2024 VCP International Conference: Exploring multi-disciplinary approaches from basic science of valosin containing protein, an AAA+ ATPase protein, to the therapeutic advancement for VCP-associated multisystem proteinopathy.

Valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97) is a ubiquitously expressed AAA+ ATPase associated with numerous protein-protein interactions and critical cellular functions including protein degradation and clearance, mitochondrial homeostasis, DNA repair and replication, cell cycle regulation, endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation, and lysosomal functions including autophagy and apoptosis. Autosomal-dominant missense mutations in the VCP gene may result in VCP-associated multisystem proteinopathy (VCP-MSP), a rare degenerative disorder linked to heterogeneous phenotypes including inclusion body myopathy (IBM) with Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or IBMPFD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), parkinsonism, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease (CMT), and spastic paraplegia. The complexity of VCP-MSP makes collaboration among stakeholders essential and necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach.

Person-centred maternity care during childbirth: a systematic review in low and middle-income countries.

Background: Improving the quality of intrapartum and immediate postnatal care is critical for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aimed to assess the extent of Person-Centred Maternity Care (PCMC) practices during childbirth in LMICs.

Methods: We retrieved studies from four databases, including PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Maternal and Infant Care, up to 30 May 2023 and updated 26 April 2024.

Population attributable fractions for modifiable risk factors of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality in 48 low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Identifying the modifiable risk factors for childhood mortality using population-attributable fractions (PAFs) estimates can inform public health planning and resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated PAFs for key population-level modifiable risk factors of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality in LMICs.

Methods: We used the most recent Demographic and Health Survey data sets (2010-22) from 48 LMICs, encompassing 35 sub-Saharan African countries and 13 countries from South and Southeast Asia (n = 506 989).

Intergenerational risk of preterm birth in First Nations Australians: a population-based cohort study from the Northern Territory, Australia.

Background: PTB increases the risk of health problems such as chronic renal disease and diabetes in later life and adverse impacts are inversely correlated with gestational age at birth. Rates of PTB in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia are amongst the highest nationally and globally, with First Nations babies most affected. This study assessed the magnitude and potential drivers of intergenerational PTB recurrence in the NT.

Global Disparities of Cancer and Its Projected Burden in 2050.

Importance: Cancer prevention and care efforts have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, resulting in a decline in the global Human Development Index (HDI), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These challenges and subsequent shifts in health care priorities underscore the need to continuously monitor cancer outcome disparities and statistics globally to ensure delivery of equitable and optimal cancer prevention and care in uncertain times.

Objective: To measure the global burden of 36 cancers in 2022 by sex, age, and geographic location and to project future trends by 2050.

Spatiotemporal patterns and factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Ethiopia: Data from EDHS 2000 to 2019.

Background: Although Ethiopia has substantial improvements in various health indicators such as maternal and child mortality, the burden of neonatal mortality remains high. Between 2016 and 2019, neonatal mortality increased from 29 deaths per 1,000 live births to 33 deaths per 1,000 live births. This study aimed to explore the spatial patterns and factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.

Burden of 30 cancers among men: Global statistics in 2022 and projections for 2050 using population-based estimates.

Background: Men exhibit higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, leading to greater cancer incidence and lower survival rates. Comprehensive evidence on global cancer burden among men, including disparities by age group and country, is sparse. To address this, the authors analyzed 30 cancer types among men in 2022, with projections estimated for 2050.

The intergenerational association of preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Around half of preterm births lack identifiable causes, indicating the need for further investigation to understand preterm birth risk factors. Existing studies on the intergenerational association of preterm birth showed inconsistency in effect size and direction.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review existing studies and provide comprehensive evidence on the intergenerational association of preterm births.

Effect of male partners' involvement and support on reproductive, maternal and child health and well-being in East Africa: A scoping review.

Background And Aims: East African countries have high rates of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. Studies have shown that the involvement of male partners in reproductive health can benefit maternal and child health (MCH). This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the evidence across East Africa that describes male partner involvement and its effect on maternal, reproductive, and child well-being.

Precancerous lesion determinants in women attending cervical cancer screening at public health facilities in North Shoa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study.

Background: Precancerous cervical lesions develop in the transformation zone of the cervix and progress through stages known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 2, and 3. If untreated, CIN2 or CIN3 can lead to cervical cancer. The determinants of cervical precancerous lesions are not well documented in Ethiopia.

Association between maternal mental health-related hospitalisation in the 5 years prior to or during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a population-based retrospective cohort data linkage study in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Background: Mental health conditions prior to or during pregnancy that are not addressed can have adverse consequences for pregnancy and birth outcomes. This study aimed to determine the extent to which women's mental health-related hospitalisation (MHrH) prior to or during pregnancy was associated with a risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods: We linked the perinatal data register for all births in the Northern Territory, Australia, from the year 1999 to 2017, to hospital admissions records to create a cohort of births to women aged 15-44 years with and without MHrH prior to or during pregnancy.

Process evaluation of the 'Lafiyan Yara' project on enhancing access to HIV testing services using existing community structures in Nigeria.

Background: The Lafiyan Yara Project aimed to increase demand for HIV counselling, testing, treatment, and prevention services among pregnant women and children in Taraba State, Nigeria. Implemented from 2019 to 2021, the project utilized existing community structures, including traditional birth attendants, village health workers, and patent and proprietary medicine vendors, for mobilization. This study assessed the project's activities, contributors, relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Predicting child development and school readiness, at age 5, for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in Australia's Northern Territory.

Background: Positive early development is critical in shaping children's lifelong health and wellbeing. Identifying children at risk of poor development is important in targeting early interventions to children and families most in need of support. We aimed to develop a predictive model that could inform early support for vulnerable children.

Effect of adverse perinatal outcomes on postpartum maternal mental health in low-income and middle-income countries: a protocol for systematic review.

Introduction: More than three-fourths of adverse perinatal outcomes (preterm, small for gestational age, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, stillbirth and neonatal death) occur in low-income and middle-income countries. These adverse perinatal outcomes can have both short-term and long-term consequences on maternal mental health. Even though there are few empirical studies on the effect of perinatal loss on maternal mental illness, comprehensive information on the impact of adverse perinatal outcomes in resource-limited settings is scarce.

Global burden of 34 cancers among women in 2020 and projections to 2040: Population-based data from 185 countries/territories.

Globally women face inequality in cancer outcomes; for example, smaller improvements in life expectancy due to decreased cancer-related deaths than men (0.5 vs 0.8 years, 1981-2010).

Unmet Supportive Care Needs Among Cancer Patients in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Mixed Method Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Supportive cancer care is vital to reducing the current disparities in cancer outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including poor survival and low quality of life, and ultimately achieving equity in cancer care. This is the first review aimed to evaluate the extent of unmet supportive care needs and identify their contributing factors among patients with cancer in SSA.

Methods: Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline [Ovid], PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane Library of Databases] were systematically searched.

Effectiveness of community mobilisation models in improving HIV testing services uptake among women and children in Nigeria: A quasi-experimental study.

Nigeria carries a high burden of HIV infections, with Taraba State having a prevalence of 2.49%. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of the Lafiyan Yara project, which utilised various community-based mobilisation models, on the enhancement of HTS uptake among women during pregnancy, and children.