Effectiveness of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 Patients with Pneumonia: A Systematic Review.

Background And Objective: COVID-19 contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Age-related comorbidities elevate the risk of severe cases. Studies have recently demonstrated that widely available medications, including tocilizumab (TCZ), can manage severe symptoms.

Coexisting Non-functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma and Sellar-Suprasellar Lipoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intracranial lipomas are benign tumors that may occasionally be found in the suprasellar cistern while pituitary adenomas are far more common brain tumors. Pituitary adenomas may rarely coexist with other intracranial tumors in the sellar-suprasellar region. We share a unique case of a patient with coexisting non-functioning pituitary adenoma and sellar-suprasellar lipoma presenting with blurring of vision.

Antibiotic Prescription Patterns among Pediatric Patients with Pneumonia in Primary Care - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background And Objectives: The etiology of pneumonia in the pediatric population varies by age group. Among patients one month to 59 months old, viral pathogens are the most common cause of lower respiratory infections. The study aims to determine the frequency distribution of antibiotic prescription among patients one month to 59 months old and to determine the adherence of primary care facilities to local guidelines with recommended antibiotics.

Association of Germline Variant and Choledochal Cyst among Clinically Diagnosed Filipino Pediatric Patients.

Background And Objective: Choledochal cysts (CC) are rare congenital, cystic dilations of the biliary tree occurring predominantly in Asian populations and in females. Patients are usually children presenting with any of the following: abdominal pain, palpable abdominal mass, and jaundice. Its congenital nature hints at a potential genetic cause.

Diagnostic Performance of a Computer-aided System for Tuberculosis Screening in Two Philippine Cities.

Background And Objectives: The Philippines faces challenges in the screening of tuberculosis (TB), one of them being the shortage in the health workforce who are skilled and allowed to screen TB. Deep learning neural networks (DLNNs) have shown potential in the TB screening process utilizing chest radiographs (CXRs). However, local studies on AI-based TB screening are limited.

The Diameter of the Normal Extrahepatic Bile Duct among Patients Diagnosed with Cholecystolithiasis Managed at the Philippine General Hospital.

Background And Objective: Understanding the normal anatomy and size of the extrahepatic biliary tree is vital for surgeons to make informed decisions regarding the necessity of additional procedures beyond cholecystectomy. The extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) comprises the common hepatic duct (CHD) and the common bile duct (CBD), with the former formed by the convergence of the right and left hepatic ducts and the latter extending from the CHD to the duodenum. A normal diameter is indicative of the absence of any signs of obstruction in the EHBD, and the determination of the average range for these ducts are essential for identifying pathologies that may require further surgical intervention.

Coping Strategies of Filipino Mothers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines.

Background And Objective: Mothers play a significant role as primary caregivers for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) within the family. Given the complex health needs of children with CHD, coping strategies are needed to deal with the challenges associated with caring for their children with the condition. Coping mechanisms encompass fostering resilience, seeking support, and maintaining a positive outlook to navigate stress, uncertainty, and obstacles throughout their child's medical journey with CHD.

Risk of COVID-19 Outcomes among Healthcare Workers: Findings from the Philippine CORONA Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: While many healthcare workers (HCWs) contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, more information is needed to fully understand the potential for adverse health effects in this population segment. The aim of the present study is to examine the association between healthcare worker status and neurologic and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infected inpatients.

Methods: Using the nationwide database provided by the retrospective cohort Philippine CORONA study, we extracted relevant data and performed a secondary analysis primarily focusing on the presentation and outcomes of healthcare workers.

A delayed diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in a returned traveller from the Philippines.

A 71-year-old Australian-born man with previous extended travel to the Philippines presented with bilateral lymphoedema, fevers and rigors. Examination of a nocturnal blood film revealed microfilariae of , confirming a diagnosis of Bancroftian filariasis. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing lymphatic filariasis in non-endemic regions.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF): the 'Kyoto Consensus'-steps from Asia.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a condition associated with high mortality in the absence of liver transplantation. There have been various definitions proposed worldwide. The first consensus report of the working party of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) set in 2004 on ACLF was published in 2009, and the "APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC)" was formed in 2012.

Assessing the landscape of clinical and observational trials involving bioprinting: a scoping review.

Objective: Bioprinting is a tissue engineering technique that is rapidly evolving to include complex clinical applications. However, there is limited evidence describing how far bioprinting has progressed past the pre-clinical stage. Thus, we conducted a scoping review to assess the landscape of clinical studies, including interventional and observational trials, involving bioprinting by charting trends in general characteristics, bioprinting application, and trial design.

High Rates of "Watch" and "Reserve" Class Antibiotics Used to Treat Infections in Neonates and Infants in Southeast Asia.

We evaluated antibiotic prescribing practices for neonates and infants hospitalized with infections in resource-constrained healthcare settings, where antimicrobial resistance is responsible for significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. A point prevalence survey of 667 admitted infants across 10 clinical sites in Southeast Asia revealed a total of 405 antibiotics were prescribed to 218 infants, with high use of World Health Organization-classified "Watch," "Reserve" and "Not Recommended" antibiotics.

Enhancing future HIV services through telehealth services: an observational study to explore telehealth adoption and usage for HIV prevention and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background Telehealth adoption for HIV care continuum accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored telehealth usage, motivators and barriers to telehealth adoption, and implementation challenges during the pandemic among people living with HIV, individuals at risk and community-based organisations (CBOs) in Asia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in June to December 2022 using an online quantitative survey among people living with HIV (n =787) and individuals at risk (n =744), and semi-structured qualitative interviews with CBOs across nine countries/territories in Asia.

Methodology for the Formulation of the Guidelines for the Management of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Austere and Combat Environments.

Care for the patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in austere or combat environments is challenging because resources are substantially limited as compared with care for these patients in a tertiary medical facility. Significant research has been and will continue to be performed on TBI care in these settings. This includes high-quality, evidence-based guidelines that are routinely updated to help guide the treating team as to best practices for a wide range of TBI presentations, complications, and outcomes.

The Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: overview and critical reflection.

Despite notable progress, TB remains a critical public health challenge in the Western Pacific Region. To address this, the WHO developed the Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB, which aligns with global health targets, such as the End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. Here, we critically review the Framework, highlighting its strengths and ongoing challenges, with suggestions as to how it might adapt.

PUPMCR: an R package for image-based identification of color based on Rayner's (1970) terminology and known fungal pigments.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms grouped based on different traits of their morphology. In 1970, R. W.

Telemonitoring in Chronic Heart Failure Among the Elderly: A Rapid Review of Literature.

Introduction: Chronic heart failure (HF) is a global health issue, with telemonitoring emerging as a key strategy for elderly patient management, aligning with the Universal Health Care Law.

Objective: To assess the impact of telemonitoring on the quality of life, hospitalization rate, and mortality rate among elderly patients with chronic HF.

Methods: A rapid review of 11 studies, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, prospective, and retrospective studies from 2013 to 2023, was performed using CINAHL.

Evaluating the Impact of the LactApp Mobile Health (m-Health) Tool on Nursing Students' Breastfeeding Knowledge and Educational Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Introduction Breastfeeding is critical for infant health, offering numerous physical, emotional, and developmental benefits. However, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal globally, including in the Philippines, due to misinformation, cultural misconceptions, and inadequate healthcare support. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in promoting breastfeeding practices.

Revolutionary NIR-activated silicon nanoparticles: precision-controlled release and targeted 3D cancer cell destruction.

In cancer therapy, controlled and targeted drug release systems are essential to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. This study introduces an innovative mesoporous silicon nanoparticle (MSN) platform, functionalized with the natural anticancer agent dieckol (Di) and designed for precise drug delivery activated by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. By embedding Di and grafting fluorescent organic conjugates onto the MSN surface, this innovative nanocarrier demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to NIR stimuli and potent chemo-photothermal effects.

Population pharmacokinetics and dosing of dispersible moxifloxacin formulation in children with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis.

Aims: Moxifloxacin is a priority drug for treating rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). We assessed the pharmacokinetics of a child-friendly, dispersible 100 mg tablet moxifloxacin formulation (dispersed in water) compared to the standard 400 mg non-dispersible formulation (crushed and suspended in water) in children and evaluated current dosing recommendations.

Methods: The CATALYST trial investigated the pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin in children with RR-TB.