North Carolina uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to produce a pupil transportation funding process that encourages operational efficiency and reduces expenditures. To do so, we extended the DEA methodology to nonhomogeneous units by integrating DEA with a regression model that adjusts the DEA output to account for variations in site characteristics and to ensure that the final funding allocations were fair. The new process has led to changes in bus routes and schedules, adjustments in school start and stop times, and reductions in the inventory of buses. Between 1990 and 1993, the state saved $25.2 million in capital costs and $27.9 million in operating costs, and it expects savings to increase.

Fibromatosis refers to formation of a fibrous or tumor-like nodule or nodular swelling arising from fascia or connective tissue. The behavior of fibromatosis ranges from a self-limiting benign condition to the aggressive or recurrent type. No articles at this time have reported cases of aggressive fibromatosis emphasizing the use of color Doppler sonography for preoperative planning. The authors report two cases of aggressive fibromatosis interrogated with color Doppler imaging and magnetic resonance imaging that correlate with surgical findings.

Aim This study addresses surveillance cystoscopy in patients diagnosed with bladder and upper tract cancer. Managed Clinical Network (MCN) guidelines have clear recommendations for the timetable of follow-up cystoscopy, and we conducted this audit to study regional compliance. Method Using a multisite pathology database of bladder cancer cases from 2016, we collected and analysed data on 100 non-muscle invasive bladder cancers. We took the first 10 cases from each month to ensure cross-regional representation. Each case was stratified according to MCN guidelines. Electronic medical records were examined to assess upper tract follow up. We allowed for +/- 1 month each side of the target timeframe. Results We had 64 male and 36 female subjects. In our risk categories, we had 31 low risk, 37 intermediate risk and 32 high risk bladder cancers. 67 were new cases, 33 were recurrent tumours. 10 (43.4%) of low-risk and 19 (79.2%) of intermediate-risk patients underwent surveillance cystoscopy earlier than the recommended 12-month timeframe. 18 (78.3%) of low-risk patients continued to have further surveillance cystoscopies after a 12-month disease-free period. Conclusions 43.4% of low-risk bladder cancer patients are receiving surveillance cystoscopy earlier than recommended. 78.3% of these patients are then undergoing unnecessary procedures following a 12-month disease-free period against regional guidelines and recommendations. This places an increased burden on clinic/theatre time and contributes to patient anxiety surrounding cancer follow-up. Evidence-based medicine guidelines have shown that less is more when it comes to low-grade bladder cancer surveillance. We now need to assess why we are deviating from our own guidelines.

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