Conectar
by Jiankun Cui, Qinwen Wang, Minghao Li
Xinnaotongluo liquid has been used to improve the clinical symptoms of patients with myocardial infarction. However, the molecular mechanism of Xinnaotongluo liquid is not completely understood. H9c2 cells exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was used to simulate damage to cardiomyocytes in myocardial infarction in vitro. The biological indicators of H9c2 cells were measured by cell counting kit-8, enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay, and western blot assay. In H/R-induced H9c2 cells, a markedly reduced murine double minute 2 (MDM2) was observed. However, the addition of Xinnaotongluo liquid increased MDM2 expression in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. And MDM2 overexpression strengthened the beneficial effects of Xinnaotongluo liquid on H9c2 cells from the perspective of alleviating oxidative damage, cellular inflammation, apoptosis and ferroptosis of H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Moreover, MDM2 overexpression reduced the protein expression of p53 and Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of Prostate 3 (STEAP3). Whereas, STEAP3 overexpression hindered the function of MDM2-overexpression in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Our results insinuated that Xinnaotongluo liquid could protect H9c2 cells from H/R-induced damage by regulating MDM2/STEAP3, which provide a potential theoretical basis for further explaining the working mechanism of Xinnaotongluo liquid.by Junhao Sun, Siqi Yang, Yue Zhang, Wenzhi Xiang, Xiubo Jiang
As a new definition for the evidence of hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunctions, the relationship between phthalates (PAEs) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains virtually unexplored. This study included 3,137 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2007–2018. The diagnosis of MAFLD depended on the US Fatty Liver Index (US FLI) and evidence of metabolic dysregulation. Eleven metabolites of PAEs were included in the study. Poisson regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to assess the associations between phthalate metabolites and MAFLD. After adjusting for potential confounders, Poisson regression analysis showed that mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate were generally significant positively associated with MAFLD (PSurgery is a high risk factor for the occurrence of pressure injury (PI). On the basis of theoretical research, pressure and duration of pressure are key factors affecting PI. Pressure is affected by the individual pressure redistribution capacity. So our study aims to explore how the surgery time and pressure intensity affect the occurrence of PI and what are the risk factors. A prospective study. A total of 250 patients who underwent elective surgery in a grade-A general hospital from November 2021 to February 2023 were selected and divided into a group of 77 patients with IAPI (intraoperatively acquired pressure injury) and a group of 173 patients with no IAPI. Visual pressure inductive feedback system and body composition analysis technology were used to record the local pressure value and change of patients before and after anaesthesia. Relevant data of the patients were collected to explore the influencing factors. The maximum pressure and average pressure at the pressure site of the same patient changed before and after anaesthesia, and the pressure after anaesthesia was significantly higher than that before anaesthesia. There was no statistical difference in the average pressure after anaesthesia (p > 0.05), but the maximum pressure in the IAPI group was higher than that in the non-occurrence group (p < 0.05). The average pressure multiplied by the operation time in IAPI group is significantly higher than that in the non-IAPI group (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis (stepwise regression) showed that fat-free weight, age, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and gender were taken as independent variables into the regression model, affecting the maximum pressure. In addition, operation time ≥4 h may be a high risk factor for IAPI. In future studies, more objective research tools can be applied to improve the accuracy of predicting the risk of IAPI. In addition to gender and BMI, follow-up studies may consider including measures such as waist circumference and fat-free body weight in IAPI risk assessment to guide the clinical nursing work more scientifically.
The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been confirmed a predictive value for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no research has yet confirmed whether there is a linear correlation between the TyG index and MACCEs in DFUs. The present study aimed to delve into the association between the TyG index and the risk of MACCEs in patients with DFUs. A total of 960 inpatients with DFUs were recruited. All participants were followed up every 6 months for 11 years with a median of 83 months. According to the cut-off value of the TyG index acquired from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the subjects were divided into two groups: low-level (<9.12, n = 480) and high-level (≥9.12, n = 480). The relationship between the TyG index and MACCEs was evaluated by the multivariable Cox regression model, restricted cubic spline (RCS) model, stratified analysis and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Out of 960 participants, 271 experienced MACCEs (28.22%), of whom 79 (29.15%) died. ROC analysis got the optimal TyG index cut-off value of 9.12. Multivariable Cox regression analysis combined with the RCS model showed that the TyG index was positively associated with MACCEs in an S-shaped non-linear dose-dependent manner within the range of TyG index 7.5–9.5 (p < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated the higher the TyG index, the greater the cumulative incidence of MACCEs (log-rank, p < 0.001). The study first confirmed an S-shaped non-linear dose-dependent positive relationship between the TyG index and the risk of MACCEs in DFUs. Consequently, lowering the TyG index level aids in improving the prognosis of patients with DFUs.
This comparative cross-sectional study, conducted at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored wound-centric interventions (TWCI) versus traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) in enhancing wound healing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Enrolling 340 patients with confirmed COPD, the study randomly assigned participants to either the TWCI or TPR group for a 12-week programme. The primary outcome measured was the rate of wound healing, with secondary outcomes including changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and quality of life (QoL) scores. The TWCI group received a customized programme integrating standard pulmonary rehabilitation with specific wound care strategies, such as enhanced oxygen therapy, nutritional supplementation, and infection control measures. In contrast, the TPR group underwent a conventional pulmonary rehabilitation programme without targeted wound care interventions. Wound healing rates, PFTs, and QoL scores were assessed at the end of the intervention and 3 months post-intervention. The TWCI group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in wound healing rates compared with the TPR group. The TWCI group had a 15% higher rate of reduction in wound size, a 10% rise in complete healing rates, and a 20% drop in infection rates (p < 0.05). Specifically, TWCI group exhibited higher rates of wound size reduction, complete healing, and decreased infection rates. Additionally, long-term pulmonary function and overall quality of life improvements were more pronounced in the tailored group, underscoring the benefits of a personalized approach to managing COPD and wound care. The study concluded that integrating wound-specific care strategies with pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances health outcomes in COPD patients with wounds. These findings supported the adoption of customized, multidisciplinary care plans, suggesting that tailored interventions can offer a comprehensive solution to the complex needs of COPD patients, potentially redefining best practices in chronic disease management.
by Liangfeng Liu, Yang Chen, Guanwen He, Bingbang Lin, Zhongshou Zhu, Rifu Wei, Yangbin Xu
BackgroundAcute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is characterized by a sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms, which significantly contributes to hospitalizations related to COPD symptoms. Previous research has mainly focused on the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and COPD. However, there were few studies that investigated the short-term mortality rate of AECOPD patients with or without OSA.
MethodsData for our research was taken from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database IV. A total of 1332 patients were included in the study based on well-defined criteria for selection and exclusion. By analyzing the characteristics of AECOPD patients, we compared those with and without OSA.
ResultsThere were 1122 AECOPD patients without OSA, 210 patients with OSA. In comparison to those without OSA, patients with OSA exhibited lower 30-day and 90-day ICU mortality with unadjusted HR, as well as lower hospital mortality with unadjusted OR. However, after adjustments were made, there were no significant associations observed between OSA and short-term mortality, including 30-day ICU mortality, 90-day ICU mortality, ICU mortality, and hospital mortality in AECOPD patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that OSA may act as a risk factor for AECOPD patients with a BMI lower than 30 kg/m2.
ConclusionsThere is no impact on short-term survival in AECOPD patients with OSA under intensive care unit (ICU) management and nursing.
To examine the main effects and interaction effects of outcome expectations (e.g., anticipated satisfactory salary and benefits), nurse identity (a sense of membership in the nursing profession), and information-access efficiency of the electronic medical record system (how the system enables nurses to quickly retrieve the needed information) on nurses' retention.
This study uses a cross-sectional survey and adopts proportionate random sampling to recruit a representative sample of nurses of a medical centre in Taiwan.
This study successfully obtained completed questionnaires from 430 nurses during December 2021 to January 2022. Data are analysed by using hierarchical regressions.
Positive outcome expectations and identification as a member in the nursing profession are associated with retention. Information-access efficiency strengthens the link between outcome expectations and retention, while nurse identity weakens this link.
Outcome expectations can help retain nurses, particularly those who perceive high levels of information-access efficiency and possess weak nurse identity. That is, outcome expectations have a complementary role with nurse identity in retaining nurses.
Nurse managers should devise means to build positive outcome expectations for nurses. In addition, either strengthening nurses' identification with the nursing profession or improving the information-access efficiency of the electronic medical system may also help retain nurses.
This study examined how to transform outcome expectation to nurse retention, offering nurse managers to devise new means to retain nurses.
STROBE statement was chosen as EQUATOR checklist.
No patient or public contribution.
Pressure injuries are a significant concern for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures due to prolonged immobility and the complexity of care. This study evaluates the efficacy of standardized pressure ulcer management protocols in preventing pressure injuries and enhancing patient care in a neurosurgical context. A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted at a single institution from December 2020 to December 2023, comparing 50 patients who received standardized pressure ulcer management (intervention group) with 50 patients who received conventional care (control group). The study assessed the incidence of pressure ulcers, patient comfort levels using the Kolcaba Comfort Scale and sleep quality using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 27.0, applying t-tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. The intervention group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of pressure ulcers at all measured time points post-surgery compared to the control group. Patient comfort levels in the intervention group were consistently higher across psychological, environmental, physiological and socio-cultural domains. Sleep quality metrics, including sleep depth, latency to sleep onset and overall sleep quality, were significantly improved in the intervention group. The implementation of standardized pressure ulcer management protocols in neurosurgical care significantly reduces the incidence of pressure injuries, enhances patient comfort and improves sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of adopting structured care protocols to improve postoperative outcomes and patient well-being in neurosurgical settings.
Older hospitalised patients have low levels of physical activity and multiple impairing factors.
To systematically evaluate the perceived barriers to physical activity among older patients during hospitalisation, and provide reference for future intervention programs.
Following ENTREQ, do a systematic evaluation and synthesis of qualitative investigations.
An exhaustive exploration was conducted across the CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from their inception until August, 2023 to identify qualitative research on obstacles to physical activity among older hospital patients. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for qualitative research. Meta-synthesis method was used to integrate the results.
In total, 8 literatures were included, 43 themes were extracted, and analogous research results were amalgamated to generate 10 categories and 3 syntheses: individual level, interpersonal influencing factors and hospital environment and resources level.
Older inpatients are faced with multiple barriers to physical activity. Medical staff should pay attention to changes in physical activity during hospitalisation, identify barriers to physical activity in older inpatients and provide references for promoting physical activity programs for the older.
This study is a meta-synthesis and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.
Older patients are at low physical activity levels during hospitalisation. Older inpatients are faced with multiple barriers to physical activity.
Factors of physical activity impairment in hospitalised older patients should be considered in the context of health status, psychological factors, motivation and social support. Disease-induced psychological fallout has a greater impact on physical activity in the older.
Identifying predictors for surgical site infections (SSIs) after emergency surgical treatment for traumatic pulmonary haemorrhage (TPH) is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to ascertain these predictors. In this comprehensive retrospective study, conducted from January 2020 to December 2023 at our institution, 75 patients were analysed, including a case group of 25 patients with SSIs and a control group of 50 without SSIs post-TPH surgery. Inclusion criteria focused on patients aged 18 and above undergoing thoracotomy or minimally invasive thoracic surgery for TPH. Exclusion criteria included compromised immune systems, chronic pulmonary diseases, prior thoracic surgery or active infections at admission. We assessed several predictors: anaemia; operation time over 2 h; hospital stay over 5 days; intraoperative blood loss exceeding 500 mL; body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2; age ≥ 50 years; use of surgical drains; the presence of open wounds; diabetes mellitus and non-prophylactic antibiotic use. Statistical analysis involved univariate and multivariate logistic regression, using SPSS Version 27.0. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between SSIs and surgical drain placement, diabetes mellitus, open wounds and non-prophylactic antibiotic use (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed these factors as significant predictors of SSIs, with notable odds ratios. Other variables like anaemia, extended hospital stay, excessive intraoperative blood loss, older age and higher BMI did not significantly predict SSIs. Significant predictors for SSIs following TPH surgery include surgical drain placement, diabetes mellitus, open wounds and non-prophylactic antibiotic use. Identifying and managing these risks is crucial in clinical practice to reduce SSIs incidence and improve patient outcomes.
Vertigo is a prevalent and burdensome symptom. More than 80% of patients with vertigo are primarily treated by their general practitioner (GP) and are never referred to a medical specialist. Despite this therapeutic responsibility, the GP’s diagnostic toolkit has serious limitations. All recommended tests lack empirical evidence, because a diagnostic accuracy study on vestibular disorders (‘How well does test x discriminate between patients with or without target condition y?’) has never been performed in general practice. The VERtigo DIagnosis study aims to fill this gap.
We will perform a diagnostic accuracy study on vertigo of primary vestibular origin in general practice to assess the discriminative ability of history taking and physical examination. We will compare all index tests with a respective reference standard. We will focus on five target conditions that account for more than 95% of vertigo diagnoses in general practice: (1) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, (2) vestibular neuritis, (3) Ménière’s disease, (4) vestibular migraine (VM) and (5) central causes other than VM. As these five target conditions have a different pathophysiology and lack one generally accepted gold standard, we will use consensus diagnosis as a construct reference standard. Data for each patient, including history, physical examination and additional tests as recommended by experts in an international Delphi procedure, will be recorded on a standardised form and independently reviewed by a neurologist and otorhinolaryngologist. For each patient, the reviewers have to decide about the presence/absence of each target condition. We will calculate sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and diagnostic ORs, followed by decision rules for each target condition.
The study obtained approval from the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center Medical Ethical Review Committee (reference: 2022.0817—NL83111.029.22). We will publish our findings in peer-reviewed international journals.
To explore the role of nutritional support in nursing practice on postoperative surgical site wound healing in patients undergoing surgery at risk for pressure ulcers. This study adopted a retrospective experimental design and included a total of 60 patients at risk of pressure ulcers, divided into a nutritional support group and a control group, with 30 people in each group. The nutritional support group implemented specific nutritional support measures after surgery, while the control group received standard postoperative care. Outcome measures included redness and swelling scores, edema scores, anxiety assessments, pain scores, bleeding volume, recovery time and incidence of pressure ulcers. The result indicates that patients who received nutritional support exhibited lower postoperative wound redness and swelling scores compared to the control group (3.11 ± 0.45 vs. 4.85 ± 0.74, p < 0.05). Additionally, the nutritional support group showed significantly lower edema scores (2.75 ± 0.37 vs. 3.53 ± 0.62, p < 0.05). Anxiety levels, as measured by the anxiety assessment scale (SAS), were also lower in the nutritional support group (6.52 ± 1.19 vs. 7.60 ± 1.62, p < 0.05). Moreover, the average healing time was shorter for the nutritional support group (7.27 ± 1.36 days) compared to the control group (9.71 ± 1.84 days, p < 0.05). Postoperative pain scores were lower in the nutritional support group (4.13 ± 0.72 vs. 5.43 ± 0.62, p < 0.05), and patient satisfaction scores were higher (9.42 ± 0.76 vs. 7.25 ± 0.81, p < 0.05). Nutritional support has a positive effect on postoperative wound healing at surgical sites in patients at risk of pressure ulcers in nursing practice. It can significantly reduce redness, swelling, edema, anxiety, and pain scores, reduce bleeding, shorten recovery time, and reduce pressure ulcers. incidence rate.
The aim of this research is to explore the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the cutaneous ulceration of diabetes mellitus (DM). From the beginning of the database until January 2024, we looked through several databases to obtain randomised, controlled PRP studies to treat the wound healing of DM in adult patients. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk-Of-Bias Instrument was used to evaluate the risk of bias in randomised, controlled studies. Funnel plots, sensitivity analyses and Egger regression tests were employed to determine the reliability and effectiveness of the meta-analyses. Depending on the degree of heterogeneity, a fixed or random effect model has been used. The statistical significance was determined to be below 0.05. Altogether 281 trials were collected from the database and entered into Endnote Software for screening, and 15 trials were analysed. It was found that PRP was associated with a higher rate of wound healing (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.42, 4.31 p < 0.0001). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of post-operative wound infection (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.99 p = 0.05). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of amputations amongst those with DM (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.84 p = 0.009). Overall, PRP treatment for DM is expected to improve the rate of wound healing, decrease the risk of wound infection and decrease the risk of amputations.
Physical frailty (PF) is highly prevalent and associated with undesirable outcomes in stroke survivors aged 65 years or older. However, the long-term trajectories of PF are understudied in those older stroke survivors.
To identify PF trajectories and relative predictors associated with the PF trajectories in older stroke survivors.
This is a secondary analysis of a population-based cohort study in the United States.
Six hundred and sixty-three older stroke survivors from the National Health and Ageing Trends Study from 2015 to 2021 were included. PF was operationally assessed based on the Fried Frailty Phenotype. Trajectories were identified by group-based trajectory modelling. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, symptoms, cognitive factors and PF trajectories were examined using the design-based logistic regression method.
Most older stroke survivors were 75 and older (63.32%), female (53.99%), white (80.54%) and partnered (50.64%). Two PF trajectory groups were identified (Group 1: low risk, robust; 49.47%; Group 2: high risk, deteriorating; 50.53%). Individuals were at a higher risk to be assigned to Group 2 if they were 75–84 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.23–3.80) or 85+ years (aOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.52–5.04), had fair self-reported health (aOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.53–5.07) or poor self-reported health (aOR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.51–7.52), had comorbidities (aOR: 8.44, 95% CI: 1.31–54.42), had breathing problems (aOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.18–4.02) and had balance problems (aOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06–2.73).
PF trajectories in older stroke survivors were heterogeneous and were associated with age, self-rated health status, comorbidities, breathing problems and balance problems.
Early, routine, dynamic screening for stroke-related physical frailty (PF) and relative predictors might be beneficial for identifying the most vulnerable individuals. Our findings might help develop strategies to manage PF progression.
The reporting followed the STROBE guideline.
The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility of delivering a structured post-diagnosis information and support program to dyads (persons living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers) in two primary care settings.
A two-phase explanatory mixed-method approach guided by the Bowen Feasibility Framework focused on acceptability, implementation, adaptation, integration and efficacy of a five-part programme. In phase 1, the quantitative impact of the programme on the dyadic programme recipients' self-efficacy, quality of life, dyadic relationship and volume of care was measured. In phase 2, inductive content analysis focused on nurse and dyad participant experiences of the programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were reviewed to conclude each element of feasibility.
Four registered nurses working within the participating sites were recruited, trained as programme facilitators and supported to deliver the programme. Eligible dyads attending the respective primary health clinics were invited to participate in the programme and complete surveys at three time points: recruitment, post-programme and 3-month follow-up. Post-programme semi-structured interviews were conducted with dyads and programme facilitators.
Twenty-nine dyads completed the program; the majority were spousal dyads. The programme proved acceptable to the dyads with high retention and completion rates. Implementation and integration of the programme into usual practice were attributed to the motivation and capacity of the nurses as programme facilitators. Regarding programme efficacy, most dyads reported they were better prepared for the future and shared the plans they developed during the programme with family members.
Implementing a structured information and support programme is feasible, but sustainability requires further adaptation or increased staff resources to maintain programme fidelity. Future research should consider selecting efficacy measures sensitive to the unique needs of people living with dementia and increasing follow-up time to 6 months.
This study established the feasibility of registered nurses delivering a post-diagnosis information and support programme for people living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their informal carers in primary care settings. The motivation and capacity of nurses working as programme facilitators ensured the integration of the programme into usual work, but this was not considered sustainable over time. Family carer dyads reported tangible outcomes and gained confidence in sharing their diagnosis with family and friends and asking for assistance. Findings from this study can be used to provide direction for a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the structured information and support programme in the primary care setting.
The authors have adhered to the EQUATOR STROBE Statement.
A public hospital memory clinic and general medical practice participated in project design, study protocol development and supported implementation.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus refers to a significantly challenging health disease due to its high prevalence and risk of other chronic diseases across the world. Notably, GLP-1 has been recognized to enhance the treatment of T2DM, along with this, GLP-1 is also involved in autophagy modulation. However, ineffectiveness of few analogue types can limit the efficacy of this treatment. This study particularly aims to elucidate the influence of GLP-1 receptor analogues on wound infection and patients with type 2 diabetes. To conduct the meta-analysis, an expansive literature survey was conducted to unveil the studies and research conducted on T2DM patients that revealed whether the adoption of any GLP-1 analogue in the form of specific interventions impacts the type 2 diabetes mellitus. The literature was searched using multiple search terms, screened and data were extracted to conduct the meta-analysis and it was conducted using metabin function of R package meta. A total of 800 patients consisting of the both intervention and control groups were employed to carry out the meta-analysis to analyse and evaluate the impact of GLP-1 mediated modulation to improve wound healing in the T2DM patients. The results revealed that GLP-1 mediated modulation considering one type of analogue was an effective intervention to patients suffering from T2DM. The variations in these results depicted insignificant outcomes with the values (risk ratio [RR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–1.18, p > 0.05) and enlightened the fact that adopting different GLP-1 analogues may significantly improve the efficacy of wound healing in T2DM patients. Hence, interventions of GLP-1 mediated modulation must be utilized in the clinical practice to reduce the incidence of T2DM patients.
To identify the contaminated areas of the hand collection and analyse the distribution characteristics of bacteria in the hand after swab collection.
This study used a cross-sectional design.
A cross-sectional study sampling 50 pairs of hands (sampling hand and auxiliary hand) of healthcare workers was performed. Ten samples were collected from each participant. The optimal hand hygiene rates and bacterial colony counts of the whole hand and different hand sections without hand hygiene were identified as the primary outcomes.
The optimal hand hygiene rates of the sampling hand and auxiliary hand were 88.8% (222/250) and 91.6% (229/250), respectively. The lowest optimal hand hygiene rates for the sampling hand and the auxiliary hand were both on the dorsal side of the finger and the dorsum of the hand (86.0%, 86.0% vs. 90.0%, 86.0%); the optimal hand hygiene rates for both sites of the sampling hand were 86.0% (43/50), and the optimal hand hygiene rates for the auxiliary hand were 90.0% (45/50) and 86.0% (43/50). The bacteria colony counts did not differ between the sampling hands and auxiliary hand.
The dorsal side of the finger and dorsum of the hand were the most likely to be contaminated during oropharyngeal swab collection. Therefore, it is essential to pay extra attention to hand hygiene care of these two sites during the collection process to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.
FreshRSS 