ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1975-0085
Current Organisations
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
,
Mekelle University College of Health Sciences
,
Edith Cowan University
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Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 15-03-2021
DOI: 10.1155/2021/8833865
Abstract: Background. Malaria remains a major public health problem globally. Poor access to antimalarial drugs compounded with rapidly evolving drug resistance encourages researchers to continuously look for new drugs. Of importance, traditionally used medicines of plant origin are the highest priority as the ethnobotanical claim can be used as an important clue for its safety and efficacy profiles. Silene macrosolen A. Rich (Caryophyllaceae) has been traditionally used for malaria treatment in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant against Plasmodium-berghei-infected (ANKA strain) Swiss albino mice. Methods. The dried powdered root of Silene macrosolen was extracted using 80% methanol. The crude extract was fractionated using chloroform, ethyl acetate, and distilled water that have different affinities to plant phytoconstituents. The in vivo antimalarial activities of the crude extract were evaluated using 4-day suppressive, prophylactic, and curative tests. The antimalarial activity of the solvent fractions was evaluated in a 4-day suppressive test. The oral acute toxicity of the crude extract was also determined according to the OECD guidelines. Results. The percentage of parasite suppression on the crude extract was 31.02%, 35.82%, and 39.23% in prophylactic, curative, and 4-day suppressive tests, respectively, at the tested dose level of 400 mg/kg. The percentages of chemosuppression of the solvent fractions (400 mg/kg) were 43.07%, 42.61%, and 38.38% in aqueous, ethyl acetate, and chloroform fractions, respectively. Both the crude extract and solvent fractions also significantly prolonged survival time except in the prophylactic test. In addition, prevention of weight loss and reduction in temperature and packed cell volume (PCV) were observed in crude extract as well as solvent fractions. The acute toxicity test of the plant extract also exhibited no sign of toxicity. Conclusion. The result indicated that Silene macrosolen has a significant antimalarial activity, justifying the traditional use of the plant material for treatment of malaria.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 02-12-2018
DOI: 10.1155/2018/7593573
Abstract: Background . Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked recurrent seizure episodes. The disease has detrimental effects on social, cognitive, psychological, and physical components of life consequently quality of life of the patients. The level of the effect of the disease on quality life is influenced by different factors including the use of antiepileptic medications. Objectives . The study was aimed at assessing quality of life in patients with epilepsy and the variables affecting it in Mekelle city, northern Ethiopia. Methods . 175 patients with epilepsy aging 18 years old and above attending neurologic clinics of the two governmental hospitals available in Mekelle city were interviewed using standard and validated Tigrigna version of Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale-31 (QOLIE-31). One-way ANOVA and independent t -test and analysis of covariance were used for data analysis. Result . The mean age of the patients was 29.36 (standard deviation (SD) 12.77) years old, and 61% of them were males while 52% of the respondents were on phenobarbitone monotherapy. The mean total QOLIE-31 score was 77.97 (SD 20.78) with the highest subscale score for medication effects and the lowest for overall quality of life (QOL) functioning with a score of 86.2 (SD 22.12) and 70.97 (SD 26.43), respectively. The patients with high seizure frequency in the past month before the current visit had a significantly low quality of life 76.81 (SD 21.11). Conversely, patients with tertiary education and above had shown a significantly high quality of life 89.52 (SD 11.85). Conclusion . The overall QOL of the patients was good. Seizure frequency and level of education were found significant predictors of QOL showing the necessity of seizure control and patient education for improving quality of life in patients with epilepsy.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-02-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.L94
Abstract: To use the estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 to describe patterns of suicide mortality globally, regionally, and for 195 countries and territories by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index, and to describe temporal trends between 1990 and 2016. Systematic analysis. Crude and age standardised rates from suicide mortality and years of life lost were compared across regions and countries, and by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index (a composite measure of fertility, income, and education). The total number of deaths from suicide increased by 6.7% (95% uncertainty interval 0.4% to 15.6%) globally over the 27 year study period to 817 000 (762 000 to 884 000) deaths in 2016. However, the age standardised mortality rate for suicide decreased by 32.7% (27.2% to 36.6%) worldwide between 1990 and 2016, similar to the decline in the global age standardised mortality rate of 30.6%. Suicide was the leading cause of age standardised years of life lost in the Global Burden of Disease region of high income Asia Pacific and was among the top 10 leading causes in eastern Europe, central Europe, western Europe, central Asia, Australasia, southern Latin America, and high income North America. Rates for men were higher than for women across regions, countries, and age groups, except for the 15 to 19 age group. There was variation in the female to male ratio, with higher ratios at lower levels of Socio-demographic index. Women experienced greater decreases in mortality rates (49.0%, 95% uncertainty interval 42.6% to 54.6%) than men (23.8%, 15.6% to 32.7%). Age standardised mortality rates for suicide have greatly reduced since 1990, but suicide remains an important contributor to mortality worldwide. Suicide mortality was variable across locations, between sexes, and between age groups. Suicide prevention strategies can be targeted towards vulnerable populations if they are informed by variations in mortality rates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00223-022-01016-5
Abstract: We have previously shown that abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of advanced atherosclerotic disease, is weakly associated with reduced hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD). To better understand the vascular–bone health relationship, we explored this association with other key determinants of whole-bone strength and fracture risk at peripheral skeletal sites. This study examined associations of AAC with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-assessed total, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure and strength of the radius and tibia among 648 community-dwelling older women (mean ± SD age 79.7 ± 2.5 years). We assessed associations between cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (progression from 1998/1999–2003) AAC assessed on lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images with cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (change from 2003 to 2005) pQCT bone measures at the 4% radius and tibia, and 15% radius. Partial Spearman correlations (adjusted for age, BMI, calcium treatment) revealed no cross-sectional associations between AAC and any pQCT bone measures. AAC progression was not associated with any bone measure after adjusting for multiple comparisons, despite trends for inverse correlations with total bone area at the 4% radius (r s = − 0.088, p = 0.044), 4% tibia (r s = − 0.085, p = 0.052) and 15% radius (r s = − 0.101, p = 0.059). Neither AAC in 2003 nor AAC progression were associated with subsequent 2-year pQCT bone changes. ANCOVA showed no differences in bone measures between women with and without AAC or AAC progression, nor across categories of AAC extent. Collectively, these finding suggest that peripheral bone density and structure, or its changes with age, are not associated with central vascular calcification in older women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.2147/JEP.S259081
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-023-37003-Z
Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drug-resistant pathogens. However, the high cost involved in AMP synthesis and their short plasma half-life render their clinical translation a challenge. To address these shortcomings, we report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression of glycine-extended AMPs in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PAM). Cationic AMPs accumulate to substantial levels in PAM transgenic plants compare to nontransgenic N. benthamiana . Moreover, AMPs purified from plants exhibit robust killing activity against six highly virulent and antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens, prevent their biofilm formation, analogous to their synthetic counterparts and synergize with antibiotics. We also perform a base case techno-economic analysis of our platform, demonstrating the potential economic advantages and scalability for industrial use. Taken together, our experimental data and techno-economic analysis demonstrate the potential use of plant chassis for large-scale production of clinical-grade AMPs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2021
DOI: 10.1111/EXD.14224
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1155/2018/4160247
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deposition of extracellular amyloid- β , intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and loss of cortical neurons. However, the mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains to be explored. Many of the researches on AD have been primarily focused on neuronal changes. Current research, however, broadens to give emphasis on the importance of nonneuronal cells, such as astrocytes. Astrocytes play fundamental roles in several cerebral functions and their dysfunctions promote neurodegeneration and, eventually, retraction of neuronal synapses, which leads to cognitive deficits found in AD. Astrocytes become reactive as a result of deposition of A β , which in turn have detrimental consequences, including decreased glutamate uptake due to reduced expression of uptake transporters, altered energy metabolism, altered ion homeostasis (K + and Ca + ), increased tonic inhibition, and increased release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. In this review, recent insights on the involvement of, tonic inhibition, astrocytic glutamate transporters and aquaporin in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease are provided. Compounds which increase expression of GLT1 have showed efficacy for AD in preclinical studies. Tonic inhibition mediated by GABA could also be a promising target and drugs that block the GABA synthesizing enzyme, MAO-B, have shown efficacy. However, there are contradictory evidences on the role of AQP4 in AD.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.BONE.2022.116610
Abstract: Osteoporosis medications have been reported to have beneficial and harmful cardiovascular effects. Much of this evidence stems from single reports and as such, a comprehensive examination of the evidence is needed. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of cardiovascular adverse event (CAE) data from randomized trials of osteoporosis medications in postmenopausal women. Trials were identified from recent NMAs of osteoporosis treatment for fracture reduction with an updated literature search (December 2020). Included studies were randomized, included over 100 participants, and reported skeletal primary outcomes. We investigated three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE3), four- (MACE4) and five-point MACE (MACE5), as well as myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Data were synthesized in a random-effects network meta-analysis using Bayesian modelling. Probabilistic ranking of treatment safety was performed. Relative to placebo, point estimates for the odds ratios (OR) with 95 % credible intervals (CrI) were also generated. We identified 75 trials (n = 136,940 women), of which 27 (68,699 women, nine arms) reported CAEs. In women randomized to placebo, the overall event rate for the MACE3 outcome was 2.58 % compared with 1.99 % in those randomized to all other active comparators. Probabilistic ranking found abaloparatide, oral bisphosphonates, teriparatide, and menopausal hormone therapy were less likely to have increased risk of CAEs than placebo, while romosozumab ranked more likely to have increased risk of CAEs than placebo for all outcomes. Compared with placebo, abaloparatide (one trial, n = 1642) was associated with a reduced odds for MACE3 (OR = 0·31 95%CrI: 0·06 to 0·99), MACE4 (0·28 0·06 to 0·88) and MACE5 (0·25 0·06 to 0·79). When all PTH analogues were grouped together, magnitude and direction of effects were consistent but no longer statistically significant. We did not find pooled direct and indirect evidence that osteoporosis treatments significantly increased the risk of adverse cardiovascular events relative to placebo. (PROSPERO: CRD42020178702).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1155/2018/4536905
Abstract: Background . Antimicrobial drug resistance is a global threat for treatment of infectious diseases and costs life and money and threatens health delivery system’s effectiveness. The resistance of E. coli to frequently utilized antimicrobial drugs is becoming a major challenge in Ethiopia. However, there is no inclusive countrywide study. Therefore, this study intended to assess the prevalence of E. coli resistance and antimicrobial-specific resistance pattern among E. coli clinical isolates in Ethiopia. Methods . Articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and grey literature from 2007 to 2017. The main outcome measures were overall E. coli and drug-specific resistance patterns. A random-effects model was used to determine pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI), using DerSimonian and Laird method. In addition, subgroup analysis was conducted to improve the outcome. The study bias was assessed by Begg’s funnel plot. This study was registered in PROSPERO as follows: PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017070106. Results . Of 164 articles retrieved, 35 articles were included. A total of 19,235 study s les participated in the studies and 2,635 E. coli strains were isolated. Overall, E. coli antibacterial resistance was 45.38% (95% confidence interval (CI): 33.50 to 57.27). The resistance pattern ranges from 62.55% in Addis Ababa to 27.51% in Tigray region. The highest resistance of E. coli reported was to icillin (83.81%) and amoxicillin (75.79%), whereas only 13.55% of E. coli isolates showed resistance to nitrofurantoin. Conclusion . E. coli antimicrobial resistance remains high with disparities observed among regions. The bacterium was found to be highly resistant to aminopenicillins. The finding implies the need for effective prevention strategies for the E. coli drug resistance and calls for multifaceted approaches with full involvement of all stakeholders.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 30-04-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.2147/BTT.S262705
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-08-2023
DOI: 10.1136/HEARTJNL-2023-322861
Abstract: To examine the association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), a biomarker of myocardial injury, muscle function decline and 14.5-year fall-related hospitalisation risk in women aged over 70 years. 1179 ambulatory community-dwelling women aged over 70 years with subclinical levels of hs-cTnI (ie, .6 ng/L), who were followed up for 14.5 years, were included. S les for hs-cTnI were obtained in 1998. Fall-related hospitalisations were retrieved from linked health records. Muscle function measures, including handgrip strength and the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, were assessed in 1998 and 2003. Mean±SD age was 75.2±2.7 years. Over 14.5 years of follow-up, 40.4% (476 of 1179) experienced fall-related hospitalisation. Participants were categorised into four approximate hs-cTnI quartiles: quartile 1 ( .6 ng/L), quartile 2 (3.6–4.4 ng/L), quartile 3 (4.5–5.8 ng/L) and quartile 4 (≥5.9 ng/L). Compared with those in Q1, women in Q4 were likely to experience fall-related hospitalisation (36.0% vs 42.8%). In a multivariable-adjusted model that accounted for CVD and fall risk factors, compared with women in Q1, those in Q4 had a 46% higher risk of fall-related hospitalisation (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.98). Additionally, women in Q4 had slower TUG performance compared with those in Q1 (10.3 s vs 9.5 s, p=0.032). Elevated level of hs-cTnI was associated with slower TUG performance and increased fall-related hospitalisation risk. This indicates subclinical level of hs-cTnI can identify clinically relevant falls, emphasising the need to consider cardiac health during fall assessment in women aged over 70 years. ACTRN12617000640303.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-10-2023
DOI: 10.1002/JBMR.4921
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 13-12-2019
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01664-19
Abstract: Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are considered key contributors to biocorrosion, particularly in saline environments. Biocorrosion imposes tremendous economic costs, and common approaches to mitigate this problem involve the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals (e.g., chlorine), which raise health and environmental safety concerns. Quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) can be used as an alternative approach to inhibit biofilm formation and biocorrosion. However, this approach would only be effective if SRB rely on QS for the pathways associated with biocorrosion. These pathways would include biofilm formation, electron transfer, and metabolism. This study demonstrates the role of QS in Desulfovibrio vulgaris on the above-mentioned pathways through both phenotypic measurements and transcriptomic approach. The results of this study suggest that QSIs can be used to mitigate SRB-induced corrosion problems in ecologically sensitive areas.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 13-03-2020
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2019-043495
Abstract: As global rates of mortality decrease, rates of non-fatal injury have increased, particularly in low Socio-demographic Index (SDI) nations. We hypothesised this global pattern of non-fatal injury would be demonstrated in regard to bony hand and wrist trauma over the 27-year study period. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 was used to estimate prevalence, age-standardised incidence and years lived with disability for hand trauma in 195 countries from 1990 to 2017. In idual injuries included hand and wrist fractures, thumb utations and non-thumb digit utations. The global incidence of hand trauma has only modestly decreased since 1990. In 2017, the age-standardised incidence of hand and wrist fractures was 179 per 100 000 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 146 to 217), whereas the less common injuries of thumb and non-thumb digit utation were 24 (95% UI 17 to 34) and 56 (95% UI 43 to 74) per 100 000, respectively. Rates of injury vary greatly by region, and improvements have not been equally distributed. The highest burden of hand trauma is currently reported in high SDI countries. However, low-middle and middle SDI countries have increasing rates of hand trauma by as much at 25%. Certain regions are noted to have high rates of hand trauma over the study period. Low-middle and middle SDI countries, however, have demonstrated increasing rates of fracture and utation over the last 27 years. This trend is concerning as access to quality and subspecialised surgical hand care is often limiting in these resource-limited regions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 24-04-2020
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2019-043494
Abstract: Past research in population health trends has shown that injuries form a substantial burden of population health loss. Regular updates to injury burden assessments are critical. We report Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study estimates on morbidity and mortality for all injuries. We reviewed results for injuries from the GBD 2017 study. GBD 2017 measured injury-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) using the Cause of Death Ensemble model. To measure non-fatal injuries, GBD 2017 modelled injury-specific incidence and converted this to prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs and YLDs were summed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In 1990, there were 4 260 493 (4 085 700 to 4 396 138) injury deaths, which increased to 4 484 722 (4 332 010 to 4 585 554) deaths in 2017, while age-standardised mortality decreased from 1079 (1073 to 1086) to 738 (730 to 745) per 100 000. In 1990, there were 354 064 302 (95% uncertainty interval: 338 174 876 to 371 610 802) new cases of injury globally, which increased to 520 710 288 (493 430 247 to 547 988 635) new cases in 2017. During this time, age-standardised incidence decreased non-significantly from 6824 (6534 to 7147) to 6763 (6412 to 7118) per 100 000. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALYs decreased from 4947 (4655 to 5233) per 100 000 to 3267 (3058 to 3505). Injuries are an important cause of health loss globally, though mortality has declined between 1990 and 2017. Future research in injury burden should focus on prevention in high-burden populations, improving data collection and ensuring access to medical care.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-02-2010
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-02-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/6234758
Abstract: Background . Epilepsy is one of the common neurological illnesses which affects millions of in iduals globally. Although the majority of epileptic patients have a good response for the currently available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), about 30-40% of epileptic patients are developing resistance. In addition to low safety profiles of most of existing AEDs, there is no AED available for curative or disease-modifying actions for epilepsy so far. Objectives . This systematic review is intended to evaluate the effect of metformin in acute and chronic animal models of an epileptic seizure. Methods . We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Sciences Direct, and grey literature in order to explore articles published in English from January 2010 to November 2018, using key terms “epilepsy,” “seizure,” “metformin,” “oral hypoglycemic agents,” and “oral antidiabetic drugs”. The qualities of all the included articles were assessed according to the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES). Results . Out of six hundred fifty original articles retrieved, eleven of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included for final qualitative analysis. In these studies, metformin showed to control seizure attacks by attenuating seizure generation, delaying the onset of epilepsy, reducing hippoc al neuronal loss, and averting cognitive impairments in both acute and chronic models of an epileptic seizure. The possible mechanisms for its antiseizure or antiepileptic action might be due to activation of AMPK, antiapoptotic, antineuroinflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which possibly modify disease progression through affecting epileptogenesis. Conclusion . This review revealed the benefits of metformin in alleviating symptoms of epileptic seizure and modifying different cellular and molecular changes that affect the natural history of the disease in addition to its good safety profile.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.21060
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 29-06-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.28.20141945
Abstract: Diagnosis and surveillance of emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 depend on nucleic acid isolation from clinical and environmental s les. Under normal circumstances, s les would be processed using commercial proprietary reagents in Biosafety 2 (BSL-2) or higher facilities. A pandemic at the scale of COVID-19 has caused a global shortage of proprietary reagents and BSL-2 laboratories to safely perform testing. Therefore, alternative solutions are urgently needed to address these challenges. We developed an open-source method called M agnetic-nanoparticle- A ided V iral R NA I solation of C ontagious S les (MAVRICS) that is built upon reagents that are either readily available or can be synthesized in any molecular biology laboratory with basic equipment. Unlike conventional methods, MAVRICS works directly in s les inactivated in acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform (e.g., TRIzol), thus allowing infectious s les to be handled safely without biocontainment facilities. Using 36 COVID-19 patient s les, 2 wastewater s les and 1 human pathogens control s le, we showed that MAVRICS rivals commercial kits in validated diagnostic tests of SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus. MAVRICS is scalable and thus could become an enabling technology for widespread community testing and wastewater monitoring in the current and future pandemics.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-08-2023
DOI: 10.1093/BJD/LJAD274
Abstract: We investigated the role of the epithelium of nodules in Hurley stage I hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) by using spatial transcriptomics to analyse the profiles of epithelial cells and dermal-infiltrating immune cells. Compared with epidermal cysts, genes related to bacterial response, inflammatory mediators and neutrophil degranulation pathways were upregulated in the epithelial cells of early-stage HS nodules. Our analysis of dermal-infiltrating immune cells surrounding the epithelium of nodules revealed significantly elevated levels of B-cell-related genes. Similarly to the sinus tract formation observed in moderate-to-severe HS, we propose that the production of inflammatory mediators in early-stage HS may involve the activation of keratinocytes and their interaction with dermal-infiltrating immune cells.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044618
Abstract: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evidence on risk factors for transmission, disease severity and COVID-19 related deaths in Africa. A systematic review has been conducted to synthesise existing evidence on risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes across Africa. Data were systematically searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, MedRxiv and BioRxiv. Studies for review were included if they were published in English and reported at least one risk factor and/or one health outcome. We included all relevant literature published up until 11 August 2020. We performed a systematic narrative synthesis to describe the available studies for each outcome. Data were extracted using a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which four were exclusively on Africa and the remaining 11 papers had a global focus with some data from Africa. Higher rates of infection in Africa are associated with high population density, urbanisation, transport connectivity, high volume of tourism and international trade, and high level of economic and political openness. Limited or poor access to healthcare are also associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. Older people and in iduals with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and anaemia experience severe forms COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and death. Similarly, high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high prevalence of tobacco consumption and low levels of expenditure on health and low levels of global health security score contribute to COVID-19 related deaths. Demographic, institutional, ecological, health system and politico-economic factors influenced the spectrum of COVID-19 infection, severity and death. We recommend multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to mitigate the identified factors and strengthen effective prevention strategies.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-045805
Abstract: Inappropriate use of medicine is a global challenge with greater impact on developing countries. Assessment of drug use pattern is used to identify gaps in medicine utilisation to implement strategies for promoting rational drug use. This study aimed to assess drug use pattern using the WHO drug use indicators in selected general hospitals in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using WHO drug use indicators in two public hospitals located in Tigray. Prescriptions recorded from 1 January 2017 to 1 June 2019 were randomly selected, and participants who visited the public hospitals from 1 March 2019 to 30 August 2019 and hospital pharmacies were interviewed. 100 patients who visited both outpatient clinics and hospital pharmacy departments of the public hospitals. The average number of medicines per prescription was 1.69 (±0.81). Prescriptions containing antibiotics and injectables were 58.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The percentages of medicines prescribed with a generic name from essential medicines list of Ethiopia were 97.5% (974) and 88.1% (970) in Mekelle Hospital and Quiha Hospital, respectively. The patients spent an average of 6.6(±3.5) min with their general practitioners, while only 22.8 (±21.7) s with their pharmacists. Of the patients interviewed, 56.9% knew their dosing regimen and 32.7% of them had their medication labelled. The finding of the present study revealed deviation of drug use pattern from the WHO optimal levels suggesting the hospitals had limitations in appropriate utilisation of medicines. Understanding the factors attributed to the observed gaps and implementing corrective measures are required to conform with the recommended standards of appropriate drug utilisation.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.18556
Location: Saudi Arabia
No related grants have been discovered for ABADI KAHSU GEBRE.