Oral Cavity Cancers: Ethnic Differences in Radiotherapy Outcomes in a Majority South Asian Leicester Community.

AIMS: Squamous cell carcinoma oral cavity cancers (SCCOCCs) have a higher reported incidence in South Asian countries. We sought to compare presenting stage and outcome by ethnicity in patients with SCCOCC treated with radical radiotherapy in a single centre in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with SCCOCC treated with radical radiotherapy at an oncology department in Leicester (UK) between 2011 and 2017 were identified. Baseline demographic, clinical data and 2-year treatment outcomes were reported. RESULTS: Of the 109 patients included, 40 were South Asian and 59 were non-South Asian. South Asians had significantly poorer 2-year disease-free survival compared with non-South Asians (54.6% versus 73%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that South Asians with SCCOCC have poorer outcomes despite a younger age and similar disease characteristics. Environmental, social factors and differing biology of disease may be responsible and further research is required to inform targeted interventions.

Implementation and 8-year follow-up of an uninterrupted oxygen supply system in a hospital in The Gambia.

SETTING: A 42-bed hospital operated by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit in The Gambia. OBJECTIVE: To devise, test and evaluate a cost-efficient uninterrupted oxygen system in the MRC Hospital. DESIGN: Oxygen cylinders were replaced with oxygen concentrators as the primary source of oxygen. An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) ensured continuity of power. Hospital staff were trained on the use of the new system. Eight years post-installation, an analysis of concentrator maintenance needs and costs was conducted and user feedback obtained to assess the success of the system. RESULTS: The new system saved at least 51% of oxygen supply costs compared to cylinders, with savings likely to have been far greater due to cylinder leakages. Users indicated that the system is easier to use and more reliable, although technical support and staff training are still needed. CONCLUSION: Oxygen concentrators offer long-term cost savings and an improved user experience compared to cylinders; however, some technical support and maintenance are needed to upkeep the system. A UPS dedicated to oxygen concentrators is an appropriate solution for settings where power interruptions are frequent but short in duration. This approach can be a model for health systems in settings with similar infrastructure.

Oxygen for children and newborns in non-tertiary hospitals in South-west Nigeria: A needs assessment.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen is important for the treatment of hypoxaemia associated with pneumonia, malaria, and other medical, obstetric, and surgical conditions. Access to oxygen therapy is limited in many of the high mortality settings where it would be of most benefit. METHODS: A needs assessment of 12 non-tertiary hospitals in south-west Nigeria, assessing structural, technical and clinical barriers to the provision of safe and effective oxygen therapy. RESULTS: Oxygen supply was reported to be a major challenge by hospital directors. All hospitals had some access to oxygen cylinders, which were expensive and frequently ran out. Nine (75%) hospitals used oxygen concentrators, which were limited by inadequate power supply and lack of maintenance capacity. Appropriate oxygen delivery and monitoring devices (nasal prongs, catheters, pulse oximeters) were poorly available, and no hospitals had clinical guidelines pertaining to the use of -oxygen for children. Oxygen was expensive to patients (median US$20/day) and to hospitals. Estimated oxygen demand is reported using both a constant mean-based estimate and adjustment for seasonal and other variability. CONCLUSIONS: Making oxygen available to sick children and neonates in Nigerian hospitals will require: improving detection of hypoxaemia through routine use of pulse oximetry; improving access to oxygen through equipment, training, and maintenance structures; and commitment to building hospital and state structures that can sustain and expand oxygen initiatives.

NeEstimator v2: re-implementation of software for the estimation of contemporary effective population size (Ne ) from genetic data.

NeEstimator v2 is a completely revised and updated implementation of software that produces estimates of contemporary effective population size, using several different methods and a single input file. NeEstimator v2 includes three single-sample estimators (updated versions of the linkage disequilibrium and heterozygote-excess methods, and a new method based on molecular coancestry), as well as the two-sample (moment-based temporal) method. New features include the following: (i) an improved method for accounting for missing data; (ii) options for screening out rare alleles; (iii) confidence intervals for all methods; (iv) the ability to analyse data sets with large numbers of genetic markers (10 000 or more); (v) options for batch processing large numbers of different data sets, which will facilitate cross-method comparisons using simulated data; and (vi) correction for temporal estimates when individuals sampled are not removed from the population (Plan I sampling). The user is given considerable control over input data and composition, and format of output files. The freely available software has a new JAVA interface and runs under MacOS, Linux and Windows.

Indications and outcomes for 100 patients managed with a pectoralis major flap within a UK maxillofacial unit.

There are few studies reporting the role of the pedicled pectoralis major (PPM) flap in modern maxillofacial practice. The outcomes of 100 patients (102 flaps) managed between 1996 and 2012 in a UK maxillofacial unit that preferentially practices free tissue reconstruction are reported. The majority (88.2%) of PPM flaps were for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), stage IV (75.6%) disease, and there was substantial co-morbidity (47.0% American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 or 4). The PPM flap was the preferred reconstruction on 80.4% of occasions; 19.6% followed free flap failure. Over half of the patients (57%) had previously undergone major surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy. Ischaemic heart disease (P=0.028), diabetes mellitus (P=0.040), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection (P=0.013) were independently associated with flap loss (any degree). Free flap failure was independently associated with total (2.0%) and major (6.9%) partial flap loss (P=0.044). Cancer-specific 5-year survival for stage IV primary SCC and salvage surgery improved in the second half (2005-2012) of the study period (22.2% vs. 79.8%, P=0.002, and 0% vs. 55.7%, P=0.064, respectively). There were also declines in recurrent disease (P=0.008), MRSA (P<0.001), and duration of admission (P=0.014). The PPM flap retains a valuable role in the management of advanced disease combined with substantial co-morbidity, and following free flap failure.

Evaluation of oxygen concentrators for use in countries with limited resources.

Seven different models of oxygen concentrators were purchased. The manufacturer's data were evaluated by a ranking method for operation at high temperature and high relative humidity, power consumption, warranty and cost. Measurements were then made of the oxygen concentration produced at maximum operating temperature. All the concentrators were CE marked and claimed compliance with the relevant Standard ISO 8359:1996. Only two models complied with their specification. On examination of the concentrators and the accompanying documents we found that compliance with 61 points listed in ISO 8359 ranged from 85% to 98%. Oxygen concentration was measured with the machines running simultaneously under both high temperature and high humidity. All models delivered low oxygen concentrations at 40 °C and 95% relative humidity. Only two models delivered >82% at 35 °C and 50% relative humidity. Concentrators intended for use in countries with limited resources should be evaluated before they are purchased, by independent experts, using the methods described herein.

Accounting for missing data in the estimation of contemporary genetic effective population size (N(e) ).

Theoretical models are often applied to population genetic data sets without fully considering the effect of missing data. Researchers can deal with missing data by removing individuals that have failed to yield genotypes and/or by removing loci that have failed to yield allelic determinations, but despite their best efforts, most data sets still contain some missing data. As a consequence, realized sample size differs among loci, and this poses a problem for unbiased methods that must explicitly account for random sampling error. One commonly used solution for the calculation of contemporary effective population size (N(e) ) is to calculate the effective sample size as an unweighted mean or harmonic mean across loci. This is not ideal because it fails to account for the fact that loci with different numbers of alleles have different information content. Here we consider this problem for genetic estimators of contemporary effective population size (N(e) ). To evaluate bias and precision of several statistical approaches for dealing with missing data, we simulated populations with known N(e) and various degrees of missing data. Across all scenarios, one method of correcting for missing data (fixed-inverse variance-weighted harmonic mean) consistently performed the best for both single-sample and two-sample (temporal) methods of estimating N(e) and outperformed some methods currently in widespread use. The approach adopted here may be a starting point to adjust other population genetics methods that include per-locus sample size components.

The functioning of oxygen concentrators in resource-limited settings: a situation assessment in two countries.

SETTING: The paediatric wards of hospitals in Malawi and Mongolia. OBJECTIVE: To describe oxygen concentrator functioning in two countries with widespread, long-term use of concentrators as a primary source of oxygen for treating children. DESIGN: A systematic assessment of concentrators in the paediatric wards of 15 hospitals in Malawi and nine hospitals in Mongolia. RESULTS: Oxygen concentrators had been installed for a median of 48 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6-60) and 36 months (IQR 12-96), respectively, prior to the evaluation in Malawi and Mongolia. Concentrators were the primary source of oxygen. Three quarters of the concentrators assessed in Malawi (28/36) and half those assessed in Mongolia (13/25) were functional. Concentrators were found to remain functional with up to 30 000 h of use. However, several concentrators were functioning very poorly despite limited use. Concentrators from a number of different manufacturers were evaluated, and there was marked variation in performance between brands. Inadequate resources for maintenance were reported in both countries. CONCLUSION: Years after installation of oxygen concentrators, many machines were still functioning, indicating that widespread use can be sustained in resource-limited settings. However, concentrator performance varied substantially. Procurement of high-quality and appropriate equipment is critical, and resources should be made available for ongoing maintenance.

Late-onset bowel dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy: a national survey of current practice and opinions of clinical oncologists.

AIMS: Seventeen thousand patients receive treatment with radical pelvic radiotherapy annually in the UK. It is common for patients to develop gastrointestinal symptoms after treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the current practice of clinical oncologists in the UK with respect to late-onset bowel dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy, and to discuss the wider issues surrounding current and future service provision for this patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed to establish current practice. This was sent to the 314 clinical oncologists in the UK who treat pelvic malignancies up to a maximum of three times. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety (61%) responses were received. Most oncologists (76%) screen for gastrointestinal dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy, usually through history taking rather than formal tools. Clinical oncologists view toxicity as a significant problem, with most estimating that up to 24% of patients at 1 year have bowel symptoms. Most oncologists refer less than 50% of their symptomatic patients, with most referring less than 10%. These referrals are 31% to a gastroenterologist, 23% to a gastrointestinal surgeon and 33% to both. Most (58%) do not have access to a gastroenterologist or a gastrointestinal surgeon with a specialist interest in their area. Sixty-five per cent of oncologists think a service is required specifically for patients with bowel dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy, but half (52%) think that the current service in their area is inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical oncologists recognise late-onset bowel dysfunction after pelvic radiotherapy as a significant problem, but one that is linked to poor recognition of symptoms and an inadequate patchy service.

Oxygen is an essential medicine: a call for international action.

Hypoxaemia is commonly associated with mortality in developing countries, yet feasible and cost-effective ways to address hypoxaemia receive little or no attention in current global health strategies. Oxygen treatment has been used in medicine for almost 100 years, but in developing countries most seriously ill newborns, children and adults do not have access to oxygen or the simple test that can detect hypoxaemia. Improving access to oxygen and pulse oximetry has demonstrated a reduction in mortality from childhood pneumonia by up to 35% in high-burden child pneumonia settings. The cost-effectiveness of an oxygen systems strategy compares favourably with other higher profile child survival interventions, such as new vaccines. In addition to its use in treating acute respiratory illness, oxygen treatment is required for the optimal management of many other conditions in adults and children, and is essential for safe surgery, anaesthesia and obstetric care. Oxygen concentrators provide the most consistent and least expensive source of oxygen in health facilities where power supplies are reliable. Oxygen concentrators are sustainable in developing country settings if a systematic approach involving nurses, doctors, technicians and administrators is adopted. Improving oxygen systems is an entry point for improving the quality of care. For these broad reasons, and for its vital importance in reducing deaths due to lung disease in 2010: Year of the Lung, oxygen deserves a higher priority on the global health agenda.

Oxygen concentrators: a practical guide for clinicians and technicians in developing countries.

Hypoxaemia is a common problem causing child deaths in developing countries, but the cost-effective ways to address hypoxaemia are ignored by current global strategies. Improving oxygen supplies and the detection of hypoxaemia has been shown to reduce death rates from childhood pneumonia by up to 35%, and to be cheaper per life saved than other effective initiatives such as conjugate pneumococcal vaccines. Oxygen concentrators provide the cheapest and most consistent source of oxygen in health facilities where power supplies are reliable. To implement and sustain oxygen concentrators requires strengthening of health systems, with clinicians, teachers, administrators and technicians working together. Programmes built around the use of pulse oximetry and oxygen concentrators are an entry point for improving quality of care, and are a unique example of successful integration of appropriate technology into clinical care. This paper is a practical and up-to-date guide for all involved in purchasing, using and maintaining oxygen concentrators in developing countries.

Oxygen supplies for hospitals in Papua New Guinea: a comparison of the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of methods for different settings

Oxygen therapy is essential in all wards, emergency departments and operating theatres of hospitals at all levels, and oxygen is life-saving. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), an effective oxygen system that improved the detection and treatment of hypoxaemia in provincial and district hospitals reduced death rates from pneumonia in children by as much as 35%. The methods for providing oxygen in PNG are reviewed. A busy provincial hospital will use on average about 38,000 l of oxygen each day. Over 2 years the cost of this amount of oxygen being provided by cylinders (at least K555,000) or an oxygen generator (about K1 million) is significantly more than the cost of setting up and maintaining a comprehensive system of bedside oxygen concentrators (K223,000). A district hospital will use 17,000 l per day. The full costs of this over 2 years are K33,000 if supplied by bedside concentrators, or K333,000 plus transport costs if the oxygen source is cylinders. In provincial and district hospitals bedside oxygen concentrators will be the most cost-effective, simple and reliable sources of oxygen. In large hospitals where there are existing oxygen pipelines, or in newly designed hospitals, an oxygen generator will be effective but currently much more expensive than bedside concentrators that provide the same volume of oxygen generation. There are options for oxygen concentrator use in hospitals and health centres that do not have reliable power. These include battery storage of power or solar power. While these considerably add to the establishment cost when changing from cylinders to concentrators, a battery-powered system should repay its capital costs in less than one year, though this has not yet been proven in the field. Bedside oxygen concentrators are currently the 'best-buy' in supplying oxygen in most hospitals in PNG, where cylinder oxygen is the largest single item in their drug budget. Oxygen concentrators should not be seen as an expensive intervention that has to rely on donor support, but as a cost-saving intervention for all hospitals.

Pulse oximetry: technology to reduce child mortality in developing countries.

The causes of hypoxaemia in children include the commonest causes of childhood illness: pneumonia and other acute respiratory infections, and neonatal illness, particularly sepsis, low birthweight, birth asphyxia and aspiration syndromes. The systematic use of pulse oximetry to monitor and treat children in resource-poor developing countries, when coupled with a reliable oxygen supply, improves quality of care and reduces mortality. Oximetry also has a well established role in surgery and anaesthesia, but in many countries children undergo surgery without the safety of oximetry monitoring. This article reviews pulse oximetry, its technical basis and its application to the medical management of childhood illness to reduce mortality in developing countries. We propose that, as a part of the work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal 4, there should be a concerted global effort to make pulse oximetry and a reliable oxygen source available in all health facilities where seriously ill children are managed.

Oxygen for treatment of severe pneumonia in The Gambia, West Africa: a situational analysis.

SETTING: Health facilities in The Gambia, West Africa. OBJECTIVES: Oxygen treatment is vital in pneumonia, the leading cause of death in children globally. There are shortages of oxygen in developing countries, but little information is available on the extent of the problem. We assessed national oxygen availability and use in The Gambia, a sub-Saharan African country. METHODS: A government-led team visited 12 health facilities in The Gambia. A modified World Health Organization assessment tool was used to determine oxygen requirements, current provision and capacity to support effective oxygen use. RESULTS: Eleven of the 12 facilities managed severe pneumonia. Oxygen was reliable in three facilities. Requirement and supply were often mismatched. Both oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders were used. Suboptimal electricity and maintenance made using concentrators difficult, while logistical problems and cost hampered cylinder use. Children were usually triaged by trained nurses who reported lack of training in oxygen use. Oxygen was given typically by nasal prongs; pulse oximetry was available in two facilities. CONCLUSIONS: National data showed that oxygen availability did not meet needs in most Gambian health facilities. Remedial options must be carefully assessed for real costs, reliability and site-by-site usability. Training is needed to support oxygen use and equipment maintenance.