the hallmark of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 are not uncommon, and are likely to be underreported. The present study describes a clinical case of a 64-year-old patient with COVID-19 with marked extrapulmonary manifestations in the setting of strong positive reactions with cycle threshold values of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19. He presented with asymptomatic bradycardia with wide pulse pressure, eventually requiring transvenous cardiac pacing. He later complained of lower abdominal pain associated with no bowel movements for four days. The computed tomography examination of the abdomen revealed circumferential wall thickening at the proximal ascending colon, suggestive of inflammatory changes and features of obstruction in the presence of inguinal hernia. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, the patient continued to deteriorate with multiorgan failure, and eventually succumbed to the disease after 6 days of hospitalization. The present case study deliberates the sharing of our clinical experience and therapeutic challenges in the management of COVID-19 with complex extrapulmonary manifestation.

Pathophysiology of streptokinase-induced hypotension in acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review of clinical evidence.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the common occurrence of streptokinase-induced hypotension among patients with acute myocardial infarction, the underlying pathophysiology remains obscure and poorly understood. Our study aimed to pool clinical evidence on the potential mechanism of streptokinase-induced hypotension through a systematic review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted literature search from Medline, Scopus and Web of Science on clinical studies related to streptokinase-induced hypotension. RESULTS: Our search yielded 972 citations. After removal of duplicates, 878 articles were screened for eligibility, of which 856 papers were excluded due to various reasons. Of the remaining 22 articles retrieved with full texts, eight relevant articles were selected for final analysis. Three themes emerged as the proposed mechanisms of streptokinase-induced hypotension, including (i) reduction in total peripheral resistance, (ii) complement activation, and (iii) dismissal of hypotheses involving other intermediaries. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the underlying mechanism of streptokinase-induced hypotension lies primarily in the reduction in total peripheral resistance.