Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : In 2019, Jakarta’s average annual PM2.5 concentration exceeded WHO’s air quality standard with a concerning 49.4 μg/m³. In most urban areas including Jakarta, street sweeping is done to reduce pollutants and remove debris and sediments from roads. However, with constant exposure to pollutants and minimum personal safety equipment, the street sweepers become population at risk of particulate matter exposure. This study aims to assess the health risk of particulate matter to street sweepers in Jakarta. This is a cross-sectional study using environmental health risk analysis method through Risk Quotient (RQ) (non-carcinogenic risk) and Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) (carcinogenic risk) to determine health risks in a total of 58 street sweepers. The level of PM2.5 and PM10 were collected in four (4) locations in Jakarta. Result showed the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 at the four measurement points have exceeded the national threshold values, with the lowest found in point 2 (325 µg/m3) and the highest in point 3 (339 µg/m3). 57 respondents (98.3%) have a non-carcinogenic risk of PM2.5 exposure in each location (RQ>1), and 58 respondents (100%) have carcinogenic risk (ECR>E-4 (10-4)). Meanwhile, those who have a non-carcinogenic risk of PM10 exposure are found at points 1, 2, and 4. There was no significant association between concentration variables, respondent characteristics, respondent behavior, and environmental conditions with non-carcinogenic risk of PM10 exposure to street s

Abstract : Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Star anise mouthwash against S. mutans and to find the most effective concentration of Star anise and Moringa Oleifera mouthwashes, compared to Fluoride mouthwash which has been thoroughly investigated in the literature. Material and methods: Seventy children 6-13 years old were randomly selected from outpatient clinics of the Pediatric Dentistry Department. They were randomly assigned to 7 groups according to the type of intervention, which were either Star anise, Moringa Oleifera (5%,10%,15% concentrations), or Fluoride. They were instructed to use the prepared herbal mouthwash for a week and a sample of non-stimulated saliva was obtained before and after an intervention. The preparation of the herbal extracts was performed followed by the mouthwash, then the required media for the microbial cultivation was made ready to receive the saliva samples for obtaining the microbial count. Statistical analysis was then done to investigate the bacterial count before and after the use of the mouthwash. Results: There was a statistically significant bacterial reduction between all the groups except for Fluoride, 15% Star anise, 10% and 15% Moringa groups with the highest mean percentage bacterial reduction in the Star anise 15% group and the least mean percentage bacterial reduction in the Star Anise 5% group. Conclusions: All the herbal groups were effective in bacterial reduction at certain concentrations; compared to Fluorid

Abstract : Depression is a disorder that frequently develops, is more prevalent in the elderly, and is one of the leading causes of suicide. Additionally, one of the factors contributing to functional impairments, which are similar to chronic diseases, is depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the types and doses of physical exercise that are useful for reducing depression symptoms in the elderly population. This study conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA statement and collected individual research studies from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Pedro, and google scholar. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of physical exercise with moderate intensity including aerobic exercise, strength exercise, multi-exercise program (MEP), and aquatic exercise was effective to reduce depression scores in healthy elderly and elderly without cognitive impairment. Additionally, exercise could improve the score of depression in the elderly with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Abstract : Background: Sleep-disordered breathing is relatively a common problem in children. Adenotonsillectomy is not sufficient for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Objectives: to identify the role of inferior turbinate surgery in improving quality of life (Qol) and sleep disturbance patterns in children with obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: A cohort study was carried during the period from March 2021 to August 2021, at a tertiary general hospital in Al- Ahsa city. Sixty children aged 3 to 15 years having obstructive sleep apnea were enrolled into two groups; each group consisted of 30 children. First group underwent adenotonsillectomy concurrent with inferior turbinoplasty, while the second group underwent Adenotonsillectomy alone. Subjective outcomes were evaluated using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea -18 quality of life questionnaire (OSA-18). Results: It can be observed that the overall quality of life of patients was significantly better after the surgery (p<0.001), which also mirrored in all QoL domains such as sleep disturbance (p<0.001), physical symptoms (p<0.001), emotional symptoms (p<0.001), daytime function (p<0.001), and caregiver concerns (p<0.001). Also, the PSQ showed a significantly lower post-test score (p<0.001). Conclusions: Reduction in volume of the inferior turbinate plays an important role in treating pediatric sleep disorders and improve quality of life rather than adenotonsillectomy alone

Abstract : Background: Foreign body ingestion is a common problem among children, with high morbidity and fatality rates. Coin was the most commonly reported kind of foreign body ingestion. Coins were not often used in Saudi Arabia until a new series of coins was produced in 2016. This study was carried out to determine the types, locations, and results of foreign bodies, as well as to analyze the rate of coin ingestion before and after the coins were distributed and utilized in the country. Methodology: This study was carried out as a retrospective comparison study at the maternity and children hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2015 and 202. The patients were divided into two groups: pre-coin exchange 2015 (26 patients) and post-coin exchange 2021 (26 patients) (82 patients). Results: The study comprised a total of 108 patients of foreign body ingestion, with a mean age of (4.1 ± 2.4). Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between the two groups (2015, pre-coin exchange), (2021, post-coin exchange) in the elements of incidence of foreign body ingestion in general, coin ingestion, and rate of admission were considerably higher in year 2021 post-coin exchange. Conclusion: The prevalence of foreign body ingestion, particularly coin, has risen in Saudi Arabia after the implementation of the currency exchange initiative. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of foreign body ingestion are essential for avoiding adverse outcomes.