Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is a private medical school. Its main campus is located in Barbados, and separate administrative offices are located in Iselin, New Jersey, and Miramar, Florida, in the United States. Prior to 2019, the university's main campus was in Portsmouth, Dominica but moved to its present location in Barbados in January 2019. RUSM is owned by Adtalem Global Education Inc.
Introduction:Menstrual disorders-including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and dysmenorrhea-are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age and are associated with impaired academic performance, psychological distress, and reduced social functioning. Nursing students are particularly vulnerable due to the combined demands of intensive academic schedules and clinical training, yet prevalence estimates and institutional responses remain inconsistent. Methods:A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251109363). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Ultimate, and APA PsycINFO were searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025. Eligible studies reported prevalence or impact of PMS, PMDD, or dysmenorrhea exclusively in nursing students. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies was used for quality appraisal. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and thematic synthesis was used to evaluate academic, social, and psychosocial impacts, coping strategies, and interventions. Results:Twenty studies involving 5,131 nursing students were included. The pooled prevalence was 62% for PMS, 21% for PMDD (including severe PMS), and 72% for dysmenorrhea, with substantial heterogeneity (I 2 > 80%). Reported impacts included absenteeism, reduced concentration, diminished clinical performance, and impaired quality of life. Coping strategies were largely self-directed, including analgesics, rest, and dietary modifications, while few students accessed formal healthcare or institutional support. Only a limited number of studies evaluated structured interventions such as exercise, yoga, or nutritional supplementation. Conclusion:Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among nursing students and carry significant academic, social, and psychological consequences. Nursing education programs should integrate routine screening, structured wellness initiatives, and evidence-based interventions to improve student wellbeing, reduce academic disruption, and strengthen workforce preparedness. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251109363, PROSPERO CRD420251109363.
Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is an uncommon oral malignancy that may mimic benign periodontal disease, often leading to delayed diagnosis and advanced stage presentation. We present a 68-year-old man with primary GSCC demonstrating extensive secondary invasion into the maxillary sinus, orbit, and skull base. He presented with progressive weakness, poor oral intake, cachexia, right facial numbness, and visual disturbances. His history was notable for a prolonged absence of medical and dental care due to financial barriers. Imaging revealed a large, destructive mass with orbital apex, cavernous sinus, and skull base involvement, consistent with aggressive perineural and intracranial spread, with regional metastasis to a level II cervical lymph node and distant osseous metastasis to the occipital bone. Given the extent of disease, the tumor was deemed unresectable and managed with systemic therapy, radiation, and corticosteroids for compressive optic neuropathy. This case highlights the aggressive potential of GSCC when diagnosis is delayed and emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and access to preventive care in improving outcomes.
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare skin disorder characterized by linear, hyperkeratotic papules often following Blaschko’s lines. While usually benign, reports of malignant transformation, particularly to squamous cell carcinoma, highlight its clinical importance. Increasing evidence links PEODDN to postzygotic mosaic mutations in the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin 26, a gap junction protein essential for communication between keratinocytes and eccrine structures. Disruption of this signaling may underlie both lesion development and oncogenic potential. This narrative review synthesizes recent literature from 2015 to 2025, integrating clinical, histopathologic, genetic, and oncologic perspectives. Findings reveal a consistent association between GJB2 mosaicism and disease pathogenesis but no unified framework connecting molecular alterations to histologic changes, disease progression, or malignancy risk. Despite multiple case reports, there are no formal guidelines for diagnosis, monitoring, or surveillance, and current treatments, primarily surgical excision or laser therapy, show variable results. We propose a working model linking connexin 26 dysfunction to eccrine duct involvement and neoplastic potential, underscoring the need for standardized diagnostic tools, long-term follow-up protocols, and genetic counseling, particularly for patients with extensive or atypical presentations.
Abstract Introduction Omitting the sexual history (SHx) prevents key diagnoses and ignores the therapeutic impact of sexual activity on vital organs. The extensive evidence showing physician–patient disconnection regarding sexual issues was reviewed. Objective The objective is to emphasize the importance of including the sexual history in medical practice, recognizing that sexual activity is not only reproductive but also pleasurable, evolutionary, and therapeutic. Additionally, the study aims to draw attention to over 20 potential diagnoses missed when the SHx is omitted and to demonstrate that active sexual activity helps preserve vital organs such as the brain, heart, bones, and muscles. The alarming prevalence of asexuality in postmenopausal women is highlighted: >45% at age 40, >60% at 50, >75% at 60, >90% at 70, and >98% at 80 years. Methods A systematic literature review and analysis of over 2,000 sexual histories from postmenopausal women treated over more than 15 years at two centers were conducted. The study reviewed extensive evidence showing physician–patient disconnection regarding sexual issues. More than 20 clinical diagnoses can be revealed through a detailed sexual history. Results Clinical experience and literature review reveal a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women, including: hypoactive sexual desire disorder, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, vaginismus, hypoactive arousal disorder, anorgasmia, orgasmic dysfunction, sexless marriages, asexuality, hyperactive arousal dysfunction, and hypersexuality of various etiologies, including vestibulodynia. These diagnoses are found in over 47% of women overall, and in 75%-80% of postmenopausal women. Despite growing scientific evidence, many physicians still fail to incorporate sexual health into routine clinical evaluations. Conclusions Addressing sexual health in postmenopausal women is essential to their overall well-being. Medical and residency training programs must integrate the evaluation of sexual health as a priority in the care of women (especially those who are peri- and postmenopausal). Disclosure No
