Monthly Archives: August 2019

The value of bioethical research: A qualitative literature analysis of researchers’ statements

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PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 3 Aug 2019]

The value of bioethical research: A qualitative literature analysis of researchers’ statements
Marcel Mertz, Tobias Fischer, Sabine Salloch
Research Article | published 29 Jul 2019 PLOS ONE
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220438
Abstract
Introduction
Value and waste in preclinical and clinical research projects are intensively debated in biomedicine at present. Such different aspects as the need for setting objectives and priorities, improving study design, quality of reporting, and problematic incentives of the academic reward system are addressed. While this debate is also fueled by ethical considerations and thus informed by bioethical research, up to now, the field of bioethics lacks a similar extensive debate. Nonetheless, bioethical research should not go unquestioned regarding its scientific or social value. What exactly constitutes the value of bioethical research, however, remains widely unclear so far.
Methods
This explorative study investigated possible value dimensions for bioethical research by conducting a qualitative literature analysis of researchers’ statements about the value of their studies. 40 bioethics articles published 2015 in four relevant journals (The American Journal of Bioethics, Bioethics, BMC Medical Ethics and Journal of Medical Ethics) were analyzed. The value dimensions of “advancing knowledge” (e.g. research results that are relevant for science itself and for further research) and “application” (e.g. increasing applicability of research results in practice) were used as main deductive categories for the analysis. Further subcategories were inductively generated.
Results
The analysis resulted in 62 subcategories representing a wide range of value dimensions for bioethical research. Of these, 45 were subcategories of “advancing knowledge” and 17 of “application”. In 21 articles, no value dimensions related to “application” was found; the remaining 19 articles mentioned “advancing knowledge” as well as “application”. The value dimensions related to “advancing knowledge” were, in general, more fine-grained.
Conclusions
Even though limitations arise regarding the sample, the study revealed a plethora of value dimensions that can inform further debates about what makes bioethical research valuable for science and society. Besides theoretical reflections on the value of bioethics more meta-research in bioethics is needed.

Home remedy use and influenza vaccination among African American and white adults: An exploratory study

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Preventive Medicine
Volume 125 Pages 1-80 (August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-medicine/vol/125/suppl/C

 

Research article Abstract only
Home remedy use and influenza vaccination among African American and white adults: An exploratory study
Jessica L. Gleason, Amelia Jamison, Vicki S. Freimuth, Sandra Crouse Quinn
Pages 19-23

A proof of concept for structure-based vaccine design targeting RSV in humans

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Science
02 August 2019 Vol 365, Issue 6452
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl
Special Issue – CRISPR in China

 

Reports
A proof of concept for structure-based vaccine design targeting RSV in humans
By Michelle C. Crank, Tracy J. Ruckwardt, Man Chen, Kaitlyn M. Morabito, Emily Phung, Pamela J. Costner, LaSonji A. Holman, Somia P. Hickman, Nina M. Berkowitz, Ingelise J. Gordon, Galina V. Yamshchikov, Martin R. Gaudinski, Azad Kumar, Lauren A. Chang, Syed M. Moin, Juliane P. Hill, Anthony T. DiPiazza, Richard M. Schwartz, Lisa Kueltzo, Jonathan W. Cooper, Peifeng Chen, Judith A. Stein, Kevin Carlton, Jason G. Gall, Martha C. Nason, Peter D. Kwong, Grace L. Chen, John R. Mascola, Jason S. McLellan, Julie E. Ledgerwood, Barney S. Graham, the VRC 317 Study Team
Science02 Aug 2019 : 505-509 Restricted Access
Human immunogenicity data confirms that a designed respiratory syncytial virus antigen elicits effective neutralizing antibodies.

 

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the health sciences: Best practice methods for research syntheses

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Social Science & Medicine
Volume 233 Pages 1-284 (July 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/social-science-and-medicine/vol/233/suppl/C

 

Review article Abstract only
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the health sciences: Best practice methods for research syntheses
Blair T. Johnson, Emily A. Hennessy
Pages 237-251
Highlights
:: Rigorous systematic reviews are best able to reach trustworthy claims.
:: Registering systematic review methods in advance helps to reduce bias.
:: PRISMA standards help to improve systematic review reporting.
:: Yet, following PRISMA does not guarantee a rigorous systematic review.
:: Other methodological standards for conducting systematic reviews should also be followed.

Predicting intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccination using Protection Motivation Theory

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Social Science & Medicine
Volume 233 Pages 1-284 (July 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/social-science-and-medicine/vol/233/suppl/C

 

Short communication Abstract only
Predicting intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccination using Protection Motivation Theory
Mathew Ling, Emily J. Kothe, Barbara A. Mullan
Pages 87-92

Communication around HPV vaccination for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic scoping overview of systematic reviews

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Systematic Reviews
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles
[Accessed 3 Aug 2019]

 

Research
Communication around HPV vaccination for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic scoping overview of systematic reviews
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes cervical cancer. More than 80% of those diagnosed with cervical cancer live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization recommends vac…
Authors: Hakan Safaralilo Foss, Ann Oldervoll, Atle Fretheim, Claire Glenton and Simon Lewin
Citation: Systematic Reviews 2019 8:190
Published on: 1 August 2019

Clinical trials in low‐resource settings: the perspectives of caregivers of paediatric participants from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya

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Tropical Medicine & International Health
Volume 24, Issue 8 Pages: i-iv, 933-1030 August 2019
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/13653156/current

 

Open Access
Clinical trials in low‐resource settings: the perspectives of caregivers of paediatric participants from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya
Machteld van den Berg, Bernhards Ogutu, Nelson K. Sewankambo, Sonja Merten, Nikola Biller‐Andorno, Marcel Tanner
Pages: 1023-1030
First Published: 19 June 2019
Abstract
Objectives
Vaccine clinical trials in low‐resource settings have unique challenges due to structural and financial inequities. Specifically, protecting participant and caregiver autonomy to participate in the research study can be a major challenge, so understanding the setting and contextual factors which influence the decision process is necessary. This study investigates the experience of caregivers consenting on behalf of paediatric participants in a malaria vaccine clinical trial where participation enables access to free, high‐quality medical care.
Methods
We interviewed a total of 78 caregivers of paediatric participants previously enrolled in a phase II or III malaria vaccine clinical trial in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Interviews were qualitative and analysed using a thematic framework analysis focusing on the embodied caregiver in the political, economic and social reality.
Results
Caregivers of participants in this study made the decision to enrol their child based on economic, social and political factors that extended beyond the trial into the community and the home. The provision of health care was the dominant reason for participation. Respondents reported how social networks, rumours, hierarchal structures, financial constraints and family dynamics affected their experience with research.
Conclusions
The provision of medical care was a powerful motivator for participation. Caregiver choice was limited by structural constraints and scarce financial resources. The decision to participate in research extended beyond individual consent and was embedded in community and domestic hierarchies. Future research should assess other contexts to determine how the choice to participate in research is affected when free medical care is offered.

Meeting report: Convening on the influenza human viral challenge model for universal influenza vaccines, Part 1: Value; challenge virus selection; regulatory, industry and ethical considerations; increasing standardization, access and capacity

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Conference info Open access
Meeting report: Convening on the influenza human viral challenge model for universal influenza vaccines, Part 1: Value; challenge virus selection; regulatory, industry and ethical considerations; increasing standardization, access and capacity
Bruce L. Innis, Francesco Berlanda Scorza, Jeremy S. Blum, Varsha K. Jain, … Joseph Bresee
Pages 4823-4829

Strengthening legal frameworks for vaccination: The experiences of Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Discussion Abstract only
Strengthening legal frameworks for vaccination: The experiences of Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova
Silas P. Trumbo, Dana Silver, Oxana Domenti, Hamlet Gasoyan, … Jennifer L. Gordon
Pages 4840-4847

Models to predict the public health impact of vaccine resistance: A systematic review

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Review article Abstract only
Models to predict the public health impact of vaccine resistance: A systematic review
Molly C. Reid, Kathryn Peebles, Sarah E. Stansfield, Steven M. Goodreau, … Joshua T. Herbeck
Pages 4886-4895

Acceptance and uptake of influenza vaccines in Asia: A systematic review

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Review article Abstract only
Acceptance and uptake of influenza vaccines in Asia: A systematic review
Anita Sheldenkar, Fann Lim, Chee Fu Yung, May O. Lwin
Pages 4896-4905
Vaccinations in prison settings: A systematic review to assess the situation in EU/EEA countries and in other high income countries

Vaccinations in prison settings: A systematic review to assess the situation in EU/EEA countries and in other high income countries

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Review article Abstract only
Vaccinations in prison settings: A systematic review to assess the situation in EU/EEA countries and in other high income countries
Giordano Madeddu, Hilde Vroling, Anouk Oordt-Speets, Sergio Babudieri, … Lara Tavoschi
Pages 4906-4919

The Global Vaccine Action Plan – insights into its utility, application, and ways to strengthen future plans

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Vaccine
Volume 37, Issue 35  Pages 4823-5136 (14 August 2019)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/37/issue/35

 

Research article Abstract only
The Global Vaccine Action Plan – insights into its utility, application, and ways to strengthen future plans
Michael A. Daugherty, Alan R. Hinman, Stephen L. Cochi, Julie R. Garon, … Walter A. Orenstein
Pages 4928-4936
Abstract
Background
The pace of global progress must increase if the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) goals are to be achieved by 2020. We administered a two-phase survey to key immunization stakeholders to assess the utility and application of GVAP, including how it has impacted country immunization programs, and to find ways to strengthen the next 10-year plan.
Methods
For the Phase I survey, an online questionnaire was sent to global immunization stakeholders in summer 2017. The Phase II survey was sent to regional and national immunization stakeholders in summer 2018, including WHO Regional Advisors on Immunization, Expanded Programme on Immunization managers, and WHO and UNICEF country representatives from 20 countries. Countries were selected based on improvements (10) versus decreases (10) in DTP3 coverage from 2010 to 2016.
Results
Global immunization stakeholders (n = 38) cite global progress in improving vaccine delivery (88%) and engaging civil society organizations as advocates for vaccines (83%). Among regional and national immunization stakeholders (n = 58), 70% indicated reaching mobile and underserved populations with vaccination activities as a major challenge. The top ranked activities for helping country programs achieve progress toward GVAP goals include improved monitoring of vaccination coverage and upgrading disease surveillance systems. Most respondents (96%) indicated GVAP as useful for determining immunization priorities and 95% were supportive of a post-2020 GVAP strategy.
Conclusions
Immunization stakeholders see GVAP as a useful tool, and there is cause for excitement as the global immunization community looks toward the next decade of vaccines. The next 10-year plan should attempt to increase political will, align immunization activities with other health system agendas, and address important issues like reaching mobile/migrant populations and improving data reporting systems.

From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

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From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

Journal of Religion and Health
First Online: 27 July 2019
Original Paper
Examining the Influence of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs on HPV Vaccine Uptake Among College Women
AL Best, EL Thompson, AM Adamu, R Logan, J Delva…
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is an effective mechanism to prevent HPV-associated cancers; however, uptake is low among women aged 18–26. Religiosity/spirituality is associated with sexual health decision-making. This study examined the role of religious/spiritual beliefs on HPV vaccination among college women (N=307) using logistic regression and mediation analyses. Findings indicate that sexual activity is the main factor associated with HPV vaccination; and sexual activity fully mediates the relationship between religious/spiritual beliefs and HPV vaccination. Health promotion efforts should highlight the importance of HPV vaccination regardless of current sexual activity and may benefit from partnerships with religious/spiritual organizations.

Media/Policy Watch

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Media/Policy Watch
This watch section is intended to alert readers to substantive news, analysis and opinion from the general media and selected think tanks and similar organizations on vaccines, immunization, global public health and related themes. Media Watch is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicative of themes and issues CVEP is actively tracking. This section will grow from an initial base of newspapers, magazines and blog sources, and is segregated from Journal Watch above which scans the peer-reviewed journal ecology.
We acknowledge the Western/Northern bias in this initial selection of titles and invite suggestions for expanded coverage. We are conservative in our outlook in adding news sources which largely report on primary content we are already covering above. Many electronic media sources have tiered, fee-based subscription models for access. We will provide full-text where content is published without restriction, but most publications require registration and some subscription level.

 

The Atlantic
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
Family
Are Anti-vaxxers Conscientious Objectors?
When it comes to public health, there’s a duty to make moral decisions communally.
Eula Biss, Mavis Biss
Jul 29, 201

 

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
Aug 3rd 2019 | BUTEMBO
Congo’s challenge – How do you reform a country where gunmen torch Ebola clinics?
Fighting an epidemic in a war zone is hard. But not impossible

 

Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/home/uk
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
Ebola
Why Ebola cannot be tamed in Congo
August 1, 2019

 

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
Aug 2, 2019
How Hepatitis A Is Now An Emergency In Philadelphia
Florida has declared an emergency as well. These are the states that have active Hepatitis A outbreaks.
By Bruce Y. Lee Contributor

Jul 31, 2019
National Immunization Awareness Month Faces Uphill Battle In Wealthy Areas Of U.S.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. An annual observance held to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. However, this year it feels like an oxymoron, as high-income areas of the U.S. have vaccination rates on par with low-income countries around the world.
By Nicole Fishe rContributor

 

Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

The Guardian
http://www.guardiannews.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
Africa
Uganda Begins Largest Trial of Experimental Ebola Vaccine
Researchers in Uganda have launched the largest-ever trial of the experimental Ebola vaccine that is expected to be deployed in neighboring Congo, where a deadly outbreak has killed over 1,800 people.
By The Associated Press, Aug. 2

Africa
Congo Races to Contain Ebola After Gold Miner Contaminates Several in Goma
Congolese authorities were racing to contain an Ebola epidemic on Thursday, after a gold miner with a large family contaminated several people in the east’s main city of Goma before dying of the hemorrhagic fever, officials said.
By Reuters, Aug. 2

Africa
Congo Official Says 2nd Ebola Victim in Goma Has Died
A man became the second confirmed Ebola case in the Congolese city of two million, and an official said there appeared to be no link between the case and a previous one announced earlier this month.
By The Associated Press, July 30

U.S.
U.S. Records 16 New Measles Cases as Outbreak Shows Signs of Slowing
The United States recorded 16 new measles cases between July 18 and July 25, federal health officials said on Monday, as the spread of the disease, which has infected 1,164 people this year in the worst U.S. outbreak since 1992, shows signs of slowing.
By Reuters, July 29

 

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new, unique, relevant content]

Think Tanks et al

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Think Tanks et al

Brookings
http://www.brookings.edu/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new relevant content]

 

Center for Global Development
http://www.cgdev.org/page/press-center
August 2, 2019
Committing and Allocating Ebola Financing: What’s Next for the DRC?
As the World Health Organization declares the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, new funding has been mobilized. Our experts provide four recommendations on how to spend this money well.
Carleigh Krubiner and Liesl Schnabel

 

CSIS
https://www.csis.org/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new relevant content]

 

Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.cfr.org/
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
[No new relevant content]

 

Kaiser Family Foundation
https://www.kff.org/search/?post_type=press-release
Accessed 3 Aug 2019
July 29, 2019 News Release
As the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues, new KFF explainer examines the status of the response and the limited U.S. role to date
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently declared a “public health emergency of international concern” by the WHO Director-General, is now second only to the West Africa outbreak of 2014-2015 in terms of number of cases and deaths. A new KFF explainer reviews the history…