Immunologic non-inferiority and safety of the investigational pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) 4-dose vial presentation compared to the licensed PHiD-CV 1-dose vial presentation in infants: A phase III randomized study

BackgroundTo support vaccination programs in developing countries, a 4-dose vial presentation of pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) was developed. This study assessed immunologic non-inferiority and safety of the investigational PHiD-CV 4-dose versus licensed 1-dose vial presentation in infants.MethodsIn this phase III, mono-center, observer-blind study in Bangladesh, 6–10-week-old infants were randomized 1:1 to receive PHiD-CV primary vaccination (at ages 6, 10, 18 weeks) and a booster dose (at age 9 months) with a 4-dose vial (with preservative, 4DV group) or 1-dose vial (preservative-free, 1DV group). DTPw-HBV/Hib was (co)-administered per study protocol and polio, measles and rubella vaccines as part of the national immunization program. Non-inferiority of PHiD-CV 4-dose versus 1-dose vial for each vaccine pneumococcal serotype (VT) and vaccine-related serotype 19A in terms of antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) was assessed (criterion: upper limit of 2-sided 95% confidence interval of antibody GMC ratios [1DV/4DV] <2-fold). Immune responses were measured. Solicited, unsolicited and serious adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.ResultsOf 320 infants (160 per group) vaccinated during the primary vaccination phase, 297 received a booster. Non-inferiority was demonstrated for each VT and 19A. One month post-primary vaccination, for most VT, ≥97.9% of infants in each group had antibody concentrations ≥0.2 μg/mL; for 19A ≥ 80.1% reached this threshold. Pneumococcal antibody responses and opsonophagocytic activity for each VT and 19A were within similar ranges between groups after primary and booster vaccination, as were anti-protein D responses. Booster immune responses were observed in both groups. Reported AEs were within similar ranges for both presentations.ConclusionImmunologic non-inferiority of PHiD-CV 4-dose vial (with preservative) versus PHiD-CV 1-dose vial (preservative-free) was demonstrated. Immune responses and reactogenicity following primary/booster vaccination were within similar ranges for both presentations. PHiD-CV 4-dose vial would help improve access and coverage in resource-limited countries.Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02447432.     

2004—2015年中国循环系统疾病死亡谱特征分析

背景 循环系统疾病中的心脑血管疾病已成为影响中国人寿命的"第一杀手",患病率和死亡率仍处于上升阶段。揭示循环系统疾病城乡别、性别、地区别死因顺序及其变化趋势,将为预防和控制循环系统疾病的发生发展提供科学依据。 目的 分析我国2004—2015年循环系统疾病中以心脑血管为主的疾病死亡谱特征,即城乡别、性别、地区别死因顺序及其变化趋势。 方法 利用2004—2015年"全国疾病监测系统死因监测数据集"所定义的"循环系统疾病"资料,选取其中各类别疾病的死亡数和死亡率资料,应用SPSS 13.0统计软件,采用χ2检验方法分析各类别循环系统疾病的城乡别、性别、地区别死亡率的差异及变化趋势。 结果 2004—2013年各年的死因顺位排序为脑血管病→缺血性心脏病→循环系统的其他疾病→高血压心脏病/肾脏病→风湿热和风湿性心脏病;2014—2015年各年死因顺位排序为脑血管病→缺血性心脏病→高血压心脏病/肾脏病→循环系统的其他疾病→风湿热和风湿性心脏病。2006—2015年,脑血管病、缺血性心脏病死亡率呈逐年上升趋势;2004—2015年,高血压心脏病/肾脏病死亡率逐年缓慢上升;风湿热和风湿性心脏病死亡率各年变化不大;循环系统的其他疾病死亡率呈双波浪变化,其中2006年和2013年为波峰。城乡别死亡率：脑血管病各年差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）,风湿热和风湿性心脏病除2006、2015年外,高血压心脏病/肾脏病除2005年外,缺血性心脏病除2015年外,循环系统的其他疾病除2004、2005、2011、2012年外,其余年份间差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。性别死亡率：各年份风湿热和风湿性心脏病、缺血性心脏病和脑血管病死亡率性别差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）,循环系统的其他疾病除2005年外,其余各年性别差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,高血压心脏病/肾脏病死亡率仅2005年和2015年性别差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。地区别死亡率：各年份各类别疾病死亡率地区别差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论 循环系统疾病死亡率具有明显的城乡别、性别、地区别差异。缺血性心脏病城市高发,其他各类疾病乡村高发;女性风湿热和风湿性心脏病高发,其他各类疾病均为男性高发;风湿热和风湿性心脏病、高血压心脏病/肾脏病、缺血性心脏病、脑血管病、循环系统的其他疾病死亡率地区别差异明显,应根据地区别的差异确定不同的循环系统疾病的防治重点和采取不同的防治措施。 该文的微信推文请扫描下方二维码查看！     

基于“冲任失调、伏邪致病”探讨女性复发性生殖器疱疹的辨治

基于"冲任失调、伏邪致病"理论探讨女性复发性生殖器疱疹的中医病因病机及治疗,因房事不洁而使外在毒邪藏于体内损伤气血阴阳,日久则冲任失调,其发病具有一定的特殊性和规律性,随月经气血阴阳周期性变化。治疗上,经前期以疏肝清热为主,月经期以行气通经为要,经后期治以益气养血为宜,使冲任调和,机体阴阳气血平衡,为冲任失调所致的皮肤性病诊治提供一定的借鉴意义。     

The development of burn scar contractures and impact on joint function,disability and quality of life in low- and middle-income countries: A prospective cohort study with one-year follow-up

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the development of burn scar contractures and their impact on joint function, disability and quality of life in a low-income country.MethodsPatients with severe burns were eligible. Passive range of motion (ROM) was assessed using lateral goniometry. To assess the development of contractures, the measured ROM was compared to the normal ROM. To determine joint function, the normal ROM was compared to the functional ROM. In addition, disability and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. Assessments were from admission up to 12 months after injury.ResultsThirty-six patients were enrolled, with a total of 124 affected joints. The follow-up rate was 83%. Limited ROM compared to normal ROM values was observed in 26/104 joints (25%) at 12 months. Limited functional ROM was observed in 55/115 joints (48%) at discharge and decreased to 22/98 joints (22%) at 12 months. Patients who had a contracture at 12 months reported more disability and lower QoL, compared to patients without a contracture (median disability 0.28 versus 0.17 (p = 0.01); QoL median 0.60 versus 0.76 (p = 0.001)). Significant predictors of developing joint contractures were patient delay and the percentage of TBSA deep burns.ConclusionThe prevalence of burn scar contractures was high in a low-income country. The joints with burn scar contracture were frequently limited in function. Patients who developed a contracture reported significantly more disability and lower QoL. To limit the development of burn scar contractures, timely access to safe burn care should be improved in low-income countries.     

Brief report: Global health initiatives and breast oncology capacity-building in Africa

IntroductionGlobal health initiatives provide exciting opportunities for capacity-building in low- and middle-income countries but data regarding how African clinicians characterize the most effective partnerships are lacking.MethodsWe surveyed attendees at two “Breast Cancer in Africa” symposia sponsored through a surgeon-led global breast cancer research collaborative. Respondents ranked their preferences for needs from American global health partnerships.Results399 African attendees responded (170 at the 2017 Ghana conference; 229 at the 2018 Ethiopia conference). Physicians comprised 41.1% of respondents; nurses 20.1% and medical students 27.6%. Ancillary hospital staff comprised the remaining 11.2%. Among clinicians, 75.7% ranked educational/training programs or donation of medical supplies as the highest-priority needs compared to only 20.4% ranking direct monetary support as the highest-priority need (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur survey study found that African clinicians prioritize training programs and donation of medical/hospital supplies above direct monetary support as their highest-value needs from global health initiatives.     

Efforts to catalogue non-governmental organizations with a role in global burn relief

IntroductionNon-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been instrumental in the treatment of traumatic injuries, including burns, particularly in low- and middle-income counties. The purpose of this project was to catalogue burn injury related NGO activities, describe coordinated efforts, and provide insight to burn health care professionals seeking volunteer opportunities.MethodsEligible burn NGOs were identified through internet searches, literature reviews, and social media. The organizations’ websites were reviewed for eligibility and contact was attempted to confirm details. Global health organizations, including the World Health Organization, were consulted for their viewpoints.ResultsWe identified 27 unique NGOs working in the area of burn care in African countries, all with differing missions, capacities, recruitment methods, and ability to respond to disaster. We also describe 14 global NGOs, some of which accept volunteers. Some NGOs were local, while others were headquartered in western countries.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first effort towards the establishment of a Burn-NGO catalogue. Challenges included: frequent shifts in geographical regions supported, lack of collaboration among organizations, availability of public information, and austere environments. We invite collaborators to assist in the creation of a comprehensive, interactive and complete catalogue.     

保障常用低价药品供应:基于治理工具角度的分析

有效保障常用低价药品的供应,对于保障公众健康、维护社会公平以及顺利推进新医改都具有非常重要的意义。本文从公共治理理论中的治理工具分析角度出发,重点分析如何结合和优化多样化的政策工具的使用来综合确定常用低价药品的工具,即应用＂志愿—强制—混合＂治理工具分析框架,从志愿性（家庭与社区、志愿者、市场）、强制性（政府命令—控制型监管、成立公共企业、直接提供）和混合性治理工具（信息披露与规劝、补贴、产权拍卖、税收与使用者付费）等多个角度对保障常用低价药品的供给提出对策,最后提出了巧用价格杠杆、完善采购办法、建设药价信息披露机制以及确立政府补贴与产业政策战略四方面的具体政策建议,以此完善最近出台的相关最新政策内容,从而确立我国保障常用低价药品供应的总体战略。     

COVID-19 mortality and gross domestic product loss: A wake-up call for government leaders

Government leaders have struggled to reduce the infection and deaths due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as to keep the economy and businesses open. There is a large variation of mortality and damage to economy among countries. One possible cause leading to the large variation is the manner in which countries have delt with COVID-19. Some countries or regions such as China, New Zealand, and Taiwan, acted quickly and aggressively by implementing border closures, lockdown, school closures, mass testing, etc. On the other hand, many European countries, United States, and Brazil delayed their decisions to implement these restrictions and measures. No study has assessed the correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) and COVID-19 mortality. In the present study, there was a negative correlation between GDP and COVID-19 mortality suggesting that countries that failed to control the virus (larger COVID-19 mortality) would see a larger decline in GDP. Governmental leaders should act fast and aggressively when making decisions because data shows that countries who have run after two hares have caught neither. Furthermore, citizens of each country need to do their own part by following guidelines and practicing social distancing and mask wearing, which are considered the most effective, easiest, and cheapest measures that can be taken, so that repeated lockdowns can be avoided.     

Global research in sarcopenia: High-cited papers,research institutions,funding agencies and collaborations, 1993–2022

Background and aimsThis bibliometric analysis aims to analyze the high-cited papers (HCPs), those which have received >100 citations) on Sarcopenia to provide insight into publication performances and research characteristics of the literature.MethodsGlobal HCPs on Sarcopenia research were identified from the Scopus database from January 1993 to August 2022. VOSviewer, and Biblioshiny software were used to visualize the collaborative interaction among most productive countries, organizations, authors, and keywords. Select bibliometric measures were applied to evaluate the publication productivity and their influence in this area.ResultsOut of 6219 publications on Sarcopenia only 398 were HCPs. These HCPs received an average of 271.7 citations per publication (CPP). The most productive organizations were the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, and Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging, USA. The most impactful organizations in terms of CPP and relative citation index were CHU de Toulouse, France, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy. The most productive authors were Landi F and Morley JE, and Anker SD from Italy and Germany respectively. The most impactful authors were: Cederholm T (Sweden), Cruz JAJ (Spain) and Rolland Y (France). There were few/no HCPs from South America, Africa, South Asia, and USSR.ConclusionSarcopenia research has been predominantly done in USA, Europe, and China, and rarely from low and middle-income countries. Further focus of research should be on its etiopathogenesis (especially at the molecular level), prevalence in different communities, methods to diagnose it in early stages, and its cost-effective management.