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Machine learning application for prediction of surgical site infection after posterior cervical surgery

Abstract

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of posterior cervical surgery. It is difficult to diagnose in the early stage and may lead to severe consequences such as wound dehiscence and central nervous system infection. This retrospective study included patients who underwent posterior cervical surgery at The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2018 to June 2022. We employed several machine learning methods, such as the gradient boosting (GB), random forests (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and other popular machine learning models. To minimize the variability introduced by random splitting, the results underwent 10-fold cross-validation repeated 10 times. Five measurements were averaged across 10 repetitions with 10-fold cross-validation, the RF model achieved the highest AUROC (0.9916), specificity (0.9890) and precision (0.9759). The GB model achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9535) and the KNN achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9958). The application of machine learning techniques facilitated the development of a precise model for predicting SSI after posterior cervical surgery. This dynamic model can be served as a valuable tool for clinicians and patients to assess SSI risk and prevent it in clinical practice.

Evaluating the impact of ultrasound‐guided subsheath versus extrasheath sciatic nerve block on postoperative wound pain in tibial and foot surgeries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the impact of ultrasound-guided subsheath versus extrasheath sciatic nerve blocks on postoperative wound pain in tibial and foot surgeries, crucial for effective pain management and patient recovery. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this study used a PICO framework, focusing on patients undergoing tibial and foot surgeries and comparing the efficacy and safety of subsheath and extrasheath sciatic nerve blocks. The literature search spanned four databases without time restrictions, assessing various outcomes like success rate, onset time, duration of analgesia and complication rates. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, and statistical analyses included heterogeneity assessment, fixed-effect and random-effects models, sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation using funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test. From an initial pool of 1213 articles, six met the inclusion criteria. The subsheath group showed a significantly higher success rate of complete sensory blockade within 30 min compared with the extrasheath group (OR = 5.39; 95% CI: 2.82–10.28; p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in procedure duration or incidence of nerve-related complications between the two techniques. The subsheath approach also demonstrated a quicker onset time of sensory blockade (MD = −8.57; 95% CI: −11.27 to −5.88; p < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results, and no significant publication bias was detected. Ultrasound-guided subsheath sciatic nerve blocks are more effective than extrasheath blocks in achieving rapid and complete sensory blockade for tibial and foot surgeries, with a quicker onset time and comparable safety profile. Subsheath injections are thus recommended as a preferred method for anaesthesia and postoperative pain management in these surgical procedures, enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Development and validation of a model to predict mortality risk among extremely preterm infants during the early postnatal period: a multicentre prospective cohort study

Por: Zhang · W.-w. · Wang · S. · Li · Y. · Dong · X. · Zhao · L. · Li · Z. · Liu · Q. · Liu · M. · Zhang · F. · Yao · G. · Zhang · J. · Liu · X. · Liu · G. · Zhang · X. · Reddy · S. · Yu · Y.-h.
Background

Recently, with the rapid development of the perinatal medical system and related life-saving techniques, both the short-term and long-term prognoses of extremely preterm infants (EPIs) have improved significantly. In rapidly industrialising countries like China, the survival rates of EPIs have notably increased due to the swift socioeconomic development. However, there is still a reasonably lower positive response towards the treatment of EPIs than we expected, and the current situation of withdrawing care is an urgent task for perinatal medical practitioners.

Objective

To develop and validate a model that is practicable for EPIs as soon as possible after birth by regression analysis, to assess the risk of mortality and chance of survival.

Methods

This multicentre prospective cohort study used datasets from the Sino-Northern Neonatal Network, including 46 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Risk factors including maternal and neonatal variables were collected within 1 hour post-childbirth. The training set consisted of data from 41 NICUs located within the Shandong Province of China, while the validation set included data from 5 NICUs outside Shandong Province. A total of 1363 neonates were included in the study.

Results

Gestational age, birth weight, pH and lactic acid in blood gas analysis within the first hour of birth, moderate-to-severe hypothermia on admission and adequate antenatal corticosteroids were influencing factors for EPIs’ mortality with important predictive ability. The area under the curve values for internal validation of our prediction model and Clinical Risk Index for Babies-II scores were 0.81 and 0.76, and for external validation, 0.80 and 0.51, respectively. Moreover, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that our model has a constant degree of calibration.

Conclusions

There was good predictive accuracy for mortality of EPIs based on influencing factors prenatally and within 1 hour after delivery. Predicting the risk of mortality of EPIs as soon as possible after birth can effectively guide parents to be proactive in treating more EPIs with life-saving value.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900025234.

Comparative study of wound outcomes and surgical strategies: Internal fixation versus external stabilization in rib fracture patients with traumatic chest wounds

Abstract

The clinical management of traumatic chest incisions accompanied by rib fractures presents the formidable challenge. The study was carried out to compare the outcomes of auscultatory triangle internal fixation (ATIF) and external fixation (EF) in such injuries. From June 2019 to June 2022, 105 patients with multiple rib fractures participated in the cohort study in which they were divided into two groups: 53 patients underwent ATIF and 52 patients underwent EF. The incidence of surgical site infection, wound healing time, incidence of wound dehiscence, number of dressing changes, pain as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), duration of hospitalization, period of return to work, pulmonary complications and functionality of the upper limbs as assessed by the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were among the parameters evaluated. In comparison with EF, ATIF demonstrated the decreased incidence of wound dehiscence (1.9% vs. 9.6%) (p < 0.05), surgical site infection (3.8 vs. 11.5) and wound healing time (12.3 ± 2.1 vs. 18.5 ± 3.7 days) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, during their ATIF treatment, patients required fewer changes of dressing (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.2) and demonstrated enhanced pain management, reduced hospital stays and expedited return to work (p < 0.05). ATIF group demonstrated enhancements in both upper limb functionality and post-operative pulmonary function (p < 0.05). The utilization of ATIF as opposed to EF for the treatment of traumatic chest wounds accompanied by rib fractures yields superior outcomes in terms of wound healing, infection reduction and restoration of pulmonary and upper limb functionality.

Exploring the impact of TGF‐β family gene mutations and expression on skin wound healing and tissue repair

Abstract

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway is of paramount importance in the processes of wound healing, epidermal integrity maintenance and development of skin cancer. The objective of this research endeavour was to clarify the impact of gene mutations and variations in expression within TGF-β family on mechanisms of tissue repair, as well as to identify potential targets for therapeutic purposes in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The methods utilized in this study involved obtaining RNA-seq data from 224 NMSC patients and paired normal skin tissues from the PRJNA320473 and PRJEB27606 databases. The purpose of the differential gene expression analysis was to identify genes whose expression had changed significantly. In order to evaluate the effects and interrelationships of identified gene variants, structural analysis with AlphaFold and PDB data and network analysis with the STRING database were both utilized. Critical gene expression was externally validated through the utilization of the GEPIA database. Tumour tissues exhibited a notable upregulation of genes associated with the TGF-β pathway, specifically MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, EGF, COL3A1 and COL1A2, in comparison with normal tissues. As indicated by the central node status of these genes in the network analysis, they play a crucial role in the progression of NMSCs. The results of the structural analysis suggested that mutations might cause functional disruptions. External validation of the upregulation confirmed the expression trends and emphasized the biomarker potential of the upregulated genes. In conclusion, this research offered thorough examination of molecular modifications that occur in TGF-β family genes, which are linked to cutaneous wound healing and NMSC. The modified expression of the identified hub genes may represent innovative targets for therapeutic intervention.

Impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on premature ejaculation patients: A prospective, randomized controlled trial protocol

by Qiyun Yang, Hongcai Cai, Zi Wan, Min Chen, Bicheng Yang, Yun Xie, Yadong Zhang, Xiangzhou Sun, Jia Tang, Ming Kuang, Hongying Liu, Chunhua Deng

Background

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions, with a prevalence of about 4%-39% in the Chinese population. Studies have shown that a variety of biological factors can lead to premature ejaculation, such as central nervous system disorders, hypersensitivity of the penis head, and psychological factors. Based on clinical experience, psychological counseling and education of patients and partners should be ranked as the first priority when treating PE. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disorders by altering beliefs and actions. It has also been demonstrated to be clinically useful in treating a number of diseases. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-based CBT intervention on patients with PE compared to conventional routine treatment.

Methods

This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial that will be conducted from May 2023 to Dec 2024 at ten hospitals, primarily including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University with an 8-week follow-up. The clinical trial central randomization system will be used to create and implement the specific randomization method. Baseline data of both groups will be measured and collected. The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and the female sexual distress scale-revised for premature ejaculation (FSDS-R-PE) will be collected on the first day, 28±2 days, and 56±2 days during the intervention period, and the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) will be measured in both groups. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used for normality testing. Pearson correlation analysis will be used for correlation analysis. Differences between groups will be compared using analysis of variance or exact probability calculations.

Discussion

This study will investigate the effect of a mobile-based CBT intervention on patients with PE.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300070581).

The effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative wound healing in neurosurgical patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigates the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative wound healing in neurosurgical patients. A thorough literature search resulted in the selection of seven studies from an initial pool of 1546 records. The analysis focused on wound healing outcomes, evaluated by the Redness, Oedema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation (REEDA) scale and the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). Results indicated significant improvements in the dexmedetomidine group: the REEDA scale scores at day seven post-surgery showed a Standardized Mean Difference group (SMD = −16.18, 95% CI: [−22.30, −10.06], p < 0.01), and the MSS scores at 3 months post-operation demonstrated an (SMD = −8.95, 95% CI: [−14.27, −3.62], p < 0.01). These findings suggest that dexmedetomidine may enhance wound healing and reduce scar formation in neurosurgical patients. Bias assessment indicated a low risk of bias across the studies.

A meta‐analysis of the risk factors for neurosurgical surgical site infection following craniotomy

Abstract

The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the risk factors for neurosurgical surgical site infection (SSI) after craniotomy. Using dichotomous or contentious random or fixed effect models, the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed based on the examination of the meta-analysis results. Eighteen analyses, covering 11 068 craniotomies between 2001 and 2023, were included in the current meta-analysis. Subjects with SSIs had a significantly younger age (MD, −2.49; 95% CI, −2.95 to −2.04, p < 0.001), longer operation duration (MD, 10.21; 95% CI, 6.49–13.94, p < 0.001) and longer length of postoperative hospital stay (MD, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.45–2.60, p = 0.006) compared to subjects with no SSI with craniotomy. However, no significant difference was found between craniotomy subjects with SSIs and with no SSI in gender (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76–1.07, p = 0.23), and combination with other infection (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 0.28–56.01, p = 0.31). The data that were looked at showed that younger age, longer operation duration and longer length of postoperative hospital stay can be considered as risk factors of SSI in subjects with craniotomy; however, gender and combination with other infections are not. Nonetheless, consideration should be given to their values because several studies only involved a small number of patients, and there are not many studies available for some comparisons.

A mapping review of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> proportions, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon

by Nene Kaah Keneh, Sebastien Kenmoe, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla Akoachere, Hortense Gonsu Kamga, Roland Ndip Ndip, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Cyprien Kengne-Ndé, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Nicholas Tendongfor, Lucy Mande Ndip, Seraphine Nkie Esemu

Background

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has increased and poses a significant threat to human and animal health in Cameroon and the world at large. MRSA strains have infiltrated various settings, including hospitals, communities, and livestock, contributing to increased morbidity, treatment costs, and mortality. This evidence synthesis aims to understand MRSA prevalence, resistance patterns, and genetic characterization in Cameroon.

Methods

The methodology was consistent with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies of any design containing scientific data on MRSA prevalence, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon were eligible for inclusion, with no restrictions on language or publication date. The search involved a comprehensive search strategy in several databases including Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Hoy et al tool, and the results were synthesized and presented in narrative synthesis and/or tables and graphs.

Results

The systematic review analyzed 24 studies, mostly conducted after 2010, in various settings in Cameroon. The studies, characterized by moderate to low bias, revealed a wide prevalence of MRSA ranging from 1.9% to 46.8%, with considerable variation based on demographic and environmental factors. Animal (0.2%), food (3.2% to 15.4%), and environmental samples (0.0% to 34.6%) also showed a varied prevalence of MRSA. The genetic diversity of MRSA was heterogeneous, with different virulence gene profiles and clonal lineages identified in various populations and sample types. Antimicrobial resistance rates showed great variability in the different regions of Cameroon, with notable antibiotic resistance recorded for the beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone, glycopeptide, lincosamide, and macrolide families.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant variability in MRSA prevalence, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Cameroon, and emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship strategies in the country.

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates brain injury in rats with traumatic brain injury: Possible mediation of apoptosis via ERK1/2 signaling pathway

by Xiaoxian Pei, Ling Zhang, Dan Liu, Yajuan Wu, Xiaowei Li, Ying Cao, Xiangdong Du

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs worldwide and is associated with high mortality and disability rate. Apoptosis induced by TBI is one of the important causes of secondary injury after TBI. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is the main phytoestrogen extracted from Panax notoginseng. Many studies have shown that NGR1 has potent neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and is effective in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, we investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of NGR1 after TBI and explored its molecular mechanism of action. A rat model of TBI was established using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3, and ERK1/2-related molecules in the downstream pathway were also detected by western blotting. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Nissl staining was used to clarify the morphological changes around the injury foci in rats after TBI. Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural cells in each group of rats. The results showed that NGR1 administration reduced neurological deficits after TBI, as well as brain edema and brain tissue apoptosis. It also significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, NGR1 decreased the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p-RSK1, which are phosphorylated after trauma. This study suggests that NGR1 can improve neuronal apoptosis in brain injury by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. NGR1 is a potential novel neuroprotective agent for the treatment of secondary brain injury after TBI.

Relationship between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes during 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training

by Yichao Yu, Dongye Li, Yifan Lu, Jing Mi

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the load characteristics of 4 weeks cross-country skiing altitude training; (ii) analyze the relationships between methods of monitoring training load and physiological indicators changes of elite male Chinese cross-country skiers during this period. Practitioners collected load data during 4 weeks of altitude training camp. Participants performed maximal oxygen uptake, lactate threshold, body composition, and skierg power test before and after the training camp to investigate the changes in physiological performance. Edwards TRIMP, Lucia TRIMP, and session rating of perceived exertion were collected as internal load. Training distance, time recorded by the Catapult module were collected as external load. The result revealed a " pyramid " pattern in the load characteristics during the altitude training camp. The correlation between luTRIMP and percent change in physiological indicators was highest. Percentage changes in lactate threshold velocity (r = .78 [95% CI -.01 to .98]), percentage changes in lactate threshold HR (r = .71 [95% CI .14- .99]), percentage changes in maximum HR (r = .83 [95% CI .19–1.00]), percentage changes in skierg power-to-weight ratio (r = .75 [95% CI -.28 to .98]) had very large relationships with luTRIMP. In cross-country skiing altitude training, training loads should be reasonably controlled to ensure that athletes do not become overly fatigued. Methods of training load monitoring that combine with athletes’ physiological characteristics and program characteristics have the highest dose-response relationships, it is an important aspect of cross-country ski training load monitoring. The luTRIMP could be a good monitoring tool in cross-country skiing altitude training.

Treatment of wound infections linked to neurosurgical implants

Abstract

As neurosurgery has advanced technologically, more and more neurosurgical implants are being employed on an aging patient population with several comorbidities. As a result, there is a steady increase in the frequency of infections linked to neurosurgical implants, which causes serious morbidity and mortality as well as abnormalities of the skull and inadequate brain protection. We discuss infections linked to internal and external ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainages, neurostimulators, craniotomies, and cranioplasty in this article. Biofilms, which are challenging to remove, are involved in all implant-associated illnesses. It takes a small quantity of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the implant surface. Skin flora bacteria are implicated in the majority of illnesses. Microorganisms that cause disruptions in wound healing make their way to the implant either during or right after surgery. In about two thirds of patients, implant-associated infections manifest early (within the first month after surgery), whereas the remaining infections present later as a result of low-grade infections or by direct extension from adjacent infections (per continuitatem) to the implants due to soft tissue damage. Except for ventriculo-atrial cerebrospinal fluid shunts, neurosurgical implants are rarely infected by the haematogenous route. This research examines established and clinically validated principles that are applicable to a range of surgical specialties using implants to treat biofilm-associated infections in orthopaedic and trauma cases. Nevertheless, there is little evidence and no evaluation in sizable patient populations to support the success of this extrapolation to neurosurgical patients. An optimal microbiological diagnostic, which includes sonicating removed implants and extending culture incubation times, is necessary for a positive result. Additionally, a strategy combining surgical and antibiotic therapy is needed. Surgical procedures involve a suitable debridement along with implant replacement or exchange, contingent on the biofilm's age and the state of the soft tissue. A protracted biofilm-active therapy is a component of antimicrobial treatment, usually lasting 4–12 weeks. This idea is appealing because it allows implants to be changed or kept in place for a single surgical procedure in a subset of patients. This not only enhances quality of life but also lowers morbidity because each additional neurosurgical procedure increases the risk of secondary complications like intracerebral bleeding or ischemia.

Landscape changes and livelihood outcomes in rural tea farming communities: A case study in Fuding City, Fujian Province, Southeast China

by Chengchao Wang, Xianqiang Song, Dongshen Luo, Xu Dan, Tingting Lin

Landscape changes driven by cash crop plantations have been prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Investigating the landscape changes and concluding livelihood outcomes are fundamental to figure out the solutions for rural sustainability. This paper examined the landscape changes which was caused by land use changes in tea plantations as well as investigated the resultant livelihood impacts, based on a case study in Fuding City, Southeast China. A questionnaire survey of 114 rural households in four sampled villages was conducted. Results demonstrated that expansion and intensification of tea plantations were two major proximate causes of landscape changes in recent decade. Our survey indicated that some existing intensively-managed tea plantations had derived from intensification and expansion of tea plantations, respectively. We identified four underlying driving forces of landscape changes, including economic benefit, governmental policies, wildlife destruction on grain crops, and rural return migration. Our study confirmed that landscape changes have significant positive effects on farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing employment and incomes, raising living standards, enhancing livelihood assets and livelihood sustainability. Especially, the aged rural populations could have a relatively decent living standard. Meanwhile, the excessive expansion of tea plantations may impair livelihood resilience. Lastly, three policy suggestions based on different time scales have been put forward to promote rural households’ livelihood sustainability and resilience.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex on upper limb function in severe ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Dai · W. · Yang · X. · Liu · C. · Ding · H. · Guo · C. · Zhu · Y. · Dong · M. · Qian · Y. · Fang · L. · Wang · T. · Shen · Y.
Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an evidence-based treatment widely recommended to promote hand motor recovery after ischaemic stroke. However, the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS over the motor cortex in stroke patients is currently restricted and heterogeneous. This study aimed to determine whether excitatory rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex (cPMd) facilitates the functional recovery of the upper limbs during the postacute stage of severe ischaemic stroke.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted as a single-blind, controlled, randomised study, in which 44 patients with poststroke hemiplegia with a course of disease ranging from 1 week to 3 months and Fugl-Meyer upper limb score ≤22 will be enrolled. The study participants will be randomly assigned to groups A (n=22) and B (n=22). The two groups are based on routine rehabilitation training and drug treatment; group A will be treated with low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1), and group B will be treated with high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS over cPMd. For 2 weeks, rTMS will be administered once a day, 5 days a week. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper limb. The secondary outcomes include the Arm Subscore of the Motricity Index, Hong Kong edition of Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, Modified Barthel Index and Modified Ashworth Scale score of the paralysed pectoralis major and biceps brachii. Furthermore, data of diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI will be collected. These outcomes will be assessed before and after the completion of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (2020 SR-266). The findings of this study will be spread through networks of scientists, professionals and the general public as well as peer-reviewed scientific papers and presentations at pertinent conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000038049

Comparison of anaesthesia‐related outcomes in patients monitored by newly recruited nurse anaesthetists and anaesthesiologists: An observational study

Abstract

Aims

To compare anaesthesia-related outcomes between patients monitored by newly recruited nurse anaesthetists and those monitored by newly recruited anaesthesiologists.

Design

This was a retrospective study.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study that collected demographic information on newly recruited nurse anaesthetists and anaesthesiologists between 2017 and 2022 and recorded information on patients within 6 months of monitoring. Postoperative pain, emergency agitation, nausea, and vomiting were designated anaesthesia-related outcomes. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for covariates. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The study's statistical analysis included 4483 patients monitored by 22 newly recruited nurse anaesthetists and 4959 patients monitored by 23 newly recruited anaesthesiologists. Compared with patients monitored by newly trained anaesthesiologists, the patients monitored by nurse anaesthetists were younger (42.07 ± 20.00 vs. 47.39 ± 18.45 years, p < 0.001) and had a lower body mass index (23.56 ± 4.46 vs. 24.19 ± 4.25, p < 0.001). Patients monitored by anaesthesiologists had a greater proportion of women (61.62% vs. 59.25%, p < 0.001), a high proportion of ASA III and ASA IV (17.1% vs. 8.88%, p < 0.001), and a longer mean surgery duration (78.65 ± 59.01 vs. 70.70 ± 60.65 min, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching was used to adjust for covariates, no statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of postoperative pain, emergency agitation, or postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nurse anaesthetists monitoring alone during anaesthesia maintenance is feasible and safe. The two groups had no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative pain, emergency agitation, or postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The shortage of anaesthesiologists leads to heavy work burden and high incidence of occupational burnout among anaesthesiologists. The study found that it was safe for nurse anaesthetists to perform anaesthetic monitoring alone in the operating room under the supervision of the attending anaesthesiologist and did reduce the burden of anaesthesiologists’ work. The results of the current study contribute to the expansion of occupational categories for nurse anaesthetists in countries where anaesthesiologists are in short supply. It provides new ideas for hospital administrators and policy-makers to formulate medical and nursing service policies.

Comparative study on gene expression in psoriatic lesions versus chronic wound healing processes

Abstract

Psoriasis and chronic ulcers not only significantly impair quality of life but also pose a challenge in dermatological treatment. This study aimed to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for psoriasis and chronic ulcers by comparing their gene expression profiles. The gene expression profiles of psoriatic, wound and chronic ulcer patients, as well as healthy controls, were determined via RNA extraction and next-generation sequencing of biopsies. In order to identify biomarkers, functional enrichment, differential expression analysis and machine learning algorithms were implemented. It is worth mentioning that the genes IL17A, TNF, KRT16, MMP9, and CD44 exhibited substantial correlations with the pathogenesis of the conditions being studied. As evidenced by their AUC-ROC values approaching 0.90, machine learning models accurately identified these biomarkers. The differential gene expression was consequently validated via qRT-PCR, which highlighted the increased expression of matrix remodelling enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, genes essential for maintaining epidermis integrity and facilitating wound healing exhibited downregulation. These insights into the molecular mechanisms of psoriasis and chronic ulcers pave the way for the development of targeted therapies, offering hope for improved treatment strategies.

Effect of barbed versus standard sutures on wound complications in total knee arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

A barbed suture has been demonstrated to be effective in shortening the stitching time and improving the aesthetic appearance of the stitches during the entire knee replacement. However, no meta-analyses have been conducted specifically to evaluate the effect of the barbed thread on wound complications relative to the conventional suture. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database, the Embase database, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science was performed to obtain search data up to June 2023, and only randomised controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. We used Review Manager 5.3 for data synthesis and analysis. This meta-analysis included eight studies. It was found that the use of barbed sutures did not improve the incidence of the disease, the infection of the wound, the closure of the abscess and the injury. However, because of the limited sample size of the randomised controlled trials for this meta-analysis, the data should be handled with caution. More high-quality, large-sample studies will be required to confirm the results.

Assessing the role of combination of stem cell and light‐based treatments on skin wound repair: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis aims to evaluate and compare the impact of the combination of stem cells (SCs) and light-based treatments (LBTs) on skin wound (SW) repair. Examinations comparing SCs to LBT with SCs for SW repair was among the meta-analysis from various languages that met the inclusion criteria. Using continuous random-effect models, the results of these investigations were examined, and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals was computed (CIs). Seven examinations from 2012 to 2022 were recruited for the current analysis including 106 animals with SWs. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBT) plus SCs had a significantly higher wound closure rate (WCR) (MD, 9.08; 95% CI, 5.55–12.61, p < 0.001) compared to SCs in animals with SWs. However, no significant difference was found between PBT plus SCs and SCs on wound tensile strength (WTS) (MD, 2.01; 95% CI, −0.42 to 4.44, p = 0.10) in animals with SWs. The examined data revealed that PBT plus SCs had a significantly higher WCR, however, no significant difference was found in WTS compared to SCs in animals with SWs. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised while interacting with its values since all the chosen examinations were found with a low sample size and a low number of examinations were found for the comparisons studied for the meta-analysis.

Differentiated expressed miRNAs in splenic monocyte induced by burn injury in mice

Abstract

To find potential biomarkers based on miRNA and their potential targets in splenic monocytes in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to sham or scalding injury of 15% total body surface area. Spenic CD11b+ monocytes were purified with magnetic beads. The monocytes were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. The proliferation of monocytes was detected by MTT assay, and the cytokines in the supernatant were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The purified monocytes were also under total RNA extraction. The differential monocytic miRNAs expression between the sham and burn-injured mice was analysed by miRNA microarray. The activity of monocytes was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, monocytes from burn-injured mice secreted higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor-β, but lower level of monocyte chemoattratctant protein-1. A total of 54 miRNAs were differentially expressed in monocytes from burn relative to sham-injured mice (fold >3). Further quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the expression of miR-146a was significantly down-regulated, while miR-3091-6p was up-regulated after burn injury. Using the combination of Miranda and TargetScan softwares, we found that mir-146a may regulate 180 potential target genes including TNF receptor related factor 6 (TRAF6), interleukin-1 receptor related kinase 1 (IRAK1) and CD28. Mir-3091-6p may regulate 39 potential targets, including SOCS7 (cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 7) and ARRB2 (arrestin, β 2). The miRNAs expressed by monocytes after burn injury may be involved in the regulation of innate immune response in burn injury.

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