Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching Low-Resource Settings — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3418
E. Ahmed FaridCorresponding author
GEM Tox Labs, Institute for Research in Biotechnology, 2905 South Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3123
E. Ahmed FaridCorresponding author
GEM Tox Labs, Institute for Research in Biotechnology, 2905 South Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
Isolation methods that employ readily-available inexpensive supplies on the open market, which are reliable, as well as economical, such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT) based on microfluidic technology in low-resource research settings (LRRS) that meets the ASSURED guidelines are essential to develop a noninvasive diagnostic colon cancer screen in stool using micro(mi)RNA molecules. A combination of a microfluidic-based MiRNA stool test with a reliable rolling circle amplification/detection method applied to the quantification of miRNA molecules, result in an affordable sensitive and specific isothermal method for the noninvasive quantitative detection of miRNAs in LRRS. Scientists and engineers have become interested in miRNAs, and they have intensified their efforts to apply emerging simple detection tools to the important bioanalytical challenge of quantifying these small 18-26 nt long molecules. Some of the proposed approaches incorporate novel material, such as simple centrifuges and methods based on microfluidic technology, while others utilize the interesting biological properties of these molecules, such as forming branched RCA structures, allowing for the detection of these biomarker molecules at an attomolar "aM" concentration level, using low cost extraction and isothermal amplification methods in LRRS. We have been interested in studying colorectal cancer (CRC) because it is the 3rd most common malignancy worldwide, and stool can be obtained noninvasively from the patients. We have focused in this research on colon cancer (CC) because it is more common in the USA than rectal cancer (RC). The innovation of our approach lies in the exploratory use of an affordable, quantitative miRNA profiling in noninvasive stool samples in LRRS, whose extracted fragile total RNA is stabilized shortly after excretion from stool by commercially available kits, so it does not ever fragment, followed by quantitative standardized analytical tests that are neither labor intensive, nor require expensive instrumentation, in order to develop apanel of novel miRNA genes for the noninvasive diagnostic screening of early left and right sporadic colon cancers, more economically, and with higher sensitivity and specificity than any other colon cancer screening test currently available on the market. To show the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the proposed quantitative miRNA test using simple methodologies in LRRS,the miRNA results are to be correlated with FOBT, colonoscopy, and pathology data. Standardization establishes test’s performance criteria (sample selection, optimal sample running conditions, preservation and storage), in order to ensure that the assay will perform the same way in any laboratory, by any trained personnel, anywhere in low-resource laboratory settings worldwide.
Jul 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6309
Joan NakkaziCorresponding author
Introduction Young pregnant mothers experience heightened biological, social, and economic vulnerabilities that may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in low-resource settings. Although maternal healthcare service utilization (MHCSU) improves clinical outcomes, evidence linking it to HRQoL among young mothers in Uganda remains limited. This study examined determinants of HRQoL among young pregnant mothers aged 10–24 years in Eastern Uganda, with emphasis on MHCSU. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 967 young pregnant mothers in selected districts of Eastern Uganda. The study used baseline data collected prior to randomization and implementation of any intervention. Although the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was administered in full, the present analysis utilized the global quality-of-life item (Question 1: "How would you rate your quality of life?") as the primary outcome measure. Responses ranged from very poor (1) to very good (5) and were analyzed as an ordinal outcome using ordered logistic regression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA for bivariate associations and ordered logistic regression models to assess predictors of HRQoL, all conducted at a 95% confidence level. Results Results from the bivariate analysis indicated that uptake of antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and access to postnatal care (PNC) were associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among young pregnant mothers. Mothers who attended antenatal care reported higher mean HRQoL scores compared to those who did not (2.98 ± 1.12 vs. 2.66 ± 0.96, p = .001), demonstrating that ANC utilization is positively linked to maternal well-being. Similarly, mothers who delivered with the assistance of skilled birth attendants had higher HRQoL scores than those who did not (3.00 ± 1.11 vs. 2.65 ± 0.97, p < .001), indicating the importance of skilled delivery care in improving quality of life. Access to postnatal care also showed a positive association, with mothers who received PNC services reporting higher HRQoL scores compared to those who did not (2.97 ± 1.12 vs. 2.71 ± 1.10, p = .003). Overall, these findings suggest that increased utilization of maternal healthcare services is consistently associated with improved HRQoL among young pregnant mothers. In the ordered logistic regression analysis, ANC uptake remained a statistically significant predictor of HRQoL (OR = 1.686, p < .001), indicating that mothers who accessed ANC services had approximately 1.69 times higher odds of being in better quality of life categories compared to those who did not. Similarly, skilled birth attendance was positively and significantly associated with HRQoL (OR = 1.761, p < .001), suggesting that mothers who delivered with skilled health personnel were more likely to report improved quality of life outcomes. Access to postnatal care also demonstrated a significant positive effect (OR = 1.552, p = .002), implying that mothers who received PNC services had higher odds of better HRQoL. In the multivariable model, immediate health-seeking behavior remained a significant predictor (OR = 1.411, p = .006), indicating that prompt care utilization increases the likelihood of improved well-being. Conversely, perceived quality of care was negatively associated with HRQoL; compared to mothers who perceived care as excellent, those who rated care as good (OR = 0.394, p < .001), fair (OR = 0.083, p < .001), and poor (OR = 0.077, p < .001) had significantly lower odds of reporting better quality of life. These findings highlight the critical importance of perceived care quality in shaping maternal well-being. Conclusion Maternal healthcare service utilization and positive care experiences were significantly associated with better HRQoL among young pregnant mothers. Expanding access to ANC, SBA, and PNC alongside respectful, youth-responsive care is essential to improve maternal well-being in Eastern Uganda.
Aug 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-1937.ijbt-25-5540
Harry Fon MbachamCorresponding author
The rising need for structured and efficient blood transfusion services in low-resource settings has driven the adoption of collaborative blood transfusion management systems (CBTMS). This study explores the functionality and impact of the Cornerstone University Blood Management System version 1.0 (CUBMS vs 1.0) in Cameroon. This study was an exploratory research design which used a system interface analysis, comparative case reviews from four countries, and literature synthesis, to reveal that CUBMS improves accessibility, data management, inventory control, emergency responsiveness, and community engagement. Despite infrastructural challenges in rural regions, the system can enhance efficiency, transparency, and safety in blood services. The success of CBTMS in Cameroon is linked to digital infrastructure, training, and culturally relevant community engagement. The Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon should prioritize the nationwide implementation of CBTMS, ensuring consistency in digital health tools.