Postnatal depression (PND) affects up to one in four mothers. However, they may experience barriers to access to conventional treatments, indicating a need for alternatives such as arts-based interventions. A previous trial showed that a 10-week singing intervention could alleviate symptoms of PND.

To evaluate, in a larger sample and across a longer timeframe than previously, the clinical effectiveness, implementation effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Melodies for Mums (M4M) singing intervention for symptoms of PND.

One-hundred and ninety-nine mothers experiencing symptoms of PND (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥10) and their babies were randomised to 10 weeks of in-person singing sessions (M4M, n = 133) or an active control (existing community-based mother–baby activities, n = 66). Mothers were re-assessed at weeks 6, 10, 20 and 36 for depression, healthcare use for themselves and their babies, and health-related quality of life according to the EQ5D-3. The perceived acceptability (Acceptability of Intervention Measure), appropriateness (Intervention Appropriateness Measure) and feasibility (Feasibility of Intervention Measure) of the activity were also assessed at week 6. Trial registration number: NCT04834622.

Mothers in both groups experienced attenuation of depressive symptoms by week 10; however, those in the singing group maintained lower EPDS scores than those in the control group at week 20 (10.7 v. 12.2 (mean difference 95% CI [−2.96, −0.22]), P = 0.023) and week 36 (9.85 v. 11.4 [−2.93, −0.19], P = 0.026). Mothers in the singing group were also more likely to remain in the study (77 v. 57%, χ2(1) = 12.92, P < 0.001) and found their programme more acceptable (4.75 v. 4.0 [0.25, 0.83], U = 2436.5, P < 0.001), appropriate (4.25 v. 3.88 [0.12, 0.62], U = 2241.5, P < 0.001) and feasible (4.75 v. 4.0 [0.41, 0.91], U = 2568.0, P < 0.001). Finally, M4M was associated with 15 extra days of health and was found to be cost-effective (£126–539 per dyad).

M4M had a long-lasting effect on symptoms of PND and was perceived to be more suitable than existing activities; thus, M4M represents a worthwhile investment for healthcare systems as an intervention for mothers experiencing symptoms of PND.

We assessed the impact of an oral care initiative on non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) risk using two different measurement strategies.

We evaluated changes in NV-HAP events among all patients admitted to 17 VA Medical Centers (1) across the period 10/01/2015–12/31/2019, and (2) one-year pre- vs post- each hospital’s oral care initiative start date. We modeled and compared observed versus predicted NV-HAP events per hospitalization using (1) an electronic clinical definition and (2) diagnosis codes, adjusting for patients’ demographics, vital signs, and laboratory results at presentation.

Among 333,257 hospitalizations, 1,922 (0.58%) met NV-HAP electronic clinical criteria and 2,386 (0.72%) diagnostic coding criteria. The risk of NV-HAP defined by electronic clinical criteria was 0.62% in October 2015 and 0.54% in December 2019 (estimated difference –0.084% [95% CI: –0.17%, 0.0056%]; the risk of NV-HAP defined by diagnostic coding decreased from 1.0% to 0.48% (estimated difference –0.53% [–0.63%, –0.43%]). In the one-year pre- vs post-analysis, there was no evidence of effect of the implementation on NV-HAP using either electronic clinical criteria (adjusted risk difference –0.078% (95% CI: –0.25%, 0.091%) or diagnostic coding criteria (adjusted risk difference –0.021% (95% CI: –0.18%, 0.14%).

In a large multi-center study of hospitalized patients, we were unable to identify a clear effect of an oral care initiative on NV-HAP using electronic clinical criteria or diagnostic coding criteria.

This study investigated coping mechanisms among neurosurgeons responding to earthquake-related stress following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey. Given the extreme challenges faced by neurosurgical teams, the study aimed to illuminate their stress-coping strategies under crisis conditions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 with 64 neurosurgeons engaged in earthquake relief efforts. The Coping with Earthquake Stress Questionnaire (CESQ), covering Religious Coping, Positive Reappraisal, and Seeking Social Support dimensions, was administered. Convenience sampling was used. Data analysis employed IBM SPSS 25.0, applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, and Pearson correlation (α = 0.05). Power analysis confirmed sufficient sample size.

Neurosurgeons showed notable psychological resilience despite personal and material losses. Positive reappraisal was the most common coping strategy, consistent across experience levels. Although not statistically significant, less experienced neurosurgeons (1-5 years) showed a higher tendency toward seeking social support. A positive correlation was observed between Religious Coping and Positive Reappraisal.

Positive reappraisal emerged as a key coping mechanism, underlining neurosurgeons’ resilience. Mental health support, especially for early-career professionals, remains vital. Broader CESQ applications and cross-cultural studies are encouraged to guide future psychological preparedness efforts in neurosurgery.