1.Anti-IgLON5 encephalopathy with memory deficits: A case report and literature review
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(1):81-84
Anti-IgLON5 encephalopathy, also known as anti-IgLON5 antibody-associated encephalopathy, is an extremely rare autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The core clinical manifestations of this disease include sleep disturbance, gait abnormalities, medulla oblongata dysfunction, and cognitive impairment, as well as the presence of anti-IgLON5 antibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid. This article reports a case of anti-IgLON5 encephalopathy with memory deficits diagnosed in our hospital, and a literature review is also conducted to enhance the understanding of this condition.
Immunotherapy
2.Drivers for decision change in getting vaccinated against COVID-19: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Rosemary R. Seva ; Lourdes Marie S. Tejero ; Bettina Joyce P. Ilagan
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):60-69
Background:
A certain percentage of the vaccinated population initially did not want to get vaccinated but changed
their minds (from 30% to 70%). By October 2022, World Bank reported that the Philippines had 77.8% COVID-19 vaccination rate. Knowing the factors that changed their decision can help improve the vaccination rate.
Objective:
This survey aimed to identify the factors that influence positive change in vaccination decisions.
Methods:
This survey was conducted in the Philippines among Filipinos aged 18-80 years old between March to April 2022. The dependent variable in the study was decision change, a binary variable coded as 1 for a vaccinated person who changed their decision from no to yes and 0 for an unvaccinated person who did not change their decision from yes to no.
Results:
Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89-0.96) and having a college degree (aOR=11.707,
95% CI=3.23-42.41) are related to changing decisions. Young and college degree holders are likely to change their decisions positively about getting vaccinated. Employer requirement also influences decision change because it affects a person's livelihood. High scores on vaccine confidence (aOR = 1.181, 95% CI = 1.12-1.25) and awareness (aOR = 1.318, 95% CI = 1.08-1.61) are associated with decision change.
Conclusion
Being young, educated, employed with a requirement to vaccinate, and having high vaccine awareness
and confidence are strongly associated with a positive change in the decision to get vaccinated.
Vaccines
;
Vaccination
;
Philippines
;
Awareness
;
Covid-19
3.Measles in Indonesia: Vaccination Coverage and Identified Challenges
Acta Medica Indonesiana 2026;58(1):3-4
Abstract
Measles has re-emerged as a significant public health threat in Indonesia, signaling gaps in immunization coverage and systemic health inequities. Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has seen a troubling resurgence in cases. This editorial examines the current epidemiological situation, structural barriers to vaccination, and necessary strategies for elimination. In 2025, Indonesia recorded over 63,000 suspected cases, with the trend continuing into 2026. Current vaccination coverage for children aged 12–23 months stands at 73.46%, which is significantly below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. Key barriers identified include maternal education levels, archipelagic geography, and sociocultural factors such as religious permissibility and safety concerns. Addressing the measles resurgence requires a multi-faceted approach: strengthening routine and catch-up immunization services, addressing social determinants of health, and rebuilding public trust through community engagement. Achieving high coverage is essential to prevent severe clinical complications and protect vulnerable populations.
Measles
;
Measles resurgence
;
Immunization coverage
;
Indonesia
;
Vaccine hesitancy
;
Public health systems
4.COVID-19 vaccine literacy, confidence, and vaccination coverage in two Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Floridablanca, Pampanga: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Dennise Grace C. Lazam ; Juean Joloue D. Lama ; Azizzah M. Lao ; Mark Brandon G. Lao ; Jerenlyn A. Laxamana ; Kayla Gabrielle C. Lecciones ; Ma. Hannah Sofia R. Magtibay ; Juan Miguel M. Mañ ; ago ; Angelica Mae G. Manalo ; Nicole Ira L. Manere ; Charles Kevin L. Rivera, MD ; Maria Peñ ; afrancia L. Adversario, MD, MSPH ; Maria Milagros U. Magat, MD, MEM
Health Sciences Journal 2026;15(1):23-35
Introduction:
Effective vaccination campaigns have been instrumental in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severe disease outcomes. Despite efforts to improve vaccine accessibility, vaccine literacy and confidence remain important determinants of vaccine uptake. Rural and geographically isolated communities often experience barriers to healthcare access that may affect vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage, vaccine literacy, and vaccine confidence among residents of selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 residents of Barangays San Ramon and Nabuclod. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a translated and pretested questionnaire on vaccine literacy and vaccine confidence. Vaccination records obtained from the Rural Health Unit were reviewed to determine COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Descriptive statistics, including
frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data.
Results:
The majority of respondents demonstrated an average level of vaccine literacy (75.8%), while 17.5% exhibited high vaccine literacy. Most respondents also demonstrated positive to very positive vaccine confidence (71.6%). Among the eligible population, 80.5% had completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series, whereas 19.5% remained unvaccinated. Among those who completed the primary series, only 24.2% had received at least one booster dose.
Conclusion
Residents of the selected GIDAs generally demonstrated average vaccine literacy, positive vaccine confidence, and relatively high primary COVID-19 vaccination coverage. However, low booster uptake and the persistence of unvaccinated individuals highlight the need for sustained health education, improved healthcare accessibility, and targeted community-based interventions. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening vaccine literacy and confidence to support future immunization programs in geographically isolated communities.
COVID-19
;
Rural Health
;
Vaccination coverage
5.Effectiveness of an educational intervention in increasing knowledge and willingness to vaccinate on human papillomavirus among women in barangay West Fairview, Quezon City
Lesly Mae D. Mara ; Camilla Thea S. Paraino ; Jebb Patrick Molina Delos Santos
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2025;29(4):8-16
BACKGROUND
Cervical cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is the second most common cancer among Filipino women. Despite vaccine availability, the Philippines has a low 60% immunization rate, driven by hesitancy and poor public awareness.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVESThis study assessed how 100 women (ages 18–45) in Quezon City understood HPV and their willingness to vaccinate.
MATERIALS AND METHODSResearchers used a pre–post interventional study and purposive sampling and Cochran’s formula for size calculation. Participants completed a pretest, a Department of Health/World Health Organization/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based digital educational intervention, a posttest, and a satisfaction survey. Data were gathered confidentially under informed consent.
RESULTSResults showed significant improvement in knowledge and willingness to vaccinate (P < 0.001), with almost all respondents expressing willingness. The intervention received high satisfaction ratings, proving the digital tool was effective and well-received.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONIn conclusion, this study demonstrated that a structured digital educational tool effectively bridges knowledge gaps and addresses vaccine hesitancy in a community setting. Findings emphasize the importance of targeted, community-level initiatives to reduce cervical cancer risk. Future research should include teens and males and use a larger randomized sample for definitive evidence.
Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Human Papillomavirus Viruses ; Vaccination ; Women
6.Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of senior high school students in Manila city on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination: a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Japheth Mye S. DINGLASAN ; Joyce Belle S. DINGLASAN ; Angelica D. ; Kirsten Danielle R. DOCTORA ; Tricia Gale A. DOMAI ; Shane Clarence C. DOMINGO ; Andrei P. DUHAYLUNGSOD ; Paula Mae A. DYCHITAN ; Alexandrina E. EBOÑA ; Charina C. EBREO ; Jan Rey S. ESCANO ; Jasmine Lianne B. ESGUERRA ; Marjorie M. ESPEDIDO ; Arienne Therese P. EVANGELISTA ; Kimberly F. EVIZA ; Jose Ronilo G. JUANGCO ; Maribel Emma Co- HIDALGO
Health Sciences Journal 2025;14(2):106-114
OBJECTIVES
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection linked to cervical and anal cancers. Although there are many studies worldwide on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV, research in the Philippines is still limited. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of senior high school students in Manila regarding HPV infection and vaccination.
METHODSA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 345 senior high school students from a private tertiary school in Manila using a self-administered questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages summarized demographic characteristics and KAP responses
RESULTSMost respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV, with 86.4% recognizing its link to cervical and anal cancer and 86% identifying it as a common sexually transmitted infection. Attitudes toward vaccination were largely positive: 73% expressed willingness to be vaccinated, and 87.8% considered the vaccine safe. However, only 2.6% had been vaccinated. Limited discussions about HPV, misconceptions about gender susceptibility, and low awareness of local vaccine availability contributed to poor uptake. The internet was the primary information source (84.9%).
CONCLUSIONMost respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV, with 86.4% recognizing its link to cervical and anal cancer and 86% identifying it as a common sexually transmitted infection. Attitudes toward vaccination were largely positive: 73% expressed willingness to be vaccinated, and 87.8% considered the vaccine safe. However, only 2.6% had been vaccinated. Limited discussions about HPV, misconceptions about gender susceptibility, and low awareness of local vaccine availability contributed to poor uptake. The internet was the primary information source (84.9%).
Vaccination
7.Current status and progress of health economics research on allergen specific immunotherapy.
Qianxue HU ; Liyue LI ; Ziyi LONG ; Bingyue HUO ; Yuzhe HAO ; Xiangning CHENG ; Tianjian XIE ; Qing CHENG ; Tao ZHOU ; Liuqing ZHOU ; Shan CHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Jianjun CHEN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(9):894-898
Allergen specific immunotherapy(AIT), as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases, has received widespread attention in the field of health economic evaluation in recent years. This article reviews the current status and progress of economic research on AIT, mainly discussing the socioeconomic burden of allergic rhinitis, the results of health economic studies from different countries, and the primary methods used in health economic research on allergic rhinitis. Existing studies indicate that, although AIT involves high initial costs, it offers significant long-term economic benefits by reducing healthcare resource utilization, improving patient quality of life, and decreasing medication dependence. Moreover, reducing initial costs, applying standardized assessment tools, and conducting cross-national comparative analyses have become key directions for future research. Overall, AIT demonstrates strong potential in terms of long-term health benefits and cost savings, providing solid economic evidence for the management of allergic diseases.
Humans
;
Desensitization, Immunologic/economics*
;
Cost-Benefit Analysis
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/economics*
;
Economics, Medical
8.Chinese expert consensus on the evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapy outcomes(Wuhan, 2025).
Yuqin DENG ; Xi LUO ; Zhuofu LIU ; Shuguang SUN ; Jing YE ; Tiansheng WANG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Meiping LU ; Yin YAO ; Ying WANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Bei LIU ; Qingxiang ZENG ; Yuanteng XU ; Qintai YANG ; Yucheng YANG ; Feng LIU ; Chengli XU ; Yanan SUN ; Haiyu HONG ; Haibo YE ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Huabin LI ; Hongtian WANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Wenlong LIU ; Yu XU ; Hongfei LOU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1075-1085
Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT) remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis(AR). Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group(CRRCG) convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans
;
Allergens/immunology*
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Desensitization, Immunologic
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Quality of Life
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
East Asian People
9.Combination of proteome and transcriptome analysis to predict survival and immunotherapy response in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Yang HE ; Hui YANG ; Weili KONG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1086-1093
Objective:Proteins are closely associated with the development, progression, and immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC). However, few clinical models utilize proteomics to predict prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. In this study, we developed a protein prognostic model(PPM) to stratify survival outcomes and differential immunotherapy responses in HNSCC patients. Methods:Based on proteomic profiling, we constructed a PPM comprising 11 protein markers. Patients were classified into high-and low-risk groups according to PPM scores. The prognostic value of risk scores was evaluated using Cox regression analysis, and predictive accuracy was assessed via time-dependent receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves. Additionally, we analyzed treatment responses to PD1/CTLA4 immunotherapy in PD1-or CTLA4-positive patients across risk groups. Results:Cox regression confirmed the risk score as an independent prognostic factor(HR=1.161, 95%CI 1.112-1.213, P<0.001), with high-risk patients exhibiting significantly poorer survival than low-risk counterparts. The model demonstrated robust predictive accuracy, with 1-year and 3-year time-dependent ROC areas under the curve(AUC) of 0.713 and 0.707, respectively. In PD1/CTLA4-positive subgroups, low-risk patients showed superior immunotherapy responses compared to high-risk patients. Conclusion:The PPM can provide reliable prognostic stratification and preliminary guidance for immunotherapy in HNSCC. However, further clinical studies and basic experiments are needed for further verification.
Humans
;
Immunotherapy
;
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/therapy*
;
Prognosis
;
Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Proteome
;
Proteomics
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Transcriptome
;
CTLA-4 Antigen
;
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
10.The efficacy of drug combination with immunotherapy in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis after surgery.
Zongtong LIN ; Ling SHEN ; Xinzhong GAO ; Qiaoyu LIAO ; Zhongjie YANG ; Pingfan LIU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(12):1163-1170
Objective:To explore the efficacy of using drug combination and sublingual immunotherapy(SLIT) for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) and allergic rhinitis(AR) after adenotonsillectomy, in order to provide a more optimized treatment plan after the surgery. Methods:A total of 95 pediatric OSA combined with AR were selected. According to the treatment plan, they were divided into the SLIT group(postoperative medication combined with SLIT) and the control group(postoperative medication treatment only). The comparisons were made between the two groups regarding the scores of the 18-item Quality of Life Questionnaire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA-18) and the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) before and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment; the monthly total medication scores(TMS) from 1 month to 3 months, 4 months to 6 months, 7 months to 1 year, and 1 year to 2 years after treatment, as well as the number of acute attacks of AR in the 1st year and 2nd year after treatment; and the Lund-Kennedy scores and nasal resistance grading of nasal endoscopy before and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment. The effectiveness and safety were also analyzed. Results:After one year of treatment, the OSA-18 score, VAS score, TMS and Lund-Kennedy score in the SLIT group were significantly better than those in the control group. The nasal resistance was significantly reduced(P<0.05), and the frequency of AR attacks was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). After 2 years of treatment, the VAS score, Lund-Kennedy score and nasal resistance classification in the SLIT group tended to stabilize, while the OSA-18 score continued to decline. Conclusion:After surgery for pediatric OSA combined with AR, the use of drugs combined with SLIT can effectively alleviate AR symptoms, further improve OSA-related symptoms and quality of life, reduce drug dependence, decrease the frequency of AR attacks, and enhance the long-term efficacy of the surgery.
Humans
;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery*
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Quality of Life
;
Child
;
Tonsillectomy
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adenoidectomy
;
Sublingual Immunotherapy
;
Drug Therapy, Combination
;
Male
;
Female


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