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Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder which primarily affects the growth and development of neural cell tissues. It presents as multiple tumor-like growths over the skin that arises from the nerves and is associated with other abnormalities like pigmentation over the skin and bone deformities. Becker′s nevus or hairy pigmented epidermal nevus is a benign cutaneous hamartoma which is characterized by hyperpigmented macule with hypertrichosis. It is rarely associated with neurofibromatosis. We report a 22-years-old male with coexistent Becker′s nevus and type 1 neurofibromatosis.

Background Quantitative research designs are broadly classified as either experimental or quasi-experimental. The main distinguishing feature of the quasi-experiment is the manipulation of the independent variable without randomisation. When randomisation or use of a control group is unfeasible, a researcher can choose from a range of quasi-experimental designs. Aim To present the features of the quasi-experimental 'non-equivalent control group post-test-only' design, which aims to demonstrate causality between an intervention and an outcome. Discussion This paper provides an overview of the non-equivalent control group post-test-only design in terms of its design features, applications and statistical analysis, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. Conclusion The non-equivalent control group post-test-only design can be used in natural settings, where randomisation cannot be conducted for ethical or practical reasons. Although the design is less complex than some other designs, with low error propagation, it is vulnerable to threats to internal validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concerns have been raised over the practice of transferring nursing home residents to hospital at their end of life. Objective: To examine the family and facility factors that may influence the decision to transfer nursing home residents to hospital in the last month of life. Research design: Secondary data analysis includes a sample of 119 bereaved family members from 21 nursing homes located in Central Canada. Method: A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the predictors for hospital transfers. Results: Terminal hospital transfers were common: 70% of nursing home residents were sent to hospitals in the last month of their life, and the likelihood of terminal hospital transfers increased by having an adult child as decision-maker (odds ratio (OR) = 5.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6, 16; significance level/probability value (p) = 0.007) or having a lower family income (OR = 2.9; 95% CI =1.1, 2.9; p = 0.027). Discussion and implications: The identified predictors for terminal hospital transfers are helpful in targeting and developing interventions to improve end-of-life care. Particular emphasis should therefore be placed on targeting families with low income and children of the nursing home residents for educational initiatives such as advance care planning awareness, in order to prevent terminal hospital transfers. It is hoped that policy-makers and practitioners can start addressing the findings of this study to reduce terminal hospital transfers at end of life and promote quality end-of-life care in nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitative research designs are broadly classified as either experimental or quasi-experimental. The main distinguishing feature of the quasi-experiment is the manipulation of the independent variable without randomisation. When randomisation or use of a control group is unfeasible, a researcher can choose from a range of quasi-experimental designs., Aim: To present the features of the quasi-experimental 'non-equivalent control group post-test-only' design, which aims to demonstrate causality between an intervention and an outcome., Discussion: This paper provides an overview of the non-equivalent control group post-test-only design in terms of its design features, applications and statistical analysis, as well as its advantages and disadvantages., Conclusion: The non-equivalent control group post-test-only design can be used in natural settings, where randomisation cannot be conducted for ethical or practical reasons. Although the design is less complex than some other designs, with low error propagation, it is vulnerable to threats to internal validity., Competing Interests: None declared, (©2018 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)