ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5690-5971
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UNSW Sydney
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 15-05-2020
DOI: 10.1017/ICE.2020.237
Abstract: In the current absence of a vaccine for COVID-19, public health responses aim to break the chain of infection by focusing on the mode of transmission. We reviewed the current evidence on the transmission dynamics and on pathogenic and clinical features of COVID-19 to critically identify any gaps in the current infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines. In this study, we reviewed global COVID-19 IPC guidelines by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Guidelines from 2 high-income countries (Australia and United Kingdom) and from 1 middle-income country (China) were also reviewed. We searched publications in English on ‘PubMed’ and Google Scholar. We extracted information related to COVID-19 transmission dynamics, clinical presentations, and exposures that may facilitate transmission. We then compared these findings with the recommended IPC measures. Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings occurs through droplets, aerosols, and the oral–fecal or fecal–droplet route. However, the IPC guidelines fail to cover all transmission modes, and the recommendations also conflict with each other. Most guidelines recommend surgical masks for healthcare providers during routine care and N95 respirators for aerosol-generating procedures. However, recommendations regarding the type of face mask varied, and the CDC recommends cloth masks when surgical masks are unavailable. IPC strategies should consider all the possible routes of transmission and should target all patient care activities involving risk of person-to-person transmission. This review may assist international health agencies in updating their guidelines.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-09-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-01-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PGPH.0000064
Abstract: Implementation of tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines in public tertiary care general hospitals remain challenging due to limited evidence of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients’ duration of hospital stay and management. To fill this evidence gap, this study examined adult PTB patient management, healthcare workers’ (HCWs) exposures and IPC practices in two public tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh.Between December 2017 and September 2019, a multidisciplinary team conducted structured observations, a hospital record review, and in-depth interviews with hospital staff from four adult medicine wards.Over 20 months, we identified 1,200 presumptive TB patients through the hospital record review, of whom 263 were confirmed PTB patients who stayed in the hospital, a median of 4.7 days without TB treatment and possibly contaminated the inpatients wards. Over 141 observation hours, we found a median of 3.35 occupants present per 10 m 2 of floor space and recorded a total of 17,085 coughs and 316 sneezes: a median of 3.9 coughs or sneezes per 10 m 2 per hour per ward. Only 8.4% of coughs and 21% of sneezes were covered by cloths, paper, tissues, or by hand. The HCWs reportedly could not isolate the TB patients due to limited resources and space and could not provide them with a mask. Further, patients and HCWs did not wear any respirators.The study identified that most TB patients stayed in the hospitals untreated for some duration of time. These PTB patients frequently coughed and sneezed without any facial protection that potentially contaminated the ward environment and put everyone, including the HCWs, at risk of TB infection. Interventions that target TB patients screening on admission, isolation of presumptive TB patients, respiratory hygiene, and HCWs’ use of personal protective equipment need to be enhanced and evaluated for acceptability, practicality and scale-up.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-10-2021
DOI: 10.1177/09735984211050691
Abstract: The COVID-19 vaccine has been made available for emergency use in Bangladesh. However, willingness to receive the vaccine may be affected by varying factors across the country. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors that influence willingness to receive the vaccine among Bangladeshi adults. A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a s le of 1,725 Bangladesh adults (age 18 years and older). The statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate and multivariate regression model. Findings show that 85% ( n = 1463) of respondents were willing to receive the vaccine. Respondents with 1–2 children (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.00–3.13, P = . 048), perceived risk of being infected (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.14, P = . 03), perceived impact on daily life (aOR: 2.53, 95%CI: 1.45–4.44, P = . 001), history of co-morbidities (aOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.37–3.04, P . 01), price of the vaccine (aOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.34–5.47), physician’s recommendation to receive vaccine (aOR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.38–3.06, P . 01), vaccines supplied by government (aOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.64–3.25, P . 01) were found to be motivating factors for willingness to receive the vaccine. Findings indicate that willingness to receive the vaccine is likely to be affected by socio-demographic, and health system factors. This should be carefully considered in the rollout of the vaccination plans in Bangladesh.
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 02-2013
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-061850
Abstract: Over the years, countries reformed their pandemic plans but still healthcare systems were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) raised issues around shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate occupational infection prevention and control (IPC) training, lack of guidance regarding reuse/extended use of PPE and absence of HCWs. The objective of this scoping review was to compare national and transnational pandemic plans and COVID-19 guidelines for the inclusion of recommendations regarding pandemic-specific occupational IPC training for HCWs, as well as strategies for managing the surge in PPE needs and staffing. From each of the six WHO defined world regions, four countries with the highest burden of COVID-19 cases (as of mid-2020) were selected and attempted to locate the relevant pandemic plans and COVID-19 guidelines. Searches were undertaken of 1: National Guidelines Clearinghouse, 2: websites of international public healthcare agencies such as WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and, 3: in-country health departments/Ministry of Health/Department of Public Health, between June 2020 and July 2021. The data were summarised under six themes drawn from publicly available pandemic plans and COVID-19 (IPC) guidelines of WHO, ECDC and 23 countries. The WHO, ECDC and 14 countries reported pandemic-specific IPC training however, only four discussed training HCWs on correct PPE use six countries listed strategies to manage the surge in demand of HCWs, while only five discussed managing the shortage of PPE. None of the COVID-19 guidelines recommended training HCWs for correct reuse or extended use of PPE and only one country’s guideline outlined mandatory HCWs attendance and delivery of training in a regional language. Pandemic plans should be revised to include guiding principles regarding the delivery of pandemic specific IPC training. There is also a need to provide guidance on when countries should consider reuse and extended use of PPE. This discourse should also be reflected in disease-specific pandemic guidelines, like COVID-19 (IPC) guidelines. The aim of this review is to assist international health agencies in generating evidence-based guideline updates.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-09-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-08-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12879-020-05340-9
Abstract: During an evolving outbreak or pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including physical distancing, isolation, and mask use may flatten the peak in communities. However, these strategies rely on community understanding and motivation to engage to ensure appropriate compliance and impact. To support current activities for COVID-19, the objectives of this narrative review was to identify the key determinants impacting on engagement. An integrative narrative literature review focused on NPIs. We aimed to identify published peer-reviewed articles that focused on the general community (excluding healthcare workers), NPIs (including school closure, quarantine, isolation, physical distancing and hygiene behaviours), and factors/characteristics (including social, physical, psychological, capacity, motivation, economic and demographic) that impact on engagement. The results revealed that there are a range of demographic, social and psychological factors underpinning engagement with quarantine, school closures, and personal protective behaviours. Aside from the factors impacting on acceptance and compliance, there are several key community concerns about their use that need to be addressed including the potential for economic consequences. It is important that we acknowledge that these strategies will have an impact on an in idual and the community. By understanding the barriers, we can identify what strategies need to be adopted to motivate in iduals and improve community compliance. Using a behavioural framework to plan interventions based on these key barriers, will also ensure countries implement appropriate and targeted responses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-05-2014
DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIU383
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-11-2013
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-02-2023
Abstract: Influenza, highly contagious in hospital settings, imposes a substantial disease burden globally, and influenza vaccination is critical for healthcare workers (HCWs) to prevent this illness. This study assessed influenza vaccine uptake, including its associated factors among HCWs of tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. Between September and December 2020, this multicenter study included 2046 HCWs from 11 hospitals. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from physicians, nurses, and cleaning and administrative staff for the survey. Only 13.8% (283/2046) of HCWs received the influenza vaccine, of which the majority (76.7%, 217/283) received it for free from the hospital. Nurses had the highest (20.0%, 187/934) influenza vaccine coverage, followed by physicians at 13.5% (71/526), whereas cleaning staff had the lowest at 6.0% (19/318). Among unvaccinated HCWs, the desire to get vaccinated was high (86.2%), with half of the respondents even being willing to pay for it. The HCWs who were aware of the influenza vaccine were over five times more likely to get the vaccine (OR 5.63 95% CI: 1.04, 1.88) compared to those who were not. HCWs in Bangladesh were vaccinated against influenza at a very low rate. Free and mandatory influenza vaccination programs should be initiated to optimize vaccine coverage among HCWs.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-12-2020
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0243951
Abstract: In Bangladesh, there is currently no data on the burden of latent TB infection (LTBI) amongst hospital healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LTBI and compare the prevalence among HCWs in two public tertiary care hospitals. Between September 2018 and August 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study in two public tertiary care general hospitals. Using a survey and tuberculin skin test (TST), we assessed risk factors for LTBI, adjusting for known and plausible confounders. In addition, a facility assessment was undertaken to understand the implementation of relevant IPC measures. The prevalence of LTBI among HCWs was 42%. HCWs spent a median of 6 hours (SD = 1.76, IQR 2.00) per day and attended an average of 1.87 pulmonary TB patients per week. HCWs did not receive any TB IPC training, the wards lacked a symptom checklist to screen patients for TB, and no masks were available for coughing patients. Seventy-seven percent reportedly did not use any facial protection (masks or respirators) while caring for patients. In the multivariable model adjusting for hospital level clustering effect, TST positivity was significantly higher among HCWs aged 35–45 years (aOR1.36, 95% CI: 1.06–1.73) and with years of service (aOR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.62–1.72). HCWs working in the medicine ward had 3.65 (95% CI: 2.20–6.05) times, and HCWs in the gynecology and obstetrics ward had 2.46 (95% CI: 1.42–4.27) times higher odds of TST positivity compared to HCWs working in administrative areas. This study identified high prevalence of LTBI among HCWs. This may be due to the level of exposure to pulmonary TB patients, and/or limited use of personal protective equipment along with poor implementation of TB IPC in the hospitals. Considering the high prevalence of LTBI, we recommend the national TB program consider providing preventative therapy to the HCWs as the high-risk group, and implement TB IPC in the hospitals.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 19-02-2014
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-09-2017
Abstract: In March 2011, a multidisciplinary team investigated 2 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection, detected through population-based active surveillance for influenza in Bangladesh, to assess transmission and contain further spread. We collected clinical and exposure history of the case patients and monitored persons coming within 1 m of a case patient during their infectious period. Nasopharyngeal wash specimens from case patients and contacts were tested with real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and virus culture and isolates were characterized. Serum s les were tested with microneutralization and hemagglutination inhibition assays. We tested poultry, wild bird, and environmental s les from case patient households and surrounding areas for influenza viruses. Two previously healthy case patients, aged 13 and 31 months, had influenzalike illness and fully recovered. They had contact with poultry 7 and 10 days before illness onset, respectively. None of their 57 contacts were subsequently ill. Clade 2.2.2.1 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses were isolated from the case patients and from chicken fecal s les collected at the live bird markets near the patients' dwellings. Identification of H5N1 cases through population-based surveillance suggests possible additional undetected cases throughout Bangladesh and highlights the importance of surveillance for mild respiratory illness among populations frequently exposed to infected poultry.
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JRE.13063
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis (DIC) on histopathological and immunological outcomes in the periodontal tissues of Wistar rats. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and periodontitis have been reported to present a bidirectional relationship. However, the inflammatory pathway that connects both diseases needs further investigation. Twenty‐five male Wistar rats were allocated in four groups: unilateral ligature‐induced periodontitis for 14 days: LIP ( n = 7) dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis only: DIC ( n = 6) DIC + LIP ( n = 6) and controls ( n = 6). Digital images were obtained from the histological sections. In order to assess the attachment loss (AL), the linear distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest was measured on the mesial root using histological photomicrography's ImageJ software. Immunological analyses of gingival tissues and plasma were performed by Bio‐Plex Th1/Th2 Assay. The DIC group showed inflammatory cells extending to the periodontal connective tissues, which contained significantly elevated expressions of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐13, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α compared to controls. There was no significant difference in bone loss between controls and DIC. There were no significant histopathological differences between DIC + LIP and LIP. However, DIC + LIP presented a significantly lower IL‐2 and IL‐5 than the LIP group. There was no bone loss difference between LIP+DIC and LIP groups. DIC + LIP group presented significantly higher levels of GM‐CSF in plasma. DSS‐induced colitis was associated with an overexpression of Th1/Th2‐ related cytokines in the gingival tissue.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-12-2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 30-06-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268815001314
Abstract: Drinking raw date palm sap is the primary route of Nipah virus (NiV) transmission from bats to people in Bangladesh subsequent person-to-person transmission is common. During December 2010 to March 2011, we investigated NiV epidemiology by interviewing cases using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and group discussions to collect clinical and exposure histories. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for transmission. We identified 43 cases 23 were laboratory-confirmed and 20 probable. Thirty-eight (88%) cases died. Drinking raw date palm sap and contact with an infected person were major risk factors one healthcare worker was infected and for another case transmission apparently occurred through contact with a corpse. In absence of these risk factors, apparent routes of transmission included drinking fermented date palm sap. For the first time, a case was detected in eastern Bangladesh. Identification of new epidemiological characteristics emphasizes the importance of continued NiV surveillance and case investigation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-02-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 07-10-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-08-2021
Abstract: This systematic review assessed studies that evaluated the immunological traits of patients with both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontal disease. An electronic search for literature was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science. Studies that evaluated the immunological response in patients with IBD and periodontal disease were considered eligible for inclusion. A total of 6 cross-sectional studies of 275 patients were included. Immunological analyses were performed in gingival crevicular fluid, saliva, serum, intestinal and gingival biopsies. Four studies identified that the presence of IBD and periodontal disease was associated with higher levels of prostaglandin E2, aMMP8, IL-18 and S100A12, respectively, when compared to patients without the coexistence of both diseases. Furthermore, another study identified higher aMMP-8 levels with increasing severity of periodontitis in Crohn’s disease patients. The quality of overall evidence ranged from high to low due to the observational nature of contributing studies. The coexistence of IBD and periodontal disease seems to be associated with a more responsive inflammatory reaction compared with in iduals having one or the other. More randomized controlled studies evaluating the coexistence of IBD and periodontitis are required to better explore the immunological interplay between them.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JRE.12924
Abstract: To evaluate how chronic gingivitis treatment impacts the oral and circulating cytokine expressions after six‐month follow‐up in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and also to evaluate the circulating expression of anti‐ Porphyromonas gingivalis peptidylarginine deiminase antibodies (anti‐PPAD) before and after treatment. Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients present a worse periodontal condition associated with higher gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), interferon‐γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1. Twenty‐one adolescents with jSLE (mean age: 16.2 ± 1.5 years) were recruited. Participants were rheumatologically and periodontally examined. All in iduals were clinically diagnosed with gingival inflammation. Chronic gingivitis treatment consisted of supragingival scaling, prophylaxis and oral hygiene instructions. The cytokine levels were determined by bead‐based multiplex assays and the anti‐PPAD levels by ELISA. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum s les were collected at baseline and 6 months after treatment. We observed a reduction in attachment loss, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), IL‐1β, IL‐10 and MCP‐1 GCF levels, and the IL‐4 and IL‐5 serum levels 6 months after periodontal treatment. On the contrary, a significant increase in GCF expression of IL‐4, IL‐12, IL‐17, IFN‐γ and serum levels of anti‐PPAD antibody was observed. Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients seem to positively benefit from periodontal treatment by a significantly reduced CAL, a GCF reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and an increasing of anti‐inflammatory ones. However, an increase in the GCF expression of IL‐17 and the serum expression of anti‐PPAD antibody 6 months after periodontal treatment might negatively affect the treatment outcome of such patients in the long term.
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 04-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S13756-022-01161-4
Abstract: Infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare settings is imperative for the safety of patients as well as healthcare providers. To measure current IPC activities, resources, and gaps at the facility level, WHO has developed the Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF). This study aimed to assess the existing IPC level of selected tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic using IPCAF to explore their strengths and deficits. Between September and December 2020, we assessed 11 tertiary-care hospitals across Bangladesh. We collected the information from IPC focal person and/or hospital administrator from each hospital using the IPCAF assessment tool.. The score was calculated based on eight core components and was used to categorize the hospitals into four distinct IPC levels– Inadequate, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Key performance metrics were summarized within and between hospitals. The overall median IPCAF score was 355.0 (IQR: 252.5–397.5) out of 800. The majority (73%) of hospitals scored as ‘Basic’ IPC level, while only 18% of hospitals were categorized as ‘Intermediate’. Most hospitals had IPC guidelines as well as environments, materials and equipments. Although 64% of hospitals had IPC orientation and training program for new employees, only 30% of hospitals had regular IPC training program for the staff. None of the hospitals had an IPC surveillance system with standard surveillance case definitions to track HAIs. Around 90% of hospitals did not have an active IPC monitoring and audit system. Half of the hospitals had inadequate staffing considering the workload. Bed occupancy of one patient per bed in all units was found in 55% of hospitals. About 73% of hospitals had functional hand hygiene stations, but sufficient toilets were available in only 37% of hospitals. The majority of s led tertiary care hospitals demonstrate inadequate IPC level to ensure the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. Quality improvement programs and feedback mechanisms should be implemented to strengthen all IPC core components, particularly IPC surveillance, monitoring, education, and training, to improve healthcare safety and resilience.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-06-2023
DOI: 10.3390/JCM12134326
Abstract: Our research aimed to explore how resolving periodontal inflammation impacts cytokine expression in the colons of aged Wistar rats. Research studies involving animals have been conducted to investigate the two-way relationship between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where chronic inflammation in either the mouth or intestines can negatively affect the other. We allocated seventeen male Wistar rats aged between 8 and 11 months to one of four groups: (1) ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP) without the resolution of periodontal inflammation (RPI) (LIP n = 4), (2) LIP + RPI (n = 4), (3) LIP + dextran-sulphate-sodium-induced colitis (DIC) without RPI (n = 4), and LIP + DIC + RPI (n = 5). We performed histopathological and immunological analyses on periodontal and intestinal tissues and analysed cytokine expressions using a Rat Cytokine 23-Plex Immunoassay. Our findings showed that animals with and without DIC who underwent RPI showed significantly lower levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, and TNF-α in the intestine compared to those without treatment. The RPI effectively reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria and restored the epithelial barrier in the intestine in animals with DIC. The resolution of periodontal inflammation significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the intestines of aged rats with and without DSS-induced colitis.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2022
DOI: 10.1002/CRE2.582
Abstract: This systematic review aimed to assess in vitro studies that evaluated neutrophil interactions with different roughness levels in titanium and zirconia implant surfaces. An electronic search for literature was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science and a total of 14 studies were included. Neutrophil responses were assessed based on adhesion, cell number, surface coverage, cell structure, cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, neutrophil activation, receptor expression, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release. The method of assessing the risk of bias was done using the toxicological data reliability assessment tool (TOXRTOOL). Ten studies have identified a significant increase in neutrophil functions, such as surface coverage, cell adhesion, ROS production, and NETs released when interacting with rough titanium surfaces. Moreover, neutrophil interaction with rough–hydrophilic surfaces seems to produce less proinflammatory cytokines and ROS when compared to naive smooth and rough titanium surfaces. Regarding membrane receptor expression, two studies have reported that the FcγIII receptor (CD16) is responsible for initial neutrophil adhesion to hydrophilic titanium surfaces. Only one study compared neutrophil interaction with titanium alloy and zirconia toughened alumina surfaces and reported no significant differences in neutrophil cell count, activation, receptor expression, and death. There are not enough studies to conclude neutrophil interactions with titanium and zirconia surfaces. However, different topographic modifications such as roughness and hydrophilicity might influence neutrophil interactions with titanium implant surfaces.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 12-05-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0251605
Abstract: Rumors and conspiracy theories, can contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Monitoring online data related to COVID-19 vaccine candidates can track vaccine misinformation in real-time and assist in negating its impact. This study aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccine rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on online platforms, understand their context, and then review interventions to manage this misinformation and increase vaccine acceptance. In June 2020, a multi-disciplinary team was formed to review and collect online rumors and conspiracy theories between 31 December 2019–30 November 2020. Sources included Google, Google Fact Check, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, fact-checking agency websites, and television and newspaper websites. Quantitative data were extracted, entered in an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package R version 4.0.3. We conducted a content analysis of the qualitative information from news articles, online reports and blogs and compared with findings from quantitative data. Based on the fact-checking agency ratings, information was categorized as true, false, misleading, or exaggerated. We identified 637 COVID-19 vaccine-related items: 91% were rumors and 9% were conspiracy theories from 52 countries. Of the 578 rumors, 36% were related to vaccine development, availability, and access, 20% related to morbidity and mortality, 8% to safety, efficacy, and acceptance, and the rest were other categories. Of the 637 items, 5% (30/) were true, 83% (528/637) were false, 10% (66/637) were misleading, and 2% (13/637) were exaggerated. Rumors and conspiracy theories may lead to mistrust contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Tracking COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in real-time and engaging with social media to disseminate correct information could help safeguard the public against misinformation.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2013
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 07-09-2017
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-02-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0263115
Abstract: In high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries, health settings, including non-designated TB hospitals, host many patients with pulmonary TB. Bangladesh’s National TB Control Program aims to strengthen TB infection prevention and control (IPC) in health settings. However, there has been no published literature to date that assessed the preparedness of hospitals to comply with the recommendations. To address this gap, our study examined healthcare workers knowledge and attitudes towards TB IPC guidelines and their perceptions regarding the hospitals’ preparedness in Bangladesh. Between January to December 2019, we conducted 16 key-informant interviews and four focus group discussions with healthcare workers from two public tertiary care hospitals. In addition, we undertook a review of 13 documents [i.e., hospital policy, annual report, staff list, published manuscript]. Our findings showed that healthcare workers acknowledged the TB risk and were willing to implement the TB IPC measures but identified key barriers impacting implementation. Gaps were identified in: policy (no TB policy or guidelines in the hospital), health systems (healthcare workers were unaware of the guidelines, lack of TB IPC program, training and education, absence of healthcare-associated TB infection surveillance, low priority of TB IPC, no TB IPC monitoring and feedback, high patient load and bed occupancy, and limited supply of IPC resources) and behavioural factors (risk perception, compliance, and self and social stigma). The additional service-level gap was the lack of electronic medical record systems. These findings highlighted that while there is a demand amongst healthcare workers to implement TB IPC measures, the public tertiary care hospitals have got key issues to address. Therefore, the National TB Control Program may consider these gaps, provide TB IPC guidelines to these hospitals, assist them in developing hospital-level IPC manual, provide training, and coordinate with the ministry of health to allocate separate budget, staffing, and IPC resources to implement the control measures successfully.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
Date: 21-11-2011
DOI: 10.3855/JIDC.2242
Abstract: Introduction: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus (known as "bird flu") is an important public health concern due to its potential to infect humans and cause a human pandemic. Bangladesh is a high-risk country for an influenza pandemic because of its dense human population, widespread backyard poultry raising, and endemic H5N1 infection in poultry. Understanding poultry raisers' perceived risks and identifying their risk exposures can help to develop interventions to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission. This paper explores the perception of Bangladeshi backyard poultry raisers regarding poultry sickness and zoonotic disease transmission and relevant practices. Methodology: We conducted a qualitative study using social mapping (n=2), in-depth interviews (n=40), household mapping (n=40) and observation (n=16), in two backyard poultry-raising communities. Results: The poultry raisers recognized various signs of poultry illness but they did not distinguish among diseases using biomedical classifications. They perceived disease transmission from poultry to poultry, but not from poultry to humans. They usually kept sick poultry under the bed. If the poultry did not recover, they were slaughtered and consumed or sold. The poultry raisers had close contact with sick birds while handling and slaughtering poultry. Conclusions: The poultry raisers are unlikely to follow instructions from health authorities to prevent "bird flu" transmission because many of the instructions ask low-income producers to change their existing practices and require time, money, and financial loss. Villagers are more likely to comply with interventions that help to protect their flocks and address their financial interest.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-01-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0244552
Abstract: In low-and middle-income countries, determining the cause of death of any given in idual is impaired by poor access to healthcare systems, resource-poor diagnostic facilities, and limited acceptance of complete diagnostic autopsies. Minimally invasive tissue s ling (MITS), an innovative post-mortem procedure based on obtaining tissue specimens using fine needle biopsies suitable for laboratory analysis, is an acceptable proxy of the complete diagnostic autopsy, and thus could reduce the uncertainty of cause of death. This study describes rumor surveillance activities developed and implemented in Bangladesh, Mali, and Mozambique to identify, track and understand rumors about the MITS procedure. Our surveillance activities included observations and interviews with stakeholders to understand how rumors are developed and spread and to anticipate rumors in the program areas. We also engaged young volunteers, local stakeholders, community leaders, and study staff to report rumors being spread in the community after MITS launch. Through community meetings, we also managed and responded to rumors. When a rumor was reported, the field team purposively conducted interviews and group discussions to track, verify and understand the rumor. From July 2016 through April 2018, the surveillance identified several rumors including suspicions of organs being harvested or transplanted MITS having been performed on a living child, and concerns related to disrespecting the body and mistrust related to the study purpose. These rumors, concerns, and cues of mistrust were passed by word of mouth. We managed the rumors by modifying the consent protocol and giving additional information and support to the bereaved family and to the community members. Rumor surveillance was critical for anticipating and readily identifying rumors and managing them. Setting up rumor surveillance by engaging community residents, stakeholders, and volunteers could be an essential part of any public health program where there is a need to identify and react in real-time to public concern.
Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Date: 08-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108722
Abstract: Adulteration is a growing food safety concern worldwide. Previous studies have implicated turmeric as a source of lead (Pb) exposure due to the addition of lead chromate (PbCrO
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-02-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0246923
Abstract: In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation to reduce healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) exposure to tuberculosis (TB) in health settings, congregate settings, and households, the national TB control program of Bangladesh developed guidelines for TB infection prevention and control (IPC) in 2011. This study aimed to assess the implementation of the TB IPC healthcare measures in health settings in Bangladesh. Between February and June 2018, we conducted a mixed-method study at 11 health settings. The team conducted 59 key-informant interviews with HCWs to understand the status of and barriers impeding the implementation of the TB IPC guidelines. The team also performed a facility assessment survey and examined TB IPC practices. Most HCWs were unaware of the national TB IPC guidelines. There were no TB IPC plans or committees at the health settings. Further, a presumptive pulmonary TB patient triage checklist was absent in all health settings. However, during facility assessment, we observed patient triaging and separation in the TB specialty hospitals. Routine cough-etiquette advice was provided to the TB patients mentioned during the key-informant interviews, which was consistent with findings from the survey. This study identified poor implementation of TB IPC measures in health settings. Limited knowledge of the guidelines resulted in poor implementation of the recommendations. Interventions focusing on the dissemination of the TB IPC guidelines to HCWs along with regular training may improve compliance. Such initiatives should be taken by hospital senior leadership as well as national policy makers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-022-08278-7
Abstract: Family members provide care whilst staying in the patient’s room across a range of cultural settings, irrespective of resource availability in many Asian countries. This has been reported as a contributing factor to the spread of several outbreaks, including COVID-19. Despite these reports, very little is known about the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) transmission related to the involvement of family and private carers in the clinical setting. As a starting point to understanding this issue, this study aimed to provide insights regarding the patient care activities undertaken by family and private carers and the guidance provided to these carers around infection control measures in hospitals located in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea. A qualitative study involving 57 semi-structured interviews was undertaken in five tertiary level hospitals across the selected countries. Two groups of in iduals were interviewed: (1) patients and their family carers and private carers and (2) healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, hospital managers and staff members. Drawing upon the principles of grounded theory, an inductive approach to data analysis using thematic analysis was adopted. Five main themes were generated from the analysis of the data: (1) expectation of family carers staying with a patient (2) residing in the patient’s environment: (3) caring activities undertaken by family carers (4) supporting and educating family carers and (5) communication around healthcare-associated infection and infection prevention and control. Based on the types of activities being undertaken, coupled with the length of time family and private carers are residing within the clinical setting, coupled with an apparent lack of guidance being given around IPC, more needs to be done to ensure that these carers are not being inadvertently exposed to HAI’s or other occupational risks.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2011
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-10-2019
DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIZ563
Abstract: The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program is a 7-country network (as of December 2018) established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to identify the causes of death in children in communities with high rates of under-5 mortality. The program carries out both mortality and pregnancy surveillance, and mortality surveillance employs minimally invasive tissue s ling (MITS) to gather small s les of body fluids and tissue from the bodies of children who have died. While this method will lead to greater knowledge of the specific causes of childhood mortality, the procedure is in tension with cultural and religious norms in many of the countries where CHAMPS works—Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. Participatory Inquiry Into Community Knowledge of Child Health and Mortality Prevention (PICK-CHAMP) is a community entry activity designed to introduce CHAMPS to communities and gather initial perspectives on alignments and tensions between CHAMPS activities and community perceptions and priorities. Participants’ responses revealed medium levels of overall alignment in all sites (with the exception of South Africa, where alignment was high) and medium levels of tension (with the exception of Ethiopia, where tension was high). Alignment was high and tension was low for pregnancy surveillance across all sites, whereas Ethiopia reflected low alignment and high tension for MITS. Participants across all sites indicated that support for MITS was possible only if the procedure did not interfere with burial practices and rituals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JRE.13121
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ligature‐induced periodontitis (LIP) on histopathological and immunological outcomes in the colon of Wistar rats. It has been repeatedly shown that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at higher risk of developing periodontitis and presenting worse oral health than non‐IBD patients. However, whether the chronic inflammatory process around teeth contributes to the pathophysiology of IBD needs to be further explored. Thirteen Wistar rats were allocated into LIP ( n = 7) and controls ( n = 6). Half of the colon was processed for histopathological analyses and immunohistochemical (CD45) the other half was homogenized for immunological analyses. Periodontal destruction was confirmed by measuring the distance from the cementum‐enamel junction to the mandible's apical position of the mesial interproximal bone. The immunological analyses were performed with the Bio‐Plex Th1/Th2 assay. There was a significantly higher interproximal bone loss in LIP compared to controls. The LIP group showed a moderate infiltrate of inflammatory cells, predominantly mononucleated cells in the intestinal tissues. There was significantly higher expression of GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12 (p70), IL‐13, and TNF‐α in the intestinal tissues of LIP group compared to controls. Ligature‐induced periodontitis was associated with an overexpression of Th1/Th2‐related cytokines in the colon of Wistar rats.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Date: 09-2011
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1017/ASH.2021.226
Abstract: Baseline assessment of standard precaution relating to infection prevention and control (IPC) preparedness to fight health crisis within healthcare facilities at different levels and its associated factors in Bangladesh remains unknown. We analyzed the nationally representative Bangladesh health facility survey (BHFS) data conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) during July–October 2017. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) manual to determine the standard precautions related to the IPC readiness index. Using a conceptual framework and multivariable linear regression, we identified the factors associated with the readiness index. We analyzed data for 1,524 surveyed healthcare facilities. On average, only 44% of the standard precaution elements were available in all facilities. Essential elements, such as guidelines for standard precautions (30%), hand-washing soap (29%), and pedal bins (38%), were not readily available in all facilities. The tuberculosis service area was least prepared, with 85% of elements required for standard precaution deficient in all facilities. Significantly lower readiness indexes were observed in the rural healthcare facilities (mean difference, −13.2), healthcare facilities administered by the MoHFW (mean difference, −7.8), and private facilities (mean difference, −10.1) compared to corresponding reference categories. Our study revealed a severe lack of standard precaution elements in most healthcare facilities, particularly in rural health centers. These data can provide a baseline from which to measure improvement in infection prevention and control (IPC) in these facilities and to identify areas of gaps for targeted interventions to improve IPC strategies that can improve the Bangladesh health system.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-11-2020
DOI: 10.1111/TBED.13921
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1002/HSR2.410
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-03-2022
Abstract: sTREM-1 and its ligand PGLYRP1 play an essential role in the inflammatory process around teeth and implants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of peri-implant treatment on the salivary levels of the sTREM-1/PGLYRP-1/MMP-8 axis after 3 months. A total of 42 participants (with a mean age of 61 years old ± 7.3) were enrolled in this longitudinal study, 24 having peri-implant mucositis (MU) and 18 having peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical peri-implant parameters, such as probing pocket depth (PPD), % of plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP), and the whole unstimulated saliva s les were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The MU group received nonsurgical peri-implant treatment, while the PI group received open-flap procedures. The levels of sTREM-1, PGLYRP-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. BOP, plaque levels, and PPD significantly reduced after treatment in both groups. A significant decrease in the salivary levels of sTREM-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 in the PI group and PGLYRP1 and TIMP-1 in the MU group were observed. Salivary levels of sTREM-1 were significantly reduced in patients with PI but not with MU. Additionally, peri-implant treatment had a significantly higher impact on MMP-8 reduction in patients with PI than in those with MU.
Location: Bangladesh
No related grants have been discovered for Md Saiful Islam.