The perceived relevance, utility and retention of basic sciences in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Basic sciences are crucial for clinical medicine, yet studies focusing on their perceived utility among general practitioners (GPs) are sparse. Considering the broad scope of GPs' practice, an in-depth understanding of basic sciences is fundamental for making informed clinical decisions. This study evaluated GP registrars' retention and perceptions of the utility of basic sciences in clinical practice. METHODS: Using sequential explanatory mixed methods study design, knowledge retention was assessed by a multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination followed by interviews on the perception of the relevance and utility of basic sciences among GP registrars at James Cook University's (JCU) General Practice Training (GPT) program. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted on the MCQ exam data, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative interview data. RESULTS: Sixty-one GP registrars participated in the MCQ exam, while 11 of them were involved in the interviews. The highest mean score was obtained in biochemistry (75.1 ± 2.23) while the lowest mean score was in anatomy (56.07 ± 3.16). Key performance predictors included the formative clinical examination scores (ß = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.2, p < 0.001) and gender (ß = -9.7, 95% CI: -17 to -2.3, p = 0.011). The qualitative data analysis revealed five themes, including the backbone of clinical medicine, varying utility over time and by specialty, clinical synthesis integrates encapsulated knowledge, professional pressures hinder revisitation of knowledge and knowledge renewal enhances updates. CONCLUSION: Basic sciences were considered relevant in clinical practice. Development of continuing professional development (CPDs) sessions and clinically relevant online resources were measures proposed to enhance the retention of knowledge. Future research could focus on innovative educational strategies for GPs.

Noma disease among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria: a retrospective descriptive study.

Background: Recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, Noma, an acute and destructive gangrenous disease affecting the gums and facial structures within the oral cavity, has a high mortality rate if untreated. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and impact of Noma among internally displaced populations in Northeastern Nigeria. Design: A retrospective study. Methods: This retrospective study investigates the prevalence and impact of Noma among internally displaced populations in Northeastern Nigeria. Noma is endemic in Northern Nigeria, Africa, and its occurrence has been linked to extreme poverty, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and inadequate healthcare - conditions exacerbated by the ongoing Boko Haram conflict. Results: The retrospective descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 17 cases reveals a median age of 8 years, with most of the patients being children who suffer significant social stigmas, such as difficulties in speaking, eating, and social integration, including reduced school attendance and marital prospects. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research into the etiology of Noma and its socio-economic impact. It emphasizes the necessity for early and effective intervention strategies, particularly in conflict-stricken areas with limited healthcare access.

Monkeypox Outbreak 2022, from a Rare Disease to Global Health Emergence: Implications for Travellers.

Monkeypox (mpox), a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), poses a significant public health threat with the potential for global dissemination beyond its endemic regions in Central and West Africa. This study explores the multifaceted aspects of monkeypox, covering its epidemiology, genomics, travel-related spread, mass gathering implications, and economic consequences. Epidemiologically, mpox exhibits distinct patterns, with variations in age and gender susceptibility. Severe cases can arise in immunocompromised individuals, underscoring the importance of understanding the factors contributing to its transmission. Genomic analysis of MPXV highlights its evolutionary relationship with the variola virus and vaccinia virus. Different MPXV clades exhibit varying levels of virulence and transmission potential, with Clade I associated with higher mortality rates. Moreover, the role of recombination in MPXV evolution remains a subject of interest, with implications for understanding its genetic diversity. Travel and mass gatherings play a pivotal role in the spread of monkeypox. The ease of international travel and increasing globalization have led to outbreaks beyond African borders. The economic ramifications of mpox outbreaks extend beyond public health. Direct treatment costs, productivity losses, and resource-intensive control efforts can strain healthcare systems and economies. While vaccination and mitigation strategies have proven effective, the cost-effectiveness of routine vaccination in non-endemic countries remains a subject of debate. This study emphasizes the role of travel, mass gatherings, and genomics in its spread and underscores the economic impacts on affected regions. Enhancing surveillance, vaccination strategies, and public health measures are essential in controlling this emerging infectious disease.

A comprehensive review of monkeypox virus and mpox characteristics.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the etiological agent of monkeypox (mpox), a zoonotic disease. MPXV is endemic in the forested regions of West and Central Africa, but the virus has recently spread globally, causing outbreaks in multiple non-endemic countries. In this paper, we review the characteristics of the virus, including its ecology, genomics, infection biology, and evolution. We estimate by phylogenomic molecular clock that the B.1 lineage responsible for the 2022 mpox outbreaks has been in circulation since 2016. We interrogate the host-virus interactions that modulate the virus infection biology, signal transduction, pathogenesis, and host immune responses. We highlight the changing pathophysiology and epidemiology of MPXV and summarize recent advances in the prevention and treatment of mpox. In addition, this review identifies knowledge gaps with respect to the virus and the disease, suggests future research directions to address the knowledge gaps, and proposes a One Health approach as an effective strategy to prevent current and future epidemics of mpox.