INCLEN Trust International

Pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) inform decisions concerning the choice of interventions in children and adolescents. To enable the implementation of effective interventions, RCT reports need to provide adequate details on the elements, infrastructure, and delivery of these interventions. Using the 12-item Template for the Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework, an international team developed guidance for comprehensive reporting of trial interventions in pediatric RCT protocols and reports. We (1) identified initial pediatric considerations (PCs) and examples of good reporting using 50 recent pediatric RCT reports, (2) held an expert panel meeting, (3) conducted a Family Caregiver Workshop to discuss and get input on PCs, (4) compiled PCs and examples of good reporting, and (5) achieved consensus on final PCs and examples. Thirteen PCs reached consensus; they address how trial intervention materials were appropriate for the age and developmental stage of trial participants, which adjustments to enhance palatability of medications and acceptability of interventions were implemented, and how pediatric-specific dosing was determined. Consensus was also reached on accompanying good reporting exemplars. Presenting a minimum set of considerations pertinent to pediatric trial interventions, the TIDieR-Child & Adolescent Health (TIDieR-C) checklist can help trial authors and evidence end users comprehensively report and appraise tested interventions. It can be used with the pediatric-specific extensions of the Standard Protocol Items for Randomized Trials (SPIRIT) and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT): SPIRIT-Children & Adolescents and CONSORT-Children & Adolescents. Uptake of this guidance may lead to improved understanding, replicability, and implementation fidelity of effective trial interventions.

Quantum technology has resulted in the emergence of multiple opportunities and difficulties, not only in the realm of computation but also in the complex relationship that occurs between ethics and security. These chances and challenges have been brought about as a result of developing quantum computing (QC). The study also includes a discussion of the implications of these technologies. Additionally, it analyzes the challenges that are involved with the security of the quantum landscape, particularly with regard to quantum communication and cryptography. This is specifically addressed in the context of the quantum landscape. To achieve the synthesis of ethics and security in the quantum world, it is necessary to strike a careful balance between the two perspectives. In order to achieve this equilibrium, responsible research, ethical deployment, and efficient security systems should be given priority. Grasp the ethical and security implications of quantum technologies is becoming increasingly important as these technologies continue to disrupt the digital environment.

Emission factors of 16 particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 p-PAHs) from residential fuel combustion are highly variable, resulting in significant uncertainty with respect to the estimation of emissions of PAHs from this sector. Emissions of 16 p-PAHs were characterized during daily cooking activities for two traditional Indian cookstoves: the angithi, which burns dung, and the chulha, using brushwood, dung, and a mix of brushwood and dung fuels. Previous work has shown that ethyne–furan ratios are reasonable predictors of high- and low-temperature pyrolysis that explain most of the variability in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from biomass burning. Here, we demonstrate that, as the ethyne–furan ratio increases in these stoves, the 2- and 3-ring p-PAHs account for a smaller fraction of summed 16 p-PAHs and emissions of high molecular weight p-PAHs and elemental carbon (EC) increase. This indicates a shift from less to more fused ring p-PAHs, leading to higher EC emissions. Similar to studies of VOC emissions from biomass burning, 16 p-PAH emissions from the same stove type varied widely and were not related to modified combustion efficiency, thus suggesting that larger numbers of field studies are required to adequately capture these emissions using inventories. In addition, in these stoves, fluoranthene and pyrene ratios used in source apportionment overlap with ratios typically used to identify fossil-fuel burning and thus do not adequately constrain these sources.

Both developed and developing countries carry a large burden of pediatric intussusception. Sentinel site surveillance-based studies have highlighted the difference in the regional incidence of intussusception. The objectives of this manuscript were to geospatially map the locations of hospital-confirmed childhood intussusception cases reported from sentinel hospitals, identify clustering and dispersion, and reveal the potential causes of the underlying pattern. Geospatial analysis revealed positive clustering patterns, i.e., a Moran’s I of 0.071 at a statistically significant (p value < 0.0010) Z score of 16.14 for the intussusception cases across India (cases mapped n = 2221), with 14 hotspots in two states (Kerala = 6 and Tamil Nadu = 8) at the 95% CI. Granular analysis indicated that 67% of the reported cases resided < 50 km from the sentinel hospitals, and the average travel distance to the sentinel hospital from the patient residence was calculated as 47 km (CI 95% min 1 km–max 378 km). Easy access and facility referral preferences were identified as the main causes of the existing clustering pattern of the disease. We recommend designing community-based surveillance studies to improve the understanding of the prevalence and regional epidemiological burden of the disease.

Abstract Utilization of maternal health care services significantly influences maternal mortality rate. Although several studies are looking into demographic and socioeconomic factors and inequality in distribution and proper utilization of these services between rural and urban communities, there is a paucity of studies focusing on urban slums. This cross-sectional survey aims to examine the trends and determinants of utilization of maternal healthcare services during antenatal period in urban slums including assessment of fertility, family planning practices, dietary practices, quality of health, and impact of COVID on pregnancy, which was conducted in four urban slums of South Delhi, between April and June 2022 amongst pregnant women (aged 18-44 years). Data were collected from 250 currently pregnant women visiting the Anganwadi centers. The detailed methodology was adopted from the published study protocol. The data was collected electronically using SOMAARTH (developed by The INCLEN Trust International – IN) on an android-based platform, and the tools adopted from National Family Health Survey-5. The results revealed that out of 250 women, 98% were less than 40 years of age, and 169 (67%) were less than 28 years of age. About 93% of the sample population were educated and 234 (93%) were homemakers while the remaining engaged in various occupations. Of the 250 women, 54% had borne children, and 82% of them had a single child. While all the respondents knew about antenatal services, only 2.8% had a high level and the majority (78%) had a medium level of knowledge. Only 47% of women had exposure to media while 51% adopted some form of family planning practices. Of all the women who received antenatal care (ANC), 98%, 97%, and 94% had received iron and folic acid, tetanus toxoid, and ultrasound examination, respectively during the present pregnancy. Only 2 (15.4%) women had COVID exposure during pregnancy. This preliminary study indicates that exposure to media and adoption of family planning continues to be low. However, a majority knew ANC, and all had accessed the ANC services. Therefore, comprehensive strategies need to be planned to ameliorate women’s education and awareness about the importance of ANC and postnatal care. Also, public health infrastructure needs to be strengthened to improve the utilization of maternal services.

Arora, Narendra K. MD, MMSc; Boo, Nem Yun MBBS, MRCP, FRCPCH; Giúdici, Lidia B. MD; Samms-Vaughan, Maureen MBBS, DCH, DM (Paed), PhD (Epi); Olusanya, Bolajoko O. MBBS, FMCPaed, FRCPCH, PhD; On behalf of the Global Research on Developmental Disabilities Collaborators (GRDDC) Author Information

Paddy is a water-intensive crop, and its cultivation is the prime cause of the depletion of groundwater resources in Punjab. We survey paddy farmers’ crop choices, water use, and opinions on the causes of the depletion of groundwater resources. To make long-term groundwater use sustainable, farmers can adopt water saving technologies and practices and diversify crops. But adoption is abysmal, and diversification into alternative crops entails high production and marketing risks. To improve adoption, the government must promote water saving technologies and practices. And assured marketing at remunerative prices is a prerequisite for crop diversification.