Quality Of Life Research Articles

The Impact of Art-Based Interventions on Emotional Regulation in Chinese Children with Autism: A Drawing Therapy Approach.

The study of effective measures to improve emotional regulation and social responsiveness in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is of significant importance for the adaptation of this group of children. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a 6-month drawing therapy program on preschool-aged children with ASD. It employed a quasi-experimental design with two groups: an experimental group participating in drawing therapy and a control group receiving no intervention. Emotional regulation was assessed using pre-test and post-test measures on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). The results indicated a significant improvement in social responsiveness in the experimental group post-intervention, as evidenced by paired and independent sample t-tests, indicating statistically significant differences between pre- and post-testing scores in the experimental group, as well as between the experimental and control groups. This study concludes that art therapy can significantly enhance the emotional-social responsiveness of children with ASD, highlighting its potential for practical application in therapeutic settings. The findings suggest the necessity of incorporating drawing-based therapeutic strategies into intervention programs for children with ASD, offering meaningful opportunities to enhance their social skills and overall quality of life.

Correlates of oral health-related quality of life in a sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory joint disease that might exert significant effects on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to investigate OHRQoL in patients with RA.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study involved 228 RA patients visiting the Jundishapur Dentistry School, Ahvaz, and dental clinics in Ahvaz, south west of Iran, in 2023. Data collection instruments included a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and clinical oral examinations. The collected data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test and linear regression analysis in SPSS version 22.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.23 ± 10.83 years, and the majority were females. The DMFT index was 14.44 ± 6.63, the mean OHRQoL score was 24.72 ± 5.33, the mean general health score was 5.71 ± 2.21, and the mean disability severity score was 11.62 ± 62.11. Of all variables examined, gender, age, duration of RA, Khuzestan nativity status, smoking, anemia, hyperlipidemia, DMFT index, general health, disability, diabetes, acute kidney disease, and hypertension were significantly associated with OHRQoL(p > 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that OHRQoL is compromised in patients with RA. It is recommended that oral health receive greater attention from healthcare professionals managing RA patients and should be taken into account in daily practice of clinicians. Clinicians should develop multi-faceted care including oral health, dental health, general health and quality of life in addition to medical care for RA.

Some Social Issues Facing Workers in Vietnam Today

Workers are a core labor force, playing a significant role in the country's socioeconomic development. However, amidst the strong push for industrialization and urbanization, Vietnamese workers face many complex social issues that directly affect their quality of life, sustainable development, and the nation. These challenges include unstable employment, job shortages, housing shortages, and the lack of cultural and recreational facilities; difficulties in establishing emotional and marital relationships and maintaining family happiness; and an increasing risk of social vices. Identifying and deeply analyzing these issues is crucial to proposing appropriate solutions, improving workers’ lives, and ensuring sustainable development goals. This paper focuses on clarifying the four prominent issues mentioned above, providing a comprehensive perspective, and suggesting policy recommendations for the future.

Advances in the application of human-machine collaboration in healthcare: insights from China

In the context of the technological revolution and the digital intelligence era, the contradiction between the rising incidence of diseases and the uneven distribution of quality medical resources is highlighted, and the diagnosis and prevention of diseases, and the prognosis and management of diseases are particularly important in the current society of aging population. “Human–machine collaboration” is based on an intelligent algorithmic system that utilizes the complementary strengths of humans and machines for data exchange, task allocation, decision making and collaborative work to provide more decision support. The traditional healthcare model is highly dependent on the unified management of hospitals, which further increases the burden on the healthcare system and often makes it difficult to formulate and implement personalized and precise rehabilitation programs for patients, which seriously affects their prognosis and quality of life, and increases the risk of re-admission to hospitals. In view of this, human-computer collaboration, an innovation-driven technology, is a groundbreaking solution to the outstanding healthcare issues of today. We use the subject words “Human–machine collaboration” OR “Human-Computer Interaction” OR “HCI” AND “chronic disease” OR “Health management” OR ”Precision medicine “were searched for CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library and other Chinese and English databases to identify all relevant studies and compare their results, and finally include 68 relevant literature articles, we identified the broad application of HCI in five main areas: disease screening and treatment, health management, medical education, traditional medicine, and the integration and processing of medical data. The aim is to review the concept of human-computer collaboration, its application in global healthcare environments, and the challenges it faces, with a view to continually driving innovation in healthcare models, optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources, and providing new paradigms for the development and application of innovative technologies in healthcare.

Effects of a Cardiac Telerehabilitation Program on the Quality of Life and Functional Independence of Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a Cardiac Telerehabilitation Program on the Quality of Life and Functional Independence of Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial

Investigation of the Effect of Reiki on Pain, Fatigue, and Itching in Hemodialysis Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial.

The management of symptoms associated with hemodialysis, which adversely affect patients, increases their quality of life. Complementary integrative therapies such as Reiki are used in symptom management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Reiki on pain, fatigue, and itching in hemodialysis patients. The study had a randomized controlled design and was conducted in three dialysis centers with a total of 74 hemodialysis patients, 37 in the intervention group, and 37 in the control group. A total of 10 sessions of Reiki were administered to the patients in the intervention group twice a week for 5 weeks, while the patients in the control group received routine hemodialysis treatment. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Identification Form, the Patient Clinical Parameters Form, the Visual Analog Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Piper Fatigue Scale, and the 5-D Itch Scale. It was determined that there was a statistically significant decrease in the pain, fatigue, and itching levels of the patients in favor of the intervention group in the second and third measurements (p < 0.05). Although there was no change in the pain and fatigue levels of the patients in the control group, the levels of itching increased statistically and significantly (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that Reiki has an effect on pain, fatigue, and itching in hemodialysis patients. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05531175.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Nitric Oxide During Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Open Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Children with congenital heart defects who undergo cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery are at risk for delayed or impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes. Nitric oxide (NO) added to the CPB oxygenator may reduce systemic inflammation due to CPB and improve recovery from surgery, including improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. To investigate neurodevelopment, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and factors associated with impaired neurodevelopment at 12 months post surgery in infants who received CPB with NO or standard CPB. This double-masked randomized clinical trial was conducted in 6 centers in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands between July 19, 2017, and April 28, 2021, with a preplanned prospective follow-up 12 months postrandomization completed on August 5, 2022. The cohort included 1364 infants younger than 2 years who underwent open heart surgery with CPB for congenital heart disease. The intervention group received NO 20 ppm into the CPB oxygenator. The control group received standard CPB. The primary outcome was neurodevelopment, defined as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3) total score. Secondary outcomes were HRQOL and functional status as measured by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and modified Pediatric Overall Performance Category scores, respectively. Sensitivity analyses modeled the outcome for patients lost to follow-up. Of 1318 infants alive 12 months after randomization, follow-up was performed in 927, with 462 patients in the NO group and 465 in the standard care group (median [IQR] age at follow-up, 16.6 [13.7-19.8] months; median [IQR] time since randomization, 12.7 [12.1-13.9] months; 516 male [55.7%]). There were no differences between the NO and standard care groups in ASQ-3 total score (mean [SD], 196.6 [75.4] vs 198.7 [73.8], respectively; adjusted mean difference, -2.24; 95% CI, -11.84 to 7.36). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. Prematurity (gestational age <37 weeks), univentricular lesions, congenital syndromes, and longer intensive care unit length of stay were associated with lower ASQ-3 total scores in adjusted multivariable analyses. In this randomized clinical trial of infants with congenital heart disease, NO administered via the CPB oxygenator did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes or HRQOL 12 months after open heart surgery. Further research should explore homogenous cohorts with higher surgical risk and higher-dose or alternative therapies. ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12617000821392.

The mere-measurement effect of patient-reported outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The mere-measurement effect is the phenomenon in which subjects exposed to measurements have their perceptions and/or behaviors on the inquired topic affected simply through the act of responding. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to assess patient perspective and quality of life in clinical trials and different health care settings. This systematic literature review aims to assess what is currently known about the mere-measurement effect of PROs. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted. We included studies that provided evidence on perceptual or behavioral changes in patients as a result of exposure to questionnaire items assessing PROs. All adult participants were included regardless of demographics. Any study design was considered eligible for inclusion. The databases MEDLINE [PubMed], CINAHL [Ebsco], Web of Science and ScienceDirect were searched. The search resulted in 636 articles which led to a final extraction of nine. Overall, seven of the nine articles reported a significant main effect, i.e. presence of the mere-measurement effect. For the meta-analysis, thirteen different interventions were included. There was a one-directional, positive and significant overall risk ratio of 1.17 [CI95% 1.04;1.30]. This systematic review found significant potential for the mere-measurement effect to shape respondents' behaviors or perceptions for the better, opening the door to the possibility of engineering PROs to serve as a subtle intervention. Future considerations and directions for research are discussed.

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The aim was to analyze the effects of virtual reality-based rehabilitation (VRBR) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2023. Eligibility criteria were defined with Participants, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes, and Study design. To assess the methodological quality, the modified Downs and Black scale was used. The risk of bias was assessed through The Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. We obtained significant differences in favor of VRBR for FMS impact (standardized mean difference or SMD: -0.49; 95% confidence interval or CI: -0.72 to -0.26), pain intensity (SMD: -0.50; 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.12), fatigue (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.22), depression (SMD: -0.39; 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.23), anxiety (SMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.14), health-related quality of life (SMD: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.83), health perception (mean difference or MD:10.56; 95% CI: 6.23 to 14.88), functional exercise capacity (SMD: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.87), and physical function (MD: 10.90; 95% CI: 7.04 to 14.77). No significant differences were found for kinesiophobia. VRBR significantly improves FMS symptoms, quality of life, and physical condition. VRBR applied alone or combined with other interventions shows good results. VRBR was superior to treatment as usual. Better results were obtained when specialized VRBR was used. More research is needed to determine how to implement this treatment and to study VRBR effects on follow-up.

Reasons for veterinary performed equine euthanasia in one veterinary practice in the UK

SummaryBackgroundMost horses in the UK die by euthanasia. Euthanasia decisions are stressful for all involved, including veterinarians. There is limited research and a lack of data about the reasons for euthanasia.ObjectivesTo document the numbers and reasons for euthanasia performed by veterinary surgeons in one UK equine practice over a five‐year period.Study designRetrospective descriptive.MethodsDetails of all euthanasias performed at a first opinion equine practice and referral hospital from 2019 to 2023 were retrieved from the electronic health records. Recorded information included demographic data, reasons for euthanasia and whether the procedure was performed in ambulatory practice or at the hospital.ResultsSeven hundred and twenty‐five euthanasias were performed over 5 years. The median age was 17 years (IQR 15, range &lt;12 months–40 years). In contrast, the median age of all equine consultations performed in 2023 was 12 years (IQR 11, range 0–40 years, n = 9115). Breed distribution reflected the breed distribution of the practice. Two hundred and seventy‐five euthanasias were performed in the hospital, and 450 in the ambulatory practice. The commonest reasons for euthanasia included: colic (28.0%), lameness/orthopaedic disease/foot disease (16.4%), neurological disease (7.0%), kick wounds/fractures (6.6%), collapse/recumbency (6.3%) and old age/poor quality of life (5.9%).Main limitationsData from one practice only and likely bias due to the patient population. Variations in quality of records. Exclusion of euthanasias not undertaken by the practice.ConclusionsColic is the commonest reason for veterinary surgeons performing euthanasia. Owners' decisions to perform euthanasia in colic cases require further research but are likely to be multifactorial and include age and cost. Other common reasons include orthopaedic conditions, kick injuries, recumbency, neurological disease and old age. This data can be used in training and preparing veterinary surgeons entering equine practice.

Enhancing Frailty Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults

Introduction: Frailty poses a significant concern among older adults residing in the community, impacting their health and quality of life. This study investigated the effectiveness of the FANS in addressing frailty and enhancing health-related quality of life. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-month FANS on frailty status and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling frail older adults, and to compare the effects on fall efficacy, pain intensity, daily activities, stages of physical activity and nutrition behavior change, and satisfaction following the intervention. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the FANS among frail older adults. The intervention, based on the Transtheoretical Model, was conducted in a mixed setting, combining in-person sessions held at a community care center and remote group care delivered through the LINE app. The experimental group (n=43) received the FANS intervention, while the control group (n=38) continued with standard health promotion activities provided at the same community care center. Intention-to-treat analysis evaluated the intervention's impact. Measurements were taken before the intervention and at the 3-month and 6-month marks to assess changes in frailty status, health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities. Behavior change stages and satisfaction were monitored using the Fitness and Nutrition for Seniors Behavior Change Stages and Satisfaction Scale. Results: Within the experimental group, significant improvements were observed over time across multiple measures, indicating intra-group effects, including frailty, overall health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities. Between-group effects demonstrated statistically significant differences in daily activities. Time and group effects showed statistically significant improvements in frailty at three months and six months post-intervention. Following the intervention, a substantial percentage of participants in the experimental group progressed in behavior change stages related to physical activity and diet, with 83.72% in the action and maintenance stages for physical activity behavior change and 81.40% in those for dietary behavior change. The overall satisfaction rating for the program was 9.25 ± 0.24. Conclusion: The FANS is a feasible and innovative community health promotion initiative tailored specifically for frail older adults residing in the community, particularly during a pandemic. This program has demonstrated significant improvements in frailty status, health-related quality of life, fall efficacy, pain intensity, and daily activities among community-dwelling frail older adults. Moreover, the program has facilitated notable advancements in behavior change stages, supporting community-dwelling frail older adults in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors effectively.

Biodiversity futures: digital approaches to knowledge and conservation of biological diversity

Abstract. Biodiversity, encompassing species diversity, genetic resources, and ecosystems, is essential for human well-being and quality of life. However, the scale of human activities has significantly impacted the planet's biodiversity, with many species facing extinction in the coming decades with unknown consequences. Global commitments, such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, are not delivering consistent results, and progress on conservation has been frustratingly slow. With a short time frame to meet the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, urgent action is needed to address the crisis. Digital technologies emerge as indispensable tools in understanding, monitoring, and conserving biodiversity. They offer multiple solutions, from remote sensing to citizens involvement mediated by science apps, providing unprecedented volumes of data and innovative tools for conservation efforts. Despite their immense potential, digital solutions raise concerns about technology and data accessibility, environmental impacts, and technical limitations, as well as the need for specialized human resources, robust collaboration networks, and effective communication strategies. This paper, drawn from discussions at the Digital with Purpose Global Summit in 2023 and 2024, held in Portugal, and complemented by expert opinion and literature, reflects on existing biodiversity-related digital technologies, identifies challenges and opportunities, and proposes steps to strengthen the nexus between technology and the biodiversity agenda. By providing science and technology stakeholders with recommendations on accelerating the role of digital technologies in biodiversity knowledge and conservation, it aims to catalyse impactful change in this critical field of devising brighter futures for biodiversity and humanity.

Amputation Versus Limb-Salvage Surgery as Treatments for Pediatric Bone Sarcoma: A Comparative Study of Survival, Function, and Quality of Life

Amputation Versus Limb-Salvage Surgery as Treatments for Pediatric Bone Sarcoma: A Comparative Study of Survival, Function, and Quality of Life

The Association Between Thyrotropin and Clinically Relevant Depression: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction and mood disorders are chronic health conditions with a significant impact on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyrotropin (TSH) and clinically relevant depression (CRD) in patients with and without mood disorders, in a population-based sample. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all consecutive adults (≥18 years) who had TSH and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) within 6 months of the index visit, between October 2016 and May 2021, at the University of Utah Health. Data on demographics, hypothyroidism diagnoses, TSH, thyroid hormone replacement (THR), PHQ-9, antidepressant (AD) medications, and mood disorder diagnoses (using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes; Major depressive disorder single episode-F32, recurrent-F33, persistent mood disorder-F34, bipolar disorder-F30+F31, and mood disorder not otherwise specified-F39) were extracted electronically. CRD was defined as PHQ-9 ≥ 10. t-Test and chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Logistic regression models were formulated to evaluate the association between TSH and CRD, after adjusting for covariates. Results: The cohort included 33,138 patients, mean age 42.41 ± 16.10 years, 80.67% Caucasian, 69.10% females, and mean PHQ-9 score 10.11 ± 6.94. A total of 45.23% (n = 14,989) patients had a diagnosis of mood disorders, and 49.70% had CRD. Patients with mood disorders were more likely to be female, Caucasian, non-Hispanic/Latino, on AD, had hypothyroidism diagnoses, on thyroid medications, had higher mean PHQ-9 scores, and had CRD. TSH level was associated with an increased odds of CRD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.02, p < 0.009) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and use of THR and AD. Both the low TSH and high TSH groups showed increased odds of CRD, with respective ORs of 1.19 (CI: 1.04-1.37) and 1.26 (CI: 1.13-1.40). Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with an increase in the odds of depression. Future longitudinal cohort studies are recommended to investigate the association between thyroid function and incident depression.

Interstitial 1p36 Deletion Syndrome Encompassing &lt;i&gt;CAMTA1&lt;/i&gt; Gene: A Case Report

Deletion of chromosome 1p36 encompassed various genes; however, the role of the &lt;em&gt;CAMTA1&lt;/em&gt; gene in the 1p36 region is less investigated. We report a child with developmental delay, a history of congenital heart abnormality, self-injurious behavior, nystagmus, and facial dysmorphism. Chromosomal microarray revealed a 257.2 kb deletion of chromosome 1p36.31, with &lt;em&gt;CAMTA1&lt;/em&gt; as the only involved gene. We explore overlapping clinical features of both chromosome 1p36 deletion and &lt;em&gt;CAMTA1 &lt;/em&gt;intragenic deletion, including intellectual disability/developmental delay, behavior abnormalities, hypotonia, eye problems, and movement disorder. Based on previous studies, our case showed that haploinsufficiency in the first three exons of &lt;em&gt;CAMTA1&lt;/em&gt; in the CG-1 domain gave rise to movement disorders. Regular follow-up and rehabilitation are paramount to improving a patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, parental testing is warranted to determine parental origin and assist in reproductive and genetic counseling.

Effect of Different Level of Nano Urea on Yield, Quality and Shelf life of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) cv. Winter Dawn under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition, India

Nano fertilizers are the modern day concept of fertilizers and possess several benefits over conventional fertilizers. In very small quantity nano fertilizers have significant impact on the growth of crop. The present study consisted of 11 treatments utilising various combinations of conventional urea and nano urea, administered at varied doses and concentrations, with each treatment replicated three times in a Randomised Block Design. The main objective of the experiment was to assess the impact of varying concentrations of nano urea on the yield and quality characteristics along with shelf life of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) cv. Winter Dawn. Treatment T7 [100% PK + 60% RDN + 0.8% Nano urea (8 ml/l)] was found best with [15.69 (2022-23), 16.23 (2023-24) and 15.96 (Pooled)] number of fruits per plant, [168.57 (2022-23), 177.28 (2023-24) and 172.92 (Pooled)] g yield per plant, [55.07 (2022-23), 57.92 (2023-24) and 56.49 (Pooled)] q/ha yield per hectare, ) [11.21 (2022-23), 11.54 (2023-24) and 11.38 (Pooled)] °Brix TSS, [0.60 (2022-23), 0.49 (2023-24) and 0.55 (Pooled)] % titrable acidity, [55.14 (2022-23), 56.86 (2023-24) and 56.00 (Pooled)] mg/100g ascorbic acid, [5.80 (2022-23), 6.00 (2023-24) and 5.90 (Pooled)] % total sugar, [4.17 (2022-23), 4.26 (2023-24) and 4.22 (Pooled)] % reducing sugar, [1.54 (2022-23), 1.65 (2023-24) and 1.60 (Pooled)] % non-reducing sugar and [4.34 (2022-23), 4.38 (2023-24) and 4.36 (Pooled)] days shelf life.

Hypothalamic Hamartomas: A Narrative Review

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are infrequent, non-neoplastic malformations of the hypothalamus with heterogeneous clinical features, with symptoms including gelastic seizures, central precocious puberty, and cognitive or behavioral deficits. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic advances, and therapeutic approaches for HH. Genetic insights highlight the role of postzygotic mosaicism and dysregulated Sonic Hedgehog signaling in HH development, emphasizing their relevance in potential therapeutic strategies. Diagnostic modalities such as MRI, PET, and SEEG are pivotal in identifying and characterizing HHs, enabling precise treatment planning. Therapeutic interventions span pharmacological, surgical, and neuromodulatory approaches. While surgical approaches, such as transcallosal resection or stereotactic radiosurgery, can offer considerable seizure control, newer modalities, such as laser interstitial laser thermal therapy (LITT) as well as stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation, prioritize minimizing both cognitive and behavioral sequelae. The use of pharmacologic management and neuromodulation provides adjuvant benefits, specifically in drug-resistant epilepsy; despite progress, limitations still remain, including variability of outcomes and not enough long-term studies. This review underscores the need for multidisciplinary care and advanced research to optimize outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients with HH.

Looking to the Future of Viral Vectors in Ocular Gene Therapy: Clinical Review

Eye diseases can significantly affect the quality of life of patients due to decreased visual acuity. Although modern ophthalmological diagnostic methods exist, some diseases of the visual system are asymptomatic in the early stages. Most patients seek advice from an ophthalmologist as a result of rapidly progressive manifestation of symptoms. A number of inherited and acquired eye diseases have only supportive treatment without eliminating the etiologic factor. A promising solution to this problem may be gene therapy, which has proven efficacy and safety shown in a number of clinical studies. By directly altering or replacing defective genes, this therapeutic approach will stop as well as reverse the progression of eye diseases. This review examines the concept of gene therapy and its application in the field of ocular pathologies, emphasizing the most recent scientific advances and their potential impacts on visual function status.

Impact of User Perceptions on Sharing Intentions in Sri Lanka's Transportation Sector: An Analysis of Risk, Convenience, Practicality, and Value

This research examines how perceived risk, convenience, practicality, and value impact ride-sharing intention in Sri Lanka's Western Province. It employs a deductive approach, utilizing surveys and quantitative analysis. The study focuses on ride-sharing service users in Sri Lanka, with a sample size of 884 determined through simple random sampling. Data was collected via self-administered printed questionnaires, with 900 responses received. However, only 884 responses were considered for analysis due to incomplete or biased questionnaires. SPSS version 26.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. The results highlight the significant influence of sharing intention on users' perceptions, emphasizing that user perceptions are pivotal in shaping ride-sharing intention. Hypothesis testing revealed a negative correlation between perceived risk and sharing intention. Parametric tests, including correlation and multiple linear regressions, upheld these findings. Furthermore, there exists a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived convenience, practicality, value, and sharing intention. These findings deepen our understanding of the determinants of ride-sharing intention in Sri Lanka, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry players to bolster the adoption of ride-sharing services and nurture the sharing economy's growth. Additionally, this study enriches academic comprehension of how the sharing economy can address economic challenges and enhance the quality of life in developing nations like Sri Lanka. Future research endeavors should broaden their scope to encompass all regions of Sri Lanka for enhanced generalizability.

Update for diagnosis and treatment of syndrome after cardiac injury: a mini-review

Post-Cardiac Injury Syndrome (PCIS) refers to a collective term encompassing post-myocardial infarction syndrome, post-pericardiotomy syndrome, and post-traumatic pericarditis. With an aging population, the incidence of PCIS is on the rise annually. This condition is considered to be an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory response leading to pericarditis as the primary manifestation of the cardiac disease. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can improve the quality of life and prognosis for PCIS patients. This review aims to provide a comprehensive explicit of the epidemiological characteristics, relevant pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies associated with PCIS, further fostering a deeper understanding and promoting advancements in the prevention and treatment of PCIS.