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Spherical Video‐Based Virtual Reality for Nurses' Workplace Violence Management: A Convergent Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a spherical video-based virtual reality training programme aimed at helping nurses manage workplace violence.

Design

A convergent mixed-methods study.

Methods

This study included nurses from a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan. The training programme involved four interactive 360° scenarios focused on recognising, de-escalating, and responding to workplace violence. Quantitative measures included risk perception, confidence in coping with aggression, and technology acceptance. Qualitative measures included the participants' learning experiences. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated through joint displays.

Results

The programme was feasible, with all participants completing the training. Nurses reported high levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Quantitative data revealed considerable improvements in risk awareness and confidence in responding to incidents of violence. Qualitative data revealed that immersion and emotional resonance enhanced engagement, fostered self-reflection, and reinforced learning. Technical challenges included subtitle placement and speech recognition accuracy.

Conclusion

Spherical video-based virtual reality is a feasible, acceptable, and effective training approach that improves nurses' preparedness for managing workplace violence by enhancing situational awareness and confidence in addressing high-risk situations.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Integrating spherical video-based virtual reality into continual education may strengthen nurses' workplace safety competencies, prevent harm from incidents of violence, and improve patient care in stressful environments.

Impact

Workplace violence undermines nurse safety and patient care. Current training modules often lack contextual realism. Our programme improved nurses' awareness, confidence, and reflective learning and was feasible and well accepted. The findings are relevant to nursing educators, hospital administrators, and policymakers seeking sustainable strategies for addressing workplace violence.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or the public were not involved in the design, conduct, or reporting of this study.

Blood pressure control rates among hypertensive patients managed in community health centres in Shenzhen, China: a megacity population-based observational study

Por: He · J. · Zhang · N. · Kang · L. · Yan · W. · Zeng · H. · Wu · L. · Zhu · Z. · Liu · M. · Liang · W.
Background

Hypertension represents a major public health challenge globally, with a rising prevalence in China. This study aims to explore the factors shaping blood pressure (BP) control among hypertensive patients managed in community health centres (CHCs), with a particular emphasis on the association with age.

Methods

This was a population-based, observational study that used healthcare records from CHC in Shenzhen, covering the period from 1 January 2000 to 8 October 2024. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the independent associations of various factors with BP control rate. Additionally, the study evaluated the relationship between age and BP control across six distinct age subgroups.

Results

The study included 1 073 914 participants who met the eligibility criteria, with 955 415 (88.97%) patients achieving BP control. The median baseline age was 55.9 (IQR 18–109) years. Individuals aged 45 years and above demonstrated better BP control rates (46–55, OR 1.053, 95% CI 1.020 to 1.087; 56–65, OR 1.246, 95% CI 1.205 to 1.289; 66–75, OR 2.183, 95% CI 2.103 to 2.265; >75, OR 2.159, 95% CI 2.060 to 2.262). Among young adults aged 18–35 years, increasing age was consistently associated with poorer BP control across most subgroups. For the middle-aged groups (36–45 and 46–65 years), age had little impact on BP control. In the 66–75 years age range, older age was linked to better BP control in some groups.

Conclusion

The association between age and BP control varied across age groups. Hypertension management strategies should be tailored to address the unique needs of different age groups, geographical regions and targeted populations.

Womens health and well-being over the life course: conceptual framing supported by a scoping review

Por: Iyer · A. · Sen · G. · Rao Seshadri · S. · Snow · R. · Ataullahjan · A. · Liang · M. · Baird · S. · Drake · J. K. · Sharafi · L. · Bhutta · Z.

As a framework to conceptualise well-being, the capability approach (CA) combines structural drivers with personal freedoms, making it a compelling approach for understanding women’s health and well-being (WHW). The WHW Project of the Exemplars in Global Health initiative chose the CA for its conceptual framing, while emphasising the influential role of gender and other intersecting inequalities (intersectional gender inequality) in shaping health and well-being over the life course. We discuss the Exemplars in Global Health – Women’s Health and Well-being (EGH-WHW) Framework and a scoping review that supports it.

Objectives

  • To identify well-established and/or validated CA-based frameworks and measures attuned to intersectional gender inequality that analyse women’s well-being over the life course and across multiple geographies.

  • If needed, to develop a new conceptual framework to analyse WHW over the life course through an intersectional gender inequality lens.

  • Design

    The scoping review, which was carried out between January and May 2024 and re-run in May 2025, adhered to the methodology by Arksey and O’Malley, Levac et al and Daudt et al, and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. The EGH-WHW Framework was developed by a multidisciplinary Working Group comprising representatives of organisations in the WHW Project consortium.

    Data sources

    The review drew upon database searches (Scopus, PubMed) and targeted online hand searches for CA-based frameworks and measures.

    Eligibility criteria

    All CA-based frameworks and measures of multidimensional well-being were included. CA-based empirical research was considered if it applied a framework or measure; or if it analysed multidimensional well-being across multiple geographies.

    Data extraction and synthesis

    Information about each type of CA-based application—its choice of well-being dimensions, methods, focus on inequality, intersectionality and the life course—was recorded in a data charting form. Thematic summative syntheses of publications about each CA-based framework or measure led up to an overall evaluative synthesis of the fit between existing work and our requirements.

    Results

    The review culminated in 94 publications, including six frameworks and 14 measures that met only some of the WHW Project’s requirements: multidimensionality of well-being; attention to intersectional gender inequality and the life course; as well as demonstrated and intended measurements across multiple geographies.

    Discussion

    The review reaffirms the need for the EGH-WHW Framework, which recognises that WHW depend on their freedom ‘to be’ and ‘to do’, and proposes three interconnected clusters of dimensions depicting key capabilities, agency and functionings that are sensitive to intersectional gender inequality and the life course. Each dimension is mapped to specific indicators to support comparative assessments of country performance and drivers of progress across low-income and middle-income countries.

    Conclusion

    The EGH-WHW Framework distinguishes itself from other CA-based frameworks by incorporating both an intersectional gender lens and a life course perspective. The framework’s conceptualisation of multidimensional well-being allows for a rich and nuanced foundation on which to build policies and programmes that address the complex determinants of health, well-being and human rights of different groups of girls and women.

    Left atrial appendage closure versus direct oral anticoagulants after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, randomised, non-inferiority trial (PROMOTE study)

    Por: Shen · L. · Jiang · L. · Hao · Z. · Chu · H. · Wang · X. · Ning · Z. · Zhang · J. · Yang · B. · Xu · Y. · Fang · R. · Kong · L. · Zhang · X. · He · Q. · Zhang · Z. · Zhang · T. · Du · C. · Wu · Y. · Zhao · D. · Huang · H. · Ma · W. · Liang · Z. · Pan · X. · Wang · C. · Miao · Y. · Shen · L. · He · B.
    Introduction

    Atrial fibrillation (AF), with a prevalence of 1–2%, is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. AF is associated with a fivefold increased risk of cardioembolic events; approximately 20% of all strokes are caused by AF. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the first-line treatment for AF. However, PVI cannot eliminate the residual stroke risk. Current guidelines recommend that anticoagulation be continued in this specific group of patients, regardless of the presence or absence of AF. In this large AF population post-PVI, who are considered to be in an earlier stage of AF, it is unknown whether left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) offers an alternative to direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy.

    Methods and analysis

    The trial will be a prospective, randomised, multicentre non-inferiority study comparing two treatment strategies in AF patients after atrial ablation. Patients will be randomly assigned to either percutaneous LAAC (group A) or DOAC treatment (group B) in a 1:1 ratio; both sequential and concomitant planned ablation with or without LAAC are accepted. Randomisation will be conducted using web-based randomisation software. A total of 1012 participants (506 patients per group) will be enrolled. The primary effectiveness measure will be the occurrence of any of the specified events within 24 months after randomisation: stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic thromboembolism, cerebral haemorrhage, other major haemorrhages (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥2), cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Shanghai Chest Hospital, China (KS(Y)20287). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The trial will follow the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Confidentiality will be maintained with anonymised, securely stored data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

    Trial registration number

    ChiCTR2000036538.

    Effects of COgNitive Training in Community-dwelling Older Adults at High Risk for demENTia (CONTENT): study protocol of two double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials

    Por: Pan · Y. · Ji · M. · Liang · J. · Ma · J. · Zhang · W. · Liu · Y. · Dai · Y. · Gao · D. · Zhang · Y. · Xie · W. · Zheng · F.
    Introduction

    Dementia contributes to the disease burden worldwide, and people with hypertension or type 2 diabetes are at an elevated risk of developing dementia. It is essential to prevent or delay cognitive decline in people at high risk within the community. Our trials aim to evaluate the effects of adaptive cognitive training on community-dwelling older adults with hypertension or type 2 diabetes but no dementia.

    Method and analysis

    Two multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials, named COgNitive Training in community-dwelling older adults at high risk for demENTia and with Hypertension (CONTENT-Hypertension) and COgNitive Training in community-dwelling older adults at high risk for demENTia and with Diabetes (CONTENT-Diabetes), will be conducted to investigate the effects of adaptive cognitive training on participants aged 60 years or above who have been diagnosed with hypertension or type 2 diabetes but no dementia. Each trial will enrol 120 participants. Participants will be recruited from the local community in Shijingshan and Haidian Districts, Beijing, and allocated to either the intervention or control group using a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will engage in 12 weeks of adaptive cognitive training, while the control group will receive 12 weeks of placebo cognitive training. A 24-week follow-up assessment will be conducted for all participants to evaluate the persistence of the effects. The primary outcome is the 12-week change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Basic scores from baseline to the end of the intervention (12 weeks). Secondary outcomes include 6-week and 24-week changes in the MoCA from baseline; 6-week, 12-week and 24-week changes in Trail Making Test-A&B (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Symbol Substitution Test, the WHO/University of California at Los Angeles Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Boston Naming Test scores of cognitive functions; 6-week and 12-week changes in Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 12-week change in blood pressure (CONTENT-Hypertension) or fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin (CONTENT-Diabetes) from baseline.

    Ethics and dissemination

    This study will adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and comply with international standards for Good Clinical Practice. All participants will sign the informed consent at baseline. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (approval numbers: 2023-139 and 2024-162). The findings of the trials will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at academic conferences.

    Trial registration numbers

    NCT06512922 and NCT06524388.

    Self‐Care Behaviours and Associated Factors in Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Cross‐Sectional Study

    ABSTRACT

    Aims

    To describe self-care behaviours and explore factors associated with self-care behaviours in older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs).

    Background

    The prevalence of MCCs is increasing in a rising trend. MCCs complicate the self-care behaviours of older adults. There is limited evidence regarding the factors associated with self-care behaviours in older adults with MCCs.

    Design

    A cross-sectional design was adopted using the convenience sampling method.

    Methods

    Participants were recruited from a community health service centre. Measurements included the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, a single item for loneliness, the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 15-item Tilburg Frailty Indicator, and a self-developed questionnaire for sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used as appropriate. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were adopted to examine the influencing factors.

    Results

    A total of 223 participants were enrolled in this study. Among the 223 participants, 49.3%, 32.7% and 28.7% achieved a cut-off score of ≥ 70 in self-care maintenance, monitoring and management, respectively. The linear regression models indicated that smoking status, frailty and self-care confidence were significantly associated with self-care maintenance; education level, per capita monthly household income and self-care confidence were significantly associated with self-care monitoring; and employment status and self-care confidence were significantly associated with self-care management. In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that living in cities or towns was significantly associated with higher odds of adequate self-care management.

    Conclusion

    Three domains of self-care behaviours were influenced by distinct factors, and self-care confidence demonstrated consistent associations with all three domains of self-care behaviours. Self-efficacy-focused interventions may have the potential to promote self-care behaviours in older adults with MCCs.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    Healthcare providers need to take into account the pivotal factors influencing self-care behaviours of this cohort to deliver structured and effective education and support. Clinicians should consider adopting confidence-building strategies in routine education for this cohort.

    Reporting Method

    We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Effectiveness of Oral Cooling in Alleviating Thirst of ICU Patients: A Meta‐Analysis

    ABSTRACT

    Background

    Thirst is the most common self-reported symptom in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. There is evidence that oral cooling interventions may alleviate thirst symptoms in ICU patients. However, the evidence needs to be critically evaluated.

    Objective

    To investigate the effect of oral cooling interventions on alleviating thirst symptoms of ICU patients and explore the effectiveness of different types of oral cooling by subgroup analysis.

    Methods

    The PubMed, Ovid Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from inception to 29 October 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported thirst intensity or thirst distress as outcomes were included. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated by the GRADE approach.

    Results

    The meta-analysis comprised eight RCTs that included 813 ICU patients. The pooled analysis from eight RCTs showed that oral cooling interventions had significant beneficial effects on thirst intensity (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.62 to −1.85, p < 0.01; moderate certainty). The pooled analysis from four RCTs showed that oral cooling interventions could significantly lower the thirst distress scores (standardised mean difference = −0.80, 95% CI = −1.13 to −0.47, p < 0.01; low certainty). Subgroup analysis indicated that cold stimulation (WMD = −3.12) and cold combined with menthol stimulation (WMD = −1.72) could significantly lower the thirst intensity scores.

    Conclusion

    Oral cooling interventions including cold and menthol had beneficial effects on thirst intensity and thirst distress in ICU patients. The high heterogeneity in methods should be considered when interpreting the results.

    Relevance to Clinical Pratice

    This study provides references for the application of oral care strategy in the ICU care field, and encourages nurses to apply the oral cooling plan to improve patients' comfort.

    No Patient or Public Contribution

    This was a meta-analysis based on data from previous studies.

    Trial Registration

    PROSPERO: CRD42023416059

    Factors Associated With Maternal Depression, Anxiety and Mother–Infant Bonding in At‐Risk Mothers During Pregnancy: A Cross‐Sectional Observational Study

    ABSTRACT

    Background

    At-risk mothers experience disproportionately higher rates of antenatal depression and anxiety, which can hinder mother–infant bonding and adversely affect infant socioemotional development. Despite growing evidence on postpartum mental health, antenatal risk factors among psychosocially vulnerable mothers remain underexplored, particularly in multi-ethnic Asian settings.

    Aim

    To identify factors associated with antenatal depression, anxiety, and maternal–fetal bonding among at-risk mothers.

    Methods

    This cross-sectional observational study was nested within an ongoing randomised controlled trial. Two hundred at-risk mothers, defined as single, of low socioeconomic status, referred for psychosocial support, at risk of depression, with adverse childhood experiences, or with a fetus with a congenital malformation, were recruited from outpatient obstetric clinics between February and September 2024. Participants completed online self-administered questionnaires assessing antenatal depression, anxiety, perceived stress, social support, parenting self-efficacy, and maternal–fetal bonding. General Linear Models were used to analyse data and identify factors associated with depression, anxiety, and bonding.

    Results

    Higher perceived stress was associated with increased depression (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 1.28, p < 0.001) and poorer bonding (β = 0.08, p = 0.02), while greater social support predicted lower anxiety (β = −0.31, p < 0.001). Higher parenting self-efficacy was linked to stronger bonding (β = −0.09, p = 0.06). Younger mothers (β = −2.68, p = 0.025) and Indian mothers (β = 7.46, p = 0.017) were particularly vulnerable to anxiety, whereas post-secondary education was protective against depression (β = −1.44, p = 0.02). Model fit ranged from 0.14 to 0.65.

    Conclusion

    Perceived stress, social support, and parenting self-efficacy significantly influenced antenatal mental health and bonding in at-risk mothers. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive, nurse/midwife-led interventions that integrate early screening, stress reduction, and empowerment strategies within routine antenatal care to strengthen maternal mental health and early bonding outcomes.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    (1) Nurses and midwives play a critical role in screening for antenatal depression and anxiety in mothers with risk profiles highlighted in this study. (2) Culturally responsive nursing practice that demonstrates sensitivity towards sociocultural pressures is needed to provide individualised care. (3) Integration of digital and community-based antenatal education programs could provide more equitable access to care for at-risk mothers who may face barriers to in-person care.

    Impact

    (1) Despite having a higher susceptibility for antenatal mental health conditions, risk factors for antenatal depression, anxiety, and maternal–infant bonding have been underexplored in at-risk mothers. (2) Antenatal stress and anxiety are universally associated with depression across risk groups, while maternal self-efficacy and perceived social support serve as key protective factors. (3) The findings from this study suggest the need for early screening and nurse-led interventions that support maternal parenting self-efficacy and stress management to improve maternal mental health outcomes among at-risk mothers.

    Reporting Method

    STROBE reporting checklist.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Impact of cardiometabolic risk factors on hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A retrospective cohort study

    by Chanavee Toh, Kedsiree Sanit, Pimsiri Sripongpun, Naichaya Chamroonkul, Suthat Liangpunsakul, Teerha Piratvisuth, Apichat Kaewdech

    Background and aims

    Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden and a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While cirrhosis is a well-established risk factor, the contributions of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) are less clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MASLD and CMRFs on HCC risk in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

    Methods

    We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CHB patients at Songklanagarind Hospital between 2011 and 2021, excluding those diagnosed with HCC within six months of follow-up. Clinical and imaging data were analyzed. Cumulative HCC incidence was estimated using Nelson-Aalen plots. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors. The aMAP score was evaluated in subgroups with obesity, CMRFs, and MASLD.

    Results

    Among 4,944 patients, 151 (3.1%) developed HCC. Cirrhosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 7.22), obesity (aHR 1.85), and male sex (aHR 1.78) were independent risk factors. Statin use (aHR 0.43), higher platelet count (aHR 0.62), and higher albumin (aHR 0.64) were protective. Diabetes and hypertension showed nonsignificant trends, and steatosis and dyslipidemia without statins were not significantly associated with HCC. Risk increased with the number of CMRFs. The aMAP score showed good discrimination in patients with obesity (C-index 0.82), CMRFs (0.79), MASLD (0.74), and in the non-cirrhotic MASLD and non-MASLD (0.69 and 0.71, respectively).

    Conclusions

    Cirrhosis, male sex, and obesity were key HCC risk factors. The aMAP score effectively stratified HCC risk among metabolically at-risk CHB patients.

    Community Dwelling Adults’ Lived Experiences of Participating in Death Cafés: A Phenomenological Study With Photovoice

    ABSTRACT

    Aim

    To explore community dwelling adults' lived experiences of participating in death café in Singapore.

    Design

    A descriptive phenomenological study with Photovoice.

    Methods

    A purposive sample of community dwelling adults who participated in a community-based death café was recruited for this study. Data was collected through online individual semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi's six-step descriptive phenomenological analysis was conducted for data analysis.

    Results

    Twenty community dwelling adults who participated in a death café were recruited. Participants' experiences of the death café were expounded in four themes: appeals of attending death cafés, enabling features of death café, engaging in die-logues, and perceived impacts of death café on everyday lives. The participants were attracted to death cafés for various reasons including curiosity and grief. A comfortable environment, accompanied by open dialogues and refreshments, was credited as enablers for death conversations. Through these ‘die-logues’, the participants had a deeper understanding of death and began engaging in advance planning.

    Conclusions

    Death cafés provide a supportive environment for individuals to engage in death-related conversations that may not easily occur in daily life. By engaging in conversations about mortality within death cafés, participants are encouraged to take proactive steps towards advance planning.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    Findings from this study can guide the development of community-based interventions by highlighting the essential components required for a death café tailored to the Asian context.

    Impact

    This study describes the community dwelling adults' lived experiences of participating in a death café. The findings from this study underscore the role of informal conversations about death as a tool to promote population health based palliative care initiatives such as overcoming death taboos and stimulating advance care planning among community dwelling adults.

    Reporting Method

    The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies was used.

    Patient and Public Contribution

    Community-dwelling adults participated in the interviews.

    Inhibition of TREM1 attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway

    by Xiaohui Xu, Liang Cai, Xuan Dang, Jianbin Han, Yan Kou, Chunyan Rong, Junjie Kou

    Background

    Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a potent amplifier of inflammatory responses and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases. Notably, emerging evidence suggests that TREM-1 is also involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation. However, its role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of TREM-1 in myocardial I/R injury and to explore the potential underlying molecular mechanisms.

    Methods

    A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established using HL-1 cardiomyocytes subjected to 6 hours of hypoxia followed by 6 hours of reoxygenation. Pyroptosis levels were assessed by Hoechst-PI staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, CCK-8 assay, and Western blot analysis. In vivo, a myocardial I/R injury model was established in C57BL/6 mice by subjecting them to 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 24 hours or 7 days of reperfusion. Evaluation was performed using TTC staining, Western blotting, echocardiography, histochemical staining, and immunohistochemistry.

    Results

    In this study, we found that TREM-1 expression was significantly upregulated in both in vitro and in vivo models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Pharmacological inhibition of TREM-1 by LR12 effectively reduced the levels of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and suppressed activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, LR12 treatment alleviated myocardial inflammation and fibrosis and improved left ventricular function in mice.Intervention experiments with MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, confirmed that NLRP3 inhibition could mimic the anti-pyroptotic effect of LR12 and reduce the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. Immunofluorescence experiments further verified that inhibition of NF-κB decreased NLRP3 expression, clarifying the association between TREM-1 downstream signals and NLRP3. Long-term follow-up experiments showed that LR12 treatment significantly reduced the area of myocardial fibrosis at 7 days after reperfusion.

    Conclusion

    Our findings indicate that inhibition of TREM-1 alleviates cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI by suppressing activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, TREM-1 may represent a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

    Single‐Center Epidemiological Analysis of Malignant Transformation With Skin Ulcers in Outpatients

    ABSTRACT

    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.

    Research on the relationship between work-family conflict and burnout among civil aviation pilots after the COVID-19 pandemic

    by Weiheng Chen, Shouxi Zhu, Kequan Shao, Kejia Liang

    To examine the impact of work-family conflict on occupational burnout among pilots following the COVID-19 pandemic, this study employed the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey and the Zhao Xinyuan Bi-directional Scale of Work-Family Conflict as research instruments. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the relationship between work-family conflict and burnout. The results indicate a significant correlation between work-family conflict and burnout, as well as the three dimensions of burnout. Specifically, the correlation coefficients between work interfering with family (WIF) and family interfering with work (FIW) with occupational burnout were found to be 0.737 and 0.496, respectively. In the path analysis of the SEM, the estimated effects of WIF and FIW on burnout were both 0.49. Mediation analysis revealed that WIF indirectly influences burnout through FIW, with a mediation effect value of 0.117. Additionally, while pilot-related factors did not significantly affect burnout, they were found to have a notable impact on work-family conflict. These findings underscore the significant role of work-family conflict in contributing to burnout and provide a theoretical foundation for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating burnout among pilots.

    Adjunctive Tongxinluo capsule for patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

    Por: Liang · S.-B. · Wang · Y.-F. · Li · Y.-F. · Chen · W.-J. · Zhu · Y.-S. · Hua · Z. · Zheng · H.-M. · Niu · Z.-C. · Robinson · N. · Liu · J.-P. · Li · Y.-L.
    Background

    Tongxinluo capsule (TXL) is widely used in China as an adjunctive therapy for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), collectively referred to as ACS-PCI. However, current evidence on its therapeutic effects and safety remains limited and insufficiently synthesised. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of adding TXL to Western medical therapy (WM) in this population.

    Methods

    A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang from inception to August 2024; a rapid supplemental search was conducted up to November 2025, without language restrictions, to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the therapeutic effects and safety of adding TXL to WM in patients with ACS-PCI. Dichotomous outcomes were summarised using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs; absolute risk reductions (ARRs) were estimated as risk differences, and corresponding numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were calculated. Continuous outcomes were summarised using mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. All meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The included studies generally had limitations in methodological quality, heterogeneity across analyses was low to moderate and the potential for publication bias could not be excluded. The evidence certainty for each outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

    Results

    Eighteen RCTs involving 1800 participants were included. Low-certainty evidence indicated that adding TXL to WM may reduce the risks of restenosis (RR=0.30, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.91; ARR=0.056, NNT=18), revascularisation (RR=0.28, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.80; ARR=0.069, NNT=15), myocardial infarction (RR=0.44, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.98; ARR=0.033, NNT=31), angina (RR=0.32, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.61; ARR=0.076, NNT=14) and other cardiovascular events (RR=0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.71; ARR=0.075, NNT=14). It also improved Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores (MD=8.82, 95% CI 6.58 to 11.05) and quality of life (qualitative synthesis). However, no statistically significant reductions were observed for sudden cardiac death (RR=0.39, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.27; ARR=0.022, NNT=45), or non-cardiovascular adverse events (RR=0.67, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.40; ARR=0.043, NNT=24) when TXL was added to WM.

    Conclusion

    Current evidence suggests that adjunctive TXL may reduce key cardiovascular events and improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with ACS-PCI, without increasing the risk of non-cardiovascular adverse events. However, all findings are based on low-certainty evidence. These results provide preliminary support for the use of TXL as an adjunctive therapy, but high-quality, multicentre RCTs are needed to confirm these effects and inform clinical guidelines.

    PROSPERO registration number

    CRD42024509453.

    Noise in Operating Room and Its Impact on Nurses: A Mixed‐Methods Study of Noise, Perceptual Strain and Intervention Strategies

    ABSTRACT

    Aim(s)

    To assess the acoustic environment of operating rooms (ORs) and its impact on nurses' perceptions in three surgical departments in a general hospital.

    Design

    A mixed-methods study.

    Methods

    This study integrated sound level measurements, structured behavioural observations and a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Acoustic data were collected during 41 surgeries in orthopaedics, general surgery and obstetrics–gynaecology. Observations identified typical noise events, and a validated questionnaire was used to assess perceived noisiness, communication and work efficiency interference, annoyance and the importance of a quiet environment.

    Results

    Average noise levels in ORs exceed safety recommendations. The highest noise intensities occurred in the preoperative stage, primarily due to anthropogenic sources such as conversation, door movement and instrument collisions. Mid-frequency noise is dominant and overlaps with speech frequencies. Nurses identified conversation as the most frequent and disturbing noise source. Greater years of experience correlated with higher perceived noisiness, communication interference and annoyance.

    Conclusion

    Operating room noise affects nurses' communication, work efficiency and psychological comfort. As clinical experience increases, perceived cognitive load also rises. Anthropogenic noise sources are a major disruptive factor in a healthy OR environment and should be addressed through targeted interventions.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    Noise mitigation should combine behavioural management, acoustic design and spatial optimisation to enhance nursing well-being and performance.

    Impact

    The study examined the impact of excessive OR noise on nurses' work performance and subjective well-being. OR noise exceeded safe thresholds, with conversation identified as the dominant and most disturbing source, particularly during preoperative phases. The findings inform OR design, management and training practices in surgical environments globally, with benefits for nursing staff.

    Reporting Method

    This study followed STROBE guidelines.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Trial Registration

    Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR2000038787

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