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Assessment of consistency between peer‐reviewed publications and clinical trial registrations in nursing journals

Abstract

Background

The inconsistencies between randomized clinical trials (RCTs) registrations and peer-reviewed publications may distort trial results and threaten the validity of evidence-based medicine. Previous studies have found many inconsistencies between RCTs registrations and peer-reviewed publications, and outcome reporting bias is prevalent.

Aims

The aims of this review were to assess whether the primary outcomes and other data reported in publications and registered records in RCTs of nursing journals were consistent and whether discrepancies in the reporting of primary outcomes favored statistically significant results. Moreover, we reviewed the proportion of RCTs for prospective registration.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed for RCTs published in the top 10 nursing journals between March 5, 2020, and March 5, 2022. Registration numbers were extracted from the publications, and registered records were identified from the registration platforms. The publications and registered records were compared to identify consistency. Inconsistencies were subdivided into discrepancies and omissions.

Results

A total of 70 RCTs published in seven journals were included. The inconsistencies involved sample size estimation (71.4%), random sequence generation (75.7%), allocation concealment (97.1%), blinding (82.9%), primary outcomes (60.0%) and secondary outcomes (84.3%). Among the inconsistencies in the primary outcomes, 21.4% were due to discrepancies and 38.6% resulted from omissions. Fifty-three percent (8/15) presented discrepancies in the primary outcomes that favored statistically significant results. Additionally, although only 40.0% of the studies were prospective registrations, the number of prospectively registered trials has trended upward over time.

Linking Evidence to Action

While not including all RCTs in the nursing field, our sample reflected a general trend: inconsistencies between publications and trial registrations were prevalent in the included nursing journals. Our research helps to provide a way to improve the transparency of research reports. Ensuring that clinical practice has access to transparent and reliable research results are essential to achieve the best possible evidence-based medicine.

A meta‐analysis comparing the effects of cemented and uncemented prostheses on wound infection and pain in patients with femoral neck fractures

Abstract

To providing evidence-based recommendations for surgery in patients with femoral neck fractures, a meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of cemented and uncemented prostheses on postoperative surgical site wound infection and pain in these patients. Relevant studies on the use of cemented prostheses in femoral neck fractures were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid, CNKI, and Wanfang databases from the time of their establishment until March 2023. Two authors independently screened and extracted data from the included and excluded literature according to predetermined criteria. Review Manager 5.4 software was used to perform meta-analyses on the collected data. A total of 27 articles comprising 34 210 patients (24 646 cases in the cemented group and 9564 cases in the uncemented group) were included in the final analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with the uncemented group, cemented prostheses significantly reduced the incidence of surgical site wound infections (odds ratio [OR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.88, p < 0.001) and relieved surgical site wound pain (standardised mean difference: −0.76, 95% CI: −1.12–0.40, p < 0.001), but did not reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers after surgery (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20–1.26, p = 0.140). Therefore, existing evidence suggests that the use of cemented prostheses in femoral neck fracture surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of surgical site wound infections and relieve surgical site wound pain, which is worthy of clinical recommendation.

What are the roles of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self‐management in an eHealth care context? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims

To examine the relationship among eHealth literacy, empowerment and self-management and the mediating effects of empowerment in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients in the eHealthcare context.

Background

Self-management is an essential aspect of healthcare in delaying disease progression for DKD. In the eHealthcare era, health services providing self-management are transforming. The ability and confidence of patients to use eHealth services is a critical issue that impacts the effectiveness of self-management, but little is known about the role of eHealth literacy and empowerment in self-management.

Design

A cross-sectional study guided by the STROBE.

Methods

Overall, 127 Taiwanese patients were enrolled using convenience sampling. Data collection used structured questionnaires and chart reviews. Multiple regression was used to infer self-management predictors, and SPSS PROCESS macro and bootstrapping verified the mediating effects.

Results

Empowerment and eHealth literacy both showed significant positive correlations with self-management. Empowerment was the main predictor of self-management and had a complete mediating effect between eHealth literacy and self-management.

Conclusion

Increasing patients' eHealth literacy can improve empowerment and prevent health inequality issues. Healthcare providers should consider improving patients' eHealth literacy to enhance their self-management.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Healthcare service systems need to create user-friendly eHealthcare environments, and healthcare professionals can provide multifaceted instructions that fit patients' eHealth literacy levels to enhance their motivation and confidence in disease care, thus cultivating positive self-management behaviours.

Impact

The popularity of eHealthcare services aimed at promoting self-management behaviours is increasing. However, the level of eHealth literacy is an essential factor that affects the effectiveness of self-management in the healthcare environment. In addition, empowerment is a major critical influence factor of self-management and a completely mediating variable between self-management and eHealth literacy. Consequently, healthcare providers should consider promoting patients' eHealth literacy to empower people using eHealthcare services for implementing self-management.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in cross-sectional studies (STROBE) checklist was used to ensure comprehensive reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were diagnosed with DKD in the study hospital. Physicians and case managers transferred patients to research assistants who screened them for the inclusion criteria and invited them to participate in this study if they met the requirements. After participants signed informed consent, the research nurse encouraged participants to respond to the research questionnaire face to face.

The role of programmed cell death in diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer, is a chronic complication afflicting individuals with diabetes, continue to increase worldwide, immensely burdening society. Programmed cell death, which includes apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis, has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer. This review is based on an exhaustive examination of the literature on ‘programmed cell death’ and ‘diabetic foot ulcers’ via PubMed. The findings revealed that natural bioactive compounds, noncoding RNAs and certain proteins play crucial roles in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers through various forms of programmed cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and pyroptosis.

Effect of fast‐track surgery on postoperative wound pain in patients with prostate cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Fast track surgery (FTS) is widely used in many procedures and has been shown to reduce complications and accelerate recovery. However, no studies have been conducted to assess their effectiveness in treating wounds after radical prostatectomy (RP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of FTS on RP. We went through 4 major databases. A study was conducted by PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science to determine the effect of comparison of FTS versus conventional surgery in RP on postoperative wound complications as of 1 July 2023. Based on the review of literature, data extraction and literature quality assessment, we conducted meta-analyses with RevMan 5.3. In the course of the study, the researchers selected 6 of the 404 studies to be analysed according to exclusion criteria. Data analysis showed that the FTS method reduced the postoperative pain associated with VAS and also decreased the rate of postoperative complications in post-surgical patients. However, there was no significant difference between FTS and conventional surgery in terms of blood loss, operation time, and postoperative infection rate. Therefore, generally speaking, FTS has less impact on postoperative complications in patients with minimal invasive prostatic cancer, but it does reduce postoperative pain and total postoperative complications.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with local infiltration analgesia on postoperative wound complications in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to be effective in the management of pain in total knee replacement (TKA). Nevertheless, a combination of a local anaesthetic and a dose of dexmedetomidine might be a better choice for post-operative pain management of TKA. The aim of this research is to determine if the combination of a local anaesthetic with dexmedetomidine during a knee replacement operation can decrease the post-operation pain. Furthermore, the effectiveness and security of dexmedetomidine combined with topical anaesthetic were evaluated for the management of post-operative TKA. Based on the research results, the author made a research on the basis of four big databases. The Cochrane Handbook on Intervention Systems Evaluation has also evaluated the quality of the literature. Seven randomized controlled trials have been established from this. It was found that the combination of local anaesthesia and dexmedetomidine had a greater effect on postoperative pain in 4 h (mean difference [MD], −0.9; 95% CI, −1.71, −0.09; p = 0.03), 8 h (MD, −0.52; 95% CI, −0.66, −0.38; p < 0.0001), 12 h (MD, −0.72; 95% CI, −1.04, −0.40; p < 0.0001), 24 h (MD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.83, −0.14; p = 0.006), 48 h (MD, −0.51; 95% CI, −0.92, −0.11; p = 0.01). Nevertheless, because of the limited number of randomized controlled trials covered by this meta-analysis, caution should be exercised with regard to data treatment. More high quality research will be required to confirm the results.

Effect of intramedullary nail fixation and internal plate fixation in distal tibia fracture surgery on post‐operative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Distal tibial fracture is the most commonly seen type of fracture of the lower extremities. Both intramedullary nail fixation (INF) and plate fixation (PF) have been used to treat distal tibial fractures, but the best way to treat them is still in dispute. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare INF versus PF fixation with respect to the incidence of injury. For studies that have been published between inception and June 2023, a systematic review has been carried out on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Scientific databases. All of the trials that looked at INF and PF-related complications were enrolled. Data from the 13 primary results were analysed with RevMan 5.3. The meta-analyses comprised 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). INF indicates that there is a tendency for patients with distal tibia fractures to reduce the risk of operative site infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40, 3.13; p = 0.0003) after surgery compared with PF. INF resulted in a reduction in total wound complications (OR, 14.20; 95% CI, 1.81, 111.57; p = 0.01) but shortened operation time (mean difference, 13.03; 95% CI, 2.08, 23.99; p = 0.02). In view of these findings, INF seems to be a preferred method of surgery for the treatment of distal tibial fractures with respect to the reduction of post-operative wound complications.

A meta‐analysis of the risk factors of surgical site infection after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer

Abstract

Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is one of the common postoperative complications after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer (EC). Previous studies have investigated the risk factors for SSI in patients with EC. However, big differences in research results exist, and the correlation coefficients of different research results are quite different. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the risk factors related to SSI in patients with EC. We searched English databases to collect case–control studies or cohort studies published before July 20, 2023, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and ScienceDirect. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed via Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 tool. A total of 6 articles (n = 3647) were selected in this meta-analysis. The following risk factors were presented to be significantly correlated with SSI in EC: laparotomy (OR = 2.66, 95% CI [1.57, 4.54]), postoperative blood sugar ≥10 mmol/L (OR = 4.38, 95% CI [2.83, 6.78]), Federation International of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage-III or IV (OR = 2.27, 95% CI [1.49, 3.46]). The occurrence of SSI is influenced by a variety of factors. Thus, we should pay close attention to high-risk subjects and take crucial targeted interventions to lower the SSI risk after hysterectomy. Owing to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.

Health and care workers in long‐term care facilities and their role in preventing emerging infectious diseases: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on healthcare systems worldwide. In particular, long-term care facilities have proved more susceptible to infection as they care for vulnerable populations at high risk of chronic illness. How this impacts the role and core competencies of health and care workers in these facilities remains less understood.

Aim

Describe how health and care workers contribute to the prevention of emerging infectious diseases in long-term care facilities.

Design

A scoping review.

Methods

A systematic search of literature dating from 2002 to 2022 was conducted in the following databases: EMBASE, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and AgeLine. Studies were selected if they focused on health and care workers in long-term care facilities, offered a perspective on the prevention of emerging infectious diseases or infection prevention and control, and were original qualitative or quantitative studies in English. Data were extracted, cross-checked and analyzed by two researchers, and any difference in views regarding the appropriateness of literature would be resolved by consulting a third researcher. An inductive descriptive approach was applied for the analysis of results, and themes were established via consensus meetings.

Results

A total of fourteen studies from Asia, Europe, and the Americas were included. Three themes emerged from the review: “The roles of health and care workers evolve with the times”, “The core competencies of health and care workers are essential for preventing emerging infectious diseases in long-term care facilities” and “The key to successful prevention of emerging infectious diseases in long-term care facilities is through a systematic, comprehensive effort that mobilize health and care workers at all levels”. Health and care workers had to take on increasingly complex roles and rely on their core competencies to cope with epidemic changes, and facility resources, employee quality and management models were found to have significantly improved infection prevention and control outcomes.

Conclusions

The roles of health and care workers are evolving, and effective infection prevention within long-term care facilities depends on their ability to perform core competencies with skill and confidence. Moreover, a systematic, comprehensive framework, for which this paper proposes three guidelines, is urgently needed to ensure consistent policy implementation within the facility as well as support and access to resources for health and care workers.

Clinical Relevance

Infection prevention efforts within long-term care facilities must take into account the evolving roles of health and care workers, with a focus on guaranteeing access to resources, training and support that will help them gain the core competencies necessary for juggling those roles. In addition, there is an urgent need for research instruments that will help assess those competencies and identify areas of improvement.

Serial mediation roles of empowerment and self‐care activities connecting health literacy, quality of life, and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background

Health literacy, empowerment, and self-care activities are likely the crucial concepts affecting the quality of life and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, evidence demonstrating the mechanisms underlying these concepts is scarce.

Aims

The aim of this study was to test the serial mediation roles of empowerment and self-care activities on the relationships between health literacy and quality of life and between health literacy and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in people with T2D.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 people with T2D in Guangzhou, China, from July 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using the Health Literacy Scale, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale—Short Form, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure, and the Adjusted Diabetes—Specific Quality of Life Scale. RStudio 4.2.1 was used for serial mediation analysis.

Results

The dimension of communicative health literacy accounted for the most total variance (β = 0.810, p < .001) in the construct of health literacy. The serial multiple mediation of empowerment and self-care activities in the associations between health literacy and quality of life (β = −.046, p = .019) and between health literacy and HbA1c (β = −.045, p = .005) were statistically significant.

Linking evidence to action

This study emphasized the vital role of communicative health literacy when improving health literacy in people with T2D. Diabetes care and education specialists could implement empowerment approaches and flexible self-care strategies to improve the quality of life and glycemic control in people with T2D. Enhancing health literacy was suggested as a favorable strategy for promoting empowerment and self-care activities in people with T2D.

Prevalence and risk factors of subsyndromal delirium among postoperative patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for subsyndromal delirium in the postoperative patient.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

The Review Manager 5.3 statistics platform and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for quality evaluation.

Data Sources

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and EBSCO from January 2000 to December 2021. Additional sources were found by looking at relevant articles' citations.

Results

A total of 1744 titles were originally identified, and five studies including 962 patients were included in the systematic review, with a pooled prevalence of postoperative subsyndromal delirium (PSSD) of 30% (95% CI: 0.28–0.32). Significant risk variables for PSSD were older age, low levels of education (≤9 years), cognitive impairment, higher comorbidity score, and the duration of operation.

Conclusion

PSSD is prevalent and is associated with a variety of risk factors as well as low academic performance.

Impact

Identification and clinical management of patients with PSSD should be improved. Future research on PSSD risk factors should look at a wider range of intraoperative and postoperative risk factors that can be changed.

Patient and Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

The cognitive appraisal path of stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma among stroke patients: A moderated parallel mediation model

Abstract

Aims

To establish a cognitive appraisal path model that examines the impact of stroke knowledge on stigma with the parallel mediating effects of negative and positive coping traits, as well as the moderating effects of family functioning.

Background

Stroke-related stigma, a ‘mixture’ of negative emotions involving internal criticism and external judgement, has been shown to impair patients' health outcomes. However, the specific factors underlying cognitive appraisals and their pathways remain unknown.

Design

A cross-sectional design.

Methods

The cross-sectional sample was from two stroke centres in China. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic data, stroke knowledge, coping traits, family functioning and stigma. Hierarchical regression models and the moderated parallel mediation model were constructed to analyse influencing pathways. The study adhered to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology guideline.

Results

All 144 samples reported stigma symptoms with a moderate-to-high standardising score. The best hierarchical regression model explains 55.5% of the variance in stigma. The parallel mediation model indicated that negative and positive coping traits co-mediating the association of stroke knowledge and stigma. After adding the family functioning as a moderator, the moderated parallel mediation model was confirmed with adequate fit indices.

Conclusion

Among the cognitive appraisal factors affecting stroke-related stigma, stroke knowledge reduces stigma by modifying coping traits, while poor family functioning may serve as an opposing moderator. Notably, when family support is insufficient, enhanced stroke knowledge might paradoxically exacerbate the stigma.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study contributes knowledge on transforming health education and emphasises the pivotal roles of clinical nursing practitioners. In similar global contexts, the study highlights integrating health education, psychological counselling and family support to advance systematic nursing practices.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Experience of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care for stroke patients: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims

This study aims to explore the experiences of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care to stroke patients and to identify the factors that either facilitate or hinder their practice.

Design

This was a descriptive qualitative design study.

Methods

Between May 2022 and October 2022, we conducted in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 12 rehabilitation specialist nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview transcripts.

Findings

Three key themes were revealed from our analysis: (1) acceptance of bowel care as a process, (2) high level of recognition improves the experience and (3) challenges stemming from limited knowledge and rights. Acceptance of bowel care as a dynamic process, coupled with a high level of recognition, enabled nurses to prioritize the health and safety of patients over personal feelings and achieve professional accomplishments. However, they encountered challenges in terms of professional development and restricted prescribing rights for bowel care.

Conclusion

The experiences of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care are dynamic. These findings have important implications for healthcare improvement, including the need for collaboration with healthcare professionals and nurturing nurses' self-identity, comprehensive training plans, innovative programs and expanding the scope of rehabilitation specialist nurses' rights.

Impact

This study enhances our understanding of the challenges faced by rehabilitation specialist nurses caring for stroke patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The findings provide insights into how to enhance bowel care experience and develop further in this field.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the EQUATOR guideline and utilized the COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contributions

This study involved participants who were registered nurses, and there were no contributions from patients or public.

Barriers and facilitators of implementing the practice programme for upright positions in the second stage of labour: A mixed‐method study

Abstract

Objective

To explore the possible barriers and facilitators to implementing the Upright Positions in the Second Stage of Labour (UPSSL) programme in Chinese healthcare settings.

Design

A mixed-method convergent design with the guidance of Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Methods

An online survey study and semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and May 2023. Healthcare professionals were recruited from four hospitals in Shijiazhuang, China. One hundred and thirty-one participants completed the survey study, and 23 of them were interviewed individually. Descriptive statistics evaluated the possible barriers and facilitators of implementing the UPSSL programme within the CFIR framework quantitatively. Guided by the CFIR framework, qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis to summarize healthcare professionals' perspectives on barriers and facilitators of the UPSSL programme.

Results

Multiple intersectional barriers and facilitators were identified from the survey and semi-interviews. Healthcare professionals believed that the UPSSL programme has a scientific evidence base, systematic contents, and possible benefits for women. However, various barriers existed at individual, system, and organizational levels. Major barriers included healthcare professionals and women's safety concerns towards the use of upright positions during childbirth, the healthcare professionals' unfamiliarity with assisting an upright position birth, poor adaptability of the programme protocol, inadequate facilities and staffing, and a lack of readiness to change in the clinical setting.

Conclusions

To facilitate the implementation of the UPSSL programme in China, tailored antenatal education on upright positions, especially addressing safety-related issues, should be provided to pregnant women, their families, or peers to enhance their understanding of and familiarity with such positions. Healthcare professionals should also be offered adequate training opportunities and necessary facilities. Furthermore, national-level policy changes might be required to address midwifery workforce shortages. Additionally, further research is warranted to select, adapt, and test effective implementation strategies for programme adoption.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

What problem did the study address? The adoption of upright positions during the second stage of labour could promote better maternal and neonatal outcomes and a positive childbirth experience. However, the adoption of upright positions during the second stage of labour is suboptimal in healthcare settings in China. Barriers and facilitators of implementing upright positions during childbirth are unclear. What were the main findings? A range of barriers and facilitators within the CFIR framework to promote upright positions during childbirth from healthcare professionals' perspectives were identified, and the major barriers included safety concerns towards and unfamiliarity with an upright position birth, inadequate facilities and staffing, and a lack of readiness to change in the clinical setting. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study will enable a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to promoting upright positions in the second stage of labour in China. The smooth and effective implementation of the UPSSL programme could help to promote better maternal and neonatal outcomes and improve women's childbirth experiences.

Reporting Method

The reporting of this study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) and Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

In this study, healthcare professionals were involved in refining the topic guides and survey questions. Additionally, findings from the interviews were returned to them for comments and corrections.

Identification of potential immunologic resilience in the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most common and challenging complications of diabetes, yet our understanding of their pathogenesis remains limited. We collected gene expression data of DFU patients from public databases. Bioinformatics tools were applied for systematic analysis, including the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and enrichment analysis. We further used single-cell RNA sequencing to identify the distribution of different cell populations in DFU. Finally, key results were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. We identified 217 DEGs between ulcerated and healthy skin, and 37 DEGs between healing ulcers and ulcers. WGCNA revealed that the cyan module had the highest positive correlation with healthy skin and negative correlation with ulcers. The black module had the highest negative correlation with healthy skin and positive correlation with ulcers. Enrichment analysis showed that the genes in the cyan module were mainly associated with complement and coagulation cascades, while the genes in the black module were mainly associated with the IL-17 signalling pathway. In addition, CD8 T cells were significantly lower in ulcers than in healthy and healing ulcers. By comparing marker genes of CD8 T cells, we identified key genes in the cyan and black modules and validated their expression using RT-qPCR. The proportion of CD8 T cells was increased in healing ulcers. Flow cytometry detected increased levels of CD8 T, B and natural killer cells in healing ulcers. CD8 T cells and related key genes play an important role in the healing process of DFU. The results of this study provide a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of DFU.

Correlation between right-to-left shunt and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: protocol for a case-control study

Por: Zheng · J. · Zhan · Y. · Cheng · Y. · Liu · C. · Lu · B. · Yang · W. · Hu · J.
Background and purpose

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a neurological and otolaryngological emergency during which rapid diagnosis and early treatment are of great importance. Clinical experience indicates that a considerable number of patients with SSNHL have concurrent right-to-left shunt (RLS). With limited reports, the association between SSNHL and RLS is yet unclear and there is a need for large observational studies to explore their latent relationship.

Methods and analysis

This proposed study is a prospective, observational case–control study. A total of 194 eligible participants matched in age and sex will be divided equally into two groups: 97 patients with SSNHL included in the case group and 97 individuals without SSNHL in the control group. Medical evaluations, including clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, audiological examination and ultrasonography examination, will be performed in all subjects. The primary outcome of the study is the difference in RLS rates between the groups. Differences in patent foramen ovale rates and other measured variables will be further assessed. A conditional logistic regression as a correlation analysis will be used to evaluate the relationship between RLS and SSNHL.

Discussion

This study may provide evidence on the correlation between RLS and SSNHL in order to enrich the aetiology of SSNHL.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. A written informed consent form will be signed and dated by the participants and the researchers before the study begins. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200064067.

Utilizing the visual analogue scale (VAS) to monitor and manage pain in post‐operative skin wounds after thoracic surgery

Abstract

Due to the global increase in thoracic interventions, there is greater emphasis on refining post-operative care. The purpose of this study was to validate the visual analogue scale (VAS) as the valid method for measuring post-operative pain in thoracic surgery patients. From January 2020 to June 2022, this cross-sectional study investigated 240 adult patients who underwent elective thoracic surgeries in Thoracic Surgery Department of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital. The participants were instructed to rate their discomfort using VAS at predetermined intervals after surgery. The following demographic and clinical information was recorded: age, gender, type of thoracic surgery, and history of chronic pain. Results showed a progressive decline in post-operative VAS scores over 72 h: 8.2 immediately after surgery, 6.0 at 24 h, 5.4 at 48 h, and 3.6 by 72 h. There were notable correlations between VAS scores and chronic pain history, with moderately positive correlation of 0.40 being observed. Mean scores for males and females were 3.8 and 3.9, respectively. The analysis by age revealed comparable mean scores for age categories below and above 40. With the exception of thoracic wall resection, which resulted in an average VAS score of 4.1 ± 1.0 (p < 0.05), the type of surgery had the minimal effect on variability of pain scores. The VAS is a reliable method for evaluating post-thoracic surgery discomfort. Given the substantial impact of pain history on VAS scores, there is an urgent need for personalized pain management strategies to improve post-operative care.

Does Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduce colorectal adenoma (CRA) recurrence: protocol of a registry-based, cohort study and a qualitative interview

Por: Cheng · Y. · Di · Y. M. · Zhang · A. L. · Hu · P. · Mo · J. · Zhang · H. · Xue · C. C. · Zhang · B.
Introduction

Colorectal adenoma (CRA) is a precancerous lesion for colorectal cancer. Endoscopic resection is the first-line treatment for CRA. However, CRA recurrence rate is high. This proposed study aims to determine if Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduces CRA recurrence.

Methods and analysis

This project encompasses an observational, registry-based, cohort study and a nested qualitative study. The cohort study aims to include 364 postpolypectomy CRA participants at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM), China, with a follow-up phase of up to 1 year. In addition to routine care, these participants will receive a CHM treatment prescribed by experienced Chinese medicine (CM) clinicians. The CHM treatment encompasses CHM products and CHM formulae according to CM syndromes. The primary outcome is CRA recurrence rate at 1 year after enrolment. Secondary outcomes include characteristics of recurrent CRA, incidence of colorectal polyp (except for CRA), incidence of advanced CRA, incidence of colorectal cancer, improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms commonly seen in CRA patients, faecal occult blood test result, lipid level, fasting plasma glucose level, uric acid level, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, quality of life and safety evaluations. Logistic regression analysis will be used to explore the correlation between exposure and outcome. Qualitative interviews will be conducted among approximate 30 CRA patients from the cohort study and 10 CM practitioners in Department of Gastroenterology at GPHCM. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of GPHCM (YF2022-320-02) and registered at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) HREC. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and international academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200065713.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG17 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression by sponging miR-34a-5p

by Shengjuan Lu, Lin Zeng, Guojun Mo, Danqing Lei, Yuanhong Li, Guodi Ou, Hailian Wu, Jie Sun, Chao Rong, Sha He, Dani Zhong, Qing Ke, Qingmei Zhang, Xiaohong Tan, Hong Cen, Xiaoxun Xie, Chengcheng Liao

We investigated the functional mechanism of long non-coding small nucleolar host gene 17 (SNHG17) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). lncRNAs related to the prognosis of patients with DLBCL were screened to analyze long non-coding small nucleolar host gene 17 (SNHG17) expression in DLBCL and normal tissues, and a nomogram established for predicting DLBCL prognosis. SNHG17 expression in B-cell lymphoma cells was detected using qPCR. The effects of SNHG17 with/without doxorubicin on the proliferation and apoptosis of DoHH2 and Daudi were detected. The effects of combined SNHG17 and doxorubicin were analyzed. The regulatory function of SNHG17 in DLBCL was investigated using a mouse tumor xenotransplantation model. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the signaling pathways involved in SNHG17 knockdown in B-cell lymphoma cell lines. The target relationships among SNHG17, microRNA, and downstream mRNA biomolecules were detected. A higher SNHG17 level predicted a lower survival rate. SNHG17 was highly expressed in DLBCL patient tissues and cell lines. We established a prognostic model containing SNHG17 expression, which could effectively predict the overall survival rate of DLBCL patients. SNHG17 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of B-cell lymphoma cells, and the combination of SNHG17 and doxorubicin had a synergistic effect. SNHG17, miR-34a-5p, and ZESTE gene enhancer homolog 2 (EZH2) had common hypothetical binding sites, and the luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-34a-5p was the direct target of SNHG17, and EZH2 was the direct target of miR-34a-5p. The carcinogenic function of SNHG17 in the proliferation and apoptosis of DLBCL cells was partially reversed by a miR-34a-5p inhibitor. SNHG17 increases EZH2 levels by inhibiting miR-34a-5p. Our findings indicate SNHG17 as critical for promoting DLBCL progression by regulating the EZH2 signaling pathway and sponging miR-34a-5p. These findings provide a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for the prognosis and treatment of DLBCL.

Association between dyslipidaemia and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Li · Y. · Xie · L. · Song · W. · Chen · S. · Cheng · Y. · Gao · Y. · Huang · M. · Yan · X. · Yang · S.
Purpose

To report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between dry eye disease (DED) and dyslipidaemia.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2021. We included observational studies to assess the correlation of DED with meibomian gland dysfunction and dyslipidaemia without any language restrictions. The pooled OR with 95% CI was calculated in Stata V.15.

Results

Of 6727 identified studies, 18 studies (21 databases) with a total of 2 663 126 patients were analysed in our meta-analysis. The results showed that DED risk was associated with dyslipidaemia (OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.41 to 1.66, p=0.001), especially elevated total cholesterol levels (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.99, p

Conclusions

The findings suggested that dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering drug use might be associated with an increased risk of DED. More evidence is needed to confirm the findings by prospective studies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022296664.

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