Similar Populations Research Articles

Interior architecture in Australia and Canada

This paper is the first in a series. The series will compare development in Interior Design/Interior Architecture in two commonwealth countries- Australia and Canada. These countries are of a similar population, size, language, mother country and age in terms of western development. The countries therefore share, in terms of design development, some of the same opportunities and barriers.Little documented research exists concerning the recent developments in Interior Architecture in Australia and Canada. Thus this paper was written to provide an anecdotal overview of the profession in the two countries over the period described. It is acknowledged that this is by no means an exhaustive piece of research of this period, but rather an overview and starting point for more in- depth research. This paper is the second in a series of comparative studies between education and practice in Interior Design/Interior Architecture between Canada and Australia. This paper discusses the similarities in the educational structure at universities within Australia and between Australia and Canada causing concern as we find ourselves in a global competitive market place. It is paramount that interior design education directs industry, and not be dictated by short-term industry demands. For this to occur, national educational bodies need to examine their existing programs in respect to one another, develop a distinctive approach in what they teach, and develop better communications with industry in order to ensure the sharing of valuable knowledge gained through project work. This paper is written to provide an anecdotal overview of the professional education in these two countries over the past twenty years.

Applications of motivational interviewing in adolescent solid organ transplant.

Adolescence is a developmental period that is known for the highest risk of difficulties with adoption and maintenance of health behaviors for successful transplant. Motivational interviewing (MI) has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy in the management of modifiable factors impacting adherence in both adult transplant and analogous pediatric chronic illness populations. This paper describes MI and its applicability to adolescent transplant, providing examples of its potential use at each stage of the transplant journey. Literature on the principles and utilization of MI are reviewed, as well as the use of MI in adult transplant and similar pediatric populations. Evidence suggests high applicability of concepts of MI to pediatric transplant. Systems-level factors influencing health behavior change are discussed, along with the importance of recognizing and managing provider bias in MI-based interactions. MI does not require a licensed behavioral health provider to use it effectively; rather, it can be used by various multidisciplinary team members throughout the course of clinical care. MI shows great promise as a useful intervention through all stages in the transplant journey. Though particularly well-suited to adolescents, its principles are effective across the lifespan, including with caregivers. It represents an interactional style for use by multidisciplinary team members in many patient-and caregiver-facing scenarios. As the goal is to support the patient's autonomy in decision-making, it is important for providers to recognize their own biases. Further resources for training are provided.

Reproductive features of data-deficient yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis (Actinopterygii: Eupercaria: Lutjanidae), from east-coast of Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for sustainable fisheries management

Understanding the reproductive biology of fishes is crucial to making accurate and scientifically sound recommendations for fisheries management. The presently reported study is the first to report the reproductive characteristics of the data-deficient and recently described yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis Iwatsuki, Tanaka et Allen, 2015, collected from the eastern South China Sea, Malaysia. A total of 572 fish specimens were sampled monthly from March 2022 to April 2023 using a gillnet and a trawl net. Subsequently, these specimens were measured and weighed. Their total length (TL) ranged from 15.3 to 26.8 cm (19.25 ± 2.04 cm; mean ± SD). Their body weight (WB) ranged from 53.5 g to 279.7 g (114.5 ± 40.3 g; mean ± SD). For the reproductive biology study, the following parameters were determined: the sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), spawning period, fecundity, condition factor (K), length at maturity, and the gonadal maturity stages. In the sex ratio, males (M) were significantly dominant over females (F) (M:F = 1:0.75) (χ2 = 11.18). Consequently, the monthly mean GSI of pooled sex revealed a consistent trend from January to August, indicating spawning seasons with peak periods in March and April. The batch fecundity of 67 mature females (16.0–25.2 cm TL; 64.5– 279.3 g W), was determined to range from 16 405 to 94 357 oocytes. The fecundity increased with gonad weight in contrast to weight and length. The length at first maturity of females and males was 14.53 and 20.56 cm, respectively. Females matured earlier than males. Macroscopic and histological examination of gonads revealed monthly variation in the ratio of gonad stages for males and females. This study offers crucial data on the reproductive biology of L. xanthopinnis, which will help with sustainable fishery management in this area and can be used as a reference for the management of similar fish populations in other regions of the world.

Hypertension Related Co-Morbidities and Complications in Women of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Brief Review.

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease in women, and sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have some of the highest rates of hypertension in the world. Expanding knowledge of causes, management, and awareness of hypertension and its co-morbidities worldwide is an effective strategy to mitigate its harms, decrease morbidities and mortality, and improve individual quality of life. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are a particularly important subset of hypertension, as pregnancy is a major stress test of the cardiovascular system and can be the first instance in which cardiovascular disease is clinically apparent. In SSA, women experience a higher incidence of HDP compared with other African regions. However, the region has yet to adopt treatment and preventative strategies for HDP. This delay stems from insufficient awareness, lack of clinical screening for hypertension, and lack of prevention programs. In this brief literature review, we will address the long-term consequences of hypertension and HDP in women. We evaluate the effects of uncontrolled hypertension in SSA by including research on heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, and HDP. Limitations exist in the number of studies from SSA; therefore, we will use data from countries across the globe, comparing and contrasting approaches in similar and dissimilar populations. Our review highlights an urgent need to prioritize public health, clinical, and bench research to discover cost-effective preventative and treatment strategies that will improve the lives of women living with hypertension in SSA.

Randomized controlled internal pilot trial of a diversion programme for adolescents in police custody who possess illicit substances.

Adolescents involved in criminal proceedings are significantly more likely to re-offend than a similar population diverted away from criminal justice. Adolescents who use substances and offend are at higher risk of experiencing negative social, psychological and physical problems that often persist into adulthood. There is some evidence that brief interventions combined with appropriate psychoeducation may be effective in reducing adolescent substance use. Prospective two-armed, individually randomized internal pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with follow-up at 6months. Young people across three police forces-Kent, Cornwall and Sefton-arrested in possession of class B or C illicit substances were randomly allocated to receive the ReFrame intervention or business as usual. In total, 102 participants were eligible of whom 76 consented and 73 were followed up at 6months. Outcomes addressed offending behaviour, frequency of substance use, wellbeing and mental health. The study was conducted between February and December 2022. All progression criteria were met, 80% of those eligible consented, 96% adhered to their allocated treatment and 88% were followed up at the primary endpoint. The feasibility of conducting the pilot trial was a success and it will now proceed to a definitive RCT.

Covid-19 demography in France and South Africa: A comparative study of morbidity and mortality in 2020-2022.

Covid-19 epidemics raged around the world in years 2020-2022. The dynamics of the epidemics and their mortality varied by country depending on prevention, treatments, vaccination and health status of the population. The study compares Covid-19 morbidity and mortality in South-Africa and in France, two countries with similar population size and with reliable reporting systems, in order to better understand the dynamics and impacts of the epidemics and the effects of health policies and programs. Data on cases, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccinations were drawn from national statistics. Published data on cases and deaths were corrected for undercount. Results show a different epidemiology in the two countries in the first three years of the epidemic (2020-2022). Incidence was higher in South Africa, and some 44% more people were infected by December 2022 than in France. Mortality and case-fatality were also higher in South Africa despite a favourable age structure. The age pattern of mortality showed higher values in South Africa among the young adults. Young women appeared somewhat disadvantaged in South Africa. Lastly, vaccination appeared to have had no effect on incidence, but a large effect on case-fatality in France. Despite about the same population size and the same crude death rate at baseline, South Africa exhibited more cases and more deaths from Covid-19 over the 2020-2022 period. Prevention strategies (lockdown and vaccination) appear to have had large impacts on morbidity and mortality.

Exploratory spatial analysis: Understanding the geography of risks for trafficking and preventive efforts through the implementation of kNOw MORE!—: an educational program in middle and high schools in San Diego, California

Human trafficking (HT) violates human rights and brings long-lasting consequences for victims. This study aimed to geographically and statistically analyze (1) the implementation of a youth educational prevention program, kNOw MORE! (kM!) located in San Diego County (SD); (2) clusters of student participants who desired to talk further about trafficking after participating in kM!; (3) clusters of SD regions that included protective factors based on mental and social services for survivors of HT and similar populations; and (4) the low and high risk clusters for trafficking within SD. kM! is a preventive program that seeks to increase knowledge and self-efficacy to prevent trafficking. kM! is designed to increase knowledge and self-efficacy among middle and high school students to prevent HT. Databases used included the U.S. Census, the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System, kM!’s (2016–2020), among others. Results indicate that kM! was implemented throughout the six regions of SD. These presentations reached a total of N = 11,586 participants. Analysis of ZIP codes highlighted the South and East regions as representing the highest cluster for kM!’s presentations. Central, North Inland, and South Regions of SD are among the ones with highest percentiles of HT vulnerability scores. Regarding protective factors, the Central Region of San Diego contains the highest clustering of mental health and social services. These findings can assist diverse stakeholders and leaders to geographically strategize their anti-trafficking efforts. However, complete and uniform open databases at multiple levels are required to best inform the associations between geographical spaces and HT vulnerability.

Optimal filters for ERP research II: Recommended settings for seven common ERP components.

In research with event-related potentials (ERPs), aggressive filters can substantially improve the signal-to-noise ratio and maximize statistical power, but they can also produce significant waveform distortion. Although this tradeoff has been well documented, the field lacks recommendations for filter cutoffs that quantitatively address both of these competing considerations. To fill this gap, we quantified the effects of a broad range of low-pass filter and high-pass filter cutoffs for seven common ERP components (P3b, N400, N170, N2pc, mismatch negativity, error-related negativity, and lateralized readiness potential) recorded from a set of neurotypical young adults. We also examined four common scoring methods (mean amplitude, peak amplitude, peak latency, and 50% area latency). For each combination of component and scoring methods, we quantified the effects of filtering on data quality (noise level and signal-to-noise ratio) and waveform distortion. This led to recommendations for optimal low-pass and high-pass filter cutoffs. We repeated the analyses after adding artificial noise to provide recommendations for data sets with moderately greater noise levels. For researchers who are analyzing data with similar ERP components, noise levels, and participant populations, using the recommended filter settings should lead to improved data quality and statistical power without creating problematic waveform distortion.

InClust+: the deep generative framework with mask modules for multimodal data integration, imputation, and cross-modal generation

BackgroundWith the development of single-cell technology, many cell traits can be measured. Furthermore, the multi-omics profiling technology could jointly measure two or more traits in a single cell simultaneously. In order to process the various data accumulated rapidly, computational methods for multimodal data integration are needed.ResultsHere, we present inClust+, a deep generative framework for the multi-omics. It’s built on previous inClust that is specific for transcriptome data, and augmented with two mask modules designed for multimodal data processing: an input-mask module in front of the encoder and an output-mask module behind the decoder. InClust+ was first used to integrate scRNA-seq and MERFISH data from similar cell populations, and to impute MERFISH data based on scRNA-seq data. Then, inClust+ was shown to have the capability to integrate the multimodal data (e.g. tri-modal data with gene expression, chromatin accessibility and protein abundance) with batch effect. Finally, inClust+ was used to integrate an unlabeled monomodal scRNA-seq dataset and two labeled multimodal CITE-seq datasets, transfer labels from CITE-seq datasets to scRNA-seq dataset, and generate the missing modality of protein abundance in monomodal scRNA-seq data. In the above examples, the performance of inClust+ is better than or comparable to the most recent tools in the corresponding task.ConclusionsThe inClust+ is a suitable framework for handling multimodal data. Meanwhile, the successful implementation of mask in inClust+ means that it can be applied to other deep learning methods with similar encoder-decoder architecture to broaden the application scope of these models.

Social and Metabolic Characteristics Associated With Multiple DKA Admissions at a Large County Hospital.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a preventable, deadly, and costly complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Some individuals with T1DM have recurrent DKA admissions. We sought to characterize social factors that differ between patients with single vs multiple DKA admissions at an urban, safety-net hospital. We queried the electronic health records for T1DM patients admitted for DKA from 2019 to 2021. Admission laboratory values, demographic information, and detailed social histories were collected and analyzed statistically, including logistical regression. A total of 243 patients were admitted for DKA, 64 of whom had multiple DKA admissions. There was no significant difference between the groups in their admission laboratory values, hospital length of stay, health-care payer status, history of homelessness, current employment, living alone, independence of activities of daily living, and barriers to discharge. T1DM patients with multiple DKA admissions had greater rates of substance use disorder (33.0% vs 60.9%; P < .001), especially with cannabis (6.7% vs 25.0%; P < .001), tobacco (26.3% vs 46.3%; P = .002), and psychoactive substance use (1.1% vs 6.3%; P = .043). Regression models of substance use showed increased risk with any substance use (odds ratio [CI] 3.17 [1.78-5.73]; P < .001) and cannabis (3.70 [1.55-8.83]; P = .003). We identified substance use as a possible predictor of T1DM patients at risk for multiple DKA admissions. Our findings identify a group of T1DM patients for whom interventions may help to decrease recurrence of DKA episodes within similar community hospital populations.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer after Cholecystectomy in the Elderly.

Previous studies evaluating whether recent cholecystectomy is associated with a pancreas cancer diagnosis are limited. We aimed to examine if cholecystectomy was performed more frequently in the year prior to cancer diagnosis than would be expected in a similar non-cancer population. SEER-Medicare linked files were used to identify patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer diagnoses were considered to be "timely" if within 2months of cholecystectomy or "delayed" if 2-12months after cholecystectomy. Clinical factors and survival outcomes were compared using chi-square and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Rate of cholecystectomy in the year prior to diagnosis of cancer was 1.9% for the cancer group, compared to .4% in the non-cancer group (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 4.4-5.1). Differences in the cancer vs non-cancer cohorts at the time of cholecystectomy included a higher age (74 vs 70, P < .0001), more males (49.9% vs 41.7%, P < .0001), and more frequent open technique (21.0% vs 9.4%, P < .0001). Acute pancreatitis was nearly twice as common in the cancer cohort (19.1%) vs the non-cancer cohort (10.7%), P < .0001. There were no differences between patients who had a timely diagnosis after cholecystectomy compared to a delayed diagnosis with regard to age, gender, comorbidity index, race, or rural/urban designation. The rates of localized disease and subsequent resection were also similar between the delayed and timely groups. Overall unadjusted survival was no different between timely and delayed diagnoses, P = .96. Elderly patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma are more likely to have had a recent cholecystectomy compared to those without.

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq)

&#x0D; CADTH recommends that public drug plans reimburse Rinvoq for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn disease (CD) if certain conditions are met.&#x0D; Rinvoq should only be covered to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active CD who do not respond to, stop responding to, or who cannot tolerate conventional or biologic therapies, provided that Rinvoq is covered for a similar patient population and in a similar way to biologic therapies currently reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active CD.&#x0D; Rinvoq should only be reimbursed if prescribed by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and management of CD, if it is not used in combination with biologics for CD, and if the cost of Rinvoq is reduced so that it does not cost the drug programs more than the least costly biologic therapy reimbursed for the treatment of moderately to severely active CD. Patients must respond to treatment in the first 12 weeks of starting Rinvoq to continue receiving the drug.&#x0D;

Research on the Impact of the Adjustment of Fertility Policy on China's National Economy and Society

Since the family planning policy was put into effect, the aging of the Chinas population has become more and more serious, which has hindered Chinas economic and social development. In order to alleviate or even change this trend, China has decided to encourage childbirth and has successively issued the universal two-child policy and Three-child policy. This article adopts literature research and case analysis methods to study the effect of the adjustment of fertility policies on Chinas national economy and society from six aspects. At the same time, the influence of Japans fertility policy on Chinas fertility policy in response to its Sub-replacement fertility problem, which has similar population issues to China, was analyzed. Finally, based on the analysis of the changes brought about by the adjustment of the fertility policy in China, several suggestions were put forward for the adjustment of Chinas fertility policy based on future population trends, providing a reference for the formulation of Chinas fertility policy.

Investigating the Impact of Bilingual Education on Cross-Cultural Competence: A Case Study of a Prominent International School in Shenzhen, China

This article focuses on the impact of bilingual education on students' language proficiency and cross-cultural understanding, utilizing a case study of a prominent international school in Shenzhen, China. The research objective is to explore the bilingual education program and cross-cultural activities implemented at the school, evaluating their impact on students' language proficiency and cross-cultural understanding. Methodologically, the study involves collecting data through surveys and interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators, analyzing the data using qualitative research techniques, and comparing the results with those of previous studies. The findings reveal that the bilingual education program and cross-cultural activities have had a positive impact on the students' language proficiency and cross-cultural understanding, particularly for students with lower initial proficiency. Additionally, the study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing insights into effective bilingual education practices and cross-cultural programming that can be implemented in other international schools with similar student populations.

Evaluating the effectiveness of artifact correction and rejection in event-related potential research.

Eyeblinks and other large artifacts can create two major problems in event-related potential (ERP) research, namely confounds and increased noise. Here, we developed a method for assessing the effectiveness of artifact correction and rejection methods in minimizing these two problems. We then used this method to assess a common artifact minimization approach, in which independent component analysis (ICA) is used to correct ocular artifacts, and artifact rejection is used to reject trials with extreme values resulting from other sources (e.g., movement artifacts). This approach was applied to data from five common ERP components (P3b, N400, N170, mismatch negativity, and error-related negativity). Four common scoring methods (mean amplitude, peak amplitude, peak latency, and 50% area latency) were examined for each component. We found that eyeblinks differed systematically across experimental conditions for several of the components. We also found that artifact correction was reasonably effective at minimizing these confounds, although it did not usually eliminate them completely. In addition, we found that the rejection of trials with extreme voltage values was effective at reducing noise, with the benefits of eliminating these trials outweighing the reduced number of trials available for averaging. For researchers who are analyzing similar ERP components and participant populations, this combination of artifact correction and rejection approaches should minimize artifact-related confounds and lead to improved data quality. Researchers who are analyzing other components or participant populations can use the method developed in this study to determine which artifact minimization approaches are effective in their data.

Expansion of Pathogenic Cardiac Macrophages in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antibodies targeting PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1)/PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) or CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4), have revolutionized cancer management but are associated with devastating immune-related adverse events including myocarditis. The main risk factor for ICI myocarditis is the use of combination PD-1 and CTLA4 inhibition. ICI myocarditis is often fulminant and is pathologically characterized by myocardial infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages. Although much has been learned about the role of T-cells in ICI myocarditis, little is understood about the identity, transcriptional diversity, and functions of infiltrating macrophages. We used an established murine ICI myocarditis model (Ctla4+/-Pdcd1-/- mice) to explore the cardiac immune landscape using single-cell RNA-sequencing, immunostaining, flow cytometry, in situ RNA hybridization, molecular imaging, and antibody neutralization studies. We observed marked increases in CCR2 (C-C chemokine receptor type 2)+ monocyte-derived macrophages and CD8+ T-cells in this model. The macrophage compartment was heterogeneous and displayed marked enrichment in an inflammatory CCR2+ subpopulation highly expressing Cxcl9 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 9), Cxcl10 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 10), Gbp2b (interferon-induced guanylate-binding protein 2b), and Fcgr4 (Fc receptor, IgG, low affinity IV) that originated from CCR2+ monocytes. It is important that a similar macrophage population expressing CXCL9, CXCL10, and CD16α (human homologue of mouse FcgR4) was expanded in patients with ICI myocarditis. In silico prediction of cell-cell communication suggested interactions between T-cells and Cxcl9+Cxcl10+ macrophages via IFN-γ (interferon gamma) and CXCR3 (CXC chemokine receptor 3) signaling pathways. Depleting CD8+ T-cells or macrophages and blockade of IFN-γ signaling blunted the expansion of Cxcl9+Cxcl10+ macrophages in the heart and attenuated myocarditis, suggesting that this interaction was necessary for disease pathogenesis. These data demonstrate that ICI myocarditis is associated with the expansion of a specific population of IFN-γ-induced inflammatory macrophages and suggest the possibility that IFN-γ blockade may be considered as a treatment option for this devastating condition.

Utilization of peginterferon-β-1a in the real-world practice for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Peginterferon β-1a (PEG-IFN-β-1a) is the most recent interferon beta formulation approved for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We aim to describe the real-world utilization of PEG-IFN-β-1a in RRMS and compare it with other injectable disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In this population-based study, we used 2015-2019 routinely collected healthcare data of the Campania region of Italy from National Healthcare System DMT prescriptions, inpatient and outpatient clinical records of hospitals in Campania, and the Federico II University MS clinical registry for a subset of patients. We included individuals with RRMS receiving new prescriptions of PEG-IFN-β-1a [n=281; age = 38.8±12.3 years; females=70.5%; disease duration = 8.4±8.3 years; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at baseline=2.0 (1.0-6.5)], glatiramer acetate [n=751; age = 46.0±11.4 years; females=67.1%; disease duration = 9.8±8.2 years; EDSS=4.0 (1.5-8.5)], and subcutaneous (SC) IFN-β-1a [n=1,226; age = 39.7±11.7 years; females=66.5%; disease duration = 8.2±6.5 years; EDSS 2.5 (1.5-6.5)]. Adherence [medication possession ratio (MPR)], escalation to more effective DMTs, hospitalization rates and costs were measured. We used mixed-effect linear regression models (for adherence, hospitalization rates and costs) and Cox regression models (for escalation) to assess differences between PEG-IFN-β-1a (statistical reference), glatiramer acetate, and SC IFN-β-1a. All models included age, sex, previous treatment/untreated, year of treatment initiation, treatment duration, and adherence as covariates. Adherence was lower in glatiramer acetate (MPR = 0.91±0.1; Coeff=-0.11; p<0.01), and IFN-β-1a (MPR = 0.92±0.1; Coeff=-0.08; p<0.01), compared with PEG-IFN-β-1a (MPR = 1.01±0.1). The probability of escalating to more effective DMTs was higher for glatiramer acetate (14.9%; HR=4.09; p<0.01) and IFN-β-1a (9.1%; HR=3.35; p=0.01), compared with PEG-IFN-β-1a (4.9%). No differences in annualized hospitalization rates were identified between glatiramer acetate [annualized hospitalization rates (AHR) = 0.05±0.30; Coeff=0.02; p=0.31), IFN-β-1a (AHR = 0.02±0.21; Coeff=0.01; p=0.97], and PEG-IFN-β-1a (AHR = 0.02±0.24); however, monthly costs for MS admissions were higher for glatiramer acetate (€49.45±€195.27; Coeff=-29.89; p=0.03), compared with IFN-β-1a (€29.42±€47.83; Coeff=6.79; p=0.61), and PEG-IFN-β-1a (€23.91±€43.90). SC PEG-IFN-β-1a and IFN-β-1a were used in relatively similar populations, while glatiramer acetate was preferred in older and more disabled patients. PEG-IFN-β-1a was associated with higher adherence and lower escalation rates toward more effective (and costly) DMTs.

Benefit of Topical Combination Therapy for Acne: Analyzing Effect Size Using Number Needed to Treat.

Topical acne trials often are confounded by high vehicle response rates and differing outcome measures, making it difficult to compare treatments. Number needed to treat (NNT) can be a simple, clinically meaningful way to indirectly compare treatment options without head-to-head data. NNT is the number of patients who need to be treated with an intervention to observe one additional patient successfully achieving a desired outcome versus vehicle/placebo. While treatment attributes such as adverse events may not be captured, lower NNT is a good indicator of a more effective treatment. Following a search of combination topical treatments for acne vulgaris, all treatments that reported pivotal trial efficacy data consistent with the 2018 FDA definition of success were included in NNT analyses.&nbsp; Results: Of 13 treatments, 7 reported 12-week treatment success rates in 11 phase 3 trials, with similar baseline demographics/disease severity. Treatment success ranged from 26.8% with tretinoin 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 3% cream to 50% with triple-combination clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/BPO 3.1% gel. NNTs for the triple-combination gel were 4 and 5 (from 2 pivotal trials). Adapalene 0.3%/BPO 2.5% gel had an NNT of 5. Tretinoin/BPO had the largest range between trials, with NNTs of 4 and 9. The other 4 treatments had NNTs ranging from 6 to 8. A comparison of combination topical acne treatment trial data, using the same treatment outcome and similar patient populations, resulted in triple-combination clindamycin phosphate/adapalene/BPO gel and adapalene/BPO gel having the most favorable NNTs.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):42-49.&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.7927.

Comparative evaluation of traditional and molecular diagnostic methods for malaria: An analysis of performance.

As we edge closer to the eradication of malaria, several methods for detecting Plasmodium species have been developed, including peripheral blood smear examination (PBS), rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), serological evaluations, fluorescent microscopy, polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), fluorescent in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry. The suitability of these tools for routine diagnosis requires evaluation, considering both their diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Our study compared four diagnostic techniques for malaria: PBS, quantitative buffy coat (QBC), RDT, and PCR. We used PCR as the benchmark standard and statistically assessed the performance of PBS, QBC, and RDT against PCR in detecting malaria. Adopting a prospective observational approach, we collected blood samples from 117 patients exhibiting the symptoms suggestive of malaria. The findings from our study showed that PBS had a positivity rate of 93.4%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.881-0.987, indicating reliable results for a similar population. The QBC assay demonstrated an elevated positivity rate of 96.7% with a solid 95% CI of 0.930-1.000. Although the RDT had a slightly lower rate of 92.4%, it still delivered dependable results, presenting a significant 95% CI of 0.868-0.980, ensuring a robust diagnostic performance compared to PCR. PCR is a reliable test when the identification of the specific species is inconclusive. Conversely, the commonly used PBS occasionally overlooks positive malaria cases due to the specialized skills needed for accurate reading. The cost-effective RDT is feasible for field operations without the need for expert knowledge. However, it fails to differentiate between old and new infections. Meanwhile, the QBC test, known for its sensitivity and speed, can be consistently employed for malaria diagnosis in a tertiary care settings.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING AND ENSURING THE TRUSTWORTHINESS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

The trustworthiness of qualitative data has been debatable, yet it has strong support from its supporters. However, the importance and worth of qualitative data cannot be undermined. This paper presents a critical review of the trustworthiness of the qualitative data. The degree of trustworthiness of qualitative research can be measured by ensuring the credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability of research design, process, and action. The guarantee of trustworthiness in qualitative research is more complex than in quantitative research due to its subjective nature. Many researchers and experts denied the generalizability of qualitative research. However, few researchers, like Guba (1985), developed a widely accepted model and strategies to ensure the trustworthiness and generalizability of qualitative research. Credibility is like internal validity in quantitative analysis and provides the actual data about the phenomenon. Transferability shows the degree of application of the research finding in other exact natures of context, people, groups, and settings. If the findings of one study are replicated in a similar population, condition, or context, then the findings are dependable. Neutrality is the degree of fairness of results consisting of purity of initial responses and bias-free.