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Fulltext Medical imaging literature in MyCite

Nurul Husna Kamarudin, Nor Azlina A. Rahman, Zainul Ibrahim Zainuddin

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(4):1471-1483.
MyJurnal

The presence of imaging technologies in Malaysia needs to be supported by homegrown research to optimize and tailor their usage for local benefits. Research done elsewhere may not be applicable to local situations. This study investigates the contribution of researches by Malaysian academicians and service providers to the field of medical imaging, as evident in the Malaysian Citation index (MyCite) database. Bibliometric and thematic analyses were performed on publications featured in the database from 2006 to 2016. The bibliometric analysis provided information on the affiliation of the authors, their professional backgrounds, types of studies, and the journals involved while the thematic analysis identified the themes and sub-themes of identified articles. The study found that Malaysians contributed 54.1% of the publications, followed by non-Malaysians (41.8%) and collaboration authors (4.1%). Researchers were mostly from university-based and hospital university-based institutions. The thematic analysis presented that 42.9% of articles were classified under clinical themes. The results also suggested that the current trends of research in medical imaging are focused on topics involving clinical and modality, and only a few patient-centered researches. This is an indication that more researches that are relevant to local practices and needs are required as this will strengthen the medical imaging practice in the country.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients attending outpatient clinic in Kuantan, Malaysia

Mohammad NB, Rahman NAA, Haque M

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2018 4 17;10(1):7-14.
PMID: 29657502 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_227_17

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death around the world including Malaysia. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the single largest cause of death in the developed countries and is one of the main contributors to the disease burden in developing countries.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the risk of CVD in patients attending an outpatient clinic in Kuantan, Malaysia. A total of 100 patients comprising 52 male and 48 female subjects were selected through convenient sampling method.
Results: Of the total subjects, 86% were Malays. The mean scores (standard deviation) for KAP were 60.75±4.823, 54.36±8.711, and 33.43±4.046, respectively, whereas the maximum scores obtained by the subjects for KAP were 71, 65, and 43, respectively. Regarding questions related to knowledge, 88% subjects knew irregular eating pattern can cause disease and the benefits of vegetable intake. Most subjects recognized that smoking and obesity were CVD risk factors. Regarding questions related to attitude, 96% agreed that exercise can prevent CVD. More than half of the subjects followed healthy lifestyle. There were statistically significant differences observed in knowledge level between sexes (P = 0.046) and races (P = 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference observed in KAP across different education levels of the subjects regarding the risk of CVD (P-value = 0.332, 0.185, and 0.160, respectively).
Conclusion: This study revealed that patients had good knowledge and attitude regarding CVD risk factors. Yet, the number of smokers is still quite high. Development of better public information system is essential for the well-being of the society.
Fulltext Trend in dietary calcium intake among elderly in Kuantan, Pahang

Maisalihah Zamzuri, Aliza Haslinda Hamirudin, Norain Zainudin, Suriati Sidek, Nor Azlina A. Rahman

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2019;3(4):884-893.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Dietary calcium intake is important in body system regulation. Inadequate intake
among elderly may lead to various health issues such as osteoporosis and hip fracture. In order to counter the problem, this study was carried out to identify dietary calcium intake among elderly in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A face to face interviewer-administered session was done individually with seventy-nine (n=79) subjects aged ≥60 years to collect data on sociodemographic background, health status and dietary intake. Diet history method was used to obtain information related to dietary intake and analyzed using Nutritionist Pro Software. P-value was set at p
Fulltext Islamic perspectives of reproductive and maternal health: what role can nigerian muslim religious leaders play in the prevention of maternal mortality? –with particular reference to Zamfara State Northwest Nigeria

Maiwada, Abdullahi Mohammed, Nik Mazlan Mamat, Nor Azlina A. Rahman, Suzanah Abdul Rahman, Baba, Tukur Mohammed

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):7-14.
MyJurnal

Reproductive and Maternal health are an important components of public health and medicine which are concerned with the complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in all matters regarding reproductive system and health of mother especially during pregnancy.It implies ensuring that all women receive the care they need to be safe and healthy throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. However, according to World Health Organization, millions of women all over the world do not have access to good quality health services during pregnancy and childbirth resulting in mortalities. Islam is a complete way of life. The Qur’an and Hadith consider pregnancy and child bearing as signs among other signs of the divine existence of Allah.The importance of maternal and reproductive is thus not unexplained in the Islamic perspectives. The study look at what role Muslim religious leaders can play in the prevention of maternal deaths and morbidities in developing countries. A qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews and focus groups discussion with a purposive sample of some Muslim religious leaders from Gusau local government area of Zamfara state northwest Nigeria in order to elicit information about the Islamic perspectives of reproductive and maternal health and the roles they can play in the prevention of maternal deaths among the Muslim communities. Muslim Religious leaders have a crucial role and contribution for the attainment and maintenance of good heath of women and children among Muslim communities through public enlightenment in the context of ‘ilm’, providing guidance through ‘Fatwah’ and community mobilization in the spirit brotherhood ‘ukhuwah’.Islam does not accept the “preventable death of a woman” due to childbirth or pregnancy. Thus, Islam encourages attendance of antenatal care visits and health care seeking.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hypertension among residents in a housing area in Selangor, Malaysia

Buang NFB, Rahman NAA, Haque M

Med Pharm Rep, 2019 Apr;92(2):145-152.
PMID: 31086842 DOI: 10.15386/mpr-1227

Background and aims: Hypertension is becoming a global epidemic and threat to the world population. This cross-sectional study was carried out at a housing area in Selangor, Malaysia to study the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding hypertension among the residents.
Methods: A total of 110 respondents aged 18 years old and above were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-guided questionnaire with Likert-scale choices of answers.
Results: All respondents were Malay with the mean age of 41 years [Standard Deviation (SD)=11.828]. The total mean and SD of knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 74.33 (SD=6.25), 44.22 (SD=5.05) and 27.55 (SD=2.86), respectively. There were significant positive correlations between knowledge with attitude (r=+0.393; p<0.001) and practice (r=+0.378; p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between attitude and practice (r=+0.120; p=0.212). There were significant fair positive correlations between age with knowledge (r=+0.402; p<0.001), attitude (r=+0.265; p=0.005) and practice (r=+0.337; p<0.001) regarding hypertension. Meanwhile, gender, educational level, employment status and family history had no significant association with knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hypertension.
Conclusion: This study revealed that KAP regarding hypertension were associated with age, but not with other socio-demographic characteristics studied. The awareness, prevention and control programs of hypertension in their community should be increased, so that the residents could enjoy and maintain the healthy lifestyle.
Fulltext Human resource development for future basic occupational health services in Malaysia

Niza Samsuddin, Nor Azlina A Rahman, Ailin Razali, Muhammad Zubir Yusof, Ahmad Fitri Abdullah Hair, Manivasagam, Dayanath, et al.

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2019;3(4):939-943.
MyJurnal

A guideline on Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) has been established jointly by ILO/WHO/ICOH in response to poor achievements of the Occupational Health Services (OHS), especially among workers in small and medium enterprises at the global level. Malaysia. The international guideline describes competent and skilled human resources as an essential strategy for BOHS implementation. This commentary will discuss the challenges faced by current occupational health personnel providing OHS in Malaysia and proposes improvements of human resource development for future BOHS in Malaysia to ensure fair and better OHS coverage for Malaysian workers.
Fulltext Usefulness of a semi-quantitative procalcitonin test kit for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Boo NY, Nor Azlina AA, Rohana J

Singapore Med J, 2008 Mar;49(3):204-8.
PMID: 18363001

This study was designed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a semi-quantitative procalcitonin (PCT) test kit for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
A clinical evaluation of bleeding patterns, adverse effects, and satisfaction with the subdermal etonogestrel implant among postpartum and non-postpartum users

Wahab NA, Rahman NA, Mustafa KB, Awang M, Sidek AA, Ros RM

Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2016 Feb;132(2):237-8.
PMID: 26617248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.022
Fulltext Distribution of Angiostrongylus vasorum and its gastropod intermediate hosts along the rural-urban gradient in two cities in the United Kingdom, using real time PCR

Aziz NA, Daly E, Allen S, Rowson B, Greig C, Forman D, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2016;9:56.
PMID: 26830203 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1338-3

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a highly pathogenic metastrongylid nematode affecting dogs, which uses gastropod molluscs as intermediate hosts. The geographical distribution of the parasite appears to be heterogeneous or patchy and understanding of the factors underlying this heterogeneity is limited. In this study, we compared the species of gastropod present and the prevalence of A. vasorum along a rural-urban gradient in two cities in the south-west United Kingdom.
Fulltext Comparative Study of CDST & Multiplex PCR to Detect MBL Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli among VAP Patients Admitted in a Public Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh

Nusrat T, Akter N, Haque M, Rahman NAA, Dewanjee AK, Ahmed S, et al.

Pathogens, 2019 Sep 12;8(3).
PMID: 31547453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030151

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICU), which accounts for 25% of all ICU infection. Documenting carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli is very important as these strains may often cause outbreaks in the ICU setting and are responsible for the increased mortality and morbidity or limiting therapeutic options. The classical phenotypic method cannot provide an efficient means of diagnosis of the metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have lessened the importance of the phenotypic approach by detecting metallo-β-lactamase resistance genes such as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Imipenemase (IMP), Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM), Sao Paulo metallo-β-lactamase (SPM), Germany Imipenemase (GIM).
OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of the Combined Disc Synergy Test (CDST) with that of the multiplex PCR to detect MBL-producing gram-negative bacilli.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 105 endotracheal aspirates (ETA) samples were collected from the ICU of a public school in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Chittagong for quantitative culture, CDST test, and multiplex PCR for blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM genes of MBL producers.
RESULTS: Among the 105 clinically suspected VAP cases, the quantitative culture was positive in 95 (90%) and among 95 g-negative bacilli isolated from VAP patients, 46 (48.42%) were imipenem resistant, 30 (65.22%) were MBL producers by CDST, 21 (45.65%) were identified as MBL producers by multiplex PCR.
CONCLUSION: PCR was highly sensitive and specific for the detection of MBL producers.
Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern of Metallo-β-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli in ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit of a public medical school hospital in Bangladesh

Nusrat T, Akter N, Rahman NAA, Godman B, D Rozario DT, Haque M

Hosp Pract (1995), 2020 Aug;48(3):128-136.
PMID: 32271642 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2020.1754687

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICU), accounting for 25% of all ICU infections. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing and becoming a significant health problem worldwide, increasing hospital length of stay, mortality and costs. Identifying antibiotic resistance patterns in VAP is important as this can cause outbreaks in ICUs. To date, there have been limited studies assessing this in Bangladesh. Consequently, the primary objective of this research was to study the species of bacterial growth and to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns of Metallo-β-Lactamase (MBL) producing gram-negative bacilli among ICU patients with VAP in a public medical school hospital, Bangladesh. In addition, identify the factors associated with a positive culture to provide future guidance.
METHOD: Cross-sectional study performed in the Chattogram Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Mueller Hinton agar plates were used for antibiotic sensitivity testing by the Kirby-Buer disc diffusion test.
RESULTS: Among 105 clinically suspected VAP cases, qualitative cultures were positive in 95 (90%) of them. The most common bacteria identified were Acinetobacter spp. (43.2%), Klebsiella spp. (20%) and Pseudomonas spp. (18.9%). A positive culture was not associated with patients' age or gender. Among 41 isolated Acinetobacter spp., 38 (92.7%) were resistant to gentamicin followed by 36 (87.8%) to ceftriaxone. Among 24 isolated Klebsiella spp., 22 (83.3%) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Among 18 isolated Pseudomonas spp., 16 (88.8%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and 13 (72.2%) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Among nine isolated E.coli, all were resistant to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. All four Proteus spp. (100%) isolated were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Additionally, phenotype MBL producing was 65.22% and genotype was 45.65% among imipenem resistant pathogens. Imipenem resistant pathogens were sensitive to amoxyclav, amikacin¸ azithromycin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, colistin and gentamycin.
CONCLUSION: A positive culture was detected in 90% of VAP patients, but it was not associated with the patients' age and gender. The most common bacteria identified were Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp., where the majority of these were resistant to ceftriaxone. The results are being used to provide future guidance on the empiric management of VAP in this hospital.
Fulltext Strengthening Primary Health-Care Services to Help Prevent and Control Long-Term (Chronic) Non-Communicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Haque M, Islam T, Rahman NAA, McKimm J, Abdullah A, Dhingra S

Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2020;13:409-426.
PMID: 32547272 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S239074

The prevalence of long-term (chronic) non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing globally due to an ageing global population, urbanization, changes in lifestyles, and inequitable access to healthcare. Although previously more common in high- and upper-middle-income countries, lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are more affected, with NCDs in LMICs currently accounting for 85-90% of premature deaths among 30-69 years old. NCDs have both high morbidity and mortality and high treatment costs, not only for the diseases themselves but also for their complications. Primary health care (PHC) services are a vital component in the prevention and control of long-term NCDs, particularly in LMICs, where the health infrastructure and hospital services may be under strain. Drawing from published studies, this review analyses how PHC services can be utilized and strengthened to help prevent and control long-term NCDs in LMICs. The review finds that a PHC service approach, which deals with health in a comprehensive way, including the promotion, prevention, and control of diseases, can be useful in both high and low resource settings. Further, a PHC based approach also provides opportunities for communities to better access appropriate healthcare, which ensures more significant equity, efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and timeliness, empowers service users, and helps healthcare providers to achieve better health outcomes at lower costs.
Fulltext Microbial Resistance Movements: An Overview of Global Public Health Threats Posed by Antimicrobial Resistance, and How Best to Counter

Dhingra S, Rahman NAA, Peile E, Rahman M, Sartelli M, Hassali MA, et al.

Front Public Health, 2020;8:535668.
PMID: 33251170 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.535668

Antibiotics changed medical practice by significantly decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infection. However, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death in the world. There is global concern about the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects both developed and developing countries. AMR is a public health challenge with extensive health, economic, and societal implications. This paper sets AMR in context, starting with the history of antibiotics, including the discovery of penicillin and the golden era of antibiotics, before exploring the problems and challenges we now face due to AMR. Among the factors discussed is the low level of development of new antimicrobials and the irrational prescribing of antibiotics in developed and developing countries. A fundamental problem is the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotics among medical practitioners, and we explore this aspect in some depth, including a discussion on the KAP among medical students. We conclude with suggestions on how to address this public health threat, including recommendations on training medical students about antibiotics, and strategies to overcome the problems of irrational antibiotic prescribing and AMR.
Fulltext Prevalence of occupational diseases among small and medium industry workers in Malaysia: a systematic review

Muhammad Zubir Yusof, Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, Nor Azlina A. Rahman, Ailin Razali, Niza Samsuddin, Nik Mohamed Nizan Nik Mohamed, et al.

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2019;4(2):4-30.
MyJurnal

Occupational diseases are one of the major health problems related to workplace hazards.
However, the epidemiological data for this problem is scarce especially among Small and
Medium Industry (SMI) workers. These workers are vulnerable to occupational health problem
due to lack of knowledge and implementation of health and safety in the workplace. In Malaysia,
most of the SMI workers have limited coverage for basic occupational health services which
may worsen their health. Thus, this article aims to provide a review on the burden of
occupational health problems among them. The electronic and library searches were used to
extract the information from both published and unpublished articles that were not limited to any
year of publication until 2017. One hundred and ninety-six published articles and 198
unpublished articles were retrieved from the database. Only 19 published articles and 25
unpublished articles met the eligibility criteria. Prevalence data of occupational
diseases/poisoning, including overall and body specific (musculoskeletal disorders) was
extracted in raw data from the eligible studies. Prevalent statistics on occupational
musculoskeletal diseases (1.3% - 97.6%), noise-induced hearing loss (29.4% - 73.3%),
occupational skin diseases (10.5% - 84.3%), respiratory (1.9% - 92.2%) and occupational
poisoning (14.9% - 17.7%) among the working population is different within published papers
compared to unpublished ones. In Malaysia, there are no specific statistic that give a true picture
of the burden of occupational diseases in the SMI. However, this review concludes that
musculoskeletal diseases are significant occupational problems among SMI workers.
Fulltext Genotypic to Phenotypic Resistance Discrepancies Identified Involving β-Lactamase Genes, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM in Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae

Urmi UL, Nahar S, Rana M, Sultana F, Jahan N, Hossain B, et al.

Infect Drug Resist, 2020;13:2863-2875.
PMID: 32903880 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S262493

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) belongs to the Group-A β-lactamases that incorporate serine at their active site and hydrolyze various penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are group-B enzymes that contain one or two essential zinc ions in the active sites and hydrolyze almost all clinically available β-lactam antibiotics. Klebsiella pneumoniae remains the pathogen with the most antimicrobial resistance to KPC and MBLs.
Methods: This research investigated the blaKPC, and MBL genes, namely, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 and their phenotypic resistance to K. pneumoniae isolated from urinary tract infections (UTI) in Bangladesh. Isolated UTI K. pneumoniae were identified by API-20E and 16s rDNA gene analysis. Their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was examined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, followed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing.
Results: Fifty-eight K. pneumoniae were identified from 142 acute UTI cases. Their phenotypic resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, and imipenem were 98.3%, 100%, 96.5%, 91.4%, 75.1%, respectively. Over half (31/58) of the isolates contained either blaKPC or one of the MBL genes. Individual prevalence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaVIM were 15.5% (9), 10.3% (6), 22.4% (13), and 19% (11), respectively. Of these, eight isolates (25.8%, 8/31) were found to have two genes in four different combinations. The co-existence of the ESBL genes generated more resistance than each one individually. Some isolates appeared phenotypically susceptible to imipenem in the presence of blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaNDM-1 genes, singly or in combination.
Conclusion: The discrepancy of genotype and phenotype resistance has significant consequences for clinical bacteriology, precision in diagnosis, the prudent selection of antimicrobials, and rational prescribing. Heterogeneous phenotypes of antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be taken seriously to avoid inappropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Detection of mobile colistin-resistance gene variants (mcr-1 and mcr-2) in urinary tract pathogens in Bangladesh: the last resort of infectious disease management colistin efficacy is under threat

Ara B, Urmi UL, Haque TA, Nahar S, Rumnaz A, Ali T, et al.

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol, 2021 Apr;14(4):513-522.
PMID: 33691556 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1901577

Background: Currently, colistin-resistant pathogens emerged has become a global health concern. This study assessed the distribution of mcr-1 to mcr-5 variants with the phenotypic colistin-resistance in bacterial isolates from urinary tract infection (UTI) patients in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2017 and March 2018 to enroll uncomplicated UTI patients, and 142 urine samples were analyzed. Uropathogens were identified using the API-20E biochemical panel and 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Polymerase chain reactions detected the mcr gene variants in the UTI isolates. The phenotypic colistin-susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurement.Results: The combined carriage of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes in 11.4% (14/123) of urinary tract pathogens. The mcr-positive pathogens include five Escherichia coli, three Klebsiella pneumoniae, three Pseudomonas putida, two Enterobacter cloacae, and one Enterobacter hormaechei. The mcr-positive variant showed significantly higher phenotypic colistin resistance with MIC between >16 µg/mL and >128 µg/mL (p
A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and beliefs about, and the use of antibiotics amongst Malaysian university students

Haque M, Rahman NAA, McKimm J, Binti Abdullah SL, Islam MZ, Zulkifli Z, et al.

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2019 04;17(4):275-284.
PMID: 30761920 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1581607

BACKGROUND: The introduction of antibiotics into modern medicine has changed clinical care by saving millions of lives. However, misuse of antibiotics has led to their benefits being overshadowed by the development of antimicrobial resistance.
AIMS OF STUDY: This study aimed to assess university students' knowledge and beliefs about and their use of antibiotics.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 674 medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia, using universal and convenience sampling methods. The data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS 24, and the MANOVA test and Logistic Regression were used to explore the associated factors.
RESULTS: More than half of the respondents' knowledge was low and their health beliefs outdated. Age, race and program were significantly associated with up-to-date knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic use, factors associated with finishing a course of antibiotics were studying medicine, personal health, and ethnicity. The significant factors associated with antibiotic self-prescribing were beliefs having been prescribed antibiotics during the last one year, and trusting the doctors who did not prescribe antibiotics.
CONCLUSION: This study has identified a concerning low knowledge about antibiotics amongst some Malaysian university students, reflected in use of un-prescribed antibiotics and a lack of adherence to treatment. There is a need for educational interventions for students regarding antibiotic usage and resistance issues.
Fulltext Tocilizumab in COVID-19: a study of adverse drug events reported in the WHO database

Charan J, Dutta S, Kaur R, Bhardwaj P, Sharma P, Ambwani S, et al.

Expert Opin Drug Saf, 2021 Sep;20(9):1125-1136.
PMID: 34162299 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1946513

BACKGROUND: Elevated inflammatory cytokines in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affect the lungs leading to pneumonitis with a poor prognosis. Tocilizumab, a type of humanized monoclonal antibody antagonizing interleukin-6 receptors, is currently utilized to treat COVID-19. The present study reviews tocilizumab adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacovigilance database.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: All suspected ADEs associated with tocilizumab between April to August 2020 were analyzed based on COVID-19 patients' demographic and clinical variables, and severity of involvement of organ system.
RESULTS: A total of 1005 ADEs were reported among 513 recipients. The majority of the ADEs (46.26%) were reported from 18-64 years, were males and reported spontaneously. Around 80%, 20%, and 64% were serious, fatal, and administered intravenously, respectively. 'Injury, Poisoning, and Procedural Complications' remain as highest (35%) among categorized ADEs. Neutropenia, hypofibrinogenemia were common hematological ADEs. The above 64 years was found to have significantly lower odds than of below 45 years. In comparison, those in the European Region have substantially higher odds compared to the Region of Americas.
CONCLUSION: Neutropenia, superinfections, reactivation of latent infections, hepatitis, and cardiac abnormalities were common ADEs observed that necessitate proper monitoring and reporting.
Fulltext The Incidence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Pahang State of Malaysia from 2012 to 2017

Ahmad A, Yassin WM, Rahman NAA, Leman WI, Rosla L, Paul M, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):66-74.
PMID: 33679222 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.9

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysians. While several studies have reported the trend of NPC in other states in Malaysia, no studies have reported the trend of NPC in Pahang state. This study was designed to report the number and distribution of newly diagnosed NPC cases in Pahang.
Methods: NPC cases that were diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 in two referral hospitals in Pahang were traced. The crude incidence rate (CR) and age-standardised rate (ASR) were calculated to investigate the NPC incidence.
Results: There were 143 new cases of NPC reported from the two hospitals. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.0 ± 13.7 years old. The majority of cases involved males (74.1%) with a male to female ratio of 2.9:1. Chinese males were found to have the highest incidence with a mean ASR of 4.7 per 100,000 population. Overall, the mean ASR for Pahang was 2.4 per 100,000 population for males and 0.9 per 100,000 population for females.
Conclusion: The total number of NPC cases reveals an increasing trend from 2012 to 2014 and then a slightly decreasing trend from 2015 to 2017. The incidence of NPC in Pahang was intermediate in males and low in females.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Asian and African Elephants: A Systematic Review

Qurratul-Saadah Z, Che-Amat A, Syed-Hussain SS, Kamaludden J, Ariffin SMZ, Basripuzi NH, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2023 Mar 01;40(1):55-64.
PMID: 37356004 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.1.012

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in elephants have been reported in several studies over the last decades. Nonetheless, comprehensive data on clinicopathology of elephant GIPs, parasite burden threshold value, and the effectiveness of conventional anthelmintic drugs are still lacking. Herein, we have systematically reviewed the available knowledge on elephant GIPs identified among different parts of the world based on their prevalence, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and control. Two electronic databases were searched for publications that met the inclusion criteria. About19 English journal articles published between year of 2011- 2021 were included. The main GIPs reported in elephants were Cyathostomidae (at least 14 species), Ancylostomidae, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Oesophagostomum aceleatum, Ascarids, Trichurids, Strongyloides, Anophlocephalidae, flukes, and Coccidia across different parts of the world, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Most elephants show no clinical signs until the equilibrium between parasite and host is disturbed. The common diagnostic methods for GIPs are traditional direct smear, faecal floatation, sedimentation, and McMaster egg counting technique, all involving morphological identification. However, some articles described the use of molecular detection to characterise common GIPs of elephants. Although benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones group of anthelmintic are the most conventional GIPs treatment and control for captive and semi-captive elephants, there is limited data on the threshold value of faecal egg count as the baseline for treatment decision. Over the last decades, various studies regarding elephant GIPs have been conducted. However, more focused and systematic studies are required to enhance our knowledge in multiple aspects of elephant parasitology to find effective solutions and improve elephant health.

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