Globally, the numbers of head and neck cancer (HNC) cases and related deaths have recently increased. In Japan, few studies have examined crude or age-adjusted HNC mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the trends in crude and age-adjusted mortality rates for HNC per million individuals in Japan from 1999 to 2019. Data on HNC-associated deaths were extracted from the national death certificate database using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (n = 156,742). HNC mortality trends were analysed using joinpoint regression models to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Among men, no significant change was observed in the age-adjusted death rate trend from 1999 to 2014; however, a marked decrease was observed from 2014 to 2019. No changing point was observed in women. Age-adjusted mortality rates continuously decreased over the 21-year period, with an AAPC of −0.7% in men and −0.6% in women. In conclusion, the overall trend in age-adjusted rates of HNC-associated deaths decreased, particularly among men, in the past 5 years. These results will contribute to the formulation of medical policies to develop targeted screening and prevention programmes for HNC in Japan and determine the direction of treatment strategies.

As cardiovascular diseases are still a major cause of death in most countries, it is still relevant to look into treatment of such diseases. Dyslipidemia is one of the important identified risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. As this is largely driven by lifestyle and diet, it may be difficult to control it with lifestyle modifications alone. Currently, Statins remains to be the mainstay therapy for dyslipidemia but this is also met by problems within certain patient population. The drug may be contraindicated in certain patient groups; some patients tend to not respond to Statins; while certain patients may not tolerate the adverse events. This study looked into available literature on studies done on dyslipidemia using plant-based formulations using randomized clinical trial. Based on the review conducted, there are several plant-based formations with potential to be similar in efficacy to Statins. Some of the plants used are abundant or may be easily sourced. With the increasing popularity of food supplements or nutraceuticals, exploration on the potential of plant-based products is attractive. Despite the promising results of some studies, these will need further investigations and targeting a larger population size. Formulation options may need to be explored also focused on its stability.

Developing countries are more vulnerable to antibiotic resistance and pose the greatest threat to public health globally than developed countries due to complex issues about the nature of their healthcare system as well as other patient-related factors. Inappropriate antibiotic drug use and their unrestricted availability in community pharmacies and other retail establishments can contribute to this issue. The research provides a review of scholarly literature to identify what possible determinants could contribute to inappropriate antibiotic dispensing practices. Most studies in this review have indicated that lack of knowledge among community pharmacists and lax law enforcement, from intrinsic and extrinsic factors, respectively, were the most frequent aspects associated with antibiotic dispensing with no prescription; thus, measures to be taken to counteract or reduce these determinants should be considered. In this case, intervention should be made locally, along with coordination among health authorities and other healthcare providers.

Background/Objectives: Five musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including gout, low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis represent a growing public health burden; however, evidence from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains limited. This study aimed to assess the burden of these five MSDs across ten ASEAN countries. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, we estimated the burden using prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). National trends from 1990 to 2023 were assessed using average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: From 1990 to 2023, the absolute numbers of prevalent cases and absolute numbers of DALYs increased, with low back pain and osteoarthritis accounting for large shares across the ten countries. Country-level patterns differed between absolute numbers and age-standardised rates of the five MSDs. In 2023, age-specific absolute numbers of prevalent cases and absolute numbers of DALYs increased with age before declining in older age groups, with peak ages varying across the five MSDs. Across the five MSDs, age-standardised prevalence rates were generally higher among females, while gout showed higher rates among males. Age-standardised prevalence rates showed generally modest positive AAPCs for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, whereas low back pain and neck pain showed decreasing trends in most countries. Conclusions: The increasing burden in absolute numbers of the five MSDs across the ten ASEAN countries, together with persistent sex disparities, differences in age-specific patterns, variations in age-standardised trends, and considerable country-level heterogeneity, highlights the need for continued attention to the burden of the five MSDs in the region.