This study explored the effectiveness of combining the production-oriented approach (POA) with the Plan-Do-Check-Action (PDCA) cycle in clinical teaching of gynaecologic oncology. A total of 60 rotating physicians, undergoing standardized training in First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University between January 2023 and March 2024, were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The control group followed traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group received teaching based on the POA and PDCA cycle. Comparison of pre- and post-teaching scores revealed that the experimental group had significantly higher scores in theoretical examinations, practical operations, and case analysis (P<0.05). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated greater enthusiasm for learning and stronger autonomous learning abilities (P<0.05). Furthermore, teaching satisfaction was notably higher in the experimental group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that integrating POA with the PDCA cycle can significantly enhance the quality of clinical teaching, improve learning outcomes, and increase satisfaction among gynaecologic oncology physicians.

This May, the World Health Assembly (WHA) will vote on re-establishing a mandate for the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the health consequences of nuclear weapons and war1. Health professionals and their associations should urge their governments to support such a mandate and support the new UN comprehensive study on the effects of nuclear war. The first atomic bomb exploded in the New Mexico desert 80 years ago, in July 1945. Three weeks later, two relatively small (by today's standards), tactical-size nuclear weapons unleashed a cataclysm of radioactive incineration on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By the end of 1945, about 213,000 people were dead2. Tens of thousands more have died from late effects of the bombings.

Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman’s uterus. The procedure can produce substantial psychological distress, particularly in young women, which can be long-lasting. The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 4-week brief mindfulness-based intervention in reducing the symptoms of psychological distress in women who underwent hysterectomy and restoring their positive psychological functioning. The study used a quasi-experimental, open label design. Participants were 16 young women recovering from hysterectomy. 8 of these women underwent the brief-mindfulness based intervention, while the remaining 8 were a control, no treatment group. Results showed that women participating in the study reported mild-to-severe symptoms of psychological distress and very low positive psychological functioning levels in pretest. After the treatment, distress levels of women in the treatment group returned to normal values, while distress levels of women in the control group remained elevated.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, especially pregnant women experiencing anxiety. The impact of COVID-19 on individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions is significant. This study looked at how the pandemic affected women with prenatal anxiety symptoms from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study was part of an ongoing trial focusing on psychosocial support for prenatal anxiety at a public hospital. It involved 27 women who either had or were receiving the intervention for anxiety. Among them, 13 were in their third trimester of pregnancy, and 14 were in the postnatal period. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using framework analysis. The findings showed that during the pandemic, these women experienced higher levels of anxiety. This was linked to financial difficulties, worries about the availability of proper obstetric care, and a lack of trust in healthcare providers. The women also feared for their own and their babies' health and safety, especially due to concerns about contracting COVID-19. The research highlights that effective interventions to manage anxiety could help reduce mental health issues among pregnant women, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study explored the diagnostic significance of lung ultrasound scan in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Sixty children with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome admitted in the Harbin Red Cross Central Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were included, and all neonatal respiratory distress syndrome children completed lung ultrasound examination within 24 h after admission. Relative to healthy newborns, children with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome had higher detection rate of lung consolidation, air bronchogram, aberrant pleural line, disappearance of A line, white lung along with pleural effusion. The detection rates of the above signs were higher in severe children than mild and moderate children. Relative to healthy newborns, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome children presented higher lung ultrasound score, higher arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure values and lower partial pressure of arterial oxygen values. Relative to mild to moderate neonatal children, the above indexes changed more significantly in severe children. The area under curve of lung ultrasound score for diagnosing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, mild and moderate and severe was 0.8, 0.9, and 0.9, respectively. We conclude that lung ultrasound has a good diagnostic value for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and the severity of disease.

Students and graduates in conflict-affected settings face challenges that impact training and practice. This qualitative study, nested in a broader mixed methods study, explored factors influencing midwifery students' and new graduates' experiences in conflict affected contexts in Yobe State Nigeria. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in October 2023 with students and graduates from basic and community midwifery programs. The groups consisted of 7-8 female participants, aged 19-26 years. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Participants reported positive childhood influences by health workers, strong motivation for a career in midwifery, compassion and desire to save lives. Barriers elicited include stereotypes and myths about midwifery, negative community perceptions of the midwifery profession, restrictive social and gender norms; distrust of young midwives' competence; and security challenges. The graduates felt well-prepared for practice. However, some identified gaps in skills like episiotomy and expressed a preference for more opportunities for practice. All expressed fear of kidnapping and murder due to armed conflict. These findings have important implications for workforce retention and require action by the government and communities.

Never before has man had such a great capacity to control his own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. We have the power to make the best generation of mankind in the history of the world. - President John F. Kennedy, address to the United Nations General Assembly, 20 September 1963.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is a precancerous lesion that can rapidly progress to cervical cancer in people living with HIV if not promptly treated. This cross-sectional study included 108 women who returned for re-evaluation after participating in the see and-treat program at regional hospitals in Addis Ababa. Chi-square tests and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Findings revealed an effectiveness rate of 73.2%, while 26.8% of women required further treatment. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations for the following factors: age group (adjusted OR [AOR] = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.002-0.36, p = 0.03), ever use of family planning (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.96, p = 0.04), number of sexual partners (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.96, p = 0.04), and CIN stage (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04-0.95, p = 0.04). The findings highlight a lack of effectiveness for a substantial number of women, underscoring the need for further research and potential revisions to the see and treat program for HIV positive women.

The Beijing conference on women which took place in China in 1995 was designed to place women at the centre stage of international development planning. This edition of the journal carries three editorials by women leaders from the USA, Belgium, and China that reflect on actions and activities 20 years after the conference especially in the context of Africa where most of the challenges relating to the under-development of women are still daunting.