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Social enrichment mitigates facial expressions and physiological indicators of short-term stress in horses

by Ana Caroline Bini de Lima, Vanessa Cristini Sebastião da Fé, Maria Simara Palermo Hernandes, Emily Caroline Pfeifer de Cristo, Ana Gabrieli dos Santos Fagundes Euzébio, Maria Vitória e Silva Sousa, Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara, Viviane Maria Oliveira dos Santos

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of social noncontact environmental enrichment to facilitate social buffering and to characterize the emotional experience of horses subjected to restraint in stock by assessing physiological parameters and facial expressions. Pantaneiro horses (n = 11) were evaluated in a crossover design with two treatments: social noncontact enrichment during stock restraint and social isolation during stock restraint. Physiological parameters (heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, ocular temperature by infrared thermography, and auricular temperature by infrared thermometer) and facial expressions (EquiFACS) were assessed throughout the 24-minute restraint period. When horses were accompanied by a conspecific, heart rate, respiratory rate, and eye temperature were lower (p nostril dilator (AD38), inner brow raiser (AU101), upper eyelid raiser (AU5), eye white increase (AD1), ears forward (EAD101), and ears back (EAD104), was also lower (p 

Rhinovirus/enterovirus contribution to respiratory-associated hospitalizations in adults during respiratory seasons in Spain: A 6-year prospective study

by Sandra S. Chaves, Valérie Bosch Castells, Ainara Mira-Iglesias, Joan Puig-Barberà, F. Xavier López-Labrador, Miguel Tortajada-Girbés, Mario Carballido-Fernández, Joan Mollar-Maseres, Germán Schwarz-Chávarri, Javier Díez-Domingo, Alejandro Orrico-Sánchez, Valencia Hospital Network for the Study of Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses (VAHNSI)

Background

Understanding the burden of acute viral respiratory infection-related hospitalizations is crucial for guiding research and development. Unlike influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, no pharmaceutical interventions exist for other respiratory viruses; therefore, their impact remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the association of current non-vaccine-preventable respiratory viruses, especially rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV), on hospitalizations during the respiratory seasons.

Methods

Data from a prospective study that used multiplex polymerase chain reaction to conduct long-term surveillance on respiratory viruses in Valencia, Spain were analyzed. Patients aged ≥50 years hospitalized due to respiratory illness from 2014–15–2019–20 were included.

Results

Respiratory viruses were detected in 35.2% (3,755/10,675) of hospitalized patients with acute respiratory illness. Influenza and RSV accounted for 22.1% of hospitalizations, RV/EV for 7.6%, and other non-vaccine-preventable viruses for 5.4%. Adults ≥75 years had average seasonal hospitalization incidence rates more than twice those aged 65–74 years and eight times those aged 50–64-year-olds. No significant differences in severity markers were observed among patients with or without virus identified, those aged ≥75 years had a 2–3 times higher mortality rate compared to younger age groups.

Conclusions

The potential impact of respiratory viruses on hospitalization rates among older adults, particularly those aged ≥75 years, highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce healthcare system burden. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities and the development of next-generation preventive strategies, including vaccines and therapeutics, could improve patient outcomes and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system during respiratory virus seasons.

Understanding quality-of-life patterns in long COVID: How Symptoms and socioeconomic conditions shape patient wellbeing

by Esther Ortega-Martin, Javier Alvarez-Galvez

Objective

To characterize the heterogeneity of Long COVID (LC) by identifying distinct patient profiles based on symptoms and quality of life (QoL), and to examine the sociodemographic and clinical predictors associated with these profiles.

Study design

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted.

Methods

We recruited 363 patients with LC in Spain via an online survey. Symptom patterns were identified through latent class analysis of 15 binary symptoms. QoL was assessed with the patient-derived LC-6D-QoL across six dimensions, and cluster analysis defined QoL subgroups. Logistic regression was applied to examine clinical and sociodemographic predictors of QoL profiles.

Results

Two symptom profiles emerged: a low-burden profile, dominated by fatigue and cognitive problems, and a high-burden profile with multisystem involvement. QoL clustered into three profiles—high, middle, and low QoL—with more than half of participants in the low QoL group. Symptom burden and employment status were the strongest predictors of poor QoL, whereas age, sex, education, and income showed limited associations. Social support was more frequently reported among participants with low QoL.

Conclusions

LC is characterized by distinct clinical and QoL profiles, with strong interactions between multisystem symptom burden and social determinants. Identifying patients at greatest risk of poor QoL can inform stratified interventions and integrated policies that combine medical care, psychosocial support, and workplace reintegration.

Linezolid in addition to standard antibiotic treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: study protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Por: Rose · N. · Bernasconi · N. S. · Schumacher · M. · Werlen · L. · Büchel · D. · Weisser · M. · Vogt · S. B. · Wehrle-Wieland · E. · Conen · A. · Thurnheer · M. C. · Martin · Y. · Birrer · M. · Bongiovanni · M. · Albrich · W. C. · Karrer · U. · Schibli · A. · Harbarth · S. · Papadimitrio
Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteraemia is a common and severe infection. With mortality rates ranging from 20–30% and long-term impairments in over a third of survivors, better treatments are urgently needed. Linezolid, a well-established treatment for pneumonia and complicated skin infections, has been shown in preclinical studies to strongly suppress S. aureus virulence factors critical to bacterial persistence and tissue damage. Hence, we aim to investigate whether the addition of linezolid to standard therapy in patients with S. aureus bacteraemia leads to an overall improvement in patient-relevant outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (Linezolid Plus Standard of Care) in 12 hospitals in Switzerland with blinded treating physicians, patients and outcome assessors. Hospitalised patients aged ≥18 years with S. aureus bacteraemia will be eligible. Patients will receive standard antibiotic treatment as prescribed by the treating physician. Within 72 hours of collection of the blood sample yielding the first positive blood culture, patients will be enrolled and randomised 1:1 to receive either adjunctive linezolid (600 mg orally two times per day for 5 days) or placebo. To determine patient-relevant outcomes, we implemented a comprehensive patient-representative consultation process. Consequently, we will use the desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) established for S. aureus bacteraemia as the primary outcome at 90 days. The hierarchical composite DOOR outcome includes the following four components, ranked from most to least important: (1) survival, (2) return to level of function before S. aureus infection, (3) complications leading to treatment changes and serious adverse reactions; and (4) hospital length of stay. This approach will allow us to analyse the win ratio, that is, whether patients receiving linezolid have a better DOOR rank compared to patients in the placebo group. We calculated a target sample size of 606 patients providing 90% power at a two-sided significance level of 0.05.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was received from the Ethics committee for Northern and Central Switzerland (BASEC number 2025-00655). Eligible patients will be informed about the study by the local study team and asked for written consent if they wish to participate. For patients unable to provide informed consent, an appropriate substitute (ie, a close relative or a physician not involved in the research project) may make decisions based on the presumed wishes and the best interest of the patient. The patient’s own consent will be obtained as soon as their condition permits. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and in laymen's terms through various channels (social media, Swiss national portal HumRes).

Trial registration number

NCT06958835.

Smart Wound Dressings and the Biological Parameters They Monitor: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Chronic wounds represent a major global health and economic burden. Smart wound dressings integrate biosensing and stimuli-responsive materials to monitor and modulate biological parameters within the wound microenvironment. This scoping review maps the biological parameters monitored by smart wound dressings, an area not previously synthesized across preclinical and clinical contexts. Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR frameworks, five databases were searched in March 2025. Studies published between 2008 and 2025 reporting biosensing or responding technologies in wound dressings were included. A total of 179 studies met the inclusion criteria, most being preclinical (in vitro or in vivo rodent models), with few human investigations. The most frequently monitored parameters were pH, temperature, oxygenation, moisture, bacterial burden, and protease activity (particularly MMP-9). Preclinical data showed enhanced collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and infection control compared with conventional dressings, whereas human studies mainly assessed feasibility and biocompatibility. Smart dressings demonstrate strong technical and biological performance, but clinical validation and standardized outcome reporting remain limited. Future interdisciplinary research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials to confirm therapeutic and economic benefits and enable translation into personalized wound care.

Antibiotic‐Loaded Calcium Sulphate Beads in Wound Management: A Scoping Review of Emerging Applications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

ABSTRACT

Calcium sulphate (CS) is a fully synthetic, sterile, bioabsorbable biomaterial extensively applied for the management of infected tissues and postoperative dead spaces resulting from surgical interventions. Residual DS may facilitate hematoma accumulation and bacterial colonisation, thereby heightening the risk of surgical-site infections. Within orthopaedic surgery, CS has been predominantly evaluated as a bone-void filler and an off-label antibiotic delivery vehicle—particularly in arthroplasty revisions, chronic osteomyelitis, and open fractures—yielding high rates of infection prophylaxis, bone regeneration, and low complication profiles. Commercially available as injectable ‘pearls’ or beads, CS permits local, sustained antibiotic elution while undergoing gradual biodegradation, thus obviating the need for secondary removal procedures. Over the last decade, Calcium Sulphate beads (CSBs) have transcended orthopaedics, gaining traction across general, vascular, and endocrine surgery disciplines for the prevention and treatment of complex wound infections. However, their application in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains underreported, despite the specialty's frequent engagement with complex soft-tissue defects, bone exposure, suture dehiscence, and trauma-related wounds vulnerable to infection. To our knowledge, this represents the first scoping review synthesising current evidence, clinical indications, and emerging roles of CSBs within plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Convolutional Neural Networks in Chronic Wound Segmentation and Tissue Classification Using Real‐World Images

ABSTRACT

Chronic wounds cause a significant burden to affected patients and to society. Effective and objective diagnostic and monitoring methods are needed in wound care, and artificial intelligence offers one promising alternative. In this study, real-world wound images were used to train a convolutional neural network to automatically segment wound area and wound tissues on an image. The study included altogether 362 images of venous, arterial, vasculitis and pyoderma gangrenosum wounds. The model was based on a convolutional neural network architecture U-Net, and fully supervised learning was utilised during the training phase. Wound area reached a Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 0.927 and Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.868 using an augmented dataset with pretraining. Fibrinous exudate and granulation performed fairly well with DSC 0.750 and 0.696, and with IoU 0.659 and 0.601, respectively. Necrosis present in only 56 images achieved lower performance with DSC 0.503 and IoU 0.502. In conclusion, this study suggested that it is possible to train a neural network to perform well with images taken for purely clinical purposes. Besides wound area, several wound structures can be identified, but wound structure identification performance is dependent on the number of images featuring the structure.

Perceptions of Health and Self‐Care Needs Among Older Female Caregivers Living in Poverty in a High‐Income Country: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the perceptions of older female caregivers living in poverty in a high-income country regarding their health and self-care needs.

Design

Descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with older female caregivers between October 2023 and March 2024. The reflexive thematic analysis method described by Braun & Clarke was followed, and ATLAS.ti 25 software was used for data analysis.

Results

The analysis identified one main overarching theme, ‘Caring as an expected role that shapes identity and daily life’ and two interrelated themes: (1) ‘The need for a holistic approach to self-care’ and (2) ‘Caring on empty in the context of economic hardship and limited support’.

Conclusion

Self-care among older female caregivers living in poverty is constrained by caregiving expectations and socioeconomic disadvantage. Addressing their health needs requires nursing interventions that recognise caregiving as a central element of their lives and adopt holistic, context-sensitive approaches.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nursing interventions should comprehensively assess older female caregivers' multidimensional health needs and enhance access to integrated support and services, addressing structural gender and socioeconomic inequities to strengthen health, dignity, and resilience.

Impact

Living in poverty exacerbates the challenges older female caregivers face in attending to their own health and self-care, increasing the risk of exhaustion, distress, and chronic illness. Recognising and addressing these needs through equitable, targeted interventions is essential to reduce health inequalities.

Reporting Method

The study has been reported following the COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Limited patient and public involvement was incorporated, focusing on verification of their transcripts, ensuring accuracy and credibility in the interpretation of their accounts.

Extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) for gastric cancer with positive peritoneal lavage and/or stamp cytology: An exploratory phase II study

by Gen Tsujio, Masakazu Yashiro, Yuichiro Miki, Kohei Matsuoka, Koji Maruo, Mami Yoshii, Tatsuro Tamura, Katsunobu Sakurai, Takahiro Toyokawa, Naoshi Kubo, Shigeru Lee, Tomohisa Okuno, Kishu Kitayama, Go Masuda, Masaichi Ohira, Kiyoshi Maeda

Background

Our group revealed that the combination of intra-operative stamp cytology and peritoneal lavage cytology (CY) improved the identification of individuals with high risk of peritoneal metastasis. In this exploratory Phase II study, we aimed to evaluate the effect on relapse-free survival (RFS) of extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) for gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology (CY1) and/or stamp cytology positive (stamp+).

Materials and methods

This study was a single arm, multi-institutional, exploratory phase 2 trial to assess the effects of EIPL after open gastrectomy for gastric cancer with CY1 and/ or stamp+. The primary endpoint was RFS. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), postoperative recurrence site and incidence of postoperative adverse events.

Results

Between 2017 and 2021, 13 patients from 2 institutions were enrolled in this study. Because of the recent decline in open abdominal surgery, the number of cases did not increase and the trial was closed due to lack of applicants at 13 cases. Median 3-year RFS was 14.5 months (95% CI 5.4-NA), median 3-year OS was not reached (95% CI 14.5-NA) and median3-year peritoneal RFS was 16.0 months (95% CI 5.4-NA). Median 3-year peritoneal RFS rate was 83% in CY0 and stamp+ cases (n=6), and 0% in CY1 and stamp+/- cases (n=7). (Log-rank p=0.015).

Conclusion

Because of the slow accrual pace and early stop of the trial, we were not able to evaluate the prespecified endpoints thoroughly. However, EIPL might be effective to prevent perineal recurrence, especially in CY0 and stamp+ case.

Identification and detection of genetic markers associated with antimicrobial susceptibility and evaluation of efflux pump mechanisms in <i>Mycoplasma iowae</i>

by Dominika Buni, Áron Botond Kovács, Enikő Wehmann, Dénes Grózner, Krisztián Bányai, Eszter Zsófia Nagy, Janet Bradbury, Marco Bottinelli, Elisabetta Stefani, Salvatore Catania, Inna Lysnyansky, László Kovács, Miklós Gyuranecz, Zsuzsa Kreizinger

Mycoplasma iowae is an economically significant pathogen that causes reduced hatchability, late embryo mortality and leg deformities, chondrodystrophy and skeletal lesions in poults. While prevention is essential in the control of infection, the appropriate administration of antibiotics may reduce economic losses during outbreaks. As a first step in the exploration of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in M. iowae, target modification and efflux pump activity were examined in the present study. Point mutations were analyzed in previously described antibiotic binding sites in the whole genome sequences of 99 M. iowae strains. Mismatch amplification mutation assays (MAMAs) were designed and validated for the differentiation of mutations corresponding to elevated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for fluoroquinolones. Broth microdilution assays were performed to evaluate the effect of efflux pump inhibitors. In the presence of orthovanadate (OV), MIC values were significantly lower than in the absence of OV for spiramycin, tilmicosin, tylosin and oxytetracycline, which may indicate the presence of an active efflux system in M. iowae. Putative promoter regions of efflux-related genes were predicted and characterized. Genetic mutations, previously described in other bacteria, were described to be associated with elevated fluoroquinolone, macrolide and lincomycin MICs in M. iowae, although certain resistant phenotypes remained unexplained, promoting future examinations for deeper insights. The developed MAMAs may support rapid identification of M. iowae strains with elevated MIC values for fluoroquinolones. The better understanding of the efflux pump mechanisms enables the development of alternative methods for the support of therapy against this pathogen.

N-terminal proBNP adds prognostic value to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I in elective thoracic surgery: an observational cohort study

Por: Alonso · M. · Popova · E. · De Miguel · M. · Garcia-Osuna · A. · Gonzalez-Tallada · A. · Ordonez-Llanos · J. · Jauregui · A. · Trujillo · J. C. · Martin Grande · A. · Martinez-Tellez · E. · Parera · A. · Planas · G. · Trujillo · L. · Butron · D. · Sola-Roca · J. · De Nadal · M.
Background

Perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) is a common complication following non-cardiac, particularly thoracic, surgery and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Although guidelines recommend cardiac biomarker monitoring to detect PMI, its implementation in routine clinical practice remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate the combined use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following elective thoracic surgery, and to determine whether NT-proBNP provides incremental prognostic value beyond hs-cTnI alone.

Design

Multicentre observational cohort study.

Setting

Conducted between February 2021 and November 2023 in three Spanish tertiary hospitals.

Participants

Patients aged ≥45 years scheduled for elective thoracic surgery involving lung resection (pneumonectomy, lobectomy, bilobectomy or segmentectomy) under general anaesthesia. Exclusion criteria included urgent or non-thoracic surgery, active infection or sepsis and a history of severe heart failure (ejection fraction

Main outcome measures

Combined measurement of hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP at baseline (preoperatively) and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.

PMI was defined as hs-cTnI ≥45 ng/L at 24 and/or 48 hours or a ≥20% increase from baseline in patients with elevated preoperative concentrations.

Results

Among 475 patients, PMI occurred in 11.8%. PMI had higher rates of prior stroke (12.5% vs 2.9%; p=0.004), smoking history (85.7% vs 64.0%; p=0.001) and severe renal dysfunction (7.1% vs 0.7%; p=0.001), with similar Revised Cardiac Risk Index distribution. Patients with PMI also had greater postoperative elevations of hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP (p

Conclusions

Combined hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP assessment improves perioperative cardiovascular risk stratification beyond ischaemia.

Trial registration number

NCT04749212

Early mobilisation after abdominal surgery: a concept analysis

Por: Schandl · A. · Siesage · K. · Kroksmark · A.-K. · Gruber-De Sousa · E. · Lilliecrona · J. · Olsen · M. F.
Objective

To clarify and define the clinical practice concept of early mobilisation after abdominal surgery.

Design

A concept analysis guided by Walker and Avant’s method.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), AMED-(Ovid), Embase (Elsevier) and CINAHL (EBSCO) were searched through 5 December 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Relevant studies that included combinations of the terms ‘early mobilisation’, ‘early ambulation’, ‘early acceleration’, ‘abdominal surgery’ and ‘surgical procedures’ were selected. We restricted the search to English full-text publications involving adult patients, limited to the year 2000 and onward. Inclusion criteria were original research articles describing the timing and/or type of mobilisation.

Data extraction and synthesis

The study derives its defining attributes, antecedents and consequences through data analysis. To enhance understanding of the model, we constructed related and contrary cases of the concept and outlined relevant empirical referents.

Results

In total, 140 studies were included in the analysis. Early mobilisation is characterised by the key defining attributes of initiating active physical movement, including standing, sitting in a chair or walking, within the first 24 hours of surgery. Antecedents include haemodynamic and respiratory stability, adequate pain management, and the patient’s cognitive and physical readiness. Contextual antecedents include competent and adequately staffed healthcare teams. Consequences include improved physiological recovery and enhanced postoperative outcomes.

Conclusions

This analysis provides a clarified, practice-focused definition of early mobilisation after abdominal surgery. By delineating its key attributes and contextual prerequisites, the study offers a conceptual foundation that can support clinical guidelines, promote consistent implementation and inform future research aimed at optimising postoperative recovery.

Exploring the Perceived Effectiveness, Impact and Benefits of a Work‐Based Cancer Survivorship Peer Support Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the perceived effectiveness, impact and benefits of a work-based cancer survivorship peer support programme for healthcare employees who have experienced or are experiencing cancer.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 33 participants (10 peers, 12 peer supporters, 4 line managers and 7 members of the governance group). Data were collected between October 2024 and February 2025 through individual interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: Programme Reach and Adoption, Implementing the Programme, Programme Effectiveness and Impact and Programme Maintenance and Growth. Challenges included the pilot status of the programme impacting awareness and uptake, potential reluctance to share diagnoses and the impact of cancer on colleagues. The approach of peer supporters was considered central to the programmes' success. Peer supporters valued training and continuous practice development opportunities.

Conclusion

Demonstrated benefits, including satisfaction and the value of peer support, were evident. To ensure programme maintenance, increased recruitment and training of peer supporters and clear communication regarding the programme and referral pathways are essential. Financial support is required to maintain training and address dissemination challenges.

Implications for the Profession

Work-based peer support programmes can help cancer survivors reintegrate into the workforce more effectively, rebuilding confidence, fostering resilience and navigating workplace expectations. Enhanced staff well-being may also positively influence retention, performance and health-related disruptions.

Impact

Findings from this underexplored area of work-based peer support within a healthcare setting have the potential to influence healthcare leaders, policy makers and future research. Improving staff's' quality of life on return to work benefits the individual, the organisation and care delivery by ensuring a healthy, supported workforce.

Reporting Method

The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TiDieR) checklist were utilised.

Patient or Public Contributions

No patient or public contribution.

Nursing‐Led Knowledge Translation Strategies to Improve Patient Safety in Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To conduct a scoping review of nurse-led Knowledge Translation strategies aimed at promoting and enhancing patient safety in hospital settings.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and was reported according to PRISMA-ScR.

Data Sources

Twelve electronic databases and additional grey literature sources were searched for studies published between 2002 and 2023, with no language restrictions.

Results

From 23,691 records identified, 59 studies were included. The majority (n = 56) employed multifaceted Knowledge Translation strategies, incorporating simulation, audits, digital tools and interprofessional education. The interventions focused on patient safety-related events, including falls, pressure injuries and catheter-associated complications. Nursing leadership emerged as a key component, particularly in team training, developing care protocols and delivering feedback. Outcomes included reductions in adverse events, improved adherence to clinical guidelines and cost savings. Yet, sustaining behaviour changes over time and limited interprofessional and family engagement remained recurrent challenges.

Conclusions

Nurse-led Knowledge Translation strategies were heterogeneous, with increasing use of simulations, technologies and multifaceted approaches. Evidence suggests potential associations with fewer adverse events, improved care quality, individualized planning and cost efficiency. Challenges related to the sustainability of interventions persist. Findings underscore the importance of investing in nursing leadership and capacity-building to strengthen patient safety.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Strengthening nurse-led KT capacities may enhance evidence-based care and improve safety outcomes. Investment in leadership and tailored implementation is critical.

Impact

What problem did the study address? The limited synthesis of how nurses lead KT strategies to improve patient safety in hospitals. What were the main findings? Most strategies were multifaceted, context-sensitive and associated with improved care processes and safety indicators. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Findings are relevant to hospital nurses, nurse educators, managers and health systems seeking to implement evidence-informed safety interventions.

Reporting Method

This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.

Trial Registration

Open Science Framework (OSF); registration identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/K3VJC

Self‐Efficacy in Palliative Care Among Nursing Professionals: A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Deficient palliative care coverage and nursing training in Ecuador warrant examining self-efficacy to inform education strategies and strengthen equitable services.

Aim

To examine Ecuadorian nurses' self-efficacy in Palliative Care.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted. Convenience samples of nurses completed the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Questionnaire and participated in online semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data. A side-by-side joint display supported integration.

Results

497 nurses completed the questionnaire (90.4% female; 11.47 years of experience). Teamwork scored highest, while communication scored lowest. Eighteen nurses were interviewed (88.8% female; 11.5 years of experience). Participants reported communication difficulties related to emotions, prognosis, denial, collusion of silence and paediatric cases. They expressed strong confidence in pain management but more difficulty with agitation and dyspnoea. Spiritual care was mainly understood as facilitating access to religious figures. Although teamwork was perceived positively, tensions with physicians and an excessive focus on physical aspects were noted.

Conclusion

Quantitative and qualitative findings aligned overall, with dissonances regarding psychological and social communication.

Implications for Practice

Strengthening communication and comprehensive patient management competencies, as well as addressing interdisciplinary tensions, is necessary to improve and consolidate Palliative Care in Ecuador.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to EQUATOR guidelines and used COREQ for qualitative reporting.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Nursing Perceptions of the Intended Use of Artificial Intelligence to Prevent Medication Errors: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the perceptions of nursing professionals in high-demand healthcare services regarding the adoption of AI-based support systems for the prevention of medication errors.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025.

Methods

Sixteen semi-structured interviews were held with nurses from emergency and intensive care units, guided by conceptual dimensions of the Technology Acceptance Model framework. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. ATLAS.ti v.9 software was used for an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Two major themes emerged: (i) professional reflections on medication safety and related risks; and (ii) integrating artificial intelligence into nursing practice to reduce such risks and prevent medication errors. While artificial intelligence was recognised as a promising resource to support clinical decision-making and reduce cognitive load, nurses identified barriers, including limited training, inadequate technological infrastructure, unreliable data sources, and ethical concerns that could compromise its safe implementation and thereby hinder its potential to prevent medication errors.

Conclusion

AI-based support systems are perceived as useful, but complex resources for addressing medication errors, which remain a critical challenge in healthcare. Its successful implementation depends not only on the availability of resources, but also on the organisational context and the ability to respond to the needs and concerns of healthcare professionals.

Implications for Clinical Practice

Integrating artificial intelligence into routine workflows to support clinical decision-making and reduce medication errors in high-demand settings requires more than infrastructure and technical training. Effective adoption demands participatory design, clear role delineation, and context-sensitive training aligned with medication-management processes. Lack of alignment may result in artificial intelligence increasing complexity instead of contributing to safer and more efficient medication administration.

Reporting Method

Methods and findings are reported following SRQR recommendations.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Preventive interventions for preschool children at risk for emotional and behavioural problems: a scoping review protocol

Por: Anggeriyane · E. · Fitri · S. Y. R. · Dhamayanti · M. · Rakhmawati · W. · Mardya · B.
Introduction

Emotional and behavioural problems (EBPs) are receiving increasing attention at the global level, and preschool children are no exception. These issues have a significant impact on future development. Preventive interventions in preschool age are effective in preventing more serious disorders by improving social skills, emotional regulation and resilience in children. Although various preventive interventions have been developed and their effectiveness demonstrated, the evidence remains fragmented. At present, there has been no comprehensive study mapping EBPs prevention interventions at the preschool age level using the Neuman Systems Model approach.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews.The completed scoping review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search will be conducted in four major databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and online searches using Google Scholar, without language and publication year restrictions. Two reviewers will independently screen the literature according to the inclusion criteria and then extract the data. Any differences between the two reviewers will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. We will compile, summarise and analyse the extracted data and present the results in figures, tables and descriptive narratives to ensure clarity and facilitate comparison across studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required, as the review will use only published literature. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed international journal and may inform policy and practice in early childhood preventive interventions.

Registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zg6ty).

Indocyanine green fluorescence for intraoperative detection of liver tumours in minimally invasive surgery: protocol for the LIVERGREEN phase IV multicentre clinical trial

Por: Huerta · M. · Lopez-Ben · S. · Llado · L. · Sanchez-Cabus · S. · Mils · K. · Molina · V. · Dopazo · C. · Vidal · L. · Dalmau · M. · Caralt · M. · Roson · N. · Merino · X. · Armario · D. · Salcedo · M. T. · Pellino · G. · Sapisochin · G. · Gomez-Gavara · C. · LIVERGREEN Collaborative Grou
Introduction

Liver tumours are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Current diagnostic tools, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS), have limitations in detecting liver neoplasms. Indocyanine green (ICG) has emerged as a promising tool for improving liver tumour detection. This study aims to assess the impact of preoperative ICG on intraoperative tumour detection in minimally invasive surgery and develop a machine-learning algorithm to enhance tumour detection using ICG fluorescence.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, multicentre, phase IV clinical trial adheres to Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. Patients with liver tumours eligible for minimally invasive surgery and a preoperative imaging test will be included. ICG will be administered intravenously 24 hours before surgery. Intraoperative procedures will include IOUS, ICG mapping and photographic documentation. Patients will be followed for 90 days to assess tumour progression, morbidity and mortality. The photographic analysis will enable the development of an artificial intelligence algorithm using machine learning and neural networks to identify lesions based on ICG fluorescence. The estimated sample size is 173 patients and the trial is predicted to accrue in 3 years.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) guidelines. Approved by the local institutional Ethics Committee and the AEMPS, the results will be shared with the scientific community through publications and conferences.

EudraCT number

2023–5 08 316-27-00.

Trial registration number

NCT06398028.

Protocol version

V.12, 18 March 2025

Changes in the epidemiology of heart failure in the decade 2014-2023: insights from the AQUORE retrospective cohort study

Por: Lancia · L. · Dante · A. · Caponnetto · V. · Petrucci · C. · Masotta · V. · Mammarella · L. · Romano · S.
Objective

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue due to its high morbidity, mortality and healthcare burden. This study aimed to provide estimates of HF incidence, survival rates, outcome changes and their predictive factors in a central Italian population over the decade 2014–2023.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Hospital discharge records from all hospitals in L'Aquila Province of Italy were analysed.

Participants

All residents who experienced a HF index hospitalisation between 2014 and 2023 were included. HF index hospitalisation was defined as the first hospitalisation for HF in patients with no prior hospitalisation from the same diagnosis for at least 4 years.

Primary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence rates of HF index hospitalisations and all-cause mortality following index hospitalisation. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs), survival and their associated factors were analysed with negative binomial regression models, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively.

Results

A total of 6965 incident cases from 17 588 HF hospitalisations in the decade under study were analysed. The overall standardised incidence rate was 1.73 per 1000 person-years, with significant differences by age and sex. Incidence rates decreased by 17% from 2014–2018 to 2019–2023 (IRR: 0.834; 95% CI 0.743 to 0.936). Cumulative 1-year and 5-year survival were 70.05% and 36.38%, respectively, with a progressively higher mortality risk in older people. Compared with the 2014–2018 cohort, the 2019–2022 cohort showed improved survival at 30 and 90 days and at 1 year overall and by age groups, with

Conclusions

HF incidence declined, particularly in older populations, and remained higher in men, while survival rates improved. Despite these trends, HF continues to represent a substantial clinical and public health burden.

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