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Ayer — Mayo 14th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Exploring novel immunotherapy biomarker candidates induced by cancer deformation

by Se Min Kim, Namu Park, Hye Bin Park, JuKyung Lee, Changho Chun, Kyung Hoon Kim, Jong Seob Choi, Hyung Jin Kim, Sekyu Choi, Jung Hyun Lee

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demands urgent attention for the development of effective treatment strategies due to its aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options [1]. This research is primarily focused on identifying new biomarkers vital for immunotherapy, with the aim of developing tailored treatments specifically for TNBC, such as those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To achieve this, the study places a strong emphasis on investigating Ig genes, a characteristic of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly genes expressing Ig-like domains with altered expression levels induced by "cancer deformation," a condition associated with cancer malignancy. Human cells can express approximately 800 Ig family genes, yet only a few Ig genes, including PD-1 and PD-L1, have been developed into immunotherapy drugs thus far. Therefore, we investigated the Ig genes that were either upregulated or downregulated by the artificial metastatic environment in TNBC cell line. As a result, we confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes and validated them using qPCR. In summary, our study proposes an approach for identifying new biomarkers applicable to future immunotherapies aimed at addressing challenging cases of TNBC where conventional treatments fall short.

Relationship between personality traits and postpartum depression in Pakistani fathers

by Najam ul Hasan Abbasi, Ahmad Bilal, Khair Muhammad, Saba Riaz, Shakeela Altaf

The previous studies have found an association between Big Five personality traits and postpartum depression in women. The present study aimed to find out an association between Big Five personality traits and postpartum depression in a sample of Pakistani fathers. A total of 400 Pakistani fathers who had birth of a child in the past 1 month to 1 year period and had been living with their married partners were recruited purposively by using Google Form based survey from the major cities of Pakistan. The Urdu translated versions of Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used as the main outcome measures to assess the relationship between personality traits and postpartum depression. The results found a significant negative and moderate association between Big Five personality traits and paternal postpartum depression except openness which had a weak association and neuroticism which had a positive and moderate association with PPPD (r(398) = .45). The multiple linear regression analysis found that Big Five personality traits significantly predicted paternal postpartum depression (F(5, 394) = 53.33, p = .001) except openness (B = .007, p = .98). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) found significant differences in paternal postpartum depression for age of father (F(2, 397) = 6.65, p = .001, ηp2 = .03), spouse age (F(2, 393) = 5.97, p = .003, ηp2 = .02), employment type (F(2, 395) = 9.69, p = .001, ηp2 = .04) and time spent at home (F(2, 397) = 6.23, p = .002, ηp2 = .03) while there were found no significant differences for education (F(2, 397) = 1.29, p = .27, ηp2 = .006), marital duration (F(2, 397) = 2.17, p = .11, ηp2 = .01), and birth number of recent child (F(2, 397) = 1.48, p = .22, ηp2 = .007). The study concluded that Big Five personality traits are significantly correlated with and predict paternal postpartum depression except openness which did not predict paternal postpartum depression. The occurrence of paternal postpartum depression varied significantly for age of father, age of spouse, type of employment and time spent at home.

Distribution and dynamics of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> s.l. larval habitats in three Senegalese cities with high urban malaria incidence

by Fatou Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Diop, Joseph Chabi, Katherine Sturm-Ramirez, Massila Senghor, El Hadji Diouf, Badara Samb, Seynabou Mocote Diedhiou, Omar Thiaw, Sarah Zohdy, Ellen Dotson, Doudou Sene, Mame Birame Diouf, Valerie Koscelnik, Lilia Gerberg, Abdoulaye Bangoura, Tiffany Clark, Ousmane Faye, Ibrahima Dia, Lassana Konate, El Hadji Amadou Niang

Urban malaria has become a challenge for most African countries due to urbanization, with increasing population sizes, overcrowding, and movement into cities from rural localities. The rapid expansion of cities with inappropriate water drainage systems, abundance of water storage habitats, coupled with recurrent flooding represents a concern for water-associated vector borne diseases, including malaria. This situation could threaten progress made towards malaria elimination in sub-Saharan countries, including Senegal, where urban malaria has presented as a threat to national elimination gains. To assess drivers of urban malaria in Senegal, a 5-month study was carried out from August to December 2019 in three major urban areas and hotspots for malaria incidence (Diourbel, Touba, and Kaolack) including the rainy season (August-October) and partly dry season (November–December). The aim was to characterize malaria vector larval habitats, vector dynamics across both seasons, and to identify the primary eco- environmental entomological factors contributing to observed urban malaria transmission. A total of 145 Anopheles larval habitats were found, mapped, and monitored monthly. This included 32 in Diourbel, 83 in Touba, and 30 in Kaolack. The number of larval habitats fluctuated seasonally, with a decrease during the dry season. In Diourbel, 22 of the 32 monitored larval habitats (68.75%) were dried out by December and considered temporary, while the remaining 10 (31.25%) were classified as permanent. In the city of Touba 28 (33.73%) were temporary habitats, and of those 57%, 71% and 100% dried up respectively by October, November, and December. However, 55 (66.27%) habitats were permanent water storage basins which persisted throughout the study. In Kaolack, 12 (40%) permanent and 18 (60%) temporary Anopheles larval habitats were found and monitored during the study. Three malaria vectors (An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis and An. funestus s.l.) were found across the surveyed larval habitats, and An. arabiensis was found in all three cities and was the only species found in the city of Diourbel, while An. arabiensis, An. pharoensis, and An. funestus s.l. were detected in the cities of Touba and Kaolack. The spatiotemporal observations of immature malaria vectors in Senegal provide evidence of permanent productive malaria vector larval habitats year-round in three major urban centers in Senegal, which may be driving high urban malaria incidence. This study aimed to assess the presence and type of anopheline larvae habitats in urban areas. The preliminary data will better inform subsequent detailed additional studies and seasonally appropriate, cost-effective, and sustainable larval source management (LSM) strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Fear of childbirth among pregnant women: A concept analysis

Abstract

Aim

To clarify the concept of fear of childbirth among pregnant women and to examine its current measure tools.

Background

Fear of childbirth is a psychological symptom, prevalent among pregnant women, which negatively impacts women's health and well-being. It has become an increasingly concerning issue in perinatal mental health. However, due to its poor conceptualization, it presents difficulty in conducting reliable assessments and identifying risk factors.

Methods

The Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis guided this review. Six bibliographic databases were systematically searched for published research from their inception date to May 2023. Additional records were identified by manually searching the reference lists of relevant studies. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating fear of childbirth in pregnant women were included.

Results

Three critical attributes have been identified: cognitive impairments, affective disorders and somatic symptoms. Antecedents include perceived a real or anticipated threat of pregnancy or its outcomes, low perceived self-coping ability and unmet social support needs. Consequences include processing and avoiding behaviours. This study also identified the dimensions of fear of childbirth, including 6 primary categories and 14 subcategories. The content of five scales was analysed and none covered all domains.

Conclusions

The current analysis provides healthcare providers with a more comprehensive framework to assess and identify fear of childbirth. Further research is needed to develop a suitable instrument that covers all the attributes and dimensions of this concept and assesses its severity.

Impact

This conceptual analysis provides a comprehensive insight into the phenomenon of fear of childbirth. This will help family members, healthcare providers and policymakers to identify the psychological needs of pregnant women and improve the quality of antenatal care.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable as no new data were generated.

Social media use and its impact on adult's mental health and well‐being: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Social media use has grown in importance and prevalence, with its estimated number of users at 4.9 billion worldwide. Social media use research has revealed positive and negative impacts on users' mental health and well-being. However, such impacts among adults have not been examined in any reviews.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted based on the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and reported based on the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eight databases were searched from 2005 to December 2021. Articles were included after being reviewed by three independent teams, with discrepancies resolved through consensus with the senior author. Publication-related information (i.e., authors, year of publication, aims, study population, methodology, interventions, comparisons, outcome measures and key findings) were extracted from each study. Thematic analysis was conducted to answer the research questions.

Results

Among the 114 eligible articles, young adults (69.6%) represented the main age group. Most studies (78.6%) focused on the negative impacts of social media use on mental health and well-being, with nearly a third (32.1%) assessing such impacts on depression. Notably, this scoping review found that more than three-quarters (78.6%) of the included studies revealed that excessive and passive social media use would increase depression, anxiety, mood, and loneliness. Nevertheless, a third (33.0%) also reported positive impacts, where positive and purposeful use of social media would contribute to improvements in mental health and well-being, such as increased perceived social support and enjoyment.

Linking Evidence to Action

This review has provided an overview of the existing knowledge on how social media use would affect adults and identified areas of research that merit investigations in future studies. More attention should be given to maximizing the positive impacts of social media use on mental health and well-being among adults.

The relationships between certified nursing assistants' voice behaviour and job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions: A two‐wave survey study

Abstract

Aim

Whereas voice behaviour has been identified as a key precursor to safe and high-quality patient care, little is known about how voice relates to key workforce outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between certified nursing assistants' perceived promotive voice behaviour (speaking up with suggestions for future improvement) and prohibitive voice behaviour (speaking up about problems or potentially harmful situations) and their self-reported levels of job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions.

Design and methods

Dutch certified nursing assistants were recruited for a two-wave survey study through non-random convenience sampling. The final sample contained 152 respondents. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression analyses. In all analyses, the dependent variable at time one was controlled for.

Results

Certified nursing assistants' promotive and prohibitive voice behaviour at time one were found to be positively related to their level of job satisfaction at time two while controlling for job satisfaction at time one. No relationships with work engagement or occupational turnover intentions were found.

Conclusion

While previous research has found positive effects of voice on patient safety outcomes and team and organizational improvements in care organizations, we demonstrate that voice is also related to a key workforce outcome, that is, certified nursing assistants' job satisfaction.

Implications and impact

Recognizing the interplay between voice behaviour and job satisfaction underscores the importance of creating work environments where certified nursing assistants feel able and willing to make their voices heard—with ideas and suggestions, as well as information regarding problems and concerns.

Patient or public involvement

Three certified nursing assistants have contributed to the development of the survey.

Duration and severity of COVID‐19 symptoms among primary healthcare workers: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Aims

This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers, including the severity, duration of infection, post-infection symptoms and related influencing factors.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the post-infection status of primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province. The questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, post-infection clinical manifestations, work environment and recovery time of the respondents. Customized outcome events were selected as dependent variables and logistic regression models were employed to analyse the risk factors. Phi-coefficient was used to describe the relationship between post-infection symptoms.

Results

The analysis revealed that several factors, such as female, older age, obesity, previous medical history, exposure to high-risk environments and stress, were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing more severe outcomes. On the other hand, vaccination and regular exercise were found to contribute to an earlier resolution of the infection. Among the post-infection symptoms, cough, malaise and muscle aches were the most frequently reported. Overall, there was a weak association among symptoms persisting beyond 14 days, with only cough and malaise, malaise and dizziness and headache showing a stronger correlation.

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that the overall severity of the first wave of infection, following the complete lifting of restrictions in China, was low. The impact on primary healthcare workers was limited, and the post-infection symptoms exhibited similarity to those observed in other countries. It is important to highlight that these conclusions are specifically relevant to the population infected with the Omicron variant.

Impacts

This study helps to grasp the impacts of the first wave of COVID-19 infections on healthcare workers in China after the national lockdown was lifted.

Patients

Primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other personnel from primary healthcare units such as community health service centres and health centres.

Understanding the mechanism of safety attitude mitigates the turnover intention novice nurses via the person‐centred method: A theory‐driven, deductive cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

Examine profiles of safety attitudes among novices and explore whether profiles moderate the occupational identity–turnover pathway.

Background

Novice nurses face unique challenges in adopting positive safety attitudes, which influence outcomes like turnover. However, past research found only average levels of safety attitudes among novices, ignoring possible heterogeneity. Exploring whether meaningful subgroups exist based on safety perspectives and factors shaping them can provide insights to improve safety attitudes and retention.

Design

This study was designed as a cross-sectional investigation.

Methods

Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were first conducted, followed by latent profile analysis. We then carried out univariate analysis and ordinal multinomial regression to explore the factors shaping the different profiles. Finally, we examine the moderating effect of nurses' safety attitudes with different latent profiles on the relationship between professional identification and turnover intention.

Results

A total of 816 novice nurses were included. Three profiles were identified: high, moderate and low safety attitudes – higher attitudes were associated with lower turnover intention. Interest in nursing, health status, identity and turnover predicted profile membership. Moderate profile had a stronger buffering effect on the identity–turnover link versus high profile.

Conclusion

Multiple safety attitude profiles exist among novice nurses. Certain factors like interest in nursing and occupational identity are associated with more positive safety profiles. Targeting these factors could potentially improve safety attitudes and reduce turnover among novice nurses. The moderating effects suggest that tailored interventions matching specific subgroups may maximize impact.

Impact

Assessing subgroup attitudes enables tailored training for novices' specific needs, nurturing continuous improvement. Supporting early career development and role identity may strengthen retention intentions.

A protocol for a systematic review of social dimensions of resilience in older adults

Abstract

Background

Populations are ageing, making the quality of old age a crucial issue. Some adversity in old age, such as loss of loved one or loss of physical function, is often experienced, as is the need for recovery from such adversity. Resilience in later life has become an important topic and has accumulated much empirical research. However, the research has mainly centred on individual factors, such as personality, rather than social factors, such as family relationships or community engagement. There is no systematic review of the social dimensions of resilience in old age, a focus that should be especially important for policy and practice seeking to create supporting environments.

Methods

Our review comprises quantitative and qualitative empirical original English language studies, published 2013–2023, using predefined search phrases including ‘resilience’ and various terms for old age and social dimensions. Titles and abstracts are screened by the first two authors using registered exclusion criteria. Final inclusion, based on full-text reading, is decided using registered inclusion criteria, and verified by co-authors. Qualitative articles are read by authors specialized in qualitative research and quantitative articles by authors specialized in quantitative research. Due to large expected heterogeneity, meta-analysis is not conducted, but weighted effect sizes or funnel plots may be prepared if parallel quantitative studies are encountered. Qualitative studies are synthesized using meta-aggregation. The risk of bias is evaluated with applicable Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for each study design. A narrative synthesis brings together the qualitative and quantitative studies.

Conclusion

Methodological strengths and weaknesses of the included studies are reported to assess the quality of the research. Summary of the most significant social dimensions of resilience in old age is prepared, emphasizing interactions between contexts, stressors, mechanisms and outcomes; and research gaps are identified.

Systematic Review Registration

Protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023412532).

Impact of authentic leadership on nurses' well‐being and quality of care in the acute care settings

Abstract

Introduction

Both nurses' well-being and quality of care are top priorities of the healthcare system. Yet, there is still a gap in understanding the extent and how authentic leadership influences them. This information is needed to inform the development of effective interventions, organizational practices, and policies. Thus, this study aimed to test the mechanism by which nurses' perception of their managers' authentic leadership impacts nurses' well-being and perception of quality of care, given the role of the nursing practice environment and nurses' psychological capital.

Design

A cross-sectional design was used.

Methods

This study recruited a random sample of 680 nurses from six hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A final sample of 415 completed the surveys, with a response rate of 61%. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypothesized model.

Results

The study showed that nurses' perceptions of authentic leadership in their managers positively and directly affect their perceptions of quality of care but do not directly affect nurses' well-being. Both the nursing practice environment and psychological capital fully mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and nurses' well-being. However, the nursing practice environment partially mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and perceptions of quality of care.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to understanding the crucial role of authentic leaders' style in nurses' well-being and quality of care through its positive impact on the nursing practice environment and psychological capital.

Clinical Relevance

Designing interventions and policies that specifically target nursing managers' authentic leadership style has implications for enhancing nurses' well-being and the quality of patient care. Institutional measures are needed to help leaders practice an authentic leadership style to create a positive nursing practice environment and cultivate nurses' psychological capital, both of which contribute to nurses' well-being and attaining a better quality of care. Further work is required to highlight the outcomes of implementing an authentic leadership style relevant to other leadership styles.

The mental workload of ICU nurses performing human‐machine tasks and associated factors: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey

Abstract

Aims

To assess the level of mental workload (MWL) of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in performing different human-machine tasks and examine the predictors of the MWL.

Design

A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Methods

Between January and February 2021, data were collected from ICU nurses (n = 427) at nine tertiary hospitals selected from five (east, west, south, north, central) regions in China through an electronic questionnaire, including sociodemographic questions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Difficulty-assessing Index System of Nursing Operation Technique, and System Usability Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used.

Results

ICU nurses experienced a medium level of MWL (score 52.04 on a scale of 0–100) while performing human-machine tasks. ICU nurses' MWL was notably higher in conducting first aid and life support tasks (using defibrillators or ventilators). Predictors of MWL were task difficulty, system usability, professional title, age, self-efficacy, ICU category, and willingness to study emerging technology actively. Task difficulty and system usability were the strongest predictors of nearly all typical tasks.

Conclusion

ICU nurses experience a medium MWL while performing human-machine tasks, but higher mental, temporal, and effort are perceived compared to physical demands. The MWL varied significantly across different human-machine tasks, among which are significantly higher: first aid and life support and information-based human-machine tasks. Task difficulty and system availability are decisive predictors of MWL.

Impact

This is the first study to investigate the level of MWL of ICU nurses performing different representative human-machine tasks and to explore its predictors, which provides a reference for future research. These findings suggest that healthcare organizations should pay attention to the MWL of ICU nurses and develop customized management strategies based on task characteristics to maintain a moderate level of MWL, thus enabling ICU nurses to perform human-machine tasks better.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Efficiency assessment of follow-up methodology of patients with knee replacement to predict post-surgical functionality: a protocol for randomised control PROKnee trial

Introduction

Even when total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an extended treatment, most patients experience a suboptimal evolution after TKA. The objectives of this study are the following: (1) to determine the effectiveness of two different prosthesis stabilisation systems on the functionality in activities of daily life, and (2) to determine prognostic biomarkers of knee prosthesis function based on radiological information, quantification of cytokines, intra-articular markers and biomechanical functional evaluation to predict successful evolution.

Methods and analysis

The PROKnee trial was designed as a randomised controlled patient-blinded trial with two parallel groups that are currently ongoing. The initial recruitment will be 99 patients scheduled for their first TKA, without previous prosthesis interventions in lower limbs, who will be randomly divided into two groups that differed in the stabilisation methodology incorporated in the knee prosthesis: the MEDIAL-pivot group and the CENTRAL-pivot group. The maximum walking speed will be reported as the primary outcome, and the secondary results will be patient-reported questionnaires related to physical status, cognitive and mental state, radiological test, laboratory analysis and biomechanical instrumented functional performance, such as the 6-minute walking test, timed up-and-go test, gait, sit-to-stand, step-over, and ability to step up and down stairs. All the results will be measured 1 week before TKA and at 1.5, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

All procedures were approved by the Ethical Committee for Research with Medicines of the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia on 8 October 2020 (order no. 2020/181). Participants are required to provide informed consent for the study and for the surgical procedure. All the data collected will be treated confidentially since they will be blinded and encrypted. The results from the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, regardless of whether these results are negative or inconclusive.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04850300).

Frontline health workers experiences of providing care for people living with non-communicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative study

Por: Baatiema · L. · de-Graft Aikins · A. · Koram · K. K. · Kunfah · S. M. P. · Allen · L. N. · Abimbola · S. · Kruk · M.
Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted frontline health workers. However, a neglected dimension of this discourse was the extent to which the pandemic impacted frontline healthcare workers providing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care. This study aims to understand the experiences of healthcare workers with no prior exposure to pandemics who provided care to people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs).

Methods

A qualitative study design was employed, using a face-to-face in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in primary healthcare facilities in three administrative regions of Ghana, representing the Northern, Southern and Middle Belts. Only frontline health workers with roles in providing care for PLWNCDs were included. Purposive snowballing and convenience sampling methods were employed to select frontline health workers. An open-ended interview guide was used to facilitate data collection, and thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 47 frontline health workers were interviewed. Overall, these workers experienced diverse patient-driven and organisational challenges. Patient-level challenges included a decline in healthcare utilisation, non-adherence to treatment, a lack of continuity, fear and stigma. At the organisational levels, there was a lack of medical logistics, increased infection of workers and absenteeism, increased workload and burnout, limited motivational packages and inadequate guidelines and protocols. Workers coped and responded to the pandemic by postponing reviews and consultations, reducing inpatient and outpatient visits, changing their prescription practices, using teleconsultation and moving to long-shift systems.

Conclusion

This study has brought to the fore the experiences that adversely affected frontline health workers and, in many ways, affected the care provided to PLWNCDs. Policymakers and health managers should take these experiences into account in plans to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.

Peroperative administration of tranexamic acid in Roux-en-Y and one-anastomosis gastric bypass to reduce haemorrhage in patients with morbid obesity: protocol for randomised controlled trial (PATRY trial)

Por: 't Hart · J. W. H. · Noordman · B. J. · Palsgraaf-Huisbrink · J. · Dunkelgrun · M. · Zengerink · H. F. · Birnie · E. · van Det · M. J. · Boerma · E.-J. G. · de Castro · S. M. M. · Hazebroek · E. J. · Langenhoff · B. S. · Verhoef · C. · Apers · J. A.
Introduction

By implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery protocols and day-care surgery, early discharge poses a challenge if excessive bleeding occurs after bariatric surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has demonstrated efficacy in other surgical fields and in bariatric pilot studies. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of peroperative administration of TXA in reducing haemorrhage in patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

Method and analysis

This is a multicentre, phase III, double-blind randomised controlled trial in six high-volume bariatric centres in the Netherlands. A total of 1524 eligible patients, aged 18 years or older, undergoing primary gastric bypass surgery (either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or one-anastomosis gastric bypass) will be randomised between TXA and placebo (1:1, variable block, stratified for centre, day-care/overnight stay and type of surgery) after obtaining informed consent (2.5% less haemorrhage, power 80%, 2-sided-α 0.05 and 10% dropout). Exclusion criteria are pregnancy, amedical history of acute bleeding (without cause), venous thrombotic events (VTEs), epilepsy, anticoagulant use and iatrogenic bleeding during surgery (aside from staple line). The primary outcome is postoperative haemorrhage requiring intervention within 30 days postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures are staple line reinforcement, blood loss, duration of surgery, postoperative haemoglobin, vital parameters, minor and major complications, side effects of TXA (nausea, hypotension and VTE), length of hospital stay and directly made costs.

Ethics and dissemination

Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The protocol has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committees United, Nieuwegein, on 7 February 2023 (registration number: R22.102). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05464394

Australian trial of behavioural activation for people with schizophrenia experiencing negative symptoms: a feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol

Por: Muyambi · K. · Walsh · S. · Dettwiller · P. · Tan · K. L. · Dennis · S. · Bressington · D. · Gray · R. J. · McCall · A. · Jones · M.
Introduction

Negative symptoms are frequently experienced by people with schizophrenia. People with negative symptoms often have impaired social functioning and reduced quality of life. There is some evidence that cognitive–behavioural therapy results in a modest reduction in negative symptoms. Behavioural activation may be an effective alternative treatment for negative symptoms.The study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a behavioural activation trial delivered in three community mental health services in South Australia to support adult consumers experiencing negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Method and analysis

This randomised controlled study will recruit a total of 60 consumers aged 18 years or above with mild-moderate negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The consumers will be randomly allocated to receive behavioural activation plus usual mental healthcare or usual mental healthcare alone. The intervention group will receive twelve 30 min sessions of behavioural activation, which will be delivered twice weekly over 6 weeks. In addition, we aim to recruit nine mental health workers from the three rural mental health services who will complete a 10-week online training programme in behavioural activation. Changes in negative symptoms of schizophrenia and depressive symptoms will be assessed at three time points: (a) at baseline, at 6 weeks and 3 month follow-ups. Changes in health-related quality of life (Short Form F36; secondary outcome) will be assessed at two time points: (a) at baseline and (b) immediately at postintervention after 6 weeks. At the end of the trial, interviews will be conducted with purposively selected mental health workers and consumers. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis will be used to assess feasibility and acceptability.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings from our feasibility study will inform the design of a fully powered randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of behavioural activation as a treatment for negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The study protocol was approved by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee. The findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000348651p.

EvolvRehab-MoveWell telerehabilitation for stroke survivors: study protocol for a feasibility with embedded initial proof-of-concept study

Por: Perks · J. · McBride · P. · Mansoubi · M. · Clatworthy · P. · Hulme · C. · Taylor · G. · Warner · M. · Dawes · H.
Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of disability throughout the world. Unilateral upper limb impairment is common in people who have had a stroke. As a result of impaired upper limb function, people who have had a stroke often employ abnormal ‘compensatory’ movements. In the short term, these compensatory movements allow the individual to complete tasks, though long-term movement in this manner can lead to limitations. Telerehabilitation offers the provision of rehabilitation services to patients at a remote location using information and communication technologies. ‘EvolvRehab’ is one such telerehabilitation system, which uses activities to assess and correct compensatory upper body movements, although the feasibility of its use is yet to be determined in National Health Service services. Using EvolvRehab, we aim to assess the feasibility of 6 weeks telerehabilitation in people after a stroke.

Methods and analysis

A multisite feasibility study with embedded design phase. Normally distributed data will be analysed using paired samples t-tests; non-normally distributed data will be analysed using related samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Thematic content analysis of interview transcripts will be used to investigate the usability and perceived usefulness of the EvolvRehab kit.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval from Solihull Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 23/WM/0054). Dissemination will be carried out according to the dissemination plan co-written with stroke survivors, including academic publications and presentations; written reports; articles in publications of stakeholder organisations; presentations to and publications for potential customers.

Trial registration number

NCT05875792.

Associations between knowledge of health issues and health care satisfaction and propensity to complain: a cross-sectional survey of adult men in Denmark

Por: Birkeland · S. · Bismark · M. · Barry · M. J. · Möller · S.
Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between knowledge of health issues and healthcare satisfaction and propensity to complain including the association between knowledge and greater patient involvement.

Design

The present study is a secondary analysis of a larger cross-sectional case vignette survey.

Setting

Survey conducted in adult Danish men.

Participants

Participants included 6755 men aged 45–70 years.

Interventions

Participants responded to a survey with scenarios illustrating prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and different information provision.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Using Likert scales (scored 1–5), participants rated their satisfaction with the care described and their inclination to complain and responded to a short quiz (scored 0–3) assessing their knowledge about the PSA test.

Results

Satisfaction with healthcare increased with better quiz performance (Likert difference 0.13 (95% CI .07 to 0.20), p

Conclusions

Mens’ knowledge of the benefits of screening varies with education, predicts satisfaction with care and the desire to complain, and may be improved through greater involvement in decision-making.

Acute watery diarrhoea cases during cholera outbreak in Syria: a cohort study

Por: Arnaout · A. Y. · Nerabani · Y. · Sawas · M. N. · Alhejazi · T. J. · Farho · M. A. · Arnaout · K. · Alshaker · H. · Shebli · B. · Helou · M. · Mobaied · B. B. · Mouti · M. B. · Kady · F. · Aljarad · Z. · Aleppo University Hospital Team · shalabi · Dasouki · Breij · Shheibar · Alabdull
Objectives

The aim of this study is a descriptive presentation of cases of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) that were presented to Aleppo University Hospital (AUH) during the recent cholera outbreak in Syria.

Design

Prospective, observational, cohort study.

Setting and participants

A total of 1061 patients with AWD were admitted to AUH during the timeframe of 20 September 2022 to 20 October 2022. The data collection was done through a structured questionnaire. This includes comprehensive clinical observation, laboratory analyses, therapeutic interventions and holistic case evaluations.

Results

The analysis has revealed notable insights: a predominant proportion of patients (58.6%) were residents from urban areas and 40.3% were residents from rural areas. Intriguingly, a diverse range of potential infection sources emerged from patient data within our hospital, including uncontrolled well water, vegetables and faecal-oral transmission through contaminated street/fast food. At discharge, most patients were in good health (79.7%), followed by moderate health (17.6%) and poor health (2.3%), with a minimal percentage dying before discharge (0.4%). The most common complications reported at admission and during hospitalisation included electrolyte imbalance (28.2%), followed by severe dehydration (16.3%). In the follow-up period, the majority of patients exhibited good health (81.0%). Older patients (>60 years) had poorer outcomes, with 8.4% having poor health and 4.2% death rate.

Conclusions

The study found results consistent with previous AWD outbreaks in developing countries like Yemen, Nigeria and Lebanon. Preventative measures like improving water sanitation and hygiene practices are essential to prevent future outbreaks and ease the strain on healthcare systems. Therefore, future studies must investigate the risk factors that increase the spread and the severity of the disease and investigate the best management method.

Utilisation of the health belief model to study the behavioural intentions relating to obesity management among university students: a cross-sectional study

Por: Albasheer · O. · Hakami · N. · Abdelwahab · S. I. · Alqassim · A. Y. · Alharbi · A. · Abdelmola · A. O. · Altraifi · A. A. A. · Medani · I. E. · Hakami · A. M. S. · Moafa · M. H. · Abuhadi · R. I. · Hobani · A. H.
Background

Overweight and obesity are excessive fat accumulations linked with many health problems, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Multiple studies have demonstrated that beliefs about overweight, obesity and self-efficacy play essential roles in the success of interventions for obesity management.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the perceptions of university students of overweight and obesity using the health belief model (HBM) and to analyse their association with the body mass index (BMI) categories of the students.

Design

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study and a multistage sampling technique were used to ensure the recruitment of students from selected colleges of Jazan University—Saudi Arabia.

Setting

Six colleges of Jazan University were randomly selected to ensure equal representation of health sciences, sciences and humanities colleges.

Participants

A total of 579 students completed an online survey between January and April 2023.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were demographic characteristics and HBM constructs. Secondary outcome measures were behavioural intentions relating to obesity management.

Results

This study demonstrated that gender and self-reported family history of obesity were significantly correlated with the BMI categories of the students (p

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for tailored health promotion strategies that consider the perceptions and beliefs of people about the management of obesity.

Exploring type 2 diabetes self-management practices in rural Bangladesh: facilitators, barriers and expectations--a qualitative study protocol

Por: Chowdhury · H. A. · Joham · A. E. · Kabir · A. · Rahman · A. K. M. F. · Ali · L. · Harrison · C. L. · Billah · B.
Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health crisis impacting low-income and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. While self-management is encouraged for individuals with T2DM, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the factors of facilitators, barriers and expectations associated with T2DM self-management in Bangladesh. This research aims to investigate the potential elements that support, impede and are anticipated in the effective practice of self-management for T2DM in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Methods and analysis

This study will use an exploratory qualitative approach. 16 focus group discussions, 13 in-depth interviews and 9 key informant interviews will be conducted among multilevel stakeholders, including people with T2DM, their caregivers, healthcare providers, health managers/administrators and policy planners. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This research project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (project reference number: 39483) and the Ethical Review Committee of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (Memo: CIPRB/ERC/2023/14). Research findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. Published reports will include group data. Individual data privacy will be strictly maintained.

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