Biological effects of a new ultraviolet A prototype based on light-emitting diodes on the treatment of localized scleroderma.

Ultraviolet A (UVA ) phototherapy (spectral range 340-400 nm) is a well-established treatment option for various skin diseases such as localized scleroderma. Recent improvements of conventional UVA light sources (metal-halide or fluorescent lamps) have brought attention to a new light-emitting diode (LED) technology with remarkable advantages in handling and clinical routine. This study provides a preclinical histological and molecular evaluation of an LED-based UVA prototype with a narrower spectral range (360-400 nm) for treating localized scleroderma.

Systematic Reviews of Mechanisms for Financing Family Planning: Findings, Implications, and Future Agenda.

The article describes an international collaboration that systematically reviewed the evidence on financing mechanisms for family planning/contraception, assessed the strength of and summarized the evidence, identified research gaps, and proposed a new research agenda to address the gaps. The review found that the evidence base is weak owing to the paucity of studies, diversity in findings, and variations in intervention, study design, and outcome measures. Of more than 17,000 papers reviewed only 38 met the eligibility criteria.

Community-Based Financing of Family Planning in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review.

In this systematic review, we gather evidence on community financing schemes and insurance programs for family planning in developing countries, and we assess the impact of these programs on primary outcomes related to contraceptive use. To identify and evaluate the research findings, we adopt a four-stage review process that employs a weight-of-evidence and risk-of-bias analytic approach. Out of 19,138 references that were identified, only four studies were included in our final analysis, and only one study was determined to be of high quality.

Family Planning Vouchers in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Family planning (FP) vouchers have targeted subsidies to disadvantaged populations for quality reproductive health services since the 1960s. To summarize the effect of FP voucher programs in low- and middle-income countries, a systematic review was conducted, screening studies from 33 databases through three phases: keyword search, title and abstract review, and full text review. Sixteen articles were selected including randomized control trials, controlled before-and-after, interrupted time series analyses, cohort, and before-and-after studies.

Mobilising financial resources for maternal health.

Coverage of cost-effective maternal health services remains poor due to insufficient supply and inadequate demand for these services among the poorest groups. Households pay too great a share of the costs of maternal health services, or do not seek care because they cannot afford the costs. Available evidence creates a strong case for removal of user fees and provision of universal coverage for pregnant women, particularly for delivery care.