University of the Philippines Manila

About: University of the Philippines Manila is a education organization based out in Manila, Philippines. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 2218 authors who have published 2357 publications receiving 88781 citations. The organization is also known as: UPM.

Prognostic factors and treatment effect in the CHIMES study.

Abstract: Background Stroke trials often analyze patients with heterogeneous prognoses using a single definition of outcome, which may not be applicable to all subgroups. We aimed to evaluate the treatment effects of MCL601 among patients stratified by prognosis in the Chinese Medicine Neuroaid Efficacy on Stroke Recovery (CHIMES) study. Methods Analyses were performed using data from the CHIMES study, an international, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial comparing MLC601 with placebo in patients with ischemic stroke of intermediate severity in the preceding 72 hours. All subjects with baseline data and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months were included. Results Data from 1006 subjects were analyzed. The predictive variables for mRS score greater than 1 at month 3 were age older than 60 years ( P P P P = .026). A higher number of predictors was associated with poorer mRS score at month 3 for both placebo ( P P Conclusions Age, sex, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and time to first dose are predictors of functional outcome in the CHIMES study. Stratification by prognosis showed that patients with 2 or more predictors of poorer outcome have better treatment effect with MLC601 than patients with single or no prognostic factor. These results have implications on designing future stroke trials.

Malaria prevalence, knowledge, perception, preventive and treatment behavior among military in Champasak and Attapeu provinces, Lao PDR: a mixed methods study

Abstract: Malaria is a major health problem in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) with high transmission in remote and forest areas, particularly in the South. The military is at risk of malaria infection especially those deployed in forest areas. This study determined the prevalence of malaria infection and assessed knowledge, perception, and preventive and treatment behavior regarding malaria among military personnel in two southern provinces in Lao PDR. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were undertaken in Champasak and Attapeu provinces in 2017. From 313 military personnel, quantitative data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews and blood samples used for parasite detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Qualitative data were collected through 7 focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews among 49 military personnel. Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess the association between malaria infection and participant characteristics. Content analysis for qualitative data was performed to explore perception and treatment behaviors regarding malaria. The prevalence of malaria infection was 11.2% (Plasmodium falciparum: 1.3%, Plasmodium vivax: 9.3% and mixed infections: 0.6%). Many participants understood that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, although they did not necessarily know the name of vector mosquitoes (Anopheles). Surprisingly, more than a half also believed that malaria is transmitted through drinking stream water. One-third of the participants used long-lasting insecticidal nets. Due to limited supply, participants were often unable to use mosquito repellent and coils when necessary. Because participants were unable to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for malaria in their camps, they commonly practiced self-treatment using antibiotics, painkillers, and/or traditional medicines. They only go to a healthcare facility through their supervisor if their conditions worsen. The prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria was conspicuous among military in forest areas. Many participants believed that malaria is transmitted not only by mosquito bites but also from drinking stream water. Preventive equipment was often insufficient. Self-treatment was practiced before referring to healthcare facility. To further prevent military from contracting malaria, the National Malaria Control Program and military body should provide adequate and suitable health education, protective equipment, and on-site malaria case management.

Asia Pacific Family Medicine: The rebirth of a not-so-young child.

Abstract: Asia Pacific Family Medicine was first published as a paper journal by Blackwell Publishing in 2002. At the time, we thought it was "a little like the birth of a child" [1]. Six years later, after some ups and downs, we are now moving to the open access web-based BioMed Central platform. This move to us, the Editors, is like the re-birth of a not-so-young child. Whilst the last 6 years have not been plain sailing for Asia Pacific Family Medicine, we believe there is still a strong need for the journal and it is anticipated that this new move will increase the exposure of the journal to a much wider audience. It is also an opportunity for us to build on what we have achieved so far and to take things further. The objectives of Asia Pacific Family Medicine, despite the move, have remained unchanged. In 2002, we wanted a journal to provide a forum for the dissemination of high quality regional research and to enhance the standards of family medicine by focusing on best practice. In 2008, we are still wanting the same. This is because research forms the backbone of any medical discipline, this is perhaps even more so for a young discipline like family medicine. The only difference is that family medicine in the Asia Pacific region is much stronger than what it was six years ago. A most evident proof is that we are seeing many young and enthusiastic family doctors presenting excellent works in the Wonca Asia Pacific Regional conferences. However, many of these fine presentations are not being transformed into publications to reach a much wider audience. Asia Pacific Family Medicine is here to facilitate this. In fact, we welcome submissions from novice as well as experienced authors within and outside the Asia Pacific region. With the professional support team at BioMed Central, Asia Pacific Family Medicine will be able to provide an efficient and effective publication channel for the large amount of family medicine research work that is done in the Wonca Asia Pacific region and around the world. The Editors are conscious of the publication charges in open access platforms like BioMed Central, which could pose a problem for some of our authors. We are however pleased that submissions from less developed countries in the region are provided waivers so that their good works are not being prevented from being published. In addition BioMed Central operates an institutional membership scheme, where by the article-processing charge is either wholly or partially covered by the researchers institution. For other authors of genuine needs, please feel free to contact us and we shall try to provide our best assistance. The Editors would also like to acknowledge the strong support given to the journal by Wonca Asia Pacific and its 17 member organizations as well as the authors, reviewers and members of the Editorial Board in the past. Asia Pacific Family Medicine looks forward to their continued support.