scholarly journals 1536Antimicrobial resistance in the emerging COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Jaiswal ◽  
Ankita Jaiswal ◽  
Surabhi Puri ◽  
Adarsh Pal
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Resistance Management ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Bacterial Coinfection

Abstract Background Inappropriate usage of antibiotics among COVID-19 patients can raise disastrous effects on antimicrobial resistance management and antibiotic stewardship programs. A study from USA reported 71% of COVID-19 patients received antibiotics while only 4% had bacterial co-infection. Similar findings were reported from a review of data from COVID-19 cases in Asia, which reported more than 70% of the patient receiving antibiotics however less than 10% on average had bacterial coinfection. The World Health Organisation discourages the use of antibiotics for mild cases of COVID-19, however they recommend it for severe cases at increased risk of secondary bacterial infection and death. This review aims to discuss the usage of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients pointing the role of bacterial coinfections, types of antibiotics used, and antibiotic resistance. Methods We systematically searched Medline, Cochrane library, Google Scholar for eligible studies published from 1st January 2020 till 29th May 2021. We included English language articles. We included patients of all age groups, in all settings. Primary outcome variable was bacterial coinfection and antimicrobial usage among COVID-19 patients. Results Less than 10% of the hospitalised COVID-19 patients had bacterial Co-infection. Antibiotics used among COVID-19 positives were moxifloxacin, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, levofloxacin, meropenem, etc. Conclusions Low proportion of COVID-19 patients had bacterial co-infection. Routine usage of antibiotics among COVID-19 positives should be discouraged. Key messages Bacterial co-infection among COVID-19 patients is low and therefore misuse of antibiotics among them should be discouraged.

scholarly journals The Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Aetiology and Development of Uveal Melanoma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1700
Author(s):  
Melissa Chalada ◽  
Charmaine A. Ramlogan-Steel ◽  
Bijay P. Dhungel ◽  
Christopher J. Layton ◽  
Jason C. Steel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Uveal Melanoma ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Genetic Mutations ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Uveal melanoma (UM) is currently classified by the World Health Organisation as a melanoma caused by risk factors other than cumulative solar damage. However, factors relating to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) susceptibility such as light-coloured skin and eyes, propensity to burn, and proximity to the equator, frequently correlate with higher risk of UM. These risk factors echo those of the far more common cutaneous melanoma (CM), which is widely accepted to be caused by excessive UVR exposure, suggesting a role of UVR in the development and progression of a proportion of UM. Indeed, this could mean that countries, such as Australia, with high UVR exposure and the highest incidences of CM would represent a similarly high incidence of UM if UVR exposure is truly involved. Most cases of UM lack the typical genetic mutations that are related to UVR damage, although recent evidence in a small minority of cases has shown otherwise. This review therefore reassesses statistical, environmental, anatomical, and physiological evidence for and against the role of UVR in the aetiology of UM.

scholarly journals Possible role of tocopherols in the modulation of host microRNA with potential antiviral activity in patients with hepatitis B virus-related persistent infection: a systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1751-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Fiorino ◽  
L. Bacchi-Reggiani ◽  
S. Sabbatani ◽  
F. Grizzi ◽  
L. di Tommaso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Chronic Hbv

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a serious global health problem and persistent HBV infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Recently, the study of the role of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of HBV has gained considerable interest as well as new treatments against this pathogen have been approved. A few studies have investigated the antiviral activity of vitamin E (VE) in chronic HBV carriers. Herein, we review the possible role of tocopherols in the modulation of host miRNA with potential anti-HBV activity. A systematic research of the scientific literature was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. The keywords used were ‘HBV therapy’, ‘HBV treatment’, ‘VE antiviral effects’, ‘tocopherol antiviral activity’, ‘miRNA antiviral activity’ and ‘VE microRNA’. Reports describing the role of miRNA in the regulation of HBV life cycle,in vitroandin vivoavailable studies reporting the effects of VE on miRNA expression profiles and epigenetic networks, and clinical trials reporting the use of VE in patients with HBV-related chronic hepatitis were identified and examined. Based on the clinical results obtained in VE-treated chronic HBV carriers, we provide a reliable hypothesis for the possible role of this vitamin in the modulation of host miRNA profiles perturbed by this viral pathogen and in the regulation of some cellular miRNA with a suggested potential anti-HBV activity. This approach may contribute to the improvement of our understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms involved in HBV infection and increase the possibility of its management and treatment.

Challenges in Treating Chlamydia trachomatis, Including Rectal Infections: Is It Time to Go Back to Doxycycline?

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110299
Author(s):  
S. Lena Kang-Birken
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
English Language ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: To evaluate recent publications on efficacy of single-dose azithromycin and 7-day doxycycline when treating Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane library was conducted (1990 to June 13, 2021) using the terms: Chlamydia trachomatis, genital chlamydia, rectal chlamydia, extragenital chlamydia, azithromycin, doxycycline, and treatment guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to identify ongoing trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language studies, including controlled studies, retrospective analyses, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports, reporting microbiological or clinical outcomes in adolescents and adults were considered. Data Synthesis: Systemic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized trials reported azithromycin efficacy of 96% to 97% in genital chlamydia. However, reports of treatment failure have emerged, especially among symptomatic males, with an increased risk of microbiological failure after azithromycin than doxycycline (relative risk = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.36-4.41). Retrospective analyses and prospective observational cohort studies reported lower efficacy range following azithromycin than doxycycline (74%-87% vs 92%-100%, respectively) in rectal chlamydia. First randomized controlled trial comparing azithromycin and doxycycline reported significantly higher microbiological cure following doxycycline, with absolute difference of 26% (95% CI = 16%-36%; P < 0.001). The proposed 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines designate doxycycline as the preferred agent for treatment at any site. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: A growing body of evidence for treatment failure following azithromycin, especially in rectal chlamydia supports updating current practice. Conclusions: Doxycycline continues to achieve high efficacy in genital and rectal chlamydia. Clinicians should consider efficacy with convenience of dosing regimen, medication compliance, and sexual behavior risks when treating chlamydia infections.

scholarly journals Women’s postnatal care based on the Polish and international recommendations

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Czerwińska-Osipiak ◽  
Beata Pięta ◽  
Justyna Kamińska ◽  
Halina Nowakowska
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Postnatal Care ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Postnatal Period ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Risk Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction. The issue of high-risk pregnancy has been widely discussed in the recent years. As a result, many countries have introduced programs to improve perinatal care in order to meet the needs of pregnant women as well as those going into labour. Much less attention was dedicated to health and social circumstances of women in the postpartum period. The World Health Organisation developed a document (WHO Recommendations on Postnatal Care of the Mother and Newborn, 2013) in which it clearly defines recommendations formulated for the professionals who are care providers to the child and the mother after birth. The authors of the report indicate that the postnatal period is crucial for both the mothers and their children, and the lack of proper care given to them may lead to deterioration of their health and even death. According to the code of professional practice, the Polish midwife identifies and determines individuals’ requirements as well as health needs, recognizes nursing difficulties, and, effectively plans and oversees their care. The Polish guideline for the highest standard of medical care during pregnancy, the delivery, the postpartum period and the neonatal care is the Regulation of the Health Minister from 20th September 2012. Aim. This paper collected current and adopted recommendations regarding postpartum care with an emphasis on the significant role of the midwife.

Leukemia in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10576-10576
Author(s):  
Colin Wikholm ◽  
Shiva Shankar Vangimalla ◽  
Ehab Abaza ◽  
Akram Ahmad ◽  
Ioannis Pothoulakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Black Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Leukemia Diagnosis ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Over Time ◽  
White Patients

10576 Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and use of immunosuppressive therapy in IBD is linked with increased risk of leukemia. We studied the NIS database from 2003-2017 to analyze trends in any type of leukemia in IBD hospitalizations over time and examined the role of age, sex, and race. Methods: We analyzed NIS data of all adult hospitalizations for ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) with any type of leukemia as a primary or secondary diagnosis using validated ICD 9/10 codes. Age, sex, and racial demographics were collected. Trend analysis of leukemia was performed with Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests. Results: Overall Trends: From 2003-2017, a total of 11,385 of 2,235,413 (0.51%) CD hospitalizations and 8,105 of 1,324,746 (0.61%) UC hospitalizations contained diagnosis of leukemia. An increase in leukemia was seen in both CD and UC group from 0.24% to 0.79% (pTrend < 0.0001) and 0.28% to 0.81% (pTrend < 0.0001) respectively. Sex: In both UC and CD patients, leukemia diagnoses were predominantly male in 2003 but approximated a near 1:1 ratio by 2017 (Table). In CD, the proportion of female (FEM) leukemia diagnoses grew from 31.33% to 45.05% from 2003 to 2017 (pTrend = 0.1898). In UC, the proportion of female leukemia diagnoses grew from 27.49% to 45.79% from 2003 to 2017 (pTrend = 0.0030). Age: Leukemia was more common with increasing age, with no significant changes in proportion of cases between age groups over time (pTrend >.05). Ethnicity: White patients composed 87.80% and 84.24% of leukemia diagnoses in CD and UC, respectively. In CD, an increasing proportion of leukemia diagnoses occurred in black (BK) patients, and a decreasing proportion occurred in white patients (pTrends <.0001; Table 1) during the study time. No trends in race were observed in the UC group (pTrend = 0.4229). Conclusions: Our study showed an increased prevalence of leukemia in CD and UC hospitalizations from 2003-2017 which may be related to increasing use of immunosuppressants such as anti-TNF medications. In both CD and UC, leukemia was male-predominant, but increasingly female by 2017. Rate of leukemia diagnosis increased with age. In the CD group but not the UC group, leukemia was increasingly prevalent in black patients.[Table: see text]

scholarly journals Patients with more comorbidities have better detection of chronic conditions, but poorer management and control: findings from six middle-income countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Sum ◽  
Gerald Choon-Huat Koh ◽  
Stewart W. Mercer ◽  
Lim Yee Wei ◽  
Azeem Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising rapidly in middle-income countries (MICs), where NCDs are often undiagnosed, untreated and uncontrolled. How comorbidity impacts diagnosis, treatment, and control of NCDs is an emerging area of research inquiry and have important clinical implications as highlighted in the recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for treating patients suffering from multiple NCDs. This is the first study to examine the association between increasing numbers of comorbidities with being undiagnosed, untreated, and uncontrolled for NCDs, in 6 large MICs. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the World Health Organisation Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (WHO SAGE) Wave 1 (2007–10), which consisted of adults aged ≥18 years from 6 populous MICs, including China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa (overall n = 41, 557). Results A higher number of comorbidities was associated with better odds of diagnosis for hypertension, angina, and arthritis, and higher odds of having treatment for hypertension and angina. However, more comorbidities were associated with increased odds of uncontrolled hypertension, angina, arthritis, and asthma. Comorbidity with concordant conditions was associated with improved diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and angina. Conclusion Patients with more comorbidities have better diagnosis of chronic conditions, but this does not translate into better management and control of these conditions. Patients with multiple NCDs are high users of health services and are at an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Hence, improving their access to care is a priority for healthcare systems.

Imaging in low-grade glioma: a guide for neurologists

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Larsen ◽  
Nigel Hoggard ◽  
Fiona M McKevitt
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Planning ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Low Grade Glioma ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Contemporary Management

The management of low-grade glioma (LGG) is shifting as evidence has emergedthat refutes the previously commonplace imaging-based ‘watch and wait’ approach, in favour of early aggressive surgical resection. This coupled with the recent 2016 update to the World Health Organisation Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System is changing LGG imaging and management. Recently in Practical Neurology the contemporary management of low-grade glioma and the changes to this grading system were discussed in detail. 1 In this complementary article, we discuss the role of imaging in the diagnosis, surgical planning and post-treatment follow-up of LGG. We describe the principles of imaging these tumours and use several cases to highlight some difficult scenarios.

scholarly journals Decreased Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Treated With Tocilizumab: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jishnu Malgie ◽  
Jan W Schoones ◽  
Bart G Pijls
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background We systematically reviewed the literature to answer the following research questions: (1) Does interleukin 6 (IL-6) (receptor) antagonist therapy reduce mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists; and (2) is there an increased risk of side effects in COVID-19 patients treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists? Methods We systematically searched PubMed, PMC PubMed Central, Medline, World Health Organization COVID-19 Database, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, and Academic Search Premier (through 30 June 2020). Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the risk ratios and risk differences of individual studies. Risk of bias was appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist. Results The search strategy retrieved 743 unique titles, of which 10 studies (all on tocilizumab [TCZ]) comprising 1358 patients were included. Nine of 10 studies were considered to be of high quality. Meta-analysis showed that the TCZ group had lower mortality than the control group. The risk ratio was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], .12–.59) and the risk difference was 12% (95% CI, 4.6%–20%) in favor of the TCZ group. With only a few studies available, there were no differences observed regarding side effects. Conclusions Our results showed that mortality was 12% lower for COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ compared with those not treated with TCZ. The number needed to treat was 11, suggesting that for every 11 (severe) COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ, 1 death is prevented. These results require confirmation by randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals Neonatal hypothermia and adherence to World Health Organisation thermal care guidelines among newborns at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248838
Author(s):  
Winstone Mokaya Nyandiko ◽  
Paul Kiptoon ◽  
Florence Ajaya Lubuya
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Thermal Care ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Care Guidelines ◽  
Prospective Study Design ◽  
Neonatal Hypothermia

Neonatal hypothermia is a great concern with near epidemic levels globally. In Kenya, its prevalence is as high as 87% with limited local data on the associated factors such as adherence to warm chain guidelines as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypothermia and level of adherence to the WHO thermal care guidelines among newborns admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). It adopted a prospective study design of following up neonates for the first 24 hours of admission to the MTRH newborn unit. Thermometry, interview of mothers and observation of thermal care practices was done. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were adopted. Specifically, Pearson’s chi-square test of associations between predictors of neonatal hypothermia and management outcomes was conducted with their corresponding risk estimates at 95% confidence interval. Among the 372 participants, 64.5% (n = 240) were born at MTRH, 47.6% (177) were preterm and 53.2% (198) had birth weights below 2500 grams. Admission hypothermia was noted among 73.7% (274) and 13% (49) died on the first day of admission. Only 7.8% (29) newborns accessed optimal thermal care. Prematurity, day one mortality and adherence to the warm chain were significantly (p<0.001) associated with admission hypothermia. Inappropriate thermal appliance, inadequate clothing and late breastfeeding significantly increased the risk of neonatal hypothermia. Absence of admission hypothermia increased the likelihood of neonatal survival more than twenty-fold (AOR = 20.91, 95% CI: 2.15–153.62). Three out four neonates enrolled had admission hypothermia which was significantly associated with prematurity, lack of adherence to warm chain and increased risk of neonatal mortality on the first day of life. There was low adherence to the WHO thermal care guidelines. This should be optimized among preterm neonates to improve likelihood of survival.

scholarly journals Pharmacy Education In Indonesia

2021 ◽  
pp. 432-442
Author(s):  
Fonny Cokro ◽  
Pretty Falena Kambira Atmanda ◽  
Reynelda Juliani Sagala ◽  
Sherly Tandi Arrang ◽  
Dion Notario ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Pharmacy Education ◽  
World Health ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
The Government ◽  
One Year

Pharmacy education in Indonesia mainly involves a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by a one-year professional pharmacy programme. The curriculum and learning outcomes of undergraduate and professional pharmacy programmes follow academic standards set by the Association of Indonesian Pharmacy Higher Education, based on the Seven Star Pharmacist concept developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Most pharmacy undergraduate programmes are focused on general pharmacy skills and knowledge, which includes pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy. Professional pharmacy programmes provide more pharmacy practice training and skills; thus, graduates have broader career opportunities than undergraduates because they are prepared for higher responsibilities within pharmacy practice. Although there have been significant improvements in pharmacy education, there remain challenges related to government policies, stakeholder agreements, educational offerings, competencies, and training. This requires considerable collective efforts from the government, educational systems, associations, and other stakeholders to improve the role of pharmacists in Indonesia.

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