Displaying publications 561 - 580 of 3225 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Lee D, Kim K
    Acta Trop, 2024 Dec;260:107481.
    PMID: 39608662 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107481
    The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the necessity and limitations of scientific collaboration and equitable and effective international research partnerships. The spread of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) presents severe public health challenges, particularly in Southeast Asia. Addressing these threats requires establishing regional priorities, bridging research gaps, and strengthening long-term international collaboration. We propose a practical approach to multifaceted perspectives to enhance collaboration across Asia. This study examines MBD-related scientific publications from nine Southeast Asian countries between January 2017 and June 2024, utilizing bibliometric analysis and data visualization to identify research trends, research capacities, key institutions, and international collaborative partners. Thailand and Singapore led the dengue research, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Vietnam and the Philippines demonstrated moderate research capabilities, whereas Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar had lower capacities. Relationships with high-income countries drove international collaboration, whereas intra-regional collaboration in Southeast Asia increased. Furthermore, we identified directions for cooperative opportunities between South Korea and other Southeast Asian countries by analyzing their relative research capacities for infectious MBDs. We propose a practical approach to bridge research-capacity gaps and strengthen collaboration between low- and middle-income countries. These findings provide fundamental information for developing future infectious-disease-response strategies and international-collaboration research partnerships and facilitate the implementation of effective global public health preparedness policies and evidence-based decision-making, such as knowledge-transfer and resource-sharing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dengue/prevention & control
  2. Thian BYZ, Fatimah MNN, Wong CL, Ong HK, Mariatulqabtiah AR, Ho KL, et al.
    Dev Comp Immunol, 2025 Jan;162:105275.
    PMID: 39341478 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105275
    Avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a persistent threat to poultry industry worldwide, despite the presence of vaccines. Additionally, reverse-zoonosis transmission potentially introduces human-originated IAVs into poultry and complicates the efforts to control the spread of influenza. Current avian influenza vaccines are primarily based upon the rapidly mutating hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins, which limit their efficacy against diverse strains of IAVs. Hence, the highly conserved ectodomains of matrix 2 protein (M2e) of IAVs are widely studied as alternatives to the HA and NA. However, the differences in the M2e amino acid sequences between avian and human IAVs generate antibodies that do not cross-react reciprocally with IAVs from other origins. To broaden and enhance the immunogenicity of M2e, we fused two copies each of the M2e derived from avian and human IAVs at the C-terminal end of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) capsid protein (NvC). Transmission electron microscopic and dynamic light scattering analyses revealed that the chimeric protein self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). Immunization of chickens with the chimeric VLPs demonstrated a robust induction of broadly reactive immune responses against both the M2e of avian and human IAVs. Additionally, the chimeric VLPs elicited the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), macrophages, as well as a well-balanced Th1 and Th2 population, indicating their potential in activating cell-mediated immune responses in chickens. Furthermore, the chimeric VLPs triggered the production of both Th1- and Th2-cytokines, attesting their potential in mounting a robust and balanced immune response in avian species. This study demonstrated the potential of these chimeric VLPs in stimulating and broadening cross-reactive immune responses in chickens against both avian and human IAVs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza, Human/prevention & control
  3. Triatmaja NT, Mahmudiono T, Indriani D
    Afr J Reprod Health, 2024 Oct 31;28(10s):282-292.
    PMID: 39639806 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i10s.32
    The current child feeding practice is still suboptimal. There are several factors that affect child feeding practices. This review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on factors related to child feeding practices based on social-cognitive theory construct. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and used five databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest. There were no restrictions in the year of publication. Based on the search strategy, 1179 articles were extracted resulting in 23 articles that were suitable for inclusion in the study. Factors related to child feeding practices included knowledge, self-efficacy and social support. Social support from health workers plays an important role in increasing maternal self-efficacy in feeding practices. Education interventions for mothers and husbands or other family members need to be carried out to increase knowledge, self-efficacy and social support in feeding practices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Growth Disorders/prevention & control
  4. Singh H, Kamal YT, Pandohee J, Mishra AK, Biswas A, Mohanto S, et al.
    Exp Gerontol, 2025 Jan;199:112660.
    PMID: 39694450 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112660
    Skin aging, often called as premature skin aging, is the hastened deterioration of the skin resulting from multiple factors, including UV radiation, environmental contaminants, inadequate nutrition, stress, etc. Dietary phytochemicals, present in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-derived meals, have gained interest due to their efficiency to eradicate free radicals and lowering the release of inflammatory mediators which accounts for premature skin aging. Several dietary phytochemicals, i.e., carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, phytosterols, etc., exhibited potential anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, suppression of UV damage, and promote collagen synthesis. In addition, dietary phytochemicals include sulfur, present in various foods safeguard the skin against oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, this article delves into the comprehension of various dietary phytochemicals investigated to alleviate the premature skin aging. The article further highlights specific phytochemicals and their sources, bioavailability, mechanisms, etc., in the context of safeguarding the skin against oxidative stress and inflammation. The present manuscript is a systematic comprehension of the available literature on dietary phytochemicals and skin aging in various database, i.e., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar using the keywords, i.e., "dietary phytochemicals", "nutraceuticals", "skin aging" etc., via Boolean operator, i.e., "AND". The dietary guidelines presented in the manuscript is a unique summarization for a broad reader to understand the inclusion of various functional foods, nutrients, supplements, etc., to prevent premature skin aging. Thus, the utilization of dietary phytochemicals has shown a promising avenue in preventing skin aging, however, the future perspectives and challenges of such phytochemicals should be comprehended via clinical investigations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Aging, Premature/prevention & control
  5. Mohammad Basir MF, Mohd Hairon S, Ibrahim MI, Wan Mohamad WMZ, Mohd Fuzi NMH, Rosli AS, et al.
    J Epidemiol Glob Health, 2025 Jan 30;15(1):12.
    PMID: 39883314 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00355-4
    BACKGROUND: Rabies is a preventable yet deadly public health threat. Despite the availability of effective vaccines for both humans and animals, the persistence of rabies-related fatalities underscores the need for enhanced public education strategies. This study aimed to develop and validate a Rabies Health Education Module delivered via a Massive Open Online Course, targeting adult dog owners in Kelantan, Malaysia.

    METHODS: The development of RaHEM followed the ADDIE framework. A comprehensive analysis was conducted through literature reviews, cross-sectional surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The module's content was designed and developed based on the Modified Health Belief Model and Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Validation was performed by a panel of six experts and ten dog owners through content and face validity indices, respectively.

    RESULTS: The module was organized into five core topics, each addressing specific aspects of rabies prevention. Content validity indices for all topics exceeded the acceptable threshold of 0.83, with an overall module CVI of 0.91 for relevance and 0.88 for clarity. Face validity indices also surpassed the 0.83 threshold, with overall module FVI scores of 1.00 for understandability and 0.99 for clarity.

    CONCLUSION: The RaHEM MOOC was successfully developed and thoroughly validated, ensuring it met its intended objectives and was suitable for the target audience. This educational module offers a promising approach to enhancing rabies prevention through accessible and engaging online education, potentially contributing to reduced rabies transmission and fatalities. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the module's effectiveness in improving rabies knowledge and attitudes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/prevention & control
  6. Azmi NFAM, Choong SS, Peng TL, Syazwan SA
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Dec 01;41(4):533-542.
    PMID: 39876512 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.4.015
    Ticks exert a significant economic impact on the livestock industry, particularly in Asian regions. Presently, chemical acaricides constitute the primary method employed to combat tick infestations in livestock, but their use carries adverse environmental consequences. Overreliance on acaricides has contaminated milk and meat products with chemical residues while fostering tick resistance to these agents due to improper and intensive application. Various alternative methods have been explored, including using vaccines to manage tick populations. However, the efficacy of these treatments varies and is often limited when applied separately. Among these alternatives, entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium anisopliae appear to be a promising candidate for tick population control. This fungus can be used independently and in conjunction with other products. This review article explores the current and future prospects of M. anisopliae, where the existing gaps and future directives for using this fungus to control hard ticks in Asian countries are highlighted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tick Infestations/prevention & control
  7. Hanan Hamimi W, Jamil HA, Anamulai D, Abu Bakar A, Ismail H, Mustafa Mahmud MIA
    Fetal Pediatr Pathol, 2026;45(4):296-321.
    PMID: 42415340 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2026.2684782
    Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. About 18% of pregnant women are colonized in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts. Vaginal colonization can result in ascending intrauterine infection, enabling GBS to reach the amniotic fluid and infect the fetus during pregnancy or the newborn at delivery, leading to invasive GBS (iGBS) disease. Early-onset disease (EOD) typically manifests as sepsis, whereas late-onset disease (LOD) is more often associated with meningitis. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), based on screening at 36-37 weeks' gestation, has substantially reduced EOD but not LOD, and implementation remains difficult in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited resources. This underscores the urgent need for a safe, effective, and affordable maternal GBS vaccine. This review examines how GBS virulence factors interact with host factors, causing iGBS. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for vaccine design and therapeutic development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control
  8. Imran-Arif I, Kamaruzaman INA, Mahamud SNA, Aklilu E, AbuBakar S, Loong SK
    Trop Biomed, 2025 Mar 01;42(1):27-35.
    PMID: 40163400 DOI: 10.47665/tb.42.1.005
    Salmonellosis is a major bacterial foodborne infection worldwide. Inappropriate usage of drugs, especially antimicrobial usage in animal production, is one of the leading issues of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Southeast Asia (SEA) countries, especially in treating Salmonella cases. The AMR issue is critical as antimicrobials have been used indiscriminately for the prevention of diseases and it is threatening food safety, especially in poultry production, which carries the largest group of Salmonella as a natural host. In SEA, the range of resistance for penicillin is 13.3% to 89.5% and for tetracycline, it is 25% to 95.7%. Therefore, to develop prompt interventions, the public health authorities must first be aware and have a complete understanding of Salmonella AMR in poultry settings. This review focuses on insight into the epidemiology of Salmonella and information on the current AMR in poultry chickens, as well as the impact on society. It emphasises the need for collaborative efforts to implement the One Health approach to mitigate the AMR of Salmonella in SEA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Poultry Diseases/prevention & control
  9. Togami E, Thévenon AD, Galang EIN, Yean HRA, Isa NF, Shaw CN, et al.
    Health Secur, 2026 Apr;24(2):95-107.
    PMID: 42087519 DOI: 10.1177/23265094261434687
    Diseases caused by pathogens that affect animals, humans, and their shared environment (zoonoses) impact regional and global health security. Context-specific recommendations could help control animal-to-human pathogen spillover and mitigate the risk of epidemics and pandemics. Our objective is to share the codevelopment of a guidebook to counter zoonotic spillover in Southeast Asia and how participatory approaches and implementation science guided One Health actor groups towards a common goal. The project was a collaboration between the International Network for Governmental Science Advice Asia and the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Experts in disciplines including virology, bioinformatics, wildlife conservation, biodefense, epidemiology, participatory research, and implementation science codeveloped behavior change and policy recommendations. Participatory exercises, including silent reflections, role-playing, and the "systems-thinking iceberg" enabled dynamic discussions that helped incorporate diverse perspectives. The team identified ways to overcome linguistic and discipline-specific language barriers, time differences, limitations to voluntary participation, and technological challenges. The frameworks and concepts that guided the team were the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the principle that participatory approaches enable positive social learning, and the concept that interventions can be adapted to the local context but should not be reinvented. Participatory approaches can support One Health actor groups work toward a collective vision, which catalyzes a process that can improve local ownership, ultimately working to strengthen health security.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics/prevention & control
  10. Diana K, Teh MS, Islam T, Lim WL, Beh ZY, Taib NAM
    World J Surg, 2023 Mar;47(3):564-572.
    PMID: 36599951 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06881-7
    INTRODUCTION: Regional analgesia techniques have been increasingly used for post-operative pain management following mastectomy. We aim to evaluate analgesic benefits of pectoral nerve (PECS2) block incorporated as part of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing mastectomy in University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single centre, cohort study evaluating 335 women who have undergone unilateral mastectomy between January 2017 and March 2020 in Malaysia. Regional anaesthesia were given pre-operatively via ultrasound guided pectoral and intercostal nerves block (PECSII).

    RESULTS: Utilization of regional anaesthesia increased from 11% in 2017 to 43% in 2020. Types and duration of surgeries were comparable. Opiod consumption was 3 mg lower in those who had PECS2 block ((27 [24-30] mg), in comparison with those who received general anaesthesia only (30 [26-34] mg), p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control
  11. Husain S, Ramos JA, Karaf JHA, Zahedi FD, Ahmad N, Abdullah B
    Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2023 Feb;280(2):737-741.
    PMID: 35900386 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07563-9
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing intraoperative and immediate postoperative bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).

    METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, involving 26 patients with CRSwNP, who underwent FESS for failed medical therapy. The intervention nostril was packed with ribbon gauze soaked in 500 mg/5 ml TXA. The control nostril was packed with ribbon gauze soaked in Moffett's solution, containing 2 ml 10% cocaine, 1 ml adrenaline 1:1000, and 4 ml 0.9% sodium bicarbonate. Both nostrils were packed for 15 min before FESS. Intraoperative bleeding was recorded in the initial 30 min after commencing the surgery. The recordings were reviewed by two surgeons using Boezaart's scoring system. The scores were taken at 15 and 30 min of surgery. The mean score was then calculated. At the end of the surgery, the intervention nostril was packed with Merocel® soaked in 500 mg/5 ml TXA and the control nostril was packed with Merocel® soaked in normal saline. The amount of bleeding within 24 h post-surgery was evaluated using a bolster gauze.

    RESULTS: There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding between the intervention (1.54 ± 0.71) and control nostrils (1.69 ± 0.55) with p = 0.172. The amount of bleeding in the postoperative period was significantly reduced in the intervention nostril (1.33 ± 0.55) compared to the control nostril saline (1.81 ± 0.48) with p = 0.001.

    CONCLUSIONS: We found that the nasal packing soaked in TXA reduced intraoperative and immediate postoperative bleeding. It is a safe, efficacious and cost-effective alternative to Moffett's solution during FESS and also an alternative to normal saline post-surgery among patients with CRSwNP.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: FF-2015-232, 2015.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postoperative Hemorrhage/prevention & control
  12. Sinha NK, Swe KMM, Bhardwaj A, Sadashiva Rao A
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2022;30(2):10225536221122635.
    PMID: 35993413 DOI: 10.1177/10225536221122635
    Matched MeSH terms: Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control
  13. Yew KC, Tan QR, Lim PC, Low WY, Lee CY
    Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 Mar;397(3):1421-1431.
    PMID: 37728622 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02716-x
    Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have become the treatment of choice for hepatitis C. Nevertheless, efficacy of DAA in preventing hepatitis C complications remains uncertain. We evaluated the impact of DAA on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and recurrence, all-cause mortality, liver decompensation and liver transplantation as compared to non-DAA treated hepatitis C and the association to baseline liver status. A systematic search for articles from March 1993 to March 2022 was conducted using three electronic databases. Randomized, case-control and cohort studies with comparison to non-DAA treatment and reporting at least one outcome were included. Meta-analysis and sub-group meta-analysis based on baseline liver status were performed. Of 1497 articles retrieved, 19 studies were included, comprising of 266,310 patients (56.07% male). DAA reduced HCC occurrence significantly in non-cirrhosis (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.92) and cirrhosis (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24-0.64) but not in decompensated cirrhosis. DAA treatment lowered HCC recurrence (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92) especially in patients with baseline HCC and waiting for liver transplant. DAA also reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.78) and liver decompensation (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.83) significantly. However, DAA did not prevent liver transplantation. The study highlighted the importance of early DAA initiation in hepatitis C treatment for benefits beyond sustained virological response. DAA therapy prevented HCC particularly in non-cirrhosis and compensated cirrhosis groups indicating benefits in preventing further worsening of liver status. Starting DAA early also reduced HCC recurrence, liver decompensation, and all-cause mortality.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
  14. Santo T, Hickman M, Altice FL, Grebely J, Taylor S, Lynch M, et al.
    Int J Drug Policy, 2026 Apr;150:105069.
    PMID: 41651702 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.105069
    BACKGROUND: People who are incarcerated experience disproportionately high rates of injecting drug use and infectious disease, including HIV, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis. However, comprehensive global data regarding the availability of services that prevent and manage infectious disease, injecting drug use and related harms remain limited and outdated. We provide the first systematic review to comprehensively examine the availability and coverage of infectious disease prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services for incarcerated populations globally.

    METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of evidence for provision of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), needle syringe programs (NSPs), HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART), hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, tuberculosis screening and treatment, hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing, treatment, and vaccination in carceral settings. We searched from peer-reviewed and grey literature databases between 2000 and 2025 and used the most recent data available for each indicator.

    FINDINGS: OAT was documented in 59/207 countries (29 %), and NSPs in ten (5 %). HIV testing was documented in 86 countries (42 %) and ART in 79 countries (38 %). HCV testing was confirmed in 55 (27 %), with DAA treatment in 47 (23 %). HBV testing was identified in 51 countries (25 %), treatment in 36 (17 %), and vaccination in 41 (20 %). Tuberculosis screening was documented in 96 countries (46 %) and treatment in 81 (39 %). Fewer than 2 % (approximately 172,000) of the 11.3 million people incarcerated worldwide live in countries that offer OAT, NSPs, and treatment for HIV, HCV, HBV, and tuberculosis in at least one carceral facility. There is not a single country where incarcerated people have access to all such services in every facility. Programme level evidence was rarely available.

    INTERPRETATION: The global shortage of services that prevent and treat infectious disease and harms related to injecting drug use in carceral settings is a critical public health issue and, compared with community standards, a breach of human rights. This study underscores the urgent need for international collaboration and policy reform to scale up and stabilise services that address the health needs of incarcerated populations, ultimately improving health outcomes for both incarcerated populations and wider community.

    FUNDING: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis, Viral, Human/prevention & control
  15. Ed-Dra A, Abdallah EM, Sulieman AME, Anarghou H
    Vet Res Commun, 2024 Oct;48(5):2877-2900.
    PMID: 38954256 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10455-4
    Campylobacter is a major foodborne and zoonotic pathogen, causing severe human infections and imposing a substantial economic burden on global public health. The ongoing spread and emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains across various fields exacerbate therapeutic challenges, raising the incidence of diseases and fatalities. Medicinal plants, renowned for their abundance in secondary metabolites, exhibit proven efficacy in inhibiting various foodborne and zoonotic pathogens, presenting sustainable alternatives to ensure food safety. This review aims to synthesize recent insights from peer-reviewed journals on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species, elucidate the in vitro antibacterial activity of medicinal plant compounds against Campylobacter by delineating underlying mechanisms, and explore the application of these compounds in controlling Campylobacter in food. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements and future prospects of employing medicinal plant compounds in food products to mitigate foodborne pathogens, particularly Campylobacter. In conclusion, we argue that medicinal plant compounds can be used as effective and sustainable sources for developing new antimicrobial alternatives to counteract the dissemination of MDR Campylobacter strains.
    Matched MeSH terms: Campylobacter Infections/prevention & control
  16. Lazarus JV, Romero D, Kopka CJ, Karim SA, Abu-Raddad LJ, Almeida G, et al.
    Nature, 2022 Nov;611(7935):332-345.
    PMID: 36329272 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05398-2
    Despite notable scientific and medical advances, broader political, socioeconomic and behavioural factors continue to undercut the response to the COVID-19 pandemic1,2. Here we convened, as part of this Delphi study, a diverse, multidisciplinary panel of 386 academic, health, non-governmental organization, government and other experts in COVID-19 response from 112 countries and territories to recommend specific actions to end this persistent global threat to public health. The panel developed a set of 41 consensus statements and 57 recommendations to governments, health systems, industry and other key stakeholders across six domains: communication; health systems; vaccination; prevention; treatment and care; and inequities. In the wake of nearly three years of fragmented global and national responses, it is instructive to note that three of the highest-ranked recommendations call for the adoption of whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches1, while maintaining proven prevention measures using a vaccines-plus approach2 that employs a range of public health and financial support measures to complement vaccination. Other recommendations with at least 99% combined agreement advise governments and other stakeholders to improve communication, rebuild public trust and engage communities3 in the management of pandemic responses. The findings of the study, which have been further endorsed by 184 organizations globally, include points of unanimous agreement, as well as six recommendations with >5% disagreement, that provide health and social policy actions to address inadequacies in the pandemic response and help to bring this public health threat to an end.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics/prevention & control
  17. Fitzpatrick C, Haines A, Bangert M, Farlow A, Hemingway J, Velayudhan R
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2017 Aug;11(8):e0005785.
    PMID: 28806786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005785
    INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a rapidly emerging vector-borne Neglected Tropical Disease, with a 30-fold increase in the number of cases reported since 1960. The economic cost of the illness is measured in the billions of dollars annually. Environmental change and unplanned urbanization are conspiring to raise the health and economic cost even further beyond the reach of health systems and households. The health-sector response has depended in large part on control of the Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (mosquito) vectors. The cost-effectiveness of the first-ever dengue vaccine remains to be evaluated in the field. In this paper, we examine how it might affect the cost-effectiveness of sustained vector control.

    METHODS: We employ a dynamic Markov model of the effects of vector control on dengue in both vectors and humans over a 15-year period, in six countries: Brazil, Columbia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Thailand. We evaluate the cost (direct medical costs and control programme costs) and cost-effectiveness of sustained vector control, outbreak response and/or medical case management, in the presence of a (hypothetical) highly targeted and low cost immunization strategy using a (non-hypothetical) medium-efficacy vaccine.

    RESULTS: Sustained vector control using existing technologies would cost little more than outbreak response, given the associated costs of medical case management. If sustained use of existing or upcoming technologies (of similar price) reduce vector populations by 70-90%, the cost per disability-adjusted life year averted is 2013 US$ 679-1331 (best estimates) relative to no intervention. Sustained vector control could be highly cost-effective even with less effective technologies (50-70% reduction in vector populations) and in the presence of a highly targeted and low cost immunization strategy using a medium-efficacy vaccine.

    DISCUSSION: Economic evaluation of the first-ever dengue vaccine is ongoing. However, even under very optimistic assumptions about a highly targeted and low cost immunization strategy, our results suggest that sustained vector control will continue to play an important role in mitigating the impact of environmental change and urbanization on human health. If additional benefits for the control of other Aedes borne diseases, such as Chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika fever are taken into account, the investment case is even stronger. High-burden endemic countries should proceed to map populations to be covered by sustained vector control.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dengue/prevention & control*; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control; Neglected Diseases/prevention & control
  18. Wan Wahida WMZ, Lai PSM, Abdul Hadi H
    Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2017 Apr;18:55-58.
    PMID: 29132739 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2017.02.001
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: Several questionnaires to screen for eating disorders have been validated in Malaysia. However, these tools are lengthy, and require specialist interpretation. The sick, control, one stone, fat, food (SCOFF) is easy to administer by non-specialists, but has not been validated in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to validate the SCOFF on a non-clinical sample of tertiary students to determine if it could identify individuals with an eating disorder.
    METHODS: We recruited second year tertiary students from five faculties in a university in Malaysia, from June-November 2014, who could understand English. The SCOFF and the EAT-26 were administered at baseline. Two weeks later, the SCOFF was re-administered to assess for reliability.
    RESULTS: A total of 292 students were approached, and all agreed to participate (response rate = 100%). There was moderate correlation between the total SCOFF score with the EAT-26's dieting domain (spearman's rho = 0.504, p < 0.001), bulimia and food preoccupation domain (spearman's rho = 0.438, p < 0.001), and total score (spearman's rho = 0.483, p < 0.001). The internal consistency of the SCOFF was low (Cronbach alpha = 0.470). At retest, kappa scores ranged from 0.211 to 0.591. The sensitivity of the SCOFF was 77.4%, and its specificity was 60.5%. The positive predictive value was 18.9%, and its negative predictive value was 95.8%.
    CONCLUSIONS: The SCOFF was found to have adequate convergent validity and stable reliability. However, its internal consistency was low. The SCOFF can still be used in clinical practice. However, its positive results should be interpreted with caution due to its low positive predictive value.
    KEYWORDS: Eating disorder; Malaysia; SCOFF; Sensitivity; Specificity; Validation
    Matched MeSH terms: Anorexia Nervosa/prevention & control; Feeding and Eating Disorders/prevention & control; Bulimia/prevention & control
  19. Rayanakorn A, Goh BH, Lee LH, Khan TM, Saokaew S
    Sci Rep, 2018 09 06;8(1):13358.
    PMID: 30190575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31598-w
    Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a gram-positive bacterial pathogen in pigs which can cause serious infections in human including meningitis, and septicaemia resulting in serious complications. There were discrepancies between different data and little is known concerning associated risk factors of S. suis. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate on S. suis infection risk factors in human. We searched eight relevant databases using the MeSH terms "Streptococcus suis" OR "Streptococcus suis AND infection" limited in human with no time nor language restriction. Out of 4,999 articles identified, 32 and 3 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis respectively with a total of 1,454 Streptococcus suis cases reported. S. suis patients were generally adult males and the elderly. The mean age ranged between 37 to 63 years. Meningitis was the most common clinical manifestation, and deafness was the most common sequelae found among survivors followed by vestibular dysfunction. Infective endocarditis was also noted as among the most common clinical presentations associated with high mortality rate in a few studies. Meta-analyses categorized by type of control groups (community control, and non-S. suis sepsis) were done among 850 participants in 3 studies. The combined odd ratios for studies using community control groups and non-S. Suis sepsis as controls respectively were 4.63 (95% CI 2.94-7.29) and 78.00 (95% CI 10.38-585.87) for raw pork consumption, 4.01 (95% CI 2.61-6.15) and 3.03 (95% CI 1.61-5.68) for exposure to pigs or pork, 11.47, (95% CI 5.68-23.14) and 3.07 (95% CI 1.81-5.18) for pig-related occupation and 3.56 (95% CI 2.18-5.80) and 5.84 (95% CI 2.76-12.36) for male sex. The results were found to be significantly associated with S. suis infection and there was non-significant heterogeneity. History of skin injury and underlying diseases were noted only a small percentage in most studies. Setting up an effective screening protocol and public health interventions would be effective to enhance understanding about the disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Endocarditis/prevention & control; Streptococcal Infections/prevention & control; Meningitis, Bacterial/prevention & control
  20. Malcolm TTH, Chang WS, Loo YY, Cheah YK, Radzi CWJWM, Kantilal HK, et al.
    Int J Food Microbiol, 2018 Nov 02;284:112-119.
    PMID: 30142576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.08.012
    Kitchen mishandling practices contribute to a large number of foodborne illnesses. In this study, the transfer and cross-contamination potential of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from bloody clams to ready-to-eat food (lettuce) was assessed. Three scenarios were investigated: 1) direct cross-contamination, the transfer of V. parahaemolyticus from bloody clams to non-food contact surfaces (hands and kitchen utensils) to lettuce (via slicing), was evaluated; 2) perfunctory decontamination, the efficacy of two superficial cleaning treatments: a) rinsing in a pail of water, and b) wiping with a kitchen towel, were determined; and 3) secondary cross-contamination, the microbial transfer from cleaning residuals (wash water or stained kitchen towel) to lettuce was assessed. The mean of percent transfer rates through direct contact was 3.6%, and an average of 3.5% of total V. parahaemolyticus was recovered from sliced lettuce. The attempted treatments reduced the transferred population by 99.0% (rinsing) and 94.5% (wiping), and the relative amount of V. parahaemolyticus on sliced lettuce was reduced to 0.008%. V. parahaemolyticus exposure via secondary cross-contamination was marginal. The relative amount of V. parahaemolyticus recovered from washed lettuce was 0.07%, and the transfers from stained kitchen towel to lettuce were insubstantial. Our study highlights that V. parahaemolyticus was readily spread in the kitchen, potentially through sharing of non-food contact surfaces. Results from this study can be used to better understand and potentially raising the awareness of proper handling practices to avert the spread of foodborne pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Food Contamination/prevention & control*; Foodborne Diseases/prevention & control*; Vibrio Infections/prevention & control*
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links