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Landscape changes and livelihood outcomes in rural tea farming communities: A case study in Fuding City, Fujian Province, Southeast China

by Chengchao Wang, Xianqiang Song, Dongshen Luo, Xu Dan, Tingting Lin

Landscape changes driven by cash crop plantations have been prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Investigating the landscape changes and concluding livelihood outcomes are fundamental to figure out the solutions for rural sustainability. This paper examined the landscape changes which was caused by land use changes in tea plantations as well as investigated the resultant livelihood impacts, based on a case study in Fuding City, Southeast China. A questionnaire survey of 114 rural households in four sampled villages was conducted. Results demonstrated that expansion and intensification of tea plantations were two major proximate causes of landscape changes in recent decade. Our survey indicated that some existing intensively-managed tea plantations had derived from intensification and expansion of tea plantations, respectively. We identified four underlying driving forces of landscape changes, including economic benefit, governmental policies, wildlife destruction on grain crops, and rural return migration. Our study confirmed that landscape changes have significant positive effects on farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing employment and incomes, raising living standards, enhancing livelihood assets and livelihood sustainability. Especially, the aged rural populations could have a relatively decent living standard. Meanwhile, the excessive expansion of tea plantations may impair livelihood resilience. Lastly, three policy suggestions based on different time scales have been put forward to promote rural households’ livelihood sustainability and resilience.

Influence of environmental risk factors on the development of wounds associated with squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is on the rise, making it a significant global health concern. Environmental risk factors are crucial to the development of SCC. This study sought to examine comprehensively the impact of these factors on the onset of SCC. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 480 participants at Beijing tertiary care hospital. Utilizing structured questionnaires, data on demographics, environmental exposures, medical history and clinical characteristics were collected. The cohort was composed of 272 men (56.67%) and 208 women (43.33%). The majority (44.38%) were between ages of 41 and 60, and Type III skin predominated (34.79%). Most of the participants belonged to the middle socioeconomic class (60.83%). ‘Vegetarian’ dietary habits (46.67%) were prevalent, as was the ‘Sedentary’ lifestyle (49.79%). Regarding environmental exposures, moderate sun exposure of 3 to 5 h per day (54.58%) and UV protective eyewear (30.83%) were prevalent. The majority (69.58%) of respondents indicated ‘Never’ exposure to carcinogens. A variety of wound characteristics were observed, with ‘non-smokers’ (64.17%) dominating. Most SCC lesions were located on the extremities (40.21%), lasted less than 6 months (44.38%) and measured 1–3 cm (39.79%). The majority (54.58%) did not have a history of cutaneous injuries. Our research uncovered substantial relationships between SCC and numerous environmental variables, gender, Fitzpatrick skin type, occupation, duration of sun exposure, exposure to carcinogens, dietary practices, history of skin wounds, wound location, duration, size and depth were significantly associated with the onset of SCC. These results highlighted the complexity of SCC aetiology and need for individualized prevention and treatment strategies.

Prevalence and the association between clinical factors and Diabetes-Related Distress (DRD) with poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A Northern Thai cross-sectional study

by Achiraya Ruangchaisiwawet, Narumit Bankhum, Krittai Tanasombatkul, Phichayut Phinyo, Nalinee Yingchankul

Background

Glycemic control is important to prevent diabetic complications. However, evidence linking factors such as diabetes-related distress (DRD) to poor glycemic outcomes is lacking in Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of poor glycemic control type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 127 type 2 diabetic patients between December 2021 and March 2022 at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Thailand. Data collection included demographic data, clinical data (duration of being type 2 diabetes, diabetic treatment modalities, weight, height, blood pressure, FBS, and HbA1c), behavioral data (self-care behavior, physical activity, dietary assessment, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality), and psycho-social data (depression and DRD). Poor glycemic control was defined as not achieving the target HbA1c based on the 2021 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Guideline. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the associations between potential factors including DRD, and poor glycemic control.

Results

The prevalence of poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes was 29.1%. Our analysis revealed that age under 65 years old (OR 6.40, 95% CI 2.07–19.77, p = 0.001), obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.05–8.39, p = 0.041), and DRD (OR 14.20, 95% CI 3.76–53.64, p Conclusion and recommendation

Age, obesity, and DRD are associated with poor glycemic control. A holistic approach that includes addressing DRD is crucial for improving glycemic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies in broader populations using a cohort design are recommended.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG17 may function as a competitive endogenous RNA in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progression by sponging miR-34a-5p

by Shengjuan Lu, Lin Zeng, Guojun Mo, Danqing Lei, Yuanhong Li, Guodi Ou, Hailian Wu, Jie Sun, Chao Rong, Sha He, Dani Zhong, Qing Ke, Qingmei Zhang, Xiaohong Tan, Hong Cen, Xiaoxun Xie, Chengcheng Liao

We investigated the functional mechanism of long non-coding small nucleolar host gene 17 (SNHG17) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). lncRNAs related to the prognosis of patients with DLBCL were screened to analyze long non-coding small nucleolar host gene 17 (SNHG17) expression in DLBCL and normal tissues, and a nomogram established for predicting DLBCL prognosis. SNHG17 expression in B-cell lymphoma cells was detected using qPCR. The effects of SNHG17 with/without doxorubicin on the proliferation and apoptosis of DoHH2 and Daudi were detected. The effects of combined SNHG17 and doxorubicin were analyzed. The regulatory function of SNHG17 in DLBCL was investigated using a mouse tumor xenotransplantation model. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the signaling pathways involved in SNHG17 knockdown in B-cell lymphoma cell lines. The target relationships among SNHG17, microRNA, and downstream mRNA biomolecules were detected. A higher SNHG17 level predicted a lower survival rate. SNHG17 was highly expressed in DLBCL patient tissues and cell lines. We established a prognostic model containing SNHG17 expression, which could effectively predict the overall survival rate of DLBCL patients. SNHG17 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of B-cell lymphoma cells, and the combination of SNHG17 and doxorubicin had a synergistic effect. SNHG17, miR-34a-5p, and ZESTE gene enhancer homolog 2 (EZH2) had common hypothetical binding sites, and the luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-34a-5p was the direct target of SNHG17, and EZH2 was the direct target of miR-34a-5p. The carcinogenic function of SNHG17 in the proliferation and apoptosis of DLBCL cells was partially reversed by a miR-34a-5p inhibitor. SNHG17 increases EZH2 levels by inhibiting miR-34a-5p. Our findings indicate SNHG17 as critical for promoting DLBCL progression by regulating the EZH2 signaling pathway and sponging miR-34a-5p. These findings provide a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for the prognosis and treatment of DLBCL.

Comparing the traditional and emerging therapies for enhancing wound healing in diabetic patients: A pivotal examination

Abstract

Chronic non-healing ulcers are common among diabetic patients, posing significant therapeutic challenges. This study compared traditional therapies (TT) and emerging therapies (ET) for enhancing diabetic patients' wound healing. A total of 150 diabetic patients with chronic ulcers, ages 30–65, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: TT (n = 75) or ET (n = 75). ET included growth factors, bioengineered skin substitutes, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while TT for wound healing predominantly included debridement, saline-moistened dressings, and off-loading techniques. The primary outcome was the percentage of lesions that healed within 12 weeks, which was assessed at intervals. Secondary outcomes included time to wound recovery, pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and life quality via Wound-QoL questionnaire. By the 12th week, the ET group had a repair rate of 81.33% compared to 57.33% in TT group (p < 0.05). ET exhibited superior pain reduction (VAS score: 4.7 ± 1.6 for ET vs. 6.2 ± 1.4 for TT, p < 0.05) and improved life quality (Wound-QoL score: 61.8 ± 9.1 for ET vs. 44.3 ± 10.3 for TT, p < 0.05). However, there were slightly more cases of cutaneous irritation and hematomas among ET patients. ET have demonstrated significant efficacy in accelerating wound healing in diabetic patients, surpassing traditional methods, with additional advantages in pain management and life quality. Due to the observed minor complications, however, caution is required.

‘There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties’—The lived experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID‐19 outbreak in China: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim

To describe the lived experiences of family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China.

Design

This study used a descriptive phenomenological research method.

Methods

Between May and September 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 family caregivers of people with dementia. Colaizzi's method was used for manual analysis.

Results

Qualitative data revealed an overarching experience of finding ‘There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties’. Three themes emerged: family reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak, feeling supported by multiple resources performing respective functions and resilient adaptation to new situations.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 outbreak, family caregivers of people living with dementia in China looked for positive aspects among difficulties and experienced corresponding reactions, social support resources and resilient adapted coping styles.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Nurses in China and other countries facing similar pandemic characteristics, cultures or economic development levels, can guide family caregivers to look at family hardships from a positive perspective, develop interventions to rapidly respond to families' reactions after a disaster and help them identify social support resources and form adapted coping styles.

Impact

We identified the resilience and the positive experiences of Chinese family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results can inform countries with similar cultures and economic levels, offering measures to support their adaptation to pandemics.

Reporting Method

This study followed the COREQ guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Family caregivers of people with dementia who met the inclusion criteria and who were interested in sharing their understanding of their experiences, participated in the study.

Effect of closed incision negative pressure wound treatment in vascular surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the effect of closed-incision negative pressure wound (NPW) treatment in vascular surgery. Using dichotomous or contentious random or fixed effect models, the outcomes of this meta-analysis were examined, and the odds Ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Ten examinations from 2017 to 2022 were enrolled for the present meta-analysis, including 2082 personals with vascular surgery. Closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.30–0.51, p < 0.001), grade I infection rates (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.20–0.52, p < 0.001), grade II infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21–0.71, p = 0.002), and grade III infection rates (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.73, p = 0.007), and surgical re-intervention (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25–0.97, p = 0.04) compared to control in personal with vascular surgery. However, no significant differences were found between closed-incision NPW treatment and control in the 30-day mortality (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29–1.00, p = 0.05), antibiotic treatment (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.24–1.19, p = 0.12), and length of hospital stay (MD, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.24-0.19, p = 0.83) in personnel with vascular surgery. The examined data revealed that closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates, grade I infection rates, grade II infection rates, and grade III infection rates, surgical re-intervention, however, there were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, antibiotic treatment, or length of hospital stay compared to control group with vascular surgery. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since some comparisons had a low number of selected studies.

Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

This integrative review explored violence against emergency nurses by patients/visitors, examining its nature, contributing factors and consequences.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

Articles were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases, up until December 2021.

Review Methods

26 articles were reviewed, evaluating study quality with the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and synthesizing conclusions through theme development and coding.

Results

This review delves into the issue of violence perpetrated against emergency nurses by patients and visitors. It elucidates three overarching themes: the nature of violence, the contributing factors and the consequences of such acts.

Conclusion

The findings inform healthcare policy for the development of prevention approaches while identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for alternative study designs and methodologies.

Impact

This review has implications for nursing practice, policymaking and research, emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement and tailored interventions for at-risk emergency nurses.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This project was an integrative review of the literature therefore no patient or public contribution was necessary.

What Already is Known

Violence by patients and visitors in healthcare settings, especially in emergency departments, has garnered considerable attention.

What this Paper Adds

This review specifically examines violence-targeting emergency department nurses from patients and visitors, assessing its characteristics, contributing factors and consequences.

Implications for Practice/Policy

The findings will guide stakeholder engagement in developing interventions to support vulnerable emergency nurses.

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