The Effectiveness of Early Food Introduction in Preventing Childhood Allergic Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases affect around 40% of the pediatric population worldwide. The coexistence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and food allergy renders allergy treatment and prevention challenging. Infant feeding strategies recommend avoiding allergenic foods to prevent allergy development and anaphylaxis. However, recent evidence suggests that early consumption of food allergens during weaning in infants aged 4-6 months could result in food tolerance, thus reducing the risk of developing allergies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to systematically review and carry out a meta-analysis of evidence on the outcome of early food introduction for preventing childhood allergic diseases.

METHODS

We will conduct a systematic review of interventions through a comprehensive search of various databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to identify potential studies. The search will be performed for any eligible articles from the earliest published articles up to the latest available studies in 2023. We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, non-RCTs, and other observational studies that assess the effect of early food introduction to prevent childhood allergic diseases.

RESULTS

Primary outcomes will include measures related to the effect of childhood allergic diseases (ie, asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and food allergy). PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines will be followed for study selection. All data will be extracted using a standardized data extraction form and the quality of the studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A summary of findings table will be generated for the following outcomes: (1) total number of allergic diseases, (2) rate of sensitization, (3) total number of adverse events, (4) improvement of health-related quality of life, and (5) all-cause mortality. Descriptive and meta-analyses will be performed using a random-effects model in Review Manager (Cochrane). Heterogeneity among selected studies will be assessed using the I² statistic and explored through meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Data collection is expected to start in June 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The results acquired from this study will contribute to the existing literature and harmonize recommendations for infant feeding with regard to the prevention of childhood allergic diseases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021256776; https://tinyurl.com/4j272y8a.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/46816.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among Malaysian population

Malaysia is a country with an intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B. As the country moves toward hepatitis B and C elimination, population-based estimates are necessary to understand the burden of hepatitis B and C for evidence-based policy-making. Hence, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Malaysia. A total of 1458 participants were randomly selected from The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) aged 35 to 70 years between 2006 and 2012. All blood samples were tested for hepatitis B and C markers including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). Those reactive for hepatitis C were further tested for HCV RNA genotyping. The sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities were used to evaluate their associated risk factors. Descriptive analysis and multivariable analysis were done using Stata 14. From the samples tested, 4% were positive for HBsAg (95% CI 2.7–4.7), 20% were positive for anti-HBc (95% CI 17.6–21.9) and 0.3% were positive for anti-HCV (95% CI 0.1–0.7). Two of the five participants who were reactive for anti-HCV had the HCV genotype 1a and 3a. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection in Malaysia is low and intermediate, respectively. This population-based study could facilitate the planning and evaluation of the hepatitis B and C control program in Malaysia.

Effects of temperature, humidity, air quality and anthropic activities on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The current global pandemic of the virus that emerged from Hubei province in China has caused coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19), which has affected a total number of 900 036 people globally, involving 206 countries and resulted in a cumulative of 45 693 deaths worldwide as of 3 April 2020. The mode of transmission is identified through airdrops from patients' body fluids such as during sneezing, coughing and talking. However, the relative importance of environmental effects in the transmission of the virus has not been vastly studied. In addition, the role of temperature and humidity in air-borne transmission of infection is presently still unclear. This study aims to identify the effect of temperature, humidity and air quality in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will systematically conduct a comprehensive literature search using various databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL and Google Scholar to identify potential studies. The search will be performed for any eligible articles from the earliest published articles up to latest available studies in 2020. We will include all the observational studies such as cohort case-control and cross-sectional studies that explains or measures the effects of temperature and/or humidity and/or air quality and/or anthropic activities that is associated with SARS-CoV-2. Study selection and reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. All data will be extracted using a standardised data extraction form and quality of the studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale guideline. Descriptive and meta-analysis will be performed using a random effect model in Review Manager File.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No primary data will be collected, and thus no formal ethical approval is required. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020176756.

Describing the Programme on Methadone Maintenance Therapy in Selangor, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Drug addiction and drug abuse is a serious public health problem worldwide. Millions of people worldwide suffered from drug use disorders, directly and indirectly, attributable to drug use and included deaths related to HIV and hepatitis C acquired through unsafe injecting practices. Many parts of the world have a shortfall in prevention and treatment for drug use disorders, with only less than 10% of people with drug use disorders receiving treatment yearly. Medication-assisted treatment of opioid dependence like Methadone is used in maintenance therapy or detoxification helps people with drug use disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary data from an existing electronic dataset in Ministry of Health (MOH) from 2015 until 2019, which includes registered patients who had undergone Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) either government or private facilities were included. The dataset divided into few domains namely socio-demographic, treatment modalities, clinic location and history of infection. RESULTS: A total of 37 various government and private facilities deliver MMT programme in the state of Selangor offered to a total of 5337 patients. The youngest patients were in the early twenties and oldest were in late seventies. The median age of patients was 45 years and the majority were males. Most of them were having secondary education (SPM holder) and below. Most of MMT programme takers were opioid drug users then followed by Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) as the second most used. Among MMT programme takers, about 34.1% were reactive for Hepatitis C, 6.6% reactive for HIV, 4.2% reactive for Hepatitis B and 1.7% acquired tuberculosis infection. Almost 5% of MMT takers had passed away, which the three main causes of death were AIDS, alleged motor vehicle accident and septic shock. None of MMT takers was died due to methadone. CONCLUSION: It is a great concern of the nation in combating drug-related problems due to the growing number of substance abusers. This review concluded that the MMT programme that widely available had shown a positive outcome by keeping lower mortality among MMT patients.

Introduction of Exercise for Medicine (Exfome) Programme Among Patients In Primary Health Clinics In Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles such as heart diseases and diabetes are increasing in Malaysia. Heart diseases are the leading cause of deaths of patients in government hospitals, i.e. 16.1% of total deaths in 2009. A customised exercise regime called Exercise for Medicine (EXFOME) was introduced to improve and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 126 participants from government health clinics in three states of Peninsular Malaysia were selected to participate in the EXFOME. Each participant was evaluated prior to the program using an assessment protocol. Fitness assessment and evaluation with body composition measurement were taken. Exercise therapist prescribed a personalized exercise program according to conditions. RESULTS: Effect of exercise was measured in terms of improvement in hypertension and diabetes, body weight, body fat, lipid profile and physical fitness at three and six months. CONCLUSION: EXFOME is beneficial to improve the status of hypertension, diabetes, body weight and lipid profile when it is carried out for longer period.