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Ayer — Octubre 2nd 2025Tus fuentes RSS

Diagnostic and therapeutic impact of ultrasound tomography in lower extremity varicose veins: protocol for a paired accuracy study and randomised controlled trial in a tertiary hospital in China

Por: Zhang · W. · Lan · F. · Yuan · S. · Guo · J. · Li · Y. · Pan · Y. · Zheng · Y.
Background

Chronic venous disease, particularly lower extremity varicose veins (VVs) and incompetent perforating veins (IPVs), is a prevalent condition associated with significant morbidity, including venous ulcers and post-surgical recurrence. Current diagnostic modalities for IPVs—such as digital subtraction angiography, CT venography, magnetic resonance venography and conventional ultrasound—are limited by ionising radiation, operator dependency or inadequate spatial resolution. Ultrasound tomography (UT), an emerging automated 3D imaging technology, offers comparable resolution, wider field of view and reduced operator bias compared with conventional ultrasound. Preliminary studies suggest UT improves IPV detection rates, yet its diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility remain unvalidated in large-scale trials. This study aims to evaluate UT’s diagnostic performance and its impact on surgical outcomes in a paired-design and randomised controlled trial (RCT), addressing a critical gap in non-invasive venous assessment.

Methods

This study combines a paired diagnostic trial and a prospective, triple-blind RCT. In the paired trial (n=84), patients with VVs (Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological C2–C5) receive both conventional ultrasound and UT combined with Doppler examination to compare IPV detection sensitivity against surgical findings. The RCT (n=264) randomises patients to conventional ultrasound group (control group) or conventional ultrasound+UT group (intervention group). After examination, all patients undergo standardised treatment (radiofrequency ablation with sclerotherapy and selective IPV ligation), with follow-up extending to 5 years. The primary endpoint is 1-year recurrence rates and secondary endpoints, including 3-month, 3-year and 5-year recurrence rates, as well as Venous Clinical Severity Scores, quality of life and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital (approval number: 2024-132). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant, and final results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

The study has been registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), identifier: ChiCTR2500097289.

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Impacts of resistance training combined with vibration training on the IGF-1/PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 axis and clinical outcomes in patients with sarcopenia: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

by Haoyang Zhou, Jinfeng Yang, Na Li, Jinying Li, Jianxin Ran, Yan Zheng, Yifan Long, Fang Cheng, Yuanpeng Liao

Background

Sarcopenia is an age-associated disorder characterized by a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The condition is linked to low levels of anabolic hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), with its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) signaling pathway. There is growing evidence that resistance training (RT) or vibration training (VT) could improve physical functioning in individuals with sarcopenia. However, the related physiological influence of exercise on sarcopenia remains elusive.

Method

This prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 96 participants, aged between 65 and 80 years. In participants, sarcopenia diagnosis will be confirmed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and participants will be randomized into either control, RT, VT, or RVT (combined RT and VT) groups. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with assessments performed at baseline, 12 weeks (after intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcomes will include skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes comprise IGF-1 concentrations, PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 protein activity, quality of life, and timed-up-and-go test performance assessments.

Discussion

This clinical study aims to elucidate the potential modulation of molecular mechanisms in vivo for combined RT and VT in sarcopenia patients and to identify the effects of the intervention on physical function.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2400083643. Registered on April 29, 2024.

Risk Prediction Models for Enteral Nutrition Aspiration in Adult Inpatients: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

ABSTRACT

Objective

To systematically identify and appraise existing risk prediction models for EN aspiration in adult inpatients.

Data Sources

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and VIP Database from inception to 1 March 2025.

Study Design

Systematic review of observational studies.

Review Methods

Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction using the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS). The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was employed to evaluate both the risk of bias and the clinical applicability of the included models.

Results

A total of 17 articles, encompassing 29 prediction models, were included. The incidence of aspiration was 9.45%–57.00%. Meta-analysis of high-frequency predictors identified the following significant predictors of aspiration: history of aspiration, depth of endotracheal intubation, impaired consciousness, sedation use, nutritional risk, mechanical ventilation and gastric residual volume (GRV). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.771–0.992. Internal validation was performed in 12 studies, while both internal and external validation were conducted in 5 studies. All studies demonstrated a high risk of bias, primarily attributed to retrospective design, geographic bias (all from different parts of China), inadequate data analysis, insufficient validation strategies and lack of transparency in the research process.

Conclusion

Current risk prediction models for enteral nutrition-associated aspiration show moderate to high discriminative accuracy but suffer from critical methodological limitations, including retrospective design, geographic bias (all models derived from Chinese cohorts, limiting global generalisability) and inconsistent outcome definitions.

Implications for Clinical Practice

Recognising the high bias of existing models, prospective multicentre data and standardised diagnostics are needed to develop more accurate and clinically applicable predictive models for enteral nutrition malabsorption.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO: CRD420251016435

Causal mapping of psychological and occupational risk factors for suicidal ideation in psychiatric nurses using Bayesian networks: A multicenter cross-sectional study

by Min Wang, Yushun Yan, Wanqiu Yang, Ruini He, Lingdan Zhao, Yikai Dou, Yuanmei Tao, Xiao Yang, Qingqing Xiang, Xiaohong Ma

Psychiatric nurses represent a high-stress occupational group that experiences elevated levels of suicidal ideation (SI), emphasizing the need for focused mental health interventions. The main purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of SI among psychiatric nurses and to identify the psychological and occupational factors associated with SI. A total of 1,835 psychiatric nurses completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), SI, quality of work-related life (QWL), and burnout. Multivariate logistic regression and phenotypic network analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with SI and the potential pathways linking depressive symptoms, burnout, and QWL to SI. The results indicated that 11.33% of the participants had SI in the past two weeks. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, stress at work, general well-being, and the home-work interface were significant predictors of SI. Network analysis further revealed that psychomotor changes, guilt, sad mood, low energy, and appetite changes were the symptoms most directly associated with SI. In addition, sad mood, general well-being, and work-home interface were linked to job and career satisfaction, whereas sad mood and low energy were associated with emotional exhaustion and SI. These findings contribute valuable large-scale evidence on the mental health challenges faced by psychiatric nurses and highlight the importance of addressing mood disturbances, energy loss, and work-related stress in SI prevention efforts for this vulnerable group.

Development and validation of a depression risk prediction model for middle-aged and elderly adults with sensory impairment: Evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

by Mengzhen Qin, Mengyuan Qiao, Yuying Dong, Haiyan Wang

Objective

Compared with those without such impairment, middle-aged and older adults with sensory impairment (SI) demonstrate a greater prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms, significantly affecting their mental health. We aimed to develop and validate a depression risk prediction model for middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI.

Methods

Data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were randomly partitioned into training and validation sets at a 7:3 ratio. Within the training set, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and binary logistic regression were used to identify predictor variables, and a risk prediction column‒line graph was subsequently developed, with depression status among middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI as the dependent variable. Predictive performance of the training and validation sets was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis.

Results

In total, 5308 middle-aged and older adults with SI were included, with 50.1% (n = 2657) developing depression. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis identified several depression predictors, including sex, education level, place of residence, marital status, self-rated health, life satisfaction, pension insurance status, nighttime sleep duration, functional impairment status, and pain (all P CI = 0.783–0.811) and 0.778 (95% CI = 0.755–0.800), respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow values were P = 0.176 and P = 0.606 (P > 0.05), and the calibration curves revealed significant agreement between the model and actual observations. ROC and DCA curves indicated good predictive performance for the column‒line graph.

Conclusion

This study presents a reliable, validated, and acceptable predictive model for depression risk in middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI, and the identified predictors have potential applications in public health policy and clinical practice.

Combined application of BNLF2b antibody with VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening in the Guangxi region

by Ruilan Lin, Ru Qin, Yunlong Zhang, Yao Guan, Boheng Wu, Shangyang Li, Shenhong Qu, Yulin Yuan

Background

This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BNLF2b antibody(P85-Ab), alone or in combination with VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA antibodies, in the context of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

The study included 100 NPC patients and 100 healthy controls. Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was utilized to measure P85-Ab levels in the serum samples of both NPC patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the ELISA method was employed to detect serum levels of VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA antibodies. The study analyzed the roles of serum P85-Ab in conjunction with VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA antibodies in the diagnosis of NPC.

Results

Serum levels of P85-Ab, VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA antibodies in NPC patients were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P  Conclusion

The combined detection of P85-Ab with VCA-IgA, Rta-IgG, and Zta-IgA antibodies demonstrates high diagnostic value for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Serum P85-Ab may serve as a potential marker for the diagnosis of NPC.

Effectiveness of E‐Health Interventions on Improving Physical Activity in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of e-health interventions in improving physical activity and associated health outcomes during pregnancy, (2) compare the e-health functions employed across interventions and (3) systematically identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used and examine their interrelationships.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials were included. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. Social network analysis was conducted to determine the most central BCTs within the intervention landscape.

Data Sources

Ten databases were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and the China Science and Technology Journal Database, from inception to April 22, 2024.

Results

Thirty-five studies were included. Pooled analyses indicated that e-health interventions significantly improved both total (SMD: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.27; I 2 = 55%) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.26; I 2 = 53%) in pregnant women. Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions based on theoretical frameworks and those not specifically targeting overweight or obese women demonstrated greater effectiveness. Additionally, e-health interventions were associated with significant reductions in both total and weekly gestational weight gain. Six of the twelve e-health functions were utilised, with ‘client education and behaviour change communication’ being the most prevalent. Thirty unique BCTs were identified; among them, ‘instruction on how to perform the behaviour’, ‘self-monitoring’, ‘problem solving’, and ‘goal setting’ showed the highest degree of interconnectedness.

Conclusion

E-health interventions are effective in enhancing physical activity and reducing gestational weight gain during pregnancy. Incorporating theoretical frameworks and well-integrated BCTs is recommended to optimise intervention outcomes.

Relevant to the Clinical Practice

Integrating e-health interventions into existing perinatal care models holds promise for enhancing physical activity among pregnant women and improving maternal health outcomes.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the PRISMA checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Trial Registration

The study protocol was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024518740)

S2DB-mmWave YOLOv8n: Multi-object detection for millimeter-wave radar using YOLOv8n with optimized multi-scale features

by Mengqi Yuan, Yajing Yuan, Xiangqun Zhang, Zhenghao Zhu, Chenxi Zhao, Xiangqian Gao, Genyuan Du

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar has become an important research direction in the field of object detection because of its characteristics of all-time, low cost, strong privacy and not affected by harsh weather conditions. Therefore, the research on millimeter wave radar object detection is of great practical significance for applications in the field of intelligent security and transportation. However, in the multi-target detection scene, millimeter wave radar still faces some problems, such as unable to effectively distinguish multiple objects and poor performance of detection algorithm. Focusing on the above problems, a new target detection and classification framework of S2DB-mmWave YOLOv8n, based on deep learning, is proposed to realize more accuracy. There are three main improvements. First, a novel backbone network was designed by incorporating new convolutional layers and the Simplified Spatial Pyramid Pooling - Fast (SimSPPF) module to strengthen feature extraction. Second, a dynamic up-sampling technique was introduced to improve the model’s ability to recover fine details. Finally, a bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) was integrated to optimize feature fusion, leveraging a bidirectional information transfer mechanism and an adaptive feature selection strategy. A publicly available 5-class object mmWave radar heatmap dataset, including 2,500 annotated images, were selected for data modeling and method evaluation. The results show that the mean average precision (mAP), precision and recall of the S2DB-mmWave YOLOv8n model were 93.1% mAP@0.5, 55.8% mAP@0.5:0.95, 89.4% and 90.6%, respectively, which is 3.3, 1.6, 4.5 and 7.7 percentage points higher than the baseline YOLOv8n network without increasing the parameter count.

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

Effectiveness of an AI-enhanced management system for coronary heart disease (AIM-CHD): rationale and design of a single-centre, open-label, randomised, parallel-controlled trial

Por: Ba · Z. · Zhao · S. · Liu · M. · Chen · G. · Lian · X. · Yu · F. · Su · Y. · Wang · Z. · Yang · L. · Wang · X. · Zhang · X. · Yuan · J. · Gao · X. · Zhao · W. · Wu · Y.
Introduction

Effective secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) is often hindered by limited healthcare resources and poor patient adherence. We therefore developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced CHD management platform (AIM-CHD) that (i) automatically captures follow-up data through AI-driven voice calls, optical character recognition of laboratory reports and wearable sensor streams; (ii) enables closed-loop, automated risk factor management; and (iii) dynamically personalises follow-up intensity via continuously updated risk stratification and achievement of treatment targets. This trial aims to evaluate whether AIM-CHD improves risk factor control and reduces cardiovascular events compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective, single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial, 1100 CHD patients aged 18–85 years will be enrolled at Fuwai Hospital and randomised 1:1 to either the AIM-CHD group (n=550) or the usual care group (n=550) for a 3 month post-discharge intervention. The primary outcome is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include target achievement for LDL-C and blood pressure, as well as glycosylated haemoglobin level, nonsmoking status, body mass index, composite cardiovascular endpoint and medication adherence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fuwai Hospital on 4 November 2024 (2024-2422). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications. An anonymised template of the written informed-consent form (Chinese and English versions) is available as Supplementary Material 1.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrial, NCT06686056.

Neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and Ivonescimab for Chinese luminal-type breast cancer patients: study protocol for a single-arm, open-label, phase II trial

Por: Zhang · C. · Bi · J. · Huang · Y. · Ke · Z. · Yuan · Z. · Ruan · H. · Pi · G. · Li · Y. · Shao · J. · Han · G.
Introduction

Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has shown potential in improving the pathological complete response (pCR) rate in luminal-type breast cancer. This study explores whether the addition of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and the bispecific antibody AK112 (Ivonescimab) further enhances treatment efficacy.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, prospective, phase II trial using Simon’s two-stage design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant SBRT combined with Ivonescimab and chemotherapy. A total of 50 patients will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is pCR. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate, disease control rate, Residual Cancer Burden Index, 12-month event-free survival, safety and quality of life. Exploratory endpoints include six-point minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment. Data will be analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method and one-sided exact binomial test (alpha=0.05).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of Hubei Cancer Hospital (Approval No.: LCKY2024011). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT06402435.

Proximal core strengthening training for anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention with biomechanical improvements in knee/hip kinematics and strength gains: a systematic review and meta-analysis of low-certainty evidence

Por: Xiao · J. · Feng · C. · Chu · J. · Zhao · W. · Zhang · B. · Yuan · X.
Objectives

This study evaluated the effects of proximal core training on biomechanical risk factors and strength parameters in individuals at high risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (specifically: those exhibiting pathological movement patterns, neuromuscular deficits or biomechanical risk factors) and compared direct versus indirect interventions. We hypothesised that targeted training enhances dynamic knee stabilisation and hip control during high-risk manoeuvres, with direct approaches providing superior biomechanical benefits through neuromuscular control optimisation.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Data sources

We searched (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Academic Search Premier (ASP)+Business Source Premier (BSP)) for relevant literature published between its inception and the date of retrieval (22 April 2024).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

This study included studies comparing the effects of proximal core intensification training and lower extremity training, evaluated their influences on biomechanical risk factors and strength parameters in three types of high-risk ACL populations, and compared the direct and indirect intervention effects. The three types of people include: (1) athletes with pathological exercise patterns, (2) those with neuromuscular defects after ACL injury/reconstruction and (3) those without injury but with biomechanical risk factors.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Findings were summarised in GRADE evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.

Results

24 studies with a total of 749 participants were included. Meta-analyses demonstrated that proximal core strengthening training may increase lower extremity muscle strength (quadriceps peak torque: standardised mean differences (SMD)=0.65, 95% CI (0.29 to 1.01), I²=0%; hamstring peak torque: SMD=0.53, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.92), I²=0%; both p

Conclusions

Proximal core training has the potential to improve core endurance, knee kinematics and lower limb strength in individuals at high risk of ACL injury, but evidence remains limited to late postoperative and exercise studies. Standardised protocols and harm rate validation are needed to confirm the preventive effectiveness of multidimensional protocols.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024532199.

Design of aSpiration based thrombectomy in acUte large vessel oCclusive sTroke with dIfferent etiOlogies: a real-world multiceNtre (SUCTION) study

Por: Yan · P. · Li · M. · Yang · L. · Song · C. · Liu · S. · Chen · X. · Chen · S. · Yuan · H. · Li · K. · Guo · Q. · Liu · H. · Lu · Y. · Wang · F. · Mu · L. · Li · Z. · Han · J. · Sun · Y. · Qin · H. · Jiao · L. · Sun · Q. · SUCTION study Investigators
Introduction

Intracranial atherosclerosis is the main cause of stroke globally, with acute large vessel occlusive (LVO) stroke being a predominant contributor to stroke-related mortality. In recent years, aspiration thrombectomy (AT) has emerged as a novel therapeutic method for treating acute LVO stroke. The purpose of this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of AT alone or combined with stent retriever thrombectomy (SRT) in the treatment of acute LVO stroke

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre and observational real-world study involving patients diagnosed with acute LVO stroke. Participants will be treated with AT alone or combined with SRT. According to the actual annual number of embolectomy in the sub-centre and the research years, the sample size of this study is estimated to be 400 patients, of which 300 patients of anterior circulation lesions and 100 patients of posterior circulation lesions are planned to be recruited, being considered that the incidence of posterior circulation is about 20–25%. Clinical data, including baseline characteristics, intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes and follow-up results, will be systematically collected using an Electronic Data Capture system over a follow-up period of 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint is the rate of excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score range 0–3) after 90 days, and the successful recanalisation confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. The primary safety outcome is symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 48 hours (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score increase ≥4). This study will provide us with powerful guidance for the treatment of acute LVO stroke with different aetiologies.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee on Human Experimentation at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (approval number: SWYX:2022–1025). All the participating sites have received the ethics approval. The outcomes will be disseminated through national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200065172.

“Sandwiched Individuals” Exploring the Push and Pull Factors Influencing Retention Among Mid‐Career Nurses: An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To systematically analyse international empirical literature and establish a comprehensive understanding of the push and pull factors influencing retention and turnover among mid-career nurses.

Design

An integrative review.

Data Sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCO) were searched for studies published between January 2001 and November 2024.

Methods

An integrative literature review was conducted following the five-step process outlined by Whittemore and Knafl. Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full text based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were extracted and synthesised narratively, and the findings were presented according to the socio-ecological framework.

Results

A total of 1930 studies were identified, with 14 included for analysis: 10 qualitative, 3 quantitative, and 1 mixed-methods study. Guided by the socio-ecological framework, four themes and 10 subthemes emerged: (1) Intrapersonal (professional knowledge/skills, health issues, work-family balance); (2) Interpersonal (professional collaborative relationships, supervisor support); (3) Organisational (organisational characteristics, work characteristics, career development); and (4) Societal (salary/benefits, Social/governmental recognition).

Conclusion

This review reveals the heterogeneity of research on this topic and confirms previous findings. It identifies certain push-and-pull factors common to nurses across all stages of their careers. However, mid-career nurses face unique challenges, including more complex healthcare demands, declining health status, growing family caregiving responsibilities, unclear organisational roles, underutilisation of professional skills, career stagnation, and limitations on salary growth. These findings highlight the need for tailored retention strategies for mid-career nurses.

Implications for the Profession

A “one-size-fits-all” retention strategy does not meet the needs of all nurses. To improve nurse retention rates, it is essential to address the shifting demands and priorities that arise as nurses reassess and transition through different career stages. For mid-career nurses, acknowledging and valuing their expertise and capabilities, providing sufficient resources, and fostering a supportive work environment that promotes career development may be effective strategies for retaining these experienced professionals.

Reporting Method

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Refining Fall Risk Assessment Scale for Nursing Homes Among Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Mokken Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aim

To refine fall risk assessment scale among older adults with cognitive impairment in nursing homes.

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Mokken analysis was conducted to refine the assessment scale based on unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, dimensionality, and reliability. Data were gathered from cognitively impaired older adults in a nursing home from January to February 2023. Trained nursing assistants conducted face-to-face assessments and reviewed medical records to administer the scale.

Results

Emotion and State Dimension did not meet unidimensionality criteria (H = 0.14), particularly item Q9, which also violated local independence. Monotonicity analysis showed all items exhibited monotonic increases. After refinement at c = 0.3, the scale consists of nine items. With increasing c-values, the first seven items were ultimately retained to form the final version of the scale. Both optimised scales (9-item and 7-item) satisfied reliability requirements, with all coefficients (Cronbach's α, Guttman's lambda-2, Molenaar-Sijtsma, Latent Class Reliability Coefficient) ≥ 0.74.

Conclusions

The scale is suitable for assessing fall risk among older adults with cognitive impairment, with a unidimensional scale of the first seven items recommended for practical use. Future efforts should refine the scale by exploring additional risk factors, especially emotion-related ones.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The refined 7-item scale provides nursing home staff with a practical, reliable tool for assessing fall risk in cognitively impaired older adults, enabling targeted prevention strategies to enhance safety and reduce injuries.

Impact

The refined 7-item scale provides nursing home staff with a reliable, practical, and scientifically validated tool specifically designed for assessing fall risk in older adults with cognitive impairment. Its simplicity enables efficient integration into routine clinical workflows, empowering caregivers to proactively identify risk factors and implement timely, targeted interventions. This approach directly enhances resident safety by translating assessment results into actionable prevention strategies within daily care practices.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Interventions for Improving Coping Strategies in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Background

Physiological, psychological, and social changes may make older adults more vulnerable to stressors and lead to adverse health outcomes. It remains unclear whether interventions targeting coping strategies in older adults are effective.

Aims

This study aimed to systematically review and summarize existing interventions aimed at improving coping strategies in older adults and analyze intervention effectiveness.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and WanFang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction.

Results

A total of 9 studies were included, comprising 7 RCTs and 2 quasi-experimental studies. Meta-analysis revealed that the interventions significantly enhanced the use of problem-focused coping strategies among older adults (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.12 ~ 0.63, p = 0.005, I 2 = 39%). However, there was no significant effect on emotion-focused coping strategies (SMD = −0.07, 95% CI [−0.62, 0.48], p = 0.80, I 2 = 76%). Moreover, no significant statistical differences were observed between the intervention group and the control group in terms of positive (SMD = 1.49, 95% CI [−0.23, 3.21], p = 0.09, I 2 = 98%) or negative coping strategies (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI [−1.79, 0.28], p = 0.15, I 2 = 96%).

Linking Evidence to Action

Interventions targeting coping strategies can significantly improve the problem-focused coping strategies of older adults. It is crucial to help older adults accurately recognize daily stressors, acquire emotional regulation strategies, and enhance coping skills. More large-scale RCTs are needed to draw more robust conclusions.

Creating Colostomies for Sacral Pressure Ulcers: A Single‐Centre Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

Faecal contamination of sacral pressure ulcers occurs frequently, so, theoretically, faecal diversion using colostomies is a useful procedure. We retrospectively analysed the data of adult patients for whom colostomies were created to enhance wound healing and compared patients with sacral pressure ulcers who received colostomies and those who did not during the same period. Patients' characteristics analysed included age, gender, comorbidities, WBC count, serum CRP level and microbial profile (before creating colostomy). Additionally, we examined whether the wound was closed, the recurrence rate after wound closure, and mortality outcomes. Regression analysis indicated that colostomy creation was associated with fewer species of gut microbiota cultured and lower rates of wound dehiscence after closure; no association was found between colostomy and mortality. Colostomies help promote wound healing of sacral pressure ulcers after closure by eradicating wound infection, and do not increase patients' mortality rates.

Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Post‐Stroke Delirium Risk Prediction Models

ABSTRACT

Aim

To systematically review published studies on the post stroke delirium risk prediction models; and to provide the evidence for developing and updating the clinically available prediction models.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

Systematically searched studies on 10 databases, which were conducted from inception to 9 January 2025. The studies of post-stroke delirium risk prediction models were included.

Methods

Extracted the data from the selected studies. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias of the models. The meta-analysis of model performance and common predictors was performed by Revman 5.4 and Medcalc.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included, and 21 risk prediction models for post-stroke delirium were constructed. The combined effect size of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84. All studies were found to have a high risk of bias and good applicability. Meta-analysis showed: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, neglect, visual impairment and atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of post-stroke delirium.

Conclusion

The included studies all found to have a high risk of bias; future studies should focus on adopting more scientifically rigorous study designs and following the standardised reporting guidelines to enhance extrapolation and facilitate its clinical application.

Implications for the Profession

This review may promote clinical healthcare workers to develop and update clinically available prediction models, thereby establishing risk prediction models with strong clinical utility.

Impact

This study presents the first systematic evaluation of delirium risk prediction models in stroke patients, thereby facilitating the choice, use and develop of the clinical usable post stroke delirium risk prediction models.

Reporting Method

This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Review Registration

RD42024620360 (PROSPERO According to JAN Guidelines).

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