A Precarious Paradigm: Seeking Alternatives to Public-Private Partnerships in Health, a Case for the Code

Background: Breastfeeding is an unparalleled source of nutrition for infants and young children and is recommended as the best practice universally by the World Health Organization (WHO). The benefits in human health and development that result from exclusive and sustained breastfeeding have enormous economic development potential. Because of the non-legally binding nature of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code), and shifting socio-cultural norms, breastfeeding rates are at an alarming low. In order to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, breastfeeding practices must be protected, promoted, and supported worldwide. Objective: This research paper explores implementing strong measures of accountability to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes as an alternative framework to the public private partnership model in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using the example of infant feeding as a case study in the detrimental effects of industry involvement in policy decisions. Method: An interactive research approach was used. Research was done through a literature and policy review, followed by the collection of primary data through interviews with experts in the field. Results/findings: This paper finds that the intimate involvement of corporations with the private sector is detrimental from the point of view of public health, and that Goal 17 in the SDGs has the potential to undermine the entire Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030. Conclusions: In progressing toward the Sustainable Development Goals, it is essential that alternative models to public-private partnerships be considered. Opting for more cost effective interventions, such as the implementation of the Code as national laws and the creation of a universal accountability mechanism have the potential to advance the Sustainable Development Agenda without compromising public interests. Further research must be done so as to establish a financing framework on a country-by-country basis

Investigating the use of terahertz pulsed time domain reflection imaging for the study of fabric layers of an Egyptian mummy

This paper reports the first use of terahertz time domain reflection imaging involving textiles on part of a complete human mummy, still in original wrapping. X-ray technique has been used extensively to investigate anatomical features, since X-ray pass through the wrapping. Terahertz waves, on the other hand, can penetrate into non-metallic materials and its reflection depends on the refractive index of materials at the interface, such as textiles and the air. The mummy of Kharushere (ca. 945-712 B.C.) was examined by using Terahertz time domain reflection imaging in the Egyptian galleries of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Experimental results suggest that the Terahetz imaging is a promising technique for probing the fabric layers surrounding Egyptian mummies, although it is still very limited in its current state. In the future it could become a useful complement to CT scanning when materials with low radiographic density and contrast are being investigated

Hyperthermia, radiation and chemotherapy: the role of heat in multidisciplinary cancer care.

The compelling biologic basis for combining hyperthermia with modern cancer therapies including radiation and chemotherapy was first appreciated nearly half a century ago. Hyperthermia complements radiation as conditions contributing to radio-resistance generally enhance sensitivity to heat and sensitizing effects occur through increased perfusion/tumor oxygenation and alteration of cellular death pathways. Chemosensitization with hyperthermia is dependent on the particular mechanism of effect for each agent with synergistic effects noted for several commonly used agents. Clinically, randomized trials have demonstrated benefit including survival with the addition of hyperthermia to radiation or chemotherapy in treatment of a wide range of malignancies. Improvements in treatment delivery techniques, streamlined logistics, and greater understanding of the relationship of thermal dosimetry to treatment outcomes continue to facilitate wider clinical implementation. Evolving applications include thermal enhancement of immunotherapy, targeted drug delivery and application of principals of thermal biology towards integration of thermal ablation into multimodality oncologic care