Experience Of Loss Research Articles

Experience of Personal Loss Due to Drug Overdose Among US Adults

Since 1999, over 1 million people have died of a drug overdose in the US. However, little is known about the bereaved, meaning their family, friends, and acquaintances, and their views on the importance of addiction as a policy priority. To quantify the scope of the drug overdose crisis in terms of personal overdose loss (ie, knowing someone who died of a drug overdose) and to assess the policy implications of this loss. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationally representative survey of US adults (age ≥18 years), the fourth wave of the COVID-19 and Life Stressors Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being (CLIMB) study, which was conducted from March to April 2023. Respondents reported whether they knew someone who died of a drug overdose and the nature of their relationship with the decedent(s). They also reported their political party affiliation and rated the importance of addiction as a policy issue. Logistic regression models estimated the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and political party affiliation and the probability of experiencing a personal overdose loss and between the experience of overdose loss and the perceived salience of addiction as a policy issue. Survey weights adjusted for sampling design and nonresponse. Of the 7802 panelists invited to participate, 2479 completed the survey (31.8% response rate); 153 were excluded because they did not know whether they knew someone who died of a drug overdose, resulting in a final analytic sample of 2326 (51.4% female; mean [SD] age, 48.12 [0.48] years). Of these respondents, 32.0% (95% CI, 28.8%-34.3%) reported any personal overdose loss, translating to 82.7 million US adults. A total of 18.9% (95% CI, 17.1%-20.8%) of all respondents, translating to 48.9 million US adults, reported having a family member or close friend die of drug overdose. Personal overdose loss was more prevalent among groups with lower income (<$30 000: 39.9%; ≥$100 000: 26.0%). The experience of overdose loss did not differ across political party groups (Democrat: 29.0%; Republican: 33.0%; independent or none: 34.2%). Experiencing overdose loss was associated with a greater odds of viewing addiction as an extremely or very important policy issue (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.72) after adjustment for sociodemographic and geographic characteristics and political party affiliation. This cross-sectional study found that 32% of US adults reported knowing someone who died of a drug overdose and that personal overdose loss was associated with greater odds of endorsing addiction as an important policy issue. The findings suggest that mobilization of this group may be an avenue to facilitate greater policy change.

What Drives Property Insurance Demand in Croatia?

Abstract Property insurance is an important part of risk management, insurance coverage and vehicle of catastrophic losses financing. In developed countries, property insurance plays an important role in the structure of non-life premium, while in developing markets, such as Croatian, property insurance penetration is rather low. Unfortunately, the recent earthquakes in Zagreb (Croatia) and the surrounding area in 2020 have once again highlighted a large protection gap, resulting in a dominant role of government in financing catastrophic losses. The aim of this paper is to discuss and investigate the factors that determinate property insurance demand in Croatia. Using the VAR (Vector AutoRegression) methodology extended via spillover index approach, we analyse a comprehensive data set ranging from the economic, financial, social to insurance indicators. The conclusions of this research point that some of the expected drivers of insurance demand such as mortgage loans, consumer confidence and loss experience, are not important in Croatia, and that property insurance is dominantly driven by economic development.

Association between dietary fat intake and risk of polycystic ovary syndrome

To analyze the association between dietary fat intake and the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). PCOS patients treated in a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province from October 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the case group, and non-PCOS patients treated in the hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. A total of 262 subjects were included in the study, 131 were included in the case group and 131 in the control group. A semi-quantitative dietary frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the dietary intake in the past year, and the daily intake of various fatty acids and the ratio of fatty acid energy supply were calculated according to the food intake. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between dietary fat intake and the risk of PCOS. The dietary intakes of total fat, fatty acid, saturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid in PCOS patients were higher than those in control group(P&gt;0.05), and there was statistical significance in daily intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid between two groups(P&lt;0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors such as long-term residence, occupation, family per capita monthly income, menstrual cycle regularity, menstrual volume, and weight loss experience, Logistic regression analysis showed that the ratio of fat supply to energy was positively correlated with the risk of PCOS(OR=1.622, 95%CI 1.237-2.127). The energy supply ratio of monosaturated fatty acids(OR=0.597, 95%CI 0.373-0.955) and polyunsaturated fatty acids(OR=0.585, 95%CI 0.372-0.921) were negatively correlated with the risk of PCOS(P&lt;0.05). The energy supply ratio of fat was positively correlated with the risk of PCOS, while the energy supply ratio of monosaturated fatty acids and the energy supply ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids were negatively correlated with the risk of PCOS.

IDENTIFYING THE CURRENT PRACTISE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ADVICE GIVEN TO WOMEN FOLLOWING A MISCARRIAGE AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Miscarriage is the most common adverse pregnancy outcome, with up to 36% of women reporting a miscarriage by 40-45 years old. While physical activity is known for its benefits on physical and mental health in various population, the evidence in women following a miscarriage is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify current practice and advice on physical activity following a miscarriage, assess current physical activity levels and to identify women’s attitudes to physical activity following a miscarriage. Women’s willingness to participate in future studies on the benefits of physical activity following miscarriage was also examined. METHODS A cross-sectional survey consisting of 21 questions across 5 subsections including demographics, pregnancy loss experience, physical activity advice, physical activity participation and research participation was used. Participation was opened to all Australian women who had ever experienced a miscarriage. RESULTS A total of 77 surveys were complete and suitable for analysis. Most participants (82%, n=63) reported receiving no physical activity guidance following their miscarriages and said they would like physical activity advice specific to their experiences (84%, n=65). The proportion of women who do not meet the recommended physical activity guideline increase from pre-pregnancy (32%) to following a miscarriage (83%) and continues to be higher (58%) than it was pre-pregnancy. The most frequently identified barriers to physical activity was feeling mentally/emotionally unprepared (34%, n=51). Majority of participants (68%, n=52) were willing to participate in future studies on the benefits of physical activity for women post-miscarriage. CONCLUSION This study strongly supports the need for further research into appropriate physical activity guidelines for women following a miscarriage. There is a clear unmet need in this population who are being disadvantaged by the current lack of support and guidance.

A Retrospective Comparison of Phaco-tube vs. Phaco-trabeculectomy in Glaucoma Patients

PurposeTo compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with Baerveldt implantation (phaco-tube) or trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) (phaco-trab) in patients without prior incisional ocular surgery. DesignSingle-center, retrospective, comparative case series. ParticipantsA total of 90 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 45 patients in the phaco-tube group and 45 patients in the phaco-trab group. MethodsEligible patients were identified using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the rate of surgical failure (IOP ≤5 mmHg or >21 mmHg or reduced <20% from baseline on two consecutive study visits after 3 months, reoperations for glaucoma, or experienced loss of light perception vision). Patients who had successful surgical outcomes without use of glaucoma medications were classified as complete successes, while those that used glaucoma medications were classified as qualified successes. Secondary outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), visual field mean deviation (VFMD), intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use, and complications. ResultsThe cumulative probability of failure was 6.7% in the phaco-tube group and 32.8% in the phaco-trab group after 3 years (P= 0.005; Restricted Mean Survival Time = 5.9 months, 95% CI = 1.4 to 10.4 months). IOP was 13.1 ± 3.4 mmHg in the phaco-tube group and 13.3 ± 6.2 mmHg in the phaco-trab group at 3 years (P= 0.90), and the number of glaucoma medications was 2.6 ± 1.5 in the phaco-tube group and 1.7 ± 1.3 in the phaco-trab group (P= 0.015). LogMAR VA was 0.39 ± 0.58 in the phaco-tube group and 0.43 ± 0.73 in the phaco-trab group at 3 years (P= 0.82) and VFMD was -18.3 ± 9.0 dB in the phaco-tube group and -14.1 ± 7.0 dB in the phaco-trab group (P= 0.16). Postoperative complications developed in 21 patients (47%) in the phaco-tube group and 15 patients (33%) in the phaco-trab group (P= 0.28). ConclusionsPhaco-tubes had a significantly lower rate of surgical failure compared to phaco-trabs after 3 years of follow-up. However, phaco-trabs used significantly fewer glaucoma medications at multiple postoperative timepoints and had a higher proportion of complete success.

Deprived of Adoptive Parenthood: Recognizing Prospective Adoptive Mothers’ Pre-Adoption Loss

This study examined the pre-adoption loss experienced by prospective adoptive mothers following an undesired termination of an intercountry adoption process before the child was placed in the adoptive home. The qualitative data comprised six narrative interviews with women with experience of pre-adoption loss. Based on an abductive analysis of the six cases, a typology of pre-adoption loss is proposed. The differences across the three types presented, are related to the reason for termination of the process, the expectedness and graduality of the loss, the sense of control and outcome in terms of parenthood. Further the dominant emotions and the social responses to the loss are examined. In practice, professionals need to recognize pre-adoption losses and offer appropriate counseling and support.

The Forgotten People: The Impact of Land-Loss on Chinese Farmers’ Happiness

Since the 1980s, China’s development and urbanization have led to many farmers losing their land. Most of those land-lost farmers live in urban areas. This paper uses data from the 2018 China Family Panel Study to explore the factors that impact the happiness of land-lost farmers. After controlling for eight variables from three aspects - demographic variables, socioeconomic variables, and social helping variables - it is clear that the experience of land loss hurts farmers’ happiness. This is because the experience of land loss contributes to the loss of social status and psychological health issues caused by the imbalance of low fees paid for land expropriation. The government should consider slowing down the pace of urbanization since it brings less happiness for farmers on average.

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE): how valuable and how hard? An evaluation of ALL_EARS@UoS PPIE group, 18 months on

BackgroundALL_EARS@UoS is a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group for people with lived experience of hearing loss. The purpose of the group is to share experiences of hearing loss and hearing healthcare, inform research and improve services for patients at University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service. A year after inception, we wanted to critically reflect on the value and challenges of the group. Four members of ALL_EARS@UoS were recruited to an evaluation steering group. This paper reports the evaluation of the group using the UK Standards for Public Involvement.MethodsAn anonymous, mixed-methods questionnaire was co-designed and shared with members of ALL_EARS@UoS using an online platform. The questionnaire was designed to capture satisfaction, individual feedback through free-text answers, and demographic information. Descriptive statistics have been used to express the satisfaction and demographic data. Reflexive thematic analysis has been used to analyse the free-text responses. Group engagement and activity data over time were monitored and collected.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 61% (11/18). Areas identified as strengths were ‘Communication’ and ‘Working together’. Five themes were developed from the thematic analysis; (1) Increased knowledge and awareness around the topic of hearing health for group members and wider society, (2) supporting research, (3) inclusivity within the group, (4) opportunity to make a difference for people in the future and (5) running of the group/group organisation. The data highlighted the value and challenges of PPIE. Members described feeling listened to and appreciation of being able to share experiences. Time of day and meeting format were identified as challenges as they affected who could attend the meetings. The ability to secure and maintain sufficient funding and time to support inclusive and diverse PPIE activities is a challenge for researchers.ConclusionsWe have identified how PPIE added value to both group members and researchers, emphasising the true benefit of PPIE. We have highlighted challenges we are facing and our plan to tackle these. We aim to continue to develop and sustain a group that reflects the diversity of the Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing community and of our local community.

Economic Loss and Mental Health Experiences among Flood Disaster Victims in Ghana

Economic Loss and Mental Health Experiences among Flood Disaster Victims in Ghana

Temporal binding and sense of agency in major depression.

Alterations in the experience of controlling oneself and one's environment are of high relevance to understanding the psychopathology of depression. This study investigated the relationship between Temporal Binding for action-event sequences, sense of agency, self-efficacy and symptom severity in Major Depressive Disorder. We employed the Sense of Agency Scale (SoAS) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) to assess explicit Sense of Agency and self-efficacy in a group of 42 persons diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) [20 identifying as female, 19 as male; mean age 37.8 years (± 13.3)] and 40 control persons without a psychiatric diagnosis (CG) [22 identifying as female, 20 as male; mean age 38.0 years ( ± 13.3)]. Depressive symptom severity was measured using the BDI-II. We additionally performed a temporal binding paradigm as a potential correlate to Sense of Agency. Participants partook in a time estimation task judging three intervals (250ms, 450ms, 650ms) while either observing or causing stimulus presentations. The underestimation of intervals following intentional actions causing stimulus presentations (compared to merely observing the stimulus presentation) is interpreted as temporal binding. SoAS scores demonstrated an inverse correlation with depressive symptoms (CG: p=.032, R2=.113; MDD: p<.001, R2=.260) and a positive correlation with GSE scores (CG: p<.001, R2=.379; MDD: p<.001, R2=.254). We found distinct differences in temporal binding between healthy participants and the Major Depressive Disorder group without significant correlation between temporal binding and the SoAS or GSE scores. The data suggest group differences in time estimation particular pertaining to time intervals involving intentional action and increasingly complex multisensory stimuli. We investigated parameters of subjective control, namely Sense of Agency and Self Efficacy. Here, we were able to reveal their inverse relationship with depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder, highlighting a profound experience of loss of control with increasing symptom load. Deficits in experiencing control, particularly involving intentional motor actions (and more complex multisensory stimuli), appear to be more pronounced in Major Depressive Disorder, involving not only negative self-efficacy expectations but also an altered Sense of Agency and temporal binding. Temporal binding and SoAS scores did not correlate, adding to the growing evidence that the two measures may not be directly related. We propose that future research be directed at this contiguous relationship between Sense of Agency and Self Efficacy in Major Depressive Disorder.

Experiences of Parenting an Autistic Individual During Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood in the Indian Context: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Background and aims: The needs of autistic individuals and their families are unique in each developmental phase, but this diversity is more palpable during adolescence. Literature generally presents a view that caregivers experience challenges in caring for autistic children, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where formal support services are uneven or unavailable. The present study explored the lived experiences of parents of autistic adolescents in the Indian context. Methods: In-depth interviews with 12 parents were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results: Three superordinate themes were derived: (a) Acceptance alongside recurring experiences of grief and loss, (b) post-traumatic growth and vicarious transformation, and (c) What after me? Planning for future care services with limited systemic support. Beginning with the initial recognition and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, parents progressed through a series of experiences that strengthened and challenged their understanding and aided in their acceptance. Parents recognize their adolescents’ key attributes, growth, development, and persisting differences that could contribute to future challenges. Grief experiences, however, sporadic, persisted alongside acceptance. Conclusion: Despite challenges, families were adapting to the changing needs of the developmental phases in unique ways, with or without formal support available to them. Nonetheless, there is a considerable need to address the existing gaps and felt needs of parents, focusing on empowering parents and capacity building toward providing comprehensive services to autistic individuals with a lifespan approach.

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss.

Burnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. Despite rapid growth of research in this area, the wellbeing of individuals who work and/or volunteer in zoo settings has received minimal attention. An anonymous online survey was created to evaluate zoo staff and volunteers' experiences of animal-related loss, rates of professional fulfillment and burnout, mental health, perceived organizational support, and resilience. Participants included 1695 zoo professionals (72% ACHPs, 20% other staff) and volunteers (7%) who were recruited through relevant professional listservs and online platforms, and flyers on zoo grounds. ACHPs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death (80%) and anticipated loss (74%), with more than half of these losses occurring within the past 3 months. ACHPs' reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout-yet only 17% of participants in our sample indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual. Our findings suggest that many ACHPs are struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and low rates of professional fulfilment and perceived organizational support. We recommend that zoos develop organizational plans that foster a culture which normalizes and validates grief/loss experiences and is proactive in responding to animal loss, related trauma, and other occupational stressors. The results of this research demonstrate the need for systemic changes within the zoo industry, for the betterment and welfare of both humans and the animals under their care.

Experıences of loss and theır management by ınformal caregıvers ın the communıty. Perceıved Qualıty of Lıfe of people wıth chronıc dıseases

Background: Informal caregivers play a vital role in caring for patients with chronic illnesses, but this care can significantly affect their mental health and well-being, particularly after the loss of the patient. Due to the significance of the issue and limited research in the field, it is important to identify factors associated with the mental health of informal caregivers. Method and Material: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of loss and their management by informal caregivers of people with chronic diseases. Specifically, it evaluated the relationship between experiences of loss and (1) mental health and (2) socio-demographic characteristics of informal caregivers. A quantitative survey was conducted on a sample of 98 informal caregivers of patients with chronic diseases, using the Core Bereavement scales BEQ-24 and DASS-21. Results: The data analysis revealed that 25.5% of informal caregivers were prepared to experience loss, while only 12.2% sought psychological support to manage their experiences. Informal caregivers often experienced loss with sadness, loneliness, and nostalgia while recalling memories with the deceased patient. Fewer caregivers experienced guilt, self-blame, and anger or sought to fulfill their emotional and existential needs. The study also found that experiences of loss were associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in informal caregivers of people with chronic diseases. Conclusions: The study underscores the impact of caring for patients with chronic illnesses on mental health and wellbeing of informal caregivers, particularly after the loss of the patient. The results highlight the need for interventions to support informal caregivers.

Experiences of pregnancy loss in Israeli first-time expecting fathers: A qualitative study.

Experiences of pregnancy loss in Israeli first-time expecting fathers: A qualitative study.

Job Loss During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract: Massive involuntary job loss is one of the most damaging consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a distressful life event, studies revealed how it can adversely impact one’s well-being, especially when challenges are unmanaged. Using phenomenology as its theoretical lens, this study aimed to provide an understanding of the experiences of sudden job loss among 12 Filipino migrant workers through semistructured online interviews. In particular, it explored the difficulties, coping mechanisms, and critical resources that enabled them to deal with the transition from being substantial income earners to jobless individuals. The analysis underscored the need for a concerted response, especially at the government level, to help mitigate the adverse psychological and economic impact of unemployment among migrant workers.

ASL Spelling Detection Using Deep Learning

Abstract: Understanding American Sign Language is a difficult task for anyone who wish to communicate with the deaf and dumb. It creates a gap between people. This paper introduces a finger spelling recognition system designed to help bridge that gap. Our system uses a camera and specialized CNN architecture to understand hand gestures that represent letters. This approach offers a few key benefits: it uses the familiar alphabet, can be learned quickly, and works for people with different levels of hearing loss or sign language experience. This technology has the potential to make communication much easier for many people, especially in situations where spoken words or traditional signs might not be the best option. It detects the ASL alphabets and constructs words and sentences, also known as Finger-Spelling

Consequences of Nephrotic Proteinuria and Nephrotic Syndrome after Kidney Transplant.

Proteinuria is the main predictor of kidney graft loss. However, there is little information regarding the consequences of nephrotic proteinuria (NP) and nephrotic syndrome (NS) after a kidney transplant. We aimed to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of kidney recipients with nephrotic-range proteinuria and compare the graft surveillance between those who developed NS and those who did not. A total of 204 patients (18.6% of kidney transplants in the study period) developed NP, and 68.1% of them had NS. Of the 110 patients who underwent a graft biopsy, 47.3% exhibited ABMR, 21.8% the recurrence of glomerulonephritis, 9.1% IFTA, and 7.3% de novo glomerulonephritis. After a median follow-up of 97.5 months, 64.1% experienced graft loss. The graft survival after the onset of NP declined from 75.8% at 12 months to 38% at 5 years, without significant differences between those with and those without NS. Patients who developed NS fewer than 3 months after the onset of NP exhibited a significantly higher risk of death-censored graft loss (HR: 1.711, 95% CI: 1.147-2.553) than those without NS or those with late NS. In conclusion, NP and NS are frequent conditions after a kidney transplant, and they imply extremely poor graft outcomes. The time from the onset of NP to the development of NS is related to graft survival.

A crisis in the life course? Pregnancy loss impacts fertility desires and intentions

BackgroundAn unintended spontaneous termination of a pregnancy can be a traumatic experience affecting the subsequent life course, but has received little attention in socio-demographic studies on fertility intentions or behavior. The theoretical background of our study draws on considerations from life course research, the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behavior framework. ObjectiveThis study investigates whether the experience of pregnancy loss changes the fertility desires and intentions of women in their subsequent life course. MethodsWe use 11 waves of the Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam) with 5197 women in total, of which 281 women (5.4%) reported a miscarriage. Data have been collected annually in Germany since 2008. We investigate four dependent variables capturing different indicators of the ideational dimension of fertility: Personal ideal number of children, realistic number of (additional) children, intention to have a(nother) child in the next two years and importance of having a(nother) child. We study the intrapersonal changes in these items among women after a pregnancy loss, applying linear fixed effect regression models. Controls include parity, age, partnership status, pregnancy status and the interaction of pregnancy loss with whether the woman already had children before the pregnancy loss. ResultsWe found that the importance of having a(nother) child and the intention to have a(nother) child in the next two years increase after a pregnancy loss. These patterns can only partially be explained by control variables. By contrast, an effect on the ideal number of children as well as the realistic number of children could not be found. The patterns varied, however, across age and stage in the life course, most importantly between mothers and childless women. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the effect of pregnancy loss on the subsequent life course varies across the indicators used and by duration after the pregnancy loss. Overall, they suggest that specifically the younger women in our sample might perceive pregnancy loss as a temporary crisis in their transition to motherhood, or to having another child, and as an impetus to reinforce their fertility goals, while for older respondents this might mark the end of their fertility career. Against the backdrop of rising ages at childbirth, future research on fertility and reproductive health care should pay more attention to reproductive complications and how affected women can be supported in coping with them.

Percutaneous microwave ablation: a viable local therapy for breast cancer involving the skin/nipple-areola complex?

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the treatment feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with breast cancer involving the skin/ nipple-areola complex (NAC). Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on 15 patients diagnosed with breast cancer with skin/NAC involvement between December 2017 and April 2023. Throughout hospitalization and subsequent follow-up, regular clinical examinations and comprehensive breast imaging were performed to monitor and assess treatment outcomes. ResultsThe study included fifteen patients diagnosed with breast cancer involving the skin/NAC, with a mean patient age of 60 ± 14 years (range, 33 - 86 years). The mean tumor diameter involving the skin/NAC (n=16) was 5.4 ± 3.1cm (range, 1.0 - 13.0 cm). All patients achieved technique success and technique effectiveness, as confirmed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Before MWA, four patients had breast cancer involving the skin, four had breast cancer involving NAC, and seven had both. Furthermore, five patients presented with skin ulceration/nipple loss. Following MWA, four patients developed both perilesional skin burn and nipple loss, while one patient experienced nipple loss. The median healing time was 3.7 months (range, 2 - 6 months). During a median follow-up of 33.5 months (range, 2 - 63 months), four patients experienced recurrence, and two patients died due to late-phase breast cancer and heart disease, respectively. ConclusionsUS-guided percutaneous MWA shows feasibility and efficacy for managing breast cancer involving the skin/NAC. This technique offers hope for improved therapeutic options and presents a potential alternative treatment approach for these challenging breast cancer patients.

Exploring the Role of Migration Status in Pregnancy Loss Attributions, Experiences, and Support in Australia.

While previous research has explored the impact of migration status on experiences and attributions about pregnancy loss, less common is comparative research examining similarities and differences between migrants and non-migrants. This paper reports on a cross sectional comparative study of 623 culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or non-CALD people living in Australia. Participants completed a survey that asked about experiences of pregnancy loss, support, and attributions about pregnancy loss. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of rates of pregnancy loss, though CALD participants reported greater distress following a loss. CALD participants reported greater reliance on partners and faith communities, and found healthcare professionals to be less supportive. CALD participants were more likely to attribute pregnancy loss to spiritual reasons (among others), and non-CALD participants to fetal abnormalities. The paper concludes by calling for awareness campaigns and professional upskilling to better ensure the needs of CALD communities.