Objectives: Sarcopenia is a decline in skeletal muscle mass and function. It is associated with adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Sarcopenia is also reported to be prevalent in the hip fracture population. Our aims in this study are to compare the hormonal profile in women with hip fracture to controls, and to assess the relationship between hormonal biomarkers to skeletal muscle mass and function in these women. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed enrolling women above age 60 years old with hip fracture as a study group. For comparison healthy women from the community were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for analysis of hormonal profiles. Measures of skeletal muscle mass and function by muscle area on computed tomography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and grip strength was performed. Results: A high proportion of sarcopenic individuals were detected in the hip fracture group (60%).Women with hip fracture compared to controls were older (P ¼ 0.073), had lower serum albumin levels (P < 0.001), serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (P < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor binding protein À3 (IGFBP-3) (P < 0.001), free testosterone levels (P ¼ 0.001), and impaired beta cell function by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA beta) (P ¼ 0.038). Conclusions There is a high proportion of sarcopenic individuals in the hip fracture group. Lowered serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, HOMA beta cell function, and free testosterone levels were detected in this group and may serve as potential biomarkers of sarcopenia.

Peripheral blood smear microscopy still remains the gold standard for diagnosing malaria and trypanosomiasis. Microscopy is a labor-intensive process and requires great amount of skill to accomplish. Even though cheap and easy to perform, it still has several limitations. This hinders the microscopist in identifying protozoan structure or differentiating species from one another. Considering these factors in the performance of microscopic examination, it is crucial to identify new strategies for parasite identification and species differentiation. Innovations in clinical enzymology, immunodiagnostics, and molecular technology would be of help in resolving the problem. This study mainly focused on the possible role of clinical enzymes in malaria and trypanosomiasis diagnosis. Enzymes play a vital role in parasite physiology and metabolism. They enable the parasite to survive inside the living host by initiating different metabolic cycles. These enzymes can either be expressed on the surface of the protozoa or excreted in the extracellular environment. Lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, and glutamate dehydrogenase were the significant enzymes associated with pathogenic Plasmodium spp. Other malarial enzymes were also identified but further validation is still required to establish their use as diagnostic biomarkers. Whereas, the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase was identified as significant for diagnosing and differentiating Trypanosoma spp. Analysis of these enzymes can be used as alternative means for microscopy in parasite identification and differentiation. Application of these enzymes as immunologic markers in various diagnostic test kits should be further evaluated.

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, face mask wearing was mandated in Port Moresby in July 2020, but compliance was observed to be low. We aimed to determine the frequency of face mask wearing by the general public in Papua New Guinea under the mask mandate. Methods: To estimate compliance with the mandate, we analysed photographs of people gathering in Port Moresby published between 29 September and 29 October 2020. Photo-epidemiology was performed on the 40 photographs that met pre-defined selection criteria for inclusion in our study. Results: Among the total of 445 fully visible photographed faces, 53 (11.9%) were observed wearing a face mask over mouth and nose. Complete non-compliance (no faces wearing masks) was observed in 19 (4.3%) photographs. Physical distancing was observed in 10% of the 40 photographs. Mask compliance in indoor settings (16.4%) was higher than that observed in outdoor settings (9.8%), and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). Mask compliance was observed in 8.9% of large-sized gatherings (>30 people), 12.7% of medium-sized gatherings (11–30 people) and 25.0% of small-sized gatherings (4–10 people; photographs with <4 people were excluded from analysis). Discussion: We found very low population compliance with face mask mandates in Papua New Guinea during the pre-vaccine pandemic period. Individuals without face coverings and non-compliant with physical distancing guidelines are considered to be in a high-risk category for COVID-19 transmission particularly in medium- and large-sized gatherings. A new strategy to enforce public health mandates is required and should be clearly promoted to the public.