OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the resources and facilities for comprehensive management of PD in Asia focusing on regions (South East Asia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, East Asia, and Central Asia) and income levels (high-income countries-HIC, upper middle-income countries-UMIC, lower middle-income countries-LMIC).
METHOD: A survey-based questionnaire was deployed to the MDS affiliate societies or key neurologists in 32 countries in Asia.
RESULTS: Thirty countries/territories participated in the survey. HICs have better availability of and accessibility to most health care professionals. Central Asia has the lowest availability of and accessibility to health care professionals. PD nurses are least available (33.3%) and least easily accessible (6.7%). Levodopa and anticholinergics are the most available (100%), accessible (100%) and affordable (100%) antiparkinsonian medications. Device-aid therapies are more available and accessible in East Asian countries/territories, compared to other regions. Accessibility to allied health professionals is poor (43%). Genetic testing is available in 18 (60%) countries/territories, mostly in HIC (P = 0.031). Community engagement and public health awareness campaigns are available in 21 (70%) countries/territories. Brain bank is available in seven (24.1%) countries/territories, mostly in HIC. Telemedicine is utilized in 21 (70%) countries/territories.
CONCLUSION: This is the first survey-based study to highlight regional and income-based disparities on infrastructures required for comprehensive PD care in Asia. Regional collaborations between HIC and MIC may address some of these disparities.
METHOD: A panel of 13 hernia experts participated in the consensus discussion and manuscript development. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles and formulate statements. Consensus was assessed using a modified three-step Delphi method, with an acceptance level of > 80%.
RESULTS: In phase 1 of consensus development, 11 statements were reviewed, with 9 reaching consensus and 1 facing disagreement. Five additional statements were introduced based on expert input. Phase 2 reviewed all 16 statements, with one failing to reach consensus. In phase 3, an online reassessment of the revised version of the failed statement in the previous round was conducted via Microsoft Forms, leading to consensus on all 16 statements.
CONCLUSION: SFM offers significant advantages over conventional sutured meshes in IH repair. However, further research and multicenter trials are recommended to refine surgical protocols. Based on expert recommendations, SFM may be preferred in IH repair, and structured training can enhance its adoption, improving patient outcomes.
PURPOSE: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of swaddle bathing in preventing temperature loss among preterm infants.
METHOD: Comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Airiti Library databases. Methodological quality was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials, randomized crossover trials, and ROBINSI for nonrandomized controlled trials. In addition, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Total of 4 randomized controlled trials, 2 randomized crossover trials, and 2 nonrandomized controlled trials, involving 424 preterm infants, were included. Overall effect size of the body temperature in the swaddle bathing (SMD = 1.17, 95% CI [0.61, 1.73], P < .001). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the body temperature measurement intervals and bathing duration; these findings indicate that swaddle bathing is effective in preventing body temperature loss among preterm infants.
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Swaddle bathing is a recommended intervention to prevent body temperature loss in preterm infants. Neonatal nurses are encouraged to integrate this technique as a standard practice in neonatal intensive care units and special care nurseries. Clinical implementation should ensure a bathing duration of 4-11 minutes, room temperature 24°C-28°C, relative humidity 50%-60%, and bathwater temperature 37°C-39°C to optimize thermoregulation. These findings highlight the importance of individualized care planning, incorporation of swaddle bathing into nursing protocols, and ongoing staff education to ensure consistency.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation was a cross-sectional study, using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on both preclinical and clinical instruction, number and duration of modules, logistics of teaching, clinical requirements and teaching challenges. The data was collected and entered in an MS Excel spreadsheet. The results were collated and analysed.
RESULTS: A survey of all 10 Canadian dental schools revealed a 100% response rate, with all schools confirming they perform composite restoration repairs to extend clinical service. Currently, 70% of schools teach repair techniques in undergraduate clinical training, and 20% plan to introduce such techniques within five years. Furthermore, 100% of schools noted patient willingness to accept repairs. While 70% view repair as a definitive treatment, others see it as temporary (10%) or transitional (20%). Primary reasons for teaching repairs include tooth preservation, pulp protection, marginal defects, and secondary caries. For procedures, 70% teach rubber dam isolation, and 70% use diamond-finishing instruments. Most schools (60%) do not teach bevelling or review repaired restorations, while 60% utilise phosphoric acid etching, adhesive bonding, and nano-filled composites.
CONCLUSION: Undergraduate dental students at most Canadian dental schools are taught repair as an alternative to replacement in the management of defective composite resin restorations. Arrangements to harmonise the teaching of composite repair across Canada and beyond would greatly benefit patients and students nationally and internationally.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Teaching composite restoration repair supports minimally invasive dentistry by promoting preservation of sound tooth structure and reducing unnecessary restoration replacement. Greater harmonisation of undergraduate teaching across Canadian dental schools could enhance consistency in clinical practise and improve long-term patient care.
METHODS: Clinical and imaging data of patients with early-stage cervical cancer who were pathologically diagnosed at our hospital between January 2020 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent routine MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), APT imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) before treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), APT values, and semi-quantitative DCE-MRI parameters were measured. According to pathological findings, patients were divided into two groups: DSI ≥1/2 and DSI <1/2. Normally distributed continuous variables were compared using independent-samples t-tests, whereas skewed variables were compared using non-parametric tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of ADC, APT, DCE-MRI parameters, and their combination for predicting DSI. Diagnostic performance was compared using the DeLong test.
RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included, with 33 in the DSI <1/2 group and 28 in the DSI (≥1/2) group. The ADC values were significantly lower in the DSI ≥1/2 group compared to the DSI <1/2 group (P