The Together for Health - Virginia Research Program: A Multi-Modal Approach for Population Health Assessment.

Background: The Together for Health-Virginia (T4H-VA) Research Program aimed to advance cancer prevention, education, and outreach in Virginia. Creating a representative and inclusive cohort is critical to the program's mission and quality of outcomes. The T4H-VA Research Program utilized a multi-modal sampling approach to improve population health assessment. The current study describes the technology-based, non-probability platform developed for this purpose and compares differences between the probability-based (mail-based) and non-probability-based (e-cohort) methods with respect to participant demographics, health characteristics, and health information and technology use. Methods: T4H-VA is a research registry focusing on 54 counties within the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCC) catchment area in Richmond, VA. Adult residents proficient in English were eligible. For the probability-based sampling, surveys were mailed to residents within the catchment area. For the non-probability sampling, an online study platform was developed and surveys were completed through the web/mobile app. Results: Both cohorts fell short of recruitment goals. The study yielded 1158 participants (M=57, SD=16 years; 55.0% female; 72.1% White); 899 (77.6%) were sampled through the probability, mail-based approach. Participants who identified as "other" race were significantly less likely to be sampled by the non-probability method. Significant differences emerged, including health protective (greater moderate and high physical activity) and risk factors (greater alcohol consumption and personal history of cancer) in the non-probability, e-cohort relative to the probability sample. E-Cohort participants were significantly more likely to report using electronic health records. Discussion: Overall difficulties in recruiting were caused, at least in part, by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and related factors. The e-cohort, which used exclusively digital recruitment strategies, fell significantly short of recruitment goals. This suggests in-person and mail-based strategies remain important for recruitment. Moreover, instead of favoring a singular approach, a combined approach to survey sampling may capitalize on the strengths of each sampling mode to increase diversity in sociodemographic and health risk characteristics.

Assessing the validity of maternal report on breastfeeding counselling in Kosovo's primary health facilities.

BACKGROUND: Improving the quality of breastfeeding counselling delivered by primary care providers can improve breastfeeding outcomes and ultimately reduce mortality and morbidity of children and mothers. Accurate data on coverage and quality of primary care breastfeeding counselling is essential for monitoring progress; however, global and national indicators are limited. To help address this gap, this study validated indicators of receipt and quality of breastfeeding counselling during routine consultations for infant care at seven primary health facilities across Kosovo. METHODS: Mothers' reports of breastfeeding counselling received during routine consultations for their infants (0-12 months of age) were collected by exit interview in 2019 and 2021 (n = 609). Responses were compared against direct observation of their consultation using a structured checklist (reference standard) by a trained third-party observer at the primary care facility. We assessed 13 indicators; ten were related to the receipt and content of breastfeeding counselling, and three were specific to the provider's interpersonal skills. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) to determine individual-level reporting accuracy. RESULTS: Ten indicators had an agreement rate above 70% and seven indicators had high overall individual-level validity (AUC ≥ 0.7). High prevalence indicators recorded high sensitivity and low specificity, and the inverse for low prevalence indicators. More subjective indicators were less reliable, e.g., mothers over-reported the prevalence of all three indicators related to providers' interpersonal skills. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers evidence on breastfeeding counselling quality by validating maternal reports of whether a provider discussed breastfeeding, the clinical content of that counselling, and how it was delivered. It is also situated in a primary care setting within a fragile state of which there is limited evidence. We observed that mothers reported accurately when asked directly to recall breastfeeding counselling services received. However, there is a need to further validate subjective questions about interpersonal skills and other measures for the 'experience of care' quality dimension.

The use of music and music-related elements in speech-language therapy interventions for adults with neurogenic communication impairments: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research indicates that music-based interventions show promising results for adults with a wide range of speech, language and communication disorders. AIMS: The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence on how speech-language therapists (SLTs) use music and music-related elements in therapeutic interventions for adults with acquired neurogenic communication impairments. METHODS: This scoping review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search of three databases (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and OVID Medline) was conducted and articles were included if they (1) incorporated adult human participants; (2) received an assessment or intervention facilitated by an SLT; (3) incorporated techniques and interventions which included music-related elements (e.g., rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics); (4) were written in the English language; and (5) were peer-reviewed full-text articles. Data were extracted using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System framework. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included participants with neurogenic communication impairments secondary to stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia and traumatic brain injury. Musical interventions identified in the studies were Melodic Intonation Therapy, Modified Melodic Intonation Therapy, choral singing, singing therapy and songwriting. The majority of the studies reported interprofessional collaboration between SLTs and at least one other healthcare clinician and/or musician. Many studies also included music-based interventions lead and facilitated by musically trained SLTs. CONCLUSION: The results of the studies included in this review indicate that SLTs are using music-based interventions to target therapeutic goals to improve speech, language, voice and quality of life in collaboration with other clinicians and professional musicians. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject A growing body of research indicates that interventions using music (i.e., choirs and songwriting) and musical elements (i.e., rhythm and dynamics) show promising results for adults with neurogenic communication impairments. Currently, however, there is no clear indication of how speech-language therapists (SLTs) are using music in their clinical practice. What this study adds This scoping review collates the current evidence on how SLTs use music and musical elements in their clinical practice. SLTs are using music and musical elements for individuals with neurogenic communication impairments in populations such as Parkinson's disease, dementia and traumatic brain injury. Common interventions described in the literature include Melodic Intonation Therapy, choral singing, singing therapy and songwriting. What are the clinical implications of this work? Many SLTs collaborate when delivering music-based interventions, particularly with music therapists (MTs). This scoping review suggests that SLTs should continue to explore music-based interventions in collaboration with MTs and professional musicians to target therapeutic goals to improve speech, language, voice and quality of life.

Trochleoplasty Provides Good Outcomes for Recurrent Patellofemoral Dislocations with No Clear Superiority across Different Techniques.

Background: Literature is sparse on outcome comparisons between different trochleoplasty techniques in the treatment of patella instability. To date, it is unclear whether there is a technique that offers superior outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare and evaluate the outcomes of trochleoplasty techniques in the treatment of patellofemoral instability in trochlea dysplasia to establish whether there is an ideal choice of trochleoplasty technique for superior outcomes. Methods: 21 studies involving 880 knees were included. The mean age of the patients was 21.7 years (range 8-49 years). Mean follow-up timeframe of 43.5 months (range 8.8-100 months). Clinical outcomes assessed included rates of recurrence of patellofemoral dislocation, patient satisfaction, Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, and Lysholm score. Egger's test showed no publication bias across all outcomes assessed. Results: Favourable results were seen across all outcomes assessed and patient satisfaction. Improvements were seen with Kujala, IKDC, and Lysholm scores. Tegner scores showed good return to function. Post-operative dislocation and complication rates were low across the different techniques. Meta-regression for Kujala and IKDC scores showed good outcomes regardless of trochleoplasty technique used (Kujala, p = 0.549, relative risk 492.06; IKDC, p = 0.193, RR 0.001). The exact risk that trochleoplasty poses to the cartilage remains uncertain, as no study had a conservatively managed arm for comparison. Conclusions: Trochleoplasty yielded good outcomes irrespective of technique used with no clear superiority demonstrated in any technique in terms of outcome scores, satisfaction, post-operative dislocation rates or complications.

Corrigendum to 'Defining a Dichotomous Indicator for Population-Level Assessment of Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls and Women: ' [Curr. Dev. Nutr. 8 (2024) 102053].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102053.].

Protocol for a community-based digital storytelling pilot intervention to reduce Hispanic parents' vaccine hesitancy to immunize their children against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines, currently available to children over six months old, are a powerful method of reducing the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and death. However, vaccination rates among Hispanic children remain suboptimal, primarily due to parental vaccine hesitancy. Health communication researchers have suggested using culturally aligned storytelling to reduce vaccine hesitancy; however, few studies have evaluated this approach for Hispanic parents of unvaccinated children. Working with community health workers, we will engage Hispanic parents who were previously hesitant to vaccinate their child(ren) against COVID-19 but currently support vaccination. We will ask them to share their stories of conversion in COVID-19 vaccine perspectives to help other parents overcome their mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines. We will then assess the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based pilot digital storytelling intervention based on these conversion stories vs. an information-only control among 80 parents and/or legal guardians of children who are not up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. We will also examine pre- to post-intervention changes in vaccine perceptions, hesitancy, intentions, and uptake of children's COVID-19 vaccination at two months post-intervention. If our pilot study demonstrates feasibility and acceptability while reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake, we will conduct a full-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the DST intervention to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Behavior Change Interventions to Address Unhealthy Food Consumption: A Scoping Review.

High intakes of sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and trans-fats contributed to 187.7 million disability adjusted life years from noncommunicable diseases globally. Understanding of the global evidence on interventions to reduce consumption of various types of unhealthy food across diverse contexts is needed. We conducted a scoping review to examine the existing evidence on behavior change interventions (BCIs) to address unhealthy food consumption. Through a systematic search of 3 databases conducted in December 2022, 2730 records were retrieved, and 145 studies met the eligibility criteria for review. Only 19% of the studies (n = 28) were from low- and middle-income countries. The key target group for most BCIs was adults ≥20 y (n = 79). Interventions were conducted across 7 types of settings: schools (n = 52), digital (n = 30), community (n = 28), home (n = 14), health facility (n = 12), worksite (n = 6), and market (n = 3). There were 4 mutually inclusive intervention types-information, education, and communication (n = 141); food/beverage substitution (n = 10); interactive games (n = 7); and labeling/warnings at point-of-purchase (n = 3). The study outcomes included consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (n = 74), packaged salty snacks/fast food (n = 61), sweets (n = 43), and saturated fat (n = 41). Drivers of food choice behaviors, such as knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs; motivation and expectancies; and self-efficacy were reported in 43% of studies. On the basis of reported impact of BCIs on study outcomes, more interventions targeted at adults had positive impacts compared with those targeted at children; intervention packages, including multiple information, education, and communication components also reported impacts more often than single informational interventions. Interpretation of the findings was complicated by the lack of comparability in interventions, evaluation designs, outcome measures of unhealthy food consumption, duration of interventions, and study contexts. Future studies should invest in critical yet underrepresented regions, examine behavioral determinants of unhealthy food consumption and the sustainability of behavior change, and conduct further analysis of effectiveness from experimental studies.

Defining a Dichotomous Indicator for Population-Level Assessment of Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls and Women: A Secondary Analysis of Quantitative 24-h Recalls from Rural Settings in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal.

Background: The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) indicator was validated as a proxy of micronutrient adequacy among nonpregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At that time, indeed, there was insufficient data to validate the indicator among pregnant women, who face higher micronutrient requirements. Objective: This study aimed to validate a minimum food group consumption threshold, out of the 10 food groups used to construct MDD-W, to be used as a population-level indicator of higher micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15-49 y in LMICs. Methods: We used secondary quantitative 24-h recall data from 6 surveys in 4 LMICs (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal, total n = 4909). We computed the 10-food group Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS-10) and calculated the mean probability of adequacy (MPA) of 11 micronutrients. Linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations between WDDS-10 and MPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and proportion of individuals correctly classified were used to assess the performance of MDD-W in predicting an MPA of >0.60. Results: In the pooled sample, median values (interquartile range) of WDDS-10 and MPA were 3 (1) and 0.20 (0.34), respectively, whereas the proportion of pregnant women with an MPA of >0.60 was 9.6%. The WDDS-10 was significantly positively associated with MPA in each survey. Although the acceptable food group consumption threshold varied between 4 and 6 food groups across surveys, the threshold of 5 showed the highest performance in the pooled sample with good sensitivity (62%), very good specificity (81%), and percentage of correctly classified individuals (79%). Conclusions: The WDDS-10 is a good predictor of dietary micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15-49 y in LMICs. Moreover, the threshold of 5 or more food groups for the MDD-W indicator may be extended to all women of reproductive age, regardless of their physiologic status.

Availability of national policies, programmes, and survey-based coverage data to track nutrition interventions in South Asia.

Progress to improve nutrition among women, infants and children in South Asia has fallen behind the pace needed to meet established global targets. Renewed political commitment and monitoring of nutrition interventions are required to improve coverage and quality of care. Our study aimed to assess the availability of national nutrition policies, programmes, and coverage data of nutrition interventions for women, children, and adolescents in eight countries in South Asia. We reviewed relevant policy and programme documents, examined questionnaires used in the most recent rounds of 20 nationally representative surveys, and generated an evidence gap map on the availability of policies, programmes, and survey data to track progress on coverage of globally recommended nutrition interventions. Current policies and programmes in South Asian countries addressed almost all the recommended nutrition interventions targeted at women, children, and adolescents. There was a strong policy focus in all countries, except Maldives, on health system platforms such as antenatal and postnatal care and child growth and development. Survey data on nutrition intervention coverage was most available in India and Nepal, while Bangladesh and Bhutan had the least. Though countries in South Asia have committed to national nutrition policies and strategies, national surveys had substantial data gaps, precluding progress tracking of nutrition intervention coverage. Greater attention and effort are needed for multisectoral collaboration to promote and strengthen nutrition data systems.

Development of the Rural Perception Scale (RPS-18).

BACKGROUND: People living in rural areas often experience limited access to health resources, slow knowledge diffusion, and geographical isolation, and tend to be at higher risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes compared with nonrural populations. It is unclear, yet, how the concept of "rural" shapes observed differences from nonrural populations. We aim to develop a psychometrically sound scale to assess key dimensions that constitute individual-level perceived rurality. METHODS: We first conducted a broad literature review to identify a priori concepts related to rurality and adapted survey items measuring relevant constructs, such as loneliness, attitudes toward people living in rural areas, and perceived social membership. We used these conceptual constructs and measures to develop a survey questionnaire focused on rural perceptions. We recruit residents in 3 rural states: Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Using the explorative factor analysis and second-order measurement model in the structural equation model framework, we developed a rural perception scale consisting of 18 items. RESULTS: We recruited 1,384 participants (n = 686 from KY; n = 698 from NH/VT) using Amazon Mechanical Turk (n = 897, 64.8%) and social media paid ads (n = 487, 35.2%). The average age of participants was 41 years old (SD = 15); 54.7% of respondents had less than college graduate education, and 94.2% reported their race as non-Hispanic White. Majority of the participants were from Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA)-designated urban areas (n = 798, 57.7%), followed by RUCA-designated large rural areas (257, 18.6%), RUCA-designated rural areas (n = 174, 12.6%) and RUCA-designated isolated areas (n = 133, 9.6%). Our final model revealed 4 latent constructs: "belonging" (Cronbach's α = 0.896), "attitudes toward rural life" (Cronbach's α = 0.807), "loneliness" (Cronbach's α = 0.898), and "community social ties to people in their community" (Cronbach's α = 0.846). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 4 subfactors of the umbrella concept of rurality that explain how people in rural regions may perceive being in rural environments and having rural lifestyles.

Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Insights from Caregivers of Autistic Individuals.

With many teens having to transition from a mainly educational system of support to a set of health and social service systems (Shattuck et al. in Autism Res Treat https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/924182 , 2017), there is a critical need to advance research and support services in the area of autism and transition to aid autistic* individuals and their families. This study aims to learn more about the experiences of caregivers of autistic young adults, their experiences navigating the transition process post-graduation, and what realistic steps could be undertaken by high schools, vocational schools, colleges, Regional Centers, and places of employment to ease this transition. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of autistic young adults over the age of 18 focused on their experiences helping their children navigate the transition to adulthood. Using an iterative and inductive coding approach, three overarching themes were uncovered with twelve subthemes. The three major themes recurring in caregiver interviews were their experiences with navigating service receipt, exploring the landscape of opportunities available for their children, and the parent experiences specific to their role in their child's transition into adulthood. Findings from this study provide a chance for stakeholders to learn from the lived experiences of caregivers navigating the frustration and confusion pertaining to transition for their autistic adult child due to the highly prohibitive access to service receipt, experiencing significant financial burdens, finding a niche for their children that fits their needs, desires, and talents, and managing their well-being.

Feasibility and impact of school-based nutrition education interventions on the diets of adolescent girls in Ethiopia: a non-masked, cluster-randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical period of physical and psychological development, especially for girls, because poor nutrition can affect their wellbeing as well as that of their children. We aimed to assess the feasibility and impact of a package of nutrition education interventions delivered through public primary schools on the diets of adolescent girls in Ethiopia. METHODS: In this non-masked, cluster-randomised, controlled trial, primary schools (clusters) in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region and Somali region of Ethiopia were randomly allocated to the intervention group (nutrition information provided during flag ceremonies, classroom lessons, school club meetings, peer group mentoring, BMI measurement and counselling, and parent-teacher meetings) or the control group (standard academic curriculum on health and nutrition) by use of computer-generated pseudo-random numbers. Duration of the school-based interventions was 4 months, and the key messages were related to dietary diversity (eating a variety of foods), energy adequacy (eating breakfast and healthy snacks), and healthy food choices (avoiding junk foods). Adolescent girls were eligible for participation if aged 10-14 years and enrolled in grades 4-8 in a study school. Data were collected with two independent cross-sectional surveys: baseline before the start of implementation and endline 1·5 years later. The primary outcome of impact was dietary diversity score, defined as the number of food groups (out of ten) consumed over the previous 24 h using a list-based method, and minimum dietary diversity, defined as the proportion of girls who consumed foods from at least five of the ten food groups, in the intention-to-treat population. We also assessed intervention exposure as a measure of feasibility. We estimated intervention effects using linear regression models for mean differences at endline, with SEs clustered at the school level, and controlled for adolescent age, region, household food security, and wealth. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT04121559, and is complete. FINDINGS: 27 primary schools were randomly allocated to the intervention group and 27 to the control group. Between March 22 and April 29, 2021, 536 adolescent girls participated in the endline survey (270 in the intervention group and 266 in the control group), with median age of 13·3 years (IQR 12·1-14·0). At endline, the dietary diversity score was 5·37 (SD 1·66) food groups in the intervention group and 3·98 (1·43) food groups in the control group (adjusted mean difference 1·33, 95% CI 0·90-1·75, p<0·0001). Increased minimum dietary diversity was also associated with the intervention (182 [67%] of 270 in the intervention group vs 76 [29%] of 266 in the control group; adjusted odds ratio 5·37 [95% CI 3·04-9·50], p<0·0001). 256 (95%) of 270 adolescent girls in the intervention group were exposed to at least one of the five in-school intervention components. INTERPRETATION: Integrating nutrition interventions into primary schools in Ethiopia was feasible and increased dietary diversity incrementally among adolescent girls, but could be limited in changing other food choice behaviours, such as junk food consumption, based on nutrition education alone. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"Stronger with Breastmilk Only" Initiative in 5 African Countries: Case Study on the Implementation Process and Contribution to the Enabling Environment for Breastfeeding.

Background: The practice of giving water before 6 mo of age is the biggest barrier to exclusive breastfeeding in West and Central Africa. To address this challenge, a regional initiative, "Stronger with Breastmilk Only" (SWBO), was rolled out at country level in several countries of the region. Objective: We examined the implementation process of the SWBO initiative and the contribution of its advocacy component to a more supportive environment for breastfeeding policies and programs. Methods: This study was based on 2 assessments at the national level carried out in 5 countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) using qualitative methods. We combined 2 evaluative approaches (contribution analysis and outcome harvesting) and applied 2 theoretical lenses (Breastfeeding Gear Model and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) to examine the implementation process and the enabling environment for breastfeeding. Data sources included ∼300 documents related to the initiative and 43 key informant interviews collected between early 2021 and mid-2022. Results: First, we show how a broad initiative composed of a set of combined interventions targeting multiple levels of determinants of breastfeeding was set up and implemented. All countries went through a similar pattern of activities for the implementation process. Second, we illustrate that the initiative was able to foster an enabling environment for breastfeeding. Progress was achieved notably on legislation and policies, coordination, funding, training and program delivery, and research and evaluation. Third, through a detailed contribution story of the case of Burkina Faso, we illustrate more precisely how the initiative, specifically its advocacy component, contributed to this progress. Conclusion: This study shed light on how an initiative combining a set of interventions to address determinants of breastfeeding at multiple levels can be implemented regionally and contributes to fostering an enabling environment for breastfeeding at scale.

Postoperative complications following Schwab-grade-I versus Schwab-grade-II PCO in treating severe rigid kyphoscoliosis patients: comparative matched-group outcomes with minimum 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Standard partial facetectomies, (Smith-Petersen Osteotomy, (SPO), (Schwab-grade-I) and complete facet resection also known as Ponte osteotomy, (PO), (Schwab-grade-II) are narrowly akin and collectively appreciated as posterior column shortening osteotomies (PCOs). The former is considered a gentler osteotomy grade than the latter. The spine literature provides very little information on their comparison regarding perioperative complications and major curve correction rate outcomes. PURPOSE: To determine whether Schwab-grade-I PCO (SPO) and Schwab-grade-II PCO (PO) are comparably safe in the surgical management of severe rigid scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis patients. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective single-center comparative clinical study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 38 patients with severe rigid scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis were propensity score matched in this study, (SPO-treated); n=21 (55.30%) and (PO-treated); n=17 (44.70%), who underwent primary spinal deformity corrective surgery, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included demographics, baseline pulmonary functional outcomes, perioperative complications incidence, hospital costs, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire scores. METHODS: Following approval by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital-Affiliated Capital Medical University in Beijing, out of a total of 82 consecutive surgical patients with complete data demonstrating severe and/or rigid spinal deformity, a pool of 38 of the 82 (46.3%) propensity-matched adult (≥18 years) patients with severe rigid scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis defined with a preoperative major curve magnitude of ≥80° on anteroposterior plain radiographs, and flexibility of <25% on bending plain radiographs who underwent primary spinal deformity corrective surgery were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were dichotomized into two osteotomy groups: standard (partial) facetectomy (SPO-treated), n=21 with an average age of 24.67 years, (Schwab-grade-I PCO) and complete facet excision, (PO-treated), (ie, Schwab-grade-II PCO), n=17 with an average age of 23.12 years. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Primary outcomes included baseline demographics and clinical features. Secondary outcomes included perioperative [intraoperative, immediate, and 2-year postoperative] complication rates. Tertiary outcomes included perioperative ODI and SRS-22 scores. Statistical analyses were carried out by Student t-test and Pearson's Chi-square test (Fisher's Exact Test), through Python statistical software package. Statistical significance was set at (p<.05). RESULTS: Of the 38 matched severe rigid scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis patients, 55.30% (n=21) were SPO-treated and 44.70% (n=17) were PO-treated patients, respectively. The overall average age of patients was 23.97 years, with a female incidence of 76.32%. Major curve correction rates were 49.19% and 57.40% in SPO-treated and PO-treated patients, respectively, (p>.05). Immediately following surgery, comparable overall complication rates of 28.57% (n=6/21) versus 29.41% (n=5/17) were observed in the SPO-treated and PO-treated patients, respectively, (p=.726). We observed incidences of 9.52%, (n=2/21) versus 5.88%, (n=1/17) for surgical intensive care unit (SICU) admission, and incidences of 4.76%, (n=1/21) versus 5.88%, (n=1/17) for cardiopulmonary events in SPO-treated versus PO-treated patients following corrective surgery, respectively, (p>.05). The incidences of neurological deficits in the SPO-treated and PO-treated patients were respectively, 14.29%, (n=3/21) versus 17.65%, (n=3/17) immediately following surgery, (p>.05), and 0.00%, (n=0/21) in SPO-treated versus 14.28%, (n=3/21) in PO-treated patients at ≥2 years postoperative, (p<.05). Among the three patients that reported neurological deficits in the PO-treated group at ≥2 years postoperative, two patients had pre-existing baseline neurological deficits. The ODI score in the PO-treated group was significantly inferior at a minimum 2-year follow-up, (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, both SPO-treated and PO-treated patients demonstrated statistically comparable surgical complications immediately following corrective surgery. Severe rigid kyphoscoliosis patients with preexisting baseline neurological deficits were more inclined to sustain neurological morbidity following corrective surgery. PCO corrective techniques are warranted as safe options for treating patients with severe rigid spine deformity phenotypes.

Liposomal delivery of gene therapy for ovarian cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and narratively synthesize the evidence surrounding liposomal delivery of gene therapy and the outcome for ovarian cancer. METHODS: An electronic database search of the Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception until July 7, 2023, was conducted to identify primary studies that investigated the effect of liposomal delivery of gene therapy on ovarian cancer outcomes. Retrieved studies were assessed against the eligibility criteria for inclusion. RESULTS: The search yielded 564 studies, of which 75 met the inclusion criteria. Four major types of liposomes were identified: cationic, neutral, polymer-coated, and ligand-targeted liposomes. The liposome with the most evidence involved cationic liposomes which are characterized by their positively charged phospholipids (n = 37, 49.3%). Similarly, those with neutrally charged phospholipids, such as 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine, were highly researched as well (n = 25, 33.3%). Eight areas of gene therapy research were identified, evaluating either target proteins/transcripts or molecular pathways: microRNAs, ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), interleukins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), human-telomerase reverse transcriptase/E1A (hTERT/EA1), suicide gene, p53, and multidrug resistance mutation 1 (MDR1). CONCLUSION: Liposomal delivery of gene therapy for ovarian cancer shows promise in many in vivo studies. Emerging polymer-coated and ligand-targeted liposomes have been gaining interest as they have been shown to have more stability and specificity. We found that gene therapy involving microRNAs was the most frequently studied. Overall, liposomal genetic therapy has been shown to reduce tumor size and weight and improve survivability. More research involving the delivery and targets of gene therapy for ovarian cancer may be a promising avenue to improve patient outcomes.

Intensified Nutrition Interventions in Antenatal Care Services Increased Consumption of Iron and Folic Acid Supplements and Early Breastfeeding Practices in Burkina Faso: Results of a Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Alive & Thrive supported the Government of Burkina Faso to strengthen the provision of iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and interpersonal counseling on maternal nutrition and breastfeeding through antenatal care (ANC) services and community-based contacts in 2 regions. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impacts of intensified nutrition interventions during ANC compared with standard ANC services on intervention coverage and maternal nutrition practices. METHODS: A cluster-randomized evaluation compared 40 health center catchment areas in intervention areas with 40 in control areas. Repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2019 and 2021 (960 pregnant women and 1920 women with children 0-5 mo of age per survey round) provided data on impact indicators, intervention exposure, and other factors. We derived difference-in-difference (DID) effect estimates, adjusted for geographic clustering, for maternal dietary diversity, IFA consumption, and early breastfeeding practices. RESULTS: More women in intervention areas had 4+ ANC visits (DID: 8.3 percentage points [pps]) and started ANC during the first trimester (DID: 10.5 pp), compared with control areas. Improvements were achieved in exposure to nutrition counseling on dietary diversity (DID: 44.4 pp), food quantity (DID: 42.9 pp), adequate weight gain (DID: 35.1 pp), and breastfeeding (DID: 25.9 pp). Women in intervention areas consumed more IFA supplements during pregnancy (DID: 21 tablets). Early initiation of and exclusive breastfeeding also improved (DID: 17.0 and 8.3 pp, respectively). However, dietary diversity (4 out of 10 food groups) and mean probability of adequacy of micronutrient intake (14%) among pregnant women remained low in both areas. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening maternal nutrition interventions delivered through government ANC services was feasible and effective in improving maternal nutrition practices. Continued efforts to strengthen the delivery and use of maternal nutrition services may be required for greater behavior changes, and to address family support, social norms, and other factors to improve women's diets during pregnancy.

More is not enough: High quantity and high quality antenatal care are both needed to prevent low birthweight in South Asia.

Antenatal care (ANC) is an opportunity to receive interventions that can prevent low birth weight (LBW). We sought to 1) estimate LBW prevalence and burden in South Asia, 2) describe the number of ANC visits (quantity) and interventions received (quality), and 3) explore associations between ANC quantity, quality and LBW. We used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Afghanistan (2015), Bangladesh (2018), India (2016), Nepal (2016), Pakistan (2018) and Sri Lanka (2016) (n = 146,284 children <5y). Women were categorized as follows: 1) low quantity (<4 ANC visits) and low quality (<5 of 10 interventions received during ANC), 2) low quantity and high quality (≥5 of 10 interventions), 3) high quantity (≥4 visits) and low quality, 4) high quantity and high quality. We used fixed effect logistic regressions to examine associations between ANC quality/quantity and LBW (<2500 grams). LBW prevalence was highest in Pakistan (23%) and India (18%), with India accounting for two-thirds of the regional burden. Only 8% of women in Afghanistan received high quantity and high quality ANC, compared to 42-46% in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, 65% in Nepal and 92% in Sri Lanka. Compared to the low quantity/quality reference group, children of women with high quantity/quality ANC had lower odds of LBW in India (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.89), Nepal (0.57, 0.35-0.94), Pakistan (0.45, 0.23-0.86), and Sri Lanka (0.73, 0.57-0.92). Low quantity but high quality ANC was protective in India (0.90, 0.84-0.96), Afghanistan (0.53, 0.27-1.05) and Pakistan (0.49, 0.23-1.05). High quantity but low quality ANC was protective in Sri Lanka (0.76, 0.61-0.93). Neither frequent ANC without appropriate interventions nor infrequent ANC with appropriate interventions are sufficient to prevent LBW in most South Asian countries, though quality may be more important than quantity. Consistent measurement of interventions during ANC is needed.

Comprehensive Approach for Improving Adherence to Prenatal Iron and Folic Acid Supplements Based on Intervention Studies in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and India.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends daily iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation during pregnancy, but consumption remains low, and high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women (PW) persists. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to (1) examine factors at the health system, community, and individual levels, which influence adherence to IFA supplements; and (2) describe a comprehensive approach for designing interventions to improve adherence based on lessons learned from 4 country experiences. METHODS: We conducted literature search, formative research, and baseline surveys in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and India and applied health systems strengthening and social and behavior change principles to design interventions. The interventions addressed underlying barriers at the individual, community, and health system levels. Interventions were further adapted for integration into existing large-scale antenatal care programs through continuous monitoring. RESULTS: Key factors related to low adherence were lack of operational protocols to implement policies, supply chain bottlenecks, low capacity to counsel women, negative social norms, and individual cognitive barriers. We reinforced antenatal care services and linked them with community workers and families to address knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, and perceived social norms. Evaluations showed that adherence improved in all countries. Based on implementation lessons, we developed a program pathway and details of interventions for mobilizing health systems and community platforms for improving adherence. CONCLUSION: A proven process for designing interventions to address IFA supplement adherence will contribute to achieving global nutrition targets for anemia reduction in PW. This evidence-based comprehensive approach may be applied in other countries with high anemia prevalence and low IFA adherence.

Developing a Culturally and Linguistically Congruent Digital Storytelling Intervention in Vietnamese and Korean American Mothers of Human Papillomavirus-Vaccinated Children: Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

BACKGROUND: The high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden attributed to cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) call for researchers to address this public health concern through HPV vaccination. Disparities of HPV-associated cancers in Vietnamese and Korean Americans exist, yet their vaccination rates remain low. Evidence points to the importance of developing culturally and linguistically congruent interventions to improve their HPV vaccination rates. We adopted digital storytelling (DST) that combines oral storytelling with computer-based technology (digital images, audio recording, and music) as a promising approach for facilitating the communication of culturally relevant health messages. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of intervention development through DST workshops, (2) conduct an in-depth analysis of the cultural experience that shapes HPV attitudes, and (3) explore aspects of the DST workshop experience that could inform future formative and intervention work. METHODS: Through community partners, social media, and snowball sampling, we recruited 2 Vietnamese American and 6 Korean American mothers (mean age 41.4, SD 5.8 years) who had children vaccinated against HPV. Three virtual DST workshops were conducted between July 2021 and January 2022. Our team supported mothers to develop their own stories. Mothers completed web-based surveys before and after the workshop and provided feedback on each other's story ideas and the workshop experience. We used descriptive statistics to summarize quantitative data and constant comparative analysis to analyze qualitative data collected in the workshop and field notes. RESULTS: Eight digital stories were developed in the DST workshops. They were well accepted, and the mothers showed overall satisfaction and relevant indicators (eg, would recommend it to others, would attend a similar workshop, it was worth their time; mean 4.2-5, range 1-5). Mothers found the process rewarding and appreciated the opportunity to share their stories in group settings and learn from each other. The 6 major themes that emerged from the data reflect the mothers' rich personal experiences, attitudes, and perceptions about their child's HPV vaccination, which included (1) showing parents' love and responsibility; (2) HPV and related knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; (3) factors influencing vaccine decision-making; (4) source of information and information sharing; (5) response to children's being vaccinated; and (6) cultural perspectives on health care and HPV vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a virtual DST workshop is a highly feasible and acceptable approach to engaging Vietnamese American and Korean American immigrant mothers in developing culturally and linguistically congruent DST interventions. Further research is needed to test the efficacy and effectiveness of digital stories as an intervention for Vietnamese American and Korean American mothers of unvaccinated children. This process of developing an easy-to-deliver, culturally and linguistically aligned, and holistic web-based DST intervention can be implemented with other populations in other languages.