Conectar
To assess career satisfaction among Chinese nurses, explore influencing factors, and examine the mediating role of role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) in the relationship between subjective age and career satisfaction.
A multi-centre, cross-sectional study.
Between June and October 2024, 2033 questionnaires were distributed to nurses across seven geographic regions in China, collecting data on demographics, subjective age, RBSE, and career satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear stepwise regression, and path analysis were used to identify determinants of career satisfaction and test the mediating effect of RBSE.
The effective response rate was 97%. Chinese nurses reported moderate-to-high career satisfaction, younger subjective age relative to chronological age, and moderate RBSE levels. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified education level, work institution, salary, weekly working hours, subjective age, and RBSE as significant predictors of career satisfaction. Path analysis revealed a significant negative association between subjective age and career satisfaction (β = −0.23, p < 0.001), which was partially mediated by RBSE (indirect effect = −0.11, 95% CI: −0.18 to −0.05).
The career satisfaction of Chinese nurses is at a moderately high level; the influencing factors include the intensity of nursing work and salary levels. There is a certain difference between the subjective age and the chronological age of Chinese nurses. RBSE partly mediates the relationship between subjective age and career satisfaction.
Valuing the breadth of nurses' roles, self-efficacy, and subjective age may help improve job satisfaction.
What problem did the study address?: This study elucidates the present level of career satisfaction among nurses in China and the variables affecting it. What were the main findings?: The subjective age of Chinese nurses influences career satisfaction, with RBSE partly mediating the connection between subjective age and career satisfaction. Where and on whom will the research have an impact?: This study presents novel variables of subjective age and RBSE in the investigation of factors influencing career satisfaction among Chinese nurses, offering new avenues for enhancing career satisfaction in this demographic in the future.
We adhered to STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
Patients’ sense of gain experience (PSGE) is the comprehensive feeling throughout the treatment process, which is a critical benchmark for evaluating comprehensive medical and health system reform in China. This study aims to assess the current status of PSGE in public hospitals and identify important associated factors, providing evidence-based recommendations for improving healthcare services.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted from October to November 2023.
A total of 14 public hospitals in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
There were 3223 responses, including 1592 from outpatients and 1631 from inpatients.
PSGE was assessed across five domains: time accessibility, service accessibility, cost affordability, patient participation and efficacy predictability. Participants were also asked to provide an overall rating of the PSGE.
The overall score for PSGE was 4.47±0.53 (mean±SD), with service accessibility receiving the highest score (4.68±0.50) and affordability the lowest (4.17±0.86). Secondary hospitals scored an overall PSGE of 4.55±0.50, while tertiary hospitals scored 4.42±0.54. Key factors associated with PSGE were overall satisfaction (β=0.164, p
This study found that patients reported a positive PSGE with service accessibility but reported a less positive PSGE with cost affordability. A tier-based disparity was evident, with secondary hospitals outperforming tertiary hospitals in overall PSGE outcome. Stronger PSGE was positively associated with higher scores in overall satisfaction, treatment satisfaction, satisfaction with medical reforms, patient loyalty and hospital reputation. Demographic and institutional factors, such as hospital level, patient type and household registration, were associated with the PSGE. Efforts can be focused on enhancing clinicians’ willingness and competence in discussing treatment costs during clinical encounters. It is essential for policymakers to address disparities in healthcare experiences among patient groups across hospital tiers to advance equitable, patient-centred systems.
Until now, there has still been a lack of sufficient evidence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in China. This study aims to comprehensively assess EQ-5D outcomes and influencing factors in Chinese patients with SLE.
A multicentre, cross-sectional study based on the Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group registry.
101 hospitals across 27 provinces of China.
1336 patients with SLE.
The information on EQ-5D was collected via an online questionnaire. Medical records were obtained from the Chinese Rheumatology Data Centre (CRDC). Clinical influencing factors related to the reported health problems were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Then, each health state was converted into a health utility score based on the Chinese 2014 tariff. Given the ceiling effects, Tobit regression models were used to analyse the factors influencing health utility scores.
A total of 1336 patients with SLE were included. Of them, 626 patients (46.9%) reported health problems using EQ-5D. The proportions of patients reporting problems in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were 12.80%, 5.24%, 14.90%, 27.47% and 30.46%, respectively. The mean utility score was 0.89 (SD: 0.15), and the mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS
EQ-5D may be a useful, preference-based PRO measure for SLE and could potentially be integrated into routine clinical monitoring of patients with SLE and applied in economic evaluations in the future.
by Ping Guo, Yuwen Liu, Xiaomi Huang, Yanfang Zeng, Zhonglan Cai, Guang Tu
BackgroundAcute pulmonary edema is a severe clinical condition with high mortality. The anion gap, reflecting metabolic acid-base disturbances, is often elevated in critically ill patients. However, its relationship with outcomes in acute pulmonary edema remains unclear.
ObjectiveTo explore the association between admission anion gap levels and 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with acute pulmonary edema.
MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized data from the MIMIC-IV database (2008–2019) and included adult patients with acute pulmonary edema. Patients were categorized into quartiles based on anion gap levels. Cox regression models analyzed the relationship between anion gap and mortality, with restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and subgroup analyses.
ResultsA total of 1094 patients were included. Univariate Cox regression showed a positive correlation between anion gap levels and 28-day mortality (HR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.09–1.17, P P P Conclusion
Admission anion gap levels predict 28-day all-cause mortality in acute pulmonary edema patients, particularly in younger patients and those without renal disease. Clinically, anion gap monitoring should be emphasized, and individualized prognostic and treatment strategies should be developed with factors like age and renal status to improve outcomes.
Escape room (ER) methodology is recognised as an innovative pedagogical tool in nursing education, fostering an interactive environment that transforms students from passive observers into active participants. Current research on ER in educational contexts primarily emphasises their effectiveness and learner experiences, while neglecting the specific facilitators and barriers relevant to nursing education. This gap leads to a lack of essential frameworks for course design. Understanding these barriers and facilitators is crucial for the effective application of ERs in educational settings. Consequently, this review aims to identify factors associated with the implementation of ER in nursing education, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as a guiding framework.
The search will encompass six English databases and three Chinese databases from their inception to 1 October 2025: CINAHL, Embase, Education Resources Information Center, Scopus, Web of Science and MEDLINE, Wang Fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Studies with qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods designs will be included. Publications in English or Chinese will be considered from database inception. Two independent researchers will conduct screening and data extraction according to predefined criteria. A convergent integrated approach, including the transformation of quantitative results, will be employed, followed by thematic synthesis to analyse the findings. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussions with a third reviewer.
The ethical approval for this review is unnecessary due to the utilisation of secondary data. The outcomes are scheduled for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, with the aim of elucidating the facilitators and barriers linked to the integration of ER in nursing education.
CRD42024605953.
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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Integrating e-health interventions into existing perinatal care models holds promise for enhancing physical activity among pregnant women and improving maternal health outcomes.
This study adhered to the PRISMA checklist.
No patient or public involvement.
The study protocol was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024518740)
Chronic endometritis (CE) is regarded as a potential factor contributing to infertility and embryo implantation failure. The cause of CE remains unclear at present, but it might be associated with intrauterine microbial infections. Empirical antibiotic treatment typically consists of a 2-week course of oral levofloxacin combined with oral metronidazole. Currently, there is no research comparing the efficacy of oral levofloxacin versus vaginal metronidazole suppositories in improving pregnancy outcomes for these patients. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining oral levofloxacin with metronidazole suppositories in the treatment of CE. The goal is to enhance clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates among patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), while concurrently mitigating the incidence of miscarriages.
The trial concerning the combination of levofloxacin and metronidazole suppositories for the treatment of CE is a single-centre, randomised controlled clinical trial. We plan to recruit female patients with CE who are planning to undergo IVF. Following informed consent, eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either daily oral levofloxacin combined with oral metronidazole or oral levofloxacin combined with a metronidazole suppository for 2 weeks until the human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day. All IVF procedures will be carried out routinely at this centre. The primary outcome is the live birth rate after embryo transfer, while the secondary pregnancy outcomes include clinical pregnancy rates and miscarriage rates.
This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital on 28 June 2024 (Reference No. IRB00006761-M2023857). Written informed consent will be acquired from all participants prior to randomisation. The study findings will be submitted to scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
To identify risk factors and develop a predictive model for postdischarge all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Retrospective cohort study.
Tertiary care, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Hunan, China.
9419 patients with HFpEF, diagnosed between May 2014 and January 2023 according to 2021 European Society of Cardiology criteria (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) ≥125 pg/mL, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV). Exclusions were age
All-cause mortality within 3 years of hospital discharge.
10 independent predictors were identified: NT-proBNP, albumin, age, NYHA class III-IV, C reactive protein, right atrial end-systolic diameter, haemoglobin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyponatraemia and prior percutaneous coronary intervention. The prediction model demonstrated good discrimination, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.756 (95% CI 0.743 to 0.769) in the training cohort and 0.764 in the validation cohort. Based on calculated risk scores, patients were classified into low-risk (≤200.36), medium-risk (200.37–232.24) and high-risk (≥232.25) groups, corresponding to 3-year mortality rates of 12.6%, 40.8% and 68.0%, respectively.
A simple clinical model using routinely available parameters enables effective 3-year mortality risk stratification in HFpEF patients after discharge. External validation is needed to confirm its generalisability.
Stroke causes neurological deficits and respiratory dysfunction, with prolonged bed rest exacerbating secondary pulmonary injury. This study evaluated the efficacy of pressure biofeedback training combined with Liuzijue Qigong (LQG) in improving functional outcomes and respiratory function in patients with tracheostomised stroke.
This will be a parallel, single-centre randomised controlled trial involving 66 patients. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to receive pressure biofeedback therapy combined with LQG training or simple pressure biofeedback training only. The primary outcomes will be the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool score and the findings of diaphragm ultrasound imaging. The secondary outcomes will include the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, pulmonary function test score, maximum phonation time, SpO2 and arterial blood gas results. Outcome analyses will be conducted on both intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. A preliminary analysis will test whether pressure biofeedback therapy combined with LQG training leads to statistically better outcomes. This trial will provide evidence of the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback training combined with LQG training on respiratory function in patients with stroke after tracheal occlusion.
This study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Centre (reference number: Yangzhi2024-137). All study participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and presented at scientific conferences.
ChiCTR2500097509.
This study aimed to examine the reproductive concerns and their influencing factors among adolescents and young adults with acute leukaemia and to explore the relationship between reproductive concerns and patients’ quality of life.
A cross-sectional study.
The haematology departments of four tertiary-level hospitals in Hunan province, China.
Convenience sampling method was used to recruit 233 adolescents and young adults with acute leukaemia, from June 2024 to December 2024.
The primary outcome was assessed using the Chinese version of the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer and the secondary outcome was measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey.
Adolescents and young adults with acute leukaemia had a mean reproductive concerns score of 55.57±7.57, a quality of life physical component summary (PCS) score of 38.54±8.58 and a mental component summary (MCS) score of 39.84±8.78. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in reproductive concerns based on fertility status, place of residence, education level, fertility counselling and family history of acute leukaemia (p
Adolescents and young adults with acute leukaemia exhibited moderately high levels of reproductive concerns, particularly those who had no children, had a low education level, resided in rural areas, had a family history of acute leukaemia or had received fertility counselling. Therefore, we suggest that healthcare providers prioritise addressing reproductive concerns in high-risk patients by offering tailored, high-quality and continuous fertility counselling and psychological support. Strengthening these strategies can help alleviate reproductive concerns and improve both mental health and overall quality of life in this population.
This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of empathy for pain among nurses in Chinese hospitals through latent profile analysis, identify latent subgroups and their demographic characteristics and examine the relationship between different subgroups and coping styles.
A multicentre cross-sectional study.
The study was conducted in 43 hospitals across Guangdong Province, China, comprising 36 general medical hospitals and 7 specialty hospitals.
This study recruited 1656 registered nurses with over 1 year of clinical experience from 43 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China, using a convenience sampling method between June and September 2023. A total of 1601 valid questionnaires were returned, with a response rate of 96.68%.
Data were collected through online questionnaires using the General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese Version of the Empathy for Pain Scale and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was applied to assess the characteristics of nurses’ empathy for pain, while logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing the different empathy for pain profiles.
The mean empathy for pain score among the 1601 clinical nurses was 2.92±0.79. Nurses’ empathy for pain was categorised into three latent profiles: low empathy sensitivity (33.9%), balanced response (48%) and empathy contradiction (18.1%). Univariate analysis demonstrated significant variations in the distribution of nurses across different profiles concerning age, marital status, childbearing status, perceived pain tolerance, job satisfaction, participation in pain-related knowledge training, designation as a pain resource nurse and coping styles scores. Logistic regression analysis identified perceived pain tolerance, job satisfaction and coping styles as significant determinants of nurses’ latent empathy for pain profiles (p
Nurses’ empathy for pain characteristics exhibits heterogeneity and can be categorised into three latent profiles. Nursing managers should implement targeted interventions tailored to each profile, focusing on the key determinants such as perceived pain tolerance, job satisfaction and coping styles. These interventions can enhance nurses’ empathy for pain, promote the adoption of positive coping styles and ultimately improve clinical pain management and overall nursing care quality.
The visceral traction response (VTR) occurring during caesarean sections with neuraxial anaesthesia represents a common and significant complication that can greatly affect perioperative results and maternal contentment. Traditional methods for managing VTR frequently face limitations due to differences among individuals, highlighting the necessity for tailored approaches that incorporate personalised risk evaluations, cutting-edge monitoring techniques and enhanced treatment options. Despite the substantial potential of this emerging idea to tackle such an important clinical issue, there is a notable absence of a comprehensive review of the current evidence available.
This protocol for a scoping review outlines a methodical strategy to chart the existing research landscape related to precision management of VTR in the context of caesarean delivery performed under neuraxial anaesthesia. By developing a conceptual framework, assessing the combined benefits of cutting-edge technologies and summarising tailored intervention techniques, this review aims to pinpoint key attributes, critical areas and new research directions, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of clinical practices and the formulation of rigorous future studies.
This research will thoroughly follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The eligibility criteria will be outlined using the population, concept, context framework. A comprehensive search across various international and Chinese databases (such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP) will be performed for literature published until March 2025, with a final update conducted before submission. Two reviewers will independently assess the literature and extract data. The data will be synthesised in a narrative format, supplemented by tabular and graphical representations, including conceptual framework diagrams and technology application matrices.
As this is a secondary analysis of published literature, ethics approval is not required. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences, establishing an evidence foundation for clinical pathways and guiding future research initiatives. The protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VS94Y).
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.
Although multicomponent exercise is a popular nonpharmacological treatment, its effects on cognition vary across studies because of the diversities in exercise combinations. Identifying the most effective combination is of great importance to the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment.
To compare and rank the efficacy of various multicomponent exercise interventions on cognition in people with cognitive impairment.
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus and PsycInfo databases up to April 2025 for eligible randomised controlled trials about multicomponent exercise interventions in people with cognitive impairment. Primary outcome was global cognition, with secondary outcomes being executive function and memory. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models.
Twenty-five trials involving 2298 participants were included. Pairwise meta-analyses showed multicomponent exercise interventions were effective on global cognition (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30, 0.89; p < 0.001) and executive function (SMD = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.45; p < 0.001). Network meta-analyses revealed that aerobic exercise (AE) + balance & flexibility (BF) training had the highest probability (70.8%) of being the optimal exercise combination for global cognition (SMD = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.23, 1.90; p = 0.016), and AE + resistance exercise (RE) had the highest probability (43.1%) of being the optimal exercise combination for executive function (SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.10; p = 0.042). We did not observe significant effects of multicomponent exercise on memory.
AE + BF training is likely the most effective multicomponent exercise combination for global cognition, while AE + RE showed the optimal effect on executive function in people with cognitive impairment.
Our study contributes to guiding clinical professionals to design and conduct targeted multicomponent exercise interventions as per individual cognitive impairment characteristics to protect individual cognition.
No patient or public contribution applies to this work.
The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023489517).
Home-based exercise offers a cost-effective way to receive thorough rehabilitation without the requirement of costly supervised treatment.
To investigate the effects of home-based exercise on the balance ability in post-stroke patients.
A thorough search was carried out on various databases, such as Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, until October 2024. The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of home-based exercise interventions.
The meta-analysis indicated that home-based exercise significantly improved static balance ability (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]: MD = 3.45, 95% CI [1.43, 5.47], I 2 = 71%, p = 0.0008, random-effects model). Conversely, the analysis revealed that the home-based exercise group did not exhibit a statistically significant improvement in the Time up and Go Test (TUG) when compared to the control group (TUG: MD = −0.34, 95% CI [−4.30, 3.61], I 2 = 96%, p = 0.86, random effects model). The subgroup analysis revealed that home-based exercise significantly enhanced balance ability in patients with subacute stroke (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: Overall effect p = 0.02). However, no significant improvement was observed in patients with chronic stroke (BBS: p = 0.39). Regarding the duration of intervention, both short-term and long-term interventions were effective on the BBS (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively), although no significant difference was found for the TUG. Participants engaging in exercise for more than 90 min per week demonstrated greater improvements in balance ability (BBS: p < 0.0001; TUG: p = 0.02). When considering national economic levels, significant effects on the BBS were observed in both developed and developing countries (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), while significant effects on the TUG were noted only in developing countries (p = 0.04).
Home-based exercise interventions showed significant results in improving static balance in patients with subacute stroke, especially home-based exercise that lasted longer than 12 weeks and lasted at least 90 min per week. However, more methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these results. In addition, the optimal exercise program and type to optimize the balance ability of stroke patients also need further research.
by Yi Zhang, Linyun Wang, Shuang Guo, Qingjun Zeng, Haishan Cui, Yunbo Mo
BackgroundRemimazolam, an innovative benzodiazepine, exhibits potential for use in anesthesia and sedation for pediatric outpatient procedures, due to its rapid onset, predictable metabolism, and favorable safety profile. While adult studies are increasing, comprehensive evidence for pediatric use remains limited. This scoping review aims to systematically summarize and delineate the existing evidence concerning the application and features of remimazolam in anesthesia and sedation for outpatient pediatric surgical procedures.
ObjectiveTo systematically map existing evidence on remimazolam use in pediatric ambulatory surgery anesthesia and sedation, identifying key concepts, evidence sources, and knowledge gaps.
MethodsFollowing JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we will search multiple databases, as well as the recommendations provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension tailored for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. A comprehensive search will be performed using multiple databases, which include PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, along with Chinese databases like the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and VIP Information.. All published studies on remimazolam use in patients ≤18 years for ambulatory surgery will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data using a standardized form.
Persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) with inadequate responsiveness to conventional inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has caused significant vision loss and substantial treatment burdens. Brolucizumab is a new-generation anti-VEGF agent with better anatomical efficacy and prolonged duration of action. This single-centre, open-label, single-arm design clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab 6 mg in Chinese subjects with persistent DME.
A total of 52 adult subjects with persistent DME will be recruited from Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. All study eyes will receive three consecutive 6 mg brolucizumab injections at intervals of 6 weeks. Disease activity assessment (DAA) will be arranged at week 18, and if disease activity is detected, subjects will continue with dosing of brolucizumab every 6 weeks (at weeks 18 and 24). Otherwise, the dosing will be adjusted to every 12 weeks (at week 24). The primary endpoints will be the proportion of patients with central subfield thickness (CST)
This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (KY2024-319). This study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki and that are consistent with the ICH E6 guidelines for Good Clinical Practice and the applicable regulatory requirements. The study results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and presented at both local and international congresses.
Death preparedness is an important prerequisite for improving the quality of life and the quality of death in advanced cancer patients. However, research on the level of death preparedness in patients is insufficient, and there is little understanding of the current status and influencing factors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients.
This study aims to assess the current status of death preparedness and its influencing factors in advanced cancer patients.
Based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, a structured survey questionnaire was designed to collect data on personal factors (such as gender, age and residence area), interpersonal factors (such as social support, caregiver readiness and healthcare worker readiness) and social factors (such as care resources, policy support and information supply). Through multiple linear regression and BP neural network analysis, the study explores the impact and significance of these influencing factors on death preparedness in advanced cancer patients.
A total of 930 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. The death preparedness score in advanced cancer patients was 72.18 ± 22.82, indicating a moderate level, with the highest score being the ‘reflexive care’ dimension and the lowest score being the ‘hospice programme’ dimension. Multivariate analysis revealed that meaning in life and social support were the most significant predictors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients. In addition, personal factors such as dignity, household income and coping style, also played an important role. Interpersonal factors like social support, as well as social factors such as care resources and policy support, also had an impact on patients' death preparedness to some extent.
Death preparedness in advanced cancer patients is generally at a moderate level, and death preparedness is influenced by a combination of personal factors, interpersonal factors and social factors.
This study is based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to comprehensively explore the influencing factors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients. It provides theoretical support for improving life services for advanced cancer patients. It offers valuable practical experience and insights for societal attention and reform in end-of-life care.
No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper.
To explore the perspectives of community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia on exercise engagement and adherence.
Sarcopenia is prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and is associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Encouragingly, it is a treatable and potentially reversible condition through exercise interventions. However, studies on this population's views on exercise are scant, thus limiting the design and delivery of tailored, sustainable exercise interventions in primary care.
A descriptive qualitative study.
Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 27 community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia from four community care centres in China between October 2023 and February 2024. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Four main themes with their respective subthemes were identified from the data analysis and described as: (1) limited capability to identify and engage in appropriate exercise; (2) various motivations influenced by personal values, resilience and habits; (3) exercise behaviour shaped by environmental and social factors; (4) expectations for community-based exercise programmes.
Older adults with sarcopenia often misbelieve muscle issues to be normal ageing, leaving their condition undiagnosed and unmanaged. Limited information about appropriate exercises leads them to engage in simple, unstructured activities. Motivation levels and contextual factors influence their exercise engagement and adherence. Nurse-led tailored, evidence-based and group-based programmes, complemented by home-based exercise resources, are needed to address challenges and support long-term adherence.
This study provides new insights into the perspectives, challenges and expectations of exercise in this specific population. Findings inform nurse-led exercise programmes in primary care that meet the needs and preferences of this population.
This study follows the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies.
Participant interviews offered valuable perspectives on exercise engagement and adherence.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant factor contributing to infertility. For some infertile patients, chest radiography (CXR) screenings prior to assisted reproductive treatment (ART) reveal old/inactive TB lesions. However, the pregnancy outcomes after ART for such patients who had a history of prior anti-TB treatment remain unclear.
Retrospective cohort study.
Peking University Third Hospital, a tertiary care centre.
This study analysed and focused on infertile patients aged 20–50 years with prior TB lesions on CXR (treated/untreated) and normal CXR. Active TB cases were excluded from this study. Patients were categorised into three groups based on CXR findings and prior anti-TB treatment: treated prior-pulmonary TB (PTB) group, untreated prior-PTB group and a non-PTB control group with normal CXR.
ART outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate, were compared among the groups.
Among 8769 patients analysed, including treated prior-PTB group (n=171), untreated prior-PTB group (n=791) and non-PTB group (n=7807). The treated prior-PTB group showed a similar clinical pregnancy rate (41.5% vs 38.1%, p=0.360) and live birth rate (35.3% vs 30.6%, p=0.187) compared with the non-PTB group. The miscarriage rate was slightly lower in the treated prior-PTB group than in the non-PTB group (11.3% vs 15.5%, p=0.325), although the discrepancy was not statistically significant. Compared with the untreated prior-PTB group, the treated prior-PTB group exhibited significantly higher live birth rate (35.3% vs 23.8%, p
Anti-TB treatment in infertile women with prior PTB lesions was associated with improved ART outcomes, comparable to those in patients without TB lesions. This suggests a potential clinical benefit of anti-TB treatment in improving reproductive outcomes in this population. Further research is warranted to explore ART outcomes in patients with untreated prior TB lesions.
FreshRSS 