JMUST Vol 8 Issue 1

Journal for Medicine, UST

Editor: Raymond L. Rosales

ISSN: 2546-1621

Volume 8  Issue 1

In this present JMUST April 2024 issue, we have the following articles included: two observational study articles; one article each for case report, conjoint analysis, systematic review, and medical education. Additionally, two were viewpoint articles and one news article. As editors, we remain grateful to all our editorial board members and peer reviewers (internal and external), who have shared their expertise and time for us to complete this issue for publication of JMUST.


Why Peer Review?

With the explosion of open-access journals, is peer review suffering? Is there a real threat to the quality of scientific journal publications? Can peer review counteract and tackle the looming challenges?

Advances in Head-and-Neck Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy)

Interventional radiotherapy, also known as brachytherapy, is the use of sealed radioactive sources that directly deliver radiation to the tumor or tumor bed. Its unique dose distribution profile allows for high conformality, making it a very useful modality in the treatment of cancers in the head and neck, where different organs and substructures that serve various but related functions are situated close to each other.
We briefly review the recent advances, the current indications, and future directions for IRT in head-and-neck cancers.

Interrater Reliability of Performing a Step-by-Step Procedure for Selected Pain Provocation Tests for Hamstrings and Special Tests for Other Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injuries

Our study aims to establish interrater reliability in performing the step-by-step procedure of selected pain provocation tests for hamstrings and special tests for lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries.

The Effect of Telemedicine on Self-Care Activities of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Patient Satisfaction During the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Patients with diabetes require regular follow-ups to achieve optimal glycemic targets. The coronavirus- 19 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in interruptions in healthcare delivery placing greater importance on patient’s self-management of their condition. Telemedicine bridged the gap between the physician and patient that was created by community quarantines. The objective of this study is to determine if there is a difference in patient’s self-care activities before and after using telemedicine using the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ).

Preferences of Medical Technology Students on COVID-19 Personal Preventive Behaviors and University Safety Protocols: A Conjoint Analysis

The increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines has created an alarming issue in high-density public places, such as schools and universities. Personal preventive behaviors that the students exercise play a big part in whether such behaviors prevent or only predispose them even more to contracting the virus. Several factors may influence the personal preventive behaviors of an individual. These include attitude, awareness, personal beliefs, and culture concerning the disease. Through outlining these several factors, the researchers aim to identify the main attributes that determine students’ preferred COVID-19 personal preventive behavior and implemented precautionary measures.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Presenting as Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

We present a 66-year-old male presenting with sudden onset of headache. Medical decompression was done and neuroimaging of plain cranial CT angiogram (CTA) and CT venogram (CTV) showed components of subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage and hyperdense appearance of the superior sagittal sinus and proximal left transverse sinus. We report cerebral venous sinus thrombosis rarely presenting as acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Teachable Moments in ECG: The Physiology Behind the Pattern

This article presents a detailed analysis of a case of heart block which can easily be misinterpreted on first look. The case is featured not for its rarity but for the interesting concepts in cardiac electrophysiology that are highlighted. Navigation of the different elements of tracing can be an adventure and a great learning experience enjoyed by both students and experts.

Interdisciplinary and Regional Cooperation Towards Head and Neck Cancer Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) Implementation in Southeast Asia

We review the evolution of Brachytherapy to interventional radiotherapy and its current and potential roles in HNC management, and the requirements and challenges towards its effective and sustainable implementation in SEA.

Systemic Hormonal Unloading (SHU) in Secondary Hypertension: Addressing the Long-Term Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

Excess hormone production from adrenal tumors caused by primary hyperaldosteronism or pheochromocytoma are common etiologies for secondary hypertension. Studies have shown that sustained long-term circulating hormones in excess affect the blood vessels and cardiac structures. This article introduces the concept of systemic hormonal unloading and will discuss the philosophy of quality of life in managing bilateral adrenal disease. 

The First USTFMS Department of Medicine Stethoscope Tagging Ceremony

It is just fitting for the oldest medical school in the Philippines, the UST Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, which just celebrated its sesquicentennial year, to initiate this trailblazing stethoscope tagging ceremony for 418 second-year medical students belonging to USTFMS Batch 2026.