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

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

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

Design, setting and participants

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Trial registeration number

MIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).

Balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Li · X. · Xu · C. · Ji · X. · Zhu · Z. · Cai · T. · Guo · Z. · Lin · J.
Objective

The use of minimally invasive endoluminal treatment for urethral strictures has been a subject for debate for several decades. The aim of this study was to review and discuss the safety, efficacy and factors influencing the clinical application of balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched for publications published before 17 July 2022.

Study selection

Two independent researchers screened and assessed the results, and all clinical studies on balloon dilation for the treatment of urethral strictures in men were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

The success rate, rate of adverse events, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum uroflow (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume were the main outcomes. Stata V.14.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fifteen studies with 715 patients were ultimately included in this systematic review. The pooled results of eight studies showed that the reported success rate of simple balloon dilation for male urethral strictures was 67.07% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.92% to 77.36%). The maximum urinary flow rate at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]= 2.6510, 95% CI: 1.0681 to 4.2338, p

Conclusion

Balloon dilation may be an intermediate step before urethroplasty and is a promising alternative therapy to simple dilation and DVIU. The balloon is a promising drug delivery tool, and paclitaxel drug-coated balloon dilation is effective in reducing retreatment rates in patients with recurrent anterior urethral strictures. The aetiology, location, length, previous treatment of urethral stricture may be associated with the efficacy of balloon dilation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022334403.

Priming transcranial direct current stimulation for improving hemiparetic upper limb in patients with subacute stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Zhu · F. · Xu · X. · Jin · M. · Chen · J. · Feng · X. · Wang · J. · Yu · D. · Wang · R. · Lian · Y. · Huai · B. · Lou · X. · Shi · X. · He · T. · Lu · J. · Zhang · J. J. · Bai · Z.
Introduction

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates brain states by applying a weak electrical current to the brain cortex. Several studies have shown that anodal stimulation of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) may promote motor recovery of the affected upper limb in patients with stroke; however, a high-level clinical recommendation cannot be drawn in view of inconsistent findings. A priming brain stimulation protocol has been proposed to induce stable modulatory effects, in which an inhibitory stimulation is applied prior to excitatory stimulation to a brain area. Our recent work showed that priming theta burst magnetic stimulation demonstrated superior effects in improving upper limb motor function and neurophysiological outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether pairing a session of cathodal tDCS with a session of anodal tDCS will also capitalise on its therapeutic effects.

Methods and analysis

This will be a two-arm double-blind randomised controlled trial involving 134 patients 1–6 months after stroke onset. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive 10 sessions of priming tDCS+robotic training, or 10 sessions of non-priming tDCS+robotic training for 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremity, and the secondary outcomes are the Wolf Motor Function Test and Modified Barthel Index. The motor-evoked potentials, regional oxyhaemoglobin level and resting-state functional connectivity between the bilateral M1 will be acquired and analysed to investigate the effects of priming tDCS on neuroplasticity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Center (reference number: Yangzhi2023-022) and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1964, as revised in 2013.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074681.

Epidemiological characteristics of suspected adenomyosis in the Chinese physical examination population: a nested case-control study

Por: Huang · Y. · Su · X. · Chen · K. · Zhang · L. · Xu · W. · Pu · Y. · Xu · F. · Gong · R. · Zhang · J. · Nie · Y. · Shi · Q.
Objectives

We aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of suspected adenomyosis within a physical examination population in China.

Design

A retrospective, nested case-control study; we matched healthy people and those with potential adenomyosis on a 1:2 ratio by age.

Setting

A tertiary hospital health management centre.

Participants

We included 15–60 years old women who underwent at least one uterine examination from October 2017 to December 2020, excluding those who had undergone hysterectomy and menopause.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We estimated the incidence and prevalence rate of suspected adenomyosis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate associations between serum biomarkers and potential adenomyosis. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) were used to determine the cut-off point of the cancer antigen 125 (CA125) level for suspected adenomyosis.

Results

A total of 30 629 women had uterus-related imaging examinations; 877 had suspected adenomyosis. The standardised incidence and prevalence of suspected adenomyosis was 1.32% and 2.35%, respectively, for all age groups. The conditional logistic regression analysis results showed that total bilirubin≥18.81 µmol/L (HR: 2.129; 95% CI 1.067 to 4.249; p24 kg/m2 (HR: 1.262; 95% CI 1.055 to 1.511; p

Conclusions

The disease burden of suspected adenomyosis remains huge and can be informed by biomarkers. The disease-specific threshold of CA125 will support further preventive strategy development in population.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100049520, 2021/8/2.

Predictive factors for the treatment success of peri-implantitis: a protocol for a prospective cohort study

Por: Zhu · Y. · Lu · H. · Yang · S. · Liu · Y. · Zhu · P. · Li · P. · Waal · Y. C. M. D. · Visser · A. · Tjakkes · G.-H. E. · Li · A. · Xu · S.
Introduction

Peri-implantitis, a common biological complication of dental implant, has attracted considerable attention due to its increasing prevalence and limited treatment efficacy. Previous studies have reported several risk factors associated with the onset of peri-implantitis (eg, history of periodontitis, poor plaque control and smoking). However, inadequate data are available on the association between these risk factors and successful outcome after peri-implantitis therapy. This prospective cohort study aims to identify the local and systemic predictive factors for the treatment success of peri-implantitis.

Methods and analysis

A single-centre cohort study will be conducted by recruiting 275 patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Sociodemographic variables, healthy lifestyles and systemic disorders will be obtained using questionnaires. In addition, clinical and radiographic examinations will be conducted at baseline and follow-up visits. Treatment success is defined as no bleeding on probing on more than one point, no suppuration, no further marginal bone loss (≥0.5 mm) and probing pocket depth ≤5 mm at the 12-month follow-up interval. After adjustment for age, sex and socioeconomic status, potential prognostic factors related to treatment success will be identified using multivariable logistic regression models.

Ethics and dissemination

This cohort study in its current version (2.0, 15 July 2022) is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University (EC-CT-(2022)34). The publication will be on behalf of the study site.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200066262.

Effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery intervention for preventing postpartum depression: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Yang · C. · Chen · K. · Zhang · P. · Xue · M. · Li · H.
Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD), a prevalent public health problem, is a debilitating mental disorder for which preventive interventions could yield dramatic benefits. However, viable approach focusing the prevention of PPD for caesarean section (CS) patients remains limited currently. In recent decades, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has gradually been implemented in CS and appears to be a potential and favourable preventive intervention for PPD, but systematic evidence on this issue is lacking. Therefore, a meta-analysis is designed to systematically explore the potential effect of ERAS on the prevention of PPD in CS patients.

Methods and analysis

Meta-analysis will be performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement. A systematic search across the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, grey literature and Wanfang Database will be conducted from inception to July 2023. Relevant studies investigating the association between ERAS and PPD will be included. Two reviewers will independently carry out the literature selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Disagreements will be resolved by group consensus. Statistical analyses will use the RevMan V.5.3 and STATA V.13 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system will be used to evaluate the strength of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

This study raises no ethical issues. The pending meta-analysis may provide reliable evidence supporting ERAS as a viable preventive option for PPD in CS patients, further providing a useful reference for the health authorities and promoting the future clinical practice in this field. The formal results of this study will be submitted to a professional journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023485929.

Assessing the impact of diverse mask types on COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol

Por: Chen · X. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · X. · Ren · D. · Wei · C. · Xu · A. · Yang · H. · Bai · R. · Li · C. · Yue · F. · Bao · S. · Shi · J. · Fan · J.
Introduction

Wearing masks has proven beneficial in preventing respiratory pathogen infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of different mask types on physiological indicators and daily physical activity in COPD patients remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of various mask types on cardiopulmonary function indicators, subjective perceptions and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in individuals with COPD.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will enrol 129 stable COPD patients. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups: control, N95 mask and surgical mask groups. Each group will undergo both a 6-minute seated test and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), without or with their respective masks. A 10-minute interval will be provided between the two phases. The primary indicators of the study include the 6MWD and blood oxygen saturation. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, pulse rate, Borg score, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score and subjective perception score. Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure will be recorded four times during the trial, while Borg and RPE scores will be compared before and after the 6MWT. Additionally, subjective perception scores will be collected after each mask-wearing stage.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 202335). We plan to disseminate research results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074554.

Effects of liposomal bupivacaine in preoperative fascia iliac block on postoperative pain and delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: a study protocol for a randomised, parallel controlled prospective clinical study

Por: Hao · Y. · Li · W. · Zheng · M. · Li · X. · Wu · X. · Yu · Z. · Liu · S. · Li · J. · Xu · H.
Introduction

Postoperative delirium (POD) is the most common acute fluctuating mental state change after hip fractures in older adults. Postoperative pain is a Grade A risk factor for POD and is closely related to the prognosis of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. The fascia iliac block has a definite analgesic effect and few side effects, and several studies have reported that it reduces the occurrence of POD in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery. Liposomal bupivacaine is a local anaesthetic with a long half-life that significantly reduces the use of opioids and is conducive to patient prognosis and recovery. However, whether regional nerve block analgesia can decrease the occurrence of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery has not been reported.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-blinded, randomised, parallel-controlled prospective clinical study. Participants will be randomly assigned preoperatively to either the liposomal bupivacaine (ie, Exparel) or ropivacaine groups by block randomisation. Then, the occurrence of POD (primary outcome) and postoperative pain (secondary outcome) will be evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol complies with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) 2013 guidelines and is approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai General Hospital (ID 2023–437). The original data are expected to be released in July 2029 on the ResMan original data-sharing platform (IPD-sharing platform) of the China Clinical Trial Registry, which can be viewed on the following website: http://www.medresman.org.cn.

PROSPERO registration number

ChiCTR2300074022.

Longitudinal symptom profile of palliative care patients receiving a nurse-led end-of-life (PEACH) programme to support preference to die at home

Por: Agar · M. · Xuan · W. · Lee · J. · Barclay · G. · Oloffs · A. · Jobburn · K. · Harlum · J. · Maurya · N. · Chow · J. S. F.
Objectives

Tailored models of home-based palliative care aimed to support death at home, should also ensure optimal symptom control. This study aimed to explore symptom occurrence and distress over time in Palliative Extended And Care at Home (PEACH) model of care recipients.

Design

This was a prospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

Participants were consecutive recipients of the PEACH rapid response nurse-led model of care in metropolitan Sydney (December 2013–January 2017) who were in the last weeks of life with a terminal or deteriorating phase of illness and had a preference to be cared or die at home.

Outcome measures

Deidentified data including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and symptom distress scores (Symptom Assessment Score) were collected at each clinical visit. Descriptive statistics and forward selection logistic regression analysis were used to explore influence of symptom distress levels on mode of separation ((1) died at home while still receiving a PEACH package, (2) admitted to a hospital or an inpatient palliative care unit or (3) discharged from the package (alive and no longer requiring PEACH)) across four symptom distress level categories.

Results

1754 consecutive clients received a PEACH package (mean age 70 years, 55% male). 75.7% (n=1327) had a home death, 13.5% (n=237) were admitted and 10.8% (n=190) were still alive and residing at home when the package ceased. Mean symptom distress scores improved from baseline to final scores in the three groups (p

Conclusion

Tailored home-based palliative care models to meet preference to die at home, achieve this while maintaining symptom control. A focus on particular symptoms may further optimise these models of care.

Comparative efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis: protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis

Por: Xu · T. · Deng · B. · Lin · S. · Wang · H. · Xu · Y. · Chen · G.
Introduction

The review aims to conduct the first network meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the application of multiple acupuncture techniques in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, ranking the best acupuncture treatment and providing a reference for clinical treatment extensively.

Methods and analysis

Randomised controlled trials of different acupuncture-related therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis will be searched in the following databases from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2022, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database and China Biomedical Literature Database. Overall, clinical efficacy rate, bone mineral density and a Visual Analogue Scale score are used as the primary outcome indicators. In addition, the secondary outcome indicator is adverse reactions. The entire screening process will be conducted by two independent investigators; meanwhile, Stata (V.14.0) and RevMan (V.5.4) will be used to conduct the network meta-analysis. If the data are permissible and feasible, we will also perform meta-regression and subgroup analyses to address the underlying causes of data inconsistency and heterogeneity in the statistical analyses. Besides, to improve the credibility of this network meta-analysis, we will evaluate the quality of evidence in this research according to the GRADE assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for network meta-analyses, which do not involve animals’ or people’s welfare. The results of this network meta-analysis will be submitted to a recognised journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023401003.

Changing epidemiology, microbiology and mortality of bloodstream infections in patients with haematological malignancies before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Cai · L. · Chen · H. · Wei · Y. · Guo · X. · Zheng · H. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · Y. · Yu · G. · Dai · M. · Ye · J. · Zhou · H. · Xu · D. · Huang · F. · Fan · Z. · Xu · N. · Shi · P. · Xuan · L. · Feng · R. · Liu · X. · Sun · J. · Liu · Q. · Wei · X.
Objective

This study was to explore the changes in bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective cohort study between 2018 and 2021.

Setting

The largest haematological centre in southern China.

Results

A total of 599 episodes of BSI occurring in 22 717 inpatients from January 2018 to December 2021 were analysed. The frequencies of the total, Gram-negative and Gram-positive BSI before and during the pandemic were 2.90% versus 2.35% (p=0.011), 2.49% versus 1.77% (p

Conclusion

Our data showed that the incidence of total and Gram-negative organisms BSI decreased, but Gram-positive BSI incidence increased in patients with HMs during the pandemic along with the changes of main isolates and susceptibility profiles. Although the 30-day mortality due to BSI was lower during the pandemic, the new infection prevention strategy should be considered for any future pandemics.

Initiation of China Alliance of Research in High Myopia (CHARM): protocol for an AI-based multimodal high myopia research biobank

Por: He · H.-L. · Liu · Y.-X. · Song · H. · Xu · T.-Z. · Wong · T.-Y. · Jin · Z.-B. · China Alliance of Research in High Myopia (CHARM)
Introduction

High myopia is a pressing public health concern due to its increasing prevalence, younger trend and the high risk of blindness, particularly in East Asian countries, including China. The China Alliance of Research in High Myopia (CHARM) is a newly established consortium that includes more than 100 hospitals and institutions participating across the nation, aiming to promote collaboration and data sharing in the field of high myopia screening, classification, diagnosis and therapeutic development.

Methods and analysis

The CHARM project is an ongoing study, and its initiation is distinguished by its unprecedented scale, encompassing plans to involve over 100 000 Chinese patients. This initiative stands out not only for its extensive scope but also for its innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in diagnosis and treatment decisions. The CHARM project has been carried out using a ‘three-step’ strategy. The first step involves the collection of basic information, refraction, axial length and fundus photographs from participants with high myopia. In the second step, we will collect multimodal imaging data to expand the scope of clinical information, for example, optical coherence tomography and ultra-widefield fundus images. In the final step, genetic testing will be conducted by incorporating patient family histories and blood samples. The majority of data collected by CHARM is in the form of images that will be used to detect and predict the progression of high myopia through the identification and quantification of biomarkers such as fundus tessellation, optic nerve head and vascular parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital (TREC2022-KY045). The establishment of CHARM represents an opportunity to create a collaborative platform for myopia experts and facilitate the dissemination of research findings to the global community through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. These insights can inform clinical decision-making and contribute to the development of new treatment modalities that may benefit patients worldwide.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300071219.

Protocol for the PORT study: short-term perioperative rehabilitation to improve outcomes in cardiac valvular surgery - a randomised control trial

Por: Zhou · H. · Liu · F. · Liu · Y. · He · X. · Ma · H. · Xu · M. · Wang · H. · Zhang · G. · Cai · X. · Chen · J.-Y. · Guo · L. · Chen · J.
Introduction

Perioperative rehabilitation (PORT) has shown a positive effect on patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, there are minimal data on the impact of short-term PORT in cardiac surgery, which is associated with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality. The trial will assess the efficacy of short-term PORT in reducing in-hospital mortality, postoperative pulmonary complications and length of stay, compared with the usual care in cardiac surgical patients.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre prospective, randomised, open, controlled trial with a 1:1 ratio. Consecutive 800 adult patients undergoing elective valve surgery will be randomised to either usual care or in-hospital short-term PORT that consists of education, inspiratory muscle training, active cycle of breathing techniques and early mobilisation. The primary outcome of this study will be a composite of in-hospital all-cause mortality, incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and the ratio of postoperative hospitalisation >7 days.

Ethics and dissemination

The PORT study was granted by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital in August 2018. Findings will be disseminated to patients, clinicians and commissioning groups through peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

NCT03709511.

Protocol for a parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine for near work-induced transient myopia and myopic progression in China

Por: Qin · G. · Chen · J. · Hu · L. · Qi · Y. · Xu · L. · He · W. · Yu · S. · Pazo · E. E. · He · X.
Introduction

Assessment of near work-induced transient myopia (NITM) is important for permanent myopia development and progression. Atropine eye drop has been reported to be beneficial in reducing initial NITM and slowing down myopic progression. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine in treating NITM and its possible association with the progression of refractive change in Chinese myopic children.

Methods and analysis

The study is designed as a parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at He Eye Specialist Hospital in Shenyang, China. One hundred fifty participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drop once nightly bilaterally for 1 year. Initial NITM, cycloplegic refraction, axial length, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and pupil diameter will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks and 48 weeks. Visual Function Questionnaire will be administered at baseline and each follow-up visit. Adverse events also will be monitored and documented at each subsequent follow-up visit.

Ethics and dissemination

A parallel assignment prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine for near work-induced transient myopia and myopic progression registered on 10 September 2023. Ethics approval number: IRB (2023) K025.01. The study’s findings will be shared regardless of the effect’s direction.

Trial registration number

NCT06034366.

Epidemiology, site-specific characteristics and survival of carcinosarcoma: a retrospective study based on SEER database

Por: Tang · L.-S. · Zhou · Y.-W. · Wang · J.-L. · Zhang · G.-X. · Xu · C.-H. · Liu · J.-Y. · Qiu · M.
Objectives

Carcinosarcoma (CS) is a rare and biphasic malignancy characterised by a highly invasive biological nature and poor prognosis. This study explored the epidemiology, site-specific characteristics and survival outcome of CS.

Design

We conducted a retrospective study in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (1975–2018) for primary CS.

Setting and participants

SEER database includes publicly available information from regional and state cancer registries in the US centres. A total of 5042 CS patients were identified. We selected the top five anatomic CS (uterus, double adnexa, lung, bladder and breast) patients for further analysis.

Primary outcome measures

Incidence was estimated by geographical region, age, sex, race, stage and primary site. Trends were calculated using joinpoint regression. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate and initial treatment were summarised.

Results

Nearly 80% of CS occurred in the uterus and double adnexa, followed by lung, bladder and breast. The elderly and black population presented the highest age-adjusted rate of CS. The rates of distant metastasis in CS progressively increased from 1989 to 2018. Atlanta was the area with the highest incidence at 0.7 per 100 000. Pulmonary and bladder CS more frequently occurred in men and were diagnosed with regional stage. Distant metastasis was mostly found in ovary/fallopian tube CS. Radiotherapy was more commonly applied in uterine CS, while adnexa CS cases were more likely to receive chemotherapy. Multiple treatments were more used in breast CS. Pulmonary CS seemed to suffer worse CSS (median: 9.92 months), for which radiotherapy might not provide survival benefits (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.86). Compared with the common histological types in each site, CS had the shortest survival.

Conclusions

CS has unique clinical features in each primary site. Substantial prognosis variances exist based on tumour locations. The aggressive course is the common feature in CS at all sites.

Intervention of muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin for frailty of different functional levels: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Xu · S. · Gong · Z. · Wang · F. · Cao · M. · Liu · J. · Chen · C. · Zhang · N. · Kang · J. · Xu · C. · Peng · N.
Introduction

Frailty has been currently considered as a multidimensional concept, including physical, cognitive and social frailty. Frailty has also been associated with a range of adverse events, which might increase the risks of disability, falls, fractures, delirium and death. Increasing evidence has shown that multicomponent exercise training can improve physical and cognitive function, delay or reverse frailty. However, there is still a lack of exercise intervention programmes for the frail older adults in China. This trial aims to investigate the effects of the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise combined with Baduanjin on the physical function of frail older adults, as well as the effectiveness and safety of the intervention.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective randomised controlled trial. A total of 192 patients, aged 70 years or older, who are diagnosed as prefrailty or frailty based on the Fried criteria will be included. Prior written and informed consent will be obtained from every subject. These subjects will be randomly assigned to the exercise intervention group (n=96) and the control group (n=96). The exercise intervention group will undergo different exercise programmes for different levels of physical function. They will perform the muscle-building and antifrailty exercise three times per week for 30–60 min for 24 weeks. The control group will implement health education on frailty and maintain the old lifestyle without any intervention.

The primary outcomes include the change in frailty and functional capacity, assessed according to the Fried Scale and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcomes include the changes in body composition, Activities of daily living, Mini-Mental State Examination, The Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the haematological indicators.

Ethics statement

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the PLA General Hospital (approval no.: S2022-600-02).

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300070535.

Comparing the efficacies of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments using different targeting methods in major depressive disorder: protocol for a network meta-analysis

Por: Wang · S. · Kong · G. · Wu · G. · Cui · H. · Qian · Z. · Xu · L. · Wei · Y. · Wang · J. · Huang · J. · Wang · J. · Li · H. · Tang · Y.
Introduction

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) has been widely used as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in the past two decades. Different methods for localising the lDLPFC target include the ‘5 cm’ method, the F3 method and the neuro-navigational method. However, whether TMS efficacies differ between the three targeting methods remains unclear. We present a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacies of TMS treatments using these three targeting methods in MDD.

Methods and analysis

Relevant studies reported in English or Chinese and published up to May 2023 will be identified from searches of the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database. We will include all randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of an active TMS treatment using any one of the three targeting methods compared with sham TMS treatment or comparing efficacies between active TMS treatments using different targeting methods. Interventions must include a minimum of 10 sessions of high-frequency TMS over the lDLPFC. The primary outcome is the reduction score of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. The dropout rate is a secondary outcome representing the TMS treatment’s acceptability. Pairwise meta-analyses and a random-effects NMA will be conducted using Stata. We will use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve to rank the different targeting methods in terms of efficacy and acceptability.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review and NMA does not require ethics approval. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023410273.

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block to prevent neurocognitive impairment in elderly patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy: protocol for a single-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Por: Wang · D.-Y. · Feng · D. · Liu · M.-Y. · Wu · W. · Xu · H. · Shi · H.
Introduction

Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND), including postoperative delirium (POD), is a common complication in elderly patients after major surgeries, often leading to poor postoperative recovery. Although the pathological mechanism underlying PND is still unclear, postoperative pain is strongly associated with the development of PND. The ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has been reported to relieve postoperative pain in thoracic surgery. Therefore, this prospective trial hypothesises that SAPB may reduce the incidence of PND in the elderly undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as a single-centre, double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial. A total of 256 elderly patients scheduled to undergo thoracoscopic lobectomy at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital will be randomly assigned to general anaesthesia group or SAPB group. The primary outcome is the incidence of PND 7 days postoperatively or before discharge from hospital. The secondary outcomes include the occurrence of POD, the postoperative pain scores, Quality of Recovery at 1–2 days postoperatively and incidence of PND at 3 months postoperatively. The levels of fasting blood glucose in peripheral blood will be examined before and 1–2 days postoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (identifier: K20-290). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent before any protocol-specific procedures. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and in national and/or international meetings to guide future practice.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100052633.

Optimal concentration of ropivacaine for peripheral nerve blocks in adult patients: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Li · J. · Pan · J. · Xu · Y. · Wang · Y. · Zhang · D. · Wei · Y.
Introduction

Ropivacaine is the most widely used local anaesthetic for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs). The effects of various concentrations of ropivacaine in PNB have been investigated and compared by many randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This protocol aims to identify the optimal concentration of ropivacaine for PNB in adult patients.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and Web of Science will be searched from their inception to 10 July 2023. RCTs that compare the analgesic effects of different concentrations of ropivacaine for PNB will be included. Retrospective studies, meta-analyses, reviews, case reports, letters, conference abstracts and paediatric studies will be excluded. The duration of analgesia will be named as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the onset time of motor and sensory blockade, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements over 24 hours and the incidence of adverse effects. The study selection, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed by two independent reviewers. Data processing and analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.4. The quality of the evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable. The results of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023406362.

Prevalence and related factors of children myopia in Pudong New Area, Shanghai: a cross-sectional study

Por: Cheng · P. · Zhang · X. · Zhou · W. · Xu · J. · Chen · F. · Qian · D. · Cao · B.
Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of myopia among school-aged children after COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

Participants

1722 children aged 7–9 randomly selected from 8 primary schools were screened from 1 February 2023 to 30 April 2023.

Main outcome measures

Children’s height, weight and eye parameters were examined. Myopia was defined as a cycloplegic spherical equivalent ≤–0.50 dioptres in either eye. A vision-related behaviour questionnaire was applied to investigate the associations between myopia and its risk factors.

Results

Of the 1722 individuals enrolled, 25.6% (456) had myopia. After adjusting other characteristics, the following factors were associated with an increased rate of myopia: age (9 years vs 7 years, adjusted OR (AOR) 1.84, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.85, p=0.007), parental myopia status (both myopia vs none, AOR 5.66, 95% CI 3.71 to 8.63, p

Conclusions

The prevalence of myopia is of concern among young school-aged children after COVID-19. Correcting eye use behaviour and improving sleep habits may reduce myopia. Also, gender differences should be considered in prevention strategies for children’s myopia.

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