Journal of Healthcare and Biomedical Science

The Anatomy Study of the Facial Temporal Region, Age 25–50, in Thai Population Based on Ultrasound Investigation

Chenda Ly — 2025-06-30

Aging affects facial tissues, including skin, fat, muscles, and bones, with the temporal region playing a crucial role in both function and appearance. Temporal depression contributes to an aged look, increasing demand for aesthetic procedures. However, the complex layered structure and vascular pathways present challenges for safe interventions in this region. This study utilized high-frequency ultrasound to map the depth and position of the deep temporal arteries and assess the anatomy of the temporal region in Thai individuals aged 25–50 years. The observational cross-sectional design included 33 participants (15.15% male, 84.85% female) with an average age of 33.42 years. High-frequency ultrasound was used to evaluate the soft tissue and artery positioning. The sample included 10 individuals with and 23 individuals without hyaluronic acid filler injections. Significant differences in skin thickness, subcutaneous layers, SMAS layers, temporalis muscle thickness, and temporal bone characteristics were observed between the two groups. Filler injections notably altered anatomical structures, affecting artery depth and position. Despite limitations in sample size and population specificity, the findings underscore the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for safer and more effective injectable procedures. Ultrasound imaging serves as a healthcare tool in guiding aesthetic interventions in the temporal region.

Role of Endoscopic Biliary Stenting in the Management of Difficult Common Bile Duct Stones

Nimai Das — 2025-06-30

Removing large or multiple common bile duct stones that cannot be cleared at first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is difficult in resource-limited settings. This study assessed whether temporary plastic stenting promotes subsequent clearance of these “difficult” stones. In a prospective observational study at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka (November 2019 – March 2021), 35 adults with difficult common bile duct stones underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by placement of a 7–10 Fr plastic stent. Stone size, number, index, and duct diameter were measured before stenting and at repeat ERCP three months later. Clearance rates and stent-related adverse events were recorded. Thirty-one patients completed follow-up. Mean stone size fell from 19.1 ± 2.1 mm to 15.8 ± 3.1 mm; mean stone number from 1.80 ± 0.74 to 1.45 ± 0.67; and mean stone index from 28.9 ± 9.2 mm to 20.9 ± 9.9 mm (all p < 0.001). Complete bile duct clearance at second-session ERCP was achieved in 69.7%, while 6.1% showed spontaneous passage. Complications were limited to stent migration (6%), occlusion (9%), and cholangitis (6%), with no procedure-related mortality. Short-term endoscopic biliary stenting safely reduces stone burden and enables successful second-session extraction in most patients with difficult common bile duct stones. It offers an effective bridge therapy where advanced lithotripsy techniques are unavailable.

Optimizing Protein Extraction from Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) via Central Composite Design (CCD)

Annabelle C Flores — 2025-06-30

Plant-based proteins have gained popularity over the last decade due to their sustainability and favorable environmental impact. Proteins from underused legumes can be converted into value-added compounds, helping to sustain protein demand. This study sought to develop a standardized and improved procedure for producing plant protein concentrate from cowpea and pigeon pea. Protein extraction parameters were improved using the Response Surface Methodology with a Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD). The factors optimized were solid-liquid ratio, pH basic, and pH acidic, each varied within ranges defined by the CCD model to evaluate their effect on protein yield and content. The protein extraction processing parameters derived from the optimization trials were used to scale up protein powder production. The upgraded production yield and protein content for cowpea protein powder are 6.77% and 72.6%, respectively, while pigeon pea protein powder yields 6.01% and 63.8%. Statistical analysis confirmed the model adequacy (cowpea: R²=0.9399 for % protein, R²=0.9250 for % yield; pigeon pea: R² = 0.7836 for % protein, R² = 0.7704 for % yield; p < 0.05). Improved yield and protein content can enhance the development of low-cost, sustainable, and culturally inclusive (Halal/vegetarian) protein ingredients, supporting both the food industry and nutrition science by providing alternative protein sources that reduce reliance on imported soy and animal proteins. This study demonstrates that RSM-CCD is a robust and efficient approach for optimizing plant protein extraction parameters, offering valuable insights for functional food formulation and industrial-scale protein production.

Building Communication and Capacity Among Guidance Advocates in Advocating Students’ Mental Health

Abegail Panghulan — 2025-06-30

The main thrust of this study was to explore the challenges encountered by guidance advocates in addressing students’ mental health in the Division of Calamba City. Qualitative research, specifically the phenomenological approach, was utilized. The data was gathered through interviews with the eight (8) guidance advocates. Based on the guidance advocates' experiences, ten (10) themes emerged from the phenomenological study of guidance advocates. These are: Degrees of Familiarity, Developed Professional Skills, Obligation Focused, Diverse Guidance Advocates Roles, Guide, Immediate Response to Students’ Needs, Visible Changes in Students’ Behavior and Difficulty in Assessing, Communication and Capacity, Divine Intervention and Personal Motivation, Through Seminars and Trainings. Guidance advocates were able to describe a variety of challenges in supporting the mental health of the students, including: Reaching out, Lack of Professional Capacity, Encourage Students to Open up, Students with Separation Anxiety, Handling a Situation, and Emotional and Physical Preparedness. Rooted in the lived experiences of the guidance advocates, communication barriers and a lack of professional capacity to effectively advocate for students' mental health were the two main issues faced by the guidance advocates in the field. Each advocacy role faced unique obstacles, often compounded by a lack of training and institutional support. Despite these obstacles, self-motivation and faith-based coping mechanisms were frequently used by guidance advocates to manage their duties and carry-on providing students with effective support. Considering the results, the study suggests an improvement project called Project I.S.I.P. (Initiated Strategies Inspired by Professionals), a referral and counseling program intended to strengthen school-based mental health support networks and advocacy.

The Role of Health Education and Healthcare Providers in Promoting Infant Vaccination Perspectives from New Mothers at the Cibiru Vaccine Home

Riza Arlinda — 2025-06-30

Completeness of basic immunizations for infants remains a public health challenge in Indonesia, with various factors such as maternal lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, and misconceptions about vaccines contributing to low coverage rates. This qualitative study aims to explore the perceptions, experiences, and decision-making processes of new mothers regarding infant vaccination at the Cibiru Vaccine Center in Bandung. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with10 motherswho have a baby aged0–12 months,selected using purposive sampling.The interviews explored knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases, understanding of immunization schedules, perceived benefits, barriers, and the role of health care providers in supporting vaccination decisions.. The data was analyzed thematically, revealing three main themes: (1)Mothers' awareness of the benefits of immunization is often influenced by mothers' knowledge of child health, peer discussions, and direct counseling from health service staff; (2) barriers include fear of post-vaccination side effects, conflicting information from social networks, and logistical challenges such as scheduling and transportation; and (3) trust in health workers at the Cibiru Vaccine House plays an important role in increasing mothers' confidence to complete the immunization schedule.These findings highlight the need for sustained, culturally sensitive health promotion and community engagement to address misconceptions and reinforce the importance of timely and complete infant immunization. Strengthening communication between mothers and health workers at the Cibiru Vaccine Center is crucial to ensure optimal immunization coverage and contribute to reducing preventable infant morbidity and mortality.