Treatment Of Type Research Articles

A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of innovation and regulation in hearing health care

BackgroundThe hearing health sector is an example of a health sector that is experiencing a period of rapid innovation driven by digital technologies. These innovations will impact the types of interventions and services available to support the communication of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This study explored the perceptions of informed participants on the topic of innovation and regulation within hearing healthcare in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsParticipants (N = 29, Australia [n = 16], UK [n = 13]) were purposively sampled and joined one of two online workshops. Participants included adults with hearing loss and family members, hearing health professionals, academics/researchers, representatives of hearing device manufacturers, regulators and policymakers. Workshop data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants conceptualised the hearing health sector as a network of organisations and individuals with different roles, knowledge and interests, in a state of flux driven by innovation and regulation. Innovation and regulation were perceived as mechanisms to ensure quality and mitigate risk within a holistic approach to care. Innovations encompassed technological as well as non-technological innovations of potential benefit to consumers. Participants agreed it was essential for innovation and regulation to be congruent with societal values. Critical to ethical congruence was the involvement of consumers throughout both innovation and regulation stages, and the use of innovation and regulation to tackle stigma and reduce health disparities. Participants expressed the desire for accessible and inclusive innovation in the context of fair, transparent and trustworthy commercial practices.ConclusionsThis study explored how stakeholders within the hearing health sector understand and make sense of innovation and the role of regulation. Overall, and despite reservations relating to health care professionals’ changing roles and responsibilities, innovation and regulation were conceptualised as beneficial when situated in the context of holistic, whole-person, models of care. The results of this study will inform considerations to support the development and implementation of innovations and regulation within the hearing sector and across other health sectors influenced by technological advances.

Impact of hospital pharmacy interventions on length of stay in hospitals: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Length of stay (LOS) is an essential metric for hospital efficiency, patient outcomes and satisfaction. Studies indicate hospital pharmacy interventions positively affect LOS and other outcomes, yet results vary due to study differences. No systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted on this topic; thus, the aim of this study is to systematically assess the effect of interventions on LOS. Methods This review will conduct a systematic search across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Trials, Cochrane Reviews and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to identify pertinent studies. An expert librarian will craft the search strategy, ensuring our review adheres to standard guidelines. We will use Covidence, a specialized systematic review management software, to optimize data management, the selection process and data extraction. A dedicated team of reviewers will independently evaluate titles and abstracts in duplicate, progressing to full-text examination of articles, to determine inclusion in our review and analysis. Data will be extracted by one reviewer, with independent data extraction by a second reviewer in a proportion of papers, and checking for consistency by a third. A template in Covidence will guide extraction of study, setting, participant, intervention and outcome characteristics and findings. The findings will be described narratively, and if possible given the methodological and statistical heterogeneity, meta-analysis will be undertaken. Discussion Considering the inconsistency of previous studies, this systematic review aims to clarify the potential impact of hospital pharmacy interventions on LOS. It will expand and reinforce existing knowledge, and provide detail about which intervention types have the most impact on LOS.

Применение большого количества методов оперативного лечения стриктуры уретры у одного пациента: клинический случай

Introduction. Insufficient surgical experience and inadequate choice of surgical treatment options may be the reasons for the failure of treatment of urethral stricture. In this regard, a clinical case from our practice is very indicative. Case: The article is devoted to the description of a clinical case of urethral injury in a man who, at the age of 22 years, suffered a fracture of the pelvic bones as a result of a traffic accident. From the moment of injury to the final operation, the following types of surgical interventions were sequentially performed in this patient: anastomotic endto-end urethroplasty, augmentation urethroplasty using a skin graft, augmentation urethroplasty using a graft of the tunica vaginalis of the testicle, bougienage of the urethra, urethroplasty with a vascularized radial fasciocutaneous flap on a vascular pedicle, 2-stage urethroplasty using a graft of the buccal mucosa according to the type of Bracka I and II operations, perineal urethrostomy. Urethrostomy became the final option for urine diversion; no recurrence of urethral stricture was observed during 4 years of follow-up after urethrostomy. Conclusion. Until recently, the lack of uniform approaches to the treatment of urethral stricture has led to the use of inadequate methods of surgical treatment in various clinics. The recent approval of federal clinical guidelines for urethral stricture should help optimize the treatment of this disease. Keywords: urethral stricture, urethroplasty, urethrostomy

Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Modes for Congenital Branchial Cleft Anomalies.

The objective of this study was to investigate and assess the clinical data of 123 patients diagnosed with congenital branchial cleft anomalies (CBCAs), to summarize pivotal aspects concerning their clinical diagnosis and treatment process. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 123 patients who underwent surgical intervention for CBCAs at our institution between August 2005 and September 2021. The clinical demographic characteristics of the patients, primary symptoms, treatment chronology, preoperative diagnostic assessments, surgical strategies, occurrences of postoperative complications, and rates of recurrence were subjected to statistical analysis. Among the enrolled patients, there were 43 cases (34.9%) of congenital first branchial cleft anomalies (CFBCA), 76 cases (61.8%) of congenital second branchial cleft anomalies (CSBCA), and 4 cases (3.3%) of congenital third branchial cleft anomalies (CTBCA), with no cases of congenital fourth branchial anomalies (CFBA). Notably, among all cases, 43 anomalies were situated in the upper one-third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, while 80 anomalies were located in the lower one-third. Different surgical approaches were selected for patients based on the specific type of anomaly presented. Following surgery, there was recurrence in 14 cases, with factors such as patient age, clinical categorization, lesion type, and history of preoperative infection and surgical intervention identified as primary risk factors for it. CBCAs represent comparatively uncommon disorders affecting the head and cervical regions in clinical practice. Diagnostic modes such as ultrasonography and lipiodol contrast radiography can be used for accurate diagnosis, with surgical intervention serving as the primary therapeutic method.

Treatment of equine keratomycosis, part 2: reporting common systemic and ocular complications to enhance decision-making for equine clinicians and owners.

The primary aims were to provide descriptive data on systemic and ocular complications associated with the treatment of equine keratomycosis. The secondary aims were to determine if complication rates differ between treatment types or are related to surgical and anesthetic factors. The study was a retrospective evaluation of 126 cases between 2004 and 2020 with confirmed fungal infection and recorded incidence of complications during hospitalization and surgical intervention if pursued. Additional information recorded included the size of the donor graft if utilized, time under general anesthesia, and prescribed medications. Fisher exact and χ2 tests were used to evaluate complication frequency differences. Logistic regression models determined the effects of donor graft size, anesthesia time, and duration of hospitalization on complication rates. Hypercreatininemia followed by colic were the most frequent systemic complications in the medical treatment group. Colic and conjunctival graft dehiscence were the most frequent systemic and ocular complications in all surgery treatment groups, respectively. The frequency of systemic complications did not vary between treatment groups, although colic rates were significantly higher following general anesthesia. All colic cases were resolved with supportive care. Donor graft size, anesthesia time, and duration of hospitalization did not impact complication frequency. The mainstays of medical therapy included topical fluoroquinolones, topical voriconazole, topical atropine, oral NSAIDS, and oral gastroprotectants. Treatment of keratomycosis is associated with a range of complications. Colic remains a significant risk, with increased frequency reported following general anesthesia. Reporting common complications associated with treatment aids in decision-making for equine clinicians and owners.

Mitigating gender inequality in women's voices: the role of normative gender-egalitarian messages

Abstract This study empirically examines gender inequality in tolerance for women's opinions and identifies how the provision of normative gender-egalitarian message can mitigate this inequality by conducting online randomized experiments in Japan. In this experiment, I asked the participants to evaluate the agreement score for 10 anonymous statements and implemented two types of random interventions: disclosing the gender of the statement poster and providing normative statement for gender equality. The results of both cross-sectional and panel data analyses showed that people significantly reduced the agreement score for women's opinions compared with men's and non-gender disclosure opinions. Meanwhile, the negative impact of female gender disclosure was neutralized when participants were provided with a normative message.

Civilian Attitudes Toward the Military through the Prism of Personal Experience in Wartime Ukraine

Aim. The goal of the research is psychological analysis as well as the development of the typology of attitude of the civilians of Ukraine toward military personnel in wartime. Methods. The transcripts of five focus group discussions in five cities of different regions of Ukraine have been subjected to thematic analysis. The criteria for analysis were: a) the quality of contacts, b) regularity (frequency) of contacts with military personnel. Results. Four types of attitudes of civilians toward military personnel have been identified: “interaction participant” as a real and personalised contact; “interested witness” as real and close irregular contacts; “observer” as a distant and imaginary irregular contact; “re-teller” as a remote, imaginary contact through accidental meetings. Topics for analysis include emotional treatment, attitudes depending on military personnel types, interaction formats and conflict probability, and the associative image of a military man. Conclusion. The identified attitudes of civilians to military personnel reflect the availability of a dichotomy between the sense of gratitude to military personnel for their heroism vs the striving of civilians to have their own normal life. Proximity to one of the poles determines the type of treatment of military personnel, and, at the same time, the prospective probability and tension of the conflict. Originality. The study was conducted in September-October 2023, the second year of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Psychological analysis of the subjective attitude of civilians to military personnel in the social and psychological context of war has been made through focus group discussions.

Revealing the Molecular Signatures of miR-185-5p on Breast Cancer Cells Using Proteomic Analysis.

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous type of disease in which genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role. There are several types of treatment for breast cancer (BC) patients. However, the biggest problem in the treatment of breast cancer is the resistance that occurs during the treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Usnic acid, a secondary metabolite of lichen, has been identified as a drug candidate molecule in cancer treatment. The determination of miRNA target proteins is essential for the understanding of molecular mechanisms of miRNA-related tumorigenesis. We determined that mir-185-5p has therapeutic potential at the miRNA level by applying usnic acid to BT-474 breast cancer cells in a previous study. Herein, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of miR-185-5p on BT-474 breast cancer cells using a proteomics approach. We explored the changes in the protein expression level of BT-474 breast cancer cells in response to the up-regulation of miR-185-5p after applying usnic acid as a novel candidate anti-- cancer drug molecule. We performed quantitative proteome analysis based on an LC-MS/MS assay, which was validated by western blotting. The differentially expressed proteins were analyzed using the latest data available in bioinformatics tools. The up-regulated expression of YWHAE, Cathepsin D, and the down-regulated levels of PAK-1 were demonstrated by western blot assay. According to the results, 86 proteins showing >2-fold change were identified as differentially expressed between breast cancer and normal breast epithelial cells. The apoptosis pathway was the main clade containing most of the proteins regulated by miR-185-5p. The results indicate that miR-185-5p modulates apoptosis signaling pathways in BT-474 breast cancer cells. Breast cancer inhibition due to increased expression of YWHAE, Cathepsin D, and decreased expression of PAK-1 is likely to be mediated by inducing miR-185-5p mediated apoptosis. In this study, the identification of miR-185-5p protein targets demonstrated the potential for the development of targeted therapy and the development of miRNA-based therapeutics and presented it as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. In this regard, proteome analyses provided an understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of miR-185-5p on breast cancer.

Economic burden of pelvic sepsis after anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer surgery: A retrospective cost-of-illness analysis.

Anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer surgery remains a challenging complication, with a nonhealing rate of approximately 50% at 1 year. Pelvic sepsis may require tertiary treatment that encompasses additional admissions, extensive surgery and other types of interventions. The aim of this study is to analyse the financial burden of pelvic sepsis in a tertiary hospital. From 2010 until 2020, all patients referred to a tertiary centre for pelvic sepsis after low anterior resection for rectal cancer were prospectively registered and retrospectively reviewed. The cost analysis adhered to Dutch National Healthcare Institute guidelines and covered hospital-imposed medical costs from salvage surgery to the last registered intervention, adjusted for inflation and priced in euros. This analysis included 126 patients, with an average total cost per patient of €31 131. Salvage surgery accounted for €21 326, with an additional €9805 for reinterventions and readmissions. Salvage surgery comprised nonrestorative surgery in 48% and restorative salvage surgery in the remaining cases. Length of hospital stay averaged 9.6 days on the general ward and 0.8 days in the intensive care unit. Common reinterventions included endoscopic vacuum sponge changes (n = 153), stoma closures (n = 59) and radiological abscess drainages (n = 51). Total costs did not differ significantly between nonrestorative surgery and restorative surgery (mean = €31 950 vs. €30 362, respectively; p = 0.893). Treating pelvic sepsis after rectal cancer resection in a tertiary hospital carries a substantial economic burden, averaging €31 131 per patient, and this work helps to quantify the potential economic impact of innovative care to reduce anastomotic leakage.

The effect of the Japanese Investigation Committee classification on hip joint survival after core decompression therapy in pre-collapsed avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Aims: This study aimed to determine the failure rate of pre-collapse avascular necrosis of the femoral head treated with core decompression and risk factors affecting the progression of the disease in patients by using an easily applicable staging system. . Methods: A total of 174 hips from 134 patients diagnosed with precollapse avascular necrosis and treated with core decompression were retrospectively examined. Each hip was classified using the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification. The endpoint for joint survival following treatment was defined as the occurrence of total hip arthroplasty. The risk analysis on joint survival of various independent variables (treatment type, age, gender, etiology) and the frequency of THA 2 and 5 years after treatment was calculated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.0 ± 15.0 years, with the majority being male (71.8%). THA was performed in 28.7% of treated hips within two years and 40.2% within five years. The frequency of THA application within two years was 2% for type A, 8% for type B, 40% for type C1 and 50% for type C2. Age (p=0.033), type C1 (p=0.028) and type C2 (p

REVIEW OF A CLINICAL CASE OF TRANSTROCHANTERIC FRACTURE

Introduction: Intertrochanteric or transtrochanteric fractures are defined as extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur that occur between the greater and lesser trochanter. A clinical case is described below from the time of the initial incident to the final ambulatory control and updated notes on the management of intertrochanteric fractures are made. Objective: to describe this clinical case objectively and to make an analysis of the subject. Methodology: An objective description of the clinical case and a review with analysis of a total of 17 articles, including review and original articles, as well as cases and clinical trials, of which 9 bibliographies were used because the information collected was not sufficiently important to be included in this study. The sources of information were Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar; the terms used to search for information in Spanish, Portuguese and English were: transtrochanteric fracture, femur fracture, intertrochanteric fracture, femur osteosynthesis. Results: the use of cephalomedullary nails reduces fracture collapse in comparison with the screwed plate. Cephalomedullary nails have been more effective in intertrochanteric fractures with subtrochanteric extension and in fractures with a reverse obliquity pattern. The type of surgical treatment is based on the fracture pattern and its inherent stability, since the failure rate is highly correlated with the choice of implant and fracture pattern. Conclusions: it is of utmost importance to know the proper management of a fractured patient, especially when the fracture is severe and life-threatening. The management of proximal femoral fractures will depend on their classification and the condition of the affected individual. Therefore, a good imaging study is essential. When deciding on a surgical approach, the material to choose in the procedures has to be ordered with planning and caution, because this will vary according to the type of fracture, being usual to perform different types of surgeries in intertrochanteric fractures being more common the use of intramedullary nails compared to femoral neck fractures, where it is more common the use of cannulated screws, or prosthesis depending on the type of fracture trace. Our clinical case gives a brief view on the surgical management of the pathology, which has to be understood for the best performance of the patient. KEY WORDS: fracture, transtrochanteric, femur, intertrochanteric.

Factors Associated With the Availability of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in US Jails

In 2023, more than 80 000 individuals died from an overdose involving opioids. With almost two-thirds of the US jail population experiencing a substance use disorder, jails present a key opportunity for providing lifesaving treatments, such as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). To examine the prevalence of MOUD in US jails and the association of jail- and county-level factors with MOUD prevalence using a national sample. This survey study used a nationally representative cross-sectional survey querying 1028 jails from June 2022 to April 2023 on their provision of substance use disorder treatment services. The survey was conducted via mail, phone, and the internet. County-level data were linked to survey data, and binary logistic regressions were conducted to assess the probability that a jail offered any treatment and MOUD. A stratified random sample of 2791 jails identified by federal lists of all jails in the US was invited to participate. Staff members knowledgeable about substance use disorder services available in the jail completed the survey. US Census region, urbanicity, jail size, jail health care model (direct employees or contracted), county opioid overdose rate, county social vulnerability (measured using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020 Social Vulnerability Index summary ranking, which ranks counties based on 16 social factors), and access to treatment in the county were assessed. Availability of any type of substance use disorder treatment (eg, self-help meetings), availability of MOUD (ie, buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone) to at least some individuals, and availability of MOUD to any individual with an OUD were assessed. Of 2791 invited jails, 1028 jails participated (36.8% response rate). After merging the sample with county data, 927 jails were included in analysis, representative of 3157 jails nationally after weighting; most were from nonmetropolitan counties (‭1756 jails [55.6%; 95% CI, 52.3%-59.0%]) and had contracted health care services (1886 jails [59.7%; 95% CI, 56.5%-63.0%]); fewer than half of these jails (1383 jails [43.8%; 95% CI, 40.5%-47.1%]) offered MOUD to at least some individuals, and 405 jails (12.8%; 95% CI, 10.7% to 14.9%) offered MOUD to anyone with an OUD. Jails located in counties with lower social vulnerability (adjusted odds ratio per 1-percentile increase = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19-0.40) and shorter mean distances to the nearest facility providing MOUD (adjusted odds ratio per 1-SD increase, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.88) were more likely to offer MOUD. In this study, few jails indicated offering frontline treatments despite being well positioned to reach individuals with an OUD. These findings suggest that efforts and policies to increase MOUD availability in jails and the surrounding community may be associated with helping more individuals receive treatment.

Consumer perspectives on interventions to combat fraudulent product returns in omnichannel fashion retail

PurposeThe expansion of online shopping aligned with challenging economic conditions has contributed to increasing fraudulent retail product returns. Retailers employ numerous interventions typically determined by embedded perspectives within the company (supply side) rather than consumer-based assessments of their effectiveness (demand side). This study aims to understand how customers evaluate counter-fraud measures on opportunistic returns fraud in the UK. Based on the fraud triangle and the theory of planned behaviour, we develop an empirically informed framework to assist retail practice.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 485 valid survey responses about consumer attitudes regarding which interventions are effective against different types of returns fraud. First, a principal component section evaluates the policies' effectiveness to identify any policy grouping that could help prioritise specific sets of policies. Second, cluster analysis follows a two-stage approach, where cluster size is determined, and then survey respondents are partitioned into subgroups based on how similar their beliefs are regarding the effectiveness of anti-fraud policies.FindingsWe identify policies relating to perceived effectiveness of interventions and create customer profiles to assist retailers in conceptualising potential opportunistic fraudsters. Our product returns fraud framework adopts a consumer perspective to capture the perceived behavioural control of potential fraudsters. Results suggest effectiveness of different types of interventions vary between different types of consumers, which leads to the development of propositions to combat the fraud.Originality/valueThis study is unique in assessing the perceived effectiveness of a range of interventions based on data collection and advanced analytics to combat fraudulent product returns in omnichannel retail.

Evolution of Institutional Support for Agricultural Entrepreneurship in Benin

Agricultural entrepreneurship (AE) has been a viable development option promoted by Benin government. This study aims to analyze the institutional environment supporting AE with a focus on innovation within enterprises through laws, and implementation of programs and projects. The data was collected and analyzed using content analysis of documents such as program/project reports, narratives, decrees, orders, and policy documents from various ministries. The results indicate that the institutional framework of Benin did not place particular emphasis on supporting agricultural enterprises. Reforms were initiated lately in 2006 to provide specific support and ensure the emergence of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. Laws were enacted, and programs and projects were conducted during the implementation of the reforms. A thorough analysis of the actions regarding AE reveals that the government interventions primarily addressed components including the propensity to innovate and the practice of innovation of the agricultural enterprises. The propensity to innovate did not particularly interest the agricultural enterprises. Reflections led to the integration of the propensity to innovate into support actions because of the increasing failure rates of young agricultural enterprises. Support for innovation was not completed on one type of intervention. Building on the importance of the propensity to innovate, the capacity to innovate, and the practice of innovation, in entrepreneurial success, efforts should continue to be made to create a more favorable institutional environment. Policies will also aim to simultaneously target the three components of innovativeness to provide a better chance of survival for young AE. Case studies will help achieve this goal.

Intervention model in reducing the unmet need for contraception: a systematic literature review on technology-based, community, and health worker interventions

The unmet need for contraception is a serious public health problem, and efforts to reduce the unmet need for family planning are a challenge due to the many and complex factors that contribute to the unmet needs. The aim of this study was to systematically review scientific evidence on intervention models that effectively reduce the unmet need for contraception. This study used a systematic review to identify relevant scientific articles. The article search was based on the PICO approach and used a database from https://www.scopus.com/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://www.mdpi.com/, https://www.jstor.org/, https://www.nature.com/, https://link.springer.com/. The reviewed material was full-text articles and open-access articles published from 2013 to 2023. Data extraction included author, country, type of intervention, research design, sample, and main research findings. Twelve studies were included in our qualitative synthesis. Technology-based interventions, such as mobile phone instant messaging apps, were implemented in countries like Tajikistan, Bolivia, and Mozambique. Community-based interventions included the Community Family Health=Family Wealth program in Uganda, the Tékponon Jikuagou (TJ) program in Benin, and the Married Adolescent Girls Club (MAG club) and Participatory Women's Group Intervention in Bangladesh. Health worker-led interventions involved community health volunteers in Nepal, postpartum contraceptive counseling, contraceptive counseling for all ages, structured counseling for childbearing couples in Indonesia, and the "Consult and Choose" client-centered family service in Jordan. The findings underscore that varying intervention models can significantly enhance contraceptive use, tailored to specific cultural and regional contexts. These interventions, therefore, hold substantial implications for public health practices aiming to address and reduce the global unmet need for contraception. This systematic review provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of diverse interventions and suggests avenues for public health strategies to expand contraceptive access and use globally.

The effectiveness of aerobic exercise compared to other types of treatment on pain and disability in patients with orofacial pain: A systematic review.

To compile and synthesise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of aerobic exercise (AE) compared with other treatments to reduce pain and disability of individuals with orofacial pain (OFP). Electronic searches were conducted on five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus). Randomised controlled trials (RCT) or controlled trials including adults of both sexes with painful OFP diagnoses were targeted. The intervention of interest was AE (e.g., walking, cycling, running, among others), compared to any other conservative and non-conservative therapy. The primary outcome was pain intensity. The risk of bias (RoB) was determined using a compiled set of items and the Cochrane RoB-2 tools. The overall certainty of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE approach. Out of 4.669 records screened, four manuscripts were included. However, three of them used the same population but presented different outcomes. These studies included subjects with headache associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and general TMD. Both studies used aerobic exercise (AE) as the intervention of interest. Manual therapy (MT) plus exercise (Ex) (strengthening exercise (Str ex) or general exercises) were used as a comparison group. The combined treatment, including a multimodal therapy (AE + MT + Str ex), was superior to MT + Ex (MD: -8.65 points [95% CI -13.73, -3.57]) on pain intensity (orofacial pain [OFP] and headache intensity) at the end of the treatment and also after 12-week follow-up (MD: -9.43 points [95% CI -14.97, -3.89]). Also, the combination of three treatment modalities (AE + MT + Ex) was better on quality of life than AE alone (MD: -14.60 points [95% CI -16.74, -12.46]) and MT + Ex (MD: -12.30 point [95% CI -14.50, -10.10]) at the end of the treatment. Aerobic exercise plus MT and general exercises achieved the greatest positive effects on pain and other outcomes in the short/medium term in patients with OFP. However, the scientific evidence supporting the isolated effects of AE for OFP is limited, indicating the need for more studies. Further studies are also needed to elaborate guidelines when using AE for individuals with OFP.

The Effectiveness of Peer-Based Interventions on the Development of Leisure Skills in Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective To examine and synthesize the evidence regarding the effects of peer-based interventions on the leisure skills of children and youth from 3–21 years of age with neurodevelopmental disorders. Method A systematic review was conducted. Six databases were electronically searched, and 263 records were retrieved and evaluated using standard quality assessment criteria. Results Seventeen articles were included. Three main types of peer-based interventions were identified, peer mediated, peer networking, and peer mentored interventions. Conclusion There is strong evidence to suggest that peer mediated interventions, peer networking and peer mentored interventions can be beneficial for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders to increase their participation in social, leisure, and recreational activities and develop their play, social, and leisure skills, and enhance their physical and psychosocial health and quality of life.

A cross-sectional study assessing the role of interventional radiology services in regional and remote Australia.

It is estimated that 8% of hospitalised patients require treatment from Interventional Radiology (IR). However, little is known about the potential impact of IR on regional and remote Australians, including Indigenous patients. This study aimed to assess treatments performed by IRs on regional/remote patients to predict future IR workforce and governance needs. Single-centre cross-sectional study at a tertiary Victorian hospital. Patients were identified when they had an advanced IR treatment between 1 January 2022 and 2024. Basic procedures such as biopsy and drain insertion were not included. The primary outcome was the type and volume of IR treatments performed on patients who were transferred from a regional or remote home location for treatment. Of 3485 advanced IR interventions, 908 procedures (26.0%) from patients who lived in a regional or remote location were included with 36.5% female, of mean age 55.6 years (SD 17.9). 1.4% identified as Indigenous which is similar to the Indigenous population incidence in Victoria of 1.0%. Of this group, 350 (38.5%) were either a day procedure, overnight elective admission, or simple inpatient procedure which could have been performed in a regional centre, which included 1.1% Indigenous patients. There is an unmet need for IR services in regional and remote Australia, with many patients being transferred to our metropolitan centre for treatment that could be performed in regional IR hubs. This data will be important to drive government and hospital planning including capital infrastructure, workforce modelling and future recognition of IR as a new specialty in Australia.

Relationship between health belief levels and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients: Development of a predictive model

This study examines the relationship between health beliefs and fear of cancer recurrence among breast cancer (BC) patients and develops a predictive model for cancer recurrence fear. A total of 120 patients from the Breast Surgery Department of a top tertiary hospital, spanning December 2022 to December 2023, were included in the study. Data were collected using general information questionnaires, Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) and the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF). The analysis revealed that CHBMS and FoP-Q-SF scale scores of BC patients were 94.17 ± 15.59 points and 34.90 ± 7.15 points, respectively. The total CHBMS score, perceived benefits, health motivation, and self-efficacy were negatively correlated with the total FoP-Q-SF score and its dimension scores (P < 0.05), whereas perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, type of operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, and perceived barriers showed a positive correlation (P < 0.05). Significant differences in FoP-Q-SF scores were observed among patients of different ages, marital statuses, education levels, average monthly household incomes, levels of family caregiving, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages, and types of medical insurance (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, marital status, education level, average monthly household income, family caregiving, TNM stage, chemoradiotherapy treatment, and CHBMS scale scores as significant factors influencing cancer recurrence fear (P < 0.05). A predictive model regression equation was established, and the model’s area under the ROC curve was 0.759 (95% confidence interval = 0.702 – 0.834, P < 0.001). Patients aged 50 years and older exhibited higher fear levels. This fear is also affected by age, marital status, education level, average monthly household income, family caregiving, TNM stage, and chemoradiotherapy treatment. The predictive model based on these factors demonstrates good predictive efficacy for cancer recurrence fear, providing a basis for early identification of high-risk patients and targeted nursing interventions.

Analyzing Recurrence Rates in Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin disease characterized by rapid development of painful skin ulcers with violaceous borders that is often associated with inflammatory disorders.1,2 Treatment involves systemic immunosuppression alongside wound care management.2,3 Despite clinicians’ best efforts in implementing appropriate therapy, PG ulcers can recur, and there is minimal data regarding recurrence rates. We systematically reviewed Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library for cases, case series, and clinical studies of confirmed PG to evaluate for recurrence rates. Recurrence was defined as the appearance of new ulcerations after complete initial healing. Our analysis found 269 studies with 351 patients. Among this cohort, 34 cases (10%) described one or more recurrence episodes. Within these 34 cases, ulcer locations were as follows: 20 (56%) on the lower extremities, 12 (33%) on the trunk, 1 (3%) on the upper extremities, 1 (3%) on the head, and 2 (5%) in unspecified areas. When analyzing the time of recurrence from initial healing, we found that 11 cases (29%) recurred in 3 months or less, 5 (14%) from 3 to 6 months, 1 (3%) from 6 to 12 months, and 7 (19%) after 12 months. 13 cases (35%) did not specify a timeline for recurrence, and 3 cases reported two recurrence episodes. In conclusion, our study investigates PG recurrence patterns and suggests that about 10% of patients with PG might experience recurrence after healing, which supports previously reported data.4 Future directions include the impact of treatment duration and treatment type (topical versus systemic) on recurrence rates.