Maria Pia Neri

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This study looked at training programs for home care workers who care for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Out of 903 articles searched, 12 studies were analyzed, revealing key details about the training offered and its outcomes. It showed that structured training is necessary for these workers to effectively support individuals living with dementia, highlighting a significant gap in training availability that needs to be addressed to improve care. Who this helps: This benefits home care workers and the patients they support.

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This study looked at suicides in Ferrara, Italy, by examining 153 autopsies from 2016 to 2025, finding that most suicides (77%) were men, with hanging being the most common method used (49%). The overall trend in suicides has been declining in Italy, but the patterns seen in Ferrara have remained consistent over the past nine years. This information is important because it helps inform mental health strategies and resources in the region. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and policymakers.

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This research looked at how to surgically remove large ovarian cysts called mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. They treated 139 patients and found that this method was safe, with only 2.2% experiencing any spillage during surgery and no serious complications. This approach is important because it shows that even large MCTs can be effectively and safely removed without needing more invasive surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with large ovarian cysts and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well different radiologists agree when using a specific system (NI-RADS) to evaluate MRI scans of patients treated for throat cancer. Researchers examined 218 MRI scans from 91 patients and found that overall, there was a moderate level of agreement (89%) when assigning a NI-RADS score. However, the agreement was lower during the first follow-up scan, particularly between less experienced radiologists and experts, indicating that careful assessment is crucial after initial treatment. Who this helps: This benefits doctors, particularly radiologists, as it highlights the need for consistent evaluation practices in tracking patients with throat cancer.

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This study looked at how new and collected plastics affect a small insect called Chironomus riparius, which lives in river sediments. Researchers found that while exposure to new plastics didn’t lead to noticeable effects on the insect's development or reproduction, the plastics gathered from a river did significantly reduce the number of insects that emerged, particularly from the Adda River. This matters because it shows that different types and forms of plastic in the environment can be more harmful than just the amount of plastic present. Who this helps: This helps researchers and environmentalists working to understand pollution's impact on river ecosystems.

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This study looked at genetic services in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, focusing on how well they are working and identifying areas for improvement. In 2021, there were nearly 15,000 counseling sessions, with an average of 14.5 consultations per physician each week, but there are concerns about how accessible these services are for patients. The researchers found that to keep up with increasing demand, more geneticists need to be hired, and current practices should be updated to improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking genetic counseling and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how effective a test called leukocyte scintigraphy is for diagnosing ongoing joint infections before a second surgery in patients who previously had their joint replaced. Out of 67 cases examined, the test accurately identified infections only 40% of the time (sensitivity), but when it indicated there was no infection, it was correct about 91.5% of the time (specificity). This matters because while the test can be helpful in confirming infections when it’s positive, it misses a lot of cases when the results are negative, meaning doctors need to use other methods to make sure patients are safe for surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors determine the best treatment approach for patients with joint infections.

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The study looked at different methods used in neuroscience to understand how various parts of the brain work together to support cognitive functions. Researchers created a new system to categorize these methods based on how many brain areas are involved in interactions, highlighting that many approaches have strengths and weaknesses. This work aims to guide future studies in brain research, ultimately helping us better understand how the brain functions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying brain function and cognition.

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This study looked at how effective a specific imaging test called leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) is for diagnosing infections around knee implants in patients who have had total knee replacements. Out of 92 patients, the test showed it could accurately identify infections with an accuracy of 89% for sensitivity and 80% for specificity, meaning it correctly identified most infections and had a low chance of false positives. This is important because accurate diagnosis can lead to better treatment decisions and outcomes for patients who might be at risk for complications from their knee implants. Who this helps: Patients with knee implants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how mutations in the TP53 gene affect the response to platinum-based chemotherapy in women with a type of ovarian cancer known as high-grade serous ovarian cancer. They found that 82.4% of the patients had TP53 mutations, and those with certain types of mutations (known as loss-of-function mutations) experienced significantly lower chemotherapy effectiveness and shorter periods without cancer progression compared to those without these mutations. This is important because understanding these genetic factors can help doctors personalize treatment plans, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits ovarian cancer patients and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study explored how the brain works when listening to speech and music by using advanced technology to measure brain activity. Researchers found that the brain's activity was more complex during speech and music listening compared to when at rest, with speech creating more complexity than music. This matters because understanding these differences can help us better comprehend how our brains process sounds and can inform treatments for issues related to hearing and communication. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hearing or communication disorders, as well as doctors and researchers in neurology and audiology.

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This study looked at how consistently different radiologists interpret MRI results for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after they have received radiation therapy. Researchers found that the agreement among radiologists was moderate overall (a Kappa value of 0.41 and an 81% agreement rate) but lower for some aspects, such as assessing tumor size and enhancement in the first follow-up scan, indicating varying levels of reliability among radiologists. This matters because reliable imaging is crucial for effectively monitoring cancer recovery and guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors by improving the consistency of MRI evaluations after treatment.

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This study looked at how groups interact in complicated systems, using two specific models to see how group behaviors emerge from these interactions. The researchers found that these group interactions create new behaviors that can’t be seen when only looking at individual parts. This understanding helps clarify how different levels of influence in social and network systems work together, which is important for predicting behaviors in complex situations. Who this helps: This helps researchers and professionals working in fields like social science, epidemiology, and network theory.

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This study looked at different treatments for endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Researchers reviewed how three types of drugs—gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists—affect hormone levels and symptoms. They found that while both GnRH agonists and peptide antagonists effectively reduce hormones that fuel endometriosis, non-peptide antagonists are easier to take because they can be taken orally and work faster. Who this helps: This benefits patients with endometriosis looking for effective and convenient treatment options.

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This study examined the role of certain proteins related to a process called autophagy in the brains of people who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Researchers looked at brain tissue from 33 deceased individuals, finding that the protein LC3B showed important differences between groups: specifically, those who died shortly after a TBI versus those who died later, with statistical significance values of 0.0055 and 0.0035. These findings indicate that LC3B could be a valuable marker for diagnosing TBIs when evaluating cases where death didn't occur immediately. Who this helps: This helps doctors and forensic experts by providing a potential tool for diagnosing traumatic brain injuries.

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This study looked at brain tissue from a patient with Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development, and compared it to healthy controls. They found that the mutated gene responsible for the condition was actively being expressed in the patient’s brain, with a significant alteration in how genes on the X chromosome functioned (95% of the active genes were from the mutated allele). These findings are important because they provide insights into how specific gene mutations affect brain function, which could lead to new treatments for Rett syndrome. Who this helps: This helps patients with Rett syndrome and their families.

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This study looked at how the brain's activity changes in Parkinson's disease patients when they take their medication, L-Dopa. Researchers found that when patients took the drug, there were larger and more frequent bursts of brain activity, which were connected to better motor function. Specifically, the brain showed shorter bursts without the medication and longer bursts with it, which linked to improvements in symptoms for patients. Who this helps: This helps Parkinson's disease patients by providing insights into how their treatment affects brain activity and movement.

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This study looked at a 36-year-old pregnant woman who developed Fournier's gangrene, a serious infection, at 12 weeks of pregnancy. She experienced a high fever and severe anemia, with a large infected area around her genitals. After undergoing surgery and receiving special medication, her condition improved, and she was able to deliver her baby successfully. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women facing severe infections and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a multi-week online training program improved the skills and knowledge of caregivers, specifically those working with patients suffering from dementia. After the training, caregivers showed a significant increase in their understanding of dementia and felt more confident in their abilities, but their stress levels and mental health did not improve, and patients’ hospital visits remained unchanged. This is important because better-trained caregivers can enhance the quality of care for dementia patients, leading to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps caregivers and, indirectly, the patients they support.

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This study examined the use of midline catheters (MLCs) to collect blood samples in patients who have difficulty getting intravenous access. Over six months, 53 patients used MLCs, which were effective for an average of 4 days out of the 7 days they were in place, allowing over 225 days of avoided needle sticks. The findings show that using MLCs for blood collection has low complication rates, making it a viable option for patients with challenging vein access. Who this helps: This helps patients who struggle with traditional venous access for blood draws.

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This study looked at heart tissue from patients who experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) and compared it to the heart tissue from healthy individuals. The researchers focused on a protein called γ-H2AX, which appears when there is damage to DNA. They found that this protein was present in much higher levels in the heart tissues of SCD patients, indicating that DNA damage was likely a factor in these deaths. This finding matters because it suggests γ-H2AX could help identify patients at risk for SCD and point to new ways to prevent it. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for sudden cardiac death and their doctors.

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This study looked at the immune and metabolic features in the peritoneal cavity of patients with endometriosis compared to those with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-OC). The researchers found that patients with HGS-OC had a higher number of inflammatory immune cells called M1 macrophages, with a ratio of M1 to M2 macrophages of 2.5, compared to only 0.8 in endometriosis. This difference is important because it highlights how the diseases affect immune responses differently, which could help develop new treatments, especially for managing endometriosis and understanding its progression. Who this helps: This helps patients with endometriosis and ovarian cancer, as well as their doctors.

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This study investigated how different areas of the brain communicate to learn and make decisions. Researchers found that when people learn, information about their actions and outcomes is processed in a highly interconnected way across multiple brain regions. Specifically, they discovered that areas like the prefrontal and parietal cortices work together in complex ways, which helps reduce uncertainty about decision-making. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by enhancing our understanding of learning and decision-making processes in the brain.

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This paper looks at the growing use of Do-It-Yourself Artificial Pancreas Systems (DIY-APS), which combine standard diabetes devices with custom software, by people with type 1 diabetes in Italy. It found that these systems improve blood sugar control, enhance quality of life, and lower fears of low blood sugar without formal approval, which raises some legal concerns. The findings highlight the need for better education for both patients and healthcare providers and call for clearer regulations to ensure safety and care quality. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 1 diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different biological, social, and environmental factors affect brain health and diseases. Researchers developed a new approach that combines three methods to assess brain health on an individual basis, rather than relying on average data from large populations. They found that using this integrated method improves the understanding of brain disorders and allows for more personalized treatment plans, potentially leading to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing more tailored treatments for brain health issues.

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This study looked at a special receptor that can effectively recognize adenosine, a molecule important for cellular functions, by using a unique design that includes two uracil units. Researchers found that this receptor can selectively bind adenosine from a mixture of similar molecules, demonstrating its ability to do so. This is significant because having a reliable way to identify adenosine can aid in research and drug development related to cellular processes. Who this helps: Patients and researchers working on therapies involving cellular functions.

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This research examined the reasons behind femicides, or murders of women due to their gender, by analyzing 1,238 female homicide cases in Italy from 1950 to 2023. They found that 410 of these cases were classified as femicides, mainly motivated by jealousy or relationship issues, while 395 were non-femicides often linked to mental illness or drug problems. Understanding these motives is essential for developing better prevention strategies to protect women from violence. Who this helps: This helps women at risk of domestic violence, as well as healthcare providers identifying dangerous situations.

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This study looked at 1,238 cases of female homicide in Italy to better understand femicides, defined as killings rooted in a failure to respect women's autonomy. Researchers found that current partners were responsible in many cases, especially ex-partners, with a staggering 11 times more likely to commit femicides compared to non-femicides. The findings highlight key patterns, such as the use of sharp weapons and the discovery of bodies often found in vehicles or outdoor locations, which can help predict and potentially prevent these tragic events. Who this helps: This research benefits victims, law enforcement, and organizations working to prevent violence against women.

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This study focuses on a heart condition called myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), which can worsen outcomes for patients recovering from heart attacks even after blood flow is restored. The researchers found that successful restoration of blood flow does not eliminate the risk of serious complications like heart rhythm problems or sudden cardiac death, as seen in autopsy cases of patients who died after treatment. It also highlights the importance of inflammatory markers in diagnosing MIRI's role in these deaths and discusses potential new treatments that may help reduce heart-related problems. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from heart attacks, doctors treating them, and pathologists investigating related fatalities.

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This study looked at genetic mutations in 138 Italian patients with collagen VI-related myopathies, which include conditions like severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) and milder Bethlem myopathy (BM). Researchers found 104 different mutations, with the most common types affecting the collagen VI protein's structure. Understanding these mutations helps improve knowledge about these rare muscle disorders and may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits patients with collagen VI-related myopathies and their doctors.

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This research looked at the economic benefits of adult vaccination programs in ten countries, including the US and Japan, focusing on diseases like influenza and pneumonia. The study found that for every dollar spent on these vaccines, there were returns ranging from $5 to $19, meaning they are a good investment. This is important because it shows that funding these programs not only saves lives but also makes financial sense as populations age. Who this helps: This benefits patients and public health officials by highlighting the value of vaccination programs.

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Researchers studied an 81-year-old man who set a new world record for the 50-km race in his age group, completing it in 4 hours, 47 minutes, and 39 seconds. They found that this athlete had remarkable aerobic fitness, achieving the highest recorded oxygen uptake for someone over 80 years old, comparable to healthy young men aged 20-30, which allowed him to perform exceptionally well. This matters because it provides insight into the physical capabilities of older adults and challenges assumptions about aging and endurance. Who this helps: This benefits older athletes and those interested in maintaining fitness and activity levels as they age.

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This study examined how well a surgery called patellofemoral joint (PFJ) arthroplasty works over time in patients with specific knee problems. The findings showed that about 79% of the knee implants were still functioning well after 10 years, and patients reported good to excellent results in their knee function. This is important because it shows that this surgical option can effectively help patients suffering from isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Who this helps: Patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis.

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The study looked at how drug and alcohol abuse affects the brain, focusing on the changes that forensic pathologists observe during autopsies. Researchers reviewed 116 articles to summarize the different ways that substance abuse alters brain structure, but they found that there are no specific brain lesions tied to individual drugs. This information is important for understanding how these substances impact brain health and for helping pathologists determine the cause of death in drug-related cases. Who this helps: This helps forensic pathologists, improving their ability to assess cases involving substance abuse.

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This research focused on improving the discovery of new drugs by identifying a small group of chemical compounds with potentially unique ways of working against diseases. The study uncovered that these compounds could interact with a wide range of cellular models and showed ability to target different proteins compared to existing drug libraries. By making these findings available for other scientists, the researchers aim to enhance drug development methods and expand treatment options. Who this helps: This helps researchers and pharmaceutical companies seeking new drug discoveries.

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This study examined how the physical activity of people with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) changes over time using wearable sensors. It involved 26 adults with FRDA and found they were less active than healthy individuals, showing significant reductions in activities and a decline in their walking scores over one year. This matters because it provides clear, measurable data on how FRDA affects daily life, which can help in developing better treatments and interventions for the disease. Who this helps: Patients with Friedreich ataxia and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects the heart by examining heart tissue from people who died with COVID-19. Researchers found that 33% of the heart samples had viral proteins from SARS-CoV-2, suggesting direct damage to the heart. They also observed increased inflammatory markers, which indicate that the virus can disrupt normal heart function. This research is important because it helps us understand that COVID-19 can cause serious heart problems, which can be crucial for understanding fatal cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by highlighting the need for monitoring heart health in COVID-19 cases.

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This study looked at how including the value of lost work time in the cost analysis of vaccines for C. difficile and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) changes their economic evaluation. They found that vaccinating against C. difficile could save £12.30 in productivity costs per person vaccinated, while RSV vaccination could save £49 per person. These findings highlight the importance of considering productivity losses in vaccine cost evaluations to help make better funding decisions that benefit society. Who this helps: This helps patients and health policymakers.

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This study looked at how various dietary supplements, beyond just protein, can enhance muscle growth when combined with resistance training. Researchers found that supplements like carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and probiotics can all positively affect muscle growth. For example, using a combination of these alongside protein supports muscle metabolism and improves the overall response to training. Who this helps: This information benefits athletes and individuals looking to build muscle effectively.

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This study focused on improving the recycling of rare earth elements, specifically iron, dysprosium, and neodymium, which are used in permanent magnets. The researchers found that they could effectively separate these metals by using a special chemical (8-hydroxyquinolines) that makes iron insoluble while allowing dysprosium and neodymium to remain soluble. This separation method is important because it could help meet the expected tenfold increase in demand for rare earth elements by 2050 while promoting sustainable recycling practices. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and industries relying on rare earth elements, as well as environmentalists interested in sustainable resource management.

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This study focused on how to better measure the effectiveness of general practitioners (GPs) in England, especially as the demand for healthcare rises. Researchers created a new framework that includes 13 areas of care and 51 specific indicators to assess how well GPs improve patients' health. This is important because it helps healthcare decision-makers understand and quantify the 'valued' results of primary care, making it easier to ensure practices meet patients' needs effectively. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and policymakers in improving patient care.

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This research studied the levels of two important proteins, BDNF and GDNF, in the brains of people who died by suicide and had a history of depression. The findings showed that people who died by suicide had lower levels of BDNF and higher levels of GDNF compared to individuals who died from other causes. Understanding these protein levels may help identify those at risk for suicide and lead to better treatments for depression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with depression and their doctors.

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This study looked at 20 cases of unexplained stillbirths to understand the role of oxidative stress in these tragic events. Researchers found high levels of specific markers related to oxidative stress, particularly NOX2 and 8-HODG, in the placentas of the stillborn babies, indicating that oxidative stress may play a significant role in causing these deaths. This research is important because it uncovers potential biological processes behind stillbirths, which can lead to more insights for prevention and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing critical information to understand and potentially prevent stillbirths.

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This study looked at changes in specific signaling pathways in colorectal adenomas, which are precursors to colon cancer, by examining tissue samples from 41 patients. Researchers found that a key protein involved in cancer development was less active in tumor tissues compared to surrounding normal tissue, while another protein was more active in the adenomas. These findings highlight the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the early stages of colon cancer, which could lead to better treatments and ways to predict risk in patients. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for colorectal cancer, particularly those with adenomatous polyps.

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This study reviewed the benefits of adult vaccination programs against diseases like the flu and pneumonia in ten different countries. It found strong evidence that these vaccinations improve quality of life, reduce deaths among vaccinated individuals, and save healthcare costs, but some valuable data about their broader societal impact is lacking. This is important because without a complete picture of their benefits, health policy decisions might not fully support immunization efforts. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare policymakers.

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Researchers in Italy studied how gastroenterologists diagnose and treat chronic constipation (CC), finding that 42% of surveyed doctors had specialized clinics for digestive disorders. They discovered that only about 57% routinely performed a particular physical exam for CC, with younger doctors doing it less often. The most common treatments were dietary advice, fiber, and macrogol, reflecting established guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic constipation by highlighting areas for improved diagnosis and treatment.

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This study created a standard guideline for using transanal irrigation (TAI) to help patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and functional constipation. After getting input from healthcare experts, the first round showed nurses agreed on the protocol, while doctors reached consensus after a second round, deciding that TAI should be used if other treatments fail, especially for certain types of constipation. Following these guidelines can improve patient care and treatment results. Who this helps: Patients with LARS and functional constipation, as well as their doctors.