Are clinical trial data shared sufficiently today? No
by Ben GoldacreA useful editorial by Ben Goldacre reviewing the current status of data sharing in clinical trials’
Interview with Sr Brenda Wright, clinical research nurse-turned book author/editor
by GRN coordinatorSeminar presented by the EQUATOR Network's Dr Jen de Beyer from the Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford - 11th Sept 2017
by GRN coordinatorThe Global Health Network undertook a comparative evaluation of 13 Clinical Data Management Systems to assess them for their suitability for use in Low resource settings. We now want to ask the Global Health Network users whether you could add to these findings and if you agree.
The Global Health Network roundup ECTMIH 2017 conference
by GHN_EditorsThe Global Health Network showcased its work at the recent ECTMIH 2017 conference in Antwerp. It was a pleasure to meet so many researchers working across varied areas of Global Health. Many thanks to those of you who stopped by the exhibition stand. There was a lot of interest in the network with over 250 signups for more information as well as many great conversations about our online tools and member-sites. Many of you shared some great suggestions for areas to look to develop further such as health economics and NTDs as well as ideas for new eLearning courses.
Regional faculties: building capacity for research
by Glory Oluwagbenga Ogunfowokan - Regional Faculty Lead, Jackeline Alger, The Editorial TeamTo highlight the types of activities run by The Global Health Network's innovative regional faculties, and how those can raise the capacity for research, dedicated faculty leaders Glory Oluwagbenga Ogunfowokun (Nigeria) and Jackeline Alger (Honduras) have created these video interviews
Newton workshop to build data management skills and network for early career researchers
by Aileen SheehyResponding to the growing mandate for researchers to share their clinical data, WWARN is joining with partners to host a 3-day workshop in January sponsored by the British Council’s Newton Researcher Links Programme in order to develop the skills and network needed to produce high quality data capable of maximising the impact of initial findings.
Spread of Chikungunya Virus East/Central/South African Genotype in Northeast Brazil
by Costa et al., 2017Abstract We investigated an outbreak of exanthematous illness in Maceió by using molecular surveillance; 76% of samples tested positive for chikungunya virus. Genetic analysis of 23 newly generated genomes identified the East/Central/South African genotype, suggesting that this lineage has persisted since mid-2014 in Brazil and may spread in the Americas and beyond.
Basic Biostatistics Workshop Materials
by Glory Oluwagbenga Ogunfowokan - Regional Faculty Lead, Dr Abbas AdigunThe Nigerian Regional Faculty ran a workshop about Biostatistics on May 20th-21st, 2017. The workshop was well attended with 61 participants, and covered a useful range of topics. You can download the presentations from the day here.
The Range of Neurological Complications in Chikungunya Fever
by By Cerny et al. 2017Abstract Background Chikungunya fever is a globally spreading mosquito-borne disease that shows an unexpected neu- rovirulence. Even though the neurological complications have been a major cause of intensive care unit admission and death, to date, there is no systematic analysis of their spectrum available. Objective To review evidence of neurological manifesta- tions in Chikungunya fever and map their epidemiology, clinical spectrum, pathomechanisms, diagnostics, therapies and outcomes. Methods Case report and systematic review of the litera- ture followed established guidelines. All cases found were assessed using a 5-step clinical diagnostic algorithm assigning categories A–C, category A representing the highest level of quality. Only A and B cases were con- sidered for further analysis. After general analysis, cases were clustered according to geospatial criteria for subgroup analysis. Results Thirty-six of 1196 studies were included, yielding 130 cases. Nine were ranked as category A (diagnosis of Neuro-Chikungunya probable), 55 as B (plausible), and 51 as C (disputable). In 15 cases, alternative diagnoses were more likely. Patient age distribution was bimodal with a mean of 49 years and a second peak in infants. Fifty per- cent of the cases occurred in patients <45 years with no reported comorbidity. Frequent diagnoses were encephali- tis, optic neuropathy, neuroretinitis, and Guillain–Barre ́ syndrome. Neurologic conditions showing characteristics of a direct viral pathomechanism showed a peak in infants and a second one in elder patients, and complications and neurologic sequelae were more frequent in these groups. Autoimmune-mediated conditions appeared mainly in patients over 20 years and tended to show longer latencies and better outcomes. Geospatial subgrouping of case reports from either India or Re ́union revealed diverging phenotypic trends (Re ́union: 88% direct viral vs. India: 81% autoimmune). ConclusionsDirect viral forms of Neuro-Chikungunya seem to occur particularly in infants and elderly patients, while autoimmune forms have to be also considered in middle-aged, previously healthy patients, especially after an asymptomatic interval. This knowledge will help to identify future Neuro-Chikungunya cases and to improve outcome especially in autoimmune-mediated conditions. The genetics of Chikungunya virus might play a key role in determining the course of neuropathogenesis. With further research, this could prove diagnostically significant.
Do you have research ideas for using big data to fill gender data gaps? Announcing the Big Data for Gender Challenge! Research proposals are due on July 7, 2017
The Global Austism Network has launched the Autism Rising intiative, with a mission "to provide a global forum for support of autism... enriching the lives of people with autism, their families and their communities worldwide". They are inviting all those who are involved with ASD* to participate in a survey "to evaluate different approaches to the diagnosis of ASD, treatment options and the resources available in different communities". To learn more and participate, please click HERE. *Autism Spectrum Disorder
Scoping available resources and tools - WWARN survey
by Clifford BandaScoping available resources and tools used by investigators to set up and conduct malaria clinical trials in low and middle income countries within malaria endemic settings. Participate in the survey.
Join the MedLit Blitz online May 9th-12th
by GHN EditorsGot a burning passion for health? Ready to make a difference? Join Cochrane Crowd, their partners Mark2Cure and the collective global volunteer network for an online MedLit Blitz, May 9th-12th. Together they will create health evidence and transform biomedical discovery.
Strategies for developing sustainable health research capacity in Low and Middle Income Countries
by Sam Franzen, ClareChandler, Sisira Siribaddana, Julius Atashili, Brian Angus, Trudie LangA prospective, qualitative, multi-site study investigating the barriers and enablers to locally-led clinical trial conduct in Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Sri Lanka; here the protocol, methods and instroduction are available for readers.
This short film shows the impact of the CHAPAS trial on patient health and future possibilities of a small boy from Malawi.
This is a great video of a talk given at the Oxford Martin School by Professor Kevin Marsh.