scholarly journals Position of Scientific Oncological Societies Towards Biosimilar Antibodies

Breast Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Wörmann ◽  
Marianne Sinn
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Informed Consent Process ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Economic Competition ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Careful Documentation

First biosimilars of monoclonal antibodies have recently been approved in oncology. Biosimilars enable economic competition, alleviate the financial burden for insurances, and may facilitate access to these drugs in low-income countries. Biosimilars are not completely identical to the original drug. The approval of biosimilars is only partially based on results of randomized clinical studies. In the introduction phase of new biosimilars, this can lead to uncertainties for patients and physicians. Based on the current clinical data and experiences, biosimilars of monoclonal antibodies in oncology show no significant differences in pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety in comparison to the patented originals. Scientific medical societies recommend the use of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and support switching in long-term treatments. However, the use of biosimilars for off-label indications requires additional attention towards efficacy and safety. Active counselling of the patient by the treating physician is the most important step in the informed consent process, especially when switching from an original to a biosimilar. Careful documentation of the prescribed drug and enhanced pharmacovigilance are recommended for the use of biosimilars.

scholarly journals Integrated photothermal decontamination device for N95 respirators

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Muñoz ◽  
Maxime Comtois-Bona ◽  
David Cortes ◽  
Cagla Eren Cimenci ◽  
Qiujiang Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Temperature Treatment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Photothermal Treatment ◽  
Mild Temperature ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Uv C

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the COVID-19 global pandemic has infected over 25 million people worldwide and resulted in the death of millions. The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in many regions around the world, particularly in middle- and low-income countries. The shortages of PPE, such as N95 respirators, is something that will persist until an effective vaccine is made available. Thus, devices that while being easy to operate can also be rapidly deployed in health centers, and long-term residences without the need for major structural overhaul are instrumental to sustainably use N95 respirators. In this report, we present the design and validation of a decontamination device that combines UV-C & B irradiation with mild-temperature treatment. The device can decontaminate up to 20 masks in a cycle of < 30 min. The decontamination process did not damage or reduce the filtering capacity of the masks. Further, the efficacy of the device to eliminate microbes and viruses from the masks was also evaluated. The photothermal treatment of our device was capable of eradicating > 99.9999% of the bacteria and > 99.99% of the virus tested.

Private school vouchers for expanding secondary school access? The case of Tanzania

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1307-1318
Author(s):  
Donald R. Baum ◽  
Jacobus Cilliers
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Private School ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Voucher

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the current contributions of private schools to education provision in Tanzania, and to consider the feasibility of a school voucher program to contribute to the expansion of the secondary school system, compared to the alternative expansion of public secondary education. Design/methodology/approach The study offers an analysis of current educational circumstances and educational goals in Tanzania, and projects differential costs and outcomes associated with various options for expanding secondary education. Data come from two sources: a census of the private schooling market in the Morogoro Urban district, conducted as part of the World Bank’s Systems Approach for Better Education Results initiative; and Tanzania’s National Panel Survey 2010–2011. Findings For those students unable to cover the full cost of secondary education, findings suggest that a targeted private school voucher would be an efficient and equitable policy mechanism for secondary school expansion. Such an approach would ease the financial burden on government for constructing all new schools, yet assure access for the most vulnerable. Originality/value The implementation of school voucher programs is increasing in low-income countries. It is important for policy makers to carefully consider the appropriateness of this type of policy intervention for their particular educational contexts. This paper models an approach by which researchers and policymakers can assess the educational circumstances of a particular location, and determine the potential effectiveness of a private school voucher policy.

scholarly journals Impact of Medical Debt on the Financial Welfare of Middle- and Low-Income Families across China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajing Li ◽  
Chen Jiao ◽  
Stephen Nicholas ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Gong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Concentration Index ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Medical Insurance ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Medical Debt ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background: Medical debt is a persistent global issue and a crucial and effective indicator of long-term family medical financial burden. This paper fills a research gap on the incidence and causes of medical debt in Chinese low- and middle-income households. Method: Data were obtained from the 2015 China Household Finance Survey, with medical debt measured as borrowings from families, friends and third parties. Tobit regression models were used to analyze the data. The concentration index was employed to measure the extent of socioeconomic inequality in medical debt incidence. Results: We found that 2.42% of middle-income families had medical debt, averaging US$6278.25, or 0.56 times average household yearly income and 3.92% of low-income families had medical debts averaging US$5419.88, which was equivalent to 2.49 times average household yearly income. The concentration index for low and middle-income families’ medical debt was significantly pro-poor. Medical debt impoverished about 10% of all non-poverty households and pushed poverty households deeper into poverty. While catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was the single most important factor in medical debt, age, education, and health status of householder, hospitalization and types of medical insurance were also significant factors determining medical debt. Conclusions: Using a narrow definition of medical debt, the incidence of medical debt in Chinese low- and middle-income households was relatively low. But, once medical debt happened, it imposed a long-term financial burden on medical indebted families, tipping many low and middle-income households into poverty and imposing on households several years of debt repayments. Further studies need to use broader definitions of medical debt to better assess the long-term financial impact of medical debt on Chinese families. Policy makers need to modify China’s basic medical insurance schemes to manage out-of-pocket, medical debt and CHE and to take account of pre-existing medical debt.

scholarly journals Perceived burden of care and reported coping strategies and needs for family caregivers of people with mental disorders in Zimbabwe

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bazondlile D. Marimbe ◽  
Frances Cowan ◽  
Lazarus Kajawu ◽  
Florence Muchirahondo ◽  
Crick Lund
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Care Giving

Background: Mental health service resources are inadequate in low-income countries, and families are frequently expected to provide care for their relative with a mental disorder. However, research on the consequences of care giving has been limited in low-income countries, including Zimbabwe.Objective: The study explored the perceived impact of mental illness, reported coping strategies and reported needs of family members of persons diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia attending a psychiatric hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe.Methods: A purposive sample of 31 family members participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions using standardized study guides. Participants were also screened for Common Mental Disorders (CMD) using the 14-item Shona Symptom questionnaire (SSQ). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16) was used for quantitative data analysis.Results: Caregivers experienced physical, psychological, emotional, social and financial burden associated with care giving. They used both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies depending on the ill family members’ behaviours. Seeking spiritual assistance emerged as their most common way of coping. Twenty one (68%) of the caregivers were at risk of CMD and were referred to a psychiatrist for further management. Caregivers required support from health care professionals to help them cope better.Conclusion: Caregivers carry a substantial and frequently unrecognized burden of caring for a family member with mental disorder. Better support is needed from health professionals and social services to help them cope better. Further research is required to quantitatively measure caregiver burden and evaluate potential interventions in Zimbabwe.

scholarly journals Reversible Long Term Contraceptives Utilization among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Areka Town, Southern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Kastro Dake ◽  
Temesgen Lera Abiso
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Reproductive Age Group

BACKGROUND፡ In low income countries, bearing many children is the main factor affecting maternal health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization and identify factors associated with it among married women of child bearing age in Areka District in South EthiopiaMETHODS: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey involving systematically recruited 346 married women of reproductive age group. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on May 2019. We used SPSS version 25 for data entry and analyses. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to select exposure variables with crude association. Multivariate analysis was done to control for potential confounders and identify predictors of the outcome. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI)was reported, and statistical significance was declared at p<0.05.RESULTS: The prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization among married women of reproductive age group was 134(38.7%). Utilization of Reversible Long Term Contraceptives (RLTCs) was positively associated with being protestant Christian religion follower, advanced educational status, history of abortion, and having a better attitude towards reversible long term contraceptives. In other words, being housewife, being daily laborer, having no radio in the household and making fertility decisions alone were negatively associated.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RLTCs in the study area was high. Women should be empowered educationally through other alternative opportunities to formal school. In addition to electronic media, different community events and community conversations should be used to convey messages on contraceptives particularly RLTCs. Behavioral change communications would benefit women in shaping their attitudestowards RLTCs.

scholarly journals Is physiotherapy an underused approach to prevent surgery in selective musculoskeletal disorders?

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 409-413
Author(s):  
Junaid Amin ◽  
Sameer Gohir ◽  
Umer Qaiser ◽  
Ammar A Siddiqui ◽  
Freah Alshammary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Physiotherapy Intervention ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
The Cost

Objectives: The purpose of the literature review was to appraise the evidence that an early physiotherapy intervention helps to prevent the surgery in selective musculoskeletal disorders. A search of Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed was carried out utilizing the terms (“physiotherapy”, “surgery” OR “exercise, surgery” OR “rehabilitation”, “surgery”). Methods: The article titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility and included in the review. The recent literature evidently emphasized that physiotherapy has opted in selective musculoskeletal problems to avoid and delay surgeries. Results: Regardless of recommended conservative treatment option and effectiveness of physiotherapy, a massive gap can be observed between its evidence and practice. Conversely, overuse of diagnostic imaging, surgeries, and medications is present in clinical practice. In most of the clinical problems the long-term outcomes were reported the same with surgical and physiotherapy intervention. Likewise, patients can also get the advantage of better clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness with physiotherapy as compared to surgical intervention. Conclusion: The cost-effectiveness is an important factor in low-income countries where economic aspects of health care are highly considered. These advantages of physiotherapy should be considered by the clinicians, policymakers, patients, and included in the clinical guidelines. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.409-413

scholarly journals Reversible Long Term Contraceptives Utilization among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Areka town, South Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Kastro Dake ◽  
Temesgen Lera
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
South Ethiopia ◽  
Reproductive Age Group

Abstract Background: In low income countries, maternal mortality rate remains high. Bearing many children is the main factor affecting maternal health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization and identify factors associated with it among married women of child bearing age in Areka town in South Ethiopia Methods: We did a community-based cross-sectional survey involving systematically recruited 346 married women of reproductive age group. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on May 2019. We used SPSS version 25 for data entry and analyses. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to select exposure variables with a crude association. Multivariate analysis was done to control for potential confounders and identify predictors of the outcome. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported and statistical significance was declared at p <0.05.Results: The prevalence of reversible long term contraceptives utilization among married women of reproductive age group was 38.7% in the study area. Utilization of reversible long term contraceptives was positively associated with being Protestant Christian religion follower (AOR=5.33; 95% CI: 1.63, 17.40), advanced educational status (AOR=5.78; 95% CI: 1.97, 17.02), history of abortion (AOR=7.17; 95% CI: 2.81, 18.27), and having a better attitude towards reversible long term contraceptives (AOR=2.85; 95% CI: 1.46, 5.57). Whereas, being a housewife (AOR=.27; 95% CI: .09, .79) and daily laborer (AOR=.14; 95% CI: .02, .80), having no radio in the household (AOR=.40; 95% CI: .16, .99) and making fertility decisions alone (AOR=.12; 95% CI: .04, .37) were negatively associated. Conclusion: Women should be empowered educationally through other alternative opportunities to school. On top of electronic media, other alternative media should be used to convey messages on contraceptives particularly RLTCs. Behavioral change communications would benefit women in shaping their attitudes towards RLTCs.

scholarly journals THE NATURE OF INNOVATION ECO-SYSTEM OF THE WESTERN KAZAKH STATE UNIVERSITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 254
Author(s):  
Liliya Mergaliyeva
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
State University ◽  
Education Development ◽  
Frugal Innovation ◽  
Innovation Culture ◽  
New Business ◽  
The University

It was a strong belief that higher education institutions are notoriously resistant to change. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have quickly and effectively moved millions of students and educators online despite huge logistical and technological challenges. There are very few industries that have reacted in this way. In future leading universities will look for a new business model and apply disruptive innovations into the leaning process.Today is a right time for planning a long term innovation strategy. In recent years Kazakh higher education development has been accompanied by intensive economic growth and raising demand for high qualifies employers. The aim of this research is to reveal the ways of implementing high innovation and creativity approach in universities under example of Western Kazakhstan State University. This study examines the factors determining conditions for development of innovation culture across the university and industry. The methodology is based on expert interviews, reflective experiences; surveying research for innovation, incorporating the information on innovation landscape map, university infrastructure, human resources, PESTEL analysis as well as industry overview. The results show that WKSU needs frugal innovation, as it provides a new entrepreneurial landscape for companies in low-income countries with limited resources to develop innovations.

Reaping the Dividends of Globalization: A Winning Road Map

2019 ◽  
pp. 254-309
Author(s):  
Justin Yifu Lin ◽  
Célestin Monga
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
World Trade ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Global Trade ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Industrial Parks ◽  
Long Term Trends ◽  
Economic Zones

This chapter analyzes the conditions needed to design and implement successful special economic zones and industrial parks. It discusses long-term trends and fundamental issues in global trade since trade is the main source of growth for low-income countries that have limited domestic demand. In recent years the story of global trade has often been presented by some economists and development experts as a cause for concern on the export-led growth model that made possible the so-called Asian Miracle that is no longer available for poor countries in Africa or South Asia. But statistics appear to show a turning tide: the value of world merchandise exports rose from $2.03 trillion in 1980 to $18.26 trillion in 2011, equivalent to 7.3 percent growth per year on average in current dollar terms according to WTO trade statistics. But from 2012 to 2014, world trade growth averaged only 2.2 percent, well below the average for the proceeding 20-year period. This has raised the question whether the same shaping factors that have given rise to today's global trade system are likely to continue in the medium and long term.

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