Conectar
by Congli Jia, Fu Yang, Yingchun Li
ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for keloid and explore potential therapeutic agents from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by integrating network pharmacology approaches. Specifically, we sought to uncover key molecular targets for Aloe vera and validate their roles in keloid pathogenesis.
MethodsWe integrated keloid transcriptome datasets (GSE218007 and GSE237752) by merging GEO data, and identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis (GO, GSEA) and machine learning approaches were applied to select diagnostic biomarkers. Candidate genes were validated via Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves in training and independent cohorts (GSE44270). PPI networks and Cytohubba algorithms identified hub genes, while TCMSP-screened compounds from Aloe vera were docked with targets using molecular docking.
Results91 Identified DEGs enriched in fibrosis-related pathways. Machine learning prioritized two diagnostic biomarkers: AMPH and TNFRSF9 (AUC > 0.85 in training/testing). PPI analysis revealed IL6 as a hub gene. Aloe vera-derived quercetin targeted HAS2 and IL6 (both P Conclusion
AMPH and TNFRSF9 are promising diagnostic biomarkers for keloid, while quercetin from Aloe vera targets HAS2 and IL6, offering therapeutic potential. The dual role of IL6 underscores its centrality in keloid pathogenesis, connecting bioinformatics predictions with TCM pharmacology. This study provides a foundation for clinical prediction and targeted treatment strategies.
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a cardiac device recommended for use to prevent the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The evidence informing this guidance comes from landmark trials that are now more than 20 years old. The risk-benefit profile of ICD for the contemporary target population may have changed substantially since then, which raises the question of whether there is evidence for sparing patients a procedure associated with potentially severe complications and high healthcare costs. A main part of the PRevention Of sudden cardiac death aFter myocardial Infarction by Defibrillator implantation (PROFID) project is the PROFID EHRA trial, which is supported by the European Heart Rhythm Association. PROFID EHRA is a European Union-funded, prospective, randomised, multi-centre, non-inferiority study designed to compare optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone to ICD with OMT, for post-MI patients with reduced LVEF. The study also describes economic evaluation methods to quantify the cost and health implications of using OMT alone in place of ICD implantation plus OMT in this group of patients.
The economic evaluation has been designed to conduct a pre-trial cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) prior to the availability of trial data, followed by a within-trial cost-consequences analysis (CCA) and a long-term post-trial CEA, conducted from the National Health Service and Personal Social Service perspective in England. The pre-trial CEA uses simulation modelling informed by available evidence to assess the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years of OMT alone and ICD+OMT in post-MI patients with reduced LVEF at risk of SCD, as defined in the PROFID EHRA trial. The within-trial CCA is intended to summarise the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), healthcare resource use and associated costs observed during the PROFID EHRA trial follow-up period. The post-trial CEA updates the pre-trial model by incorporating contemporary evidence about the HRQoL and costs observed during the trial and the occurrence of those events and outcomes accruing during the trial follow-up period and projecting them into the expected lifetime of the patients. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the robustness of the CEA results with respect to both model assumptions and uncertainty in the value of the model input parameters. Finally, a value of information analysis will identify the key drivers of uncertainty surrounding the model conclusions regarding the optimal treatment strategy, establishing if further research may be required.
The PROFID EHRA trial, under legal sponsorship of Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, received its first ethics approval by the Medicine Research Ethics Committee of the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Spain (reference number LHS-2019-0209). Before including patients, for all participating study centres, the required local, central and/or national ethical approval has to be obtained. As of the date 13 November 2025, at least one participating study centre in the following countries has received ethical approvals from relevant ethics committees: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Results will be shared with the general public through various media channels and additionally with healthcare professionals and the scientific community through scientific meetings, conferences and publications.
Investigate the epidemiological characteristics of outpatients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers who were ultimately confirmed to have cutaneous malignant tumours, and provide a diagnostic and therapeutic basis for the occurrence of secondary diseases in chronic wounds. We conducted a retrospective study analysing clinical data from patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers at our hospital between July 2021 and February 2025, and analysed the epidemiological characteristics of malignant transformation in these ulcer cases. Among 128 patients initially diagnosed with skin ulcers, 16 cases (12.5%) were confirmed with cutaneous malignancies. The malignant group had a significantly higher mean age (69.44 ± 11.30 years) compared to the non-malignant group (58.39 ± 17.88 years; t = 5.752, p = 0.01). The distribution of lesion sites differed significantly between the malignant and non-malignant groups (χ2 = 30.498, p < 0.01). In the malignant group, the head and neck (41.2%) and trunk & extremities (41.2%) were the predominant sites. The most common malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The trunk & extremities was the most frequent site (62.5%). The second was basal cell carcinoma, which mainly occurs in the head and neck (80.0%). The mean duration of ulceration was 4.5 years. The primary treatment modality was surgical excision (11 cases, 68.8%). Approximately one-seventh of skin ulcer cases were confirmed as cutaneous malignancies. This finding underscores the significance of skin ulcers as potential malignant lesions, highlighting the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly perform histopathological examinations to improve early detection rates of skin cancers.
Nurses' health status significantly impacts their well-being and patient safety. Workflow interruptions, perceived workload, and missed nursing may potentially affect their physical and mental health. However, there is currently a lack of systematic studies on the relationships between these factors.
This study aims to explore how workflow interruptions influence nurses' health status through perceived workload and missed nursing, and provide strategies to promote nurses' health.
In October 2024, an online survey was conducted among 646 clinical nurses from three healthcare facilities in Henan Province. The survey covered nurses' demographic information, workflow interruptions, health status, perceived workload and missed nursing. Statistical analysis and model construction and validation were performed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 26.0 software.
Workflow interruptions were significantly negatively correlated with both physical component summary and mental component summary. Perceived workload and missed nursing served as mediators between workflow interruptions and physical and mental component summaries.
Workflow interruptions directly affect nurses' health status and indirectly influence it through perceived workload and missed nursing. Therefore, strategies should be implemented to optimise workflows, reduce workflow interruptions, lower perceived workload and take measures to minimise missed nursing. Future research could explore how to implement workflow optimization to improve nurses' health status effectively.
This study provides important guidance for improving nurses' health. The results reveal that optimising workflow and reducing work interruptions can effectively reduce nurses' perceived workload, thereby decreasing the occurrence of nursing omissions, and ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of nurses' health.
This study adhered to the cross-sectional Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
by Bo Zou, Fengchan Xi, Tao Gao, Wenkui Yu
BackgroundThe role of early enteral nutrition (EEN) in septic shock remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between EEN and clinical outcomes in septic patients requiring vasopressor therapy and invasive mechanical ventilation.
MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used the MIMIC-IV database and included adult septic patients receiving vasopressors and mechanical ventilation at ICU admission. EEN was defined as enteral nutrition initiated within 48 hours. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU and hospital length of stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for baseline confounders. Vasopressor dose was stratified based on the maximum norepinephrine-equivalent dose in the first 48 hours: low (0.5). Multivariable regression models were used to assess associations.
ResultsA total of 4,673 patients were included, of whom 997 (21.3%) received EEN. Before weighting, EEN was associated with higher 28-day mortality (21.9% vs. 15.3%). After IPTW adjustment, early feeding remained significantly associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 2.27). In stratified analyses, EEN was associated with increased mortality in the medium-dose (odds ratio 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.26 to 2.19, p Conclusions
In critically ill septic patients receiving vasopressors and mechanical ventilation, EEN was associated with increased 28-day mortality, particularly among those receiving medium- or high-dose vasopressor therapy.
The healthcare landscape in South Africa is challenging with a complex patient population and a stressed healthcare system. Negative pressure therapy-based systems such as negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) and closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) can help manage wounds or incisions. However, guidelines for South Africa-specific use are limited. An in-person meeting was held with 10 experts to develop South Africa-specific therapy use recommendations for NPWTi-d and ciNPT. Panel members recommended NPWTi-d use for wounds in need of cleansing. Normal saline and a 10-min dwell time were recommended with the caveat that the instillation solutions and dwell times can be changed based on the wound bed condition and the features of the instillation solution. A negative pressure cycle of 2–3 h and a negative pressure of −125 mmHg were also recommended for NPWTi-d. In patients, incisions, and surgical procedures at high risk of developing surgical site complications, ciNPT use was recommended. These general recommendations serve as a framework for NPWTi-d and/or ciNPT use in South Africa and should be updated as more region-specific evidence becomes available.
To analyse current Glasgow Coma Scale practice among emergency nurses in China and identify factors influencing assessment quality.
A quantitative, multicenter cross-sectional design.
A convenience sample of 1740 emergency nurses from secondary and tertiary hospitals across 21 provinces completed a validated structured questionnaire between March and April 2025. Participants had at least 6 months of emergency nursing experience. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression to examine factors influencing correct Glasgow Coma Scale application.
Participants had a mean age of 29.8 years (SD = 6.2). Only 52.5% of nurses demonstrated correct Glasgow Coma Scale application despite 97.0% having theoretical knowledge of scoring criteria. While 56.8% had received Glasgow Coma Scale training, significant standardisation deficiencies emerged. Notably, 41.8% of departments lacked operational guidelines, and 53.7% of nurses experienced scoring disagreements with colleagues. Clinical utilisation varied substantially by patient population: traumatic brain injury (97.8%), neurological diseases (96.9%), and systemic critical illness (85.8%). Multivariate analysis identified six significant factors influencing correct application: standardised training (OR = 2.252, 95% CI: 1.789–2.825), manageable workload ≤ 4 patients/shift (OR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.327–2.057), departmental guidelines (OR = 1.523, 95% CI: 1.233–1.881), extensive work experience ≥ 9 years (OR = 1.534, 95% CI: 1.182–1.992), while multidisciplinary collaboration issues (OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.439–0.712) and special patient experience (OR = 0.520, 95% CI: 0.406–0.666) were associated with reduced accuracy.
Substantial standardisation challenges exist in Glasgow Coma Scale practice among Chinese emergency nurses, characterised by significant gaps between theoretical knowledge and clinical application. Major barriers include insufficient standardised guidelines, inconsistent training approaches, and inadequate interdisciplinary collaboration.
Healthcare administrators should develop national standardised guidelines, implement simulation-based training programs, optimise emergency workflows, and integrate alternative assessment tools to enhance consciousness assessment accuracy and improve patient safety.
STROBE statement adherence.
No patient or public contribution.
by Zhizhong Wang, Sen Xu, Ailong Lin, Chunxian Wei, Zhiyong Li, Yingchun Chen, Bizhou Bie, Ling Liu
Vascular dementia (VaD), a neurodegenerative disease driven by vascular pathology, requires multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. This study employs an integrated in silico approach to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of natural ligands against key proteins implicated in VaD pathogenesis. Using molecular docking and normal mode analysis (NMA), four natural compounds (Galangin, Resveratrol, Curcumin, and Licocumarone) were assessed for their binding affinity and structural influence on six target proteins: APLP1, APOE, CLDN5, SOD1, MMP9, and MTHFR. Docking analysis revealed that galangin exhibited the highest binding affinity to APLP1 (−8.5 kcal/mol), resveratrol to MTHFR (−8.1 kcal/mol), and curcumin showed dual efficacy toward APOE (−7.2 kcal/mol) and MMP9 (−8.0 kcal/mol). Licocumarone demonstrated notable stabilization of CLDN5 and SOD1. The NMA results indicated ligand-induced stabilization of protein cores and enhanced flexibility in loop regions, which may impact amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Pathway enrichment using the KEGG and Reactome databases identified significant involvement of the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, along with leukocyte transendothelial migration, linking inflammation with vascular dysfunction. APOE emerged as a central node within the protein-protein interaction network, highlighting its regulatory importance. This study highlights the therapeutic relevance of natural ligands as cost-effective modulators of multiple VaD-associated pathways. The combined use of molecular docking, protein dynamics, and enrichment analyses provides a comprehensive computational framework for early-stage drug discovery. These findings warrant further experimental validation to advance the development of targeted, mechanism-driven interventions for vascular dementia.Colonoscopy is an essential procedure for the early diagnosis of colorectal conditions; however, over 60% of patients undergoing non-sedated colonoscopy report moderate to severe pain. This study aims to investigate the central analgesic mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation based on wrist-ankle acupuncture theory (TENS-WAA). A multimodal approach combining electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will be employed to assess pain-related brain activity, with artificial intelligence applied to model the relationship between objective neurophysiological signals and subjective pain experience.
This is a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial involving 60 patients undergoing colonoscopy without anaesthesia. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) to either an electrical stimulation group receiving TENS-WAA or a sham stimulation group. EEG and fNIRS data will be acquired before, during and after the procedure. The primary outcome is the analysis of EEG-fNIRS signals to characterise cerebral responses associated with pain modulation. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), total colonoscopy duration and the correlation between EEG-fNIRS indicators and VAS scores. A deep learning framework will be used to enhance pain prediction accuracy.
This study has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Changhai Hospital, Shanghai (approval reference CHEC2025-006), and has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed academic journals and at relevant scientific conferences, regardless of outcome, contributing to evidence-based, non-pharmacological pain management strategies.
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06813703.
Children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience exceptionally high levels of trauma, including experiencing multiple forms of abuse and witnessing violence. Exposure to such traumatic events may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other health-related or behaviour-related harms. Untreated PTSD in adolescents results in significant impairments in their adaptive, social, emotional and academic functioning. To date, various intervention strategies have been developed internationally to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms among children and adolescents. However, despite the documented mental health burden, there is limited evidence of culturally and contextually appropriate PTSD interventions in SSA. The objective of this scoping review is to investigate the evidence-based treatments available for adolescents diagnosed with PTSD in SAA. This investigation includes evaluating whether identified treatments were considered culturally and contextually appropriate.
This scoping review will follow the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. This framework outlines six essential stages for conducting scoping reviews: (1) Defining the research question, (2) Locating pertinent studies, (3) Study selection, (4) Charting the data, (5) Collating, summarising and reporting the results and (6) Consulting with stakeholders. Findings will be presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Major databases, including PubMed (Medline), Scopus Academic Search Premier, Africa-Wide Information, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Education Resources Information Centre, Healthsource: Nursing/Academic, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and SocINDEX will be searched.
This review will not involve the collection of primary data from human participants. While formal ethics approval is not required, permission to conduct the study has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town. The results of the scoping review will be submitted to a relevant academic journal, including presentations at relevant conferences, to contribute to academic literature and inform future research.
by Yanxuan Wu, Fu Li, Hao Chen, Liang Shi, Meng Yin, Fan Hu, Gongchang Yu
BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia are major global public health problems, and their coexistence significantly increases the risk of death. In recent years, this trend has become increasingly prominent in younger populations, posing a major public health challenge. Numerous studies have regarded reduced muscle mass as a reliable indicator for identifying pre-sarcopenia. Nevertheless, there are currently no well-developed methods for identifying low muscle mass in individuals with MetS.
MethodsA total of 2,467 MetS patients (aged 18–59 years) with low muscle mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included using data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was then used to screen for important features. A total of nine Machine learning (ML) models were constructed in this study. Area under the curve (AUC), F1 Score, Recall, Precision, Accuracy, Specificity, PPV, and NPV were used to evaluate the model’s performance and explain important predictors using the Shapley Additive Explain (SHAP) values.
ResultsThe Logistic Regression (LR) model performed the best overall, with an AUC of 0.925 (95% CI: 0.9043, 0.9443), alongside strong F1-score (0.87) and specificity (0.89). Five important predictors are displayed in the summary plot of SHAP values: height, gender, waist circumference, thigh length, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
ConclusionThis study developed an interpretable ML model based on SHAP methodology to identify risk factors for low muscle mass in a young population of MetS patients. Additionally, a web-based tool was implemented to facilitate sarcopenia screening.
Childhood cancer accounts for a significant proportion of global childhood mortality, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unlike many adult malignancies, primary prevention of childhood cancers is not possible. Improving survival requires a two-pronged strategy: earlier diagnosis and effective treatment. Our study aims to establish the feasibility, clinical and implementation effectiveness of an adapted early warning signs and symptoms (EWSS) intervention in Cameroon and Kenya. It will equip healthcare workers, Ministry of Health (MOH) representatives and National Cancer Institute leaders with evidence-informed guidance on implementing context-adapted interventions to improve the early detection and referral of childhood cancers in these countries.
The study is a quasi-experimental, hybrid type 2 implementation effectiveness study based on a Ghanaian adaptation of the ‘Saint Siluan’ EWSS campaign. Our protocol proposes context-specific adaptation and evidence-based implementation of the EWSS intervention through iterative engagement with country-level implementation teams to train healthcare workers and improve referral pathways for earlier childhood cancer diagnoses in each study country. Training effectiveness will be measured through pretraining and post-training tests of knowledge and application, as well as training satisfaction surveys. Clinical effectiveness will be assessed by using a REDCap database to track the number of newly diagnosed childhood cancer cases in the study regions and counties, healthcare timelines and paths to diagnosis, and the stage and proportion of metastatic disease at diagnosis. Implementation effectiveness will be evaluated through interviews with senior and mid-level health system partners and clinicians, tracking fidelity to the implementation process as laid out in The Implementation Roadmap Workbook, and analysis of meeting minutes from monthly local implementation team meetings.
This study has received ethical approval from The Hospital for Sick Children (REB # 1000080092) and all participating sites. We have received National Ethical Clearance from the Cameroon Ethical Board (#1699) and Regional Administrative Authorizations from our piloting regions (Centre and West). We have also received ethical clearance from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) (ERB# KNH-ERC/RR/955) and our National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya licence from the counties we are piloting in Kenya. As clinical data will be collected from existing health registries and patient charts, patient consent will not be required; however, we will obtain consent from all members of the leadership implementation teams and operational implementation teams for their participation in the implementation meetings and from all individuals participating in the semistructured interviews. We will disseminate findings to build awareness and share findings among various target audiences: (1) key county and regional parties (eg, clinical societies, advocacy groups, country MOHs and regional bodies such as the East African Community, Economic Community of West African States); (2) international bodies such as the WHO; and (3) the academic community.
Home-based exercise offers a cost-effective way to receive thorough rehabilitation without the requirement of costly supervised treatment.
To investigate the effects of home-based exercise on the balance ability in post-stroke patients.
A thorough search was carried out on various databases, such as Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, until October 2024. The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of home-based exercise interventions.
The meta-analysis indicated that home-based exercise significantly improved static balance ability (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]: MD = 3.45, 95% CI [1.43, 5.47], I 2 = 71%, p = 0.0008, random-effects model). Conversely, the analysis revealed that the home-based exercise group did not exhibit a statistically significant improvement in the Time up and Go Test (TUG) when compared to the control group (TUG: MD = −0.34, 95% CI [−4.30, 3.61], I 2 = 96%, p = 0.86, random effects model). The subgroup analysis revealed that home-based exercise significantly enhanced balance ability in patients with subacute stroke (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: Overall effect p = 0.02). However, no significant improvement was observed in patients with chronic stroke (BBS: p = 0.39). Regarding the duration of intervention, both short-term and long-term interventions were effective on the BBS (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively), although no significant difference was found for the TUG. Participants engaging in exercise for more than 90 min per week demonstrated greater improvements in balance ability (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: p = 0.02). When considering national economic levels, significant effects on the BBS were observed in both developed and developing countries (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), while significant effects on the TUG were noted only in developing countries (p = 0.04).
Home-based exercise interventions showed significant results in improving static balance in patients with subacute stroke, especially home-based exercise that lasted longer than 12 weeks and lasted at least 90 min per week. However, more methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these results. In addition, the optimal exercise program and type to optimize the balance ability of stroke patients also need further research.
Digital exclusion has been linked to adverse health outcomes among older adults. However, its relationship with health literacy, a midstream determinant of health outcomes in aging populations, remains insufficiently explored.
To investigate the relationship between digital exclusion and health literacy among older adults, and to assess the mediating effects of social support and self-efficacy.
A cross-sectional study.
Data from the 2021 Psychology and Behaviour Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR) survey were used. Digital exclusion was assessed through self-reported non-use of computers or smartphones. Health literacy, social support and self-efficacy were measured using the Short-Form Health Literacy Instrument, the 12-item Perceived Social Support Scale and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. Generalised linear models (GLM) were employed to examine the relationships between digital exclusion and health literacy, while mediation analysis with bootstrapping assessed the mediating roles of social support and self-efficacy.
A total of 1147 older adults participated in the study, with 27.64% identified as digitally excluded and a moderate level of health literacy. GLM analysis identified several significant factors influencing health literacy, including digital exclusion, social support, self-efficacy, higher education levels, household monthly income per capita > 3000 RMB, non-agricultural hukou, chronic conditions and medication use. Mediation analysis revealed that digital exclusion negatively impacted health literacy. Social support and self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between digital exclusion and health literacy.
Digital exclusion is negatively associated with health literacy among older adults, with social support and self-efficacy partially mediating the relationship.
This study underscores the importance of addressing digital exclusion, as well as promoting social support and self-efficacy to enhance health literacy in ageing populations.
This study provides insights into the relationship between digital exclusion and health literacy among older adults, as well as the mediating effects of social support and self-efficacy, offering potential targets for health literacy improvement.
STROBE Statement (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology).
No patient or public contribution was involved.
To develop and validate a tool to estimate the risk of central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in children with congenital heart disease.
Children with congenital heart disease face an elevated risk of CRT, which is closely linked to adverse clinical outcomes. Early detection of CRT may improve prognosis and reduce mortality. However, no specific tools currently exist to effectively assess it.
A cross-sectional study.
From January 2020 to April 2023, we enrolled 503 children with congenital heart disease. Four hundred and three were assigned to the modelling cohort and 100 to the validation cohort. Using binary logistic regression, a predictive model was constructed, followed by the development of a dynamic online nomogram. The model's internal and external verification were performed using ROC analysis, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis, respectively. The study adhered to the TRIPOD guidelines.
The prevalence of CRT in the modelling cohort and validation cohort was 23.57% and 21.00%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified duration of catheterization, length of ICU stay, duration of sedation, fibrinogen ≥ 4 g/L and platelet count ≥ 400 × 109/L as independent predictive factors for CRT, all of which were incorporated into the nomogram. The nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.866 in the modelling cohort and 0.761 in the validation cohort, demonstrating strong discriminatory power. In both cohorts, the calibration curve indicated good agreement and decision curve analysis confirmed its significant clinical utility.
We developed a dynamic online nomogram that demonstrated strong predictive accuracy and was practical for identifying CRT in children with congenital heart disease.
This nomogram enables healthcare providers to estimate the risk of CRT in children with congenital heart disease, offering an effective tool for risk stratification and a basis for implementing targeted interventions.
No patient or public contribution.
Determination of the relationship between sleep quality and the risk of medication errors in nurses working in surgical services.
This multicenter, descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 192 nurses working in surgical wards of all training and research hospitals in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, between January and December 2023. Data were collected using the “Nurse Information Form,” “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,” “Epworth Sleepiness Scale,” and “Medication Administration Error Scale.” The suitability of numerical variables for normal distribution was examined graphically and with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Additionally, Mann–Whitney test, Kruskal–Wallis, Bonferroni, and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient tests were used in the analyses. The STROBE checklist was followed in writing the study.
The median age of nurses was 27.0 (IQR = 8.0) years, and 38.5% were in the 21–25 age group. Among the nurses, 81.3% stated that they had sleep problems due to working hours, and 44.3% stated that they made medication errors due to insomnia. The nurses' Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score median was 12.00 (IQR = 9.00), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 11.00 (IQR = 8.75), and Medication Administration Error Scale score was 85.00 (IQR = 25.75). No statistically significant relationship was found between nurses' Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Medication Administration Error Scale scores (r s = 0.042; p = 0.565). A statistically significant low-level relationship was found between the nurses' Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (r s = 0.387; p < 0.001). Statistically significant weak and very weak relationships were found between Medication Administration Error Scale and subjective sleep quality, sleeping pill use, and daytime dysfunction (p < 0.05).
The study found that nurses had poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. It was determined that nurses with sleep problems were at a higher risk of making medication errors.
Based on these results, it is recommended that nurses' working hours be planned to support their sleep patterns, and nurses be provided with adequate rest time during shift work hours. Additionally, nurses should be educated about sleep hygiene and the effects of sleep disorders, and more research should be conducted to understand the causes of medication errors and develop preventive strategies.
The basic principle of healthcare is to “do no harm.” Among healthcare professionals, nurses have great responsibility in preventing medical errors. However, the excessive workload, high number of patients under their care, and working in a day-night shift system lead to fatigue and sleep deprivation. Sleep problems increases their tendency to make mistakes. This study aims to contribute evidence to the literature on the impact of sleep problems on medication errors.
Identifying the core information needs of breast cancer radiotherapy patients serves as the foundation for delivering targeted information services. The Kano model, a qualitative tool for classifying service needs, is increasingly being employed to prioritise patient needs and enhance healthcare quality.
This study aims to examine the informational needs of breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy using the Kano model as the analytical framework.
Between October 2024 and February 2025, 260 patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy were recruited as study participants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Information Needs Questionnaire. Kano analysis was applied to identify and assess the information needs of these patients. This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.
Among the 36 items analysed, 15 items (41.7%) were classified as one-dimensional attributes, primarily related to adverse reaction identification and self-management information. 11 items (30.5%) were identified as attractive attributes, mainly concerning the impact of radiation therapy and social–emotional needs five items (13.9%) were must-be attributes, focusing on basic radiotherapy information. Five items (13.9%) were indifference attributes, including the impact of radiotherapy on breast reconstruction, and guidance on image-related concerns during radiotherapy. The quadrant chart findings revealed that 15 needs were predominant in Area I, five in Improving Area II, five in Secondary Improving Area III and 11 in Reserving Area IV.
The information needs of breast cancer radiotherapy patients are diverse. Kano model analysis aids medical staff in developing health guidance and meeting patients' informational needs.
Understanding the differentiated informational needs of patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy provides valuable insights for developing targeted educational interventions, ultimately improving patient engagement and outcomes.
The contributions of patients/members of the public were limited solely to data collection.
To identify whether cognitive appraisal and coping style have moderating and mediating effects on the relationship between family resilience and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute leukaemia (AL).
AL is a clonal and aggressive haematological malignancy that requires long-term and continuous therapy, which may negatively influence QoL. Family resilience can be used as a psychosocial resource that may enhance patients' coping processes and QoL.
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among hospitalised patients with AL from June 2022 to June 2023.
A cross-sectional study was performed following the STROBE Statement. Convenience sampling was used in the present study, and 286 patients were recruited from five tertiary Grade A hospitals in Xi'an, China. The questionnaires included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia (FACT-Leu), the Cognitive Appraisal of Health Scale (CAHS), the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ) and the Family Hardiness Index (FHI). We used SPSS 26.0 and Hayes' PROCESS macro for data analyses and path coefficients.
The QoL of patients with AL was significantly positively correlated with family resilience and positive coping, and negatively correlated with cognitive appraisal. Cognitive appraisal partially mediated the relationship between family resilience and QoL. Positive coping moderated the relationships between family resilience and cognitive appraisal, and between cognitive appraisal and QoL.
The results revealed that the association between family resilience and QoL was partially mediated by cognitive appraisal and that positive coping moderated this relationship. These findings are meaningful for early interventions that reduce the risk of psychosocial distress and improve QoL in this population.
Nurses should focus on the cognitive appraisal and coping style of AL patients and provide family support and respect to improve their QoL.
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients with AL undergoing clinical chemotherapy in Chinese medical facilities.
To validate a practical method for estimating total Glasgow Coma Scale (etGCS) scores in intubated traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and evaluate its reliability when integrated into established ICU severity scoring systems.
TBI is a global health issue, often leading to high mortality and disability. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), essential for assessing TBI severity, is less reliable in intubated patients due to the inability to assess verbal responses.
Retrospective cohort study.
Data were extracted from the MIMIC-IV database. The reliability of the etGCS was evaluated through its association with in-hospital mortality and its performance when integrated into established ICU severity scoring systems. Multiple statistical approaches were used to validate the findings.
Among 886 intubated TBI patients, the etGCS showed consistent reliability in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC: 68.22%, 95% CI: 64.29%–72.14%). When combined with pupillary assessment (etGCS-P), the predictive performance remained stable (AUC: 71.99%, 95% CI: 67.89%–76.08%). Furthermore, the estimation method demonstrated reliable performance when integrated into established severity scoring systems. The removal of etGCS from these systems resulted in decreased predictive performance, confirming its valuable contribution to mortality prediction.
This study validated a practical and reliable method for estimating total GCS scores in intubated TBI patients. The estimated scores showed consistent predictive value and enhanced existing severity scoring systems, supporting its clinical utility in ICU settings.
This validation of a practical GCS estimation method supports nurses in delivering accurate patient assessments, facilitating clinical communication and making informed care decisions for intubated TBI patients.
This retrospective study involved no patient or public participation in the design or conduct.
FreshRSS 