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Interventions to Reduce Surgical Site Infection in Transmetatarsal Forefoot Amputations: A Feasibility Survey

ABSTRACT

Surgical site infection (SSI) following transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is common and associated with significant morbidity. However, there is limited evidence to guide perioperative strategies for SSI prevention in this population. A prospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted among vascular specialists. The questionnaire assessed current practice in SSI prevention for TMA, perceptions of evidence gaps, and willingness to participate in future research. Responses were analysed descriptively. Eighty-four valid responses were analysed, with 64.3% from consultant vascular surgeons and 84.5% from UK centres. Most respondents (84.5%) considered SSI after TMA to be a significant issue. The majority preferred primary closure in clean wounds (78.6%) and commonly used short-course antibiotics and interrupted sutures. Over 70% agreed no clear best practice exists, and 65.5% felt high-quality randomised trials are needed. Ninety-three percent expressed willingness to engage in future studies. Equipoise existed regarding interventions including antibiotic duration, wound adjuncts, and closure techniques. Opinion varied regarding whether TMA and major lower limb amputation should be pooled when undertaking research into SSI prevention. Current practice in SSI prevention for TMA is highly variable. This survey demonstrates broad support for rigorous trials to establish effective strategies and highlights the feasibility of future research in this area.

Foot self-care knowledge, practices and associated factors among individuals diagnosed with diabetes attending clinics at base hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka: an analytical cross-sectional study

Por: Jayaweerage · B. N. · Hettiarachchi · M. · Kaveesha · A. D. · Gamaralalalage · M. R. · Sisudan · S. · Mahanama · P. · Malawi Arachchi · C. D. · Kamshiga · T. · Kaushalya · S. · Shopijen · E. · Kisokanth · G.
Background

Diabetic foot is an infection, ulceration or destruction of the tissue of the foot of a person diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major and preventable complication of DM. Adequate knowledge and foot self-care practices are crucial to reduce the risk of DFU complications, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.

Objective

To assess the knowledge and practices related to foot self-care and associated factors among individuals diagnosed with diabetes attending diabetic clinics at all base hospitals in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

Method

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 individuals diagnosed with diabetes attending the diabetic clinic at all three base hospitals in Colombo district, from January 2023 to March 2024 (study period). Participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a validated and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences V.26 software. Associations were examined using 2 tests, independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), with a p value

Results

The majority of the participants were females (71.2%). Among the participants, 33.8% of them had a poor level of knowledge regarding foot self-care. Knowledge level was significantly associated with the participants’ family history of diabetes and the hospital where they attended the clinic (p

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of participants demonstrated poor knowledge of foot self-care, despite over half exhibiting satisfactory foot-care practices. This gap highlights the need for targeted education to boost awareness and promote consistent foot care, which is a key step in preventing diabetic foot complications and improving long-term outcomes for individuals diagnosed with diabetes.

Enhancing Nurses' Handoff Practices Through Simulation‐Based I‐PASS Training: An Evidence‐Based Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate whether simulation-based I-PASS handoff training improves ICU nurses' knowledge, perceptions of handoff communication and safety attitudes.

Background

Effective handoff communication is crucial for ensuring patient safety and reducing errors. However, simulation-based training (SBT) with structured protocols, such as I-PASS, is rarely used in Egyptian nursing education, highlighting a gap.

Design

A quasi-experimental design was employed.

Methods

A convenience sample of 57 ICU nurses was studied from June to December 2023. Data were collected using the I-PASS Handoff Knowledge Questionnaire, Perception of Handoff Communication Tool and Patient Safety Questionnaire. Nurses completed baseline assessments, participated in two simulation-based I-PASS scenarios and repeated assessments post-intervention. Statistical analyses examined the training's impact and its relationships with participants' socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in I-PASS knowledge, perceptions of handoff communication and safety attitudes (all p < 0.001). Nursing qualifications and place of residence have shown a significant correlation with perceptions of handoff communication and safety attitudes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Simulation-based I-PASS handoff training significantly enhances ICU nurses' knowledge, perceptions of handoff communication and safety attitudes. Targeted, context-sensitive educational interventions are necessary to strengthen handoff practices and improve patient safety within the Egyptian healthcare system.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Structured simulation-based training, such as I-PASS, can be effectively integrated into nursing education to standardise handoff communication and improve patient safety outcomes in intensive care settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

MetaMind: A multi-agent transformer-driven framework for automated network meta-analyses

by Achilleas Livieratos, Maria Kudela, Yuxi Zhao, All-shine Chen, Xin Luo, Junjing Lin, Di Zhang, Sai Dharmarajan, Sotirios Tsiodras, Vivek Rudrapatna, Margaret Gamalo

Background

Network meta-analysis (NMA) can compare several interventions at once by combining head-to-head and indirect trial evidence. However, identifying, extracting, and modelling these often takes months, delaying updates in many therapeutic areas.

Objective

To develop and validate MetaMind, an end-to-end, transformer-driven framework that automates NMA processes—including study retrieval, structured data extraction, and meta-analysis execution—while minimizing human input.

Methods

MetaMind integrates Promptriever, a fine-tuned retrieval model, to semantically retrieve high-impact clinical trials from PubMed; a multi-agent LLM architecture--Mixture of Agents (MoA)-- pipeline to extract PICO-structured (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) endpoints; and GPT-4o–generated Python and R scripts to perform Bayesian random-effects NMA and other NMA designs within a unified workflow. Validation was conducted by comparing MetaMind’s outputs against manually performed NMAs in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Results

Promptriever outperformed baseline SentenceTransformer with higher similarity scores (0.7403 vs. 0.7049 for UC; 0.7142 vs. 0.7049 for CD) and narrower relevance ranges. Promptriever performance achieved 82.1% recall, 91.1% precision and an F1 score of 86.4% when compared to a previously published NMA. MetaMind achieved 100% accuracy on a limited set of remission endpoints regarding PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) element extraction and produced comparative effect estimates and credible intervals closely matching manual analyses.

Conclusions

In our validation studies, MetaMind reduced the end-to-end NMA process to less than a week, compared with the several months typically needed for manual workflows, while preserving statistical rigor. This suggests its potential for future scaling of evidence synthesis to additional therapeutic areas.

Critical appraisal and comparison of clinical practice guideline recommendations for the treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review protocol

Por: Agnelli · J. C. M. · Costa · W. R. d. · Iwami · R. S. · Franques · R. T. · Lopes · L. C. · Barberato-Filho · S. · Bergamaschi · C. d. C.
Introduction

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), anaemia develops and evolves as kidney dysfunction progresses. The treatment of anaemia is described in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which are designed to report the most relevant evidence for clinical practice in disease management. This study will analyse CPGs for transparency, methodological quality and quality of recommendations for their implementation over time, and also compare recommendations for the treatment of anaemia outlined in these documents.

Methods and analysis

CPGs will be identified by conducting a systematic search of the data sources CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scielo, Scopus, ProQuest, Trip Database, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, and guidelines on websites, published between January 2009 and December 2025. Three reviewers will, independently, evaluate the methodological quality of the guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool and the quality of recommendations using the AGREE – Recommendations Excellence tool. The treatment recommendations for anaemia in CKD will be summarised and compared. Results will be presented in tables and descriptive statistics will be compiled for all domains of the tools.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a literature-based study and, therefore, no ethical approval will be required. Results of the study can be submitted for publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals, and also presented at national and international conferences.

Prospero registration number

CRD42024629656.

Implementation strategies for the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist: a scoping review

Por: Gama · Z. A. d. S. · Semrau · K. E. A. · Rosendo · T. M. S. d. S. · Freitas · M. R. d. · Saraiva · C. O. P. d. O. · Westgard · C. M. · Mita · C. · Tuller · D. E. · Freitas · K. d. M. S. · Molina · R. L.
Background

The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) has been implemented in diverse settings to improve the quality and safety of intrapartum care, but implementation strategies and their relationship with adoption and fidelity remain heterogeneous and incompletely described.

Objectives

To describe the landscape of SCC implementation, map the implementation strategies used and explore how these strategies were reported in relation to adoption and fidelity.

Eligibility criteria

We included primary studies reporting SCC implementation in healthcare settings that described at least one implementation strategy, with no restrictions on country or language. Studies that did not report implementation strategies or did not involve SCC use in real-world care settings were excluded.

Sources of evidence

We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health and Global Index Medicus (June 2024), screened reference lists and consulted grey literature for the period 2009–2024.

Charting methods

This scoping review followed JBI methodology (Peters et al) and was reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. We extracted study characteristics and implementation findings, coded strategies using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) taxonomy and grouped them by clusters. Adoption (initial uptake) and fidelity (adherence to core components) were categorised following Proctor’s implementation outcomes. We created a descriptive implementation intensity score and conducted exploratory analyses (tertiles, boxplot).

Results

34 studies described 19 SCC implementation projects across 16 countries. We identified 24 distinct ERIC strategies, with most projects using 5–11 strategies. Frequently reported strategies included educational meetings, audit and feedback, supervision, contextual adaptation and leadership or champions. Exploratory analyses did not show consistent associations between implementation intensity and adoption or fidelity. ‘Change infrastructure’ strategies (such as record system or equipment changes) were variably defined and warrant cautious interpretation. Adaptations (eg, translation and alignment with national guidelines) were common and aimed at improving local fit, but heterogeneous reporting limited cross-study comparability.

Conclusions

SCC implementation has relied on diverse, multicomponent strategies, yet reporting—especially of strategy content and adaptations—remains insufficient, constraining comparison and synthesis across settings. As a pragmatic bundle, implementers may prioritise brief team training, unit-level champions and leadership signals, point-of-care audit and feedback, light-touch SCC adaptation that preserves core content and structured supervision or peer coaching, combined with systematic inclusion of women and families through codesign and companion-mediated prompting. Using theory-informed frameworks (such as Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research [CFIR]) and standardised reporting tools (eg, Proctor’s outcomes; Template for Intervention Description and Replication / Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies [TIDieR/StaRI]) can make SCC implementation strategies more transparent, comparable and scalable.

Registration

Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/RWY27.

Palliative care experience among primary caregivers of children with cancer in low and lower-middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol

Introduction

Paediatric palliative care (PPC) improves the quality of life of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, with caregivers playing an important role. Providing PPC in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging due to limited resources, inadequate access to specialised care, financial constraints, and cultural or religious beliefs. This study aims to synthesise qualitative research on the experiences of primary care givers caring for children with cancer receiving palliative care in LMICs.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be conducted using electronic databases: MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature), Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Additional articles will be searched in the reference list of the selected articles. Review questions will be framed into different components according to the Population, phenomena of Interest, Context, and Outcome (PICO) framework. Primary caregivers of children with cancer will be the population of interest. Both title and abstract screening and full-text screening will be done by two independent reviewers. The quality of included studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The thematic synthesis approach will be followed as it will allow a transparent summarising of the qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is not subject to ethics approval, as the work is carried out on published documents. The findings of this review will be disseminated among a broader audience through scientific channels, including publication in open-access journals and presentations at both national and international forums.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD420251065491.

Early and late biomarkers as predictors of severe dengue: a comprehensive umbrella review protocol

Por: Gunasekera · K. M. · Seneviwickrama · M. · Ranasinghe · S. · Gamage · K. · Gonapaladeniya · M.
Introduction

Predicting the progression to severe dengue remains a critical yet challenging aspect of patient management. This umbrella review aims to identify biomarkers associated with the development of severe dengue. The primary objective is to determine which biomarkers can predict progression to severe disease in dengue-infected patients. Secondary objectives include identifying (a) early biomarkers (detected on days 1–3 of illness), (b) late biomarkers (detected after day 3), (c) biomarkers requiring further investigation and (d) differences in predictive biomarkers between patients aged

Method and analysis

The review questions were formulated based on the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) framework. This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Systematic Reviews guidelines. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251058284). MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis and DARE databases will be searched from 1/1/1990 to 1/6/2025. The findings are expected to support early risk stratification and guide future biomarker research in dengue infection. The systematic reviews included in this umbrella review may define severe dengue according to either the WHO 1997 or 2009 guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required since the work involves published documents. The review findings will be communicated to relevant stakeholders through conference presentations and publication in an open-access journal.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251058284. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251058284.

Competencies Required for Hospital‐Based Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses to Provide PI Care in Home Care in Japan: A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To identify the competencies required for hospital-based WOC nurses to provide direct pressure injury (PI) care in home care settings in Japan.

Design

Mixed methods convergent design.

Methods

The qualitative strand used a descriptive design to explore competencies for overcoming barriers faced by hospital-based WOC nurses when providing PI care at home. The quantitative strand used a cross-sectional design to assess competencies in organising the hospital PI management system.

Results

Six competencies were identified: (1) Establish relationships with home healthcare professionals; (2) Promote hospital-based WOC nurse's expertise to home healthcare professionals; (3) Collaborate with the regional medical liaison office in WOC nurse's hospital; (4) Involve hospital administrators in home PI management; (5) Utilise social media/Information and Communication Technology for patient or home-visiting nurse communication; and (6) Utilise public or academic support projects to facilitate home-based activities. The median scoring rate for each medical staff domain on the revised Collaboration Competency Scale for WOC Nurses ranged from 80% to 91%.

Conclusion

The results of this study can serve as a practical resource to help WOC nurses expand their activities into home-care settings.

Implications for the Profession

Their ability to coordinate with staff and manage PI care within hospitals supports active engagement in home care, improving continuity and quality.

Impact

This study addressed the issue that many hospital-based WOC nurses cannot visit patients at home. The competencies identified may enable these nurses to expand their role into home care.

Reporting Method

This study followed EQUATOR guidelines, with the STROBE Statement applied to the quantitative part and the COREQ checklist to the qualitative part.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in the study's design, conduct, or reporting.

Adherence to Choosing Wisely Africa recommendations in breast cancer care: a cross-sectional study across three Sub-Saharan African centres

Por: Rubagumya · F. · Rugengamanzi · E. · Nyagabona · S. K. · Ndumbalo · J. · Kwizera · V. · Uwimbabazi · A. · Celyna · K. · Ayettey · H. · Vanderpuye · V. · Hopman · W. M. · Hammad · N. · Booth · C. M.
Objective

The expenses associated with cancer treatment are increasing at a rapid pace. The financial strain of providing care is experienced worldwide, but is particularly pronounced in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This has resulted in a growing acknowledgement of the importance of value-based cancer care. Choosing Wisely Africa (CWA) is an initiative aimed at reducing the excessive use and expenses associated with cancer treatment. In this study, we assessed adherence to CWA recommendations for the treatment of breast cancer in three high-volume cancer centres in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design

A cross-sectional study across Rwanda, Ghana and Tanzania was conducted, involving a review of medical records to assess adherence to five measurable CWA practices in breast cancer care. The study used inferential statistics, such as 2 tests, to compare adherence among these countries.

Settings

This study was conducted in three cancer centres (Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Rwanda Military Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital) in three countries (Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana, respectively).

Participants

A total of 542 patients were recruited. Eligible patients were those with a breast cancer diagnosis and complete data as pertaining to five CWA recommendations.

Results

A total of 542 participants with a mean age of 51 years were included. Participants were well distributed across Ghana (37%), Rwanda (34%) and Tanzania (29%). Female patients represented 97% of the study cohort. Half (51%) of the participants had some form of insurance. The study observed high adherence to cancer staging (94%) before treatment and histological confirmation (91%) before breast lump removal across all sites. Hypofractionation was used in 0% of cases in Rwanda, 42% in Ghana and 70% in Tanzania.

Conclusion

This study provides critical insights into the implementation of CWA recommendations in breast cancer care in SSA. It highlights the disparities in adherence to CWA recommendations across different centres, showing the need for policy-driven changes and healthcare infrastructure improvement to standardise cancer care practices in LMICs.

The Climate‐Asthma Connection: Examining the Influence of Climate Change Anxiety on Asthma Control and Quality of Life: A Multi‐National Study

ABSTRACT

Aims

This study aims to identify the impact of climate change anxiety and asthma control on asthmatics' quality of life and examine the moderating role of climate change anxiety in this linkage.

Method

A multi-national cross-sectional study was conducted in four Arabian countries on 1266 asthmatics selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected from November 2023 to February 2024 using a climate anxiety scale, mini-asthma quality of life questionnaire, and an asthma control questionnaire.

Results

Climate anxiety was higher among middle-aged participants, as well as those with longer disease durations and previous hospitalisations. Climate anxiety showed strong negative correlations with asthma control (r = −0.704, p ≤ 0.05) and asthma quality of life (r = − 0.638, p ≤ 0.05). Climate anxiety and asthma control are powerful predictors of quality of life among asthmatics. Climate anxiety moderates the relationship between asthma control and quality of life, making it less positive (B = −0.094, p > 0.001). Covariates such as gender, age, comorbidities, employment status, disease duration, and previous hospitalisation showed significant associations with asthma quality of life.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Assessment and mitigation of climate anxiety among asthmatics is a key strategy for controlling asthma and improving the quality of life. So, nurses must incorporate climate anxiety assessment into the care plan for asthmatics.

Impact

Climate change is a global concern, and insights into how climate-related psychological stressors exacerbate asthma symptoms and overall health outcomes are necessary. The findings provide actionable data for healthcare professionals to underscore the need for integrated healthcare approaches considering environmental and psychological factors.

Reporting Method

This study adheres to strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

Clients with asthma across multiple nationalities actively contributed to our paper.

The Association between Emotional Responses to Climate Change, Antenatal Anxiety and Maternal–Fetal Attachment in Primigravida Women

ABSTRACT

Aim

To investigate the association between emotional responses to climate change, antenatal anxiety, and maternal–fetal attachment in primigravida women.

Design

A multi-site cross-sectional research design study.

Methods

This study was conducted at four primary health care (PHC) facilities in Damanhur district, El-Behera, from February 2024 to April 2024. Two hundred eighty-five women completed a comprehensive questionnaire that included a Woman's Social and Reproductive Form, The inventory of climate emotions (ICE) scale, The Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and the Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS-HU-20).

Results

The study revealed that emotional responses to climate change show strong positive correlations with each other, ranging from 0.689 to 0.840, all significant at p < 0.001 level. Additionally, antenatal anxiety demonstrates substantial positive correlations with emotional responses to climate change, albeit with associations ranging from 0.239 to 0.287, all significant at p < 0.001 level. Moreover, maternal–fetal attachment displays substantial negative correlations with emotional responses to climate change, indicating that as emotional responses to climate change increase, maternal–fetal attachment tends to decrease. The correlations range from −0.263 to −0.426, all significant at p < 0.001.

Conclusions

The emotional impact of climate change can adversely affect the bonding process between mother and fetus.

Implications for the Profession

Healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, midwives, and mental health counsellors, should integrate climate-related emotional distress into their assessments and interventions. Providing targeted psychological support for expectant mothers.

Impact

The study's findings highlight the need for nursing to integrate climate-related emotional distress screening into prenatal care and for research to explore long-term effects and intervention effectiveness. In practice, healthcare providers should adopt holistic approaches that combine environmental and psychological support, developing comprehensive guidelines and community-based programs to support pregnant women.

Reporting Method

The research adhered to that is STROBE.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public contributions by women in community health centers.

Evaluation of a commercial pressure cooker for the preparation of agar media for a diagnostic microbiology laboratory

by Joseph E. Rubin, Florence Huby, Roshan P. Madalagama, Shyamali de Alwis, Melinda Wyshynski, Rasika Jinadasa

The ability to prepare sterilized media is a critical capability of any microbiology lab. Diagnostic labs in low-resource settings, which lack autoclave facilities, are therefore severely limited in their ability to perform basic assays such as bacterial culture or biochemical tests. This investigation aimed to validate the use of a commercially available pressure cooker as an autoclave substitute to produce agar plates. First, a Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicator was used to confirm adequate sterilization. Next, the colony morphology of several important bacterial species were compared on MacConkey and 5% sheep’s blood agar plates prepared using the pressure cooker with those made in an autoclave. Finally, disc diffusion susceptibility testing was performed to determine whether the sterilization method impacts the inhibitory zone diameters. Overall, the morphology of colonies was similar on media prepared in both ways; key phenotypic characteristics (lactose fermentation, colour, shape, hemolysis and smell) were the same. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test results were nearly identical. These findings indicate that a commercially available pressure cooker may be suitable to prepare media in low-resource laboratories.

Effect of non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on non-motor symptoms in multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised, controlled trial

Por: Herr · T. · Gamain · J. · Strauss · S. · Szeska · C. · Flöel · A. · Penner · I.-K. · Weymar · M. · Grothe · M.
Introduction

Research in people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS) is increasingly focusing on non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression. Due to the high negative impact on quality of life and high socioeconomic costs based on these symptoms, more specific research to improve non-motor symptoms is needed. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been found to be a cognitive enhancer in preclinical research and was successfully used for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders to combat dysfunctional cognitive and affective processes. However, the capacity of taVNS to improve cognitive and other non-motor symptoms in PwRRMS has not been tested yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of taVNS on cognitive processing speed. Based on ample evidence demonstrating that taVNS promotes adaptive cognitive and affective processes, we hypothesised that taVNS would alleviate cognitive processing speed in PwRRMS.

Methods and analysis

This study protocol describes the prospective, single-centre, SHAM-controlled, single-blinded trial with a planned sample size of 60 participants (30 PwRRMS, with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria and 30 healthy controls; age: 18–50 years). The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) will be used to determine cognitive processing speed, Beck Depression Inventory-II to determine depression and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions to determine fatigue. The severity of multiple sclerosis will be assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. After baseline assessment, a taVNS protocol (duration: 30 min, tolerance threshold, pulse width: 250 μs, stimulation frequency: 25 Hz, 30 s on/30 s off) will be applied, followed by post-intervention assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee of the University Medical Centre Greifswald (study reference number: BB137/24). Clinical trial registration: www.drks.de, number: DRKS00034912. Study results will be disseminated through academic conferences as well as peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

DRKS00034912.

Career Growth as a Mediator Between Scope of Practice, Importance of Practice and Emergency Nursing Competency Among School Nurses

ABSTRACT

Background

School nurses are sometimes the sole healthcare professionals in schools, highlighting their significant role in delivering emergency care and the vital necessity of their competence in emergency nursing care. The scope of practice and ongoing professional development are hypothesized to play significant roles in enhancing these competencies.

Aim

Investigate the direct and indirect effects of the scope of current practice and the importance of training on the emergency nursing care competency of school nurses, with career growth serving as a potential mediator.

Methods

A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenient sample of 219 school nurses. Data were collected using the career growth of nurses' scale, the emergency nursing care competency scale for school nurses and the scope of school nursing practice tool. Mediation analysis was used to explore the direct and indirect effects of studied variables.

Results

Mediation analysis indicated that the scope of current practice had a significant direct effect on career growth (β = 0.179) and emergency nursing care competency (β = 0.389). The importance of practice also had significant direct effects on career growth (β = 0.164) and emergency nursing care competency (β = 0.220). Additionally, career growth significantly mediated the relationship between both the scope of current practice (β = 0.110) and the importance of practice (β = 0.120) with emergency nursing care competency.

Conclusions

The findings emphasis the critical role of career growth as a mediator between the scope and importance of practice and emergency nursing care competency among school nurses. Expanding the scope of practice and emphasising the importance of professional activities can enhance career growth and improve emergency nursing care competencies.

Implications

Nurses scope of practice and clear career advancement through mentorship, advanced certifications, further education and enforcing policies mandating regular emergency care is crucial. Establishing a regulatory framework to define and expand the scope of practice for school nurses is also important.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Youth Med.Info: a case study in co-design of mental health medicines-information resources for children, young people and their parents/guardians

Por: Hynes-Ryan · C. · Kelleher · I. · Kathryn · S. · Beaudelot · C. · Carolan · A. · Columb · D. · Donnelly · S. · Gamage · N. · Hill · N. · Migone · M. · McWilliams · S. · Morning · J. · ODonoghue · B. · Solan · I. · Strawbridge · J. · Hayden · J. C. · Keating · D.
Objectives

To address the lack of accurate and accessible mental health medicines-information resources for children, young people and their parents/guardians using design thinking to co-design free-to-use, video resources tailored to this audience.

Design

A multiphase qualitative case study using the Double Diamond model of Design Thinking: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver. This included iterative prototyping, thematic analysis and public and patient involvement throughout.

Setting

Dublin, Ireland with online distribution of the final resources internationally through a free, open-access platform.

Participants

A multidisciplinary co-design team including two specialist mental health pharmacists, two academic pharmacists, five consultant psychiatrists, a psychiatric nurse, a youth content specialist, three youth activists and a parent representative.

Results

26 co-designed, medicines-information videos were created, including versions for children (voiced by children), parents/guardians and young people. Videos feature storytelling formats with Bitmoji characters. Feedback from youth and parent collaborators guided design and content. Since launch, www.youthmed.info has had over 25 000 website views and more than 30 000 video views, with engagement from over 91 countries. The resources are also linked on national and international clinical and charity platforms.

Conclusions

Youth Med.Info addresses a gap in accessible, accurate mental health medicines-information by placing users – children, young people, parents/guardians and clinicians—at the centre of its design.

Consensus on the definition, components, timeframe and grading of composite outcome of postoperative pulmonary complication--protocol for an international mixed-method consensus study (PrECiSIOn)

Por: Nasa · P. · Yurttas · T. · Battaglini · D. · Blot · S. · Fernandez-Bustamante · A. · Gama de Abreu · M. · van Meenen · D. M. · Myatra · S. N. · Serpa Neto · A. · Oppong · R. · Paulus · F. · Renukappa · S. · Schultz · M. J. · Slutsky · A. S. · Hemmes · S. N. T. · for the PrECiSIOn-gro
Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) represent a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and even mortality. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding this composite endpoint, the definition of the individual components, classification and optimal outcome measures. This study aims to refine the PPCs composite framework by evaluating its construct validity, assessing the necessity and risks of a composite measure and exploring the feasibility of differentiating severity categories.

Methods

A Delphi consensus process will be conducted, engaging an international multidisciplinary group of 30–40 panellists, including clinicians, researchers, patients, public representatives and health economists. Through iterative rounds, the study will seek agreement on the individual components of the PPCs composite. Additionally, consensus will establish a framework for a composite outcome measure based on a standardised severity classification, appropriate timeframes and weighted grading of PPCs.

Analysis

Consensus, defined by ≥75% concurrence in multiple choice questions or on Likert–scale statements, will be evaluated from round 2 onwards. Delphi rounds will be continued until all statements have reached stability of responses evaluated by 2 tests or the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted in strict compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and will adhere to ACCORD guidance for reporting. Ethics approval has been obtained for this study from the University of Wolverhampton, UK (SOABE/202425/staff/3). Informed consent will be obtained from all panellists before the commencement of the Delphi process. The results of the study will be published in a peer–reviewed journal with the authorship assigned in accordance with ICMJE requirements.

Trial registration number

NCT06916598 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Role of gut microbiome in colorectal cancer: a comprehensive umbrella review protocol

Por: Seneviwickrama · M. · Gunasekera · K. M. · Gamage · K. · Gonapaladeniya · M. · Ranasinghe · S.
Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Growing evidence links gut microbiota dysbiosis to CRC, with several reviews reporting consistent microbial alterations in CRC patients that may serve as non-invasive biomarkers. However, findings vary across studies, and consensus on key microbial taxa is lacking. This umbrella review aims to clarify: (1) the association between gut microbiome composition and CRC development/progression, (2) specific microbial taxa linked to CRC risk, (3) the role of microbiome diversity in CRC outcomes and (4) potential microbial biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response.

Methods and analysis

This umbrella review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Umbrella Review Guidelines and adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews. A comprehensive search will be conducted across MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL and key systematic review databases, including the Cochrane Database, JBI Evidence Synthesis and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, without language restrictions. The search strategy will use a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and free-text keywords with Boolean operators. The review questions were developed using the Population, Concept and Context framework. Only high-quality (as determined by the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses), peer-reviewed quantitative systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses will be included. Overall effect estimates extracted from systematic reviews, with the number of studies that inform the outcome, will be presented.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required since the work is carried out on published documents. Findings of this review will be disseminated among relevant stakeholders through multiple scientific avenues, including presentations at both national and international forums and manuscript publication in an open-access journal.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251035257. Available from:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251035257.

História da institucionalização do cuidado de enfermagem em psiquiatria em uma cidade do nordeste do Brasil

A assistência psiquiátrica brasileira começou nas Santas Casas de Misericórdia até o surgimento dos hospitais psiquiátricos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar vestígios do cuidado de enfermagem em psiquiatria nas primeiras instituições criadas no estado do Piauí, região Nordeste do Brasil e analisar suas relações com a institucionalização deste grupo na primeira metade do
século XX. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, histórico social, com dados publicados na mídia jornalística, coletados em arquivos públicos brasileiros. A análise, sob o referencial teórico foucaultiano, seguiu a metodologia de triangulação das fontes e interpretação de dados. Resultados: duas instituições iniciaram a assistência psiquiátrica no estado: o Asylo de Alienados, instituição pública criada em 1907, e o Sanatório Meduna, instituição privada inaugurada em 1954. Apesar do intervalo de 47 anos entre tais instituições, ambas instituíram o modelo manicomial, cuja prática assistencial incluía longos períodos de internação e tratamento disciplinar. Tal modelo abriu o mercado de trabalho para a enfermagem em psiquiatria, que se constituiu inicialmente de pessoas sem preparo formal, devido a inexistência de cursos de enfermagem no estado. Conclusão: o cuidado de enfermagem em psiquiatria foi institucionalizado no
Piauí/Brasil de acordo com a psiquiatria tradicional e a ausência de um saber próprio da enfermagem a colocou em condições de submissão ao poder médico, com poucos avanços na primeira metade do século XX.

Barriers to and facilitators of weight reduction in young adults with obesity: a qualitative study in an urban setting in Sri Lanka

Por: Gamage · G. P. · Amarasekara · T. · Jayawardena · R. · Hettiarachchi · P. · Wasalathanthri · S.
Objectives

This study explored the barriers to and facilitators of weight reduction among urban, young adults with obesity in Sri Lanka.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study, using the framework method in thematic analysis to identify key themes for barriers and facilitators.

Setting

An urban community setting in Sri Lanka in January–March 2022.

Participants

62 young adults (18–35 years) with obesity (body mass index ≥25 kgm-2) representing different socio-demographic characteristics were recruited into the focus group discussions (n=10).

Results

The majority of participants were women (n=40; 64.5%). More than 70% (n=45) of the participants were classified as having class I obesity. Inconsistent knowledge, emotions and mood, poor self-control, inadequate support from others, lack of time, lack of resources and facilities and unsafe environment for physical activities were the identified barriers. The desire to improve appearance and body image, health-related concerns, limitations to day-to-day activities, previous positive experiences, support from others and weight-related victimisation were identified as facilitators.

Conclusions

A multitude of factors were found to interfere with weight-reduction attempts. Due consideration of these barriers and facilitators is important when planning weight management programmes targeting young adults with obesity.

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