The IHAT-GUT Iron Supplementation Trial in Rural Gambia: Barriers,Facilitators, and Benefits

Introduction: In most sub-Saharan African countries iron deficiency anaemia remains highly prevalent in children and this has not changed in the last 25 years. Supplementation with iron hydroxide adipate tartrate (IHAT) was being investigated in anaemic children in a phase two clinical trial (termed IHAT-GUT), conducted at the Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) (abbreviated as MRCG hereof). This qualitative study aimed to explore the personal perceptions of the trial staff in relation to conducting a clinical trial in such settings in order to highlight the health system specific needs and strengths in the rural, resource-poor setting of the Upper River Region in the Gambia. Methods: Individual interviews (n = 17) were conducted with local trial staff of the IHAT-GUT trial. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Potential barriers and facilitators to conducting this clinical trial were identified at the patient, staff, and trial management levels. Several challenges, such as the rural location and cultural context, were identified but noted as not being long-term inhibitors. Participants believed the facilitators and benefits outnumbered the barriers, and included the impact on education and healthcare, the ambitious and knowledgeable locally recruited staff, and the local partnership. Conclusions: While facilitators and barriers were identified to conducting this clinical trial in a rural, resource-poor setting, the overall impact was perceived as beneficial, and this study is a useful example of community involvement and partnership for further health improvement programs. To effectively implement a nutrition intervention, the local health systems and context must be carefully considered through qualitative research beforehand.     

Dietary Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Prevents Increase in Plasma D-Dimer While Lowering Cardiovascular Mortality in an Elderly Swedish Population

A low intake of selenium is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. This could be reduced by supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q₁₀. D-dimer, a fragment of fibrin mirroring fibrinolysis, is a biomarker of thromboembolism, increased inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and is associated with cardiovascular mortality in ischemic heart disease. The objective was to examine the impact of selenium and coenzyme Q₁₀ on the level of D-dimer, and its relationship to cardiovascular mortality. D-dimer was measured in 213 individuals at the start and after 48 months of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial with selenium yeast (200 µg/day) and coenzyme Q₁₀ (200 mg/day) (n = 106) or placebo (n = 107). The follow-up time was 4.9 years. All included individuals were low in selenium (mean 67 μg/L, SD 16.8). The differences in D-dimer concentration were evaluated by the use of T-tests, repeated measures of variance and ANCOVA analyses. At the end, a significantly lower D-dimer concentration was observed in the active treatment group in comparison with those on placebo (p = 0.006). Although D-dimer values at baseline were weakly associated with high-sensitive CRP, while being more strongly associated with soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 and sP-selectin, controlling for these in the analysis there was an independent effect on D-dimer. In participants with a D-dimer level above median at baseline, the supplementation resulted in significantly lower cardiovascular mortality compared to those on placebo (p = 0.014). All results were validated with a persisting significant difference between the two groups. Therefore, supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q₁₀ in a group of elderly low in selenium and coenzyme Q₁₀ prevented an increase in D-dimer and reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality in comparison with the placebo group. The obtained results also illustrate important associations between inflammation, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk.     

High-Protein,Low-Glycaemic Meal Replacement Decreases Fasting Insulin and Inflammation Markers—A 12-Month Subanalysis of the ACOORH Trial

Lifestyle interventions, including meal replacement, are effective in the prevention and treatment of type-2-diabetes and obesity. Since insulin is the key weight regulator, we hypothesised that the addition of meal replacement to a lifestyle intervention reduces insulin levels more effectively than lifestyle intervention alone. In the international multicentre randomised controlled ACOORH (Almased Concept against Overweight and Obesity and Related Health Risk) trial, overweight or obese persons who meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome (n = 463) were randomised into two groups. Both groups received nutritional advice focusing on carbohydrate restriction and the use of telemonitoring devices. The intervention group substituted all three main meals per day in week 1, two meals per day in weeks 2–4, and one meal per day in weeks 5–26 with a protein-rich, low-glycaemic meal replacement. Data were collected at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. All datasets providing insulin data (n = 446) were included in this predefined subanalysis. Significantly higher reductions in insulin (−3.3 ± 8.7 µU/mL vs. −1.6 ± 9.8 µU/mL), weight (−6.1 ± 5.2 kg vs. −3.2 ± 4.6 kg), and inflammation markers were observed in the intervention group. Insulin reduction correlated with weight reduction and the highest amount of weight loss (−7.6 ± 4.9 kg) was observed in those participants with an insulin decrease > 2 µU/mL. These results underline the potential for meal replacement-based lifestyle interventions in diabetes prevention, and measurement of insulin levels may serve as an indicator for adherence to carbohydrate restriction.     

Adiponectin Gene Variant rs3774261, Effects on Lipid Profile and Adiponectin Levels after a High Polyunsaturated Fat Hypocaloric Diet with Mediterranean Pattern

The role of ADIPOQ gene variants on metabolic improvements after weight change secondary to different hypocaloric diets remained unclear. We evaluate the effect of rs3774261 of ADIPOQ gene polymorphism on biochemical improvements and weight change after high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean dietary pattern for 12 weeks. A population of 361 obese subjects was enrolled in an intervention trial with a calorie restriction of 500 calories over the usual intake and 45.7% of carbohydrates, 34.4% of fats, and 19.9% of proteins. The percentages of different fats was; 21.8% of monounsaturated fats, 55.5% of saturated fats, and 22.7% of polyunsaturated fats. Before and after intervention, an anthropometric study, an evaluation of nutritional intake and a biochemical evaluation were realized. All patients lost weight regardless of genotype and diet used. After 12 weeks with a similar improvement in weight loss (AA vs. AG vs. GG); total cholesterol (delta: −28.1 ± 2.1 mg/dL vs. −14.2 ± 4.1 mg/dL vs. −11.0 ± 3.9 mg/dL; p = 0.02), LDL cholesterol (delta: −17.1 ± 2.1 mg/dL vs. −6.1 ± 1.9 mg/dL vs. −6.0 ± 2.3 mg/dL; p = 0.01), triglyceride levels (delta: −35.0 ± 3.6 mg/dL vs. 10.1 ± 3.2 mg/dL vs. −9.7 ± 3.1 mg/dL; p = 0.02), C reactive protein (CRP) (delta: −2.3 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs. −0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs. −0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL; p = 0.02), serum adiponectin (delta: 11.6 ± 2.9 ng/dL vs. 2.1 ± 1.3 ng/dL vs. 3.3 ± 1.1 ng/dL; p = 0.02) and adiponectin/leptin ratio (delta: 1.5 ± 0.1 ng/dL vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 ng/dL vs. 0.4 ± 0.3 ng/dL; p = 0.03), improved only in AA group. AA genotype of ADIPOQ variant (rs3774261) is related with a significant increase in serum levels of adiponectin and ratio adiponectin/leptin and decrease on lipid profile and C-reactive protein (CRP).     

Enhancing Behavior Change Skills in Health Extension Workers in Ethiopia: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Maternal and Infant Nutrition

Maternal and infant nutrition are problematic in areas of Ethiopia. Health extension workers (HEWs) work in Ethiopia’s primary health care system, increasing potential health service coverage, particularly for women and children, providing an opportunity for health improvement. Their roles include improving maternal and infant nutrition, disease prevention, and health education. Supporting HEWs’ practice with ‘non-clinical’ skills in behavior change and health communication can improve effectiveness. This intervention study adapted and delivered a UK-developed training intervention for Health Extension Workers (HEWs) working with the United Nations World Food Programme in Ethiopia. The intervention included communication and behavioral training adapted with local contextual information. Mixed methods evaluation focused on participants’ reaction to training, knowledge, behavior change, and skills use. Overall, 98 HEWs were trained. The intervention was positively received by HEWs. Pre-post evaluations of communication and behavior change skills found a positive impact on HEW skills, knowledge, and motivation to use skills (all p < 0.001) to change women’s nutritional behavior, also demonstrated in role-play scenarios. The study offered substantial learning about intervention delivery. Appropriate cultural adaptation and careful consideration of assessment of psychological constructs are crucial for future delivery.     

急诊经皮冠状动脉介入手术冠脉内应用硝普钠与替罗非班治疗老年急性心肌梗死效果及影响因素分析

目的探讨急诊经皮冠状动脉介入手术(Percutaneous Coronary Intervention,PCI)冠脉内应用硝普钠与替罗非班治疗老年急性心肌梗死效果及影响因素分析。方法收集153例急性心肌梗死老年患者,进行急诊PCI冠脉内应用硝普钠与替罗非班治疗(实验组)76例和急诊PCI冠脉内应用硝酸甘油与替罗非班治疗组(对照组)77例。追踪测评患者血清肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(Cardiac TroponinⅠ,cTnⅠ)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(Glutathione,GSH)、超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide Dismutase,SOD)、N末端B型钠尿肽前体(N-terminalpro-B-typenatriureticpeptide,NT-proBNP)、白介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(Tumor Necrosis Factor-α,TNF-α)、内皮素(Endothelin,ET)、一氧化氮(NO)、血栓素B_2(Thromboxane B_2,TXB_2)、6酮-前列腺素F1α(6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha,6-keto-PGF1α)以及左心室射血分数(Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction,LVEF)、心肌梗死溶栓试验血流分级(Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction,TIMI分级)、心功能改善效果。结果实验组c TnⅠ、GSH、SOD、NT-pro BNP、IL-6、TNF-α、ET、NO、TXB_2、6-keto-PGF1α、LVEF、心功能改善效果、TIMI的追踪组间得分及复测组间得分差异有统计学意义(F=23.129、24.742、25.510、26.048、26.444、25.371、28.320、22.322、25.317、26.372、24.314、24.512、22.147,均P<0.05)。结论急诊PCI冠脉内应用硝普钠与替罗非班治疗老年急性心肌梗死患者对于心功能改善效果显著提高,并其受年龄、身体质量指数(Body Mass Index,BMI)、并发症、病变血管数量以及干预前心功能等级的影响。     

COVID-19 among LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV/AIDS: psycho-social challenges and care options

Prolonged social isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown has adversely impacted the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of the global populace. Coping with mental and physical stressors amidst the global lockdown is especially strenuous for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and more (LGBT+) community, who are frequently subjected to social stigma and minority stress. Systematic stigma and discrimination place LGBT+ individuals at higher risk for deleterious behaviors, such as substance abuse (e.g., injection drug use, smoking, alcohol) and risky sexual practices (e.g., anal/vaginal/oral sex). Maladaptive coping behaviors consequently increase the chances of HIV/AIDS risk among LGBT+ individuals, compared to heterosexual individuals. LGBT+ individuals Living with HIV/AIDS perpetually face higher rates of unemployment, income disparity, and intimate partner violence. Prolonged home confinement, and impaired accessibility to healthcare, legal, and criminal justice services during lockdown may deplete the quality of life of LGBT+ individuals Living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is critical that multidisciplinary service providers, including health professionals, employers, social services providers, educational institutions and community organizations, move toward online service delivery, so that homebound HIV-positive LGBT+ individuals are secured with a wide range of care options. Non-judgemental, tele-counseling may bridge the gap to mental health services. Community clinics catering to HIV-positive and/or LGBT+ clients may consider precociously supplying essential amenities, such as Preexposure (PrEP)/postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), condoms, emergency contraception, and sterile needles. Lastly, efforts directed at the sustenance of at-risk/HIV-positive LGBT+ health should persevere, even after the pandemic.     

A qualitative exploration of the mechanisms,pathways and public health outcomes of a city centre 20mph speed limit intervention: The case of Belfast,United Kingdom

Twenty miles per hour (mph) speed limits can impact the health of the public (e.g., road safety, active travel). However, a better understanding of how individuals experience 20mph limits is required, to ensure interventions are cognisant of perceptions and potential un/intended outcomes. Focus groups (n = 9, 60 participants) to explore the Belfast 20mph intervention highlighted divergent perspectives and experiences including: 12 mechanisms (e.g., limited awareness), 15 pathways (e.g., reduced driving speed→improved liveability) and 10 public health outcomes (e.g., increased cyclist safety). Future interventions should consider un/intended outcomes and implement strategies to enhance effectiveness and mitigate harms (e.g., through training, enforcement).     

新型冠状病毒肺炎患者焦虑和抑郁状况研究

目的 了解新型冠状病毒肺炎患者焦虑、抑郁现况,探索新型冠状病毒肺炎患者的护理干预模式。方法 选取解放军总医院第五医学中心2020年1月23日—2月10日收治的新型冠状病毒肺炎患者为研究对象。运用焦虑自评量表（SAS）和抑郁自评量表（SDS）统计患者焦虑和抑郁得分情况。制定相应护理干预措施并评估疗效。结果 共收治40例新冠肺炎患者。10例（25.00%）患者出现焦虑,SAS平均得分（42.94±8.33）分。14例（35.00%）患者出现抑郁,SDS平均得分（46.41±13.37）分。患者焦虑与抑郁得分均高于常模,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。女性患者焦虑得分高于男性,差异有统计学意义（P=0.02）。不同年龄、文化程度组患者焦虑和抑郁得分比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。护理干预后,SAS量表平均得分（37.94±5.67）分,SDS量表平均得分（39.93±8.55）分,均较干预前降低,差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。结论 新型冠状病毒肺炎患者焦虑和抑郁高于普通人群,通过有效的护理干预可降低患者的焦虑和抑郁,长期的护理干预需要持续进行。