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  • Trolle posted an update 7 months, 3 weeks ago

    Malnutrition-consisting of undernutrition, overweight and obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies-continues to afflict millions of women and children, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Since the 2013 Lancet Series on maternal and child nutrition, evidence on the ten recommended interventions has increased, along with evidence of newer interventions. Evidence on the effectiveness of antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation in reducing the risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and babies born small-for-gestational age has strengthened. Evidence continues to support the provision of supplementary food in food-insecure settings and community-based approaches with the use of locally produced supplementary and therapeutic food to manage children with acute malnutrition. Some emerging interventions, such as preventive small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for children aged 6-23 months, have shown positive effects on child growth. For the prevention and management of childhood obesity, integrated interventions (eg, diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy) are most effective, although there is little evidence from LMICs. Lastly, indirect nutrition strategies, such as malaria prevention, preconception care, water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, delivered inside and outside the health-care sector also provide important nutritional benefits. Looking forward, greater effort is required to improve intervention coverage, especially for the most vulnerable, and there is a crucial need to address the growing double burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, and overweight and obesity) in LMICs.Objectives This study evaluated multiple computed tomography (CT) workforce models to identify any implications on efficiency (length of stay, scan frequency and workforce cost) and scanning radiographer interruptions through substituting or supplementing with a trained CT assistant. Methods The study was conducted in a CT unit of a tertiary Queensland hospital and prospectively compared four workforce models, including usual practice Model 1 used an administrative assistant (AA) and one radiographer; Model 2 substituted a medical imaging assistant (MIA) for the AA; Model 3 was usual practice, consisting of two radiographers; and Model 4 included two radiographers, with a supplemented MIA. Observational data were collected over 7 days per model and were cross-checked against electronic records. Data for interruption type and frequency, as well as scan type and duration, were collected. Annual workforce costs were calculated as measures of efficiency. Results Similar scan frequency and parameters (complexity) ficiency and interruptions, potentially affecting staff stress and burnout. In addition, the assistant’s scope and accepted level of interruptions should be considerations when choosing the most appropriate model.This study developed an in-field analytical technique for food samples by integrating filtration into a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) microchip. This microchip embedded a filter membrane in the chip inlet to eliminate interfering particulates and enrich target analytes. The design and geometry of the channel were optimised by finite-elemental method (FEM) to tailor variations of flow velocity (within 0-24 μL/s) and facilitate efficient mixing of the filtrate with nanoparticles in two steps. WAY-100635 mouse Four pesticides (thiabendazole, thiram, endosulfan, and malathion) were successfully detected either individually or as a mixture in strawberries using this sensor. Strong Raman signals were obtained for the four studied pesticides and their major peaks were clearly observable even at a low concentration of 5 µg/kg. Limits of detection of four pesticides in strawberry extract were in the range of 44-88 μg/kg, showing good sensitivity of the sensor to the target analytes. High selectivity of the sensor was also proved by successful detection of each individual pesticide as a mixture in strawberry matrices. High recoveries (90-122%) were achieved for the four pesticides in the strawberry extract. This sensor is the first filter-based SERS microchip for identification and quantification of multiple target analytes in complex food samples.Background For newborns requiring transfer to a higher level of care, stabilization before the arrival of the transport team is essential. Telemedicine consultations with a neonatologist may improve local providers’ ability to stabilize a newborn during this critical interval. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of telemedicine for stabilizing newborns who were transferred from one of six rural hospitals to a regional neonatal intensive care unit in northern California and to examine the association between telemedicine use and time needed to stabilize the newborn. Materials and Methods We collected data on all newborns who were transferred after either a telemedicine or telephone consultation with a neonatologist between April 2014 and June 2018. We used multiple regression to examine the association between the use of telemedicine and stabilization time, adjusting for gestational age, 5-min Apgar score, birth weight, site, and primary reason for consultation. Results In total, 162 infants (77.5%) received a telephone consultation and 47 (22.5%) received a telemedicine consultation. Neonates who received telemedicine had a significantly greater severity of illness, as measured by mean 5-min Apgar score (6.9 vs. 7.8, p = 0.008) and Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability version II (TRIPS-II) score (14.4 vs. 6.0, p less then 0.001). There was no significant difference in stabilization time for telemedicine consultations compared with telephone consultations in the adjusted analysis (adjusted mean difference -1.80, 95% confidence interval -16.0 to 12.4, p = 0.802). Conclusions Although we found no difference in stabilization times between modes of consultation, telemedicine may be helpful for stabilizing infants with a higher severity of illness, particularly those in respiratory distress. Future studies should examine the impact of telemedicine on specific interventions.

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