Dominica State College (DSC) is a national college in Stockfarm, Dominica. It is an amalgamation of The Technical College, The Dominica Teachers Training College, The Sixth Form College, and The Princess Margaret Hospital School of Nursing, through the Dominica State College Act of 2002. DSC is the largest educational institution in Dominica by active student population. DSC offers courses in Arts, Applied Arts, Business, Health, Hospitality, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Tourism, and General Studies to its active student population of approximately 1400.
Small island developing states (SIDS) experience some of the highest cancer mortality rates worldwide. These high rates are thought to be attributed to features inherent to SIDS e.g. the frequent need to travel overseas for cancer care. Previous cancer control efforts were done in silos and failed to fully address this disproportionate mortality with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). We present lessons learnt from a new model for inter-disciplinary research on cancer control in the OECS. From Jan 2023–Sept 2024, the Vaughan A. Lewis Institute for Research & Innovation (Saint Lucia) established a project steering committee (PSC) for the CaSIDEC study. CaSIDEC is an epidemiological study on the impact of overseas travel on cancer care in the SIDS of the Eastern Caribbean. OECS residents and nationals from the diaspora were invited to the PSC based on expertise and influence in the OECS. The PSC functions as a “think tank” aiming to fill critical gaps in evidence- based policy in regional cancer control. With regional policymakers, our PSC addresses 3 areas, (1) collection of new data, (2) analysis of existing regional data and synthesis of scientific evidence, and (3) translation of our study findings to change practice at different levels. After 3 virtual meetings, we identified common objectives among members and agreed on a vision and a governance structure. Our group comprises the 18 co-investigators of the CaSIDEC study (7 researchers, 4 cancer survivors, 4 specialist clinicians, 6 cancer support groups, 3 senior technical representatives from the Ministries of health), 2 research assistants and a graduate student. Every trimester, we hold interactive teleconferences to promote new perspectives on cancer related issues across the OECS. We commenced interviews for the CaSIDEC study (n = 5) to pilot our data collection protocols. We also produced a manuscript reviewing the cancer control initiatives in the Eastern Caribbean to present at a regional conference. We are currently brainstorming on strategies to accelerate changes in policy within the OECS. Creating a think tank that leverages CaSIDEC’s PSC has contributed to the first steps in building significant infrastructure to enhance innovation in cancer control in the OECS. Our model facilitates synergism among diverse stakeholders for participatory research on cancer care across 6 SIDS while simultaneously stimulating knowledge translation. Aviane Auguste, Yvonne Alexander-Akins, Eunetta Bird, Ariane Duncan, Owen Gabriel, Celine Heskey, Lyndelle LeBruin, Janielle P. Maynard, Marcus Natta, Sonia Nixon, Dorothy Phillip, Jacqui Quinn, Nick Shillingford, Steve D. Whittaker, Tami Williams, Hanybal Yazigi, Stephen B. Johnson, Asia Blackman, Tricia Black, Lindonne Telesford. A Think Tank Approach for Inter-Disciplinary Research in Small Island States to Address Gaps in Cancer Control [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 45.
Background: Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the kidney, with significant renal and extrarenal complications. Despite progress in the management of Alport syndrome, effective treatment options are limited. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding potential therapeutic interventions for Alport syndrome. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The eligibility criteria included studies involving patients with Alport syndrome undergoing interventions such as bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, or losartan. Both randomized control trials and non-randomized clinical trials were considered. Key outcomes were changes in renal function parameters and disease progression. Study selection, data extraction, and synthesis were conducted according to standard systematic review guidelines. Results: A total of 137 studies were identified initially, with four studies meeting the eligibility criteria. These studies collectively included 313 patients with a mean age range of 8.8 to 39.2 years. Three pharmacological interventions were evaluated - bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, and losartan. All demonstrated beneficial impacts on kidney function parameters. Bardoxolone methyl and ramipril showed potential in slowing disease progression, while losartan significantly lowered proteinuria. An additional finding was that the severity of the genetic variant of the disease might impact disease progression and treatment outcomes. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review suggest that bardoxolone methyl, ramipril, and losartan may offer promising interventions for managing Alport syndrome, potentially slowing disease progression and improving kidney function. However, the need for larger, more rigorous trials is evident to substantiate these findings and to explore the impact of genetic variant severity on disease progression and treatment response. This review underscores the importance of continued research efforts in improving therapeutic strategies and personalizing treatment for patients with Alport syndrome.
Background: Homelessness has become a complex issue with profound impacts on society. Social determinants like housing significantly impacts human well-being in numerous ways, ranging from physical safety to appropriate access to necessities such as healthy food options and medical care. This research seeks to delve deeper into understanding how being homeless can affect mental health outcomes. Methodology: A literature review conducted following a systematic method was integral to our research process. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, utilizing a combination of keywords related to homelessness, mental health, and their impact. Results: The reviewed studies consistently highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among homeless individuals, ranging from depression, suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, and Schizophrenia. The evidence highlights the complex relationship between homeless status and psychological well-being, noting that lack of secure housing can trigger and exacerbate mental illness. Conclusion: This review emphasizes the significance of providing homeless individuals with essential mental health aid and secure housing accommodations cannot be underscored enough. By recognizing the relationship between homelessness and mental health, society can work towards implementing effective strategies that promote recovery and social inclusion for this vulnerable population.
Gastric volvulus is a rare condition characterized by abnormal twisting or rotation of the stomach.It is a medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and intervention to prevent potential severe complications [1].In this case of gastric volvulus in a 31-year-old female who presented with acute onset severe abdominal pain, the patient underwent prompt diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention, resulting in a successful outcome.
