Determining the effects of targeted high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on reducing post-stroke upper limb motor impairments-a randomized cross-over study.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the USA and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. This randomized crossover study examines the effect of targeted high-definition transcranial direct current transcranial brain stimulation (tDCS) on upper extremity motor recovery in patients in the post-acute phase of stroke recovery.

Methods: This randomized double-blinded cross-over study includes four intervention arms: anodal, cathodal, and bilateral brain stimulation, as well as a placebo stimulation.

Agricultural Producers' and Stakeholders' Perceived Effectiveness and Participation in COVID-19 Protective Behaviors.

This study was designed to identify the perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 protective behaviors and participation in COVID-19 protective behaviors among agricultural producers and stakeholders in the Midwest, United States. A questionnaire was disseminated online to agricultural producers and stakeholders in April-July 2020. Respondents (N = 1,876) shared their perceptions of the effectiveness of COVID-19 protective behaviors and participation in those behaviors.

From believers to skeptics: Latent class analysis of COVID-19 protective practices and perceptions among agricultural community members.

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify homogenous groups of agricultural producers and stakeholders based on their perceptions of effectiveness and use of COVID-19 protective behaviors.

Methods: We conducted an online survey of agricultural producers and stakeholders through Qualtrics. Participants responded to 7 statements about COVID-19 protective behavior effectiveness and 7 statements about participation in COVID-19 protective behaviors in the previous 2 weeks.

Quantification of reservoir bags as airway pressure-limiting devices in a nonrebreathing system.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of reservoir bag types, volumes and previous use on the peak pressures (Pmax) and the times to develop 30 cmHO pressure (P30) within a nonrebreathing system with a closed adjustable pressure-limiting (APL) valve.

Study Design: In vitro study using three-way factorial design with repeated measure on one factor.

Subjects: A total of 75 new anesthesia reservoir bags (five types, three volumes, five bags from each type × volume).

Dietary Tomato or Lycopene Do Not Reduce Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression in a Murine Model.

Background: Dietary tomato products or lycopene protect against prostate carcinogenesis, but their impact on the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is unknown.

Objective: We hypothesized that tomato or lycopene products would reduce the emergence of CRPC.

Methods: Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice were castrated at 12-13 wk and the emergence of CRPC was monitored by ultrasound in each study.

Urine Xpert MTB/RIF for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis.

Introduction: Xpert MTB/RIF is recommended for the simultaneous detection of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin resistance directly from sputum specimens. Since young children cannot always expectorate, we assessed urine as a possible specimen source to diagnose TB in children using Xpert MTB/RIF.

Methods: During a field study to enhance childhood TB identification, spot urine samples were prospectively collected from consecutive ambulatory children aged 0 to 14 years presenting with presumptive pulmonary TB in community health centers.

Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up during Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, the Philippines, 2012-2014.

To identify factors associated with loss to follow-up during treatment for multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines, we conducted a case-control study of adult patients who began receiving treatment for rifampin-resistant TB during July 1-December 31, 2012. Among 91 case-patients (those lost to follow-up) and 182 control-patients (those who adhered to treatment), independent factors associated with loss to follow-up included patients' higher self-rating of the severity of vomiting as an adverse drug reaction and alcohol abuse. Protective factors included receiving any type of assistance from the TB program, better TB knowledge, and higher levels of trust in and support from physicians and nurses.

Efficacy of pandesal baked from wheat flour fortified with iron and vitamin a in improving the iron and anthropometric status of anemic schoolchildren in the Philippines.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of pandesal baked from wheat flour fortified with iron, with or without vitamin A (VA), in improving anemic schoolchildren's iron and anthropometric status.

Methods: Anemic 6- to 12-year-old Filipino children (n = 250) received two 60 g pandesal daily for 8 months. They were randomized into 1 of 4 groups: (1) iron-fortified (with hydrogen-reduced iron at 80 mg/kg, electrolytic iron at 80 mg/kg, or ferrous fumarate at 40 mg/kg), (2) iron and VA-fortified, (3) VA-fortified (at 490 RE/100 g), and (4) nonfortified flour.

Effectiveness of a redesigned iron supplementation delivery system for pregnant women in Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a redesigned Fe supplementation delivery system (ISDS) in improving Hb concentrations and compliance among pregnant women.

Design: A controlled before and after study design was used. Interviews and Hb measurements of randomly selected pregnant women in both treatment areas were conducted at baseline and after 6 months.

Determinants of anemia among preschool children in the Philippines.

Objective: Our objective was to identify the determinants of anemia among rural Filipino children aged 12-71 months.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2090 preschool children from 8 rural villages in Cebu, an area non-endemic for malaria and schistosomiasis. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentration was measured with a hematofluorometer.

Effect of a multiple-micronutrient-fortified fruit powder beverage on the nutrition status, physical fitness, and cognitive performance of schoolchildren in the Philippines.

This study aimed to determine the effect of a multiple-micronutrient-fortified beverage on the micronutrient status, physical fitness, and cognitive performance of schoolchildren. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of schoolchildren assigned to receive either the fortified or nonfortified beverage with or without anthelmintic therapy. Data on hemoglobin level, urinary iodine excretion (UIE) level, physical fitness, and cognitive performance were collected at baseline and at 16 weeks post-intervention.

Field based evidence of enhanced healthcare utilization among persons insured by micro health insurance units in Philippines.

Underutilization of healthcare is common among rural and low-income population segments in countries with lower income or inequitable income distribution. Micro health insurance units (MIUs) are created by informal sector groups because people cannot access health insurance or are dissatisfied with the programmes they can access. The policy choice to support MIUs relies on evidence that affiliation with these schemes increases healthcare utilization.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose as part of a multi-component therapy among non-insulin requiring type 2 diabetes patients: a meta-analysis (1966-2004).

Objective: To determine if therapeutic management programs that include self-monitoring of blood glucose result in greater HbA1c reduction in non-insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes patients compared to programs without blood glucose self-monitoring.

Research Design And Methods: Electronic databases including MEDLINE (1966-2004), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE (1950-2004), Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) and the Online Index Journals of the American Diabetes Association (ADA 1978-2004) were searched. Personal collections of investigators were also explored.

HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.

HIV/AIDS has not yet caused a widespread epidemic in the Philippines. Rates in all the usual risk groups (sex workers, men who have sex with men, STD clients, returning overseas workers, etc.) have remained below 1%, except in a few areas, where they are still only 1-2% in some risk groups.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the impacts on infection and morbidity attributable to three chemotherapy schemes against Schistosoma japonicum in hyperendemic areas of the Dongting Lake region, China.

A study was carried out in 8 villages endemic with S. japonicum in Hunan Province, China from 1998 to 2000 to evaluate the cost-effectiveness in preventing schistosome infection and related morbidity under three chemotherapy schemes: (1) 'clue' chemotherapy, consisting of treatment to those with contact with infected water and/or symptoms of infection; (2) 'mass' chemotherapy-treatment to all the villagers except those not able to take praziquantel; and (3) 'screen' chemotherapy-treatment prescribed to the stool egg positive cases after Kato-Katz examination. An itemized cost menu was used to estimate the cost incurred to each scheme, from the perspective of the health care provider.