Mental health disorders are a major problem globally, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youth. In resource-limited settings, community health volunteers (CHVs), including youth volunteers, play a crucial role in mental health promotion, stigma reduction, early identification of distress and referral to formal services. However, evidence on training components and delivery strategies of mental health training programmes for youth CHVs remains limited. This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines aims to identify the key components, delivery strategies and reported outcomes of mental health training programmes for youth CHVs, in order to inform future module development to enhance volunteers' motivation, self-efficacy, knowledge and communication skills. English articles published between 2010 and 2024 were searched through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Eligibility criteria included mental health training interventions for non-professional community volunteers, including youth volunteers with measurable outcomes. Data were extracted and quality assessment performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Seven studies were included in this review. Training content focusing on mental health literacy, building communication and counselling skills, stigma reduction and mental health promotion demonstrated the most significant improvement in CHV's knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. Programs adapting interactive strategies of role-playing, case studies and group discussion, combined with classroom teaching methods were significantly effective as well. Participants expressed greater confidence in handling mental health disorders within their communities. In conclusion, training programmes that prioritise mental health literacy, stigma reduction, supportive communication, self-care and help-seeking behaviour skill, implemented through interactive delivery methods are the most effective. The findings are essential for the future development of training module for youth CHVs to empower and enhance their capability to deliver effective mental health care within their community. CRD42024562221 (PROSPERO).

Impression Cytology as a Diagnostic Tool for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia: An Exploratory Case Series From a Rural Tertiary Care Center in India.

Improving Diagnosis and Management of Infantile-Onset Epilepsies in Resource-Limited Settings (SHIELD Model).

Type 1 diabetes intervention clusters in resource-limited settings: a systematic review and economic evaluation.

A paper-based sensor with distance readout for rapid on-site screening of promethazine hydrochloride in beverages.

Machine Learning Prediction of Hospital Stay in Pediatric Typhoid Intestinal Perforation: Pilot Study.

Development and validation of UHPLC-MS/MS methods for determination of piperaquine in quantitative dried blood samples and microvolume plasma samples.

To evaluate the effect of a structured training intervention on ICU nurses' knowledge-based competence in VAP prevention in a resource-limited setting and identify personal, environmental and organisational barriers to implementation. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating a single-group quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test quantitative strand with a qualitative interview strand. Because participant responses were not linked across assessment points, findings represent group-level improvements rather than within-individual change. ICU nurses completed pre-test (n = 57) and post-test (n = 56) assessments using an adapted eight-item VAP prevention knowledge questionnaire. A structured 3-h workshop on VAP prevention bundles, infection control and airway management was delivered between tests; the post-test occurred within 2 weeks. Group differences were analysed using an independent-samples t-test and chi-square tests. Qualitative interview data (n = 8) were analysed thematically to explain and contextualise the quantitative findings. Mean knowledge scores increased from 3.63 (SD 1.57) to 5.29 (SD 1.57) out of 8 (t(111) = -5.61, p < 0.001; d = 1.06). Because participant responses were not linked across assessment points, findings represent group-level improvements rather than within-individual change. The proportion classified as high knowledge-based competence increased from 24.6% to 64.3% (χ2(2) = 22.43, p < 0.001). Experience variables did not predict post-test scores. Qualitative findings showed that shortages of supplies/equipment, unreliable power, absent protocols, limited supervision and high workload restricted consistent implementation. These findings highlight that improvements in knowledge may not translate into consistent bedside practice without system-level support in resource-limited ICUs. A brief, context-specific training workshop significantly improved ICU nurses' knowledge-based competence in VAP prevention. However, systemic barriers-equipment shortages, absent protocols, limited supervision and workload pressures-constrain the translation of knowledge gains into consistent bedside practice. Sustainable improvement requires embedding education within broader quality improvement efforts. No patient or public contribution.

Cancer is a global disease, yet a paradox persists: The most advanced research ecosystems are concentrated in countries with lower disease burden, whereas low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)-carrying 70% of the global cancer burden-face major constraints in research capacity. Closing this gap is essential for equitable progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers in LMICs are creatively adapting established technologies, research pipelines, and collaborative models from higher-resource settings to local solutions. In this study, 25 American Association for Cancer Research Global Scholar-in-Training Award recipients from LMICs share how cancer research is advancing within resource-limited settings, focused on (i) infrastructure and resources, (ii) training and talent retention, (iii) funding and sustainability, and (iv) cultural and social barriers. We identified shared challenges and cross-cutting solutions, discussed gaps, and suggested steps to further advancing cancer research. We emphasized locally led innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. These perspectives offer a framework for inclusive, synergistic approaches to strengthening cancer research and accelerating impact where it is needed most.

Digital Stethoscope-Derived Single-Lead Electrocardiogram and Artificial Intelligence to Detect Low Ejection Fraction: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Establishing gastroschisis care: Impact of pediatric surgical services and a dedicated neonatal surgical unit on survival of gastroschisis in Rwanda.

Sepsis is a leading cause of child mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting children in resource-limited settings (RLSs). Effective risk-stratification tools using readily available data are urgently needed for this population. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the performance of point-of-care (POC) biomarkers and clinical characteristics for predicting in-hospital mortality among Tanzanian children with sepsis. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of children (aged 28days-14years) with sepsis presenting to Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (July 2022-November 2024). POC biomarkers (procalcitonin [PCT], C-reactive protein, ferritin, and lactate) and clinical characteristics were evaluated for their association with mortality. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to construct predictive models of mortality. We evaluated model performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and classification metrics, including sensitivity and specificity. Among the 755 enrolled participants, 19.6% (n = 148) died during hospitalization. PCT and tested clinical characteristics were significantly associated with mortality (all P < .001). A multivariable model incorporating PCT, malnutrition, breathing difficulty, and altered mental status demonstrated strong discrimination (AUC 0.87, 95% CI [0.84-0.90]), outperforming individual biomarkers and clinical characteristics alone. A combined POC biomarker and clinical characteristics model was highly predictive of mortality among children with sepsis in Tanzania. Integrating POC biomarkers with easy-to-measure clinical characteristics associated with severity may enable timely risk stratification and inform targeted interventions to improve pediatric sepsis outcomes in RLSs.

The rapid growth of virtual education in higher education necessitates an examination of its ethical and psychological implications. This study examines the impact of students' attitudes toward e-learning on their commitment to ethical behavior and stress levels within virtual learning environments in southern Iran. A cross-sectional, correlational study involved 256 students from Bushehr University of Medical Sciences from October 2022 to March 2023. Participants were selected through quota sampling and completed validated tools, including the Student E-Learning Attitude Questionnaire, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and a researcher-designed Ethics in Virtual Education Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v20, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The mean (±SD) scores were 79.60 ± 11.16 for e-learning attitudes, 28.04 ± 8.15 for perceived stress, and 149.74 ± 16.87 for ethical practice. Attitudes toward e-learning significantly predicted ethical practice in virtual education (β = 0.167, 95% CI: 0.077 to 0.429, p = 0.005), while no significant relationship was observed between e-learning attitudes and perceived stress (p > 0.05). Positive attitudes toward e-learning foster students' adherence to ethical standards in virtual education but do not directly impact perceived stress levels. These findings underscore the importance of fostering constructive perceptions of virtual education and promoting ethical literacy to enhance educational quality and student well-being.

Accurate and accessible autorefractors are essential for refractive error assessment, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of Instaref R20 with a light barrier (Instaref R20 LB) compared to a tabletop autorefractor (AR) and subjective refraction (SR) in an adult population. A light barrier (wearable polaroid filter) was used to reduce ambient illumination and stabilize pupil size, thereby improving measurement reliability under bright conditions. A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye institute in Mumbai, enrolling 200 adults (mean age: 44.33 ± 13.97 years). All the participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination including objective refraction, subjective acceptance, and anterior and posterior segment evaluation. Non-cycloplegic refraction was assessed using Instaref R20, Instaref R20 LB, AR, and SR. Agreement between methods was analyzed using Bland-Altman plots, assessing power vector components (M, J0, J45). Statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Instaref R20 LB demonstrated strong agreement with SR (M: 0.10D, P = 0.13; J0: -0.05D, P = 0.05; J45: 0.01D, P = 0.44), while Instaref R20 showed slight variance (M: 0.17D, P < 0.001). The agreement within ± 0.50D of SR was 64.64% (M), 85.35% (J0), and 89.39% (J45). Under bright illumination, Instaref R20 failed to capture readings in six cases, whereas Instaref R20 LB obtained stable measurements in all participants, demonstrating superior reliability in bright environments. Subgroup analysis showed higher accuracy in myopic eyes, while AR exhibited significant deviations in hyperopes. The Instaref R20 LB improves measurement accuracy and reliability, particularly under bright illumination. Its strong agreement with SR and portable design make it a viable tool for refractive error assessment in resource-constrained settings.

Simulation-Based Mastery Learning in Endoscopy: Bridging Expertise Science and Competency-Based Training.

Water pollution, particularly from heavy metals, poses a critical threat to ecosystems and human health. This study integrates the CRISPR-Cas12a system with MOF-based bio-barcode technology to create a platform for the rapid, real-time and on-site detection of multiple heavy metal ions, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. The detection limits for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ are 0.26 nM, 0.06 nM, and 0.80 nM, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis of real water samples confirmed the high accuracy and reliability of this method. Furthermore, a mobile phone-assisted portable device paired with a microfluidic chip facilitates real-time, rapid multi-channel metal ion detection in resource-limited settings.

Association between full-scope practice, schedule balance, and burnout among nurses in health professional shortage areas: A cross-sectional study.

Microsurgery is a specialized field within plastic surgery constrained by the high cost and limited availability of surgical microscopes, particularly in resource-limited settings. This lack of access hinders trainees from developing essential microsurgical skills. Previous efforts have explored smartphone-based alternatives, but there remains a need for high-fidelity, accessible training microscopes. This study presents a novel, low-cost, travel-friendly surgical microscope designed for microsurgery training. Modified binocular objective lenses enable near-field stereoscopic viewing using a dual-mirror array. A 3D-printed chassis provides the correct top-down orientation, and an integrated light source operates on standard or battery power, ensuring usability in low-resource environments. Initial testing demonstrated a fixed 6.5× magnification, allowing trainees to perform end-to-end anastomoses on 2-mm vessels. Prototypes were deployed for microsurgery training in the United States, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Vietnam through the SHARE (Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education) plastic surgery organization, Nuoy Reconstructive International, and the senior author's home institution. The authors' investigation continues to assess the effectiveness of the microscope compared with state-of-the-art surgical microscopes. By offering a low-cost, portable solution without compromising image quality, this innovation has begun to transform microsurgical education and operating room-based microscopy worldwide, increasing accessibility for trainees and patients in diverse settings.

Chronic hepatitis D is the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Despite recommendations for systematic screening of HBsAg-positive individuals, hepatitis D infection remains underdiagnosed. Standard HDV virological markers are classically assessed in serum or plasma specimens obtained through venous whole blood sampling. This approach is costly and challenging in resource-limited settings. Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling offers a practical alternative for large-scale screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of viral hepatitis. The goal of the study is to evaluate the performance of commercially available HDV diagnostic assays using DBS. Plasma and DBS-collected whole blood specimens from individuals chronically infected with HBV or coinfected with HBV and HDV were analysed for HDV antibody detection, HDV RNA quantification, HBsAg levels, and HDV genotyping. HDV antibodies were reliably detected in DBS after threshold adjustment, with the LIAISON XL Murex Anti-HDV assay showing superior sensitivity (99.3%) compared to HDV Ab DIA.PRO (90.3%), while both assays exhibited excellent specificity. HDV RNA was quantifiable in 86.8% of DBS specimens from patients with active infection, although levels were about 1.5 log10 lower than plasma, showing a strong correlation (r = 0.786; p < 0.0001). HBsAg was detectable and quantifiable in all DBS samples, correlating closely with plasma values (r = 0.98). DBS-based HDV genotyping was successful in 84.8% of samples and concordant with plasma results. DBS collection of whole blood from DBS appears to be a promising and practical alternative to conventional venous blood sampling for HDV screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.

Accuracy of rapid and near-patient diagnostics for detection of rift valley fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic Fever infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.