Article
Immunology
Dingle Yu, Waiwai Gao, Danchun Guo, Qinghua Lu, Yunsheng Chen, Yuejie Zheng, Wenjian Wang, Yonghong Yang
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment of septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in three pediatric cases. The findings suggest that early diagnosis and timely treatment, including abscess incision and drainage followed by culture of the abscess puncture fluid, are important for children with septic arthritis. Beta-lactam antibiotics provide effective treatment once S. pyogenes infection is confirmed, avoiding the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerhard Koenig, Pandian Sokkar, Niclas Pryk, Sascha Heinrich, David Moeller, Giuseppe Cimicata, Donna Matzov, Pascal Dietze, Walter Thiel, Anat Bashan, Julia Elisabeth Bandow, Johannes Zuegg, Ada Yonath, Frank Schulz, Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
Summary: Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to global health, but computational methods can aid in the development of new antibacterial agents and provide rapid decision-making. The best-designed compounds exhibit excellent activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, showing promising inhibitory effects against priority pathogens identified by the World Health Organization.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mpho Keetile, Kagiso Ndlovu, Naomi Setshegetso, Sanni Yaya, Fattimah Serojane
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and identify its correlates in the general population aged 15 to 69 years in Botswana. The findings showed that the probability of smoking was higher among males, individuals with no or primary education, older adults, and alcohol users. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen existing national policies to reduce harmful tobacco use among different population groups.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Richa Sharma, Monali Mukherjee, Praveena Bhatt, K. S. M. S. Raghavarao
Summary: This study aimed to improve the binding affinity of an aptamer for chloramphenicol by truncating its length. The modified aptamer showed significantly higher binding affinity with an 86.93% decrease in dissociation constant. The modified aptamer was successfully used for the ultrasensitive detection of chloramphenicol in real honey samples.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Jose Ramon Yuste, Andres Blanco-Di Matteo, Fernando Gruber
Summary: Training in infectious diseases has a significant impact on medical students' perception and knowledge of antibiotic resistance and the rational use of antibiotics. However, knowledge loss becomes a problem as time lapses after training.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Christina Fennell, Modeigi Diseko, Rebecca Zash, Gloria Mayondi, Judith Mabuta, Mompati Mmalane, Sonya Davey, Rebecca Luckett, Chelsea Morroni, Eldah N. Dintwa, Shahin Lockman, Joseph Makhema, Ellen Caniglia, Roger Shapiro
Summary: This study found that in Botswana, a clinical diagnosis of VDS is common among pregnant women, with the majority receiving antibiotic treatment. There is a harmful association between treated VDS and very preterm delivery, suggesting potential adverse outcomes.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gorka Orive, Saioa Domingo-Echaburu, Unax Lertxundi
Summary: The definition of Rational Use of Drugs has long served as a conceptual framework for health providers worldwide to improve patient's quality of life, but an urgent update is needed to incorporate the philosophy of One-Health.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhi-Hua Tian, Hao Zhang, Jian-bo Shen, Hai-feng Li, Gui-ping Chen, Zhi-bin Duan, Xiao-Hong Ru
Summary: The characteristics of intracranial infection (ICI) after neurosurgery and the impact of rational use of antibiotics were investigated in this study. The results showed that Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and hemolytic Staphylococcus, were the main pathogenic bacteria, while Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also involved. Gram-positive bacteria exhibited high sensitivity to rifampicin, vancomycin, and linezolid, while Gram-negative bacteria showed higher sensitivity to imipenem, meropenem, and amikacin.
TROPICAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenbo Wu, Rupeng Wang, Haixing Chang, Nianbing Zhong, Ting Zhang, Ke Wang, Nanqi Ren, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: A cheap and recyclable biochar catalyst has attracted attention for degrading antibiotics via a nonradicals-dominated peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation process. However, the mechanism and active sites are unclear due to the amorphous structure of biochar. In this study, magnetic chitosan-derived biochar (CSIN) was modified to achieve a transition from free radicals to nonradicals during degradation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Sumi Sinha, Rohini Bhatia, Mohan Narasimamurthy, Sarah Rayne, Surbhi Grover
Summary: This study compared the clinicopathologic features of women with breast cancer in South Africa, Botswana, and the United States. The results showed that breast cancer patients in South Africa and Botswana were younger and more likely to have advanced stage disease compared to those in the US. Additionally, the occurrence of triple negative disease was highest in Botswana. These findings are important for understanding the epidemiologic trends of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and low- and middle-income countries.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yang Zhou, Xunhuan Li, Yansui Liu
Summary: The study emphasizes the importance of cultivated land protection for food security, social stability, and sustainable development in China. It reviews the evolution of China's cultivated land protection policy, explores the spatial-temporal patterns of illegal cultivated land use, and analyzes the impact of various factors on illegal land use. The results show that while China has made efforts in protecting cultivated land, the quality of land has decreased, and there are regional disparities in the driving forces of land loss, with illegal land use being a significant factor.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mashiko Setshedi, Stella I. Smith
Summary: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent worldwide, especially in Africa with rates over 70%. The challenge lies in managing this condition due to increasing antimicrobial resistance rates to recommended therapies. Particularly in Africa, where eradication seems impossible, lack of infrastructure and resources hinder antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Unregulated antibiotic use in certain parts of Africa is likely to contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This article aims to address these challenges by proposing achievable goals to curb infection spread and antimicrobial resistance specifically in Africa.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Frederick Callaway, Bas van Opheusden, Sayan Gul, Priyam Das, Paul M. Krueger, Falk Lieder, Thomas L. Griffiths
Summary: In this study, the authors use mouse-tracking experiments to show that people seek a balance between reward and computational cost in decision-making. They propose a model of resource-constrained planning and find that people's planning strategies are broadly consistent with the optimal model but not with any single heuristic model, indicating the presence of cognitive constraints yet to be discovered.
NATURE HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Roland Seifert, Bastian Schirmer
Summary: The article argues that traditional terms related to antibiotics are used more widely in biomedical literature than scientifically precise terms, and this practice should be stopped. It also provides arguments to end the use of other broadly used terms in biomedical literature.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Disi Qiao, Xiao Qu, Xinyu Chen, Bianjing Sun, Weixiao Ding, Chuntao Chen, Xinhua Peng, Dongping Sun
Summary: A novel graphene oxide/W18O49 nanocomposite (GOW) was prepared by compounding magnetic graphene oxide with tungsten oxide, and it demonstrated high efficiency in the removal of tetracycline pollutants. The adsorption mechanism of TC on GOW is mainly based on 7C-7C interaction, electrostatic attraction, complexation, cation exchange, and hydrogen bonding. In addition, GOW is reusable and shows promising potential for the efficient and sustainable removal of antibiotic pollutants in aquatic environments.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zikria Saleem, Abdul Haseeb, Brian Godman, Narjis Batool, Ummara Altaf, Umar Ahsan, Faiz Ullah Khan, Zia Ul Mustafa, Muhammad Umer Nadeem, Muhammad Junaid Farrukh, Muhammad Mugheera, Inaam Ur Rehman, Asma Fareed Khan, Hamid Saeed, Mohammad Akbar Hossain, Mohamed Raafat, Rozan Mohammad Radwan, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
Summary: This study assessed the patterns of antimicrobial prescribing and the prevalence of COVID-19 among hospitals in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 1024 hospitalized patients, 662 (64.64%) received antimicrobials. The most common indications for antimicrobial use were pneumonia (13.3%), central nervous system infections (10.4%), and gastrointestinal indications (10.4%). The study revealed high antimicrobial use in Pakistani hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for multifaceted interventions to enhance rational antimicrobial prescribing, especially for surgical prophylaxis.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francis Kalemeera, Brian Godman, Andy Stergachis, Tim Rennie
Summary: This study aimed to assess the incidence of improvement and decline in creatinine clearance (CrCl) in patients with baseline CrCl <60 mL/min receiving TDF, and compare it with patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/min. The study found that 40.1% of patients in the <60 mL/min group experienced improvement in CrCl, while 2.3% experienced decline. Compared to patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/min, those with CrCl <60 mL/min were more likely to have chronic kidney disease and decline in CrCl.
PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH & PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
A. H. M. Safayet Ullah Prodhan, Dewan Zubaer Islam, Shahad Saif Khandker, Mohd Raeed Jamiruddin, Adnan Abdullah, Brian Godman, Sylvia Opanga, Santosh Kumar, Paras Sharma, Nihad Adnan, Alice Pisana, Mainul Haque
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer and other priority diseases did not receive adequate attention, resulting in a lack of effective management. Proper care, including surgery, therapy, and psychological support, is crucial for breast cancer patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is important to summarize the current situation and guidelines for breast cancer care during the pandemic.
BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zia U. Mustafa, Amer Hayat Khan, Sabariah Noor Harun, Muhammad Salman, Brian Godman
Summary: Excessive antibiotic prescribing among hospitalized neonates and children with COVID-19, despite very low bacterial co-infections or secondary bacterial infections, requires urgent attention to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Most admitted children were COVID-19-positive, with severe COVID-19 and high rates of ICU admission. The prevalence of bacterial co-infections or secondary bacterial infections was low, but the majority of patients were prescribed antibiotics during their hospital stay, often via parenteral route.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Iris Hoxha, Brian Godman, Admir Malaj, Johanna C. Meyer
Summary: There are growing concerns about rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Albania, especially due to the increasing use of 'Watch' antibiotics. Despite some external factors like an ageing population, increasing GDP, and better healthcare governance, antibiotic consumption is still on the rise, with a significant increase in the utilization of 'Watch' antibiotics. Educational activities and antimicrobial stewardship programs are urgently needed in Albania to reduce inappropriate utilization and combat AMR.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zia Ul Mustafa, Shahid Iqbal, Hafiz Rahil Asif, Muhammad Salman, Sehar Jabbar, Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi, Yusra Habib Khan, Tiyani Milta Sono, Natalie Schellack, Johanna C. Meyer, Brian Godman
Summary: Since the emergence of COVID-19, various medicines have been used to treat patients, even without sufficient evidence of their effectiveness. This has led to safety concerns and an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare workers, who are at high risk during the pandemic, may resort to self-medication, leading to the consumption of antibiotics and other drugs. A study in Punjab found that although healthcare workers had good knowledge and attitudes, a significant proportion practiced self-medication, primarily with antipyretics, antibiotics, and vitamins.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bushra Gul, Maria Sana, Aneela Saleem, Zia Ul Mustafa, Muhammad Salman, Yusra Habib Khan, Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi, Tiyani Milta Sono, Johanna C. Meyer, Brian B. Godman
Summary: Antibiotics are frequently dispensed in Pakistan, but the misuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a concern. A significant number of antibiotics, including 'Watch' antibiotics, were dispensed, indicating the need for training programs among pharmacy personnel to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carlien Schmidt, Moliehi Matlala, Brian Godman, Amanj Kurdi, Johanna C. Meyer
Summary: In order to improve access to health, many countries, including South Africa, have implemented universal healthcare. However, the successful implementation of this requires the ability to apply health technology assessments for investment decisions. This study aimed to evaluate final year Bachelor of Pharmacy students' perception of the relevance of pharmacoeconomics in pharmacy practice and their preparedness to apply pharmacoeconomic principles. The results showed that although students recognized the relevance of pharmacoeconomics, there was a significant gap in their understanding and application of the subject.
Article
Immunology
Steward Mudenda, Victor Daka, Scott K. Matafwali, Phumzile Skosana, Billy Chabalenge, Moses Mukosha, Joseph O. Fadare, Ruth L. Mfune, Bwalya A. Witika, Mirriam G. Alumeta, Webrod Mufwambi, Brian Godman, Johanna C. Meyer, Angela G. Bwalya
Summary: The uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is critical among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Zambia. A study conducted in Lusaka found that 72.1% of HCWs were willing to be vaccinated, while 27.9% were hesitant. HCWs with positive attitudes towards vaccines were less likely to be hesitant.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mankoana A. Masetla, Pinky N. Ntuli, Veena Abraham, Brian Godman, Bwalya A. Witika, Steward Mudenda, Phumzile P. Skosana
Summary: Bone and joint infections are difficult to treat and require organism-specific antimicrobial therapy. Adherence to treatment and appropriate antibiotics are crucial. This study aims to provide antimicrobial stewardship services to outpatients with chronic bone and joint infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Israel Abebrese Sefah, Sarentha Chetty, Peter Yamoah, Johanna C. Meyer, Audrey Chigome, Brian Godman, Varsha Bangalee
Summary: This study investigated the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in six public hospitals in Ghana. The results showed that HCPs had low levels of knowledge and practice regarding AMS, but a good attitude. Continuous AMS training, continuous professional development training, and years of working experience were identified as factors influencing the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCPs.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zikria Saleem, Abdul Haseeb, Safa S. Almarzoky Abuhussain, Catrin E. E. Moore, Sairah Hafeez Kamran, Muhammad Usman Qamar, Aisha Azmat, Giuseppe Pichierri, Fahad Raees, Shahzad Asghar, Amna Saeed, Afreenish Amir, Furqan Khurshid Hashmi, Johanna C. C. Meyer, Israel Abebrese Sefah, Inaam Ur Rehman, Muhammad Umer Nadeem, Brian Godman
Summary: This study aimed to monitor the susceptibility pattern of microbes in Pakistan and found that the current antimicrobial options are severely restricted due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Urgent actions, including initiating antimicrobial stewardship programs, are needed to enhance prudent prescribing of antibiotics.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ummara Altaf, Zikria Saleem, Muhammad Furqan Akhtar, Waleed Mohammad Altowayan, Abdulmajeed A. Alqasoumi, Mohammed Salem Alshammari, Abdul Haseeb, Fahad Raees, Mohammad Tarique Imam, Narjis Batool, Muhammad Masoom Akhtar, Brian Godman
Summary: Culture sensitivity reports were used in a teaching hospital in Pakistan to optimize antibiotic prescribing. The adjustment of empiric therapy based on the reports led to a reduction in antibiotic utilization and costs, as well as improved treatment selection. The study highlights the importance of implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and hospital antibiotic guidelines to minimize unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Zia Ul Mustafa, Fareeha Maqbool, Mahnoor Wahid, Muhammad Salman, Shahzaib Haroon, Yusra Habib Khan, Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi, Brian Godman
Summary: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan found that the prevalence of self-reported side effects after the first, second, and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines was 16.5%, 20.1%, and 32% respectively.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ricardo Mesquita Camelo, Mariana Michel Barbosa, Luila Clicia Moura Henriques, Antony Paul Martin, Brian Godman, Augusto Afonso Guerra Junior, Francisco de Assis Acurcio, Juliana Alvares-Teodoro
Summary: The costs of hemophilia A treatment are increasing, and it is important to avoid the waste of clotting products. This study aimed to estimate the first-year waste of emicizumab prophylaxis for hemophilia A patients with inhibitors who failed immune tolerance induction (ITI) in Brazil. The results showed that waste was more pronounced for patients with lower body weight and shorter administration intervals, with the lowest waste observed in the regimen of every 4 weeks.
SAUDI PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
