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HMOX1 as a therapeutic target associated with diabetic foot ulcers based on single‐cell analysis and machine learning

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of disability and death in diabetic patients. However, current treatments remain unsatisfactory. Although macrophages are associated with DFU, their exact role in this disease remains uncertain. This study sought to detect macrophage-related genes in DFU and identify possible therapeutic targets. Single-cell datasets (GSE223964) and RNA-seq datasets (GSM68183, GSE80178, GSE134431 and GSE147890) associated with DFU were retrieved from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database for this study. Analysis of the provided single-cell data revealed the distribution of macrophage subpopulations in the DFU. Four independent RNA-seq datasets were merged into a single DFU cohort and further analysed using bioinformatics. This included differential expression (DEG) analysis, multiple machine learning algorithms to identify biomarkers and enrichment analysis. Finally, key results were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western bolt. Finally, the findings were validated using RT-qPCR and western blot. We obtained 802 macrophage-related genes in single-cell analysis. Differential expression analysis yielded 743 DEGs. Thirty-seven macrophage-associated DEGs were identified by cross-analysis of marker genes with macrophage-associated DEGs. Thirty-seven intersections were screened and cross-analysed using four machine learning algorithms. Finally, HMOX1 was identified as a potentially valuable biomarker. HMOX1 was significantly associated with biological pathways such as the insulin signalling pathway. The results showed that HMOX1 was significantly overexpressed in DFU samples. In conclusion, the analytical results of this study identified HMOX1 as a potentially valuable biomarker associated with macrophages in DFU. The results of our analysis improve our understanding of the mechanism of macrophage action in this disease and may be useful in developing targeted therapies for DFU.

The effects of clinical learning environment and career adaptability on resilience: A mediating analysis based on a survey of nursing interns

Abstract

Background

The resilience education of intern nursing students has significant implications for the development and improvement of the nursing workforce. The clinical internship period is a critical time for enhancing resilience.

Aims

To evaluate the resilience level of Chinese nursing interns and explore the effects of factors affecting resilience early in their careers, focusing on the mediating roles of career adaptability between clinical learning environment and resilience.

Methods

The cross-sectional study design was adopted. From March 2022 to May 2023, 512 nursing interns in tertiary care hospitals were surveyed online with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Clinical Learning Environment Scale for Nurse and the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale. Structural equation modelling was used to clarify the relationships among these factors. Indirect effects were tested using bootstrapped confidence intervals.

Results

The nursing interns showed a moderately high level of resilience [M (SD) = 70.15 (19.90)]. Gender, scholastic attainment, scholarship, career adaptability and clinical learning environment were influencing factors of nursing interns' resilience. Male interns with good academic performance showed higher levels of resilience. Career adaptability and clinical learning environment positively and directly affected their resilience level (β = 0.62, 0.18, respectively, p < .01). Career adaptability was also positively affected by the clinical learning environment (β = 0.36, p < .01), and mediated the effect of clinical learning environment on resilience (β = 0.22, p < .01).

Conclusion

Clinical learning environment can positively affect the resilience level of nursing interns. Career adaptability can affect resilience directly and also play a mediating role between clinical learning environment and resilience. Thus, promotion of career adaptability and clinical teaching environment should be the potential strategies for nursing interns to improve their resilience, especially for female nursing interns with low academic performance.

The impact of early nutritional support on postoperative wound healing in patients with complex fractures: A meta‐analysis review

Abstract

Complex fractures present significant challenges in orthopaedic surgery, particularly in terms of postoperative wound healing. Nutritional status plays a crucial role in the recovery process, with early nutritional support potentially influencing wound healing outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of early nutritional interventions on postoperative wound healing and scar formation in patients with complex fractures. From an initial pool of 1742 articles, 7 studies were selected for analysis. The results revealed that preoperative nutritional support significantly improved early wound healing, as indicated by lower REEDA scores (SMD = −14.06, 95% CI: [−16.79, −11.32], p < 0.01) 1 week post-surgery. Furthermore, there was a notable reduction in scar formation, as demonstrated by lower Manchester Scar Scale scores (SMD = −25.03, 95% CI: [−30.32, −19.74], p < 0.01) 3 months post-surgery. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating nutritional strategies into the management of complex fractures to optimize postoperative recovery.

Identification and clinical validation of the role of anoikis‐related genes in diabetic foot

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of anoikis-related genes in diabetic foot (DF) by utilizing bioinformatics analysis to identify key genes associated with anoikis in DF. We selected the GEO datasets GSE7014, GSE80178 and GSE68183 for the extraction and analysis of differentially expressed anoikis-related genes (DE-ARGs). GO analysis and KEGG analysis indicated that DE-ARGs in DF were primarily enriched in apoptosis, positive regulation of MAPK cascade, anoikis, focal adhesion and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Based on the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, we identified six characteristic genes. ROC curve analysis revealed that these six characteristic genes had an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7, indicating good diagnostic efficacy. Expression analysis in the validation set revealed downregulation of CALR in DF, consistent with the training set results. GSEA results demonstrated that CALR was mainly enriched in blood vessel morphogenesis, endothelial cell migration, ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. The HPA database revealed that CALR was moderately enriched in endothelial cells, and CALR was found to interact with 63 protein-coding genes. Functional analysis with DAVID suggested that CALR and associated genes were enriched in the phagosome component. CALR shows promise as a potential marker for the development and treatment of DF.

Effect of passive versus active abdominal drainage on wound infection after pancreatectomy: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Following pancreatic resection, there may be a variety of complications, including wound infection, haemorrhage, and abdominal infection. The placement of drainage channels during operation may decrease the chances of postoperative complications. However, what kind of drainage can decrease the rate of postoperative complications is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of both active and passive drainage for post-operation wound complications. From the beginning of the database until November 2023, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the Pubmed database have been searched. The two authors collected 2524 related studies from 3 data bases for importation into Endnote software, and 8 finished trials were screened against the exclusion criteria. Passive drainage can decrease the incidence of superficial wound infection in postoperative patients with pancreas operation (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.60 p = 0.01); No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of deep infections among the two groups (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.68–3.36 p = 0.31); No statistical significance was found for the rate of haemorrhage after active drainage on the pancreas compared with that of passive drainage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.29–1.77 p = 0.47); No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of death after operation for patients who had received a pancreas operation in active or passive drainage (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.57–1.42 p = 0.65); On the basis of existing evidence, the use of passive abdominal drainage reduces postoperative surface wound infections in patients. But there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of severe complications, haemorrhage after surgery, or mortality. However, because of the limited sample size of this meta-analysis, it is necessary to have more high-quality research with a large sample size to confirm the findings.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine soaking method on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Foot infections, sores or deep tissue damage from diabetes can be a serious psychological and physical injury. This paper aims at making meta-analyses on the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on diabetic foot ulcers. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database and so on, has conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effect of TCM soaking method for diabetes patients with diabetes. Literature has been determined to be included by computer search and by hand rough checks. The search period was from the creation of the database to October 2023. Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyse the meta data and evaluate it systematically. Altogether, 479 research was conducted in China's data base and 20 of them were eventually collected for the final statistical analysis. In all, 1361 patients were enrolled in the trials. The results indicated that TCM immersion in diabetic foot resulted in significantly improved obvious wound healing (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.5, 4.09, p < 0.0001); results showed that TCM immersion therapy significantly increased the efficiency of effective wound healing (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 3.25, 6.37, p < 0.001). Statistical significance was found. Using Egger's approach to detect publishing bias suggests that there is no risk of publishing bias in terms of marked wound healing and effective healing. Traditional Chinese drug immersion can increase obviously the recovery ratio and the effective recovery ratio of diabetic foot.

Nomogram for predicting surgical site infections in elderly patients after open lumbar spine surgery: A retrospective study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a nomogram to assess the risk of surgical site infection in elderly patients undergoing open lumbar spine surgery and explore related risk factors. We reviewed the records of 578 elderly patients who had undergone open lumbar spine surgery. The clinical parameters were subjected to lasso regression and logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, a nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of postoperative surgical site infection and validated using bootstrap resampling. A total of 578 patients were included in the analysis, of which 17 were diagnosed as postoperative surgical site infection. Following the final logistic regression analysis, obesity, hypoalbuminemia and drinking history were identified as independent risk factors and subsequently incorporated into the nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated excellent discrimination, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.879 (95% CI 0.769 ~ 0.989) after internal validation. The calibration curve exhibited a high level of consistency. Decision curve analysis revealed that this nomogram had greater clinical value when the risk threshold for surgical site infection occurrence was >1% and <89%. We had developed a nomogram for predicting the risk of postoperative surgical site infection in elderly patients who had undergone open lumbar spine surgery. Validation using bootstrap resampling demonstrated excellent discrimination and calibration, indicating that the nomogram may hold potential clinical utility as a simple predictive tool for healthcare professionals.

The impact of glucocorticoids therapy on cutaneous wounds in Kawasaki disease: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most challenging diseases that is defined as an acute vasculitis that affects the coronary arteries primarily in children. It causes complications if left untreated at early stages, ultimately leading to death. Corticosteroids have been recognized to treat and cause great impact on the patients with KD. Glucocorticoid is one of the main corticosteroids that are being used to treat KD and cutaneous wounds. However, ineffectiveness of a few glucocorticoids can limit the efficacy of this treatment. This study particularly aimed to elucidate the impact of glucocorticoids on cutaneous wounds in KD. To perform the meta-analysis, a comprehensive literature survey was conducted to unveil the studies and research conducted on Kawasaki patients that revealed different glucocorticoids in the form of specific interventions influencing KD. The literature was searched using numerous keywords, screened and data was extracted to perform the meta-analysis and then it was conducted using the metabin function of R package meta. A total of 2000 patients from both intervention and control groups were employed to carry out the meta-analysis to analyse and evaluate the impact of glucocorticoids on curing KD and cutaneous wounds in patients. The results disclosed that glucocorticoids along with other steroids, mainly IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin), was an effective intervention to patients suffering from Kawasaki. The results depicted significant outcomes with the values (risk ratio [RR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–2.00, p < 0.01) and enlightened the fact that adopting different glucocorticoids may significantly improve the efficacy of skin lesions along with KD. Hence, interventions of glucocorticoids must be utilized in the clinical practice to reduce the incidence of skin wounds and adverse effects caused due to KD.

Simulating contamination of the operator and surrounding environment during wound debridement through fluorescent labelling

Abstract

We investigated the contamination of the operator and the surrounding environment during wound debridement through simulated operations using fluorescent labelling. On-site simulated operation assessment was performed before and after the training. Oranges and square towels were used to simulate wounds and the inpatient units, respectively. Fluorescent powder was applied to the surfaces. Operations on oranges simulated bedside debridement, and the postoperative distribution of the fluorescent powder was employed to reflect the contamination of the operator and the surrounding environment. During the pre-training assessment, contamination was observed in 28 of the 29 trainees. The commonly contaminated parts were the extensor side of the forearm, middle abdomen, upper abdomen, and hands. The right side of the operating area was contaminated in 24 trainees. During the post-training assessment, contamination was observed in 13 of the 15 trainees. The commonly parts were the hands, extensor side of the forearm, and the lower abdomen. The front, back, left, and right sides of the operating area were contaminated in 12, 9, 11, and 14 trainees, respectively. Contamination of the treatment cart was observed in 5 trainees. Operator and the surrounding environment can be contaminated during wound debridement. Attention should be paid to hand hygiene, wearing and changing of work clothes, and disinfection of the surrounding environment. Moreover, regular training is recommended.

Multi‐disciplinary diabetic limb salvage programme in octogenarians with diabetic foot ulcers is not futile: An observational study with historical controls

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary diabetic limb salvage programme in improving clinical outcomes and optimising healthcare utilisation in 406 patients aged ≥80 years with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), compared to 2392 younger patients enrolled from June 2020 to June 2021 and against 1716 historical controls using one-to-one propensity score matching. Results showed that elderly programme patients had lower odds of amputation-free survival (odds ratio: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.88) and shorter cumulative length of stay (LOS) compared to younger programme patients (incidence rate ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.69). Compared to the matched controls, participating in the programme was associated with 5% higher probability of minor lower extremity amputation, reduced inpatient admissions and emergency visits, shorter LOS but increased specialist and primary care visits (all p-values <0.05). The findings suggest that the programme yielded favourable impacts on the clinical outcomes of patients aged≥80 years with DFUs. Further research is needed to develop specific interventions tailoring to the needs of the elderly population and to determine their effectiveness on patient outcomes while accounting for potential confounding factors.

Meta‐analysis of the influence of tracheal intubation with cuff and without cuff on the incidence of total wound complications in ICU intubation patients

Abstract

At present, it is still controversial whether patients in intensive care unit (ICU) use tracheal intubation with or without cuff. This paper evaluates the effect of tracheal intubation with and without cuff on overall complication rate of patients with intubation in ICU. The database of PubMed, Embase, Conchrane Library and Web of Science was searched by computer, and the clinical research on intubation with and without cuff in ICU was collected. The time range was from the database establishment to November 2023. Literature was independently screened, information was extracted, and quality was assessed by two researchers. Finally, there were nine studies included, with 11 068 patients (7391 in cuff group and 3677 in non-cuff group). The results showed that the overall complication rate of cuff group was significantly lower than that of non-cuff group, and that of cuff group (RR = 0.53, p < 0.01). In addition, compared with the non-cuff group, the cuff group had a lower number of tracheal intubation changes [RR = 0.05, p < 0.01] and a lower incidence of aspiration pneumonia (RR = 0.45, p = 0.01). Compared with the non-cuff group, the cuff group had a higher incidence of oral mucosal ulcers and pharyngitis (RR = 1.99, p = 0.04), while the cuff group had a lower incidence of laryngeal edema (RR = 0.39, p < 0.01). In ICU intubation patients, the use of cuffs reduces overall complication rate in comparison to patients without cuffs. Therefore, patients with intubation in ICU can recommend tracheal intubation with cuff.

Assessing the efficacy of Naoxintong capsules on wound healing in post‐craniotomy patients: A clinical perspective

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether Naoxintong capsules may enhance wound healing and reduce postoperative complications in individuals having craniotomies. A total of 120 patients at Tongji Hospital, Shanghai, participated in this clinical perspective study conducted from April 2022 to June 2023. Participants were divided into treatment group (n = 60), receiving standard care plus Naoxintong capsules and control group (n = 60), receiving standard care only. Primary outcomes included the rate of wound healing, while secondary outcomes encompassed postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes on pain and quality of life. The treatment group exhibited significantly enhanced wound healing rate than the control at Day 7 (40.33 vs. 25.67%, p < 0.05), Day 14 (75.17 vs. 50.83%, p < 0.05) and Day 28 (94.83 vs. 79.50%, p < 0.05). Postoperative complications were markedly reduced in the treatment group, with lower rates of infection (p < 0.05), wound dehiscence (p < 0.05) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patient-reported outcomes significantly favoured the treatment group, with reduced pain scores and improved quality of life at 4 weeks post-surgery(p < 0.05). Naoxintong capsules thus significantly enhanced the wound healing and reduced postoperative complications, contributing to improved patient-reported outcomes in post-craniotomy patients. These findings advocated for the integration of Naoxintong in postoperative care, highlighting the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in modern surgical recovery protocols. Further studies with larger cohorts are recommended to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Effect of two different techniques of arteriovenous fistula puncture on wound infection in haemodialysis patients

Abstract

Safe and effective arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture is very important to reduce the wound complications of haemodialysis (HD). For AVF puncture in dialysis patients, there is a lack of clarity and consistency regarding the relative advantage of buttonhole (BH) over rope-ladder (RL) cannulae in terms of wound complications. The study was published in several scientific databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase by October 2023. Data from all controlled trials looking at the effect of BH and RL on wound complications in haemodialysis patients were included. The articles were written in English, and they were about adult who had AVF while on dialysis. Studies with or without BH or RL treatment were excluded from the analysis. The data was analysed with RevMan5.3 software. Out of 215 trials, 9 were chosen for the final analysis. The study publication dates were between 2000 and 2023. Of these, 17 326 patients received AVF therapy. Among them, there were 3070 BH and 14 256 RL. In 9 studies, RL had a lower risk of postoperative wound infection compared to BH (OR, 3.38; 95% CI, 3.06, 3.73 p < 0.0001); In all 3 studies, there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of post operative bleeding in RL versus BH(OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.25, 2.33 p = 0.63). Our studies have demonstrated that RL trocars are superior to BH trocars in the prevention of wound infection.

Association of nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying: The mediating effect of organizational climate

Abstract

Aims

To explore the association between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying (WPB), as well as to examine the mediating role of organizational climate in this association.

Background

There is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the relationship between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership, organizational climate and nurses' perceived WPB. Clarifying this relationship is crucial to understand how paternalistic leadership influences WPB and for nursing managers to seek organizational-level solutions to prevent it.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed from 4 January to 10 February 2022, in six tertiary hospitals in mainland China. Demographic information, Paternalistic Leadership Scale, Organizational Climate Scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised were used in the survey. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses and a structural equation model were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 5093 valid questionnaires were collected. Moral leadership and authoritarian leadership have both direct and indirect effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. The former is negatively related to WPB and the latter is positively related to WPB. Benevolent leadership was only negatively associated with WPB via the mediating effect of organizational climate.

Conclusion

The three components of paternalistic leadership have different effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. Nurse managers are recommended to strengthen moral leadership, balance benevolent leadership, reduce authoritarian leadership and strive to create a positive organizational climate in their efforts to mitigate WPB among nurses.

Impact

This study enhanced our comprehension of the relationship between different leadership styles and WPB. Greater emphasis should be placed on moral leadership in the promotion of nursing managers and nursing leadership training programs. Additionally, nursing managers should focus on establishing a positive organizational climate that helps to reduce WPB.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. This study did not involve patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public.

Artificial intelligence driven malnutrition diagnostic model for patients with acute abdomen based on GLIM criteria: a cross-sectional research protocol

Por: Ma · W. · Cai · B. · Wang · Y. · Wang · L. · Sun · M.-W. · Lu · C. D. · Jiang · H.
Background

Patients with acute abdomen often experience reduced voluntary intake and a hypermetabolic process, leading to a high occurrence of malnutrition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria have rapidly developed into a principal methodological tool for nutritional diagnosis. Additionally, machine learning is emerging to establish artificial intelligent-enabled diagnostic models, but the accuracy and robustness need to be verified. We aimed to establish an intelligence-enabled malnutrition diagnosis model based on GLIM for patients with acute abdomen.

Method

This study is a single-centre, cross-sectional observational investigation into the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with acute abdomen using the GLIM criteria. Data collection occurs on the day of admission, at 3 and 7 days post-admission, including biochemical analysis, body composition indicators, disease severity scoring, nutritional risk screening, malnutrition diagnosis and nutritional support information. The occurrence rate of malnutrition in patients with acute abdomen is analysed with the GLIM criteria based on the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form to investigate the sensitivity and accuracy of the GLIM criteria. After data cleansing and preprocessing, a machine learning approach is employed to establish a predictive model for malnutrition diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen based on the GLIM criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has obtained ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital on 28 November 2022 (Yan-2022–442). The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences and directly to study participants.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200067044.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 on Maori:non-Maori health inequities in Aotearoa, New Zealand: an observational study protocol

Por: Curtis · E. · Jaung · R. · Paine · S.-J. · McLeod · M. · Tamatea · J. · Atkinson · J. · Jiang · Y. · Robson · B. · Reid · P. · Harris · R. B.
Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ.

Methods and analysis

This observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).

Sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis: prevalence and impact--a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Tu · X. · Lin · T. · Ju · Y. · Shu · X. · Jiang · T. · Ge · N. · Yue · J.
Objective

This review aims to provide an estimate of sarcopenia prevalence and its impact on clinical characteristics in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systemically searched from inception to 24 May 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with SSc.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction using standardised methods. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models.

Results

A total of 4583 articles were screened and 9 studies with data from 815 patients were included in the analysis (8 cross-sectional studies and 1 retrospective cohort study). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with SSc was 22% (95% CI 17% to 28%). Patients with SSc with sarcopenia had a poorer quality of life (mean difference –12.02; 95% CI –19.11 to –4.93) and higher C reactive protein (CRP) levels (standardised mean difference 0.67; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.00).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is common in patients with SSc. Patients with SSc with sarcopenia had a worse quality of life and higher CRP levels, based on our findings. Given the detrimental impact of sarcopenia on quality of life, future efforts aimed at early identification of sarcopenia in the clinical assessment of patients with SSc may have significance.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022368326.

Downregulation of the CD151 protects the cardiac function by the crosstalk between the endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes via exosomes

by Luying Jiang, Jingbo Liu, Zhenjia Yang, Jianyu Wang, Wenkai Ke, Kaiyue Zhang, Chunran Zhang, Houjuan Zuo

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the last stage in the progression of various cardiovascular diseases. Although it is documented that CD151 contributes to regulate the myocardial infarction, the function of CD151 on HF and involved mechanisms are still unclear.

Method and results

In the present study, we found that the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated endothelial cell-specific knockdown of CD151-transfected mice improved transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac function, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and increased coronary perfusion, whereas overexpression of the CD151 protein aggravated cardiac dysfunction and showed the opposite effects. In vitro, the cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by PE were significantly improved, while the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were significantly reduced, when co-cultured with the CD151-silenced endothelial cells (ECs). To further explore the mechanisms, the exosomes from the CD151-silenced ECs were taken by cardiomyocyte (CMs) and CFs, verified the intercellular communication. And the protective effects of CD151-silenced ECs were inhibited when exosome inhibitor (GW4869) was added. Additionally, a quantitative proteomics method was used to identify potential proteins in CD151-silenced EC exosomes. We found that the suppression of CD151 could regulate the PPAR signaling pathway via exosomes.

Conclusion

Our observations suggest that the downregulation of CD151 is an important positive regulator of cardiac function of heart failure, which can regulate exosome-stored proteins to play a role in the cellular interaction on the CMs and CFs. Modulating the exosome levels of ECs by reducing CD151 expression may offer novel therapeutic strategies and targets for HF treatment.

The effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma: An integrative review

Abstract

Aims

The clinical significance of cancer-related stigma on patients' well-being has been widely established. Stigma can be perceived and internalised by cancer patients or implemented by the general population and healthcare workers. Various interventions have been carried out to reduce cancer-related stigma, but their effectiveness is not well-understood. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

This integrative review combined both qualitative and quantitative studies and followed five steps to identify problems, search for the literature, appraise the literature quality, analyse data, and present data. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (version 2018) was applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

Data Sources

Databases included Web of Science, MEDLINE, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Journals, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, OVID, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (from the inception of each database to 30 April 2021).

Results

Eighteen quantitative, six qualitative, and five mixed-methods studies were included in this review. Cultural factors should be considered when conducting interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma. For cancer patients, multi-component interventions have demonstrated a positive effect on their perceived stigma. For general population, interactive interventions show promise to reduce their implemented stigma towards cancer patients. For healthcare workers, there is a paucity of studies to reduce their implemented stigma. Existing studies reported inconclusive evidence, partially due to the lack of a robust study design with an adequate sample size.

Conclusions

Multi-component and interactive interventions show promise to relieve cancer-related stigma. More methodologically robust studies should be conducted in different cultures to elucidate the most appropriate interventions for different populations to reduce cancer-related stigma.

Implication for the Profession and Patient Care

These findings will facilitate healthcare workers to design and implement interventions to reduce cancer-related stigma, thus improving the quality of life for cancer patients.

Patient and Public Contribution

No patient and public contribution.

Factors associated with the intrinsic capacity in older adults: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction

In 2015, the term ‘intrinsic capacity’ (IC) was proposed by the World Health Organisation to promote healthy aging. However, the factors associated with IC are still discrepant and uncertain.

Aim

We aim to synthesise the factors connected with IC.

Methods

This scoping review followed the five-stage framework of Arksey and O'Malley and was reported using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results

In all, 29 articles were included. IC of older adults is associated with demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, disease conditions, behavioural factors, and biomarkers. Age, sex, marital status, occupation status, education, income/wealth, chronic diseases, hypertension, diabetes, disability, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were emerged as important factors related to the IC of older adults.

Conclusions

This review shows that IC is related to multiple factors. Understanding these factors can provide the healthcare personnel with the theoretical basis for intervening and managing IC in older adults.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The influencing factors identified in the review help to guide older adults to maintain their own intrinsic capacity, thereby promoting their health and well-being. The modifiable factors also provide evidence for healthcare personnel to develop targeted intervention strategies to delay IC decline.

No Patient or Public Contribution

As this is a scoping review, no patient or public contributions are required.

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