Impact of a multicomponent strategy including decentralized molecular testing for tuberculosis on mortality: planned analysis of a cluster-randomized trial in Uganda.

Background: Rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is important for improving outcomes and reducing transmission. Previous studies assessing the impact of Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), a molecular assay that provides results within 2 h, on mortality have been inconclusive. In this planned analysis of a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial in Uganda, we assessed whether a multicomponent strategy, including decentralized Xpert testing, decreased mortality among adults evaluated for TB.

Implementing the Robson Classification for caesarean sections in Pakistan: experience, challenges, and lessons learned.

The Robson Classification System is recognised as a first step for optimising the use of caesarean section and as a strategy for continuous quality improvement in maternal and newborn health. This Viewpoint provides a detailed account of the strategy adopted and lessons learned from a collaborative initiative to institutionalise the Robson Classification into Pakistan's health system. We developed a training package which emphasised capacity building of senior clinicians to act as master trainers.

Acidic process fluid from hydrothermal carbonization improves dechlorination of waste PVC and produces clean solid and liquid fuels.

Dechlorination of waste PVC (WPVC) by hydrothermal treatment (HTT) is a potential technology for upcycling WPVC in order to create non-toxic products. Literature suggests that acids can improve the HTT process, however, acid is expensive and also results in wastewater. Instead, the acidic process fluid (PF) of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of orange peel was utilized in this study to enhance the dechlorination of WPVC during HTT.

Geographical targeting of active case finding for tuberculosis in Pakistan using hotspots identified by artificial intelligence software (SPOT-TB): study protocol for a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial.

Introduction: Pakistan has significantly strengthened its capacity for active case finding (ACF) for tuberculosis (TB) that is being implemented at scale in the country. However, yields of ACF have been lower than expected, raising concerns on its effectiveness in the programmatic setting. Distribution of TB in communities is likely to be spatially heterogeneous and targeting of ACF in areas with higher TB prevalence may help improve yields.