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Progression from uncomplicated to severe malaria among children in settings receiving different malaria control interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol

Por: Okek · E. J. · Lutwama · J. · Kinengyere · A. A. · Asio · J. · Awor · S. · Le Doare · K. · Musinguzi · B. · Sande · J. O. · Ocan · M. · Kayondo · J.
Background

Different malaria control measures are deployed simultaneously in endemic settings globally, with varying impacts on malaria burden. In sub-Saharan Africa, which bears the greatest burden of malaria, evidence on the impact of implementing various control interventions on malaria immunity remains unknown. This systematic review seeks to collate evidence on the extent of progression from uncomplicated to severe malaria among populations in sub-Saharan Africa settings receiving concurrent deployment of various malaria control measures.

Methods

The review will use a priori criteria contained in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. An experienced librarian (AAK) will independently search for articles from the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar. Boolean operators ‘AND’ and ‘OR’ will be used in the article search. Identified articles will be managed using EndNote. Article screening for inclusion and data extraction will be done in duplicate by two reviewers (EJO, and BM). Data extraction tools will be developed and customised in Excel. Data will be analysed using both narrative and quantitative synthesis. The level of heterogeneity between study outcomes will be measured using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analysis will be conducted to explore heterogeneity and establish the impact of different control interventions on progression from uncomplicated to severe malaria. A full systematic review and meta-analysis is expected to be ready for dissemination by the end of December 2025.

Ethical consideration and dissemination of findings

This study did not involve human participants and so ethical approval was not sought. A full review and a meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD 42024619945.

Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of the Thai early intervention for autism: Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC) across nine hospitals in health region 1, northern Thailand

Por: Tangviriyapaiboon · D. · Sirithongthaworn · S. · Thaineua · V. · Kanshana · S. · Sriminipun · A. · Lersilp · S. · Panyo · K. · Changsom · K. · Panyaphab · M. · Srikummoon · P. · Thumronglaohapun · S. · Sricharoen · N. · Traisathit · P.
Introduction

The management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a varied and comprehensive range of support services at various stages of an autistic individual’s life. In Thailand, parents/legal guardians of children with ASD often encounter challenges such as difficulty travelling from rural areas to access support services. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention programme for caregivers of children with ASD called the Thai Early Intervention for Autism—Assistive Technology for Caregivers (TEI4A-ATC), designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team.

Method and analysis

160 children and their caregivers are being recruited. They will be randomised 1:1 into two treatment arms: access to TEI4A-ATC for the intervention group and standard care for the control group. Before enrolment, ASD diagnosis will be conducted using the Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale: children’s ASD scores will be determined using the Thai Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist for evaluating communication, sociability and sensory/cognitive awareness and the Thai Early Developmental Assessment for Intervention for evaluating motor skills, social interaction, language development and problem-solving. Both assessment tools will be used again after 3 months of treatment. Similarly, the caregivers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) for ASD care will be assessed using a questionnaire at enrolment and again after treatment. Comparison of the children’s ASD scores and caregivers’ KAP responses between the treatment groups and before and after treatment will be performed based on the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee for Mental Health and Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health (DMH.IRB.COA 037/2565). Written informed consent will be obtained from the participants prior to enrolment. The study’s findings may be disseminated through scientific publications and conference presentations. The results of the study will be shared with key stakeholders, including caregivers, psychiatrists, policymakers and the general public, via appropriate dissemination channels to aid in creating appropriate practice and policy guidelines.

Trial registration number

This study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20240320010) on 20 March 2024.

CT features and histogram analysis of non-contrast images for differentiating malignant and benign mediastinal lymph nodes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

by Pakorn Prakaikietikul, Yutthaphan Wannasopha, Juntima Euathrongchit, Apichat Tantraworasin

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of CT features and histogram analysis in distinguishing between malignant and benign mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

This retrospective study analyzed non-contrast chest CT images from 40 NSCLC patients, comprising 80 pathology-proven mediastinal lymph nodes (46 benign, 34 metastasis). Morphologic features, including size, shape, margins, and internal composition, were independently assessed by two radiologists. Histogram analysis was conducted using the Synapse Vincent system with six parameters: mean attenuation, mean positive pixel (MPP), standard deviation (SD), skewness, kurtosis, and entropy. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data, Fisher’s exact test for categorical data, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess diagnostic accuracy, with statistical significance set at p Results

Malignant lymph nodes demonstrated significantly larger sizes (p Conclusion

The combination of morphologic CT features and CT histogram analysis offers a robust method for differentiating malignant from benign mediastinal lymph nodes in NSCLC patients, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and informing treatment strategies.

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