Tag Archives: epidemiology

Epidemiology and public health challenges of echinococcosis in the Republic of Moldova

Alexandru Sîrbu, Diana Spătaru

Department of Epidemiology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2025-0016

Objective: This study aims to analyze the current epidemiological trends of echinococcosis in the Republic of Moldova and evaluate the effectiveness of existing surveillance and control measures.
Methods: The research is a descriptive observational epidemiological study that involved several steps, which allowed for achieving the initial goal – analyzing the morbidity of echinococcosis globally and in the Republic of Moldova from 2011 to 2024. The steps of the research include: studying the bibliographic literature on the proposed topic and mastering the research methods; collecting data on echinococcosis globally and in the Republic of Moldova; analyzing the obtained data on echinococcosis; establishing effective control and prevention measures.
Results: Between 2011 and 2024, 985 cases of echinococcosis were reported, with a peak incidence in 2012–2013 and a decline until 2020. However, cases increased again from 2022. The disease predominantly affected adults (51–60 years) and was more prevalent in females (53% of cases). Hepatic involvement was the most common localization (79.4%). The southern regions exhibited the highest burden. Control measures, including deworming programs and public health campaigns, contributed to incidence reduction but require further optimization.
Conclusions: Echinococcosis remains a significant public health concern in Moldova, with fluctuating incidence rates and persistent endemicity. Enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostic strategies, and One Health-based preventive interventions are essential for sustainable control.

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Prevalence of human Papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma in Asian countries: A systematic review and large-scale meta-analysis

Yy Jean Tan1, Ken Wong Siong Hou2, Galvin Sim Siang Lin3, Jasmine Lim Suk Wun4, Wan Nor Amira Wan Ahmad Abdul Nasir1, Lynn Wei Linn Ko5

1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Dental Specialist Clinic, Sarawak General Hospital, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia.
4. Batu Kawa Dental Clinic, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
5. Department of Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2023-0005

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated with oropharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC and OSCC) is escalating over the years. Hence, the present review aims to determine the prevalence of HPV-OSCC and HPV-OPSCC in Asian countries over the last decades. An electronic search was conducted using nine online databases to identify English-language articles on the prevalence of HPV-OPSCC and HPV-OSCC in Asian countries from January 2011 to June 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist and the level of evidence was determined based on the OCEBM guideline. Single-arm meta-analysis was used to estimate the weighted mean prevalence of HPV-OPSCC and HPV-OSCC among patients in Asia. Subgroup analysis meta-regression and Egger’s tests were also conducted. 59 eligible studies were included with a higher prevalence of HPV-OPSCC (32.6%-37.4%) as compared to HPV-OSCC (10.9%-23.5%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the weighted mean prevalence of HPV-OPSCC was significantly higher (P<0.001) among East Asians, while the weighted mean prevalence of HPV-OSCC was significantly higher (P<0.001) among South Asians. All studies showed a low to moderate risk of bias with the level of evidence ranked between 2 and 3. The diagnostic tools utilised and geographical locations significantly affect the findings.

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Atrial Fibrillation – An Orchestra of Classic and Modern Risk Factors

Alkora Ioana Balan, Alina Scridon

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania

DOI: 10.2478/amma-2019-0020

Over the past years, prevention and control of risk factors has begun to play an important role in the management of patients prone to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). A considerable number of risk factors that contribute to the creation of a predisposing substrate for AF has been identified over the years. Although certain AF risk factors such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, or race are unmodifiable, controlling modifiable risk factors may represent an invaluable tool in the management of AF patients. In the recent decades, numerous studies have evaluated the mechanisms linking different risk factors to AF, but the exact degree of atrial remodeling induced by each factor remains unknown. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for initiating personalized therapies in patients prone to develop AF. The present review aims to provide an overview of the most relevant modifiable risk factors involved in AF occurrence, with a focus on the mechanisms by which these factors lead to AF initiation and perpetuation.

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Helicobacter Pylori and its Determinations on Gastric Biopsies

Fülöp Emöke1*, Marcu Simona Tünde1, Borda Angela1, Voidăzan Septimiu2, Fülöp EF3, Ciorba M3, Mocan Simona4

1 Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
2 Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
3 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
4 Department of Pathology, Emergency County Hospital of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2015-0066

Background and Aims. Gastric cancer, because of its aggressive evolution and the high mortality associated with it, remains one of the most debated subjects in medical literature with Helicobacter pylori (HP) as a major risk factor. Chronic inflammation caused by HP infection represents the initial site of the predisposing and afterwards premalignant lesions for gastric carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HP infection, of predisposing and premalignant lesions on gastric biopsies, as well as to identify the correlations between them.
Material and method. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on gastric biopsies collected endoscopically from a single region, antrum or corpus, and from different regions, between January 2012 and July 2014. Incidence of HP infection, of predisposing and premalignant gastric lesions, the correlation of HP infection and these lesions, were evaluated.
Results. HP infection was diagnosed in 32.81%. Predisposing and premalignant lesions were present in 53.64% of biopsies with most of them in the antrum. HP infection stands out for the under 50 yo group (p=0.001). No correlation between frequency of HP infection and predisposing and premalignant lesions was observed.
Conclusions. Prevalence of HP infection in our study suggests that besides HP infection, other factors are also involved in gastric cancer development. Biopsies from different regions of the gastric mucosa do not offer extra information regarding HP infection prevalence but may be helpful in evaluating incidence and extension of predisposing and premalignant lesions.

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