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.

Epidemiology of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in Manila, Philippines, 1994 to 1996

Abstract: Background. Effective vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) have shown impressive results in decreasing Hib meningitis in developed countries. In the Philippines Hib vaccines are not part of the routine immunization given to children. Before a decision can be made to include Hib vaccines in immunization program, epidemiology of Hib meningitis in Manila, Philippines, should first be described. Methodology. A cohort of 41592 children <5 years of age in Central Manila was the study population. Confirmed cases between January, 1994, and December, 1996, were obtained from all hospitals in the region. Confirmation of cases was based on positive culture isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or Hib antigen identified in CSF with a clinical diagnosis of Hib meningitis. The progress of children with Hib meningitis postinfection was evaluated from hospital records. Results. There were 118 episodes of Hib meningitis identified in the population in the study period. Sequelae occurred in 15% of the total cases, and the case fatality rate was 11%. The annual incidence of Hib meningitis in Manila for children <5 years old was 95 per 100 000. Conclusions. Hib meningitis in Central Manila is common. The incidence is particularly high in children <6 months old. Adverse neurologic outcomes and a high case fatality rate in children younger than 1 year suggest that a vaccination program would be useful.

Sensitization against the parasite antigen Sj26 is not sufficient for consistent expression of resistance to Schistosoma japonicum in mice.

Abstract: Mice immunized with purified antigen preparations produced in Escherichia coli and containing the glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzyme of Schistosoma japonicum (Sj26) can be partially resistant to infection with this parasite. Maximum resistance was approximately 50% and no protection was obtained in BALB/c mice, known low responders to Sj26. Although only Freund's complete adjuvant has been used, the data obtained indicate that satisfactory levels of resistance to S. japonicum will not be attained by vaccination with Sj26 alone. Other antigens, including the additional GST isoenzyme of S. japonicum Sj28, will probably be required to establish whether Sj26 will be an important component of a defined multivalent vaccine against schistosomiasis japonica.

Empowering newborn screening programs in African countries through establishment of an international collaborative effort.

Abstract: In an effort to explore new knowledge and to develop meaningful collaborations for improving child health, the First Pan African Workshop on Newborn Screening was convened in June 2019 in Rabat, Morocco. Participants included an informal network of newborn screening stakeholders from across Africa and global experts in newborn screening and sickle cell disease. Over 150 attendees, representing 20 countries, were present including 11 African countries. The agenda focused on newborn screening rationale, techniques, system development, implementation barriers, ongoing research, and collaborations both globally and across Africa. We provide an overview of the workshop and a description of the newborn screening activities in the 11 African countries represented at the workshop, with a focus on sickle cell disease.

Object recognition and detection by shape and color pattern recognition utilizing Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract: A robust and accurate object recognition tool is presented in this paper. The paper introduced the use of Artificial Neural Networks in evaluating a frame shot of the target image. The system utilizes three major steps in object recognition, namely image processing, ANN processing and interpretation. In image processing stage a frame shot or an image go through a process of extracting numerical values of object's shape and object's color. These values are then fed to the Artificial Neural Network stage, wherein the recognition of the object is done. Since the output of the ANN stage is in numerical form the third process is indispensable for human understanding. This stage simply converts a given value to its equivalent linguistic term. All three components are integrated in an interface for ease of use. Upon the conclusion of the system's development, experimentation and testing procedures are initiated. The study proved that the optimum lighting condition opted for the system is at 674 lumens with an accuracy of 99.99996072%. Another finding that the paper presented is that the optimum distance for recognition is at 40cm with an accuracy of 99.99996072%. Lastly the system contains a very high tolerance in the variations in the objects position or orientation, with the optimum accuracy at upward position with 99.99940181% accuracy rate.

A rapid research needs appraisal methodology to identify evidence gaps to inform clinical research priorities in response to outbreaks—results from the Lassa fever pilot

Abstract: Infectious disease epidemics are a constant threat, and while we can strengthen preparedness in advance, inevitably, we will sometimes be caught unaware by novel outbreaks. To address the challenge of rapidly identifying clinical research priorities in those circumstances, we developed and piloted a protocol for carrying out a systematic, rapid research needs appraisal (RRNA) of existing evidence within 5 days in response to outbreaks globally, with the aim to inform clinical research prioritization. The protocol was derived from rapid review methodologies and optimized through effective use of pre-defined templates and global time zones. It was piloted using a Lassa fever (LF) outbreak scenario. Databases were searched from 1969 to July 2017. Systematic reviewers based in Canada, the UK, and the Philippines screened and extracted data using a systematic review software. The pilot was evaluated through internal analysis and by comparing the research priorities identified from the data, with those identified by an external LF expert panel. The RRNA pilot was completed within 5 days. To accommodate the high number of articles identified, data extraction was prioritized by study design and year, and the clinical research prioritization done post-day 5. Of 118 potentially eligible articles, 52 met the data extraction criteria, of which 46 were extracted within the 5-day time frame. The RRNA team identified 19 clinical research priorities; the expert panel independently identified 21, of which 11 priorities overlapped. Each method identified a unique set of priorities, showing that combining both methods for clinical research prioritization is more robust than using either method alone. This pilot study shows that it is feasible to carry out a systematic RRNA within 5 days in response to a (re-) emerging outbreak to identify gaps in existing evidence, as long as sufficient resources are identified, and reviewers are experienced and trained in advance. Use of an online systematic review software and global time zones effectively optimized resources. Another 3 to 5 days are recommended for review of the extracted data and to formulate clinical research priorities. The RRNA can be used for a “Disease X” scenario and should optimally be combined with an expert panel to ensure breadth and depth of coverage of clinical research priorities.