MyMedR

Report of the 10(th) Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand Congress (Organising Chair and Scientific Chair)

A RS, Abdullah S

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol, 2016 10;21(3):439-43.

PMID: 27595972 DOI: 10.1142/S2424835516970018

A report on the 10(th) Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for the Surgery of the Hand and 6(th) Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Hand Therapists is submitted detailing the numbers of attendees participating, papers presented and support received as well the some of the challenges faced and how best to overcome them from the local conference chair and scientific chair point of view.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Fulltext Getting patient blood management Pillar 1 right in the Asia-Pacific: a call for action

Abdullah HR, Ang AL, Froessler B, Hofmann A, Jang JH, Kim YW, et al.

Singapore Med J, 2020 Jun;61(6):287-296.

PMID: 31044255 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019037

Preoperative anaemia is common in the Asia-Pacific. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a risk factor that can be addressed under patient blood management (PBM) Pillar 1, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality. We examined PBM implementation under four different healthcare systems, identified challenges and proposed several measures: (a) Test for anaemia once patients are scheduled for surgery. (b) Inform patients about risks of preoperative anaemia and benefits of treatment. (c) Treat IDA and replenish iron stores before surgery, using intravenous iron when oral treatment is ineffective, not tolerated or when rapid iron replenishment is needed; transfusion should not be the default management. (d) Harness support from multiple medical disciplines and relevant bodies to promote PBM implementation. (e) Demonstrate better outcomes and cost savings from reduced mortality and morbidity. Although PBM implementation may seem complex and daunting, it is feasible to start small. Implementing PBM Pillar 1, particularly in preoperative patients, is a sensible first step regardless of the healthcare setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Fulltext Nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Mikania micrantha Kunth

Amirah Haziyah Ishak, Nurul Husna Shafie, Norhaizan Mohd Esa, Hasnah Bahari

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2016;2(3):123-132.

MyJurnal

Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae) is a perennial creeping vine that can be found in South and North America, Africa, Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, including Southern China and Malaysia. Previous studies have reported that this plant possesses several pharmacological properties which can be used to prevent and cure several diseases. Phytochemicals found from various parts of M. micrantha have been linked to beneficial medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and also anti-diabetic activities. The primary aim of this paper is to review available scientific information on the nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of M. micrantha to provide baseline information for future studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Fulltext Coastal proximity of populations in 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories

Andrew NL, Bright P, de la Rua L, Teoh SJ, Vickers M

PLoS One, 2019;14(9):e0223249.

PMID: 31568527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223249

The coastal zones of Small Island States are hotspots of human habitation and economic endeavour. In the Pacific region, as elsewhere, there are large gaps in understandings of the exposure and vulnerability of people in coastal zones. The 22 Pacific Countries and Territories (PICTs) are poorly represented in global analyses of vulnerability to seaward risks. We combine several data sources to estimate populations to zones 1, 5 and 10 km from the coastline in each of the PICTs. Regional patterns in the proximity of Pacific people to the coast are dominated by Papua New Guinea. Overall, ca. half the population of the Pacific resides within 10 km of the coast but this jumps to 97% when Papua New Guinea is excluded. A quarter of Pacific people live within 1 km of the coast, but without PNG this increases to slightly more than half. Excluding PNG, 90% of Pacific Islanders live within 5 km of the coast. All of the population in the coral atoll nations of Tokelau and Tuvalu live within a km of the ocean. Results using two global datasets, the SEDAC-CIESIN Gridded Population of the World v4 (GPWv4) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Landscan differed: Landscan under-dispersed population, overestimating numbers in urban centres and underestimating population in rural areas and GPWv4 over-dispersed the population. In addition to errors introduced by the allocation models of the two methods, errors were introduced as artefacts of allocating households to 1 km x 1 km grid cell data (30 arc-seconds) to polygons. The limited utility of LandScan and GPWv4 in advancing this analysis may be overcome with more spatially resolved census data and the inclusion of elevation above sea level as an important dimension of vulnerability.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/ethnology

Fulltext Epidemiologic update on the dengue situation in the Western Pacific Region, 2011

Arima Y, Edelstein ZR, Han HK, Matsui T

Western Pac Surveill Response J, 2013 May 14;4(2):47-54.

PMID: 24015372 DOI: 10.5365/WPSAR.2012.3.4.019

Dengue is an emerging vectorborne infectious disease that is a major public health concern in the Asia and the Pacific. Official dengue surveillance data for 2011 provided by ministries of health were summarized as part of routine activities of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Based on officially reported surveillance data, dengue continued to show sustained activity in the Western Pacific Region. In 2011, Member States reported a total of 244,855 cases of which 839 died for a case fatality rate of 0.34%. More than 1000 cases were reported each from Cambodia, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Singapore and Viet Nam. Cambodia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands reported higher activity relative to 2010. There continues to be great variability among the dengue-endemic countries and areas in the Region in the number of cases and serotype distribution. The continued high notification rate and complex dengue epidemiology in the Region highlight the need for information-sharing on a routine and timely basis.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Donor management: Malaysia and the western Pacific region

Ayob Y

Dev Biol (Basel), 2005;120:131-7.

PMID: 16050166

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Cross-national comparisons of socioeconomic differences in the prevalence of leisure-time and occupational physical activity, and active commuting in six Asia-Pacific countries

Bauman A, Ma G, Cuevas F, Omar Z, Waqanivalu T, Phongsavan P, et al.

J Epidemiol Community Health, 2011 Jan;65(1):35-43.

PMID: 20943821 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2008.086710

This study describes physical activity patterns and their association with socioeconomic factors in six countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and examines whether physical activity associations with socioeconomic status follow similar patterns across the six countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Lessons from Ramazzini for occupational health in the Asia-Pacific region

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Nov;26(6):557-9.

PMID: 25385927 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514557441

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Nutrition in the 21st century: riding the U-shaped wave

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Sep;26(5):444-6.

PMID: 25143450 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514546797

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Oral public health in the Asia-pacific region

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 May;26(3):224-5.

PMID: 24824521 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514533252

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Malaria continues as a major public health problem

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Apr;27(3):261-2.

PMID: 25903275 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515583388

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Public Health Research During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 05;33(4):333-334.

PMID: 33938291 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211012844

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Publish or the Population Perishes: The Challenges of Regional Publishing in Public Health

Binns C, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 07;31(5):396-403.

PMID: 31142125 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519849966

The publication of information is essential for expanding the benefits of public health throughout the Asia-Pacific region. All academics are familiar with the adage "Publish or perish," but for public health, this should be rewritten as "Publish or the population perishes." Publication and communication in public health continues to undergo rapid change. There are many challenges that a regional journal faces. The number of printed journals is beginning to decline. Digital publishing and extensive databases and search engines have become the only practical way to access data. But the advent of digital publishing has seen the arrival of profit-making entrepreneurs. Whether a Journal is in the printed form or digital, it remains the key communication in public health and ultimately improve the health of the people. The Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health (APJPH), which is owned by Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) and published by Sage ensures that your data gets maximum digital exposure in the region where it can make a difference. Over the years, APJPH has increased its impact factor and gained in prestige. Although impact factor of a journal is important in documenting the recognition of work by academics, it does not necessarily reflect importance to our region. There needs to be a re-evaluation of publication and communication strategies so that all citizens of the Asia-Pacific region benefit.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Guidelines for Complementary Feeding of Infants in the Asia Pacific Region: APACPH Public Health Nutrition Group

Binns C, Lee MK, Yun Low W, Baker P, Bulgiba A, Dahlui M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 05;32(4):179-187.

PMID: 32475150 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520931328

Good nutrition in the first "1000 days," including breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods, prepares for a healthy childhood and adult life, also contributes to the prevention of the double burden of malnutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding provides all required nutrients until an infant is around 6 months of age when complementary foods are needed. A literature review was undertaken of complementary foods in the Asia Pacific region. The foods being used at present are often of low nutrient density may provide insufficient amounts of some critical nutrients, and generally the variety is limited. Guidelines for complementary feeding are provided to assist in education and in public health planning.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Red Alert: Climate Change and Public Health in the Asia Pacific Region

Binns C, Low WY, Wai Hoe VC

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 11;33(8):810-811.

PMID: 34763537 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211051322

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Fulltext Public Health Awards for the Asia-Pacific Region From the World Health Organization

Binns C, Yun Low W

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2023 Jul;35(5):333-334.

PMID: 37403755 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231184676

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Dietary Guidelines for the Asia Pacific Region

Binns CW, Lee MK, Kagawa M, Low WY, Liqian Q, Guldan GS, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2017 Mar;29(2):98-101.

PMID: 28325079 DOI: 10.1177/1010539517694295

Nutrition is a major determinant of health throughout all stages of life and together with smoking is the most important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the Asia Pacific Region. The workshop participants examined Dietary Guidelines and Food Guides that are in use in our region, together with additional materials from the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the World Cancer Research Foundation. The resulting set of guidelines is meant as a reminder of the main issues to be covered in a general public health education program. It may also be of value in reminding public health practitioners, educators, administrators, and policy makers of current nutrition issues. It may additionally be useful as a checklist of the issues to be considered in public health programs and regulations. The main areas of nutrition that are included in the Guidelines are eating a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals, and nuts. Choose fish, poultry, and meats grown in a sustainable way. Appropriate growth, including avoiding obesity, and physical activity are important. Breastfeeding is the basis of infant nutrition and nutrition of mothers is an important public health measure. Negative factors in the Asian diet include salt, refined sugar, alcohol and fats. The APACPH Dietary Guidelines will need to be kept under review and modified to meet regional differences in food supply. The Guidelines will be useful as a checklist of the issues to be considered in public health programs, addressing both acute and chronic diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Records of two pacific island species of mosquito from Singapore harbour

COLLESS DH

Med J Malaya, 1957 Dec;12(2):464-7.

PMID: 13515879

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Epidemiology and trends in the antibiotic susceptibilities of Gram-negative bacilli isolated from patients with intra-abdominal infections in the Asia-Pacific region, 2010-2013

Chang YT, Coombs G, Ling T, Balaji V, Rodrigues C, Mikamo H, et al.

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2017 Jun;49(6):734-739.

PMID: 28435019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.01.030

This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) in the Asia-Pacific region (APR) from 2010-2013. A total of 17 350 isolates were collected from 54 centres in 13 countries in the APR. The three most commonly isolated GNB were Escherichia coli (46.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%). Overall, the rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 38.2% and 24.3%, respectively, and they were highest in China (66.6% and 38.7%, respectively), Thailand (49.8% and 36.5%, respectively) and Vietnam (47.9% and 30.4%, respectively). During 2010-2013, the rates of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates causing community-associated (CA) IAIs (collected <48 h after admission) were 26.0% and 13.5%, respectively, and those causing hospital-associated (HA) IAIs were 48.0% and 30.6%, respectively. Amikacin, ertapenem and imipenem were the most effective agents against ESBL-producing isolates. Piperacillin/tazobactam displayed good in vitro activity (91.4%) against CA ESBL-producing E. coli. For other commonly isolated Enterobacteriaceae, fluoroquinolones, cefepime and carbapenems exhibited better in vitro activities than third-generation cephalosporins. Amikacin possessed high in vitro activity against all GNB isolates (>80%) causing IAIs, except for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) complex (30.9% for HA-IAI isolates). All of the antimicrobial agents tested exhibited <45% in vitro activity against ACB complex. Antimicrobial resistance is a persistent threat in the APR and continuous monitoring of evolutionary trends in the susceptibility patterns of GNB causing IAIs in this region is mandatory.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Fulltext Looking back to move forward: a twenty-year audit of herpes zoster in Asia-Pacific

Chen LK, Arai H, Chen LY, Chou MY, Djauzi S, Dong B, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2017 03 15;17(1):213.

PMID: 28298208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2198-y

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a prevalent viral disease that inflicts substantial morbidity and associated healthcare and socioeconomic burdens. Current treatments are not fully effective, especially among the most vulnerable patients. Although widely recommended, vaccination against HZ is not routine; barriers in Asia-Pacific include long-standing neglect of adult immunisation and sparse local data. To address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and disseminate best practice, we reviewed recent data and guidelines on HZ from the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and World Health Organization databases for articles about HZ published from 1994 to 2014 by authors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. We selected articles about epidemiology, burden, complications, comorbidities, management, prevention, and recommendations/guidelines. Internet searches retrieved additional HZ immunisation guidelines.

RESULTS: From 4007 retrieved articles, we screened-out 1501 duplicates and excluded 1264 extraneous articles, leaving 1242 unique articles. We found guidelines on adult immunisation from Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. HZ epidemiology in Asia-Pacific is similar to elsewhere; incidence rises with age and peaks at around 70 years - lifetime risk is approximately one-third. Average incidence of 3-10/1000 person-years is rising at around 5% per year. The principal risk factors are immunosenescence and immunosuppression. HZ almost always causes pain, and post-herpetic neuralgia is its most common complication. Half or more of hospitalised HZ patients have post-herpetic neuralgia, secondary infections, or inflammatory sequelae that are occasionally fatal. These disease burdens severely diminish patients' quality of life and incur heavy healthcare utilisation.

CONCLUSIONS: Several countries have abundant data on HZ, but others, especially in South-East Asia, very few. However, Asia-Pacific countries generally lack data on HZ vaccine safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Physicians treating HZ and its complications in Asia-Pacific face familiar challenges but, with a vast aged population, Asia bears a unique and growing burden of disease. Given the strong rationale for prevention, most adult immunisation guidelines include HZ vaccine, yet it remains underused. We urge all stakeholders to give higher priority to adult immunisation in general and HZ in particular.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

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