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What are the barriers and facilitators to advance care planning with older people in long‐term care facilities? A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the views and preferences for advance care planning from the perspectives of residents, family members and healthcare professionals in long-term care facilities.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 residents of long-term care facilities, 10 family members and 14 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The social ecological model was used to develop implementation recommendations.

Results

We constructed a conceptual model of barriers and facilitators to advance care planning in long-term care facilities, drawing upon four dominant themes from the qualitative analysis: (1) The absence of discourse on end-of-life care: a lack of cultural climate to talk about death, the unspoken agreement to avoid conversations about death, and poor awareness of palliative care may hinder advance care planning initiation; (2) Relational decision-making process is a dual factor affecting advance care planning engagement; (3) Low trust and ‘unsafe’ cultures: a lack of honest information sharing, risks of violating social expectations and damaging social relationships, and risks of legal consequences may hinder willingness to engage in advance care planning; (4) Meeting and respecting residents' psychosocial needs: these can be addressed by readiness assessment, initiating advance care planning in an informal and equal manner and involving social workers.

Conclusion

Our findings show that residents' voices were not being heard. It is necessary to identify residents' spontaneous conversation triggers, articulate the value of advance care planning in light of the family's values and preferences, and respect residents' psychosocial needs to promote advance care planning in long-term care facilities. Advance care planning may alleviate the decision-making burden of offspring in nuclear families.

Implications for clinical practice

The evidence-based recommendations in this study will inform the implementation of context-specific advance care planning in Asia-Pacific regions.

Patient and Public Contribution

Patients and caregivers contributed to the interview pilot and data collection.

Nursing management of cognitive dysfunction in adults with brain injury: Summary of best evidence‐practiced strategies

Abstract

Objective

To summarize the best evidence-based strategies for the management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with brain injury and to provide a reference for clinical nursing practice.

Design

Review.

Methods

The review was presented using PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of evidence on the management of cognitive dysfunction in patients with brain injury was conducted in computerized decision systems, guideline websites, professional association websites and comprehensive databases from the date of creation to 21 June 2023. The types of evidence included were clinical decision making, guidelines, evidence summaries, best practices, recommended practices, expert consensus, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Two researchers trained in evidence-based methodological systems independently evaluated the quality of the literature and extracted, integrated and graded the evidence for inclusion.

Results

A total of 20 articles were selected, including nine guidelines, three expert consensus articles, one clinical practice article and seven systematic reviews, and the overall quality of the literature was high. Thirty pieces of evidence were summarized in seven areas: assessment, multidisciplinary team, rehabilitation program, cognitive intervention, exercise intervention, music intervention and medication management.

Conclusions

This study summarizes the latest evidence on the management of cognitive dysfunction in the care of adults with brain injury and provides a reference for clinical nursing practice. The best evidence should be selected for localized and individualized application in clinical work, and the best evidence should be continuously updated to standardize nursing practice.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

Patients with cognitive impairment after brain injury often suffer from memory loss, attention deficit and disorientation and are unable to have a normal life and experience much enjoyment, which seriously affects their physical and mental health and creates a great burden of care for their families and society. Best evidence-based strategies for the nursing management of cognitive impairment in brain injury are essential for standardizing clinical nursing practice and providing timely, professional, systematic and comprehensive nursing interventions for patients.

Reporting method

This review is reported following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, as applicable, to enhance transparency in reporting the evidence synthesis.

Trial and protocol registration

This study has been registered with the Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing, a JBI Centre of Excellence under registration number ES20232566, http://ebn.nursing.fudan.edu.cn/myRegisterList.

Patient or public contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Association between hypertension and pressure ulcer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This review aims to systematically evaluate the association between hypertension and pressure ulcer (PU). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies from their inception until September 12, 2023. Literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by two researchers. The random-effects model was used to calculate the combined odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of hypertension in patients with PU; subgroup analyses were performed to explore the source of between-study heterogeneity; sensitivity analysis was used to test the robust of the combined result; and funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias. Finally, a total of 19 studies with 564 716 subjects were included; the overall pooled result showed no significant association between hypertension and risk of developing PU (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.90–1.47, p = 0.27); and the sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis showed robust of the combined result. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant association between hypertension and PU when the primary disease was COVID-19 (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.35–2.22, p < 0.0001). No association between hypertension and PU was seen in subgroup analysis on the patient source and study design. In sum, there is no significantly statistical association between hypertension and the occurrence of PU in most cases, while the risk of PU significantly elevates among COVID-19 patients combined with hypertension regardless of patient source and study design.

Effect of right internal mammary artery versus radial artery as a second graft vessel in coronary artery bypass grafting on postoperative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Few studies have shown that radial artery (RA), which is used as a secondary arterial graft, offers superior results compared with right internal thoracic artery (RIMA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In a meta-analysis of observational studies starting in 2023, we looked at the effect of re-operation on postoperative infection and haemorrhage in CABG with RA vs. RIMA. The electronic database up to October 2023 was examined in the course of the research. Analysis was carried out on the clinical trials of postoperative wound infections and haemorrhage re-surgery. Among 912 trials associated with CABG, we selected 8 trials to be included in the final data analysis. The main results were secondary wound infection and re-operation after surgery. The odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) were computed on the basis of a randomized or fixed-effect model of wound infection and re-operation. Seven trials showed a significant reduction in the risk of wound infection in RA treated as a secondary artery transplant compared with RIMA (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.03, 2.47 p = 0.04); Four trials showed that RIMA was not significantly different from RA in the rate of re-operation for postoperative bleeding (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.60, 2.88 p = 0.50). In CABG, RA is used as a secondary arterial conduit graft to lower the risk of wound infection in CABG patients.

Construction of an instrument to enable the assessment of the risk of falls in older outpatients: A quantitative methodological study

Abstract

Objectives

To develop an instrument to facilitate the risk assessment of falls in older outpatients.

Design

A quantitative methodological study using the cross-sectional data.

Methods

This study enrolled 1988 older participants who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in an outpatient clinic from May 2020 to November 2022. The history of any falls (≥1 falls in a year) and recurrent falls (≥2 falls in a year) were investigated. Potential risk factors of falls were selected by stepwise logistic regression, and a screening tool was constructed based on nomogram. The tool performance was compared with two reference tools (Fried Frailty Phenotype; CGA with 10 items, CGA-10) by using receiver operating curves, sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Age, unintentional weight loss, depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, muscle strength measured by the five times sit-to-stand test, and stand balance measured by semi- and full-tandem standing were the most important risk factors for falls. A fall risk screening tool was constructed with the six measurements (FRST-6). FRST-6 showed the best AUC (Sen, Spe) of 0.75 (Sen = 0.72, Spe = 0.69) for recurrent falls and 0.65 (Sen = 0.74, Spe = 0.48) for any falls. FRST-6 was comparable to CGA-10 and outperformed FFP in performance.

Conclusions

Age, depression, weight loss, gait, and balance were important risk factors of falls. The FRST-6 tool based on these factors showed acceptable performance in risk stratification.

Impact

Performing a multifactorial assessment in primary care clinics is urgent for falls prevention. The FRST-6 provides a simple and practical way for falls risk screening. With this tool, healthcare professionals can efficiently identify patients at risk of falling and make appropriate recommendations in resource-limited settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was received, due to our study design.

Home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (REHAB-TAVR): protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Por: Shen · Z. · Mi · S. · Huang · C. · Zhou · D. · Pan · W. · Xu · X. · Lin · Y. · Zhang · Y.
Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a standard treatment for aortic stenosis, particularly in older adults. Reduced exercise capacity and frailty significantly impact outcomes in TAVR patients, yet current management lacks strategies to address these issues. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in TAVR patients, led by a multidisciplinary team with clear progression milestones.

Methods and analysis

The study involves 90 patients aged 60–89 in a single centre who will be randomised to a 3-month novel multidomain exercise intervention or routine care. Outcome assessors will be blinded towards group allocation. The primary outcome is the 6-min walk distance at month 3. The secondary outcomes include the 6-min walk distance at month 6, physical function measured by total Short Physical Performance Battery score and exercise adherence measured by the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale at months 3 and 6. Additional outcome measures, including rehospitalisations, death, handgrip strength, frailty (Fried Criteria and Essential Toolset), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), functional capacity (Duke Activity Status Index), clinical indices (body mass index, symptoms, signs, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, etc) and social support (Lubben Social Network Scale-6), along with comprehensive cost analysis, enhance the study’s significance. The study’s findings hold crucial implications for crafting an effective exercise-focused cardiac rehabilitation strategy for TAVR patients. Community implementation not only deepens understanding but also fosters the potential integration of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation into self-care, promising enhanced patient adherence and overall cardiovascular health management.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Ethics Committee (B2022-062R). Results will be disseminated to local stakeholders and the research community through publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05989594

Developing a PRogram to Educate and Sensitize Caregivers to Reduce the Inappropriate Prescription Burden in the Elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease (D-PRESCRIBE-AD): Trial protocol and rationale of an open-label pragmatic, prospective randomized controlled

by Sonal Singh, Noelle M. Cocoros, Xiaojuan Li, Kathleen M. Mazor, Mary T. Antonelli, Lauren Parlett, Mark Paullin, Thomas P. Harkins, Yunping Zhou, Paula A. Rochon, Richard Platt, Inna Dashevsky, Carly Massino, Cassandra Saphirak, Sybil L. Crawford, Jerry H. Gurwitz

Context

Potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications in older adults, particular those with dementia, can lead to adverse drug events including falls and fractures, worsening cognitive impairment, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Educational mailings from health plans to patients and their providers to encourage deprescribing conversations may represent an effective, low-cost, “light touch”, approach to reducing the burden of potentially inappropriate prescription use in older adults with dementia.

Objectives

The objective of the Developing a PRogram to Educate and Sensitize Caregivers to Reduce the Inappropriate Prescription Burden in Elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease (D-PRESCRIBE-AD) trial is to evaluate the effect of a health plan based multi-faceted educational outreach intervention to community dwelling patients with dementia who are currently prescribed sedative/hypnotics, antipsychotics, or strong anticholinergics.

Methods

The D-PRESCRIBE-AD is an open-label pragmatic, prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing three arms: 1) educational mailing to both the health plan patient and their prescribing physician (patient plus physician arm, n = 4814); 2) educational mailing to prescribing physician only (physician only arm, n = 4814); and 3) usual care (n = 4814) among patients with dementia enrolled in two large United States based health plans. The primary outcome is the absence of any dispensing of the targeted potentially inappropriate prescription during the 6-month study observation period after a 3-month black out period following the mailing. Secondary outcomes include dose-reduction, polypharmacy, healthcare utilization, mortality and therapeutic switching within targeted drug classes.

Conclusion

This large pragmatic RCT will contribute to the evidence base on promoting deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications among older adults with dementia. If successful, such light touch, inexpensive and highly scalable interventions have the potential to reduce the burden of potentially inappropriate prescribing for patients with dementia.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05147428.

Role of HDL cholesterol in anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity: a prospective observational study in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP

Por: Ou · W. · Jiang · T. · Zhang · N. · Lu · K. · Weng · Y. · Zhou · X. · Wang · D. · Dong · Q. · Tang · X.
Objectives

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a debilitating cardiac dysfunction for which there are no effective treatments, making early prevention of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity (AISC) crucial. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a role in cardioprotection, but its impact on AISC remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate the protective capacity of HDL-C in AISC in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisone and rituximab).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Conducted in China from September 2020 to September 2022.

Participants

70 chemotherapy-naïve patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL who were scheduled to receive the standard dose of R-CHOP; 60 participants included in a case–control study (DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10085-6).

Primary outcome measures

Serum biomarkers, 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and conventional echocardiography were measured at baseline, at the end of the third and sixth cycles of R-CHOP and 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy.

Results

24 patients experienced AISC, while 10 did not. 36 patients were lost to follow-up and death. Cox regression analysis showed that higher levels of HDL-C were associated with a significantly lower risk of AISC (unadjusted HR=0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.67, p=0.006; adjusted HR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.79, p=0.017). Patients without AISC had a more stable and higher HDL-C level during the follow-up period. HDL-C levels significantly decreased from the end of the third cycle of chemotherapy to the end of the sixth cycle of chemotherapy in all patients (p=0.034), and particularly in the AISC group (p=0.003). The highest level of HDL-C was significantly higher in patients without AISC than in those with AISC (1.52±0.49 vs 1.22±0.29, p=0.034).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that higher HDL-C levels may associate with lower AISC risk in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. HDL-C could be a cardioprotective target, but further research is needed to confirm its benefits and limitations.

Study registration number

Study registration number: ChiCTR2100054721

Quantitative assessments of retinal macular structure among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based, cross-sectional, optical coherence tomography study

Por: Zhang · Q. · Zhang · C. · Wang · Y. · Cong · L. · Liu · K. · Xu · Z. · Jiang · C. · Zhou · W. · Zhang · C. · Dong · Y. · Feng · J. · Qiu · C. · Du · Y.
Objectives

To quantitatively assess and compare retinal macular structures of rural-dwelling older adults in China using two different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and to examine their associations with demographic, lifestyle, clinical and ocular factors.

Design, setting and participants

This population-based, cross-sectional study included 971 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China study. We collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) and ocular factors (eg, visual acuity and spherical equivalent). We used two models of spectral-domain OCT to measure macular parameters in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields. Data were analysed using the multiple general linear models.

Results

Spectralis OCT demonstrated higher macular thickness but a lower macular volume than Primus 200 OCT (p

Conclusions

Macular thickness and volume assessed by Spectralis and Primus 200 OCT scanners differ. Older age and female sex are associated with lower macular thickness and volume. Macular parameters are associated with education, CVD and spherical equivalent.

Trial registeration number

MIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).

Study protocol of short-course radiotherapy combined with CAPOX and PD-1 inhibitor for locally advanced colon cancer: a randomised, prospective, multicentre, phase II trial (TORCH-C)

Por: Zhang · H. · Li · Y. · Xia · F. · Sun · Y. · Shen · L. · Wan · J. · Chen · Y. · Wang · Y. · Zhou · M. · Wu · R. · Zhou · S. · Wang · Y. · Liu · F. · Cai · S. · Zhang · Z.
Introduction

The preliminary result of the TORCH trial has shown a promising complete response (CR) for managing locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) combined with chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor. For locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) with bulky nodal disease and/or clinically T4, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by colectomy with en bloc removal of regional lymph nodes is the suggested treatment. However, the CR rate is less than 5%. TORCH-C will aim to investigate neoadjuvant SCRT combined with chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor in LACC.

Methods and analysis

TORCH-C is a randomised, prospective, multicentre, double-arm, open, phase II trial of SCRT combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in LACC with microsatellite stable (MSS) patients and cT4 or bulky nodes. Eligible patients will be identified by the multidisciplinary team. 120 patients will be randomised 1:1 to the intervention or control arm. The patients in the control arm will receive four cycles of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX). The patients in the intervention arm will receive SCRT, followed by four cycles of CAPOX and PD-1 inhibitor (serplulimab). Both arms will receive curative surgery, followed by four cycles of CAPOX. The primary endpoint is pathological complete regression.

TORCH-C (TORCH-colon) trial aims to investigate whether the combination of immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy improves the treatment effect in LACC with MSS. TORCH-C will establish the TORCH platform, a key part of our long-term strategy to develop neoadjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (approval number: 2211265-12).

Trial registration number

NCT05732493

Understanding the impact of chronic diseases on COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy using propensity score matching: Internet‐based cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

To investigate whether chronic diseases are associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and explore factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in patients with chronic diseases.

Background

Vaccine hesitancy has been acknowledged as one of the greatest hazards to public health. However, little information is available about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases who may be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, severe disease or death.

Methods

From 6 to 9 August 2021, we performed an internet-based cross-sectional survey with 22,954 participants (14.78% participants with chronic diseases). Propensity score matching with 1:1 nearest neighbourhood was used to reduce confounding factors between patients with chronic diseases and the general population. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors impacting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified among patients with chronic diseases.

Results

Both before and after propensity score matching, patients with chronic diseases had higher COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy than the general population. In addition, self-reported poor health, multiple chronic diseases, lower sociodemographic backgrounds and lower trust in nurses and doctors were associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic diseases were more hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. Nurses should focus on patients with chronic diseases with poor health conditions, low socioeconomic backgrounds and low trust in the healthcare system.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Clinical nurses are recommended to not only pay more attention to the health status and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with chronic diseases but also build trust between nurses and patients by improving service levels and professional capabilities in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in setting the research question, the outcome measures, or the design or implementation of the study. However, all participants were invited to complete the digital informed consent and questionnaires.

Psychological distress in adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

To explore the actual experience of psychological distress of adult women of reproductive age at different stages after breast cancer diagnosis.

Design

Qualitative.

Methods

Eighty-one patients with breast cancer-related distress thermometer scores >4 were selected using a purposive sampling method. Patients were divided into newly diagnosed and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month groups according to time since diagnosis and then interviewed. A phenomenological approach was adopted to analyse interview content, and different themes were extracted.

Results

Women exhibited different levels of psychological distress depending on the time since diagnosis, with newly diagnosed patients showing the highest distress. Within 1 year post-diagnosis, different events caused patients distress. Themes extracted at new diagnosis and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12 months post-diagnosis included sadness and disbelief, loss of control, optimistic but concerned, physical and mental exhaustion, difficulties returning to society and limited sexual intimacy, respectively; all groups expressed reproductive concerns.

Conclusion

Clinical nurses should focus on different psychologically distressing events to provide targeted interventions at distinct phases. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and reproductive concerns.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

During the year after a breast cancer diagnosis, patients of childbearing age experience events that cause psychological distress that differ depending on time since diagnosis. Nurses should focus on core stressful events and perform specific nursing interventions.

Impact

To provide holistic care, nurses should consider the psychological and emotional changes patients may undergo. For women of childbearing age, clinical nurses should pay particular attention to patients' marriage and fertility concerns, and be able to provide evidence-based professional guidance on reproductive preservation techniques.

Reporting Method

The study was reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients contributed to data collection through interviews.

Effect of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection on postoperative wound bleeding‐related complications in patients with superficial esophageal cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Operative therapy for superficial esophagus carcinoma is the main way to treat the disease. Endoscopic excision of lesions in the esophagus has become an alternative to surgical treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma. To overcome the disadvantages of endoscope mucosa excision (EMR), an endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique has been developed. Although ESD is one of the most effective methods of endoscopy in patients with digestive tract tumors, there are potential complications after surgery, including hemorrhage in the surgical area and stenosis of the esophagus. The objective of this study was to evaluate EMR versus ESD based on post-operative hemorrhage and esophagus stenosis. All the related articles were retrieved from the e-databases. The main results were postoperative perforation, hemorrhage, and stenosis after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of post-operative wound hemorrhage (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.36–3.29 p = 0.89). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of perforation after surgery (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.17–1.95 p = 0.37). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of esophageal stricture after surgery (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.26–5.15 p = 0.85). This analysis was different from the earlier meta-analysis because ESD and EMR did not show any notable differences with respect to the incidence of perforation after surgery, the hemorrhage of the wound or the stenosis of the esophagus. These findings must, however, be supported by more high-quality studies.

Assessing wound complications in gastroscopy with Streptomyces protease enzyme combined with Shutai

Abstract

Current gastroscopy practices necessitate a balance between procedural efficiency and patient safety. It has been hypothesized that increasing procedure outcomes through the use of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai is possible; however, precise nature of any potential adverse reactions and complications remains unknown. In Zhanjiang, China, 213 patients undergoing gastroscopy participated in this controlled trial. The subjects were allocated at random into two groups: control and treatment. The treatment group was administered topical Streptomyces protease enzyme and intravenous Shutai. Using chi-square and t-tests, information regarding patient demographics, adverse reactions, wound healing, procedure duration, distress levels, and satisfaction was gathered and analysed. The demographic and medical history characteristics of the groups were comparable. There was a greater prevalence of modest immediate reactions in the treatment group (p < 0.05), whereas there were no significant variations observed in delayed reactions and long-term complications (p > 0.05). The treatment group exhibited superior efficiency metrics, including shorter durations for diagnosis, procedure completion and recuperation (p < 0.05). The treatment group exhibited significantly higher patient satisfaction scores (p < 0.05). The incorporation of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai into gastroscopy procedures resulted in significantly enhanced level of procedural efficacy and patient contentment while not introducing an additional risk of long-term complications. The increase in moderate immediate reactions that have been observed requires additional research in order to determine their clinical significance. Although these agents present a possible progression in the field of gastroscopy, their application should be tempered by the immediate adverse reactions that have been documented.

Jagged 2 inhibition attenuates hypoxia-induced mitochondrial damage and pulmonary hypertension through Sirtuin 1 signaling

by Hanhan Liu, Zhou Pan, Xiaofeng Wu, Cheng Gong, Junbo Hu

Notch pathway has played a significant role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the role of Jagged 2 (Jag2), one ligand of Notch, remains to be elucidated.Therefore, determining the contribution of Jag2 to PH and its impact on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was the aim of this investigation. Adeno-associated virus-mediated Jag2 inhibition was used to explore the role of Jag2 in peripheral pulmonary vascular remodeling assessed in a rat model of chronic hypoxia (10% O2, 4 weeks) induced pulmonary hypertension. In vitro, the effect of Jag2 silencing on hypoxia (1% O2, 24h) induced rat PASMCs was determined. Group differences were assessed using a 2-sided unpaired Student’s t-test for two groups and one-way ANOVA for multiple groups. Jag2 upregulation was first confirmed in rats with sustained hypoxia-induced PH using publicly available gene expression data, experimental PH rat models and hypoxia induced rat PASMCs. Jag2 deficiency decreased oxidative stress injury, peripheral pulmonary vascular remodeling (0.276±0.020 vs. 0.451±0.033 μm, PPJag2 knockdown decreased proliferation (1.227±0.051 vs. 1.45±0.07, P = 0.012), increased apoptosis (16.733%±0.724% vs. 6.56%±0.668%, P

Enhanced catalytic performance of penicillin G acylase by covalent immobilization onto functionally-modified magnetic Ni<sub>0.4</sub>Cu<sub>0.5</sub>Zn<sub>0.1</sub>Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> n

by Zhixiang Lv, Zhou Wang, Shaobo Wu, Xiang Yu

With the emergence of penicillin resistance, the development of novel antibiotics has become an urgent necessity. Semi-synthetic penicillin has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional penicillin. The demand for the crucial intermediate, 6-aminopicillanic acid (6-APA), is on the rise. Enzyme catalysis is the primary method employed for its production. However, due to certain limitations, the strategy of enzyme immobilization has also gained prominence. The magnetic Ni0.4Cu0.5Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a rapid-combustion method. Sodium silicate was used to modify the surface of the Ni0.4Cu0.5Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles to obtain silica-coated nanoparticles (Ni0.4Cu0.5Zn0.1Fe2O4-SiO2). Subsequently, in order to better crosslink PGA, the nanoparticles were modified again with glutaraldehyde to obtain glutaraldehyde crosslinked Ni0.4Cu0.5Zn0.1Fe2O4-SiO2-GA nanoparticles which could immobilize the PGA. The structure of the PGA protein was analyzed by the PyMol program and the immobilization strategy was determined. The conditions of PGA immobilization were investigated, including immobilization time and PGA concentration. Finally, the enzymological properties of the immobilized and free PGA were compared. The optimum catalytic pH of immobilized and free PGA was 8.0, and the optimum catalytic temperature of immobilized PGA was 50°C, 5°C higher than that of free PGA. Immobilized PGA in a certain pH and temperature range showed better catalytic stability. Vmax and Km of immobilized PGA were 0.3727 μmol·min-1 and 0.0436 mol·L-1, and the corresponding free PGA were 0.7325 μmol·min-1 and 0.0227 mol·L-1. After five cycles, the immobilized enzyme activity was still higher than 25%.

Effects of fast‐track recovery programme on the surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing biliary stones surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

To systematically evaluate the effects of a fast-track recovery programme on perioperative wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing biliary tone surgery, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from inception to 29 September 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the application of a fast-track recovery programme in patients undergoing biliary stone surgery. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were subsequently extracted from the included studies. Stata software (version 17.0) was employed for data analysis. Overall, 19 RCTs involving 2363 patients were included, with 1178 patients allocated to the fast-track recovery programme group and 1185 to the conventional care group. The results revealed a significantly lower occurrence of wound infection (3.74% vs. 9.45%, OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.51, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (11.38% vs. 27.34%, OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.25–0.39, p < 0.001) in the fast-track recovery programme group compared to the conventional care group. The available evidence supports the assertion that implementing a fast-track recovery programme in the perioperative period of patients undergoing biliary stone surgery effectively reduces the incidence of wound infections and postoperative complications while facilitating postoperative recovery.

Is dancing an effective intervention for fat loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis of dance interventions on body composition

by Yaya Zhang, Zhicheng Guo, Yin Liu, Yongxu Zhou, Longjun Jing

Objective

The systematic review aimed to review the research on the effects of dance interventions, relative to normal lifestyles, on body composition in people with overweight and obesity.

Methods

7 databases were searched from their inception to 3 July 2023 for studies with dance interventions and normal lifestyles groups. Only studies investigating dance interventions in people with overweight and obesity(body mass index (BMI)>24kg/m2 and percent fat mass (Fat(%)) abnormal(male>20%, female>25%)) were included in the meta-analysis. There were no restrictions on dance forms.

Results

654 studies were identified from the databases, and 10 studies were evaluated to be eligible. The meta-analysis revealed that compared to normal lifestyles dance had meaningful improvements in body mass(BM), BMI, waist circumference(WC), Fat(%), and fat mass(Fat(kg)). No significant differences were found in the waist-to-hip ratio(WHR).

Conclusions

Dance is effective on fat loss in people with overweight and obesity, and has a significant improvement on body composition and morphology. For its high efficiency and greater sense of enjoyment, dance can be a beneficial exercise intervention for fat loss.

Effects of quality nursing on the surgical site wound infections in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the effects of quality nursing on wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Computerised searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were conducted from database inception to October 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of quality nursing to patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The studies were screened and evaluated by two researchers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the included studies. Stata software (version 17.0) was used for all analyses performed. A total of 18 RCTs and 1742 patients were included, including 972 in the quality nursing group and 870 in the routine nursing group. The analysis revealed that compared with routine nursing, patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery who received quality nursing care were significantly less likely to experience postoperative wound infections (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.19–0.51, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.24. 95% CI: 0.17–0.33, p < 0.001). The implementation of quality nursing in clinical care after cardiothoracic surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of wound infections and postoperative complications, and is worthy of promotion and clinical application.

Effect of right anterolateral thoracotomy versus median sternotomy on postoperative wound tissue repair in patients with congenital heart disease: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Right anterolateral thoracotomy (RAT) and median sternotomy (MS) are two major methods for treatment of congenital cardiac disease. But there are various types of surgery that provide a better operative outcome for the patient. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of these two methods in the treatment of wound tissue, hospitalization and so on, to find out which surgery method could provide the best short-term effect. In this research, we chose an English controlled trial from 2003 to 2022 to evaluate the influence of right anterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy on the short-term outcome of Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), time of operation, time spent in the hospital, and the time of scar formation. Our findings suggest that the RAT method was associated with a shorter surgical scars for congenital heart disease operations compared to MS with respect to post-operation scars (WMD, 3.55; 95% CI, 0.04, 7.05; p = 0.05). The RAT method is better suited to the needs of patients who care about their injuries. Nevertheless, in addition to other surgery related factors which might affect post-operative wound healing, we discovered that MS took a shorter time to perform CPB compared with RAT surgery (WMD, − 1.94; 95% CI, −3.39, −0.48; p = 0.009). Likewise, when it comes to the time taken to perform surgery, MS needs less operational time compared to RAT methods (WMD, −12.84; 95% CI, −25.27, −0.42; p = 0.04). On the other hand, the time needed for MS to recover was much longer compared to the RAT (WMD, 0. 60; 95% CI, 0.02, 1.18; p = 0.04). This indicates that while RAT is advantageous in terms of shortening the duration of post-operative scar, it also increases the time needed for surgical operations and CPB.

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