Research Initiatives Research Articles

Impact of sample preparation temperature on Li and Ce co-doped MgB4O7 dosimetry performance: A plausible scenario for controlling defect clustering

MgB4O7 co-doped with Ce and Li has been recognized as a promising dosimetric material for spatially-resolved optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) measurements. Nevertheless, conflicting information exists in the literature regarding its dosimetric characteristics. These include discrepancies in fading, the proportion of shallow traps, the range of linear dose response, and a notable absence of direct sensitivity comparisons. These discrepancies are likely attributed to variations in the synthesis methods utilized to produce this material. As part of our research initiative aiming at elucidating the influence of synthesis on the luminescence properties, we are examining in this contribution a single parameter – specifically, the sample preparation temperature – and assessing its impact on the luminescence properties. For the first time, we identified a correlation between the width of the thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves, the TL, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), and radioluminescence (RL) intensities, as well as the fading characteristics over time and annealing temperature. We show that annealing at higher temperature leads to narrowing of the main TL peak (c.a. 240 °C at 5 °C/s heating rate) compared with samples prepared at lower temperatures, which in turn leads to a decrease in the integrated TL intensity of that peak. Despite exhibiting lower intensity, samples prepared at temperatures above 800 °C show less than 10 % TL/OSL fading over 60 days. Our measurements suggest an involvement of clustered defects for the samples prepared at 600 °C, with a shift towards a scenario of delocalized transitions in samples prepared at higher temperatures.

Research Ideologies among Legal Scholars and Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Academic Research Approaches

This article explores the dichotomy between traditional research methodologies and modern multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches within the academic legal community in Nigeria. While disciplines such as pure science, social science, education, and arts have embraced collaborative research strategies to address complex issues, legal scholars predominantly adhere to the doctrinal style. This adherence creates a significant challenge in achieving consensus on research methodologies, data sources, and analytical techniques. The study highlights the reluctance of legal scholars and regulatory bodies like NALT to recognize the value of integrating diverse academic perspectives. By examining the current research ideologies among legal scholars, the article underscores the need for a unified approach to academic research that bridges the gap between traditional legal research and collaborative methodologies, ultimately enhancing the scope and impact of scholarly inquiry in the legal field. The research employs a qualitative design, utilizing interviews and surveys with legal students, scholars, educators, and regulatory body members to gather in-depth insights into their research practices and attitudes. Based on the findings, the article recommends promoting awareness and education on the benefits of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, fostering a more inclusive research culture, encouraging regulatory bodies to endorse and support collaborative research initiatives within the legal academic community and develop a Okuma-NC (hybrid) research methodology and citation formula integrating aspects of OSCOLA, NALT, and APA, enabling seamless application in socio-legal, scientific, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research within legal contexts.

The International Breakfast Research Initiative—Evaluation and Comparison of Breakfast Nutrient Intakes in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with a View to Proposing a Harmonised Nutrient-Based Breakfast Recommendation

The International Breakfast Research Initiative is a global study of breakfast nutrition, involving 17 countries in four continents, aiming to derive nutrient-based regional recommendations for breakfast. This study aimed to propose a harmonised recommendation for three South-East Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. For each country, data from nationally representative dietary surveys on the contribution of breakfast to daily nutrient intakes at both the adult population level and at the level of the upper tertile of daily nutrient density using the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) Index were collated and examined. Energy intakes at breakfast ranged from 26 to 27% of daily energy intake. In all three countries, breakfast was carbohydrate-rich, providing 52 to 72% of breakfast energy intake, while it was higher in total and saturated fat in Malaysia and Indonesia. Intakes of fibre and vitamin C were low in all countries, while Malaysia tended to have higher intakes of most minerals, including sodium. Daily and breakfast nutrient intakes (at the population level and in the upper tertile of the NRF Index) were compared to the Codex Alimentarius nutrient reference values (NRVs) to assess adequacy. A decision tree was established based on these data to guide the development of recommendations for nutrient intakes at breakfast across the three countries.

Estimating Stockout Costs and Optimal Stockout Rates: A Case on the Management of Ugly Produce Inventory

Efficiently managing inventories requires an accurate estimation of stockout costs. This estimation is complicated by challenges in determining how to compensate consumers monetarily to ensure they will maintain the same level of utility they would have obtained had stockouts not occurred. This paper presents an analysis of these compensation costs as applied to the design of optimal stockout rates by an online retailer marketing to consumers aesthetically substandard fruits and vegetables rejected by mainstream grocery chains. Because growers face high uncertainty in their harvesting conditions and in the aesthetic quality of their crops and there are little data on hand to predict the value consumers attach to the availability of subpar produce, it is difficult to optimally match the supply of these products with consumers’ demand. Our analysis draws from a multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) choice model to calculate consumer compensations that the retailer can use to estimate the opportunity costs of stockouts to manage its inventory. We show that not taking into account these compensation costs could unduly inflate the optimal stockout rates for these products. Armed with these compensation cost estimates, we show how these costs can serve as incentives for retailers to source greater inventory amounts of imperfect produce from growers and how this will ultimately translate into less waste in the supply chain. This paper was accepted by Charles Corbett, operations management. Funding: Funding from Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (National Institute for Food and Agriculture, USDA) [Grant 2016-09900] is gratefully acknowledged. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03174 .

Association of the combination of social isolation and living alone with cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults: The IRIDE Cohort Study

BackgroundLiving alone has been associated with cognitive impairment; however, findings have been inconsistent. Social isolation among older adults who live alone may contribute to cognitive impairment. This study was carried out to examine the association of social isolation and living alone with cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data from the Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia Cohort Study, which comprises pooled data from five community-based geriatric cohorts, was used. Social isolation was defined as infrequent interactions with others. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their social isolation and living alone statuses. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with a score <24 indicating cognitive impairment. The association between social isolation combined with living alone and cognitive impairment was analyzed using logistic regression. ResultsOf the 4362 participants included in the analysis (mean age 75.6 years, 44.3 % male), 11 % had cognitive impairment. Regardless of living alone, social isolation was associated with cognitive impairment (no social isolation x not living alone: reference, social isolation x not living alone; odds ratio (OR): 1.74, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.29–2.33, social isolation x living alone; OR: 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.46–3.01). ConclusionsSocial isolation is associated with cognitive impairment; however, living alone is not intrinsically associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. Healthcare providers must focus on social interactions to prevent cognitive impairment in older adults rather than simply focusing on living arrangements.

Meningkatkan Kesadaran Keamanan Siber di Era Digital: Mitigasi Penipuan Online dan Hoaks Bagi Karyawan Politeknik LP3I Cirebon

This outreach and research initiative discusses the implementation of an interactive seminar on digital literacy at Politeknik LP3I Kampus Cirebon, focusing primarily on online fraud, hoaxes, and cyber attacks. The seminar was conducted using a hybrid approach, combining face-to-face sessions and online platforms via Google Meet to facilitate participation without geographical limitations. The seminar was divided into two main sessions: the first on online fraud, and the second session discussing hoaxes; their general understanding, characteristics, and tools for identifying and avoiding fake news. Each session was interactive, allowing participants to directly engage with speakers and practice using the tools provided. From the survey results distributed to participants, it was found that the satisfaction rating for the seminar's quality was 4.89 out of a maximum of 5. Additionally, 95% of participants reported an increase in understanding and confidence in digital literacy, particularly in dealing with online fraud, hoaxes, and other cyber threats. This demonstrates the effectiveness of an interactive approach and focusing on current issues like cybersecurity in enhancing awareness and readiness among campus employees.

Integrated Management of Hazardous Solid Waste in Dental Offices of Talara (Peru) and Machala (Ecuador): A Policy Brief Comparing Two Latin American Countries

Background The improper management of hazardous solid waste in dental care offices poses significant risks to public health and the environment. Dental offices generate hazardous waste, including biological and chemical contaminants, which can lead to infections, pollution, and harm if not managed properly. Effective waste management practices are crucial, yet compliance varies significantly across regions, especially in Latin America, due to limited resources, inadequate training, and insufficient infrastructure. This study compares hazardous waste management practices in dental offices in Talara, Peru, and Machala, Ecuador, to provide actionable recommendations for improvement. Policy and Implications In Peru, hazardous waste management involves critical steps such as conditioning, segregation, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal. Compliance minimizes exposure risks and environmental contamination. Ecuador emphasizes administrative and operational aspects, including policies, records, training, and procedures. Improving practices in both countries can model enhanced waste management across Latin America. Recommendations To address challenges in Talara and similar Latin American cities, it is essential to strengthen administrative systems, increase budget allocations for waste management, and develop comprehensive training programs. Waste management should be prioritized within public policy agendas with clear guidelines and accountability measures. Both cities need improved resource allocation, modern waste treatment facilities, and centralized storage solutions. Continuous education and certification programs are crucial. Implementing integrated policies, regular reviews, and robust compliance mechanisms based on Machala’s practices can benefit other regions. Public awareness campaigns and regional collaboration through workshops and research initiatives are also recommended. Conclusions Significant disparities in hazardous waste management exist between Talara and Machala. Talara requires strengthened systems and improved infrastructure, while Machala’s practices serve as a model. Tailored interventions can enhance public health and environmental outcomes across Latin America. Regular monitoring, evaluation, and collaboration are essential for sustained improvements.

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of the experiences of individuals with chronic pain participating in digital pain management interventions.

The use of digital pain management interventions has grown since the Covid 19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to systematically review and synthesise evidence from qualitative studies regarding the experiences of individuals with chronic pain participating in digital pain management interventions in primary care and community settings. Fourteen databases were searched, as well as citation tracking and hand-searching reference lists of included articles. The latest search was completed by 07/07/2023. Qualitative studies of patient and carer perspectives of digital pain management interventions for adults aged 18 and over with non-malignant chronic pain were included. All studies were appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. A narrative synthesis approach was used to synthesise the findings. Normalisation Process Theory was used to understand how individuals with chronic pain make sense of digital pain management interventions and incorporate knowledge, skills and strategies learnt into their day-to-day lives. Eleven studies, encompassing both digital applications for use on smartphones/ mobile devices and user-directed online modular programmes, were included in the synthesis. Three main themes and related subthemes were identified from the included studies: 1) Making sense of the digital intervention (Subthemes: Tailoring to user's needs; Human contact and support; Accessibility of the digital intervention; Personal and environmental factors affecting engagement with digital interventions); 2) Initiating and Maintaining Behaviour Change (Subthemes: Planning activity; Being active); and 3) Personal Growth (Subthemes: Gaining understanding and skills; Gaining and acting on feedback; Negotiating a new relationship with pain). Recommendations. The key recommendations from our findings are that digital pain management interventions should provide: Specific and tailored information for individual participants.Focus on changing attitudes and behaviours and reframing perceptions of pain.Structured goal setting with prompts to review goals.Potential healthcare professional support alongside the digital intervention.Limitations of the review. To reduce bias, it would have been preferable for more than one author to independently fully analyse each paper and to identify themes and sub-themes. Instead, the identified themes and sub-themes were discussed with two other authors in the team (ES, LW) to reach a consensus view on final themes and sub-themes. One author (JS) received a Research Internship and Research Initiation Award funded by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex (https://www.arc-wx.nihr.ac.uk/) and NHS England (https://www.england.nhs.uk/). The protocol for this review was registered with the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) PROSPERO international database for registering systematic reviews (PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42021257768).

A comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities in microalgae-based wastewater treatment for eliminating organic, inorganic, and emerging pollutants

This review addresses the critical issue of illegal discharge of partially or untreated wastewater effluents, resulting in the accumulation of various inorganic and organic contaminants in the environment. Numerous industries release these toxins into the atmosphere, posing significant threats to wildlife and human health. Consequently, there is an increasing need to mitigate these harmful pollutants through innovative research initiatives. Traditional physicochemical methods for pollutant management are often energy-intensive and can lead to secondary pollution. In contrast, microalgae bioremediation has emerged as an effective and environmentally friendly method for reducing the impact of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Microalgae can decompose complex organic compounds into simpler, less harmful substances without producing additional secondary pollutants. Moreover, certain organic pollutants can serve as carbon sources for the growth of mixotrophic microalgae. The bioremediation potential of microalgae can be further enhanced through advanced modification techniques. This review employs descriptive analysis to explore the application of bioremediation technologies for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, assessing their viability and applicability for emerging organic pollutants. It underscores the potential of microalgae to provide cost-effective and ecological solutions for the remediation of various contaminants and outlines successful bioremediation methods. This review effectively elucidates the nature of harmful contaminants, current challenges in industrial-scale water purification, and potential future solutions.

How to leverage the initiative of regional innovation subjects under the digital economy? A study on the mediating effect of innovation environment

ABSTRACT The digital economy, as the most dynamic, innovative, and widely radiating economic form at present, has become an important force driving global economic development. Against this backdrop, how to leverage the initiative of innovation subjects and enhance regional innovation vitality has become an important issue. In view of this, this study explores the impact mechanism of the digital economy on the initiative of regional innovation subjects based on data from 30 regions in China, and analyzes whether the digital economy first affects the innovation environment and then influences the initiative of innovation subjects. The results show that the digital economy significantly enhances the initiative of regional innovation subjects, and as the scale of the digital economy continues to expand, it exhibits a non-linear feature of ‘increasing marginal effects’ on leveraging the initiative of regional innovation subjects. In addition, the regional innovation environment positively moderates the relationship between the digital economy and the initiative of innovation subjects. And it partially mediates the relationship between the level of the digital economy and the initiative of enterprises; While, it fully mediates the relationship between the level of the digital economy and the initiative of universities and research and development institutions.

Validated administrative data based ICD-10 algorithms for chronic conditions: A systematic review

ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to identify ICD-10 based validated algorithms for chronic conditions using health administrative data. MethodsA comprehensive systematic literature search using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL was performed to identify studies, published between 1983 and May 2023, on validated algorithms for chronic conditions using administrative health data. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed full text of selected studies to complete data extraction. A third reviewer resolved conflicts arising at the screening or study selection stages. The primary outcome was validated studies of ICD-10 based algorithms with both sensitivity and PPV of ≥70 %. Studies with either sensitivity or PPV <70 % were included as secondary outcomes. ResultsOverall, the search identified 1686 studies of which 54 met the inclusion criteria. Combining a previously published literature search, a total of 61 studies were included for data extraction. The study identified 40 chronic conditions with high validity and 22 conditions with moderate validity. The validated algorithms were based on administrative data from different countries including Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, France, South Korea, and Taiwan. The algorithms identified included several types of cancers, cardiovascular conditions, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and peripheral vascular diseases, amongst others. ConclusionWith ICD-10 prominently used across the world, this up-to-date systematic review can prove to be a helpful resource for research and surveillance initiatives using administrative health data for identifying chronic conditions.

Advocating for the inclusion of kidney health outcomes in neonatal research: best practice recommendations by the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in nearly 30% of sick neonates. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be detected in certain populations of sick neonates as early as 2 years. AKI is often part of a multisystem syndrome that negatively impacts developing organs resulting in short- and long-term pulmonary, neurodevelopmental, and cardiovascular morbidities. It is critical to incorporate kidney-related data into neonatal clinical trials in a uniform manner to better understand how neonatal AKI or CKD could affect an outcome of interest. Here, we provide expert opinion recommendations and rationales to support the inclusion of short- and long-term neonatal kidney outcomes using a tiered approach based on study design: (1) observational studies (prospective or retrospective) limited to data available within a center's standard practice, (2) observational studies involving prospective data collection where prespecified kidney outcomes are included in the design, (3) interventional studies with non-nephrotoxic agents, and (4) interventional studies with known nephrotoxic agents. We also provide recommendations for biospecimen collection to facilitate ancillary kidney specific research initiatives. This approach balances the costs of AKI and CKD ascertainment with knowledge gained. We advocate that kidney outcomes be included routinely in neonatal clinical study design. Consistent incorporation of kidney outcomes across studies will increase our knowledge of neonatal morbidity.

Real-world impacts from a decade of Quality Enhancement Research Initiative-partnered projects to translate the Diabetes Prevention Program in the Veterans Health Administration.

To describe the impacts of four Veterans Health Administration (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) projects implementing an evidence-based lifestyle intervention known as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). 2012-2024 VA administrative and survey data. This is a summary of findings and impacts from four effectiveness-implementation projects focused on in-person and/or online DPP across VA sites. Patient demographics, participation data, and key findings and impacts were summarized across reports from the VA Diabetes-Mellitus Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI-DM) Diabetes Prevention Program (VA DPP) Trial, QUERI-DM Online DPP Trial, the Enhancing Mental and Physical Health of Women through Engagement and Retention (EMPOWER) QUERI DPP Project, and EMPOWER 2.0 QUERI Program. Between 2012 and 2024, four VA QUERI studies enrolled 963 Veterans in DPP across 16 VA sites. All participants had overweight/obesity with one additional risk factor for type 2 diabetes (i.e., prediabetes, elevated risk score, or history of gestational diabetes) and 56% (N = 536) were women. In addition to enhancing the reach of and engagement in diabetes prevention services among Veterans, these projects resulted in three key impacts as follows: (1) informing the national redesign of VA MOVE! including recommendations to increase the number of MOVE! sessions and revise guidelines across 150+ VA sites, (2) enhancing the national evidence base to support online DPP delivery options with citations in national care guidelines outside VA, and (3) demonstrating the importance of gender-tailoring of preventive care services by and for women Veterans to enhance engagement in preventive services. Over the past decade, the evolution of VA QUERI DPP projects increased the reach of and engagement in diabetes prevention services among Veterans, including women Veterans who have been harder to engage in lifestyle change programs in VA, and resulted in three key impacts informing type 2 diabetes and obesity prevention efforts within and outside of VA.

Cascading Failure in Cyber-Physical Systems: A Review on Failure Modeling and Vulnerability Analysis.

Cascading failures pose a significant security threat to networked systems, with recent global incidents underscoring their destructive potential. The security threat of cascading failures has always existed, but the evolution of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) has introduced novel dimensions to cascading failures, intensifying their threats owing to the intricate fusion of cyber and physical domains. Addressing these threats requires a nuanced understanding achieved through failure modeling and vulnerability analysis. By analyzing the historical failures in different CPSs, the cascading failure in CPSs is comprehensively defined as a complicated propagation process in coupled cyber and physical systems, initialized by natural accidents or human interference, which exhibits a progressive evolution within the networked structure and ultimately results in unexpected large-scale systemic failures. Subsequently, this study advances the development of instructions for modeling cascading failures and conducting vulnerability analyses within CPSs. The examination also delves into the core challenges inherent in these methodologies. Moreover, a comprehensive survey and classification of extant research methodologies and solutions are undertaken, accompanied by a concise evaluation of their advancements and limitations. To validate the performance of these methodologies, numerical experiments are conducted to ascertain their distinct features. In conclusion, this article advocates for future research initiatives, particularly emphasizing the exploration of uncertainty analysis, defense strategies, and verification platforms. By addressing these areas, the resilience of CPSs against cascading failures can be significantly enhanced.

Perivascular spaces, plasma GFAP, and speeded executive function in neurodegenerative diseases.

We investigated the effect of perivascular spaces (PVS) volume on speeded executive function (sEF), as mediated by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume and plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in neurodegenerative diseases. A mediation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neuroimaging markers and plasma biomarkers on sEF in 333 participants clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, or cerebrovascular disease from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative. PVS was significantly associated with sEF (c=-0.125±0.054, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] [-0.2309, -0.0189], p=0.021). This effect was mediated by both GFAP and WMH. In this unique clinical cohort of neurodegenerative diseases, we demonstrated that the effect of PVS on sEF was mediated by the presence of elevated plasma GFAP and white matter disease. These findings highlight the potential utility of imaging and plasma biomarkers in the current landscape of therapeutics targeting dementia. Perivascular spaces (PVS) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are imaging markers of small vessel disease. Plasma glial fibrillary protein acidic protein (GFAP) is a biomarker of astroglial injury. PVS, WMH, and GFAP are relevant in executive dysfunction from neurodegeneration. PVS's effect on executive function was mediated by GFAP and white matter disease.

Evaluation of the nutritional quality of French children breakfasts according to the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS).

Breakfast meals provide essential nutrients and energy to children and adolescents. Based on recommendations from the International Breakfast Research Initiative (IBRI), the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS) was developed to assess breakfast nutritional value among the French adult population. However, its application to children remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the BQS in assessing the nutritional quality of breakfasts consumed by French children aged 4-17 years. A total of 4,015 breakfasts, obtained from dietary recalls provided by 1,448 children participating in the French representative dietary survey (INCA3), were analyzed. As for adults, the performance of the BQS was tested through correlations with other nutritional indicators and comparison of nutrients and dietary components between tertiles of scores. The study examined the regularity of breakfast consumption and compared the BQS of children's breakfasts across socio-demographic modalities and breakfast categories distinguished by their primary grain component. Additionally, a predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression identified influential INCA3 food groups. The majority of children consumed solid breakfasts regularly. Socio-professional category, household income and food insecurity influenced BQS, revealing contradictory disparities. Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) breakfasts had the highest BQS (73.5% for children and 73.1% for adolescent), while biscuits and viennoiseries scored the lowest (52% for children and 49.1% for adolescent). PLS highlighted RTECs, milk, and hot beverages (mainly containing chocolate milk) as being positively associated with BQS, while sweet beverages and viennoiseries were negatively associated. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BQS in assessing children's breakfast quality, with RTEC breakfasts showing the highest nutritional value. The findings provide insights into factors influencing breakfast nutritional quality and underscore the importance of promoting healthier breakfast choices among all children.

Community-Engaged Data Science (CEDS): A Case Study of Working with Communities to Use Data to Inform Change

Data-informed decision making is a critical goal for many community-based public health research initiatives. However, community partners often encounter challenges when interacting with data. The Community-Engaged Data Science (CEDS) model offers a goal-oriented, iterative guide for communities to collaborate with research data scientists through data ambassadors. This study presents a case study of CEDS applied to research on the opioid epidemic in 18 counties in Ohio as part of the HEALing Communities Study (HCS). Data ambassadors provided a pivotal role in empowering community coalitions to translate data into action using key steps of CEDS which included: data landscapes identifying available data in the community; data action plans from logic models based on community data needs and gaps of data; data collection/sharing agreements; and data systems including portals and dashboards. Throughout the CEDS process, data ambassadors emphasized sustainable data workflows, supporting continued data engagement beyond the HCS. The implementation of CEDS in Ohio underscored the importance of relationship building, timing of implementation, understanding communities’ data preferences, and flexibility when working with communities. Researchers should consider implementing CEDS and integrating a data ambassador in community-based research to enhance community data engagement and drive data-informed interventions to improve public health outcomes.

Questionnaire survey and analysis of drug clinical research implementation capabilities of breast cancer treatment departments in Chinese hospitals

BackgroundClinical research competence determines the quality of clinical research and the reliability of research findings. We aimed to explore the clinical research implementation capabilities of breast cancer treatment departments in China. MethodsThis was a department-based cross-sectional study conducted in the form of electronic questionnaires on the Wenjuanxing platform from 7th August to 31st August 2023 among hospitals from the first batch of breast cancer standardized diagnosis and treatment quality control pilot centers in China. ResultsA total of 127 questionnaires from 122 hospitals were ultimately included in the analysis. Medical personnel involved in the clinical research of 118 (92.9 %) departments received good clinical practice (GCP) training. The steps of the approval process from research initiation to completion lasted 2–4 weeks or longer. The majority of departments initiated or participated in 2 or fewer clinical research projects over the past year. Among the differences between different departments, the Department of Medical Oncology had a better qualification profile and process and greater number of initiated and participated clinical studies than did the Department of Surgical Oncology. For needs and problems, most of the departments were strongly willing to undertake clinical research and receive professional training; the most common problem in the process of conducting studies was patient recruitment. ConclusionsMost departments generally exhibited complete capabilities for implementing clinical research. Improvements in implementation efficiency, quality of research and patient recruitment are still needed. Professional training and communication, as well as the recommendation of clinical research, are required in future development.

1161 Fostering International Surgical Trainee Collaboration: The UK-Iceland Trainee Collaborative

Abstract The Foundation In 2019, the UK Iceland Trainee Collaborative emerged in response to Iceland’s adoption of the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP), aligning training portfolios with the UK’s practices. A collaboration between core surgical trainees, this new initiative aimed to champion the transition of Icelandic trainees to a new portfolio system, as well as foster a new relationship to encourage combined research and projects between the two nations. The Progression Beyond portfolio alignment, the collaboration expanded into a multifaceted educational platform. Monthly seminars and an annual conference, initially delivered online, provided a forum for knowledge exchange, featuring research showcases, consultant talks, and insights into portfolio optimization and program developments. The Impact The collaborative facilitated seamless integration of ISCP into Icelandic trainees’ competency progression, mirroring UK practices. The annual conference, delivered in person in its 3rd edition in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2023, received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with high delegate satisfaction rates, highlighting the leadership skills honed by core surgical trainees leading this initiative. The Future The collaborative now aims to intensify research partnerships between UK and Icelandic trainees, deepening knowledge exchange and advancing collective understanding. The trajectory for 2024 involves strengthening bonds and knowledge sharing among trainees from both nations through collaborative research initiatives. We hope the annual conference will continue to grow and will alternate between the two nations, strengthening the relationship.

Best practices for hepatitis C linkage to care in pregnant and postpartum women: perspectives from the Treatment In Pregnancy for Hepatitis C Community of Practice

There is an increasing burden of hepatitis C virus among persons of reproductive age, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, in many regions worldwide. Routine health services during pregnancy present a critical window of opportunity to diagnose and link women with hepatitis C virus infection for care and treatment to decrease hepatitis C virus-related morbidity and early mortality. Effective treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in women diagnosed during pregnancy also prevents hepatitis C virus-related adverse events in pregnancy and hepatitis C virus vertical transmission in future pregnancies. However, linkage to care and treatment for women diagnosed in pregnancy remains insufficient. Currently, there are no best practice recommendations from professional societies to ensure appropriate peripartum linkage to hepatitis C virus care and treatment. We convened a virtual Community of Practice to understand key challenges to the hepatitis C virus care cascade for women diagnosed with hepatitis C virus in pregnancy, highlight published models of integrated hepatitis C virus services for pregnant and postpartum women, and preview upcoming research and programmatic initiatives to improve linkage to hepatitis C virus care for this population. Four-hundred seventy-three participants from 43 countries participated in the Community of Practice, including a diverse range of practitioners from public health, primary care, and clinical specialties. The Community of Practice included panel sessions with representatives from major professional societies in obstetrics/gynecology, maternal fetal medicine, addiction medicine, hepatology, and infectious diseases. From this Community of Practice, we provide a series of best practices to improve linkage to hepatitis C virus treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, including specific interventions to enhance colocation of services, treatment by nonspecialist providers, active engagement and patient navigation, and decreasing time to hepatitis C virus treatment initiation. The Community of Practice aims to further support antenatal providers in improving linkage to care by producing and disseminating detailed operational guidance and recommendations and supporting operational research on models for linkage and treatment. Additionally, the Community of Practice may be leveraged to build training materials and toolkits for antenatal providers, convene experts to formalize operational recommendations, and conduct surveys to understand needs of antenatal providers. Such actions are required to ensure equitable access to hepatitis C virus treatment for women diagnosed with hepatitis C virus in pregnancy and urgently needed to achieve the ambitious targets for hepatitis C virus elimination by2030.