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☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

PIK3CA regulates development of diabetes retinopathy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Por: Ruijuan Guan · Zefeng Kang · Ling Li · Xin Yan · Tianpeng Gao — Enero 9th 2024 at 15:00

by Ruijuan Guan, Zefeng Kang, Ling Li, Xin Yan, Tianpeng Gao

Objective

To explore their association with the development of diabetes retinopathy (DR), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations were screened out by high-throughput sequencing and validated in patients diagnosed with DR. To understand the role of PIK3CA in the pathogenesis of DR and explore the relationship between PIK3CA,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR),and DR, the effect of PIK3CA.rs17849079 mutation was investigated in a DR cell model.

Methods

Twelve patients diagnosed with DR at the Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital from September 2020 to June 2021 were randomly selected as the case group, while 12 healthy subjects of similar age and gender who underwent physical examination in Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital physical examination center during the same period were randomly selected as the control group. Blood samples (2 mL) were collected from both groups using EDTA anticoagulant blood collection vessels and frozen at −20°C for future analysis. SNP mutations were detected by high-throughput sequencing, and the shortlisted candidates were subjected by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The detected SNP candidates were verified by expanding the sample size (first validation: 56 patients in the case group and 58 controls; second validation: 157 patients in the case group and 96 controls). A lentivirus vector carrying mutated or wild-type PIK3CA.rs17849079 was constructed. ARPE-19 cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to establish a DR cell model. PIRES2-PIK3CA-MT and PIRES2-PIK3CA-WT vectors were transfected into DR model cells, which were categorized into control, mannitol, model, empty vector, PIK3CA wild-type, and PIK3CA mutant-type groups. Cell activity was detected by the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay, and cellular apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Glucose concentration and levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The expression of PIK3CA, AKT1, mTOR, and VEGF genes was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), while the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT1, p-AKT1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and VEGF proteins was detected by western blotting.

Results

The mutated SNPs were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway, calcium ion pathway, and glutamatergic synaptic and cholinergic synaptic signaling pathways. Seven SNPs, including PRKCE.rs1533476, DNAH11.rs10485983, ERAP1.rs149481, KLHL1.rs1318761, APOBEC3C.rs1969643, FYN.rs11963612, and KCTD1.rs7240205, were not related to the development of DR. PIK3CA.rs17849079 was prone to C/T mutation. The risk of DR increased with the presence of the C allele and decreased in the presence of the T allele. High glucose induced the expression of PIK3CA and VEGF mRNAs as well as the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-mTOR, and VEGF proteins in ARPE-19 cells, which led to secretion of inflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-1, cell apoptosis, and inhibition of cell proliferation. The PIK3CA.rs17849079 C allele accelerated the progression of DR. These biological effects were inhibited when the C allele of PIK3CA.rs17849079 was mutated to T allele.

Conclusion

The mutated SNP sites in patients with DR were mainly enriched in PI3K/AKT, calcium ion, and glutamatergic synaptic and cholinergic synaptic signaling pathways. The rs17849079 allele of PIK3CA is prone to C/T mutation where the C allele increases the risk of DR. High glucose activates the expression of PIK3CA and promotes the phosphorylation of PI3K, which leads to the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. These effects consequently increase VEGF expression and accelerate the development of DR. The C to T allele mutation in PIK3CA.rs17849079 can play a protective role and reduce the risk of DR.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of 4-coumarate: CoA ligases from <i>Marchantia paleacea</i> and their roles in lignin and flavanone biosynthesis

Por: Shuai Gao · Xin-Yan Liu · Rong Ni · Jie Fu · Hui Tan · Ai-Xia Cheng · Hong-Xiang Lou — Enero 8th 2024 at 15:00

by Shuai Gao, Xin-Yan Liu, Rong Ni, Jie Fu, Hui Tan, Ai-Xia Cheng, Hong-Xiang Lou

Phenylpropanoids play important roles in plant physiology and the enzyme 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL) catalyzes the formation of thioesters. Despite extensive characterization in various plants, the functions of 4CLs in the liverwort Marchantia paleacea remain unknown. Here, four 4CLs from M. paleacea were isolated and functionally analyzed. Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli indicated the presence of different enzymatic activities in the four enzymes. Mp4CL1 and Mp4CL2 were able to convert caffeic, p-coumaric, cinnamic, ferulic, dihydro-p-coumaric, and 5-hydroxyferulic acids to their corresponding CoA esters, while Mp4CL3 and Mp4CL4 catalyzed none. Mp4CL1 transcription was induced when M. paleacea thalli were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The overexpression of Mp4CL1 increased the levels of lignin in transgenic Arabidopsis. In addition, we reconstructed the flavanone biosynthetic pathway in E. coli. The pathway comprised Mp4CL1, co-expressed with chalcone synthase (CHS) from different plant species, and the efficiency of biosynthesis was optimal when both the 4CL and CHS were obtained from the same species M. paleacea.
☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Nutritional status of the older adults in nursing homes: A cross‐sectional study

Por: Qiu Chen · Jun Shen · Ying Gao · Xin Xia Wang · Qian Ying Jia · Miao Li — Enero 8th 2024 at 07:24

Abstract

Aim and objectives

To investigate the nutritional status of older adults in nursing homes in Chongqing, China, compare and analyse the differences in the physical condition, cognitive function and social-related factors of older adults with different nutritional statuses.

Background

Malnurtition in the older people has become a priority concer, and the incidence and factors associated with malnutrition vary somewhat by healthcare setting. In Chongqing ,China, there is lack of research on malnutrition of the older people in nursing homes. Here, we investigated the incidence of malnutrition and analysed the associated factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

From January to April 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in three nursing homes in Chongqing, China. Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including the Demographic Information Questionnaire which included age, gender, education level, previous occupation, marital status and other information. The survey also included validated non-demographic instruments [Short-Form Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF), Barthel Index (BI) and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE)] to identify related impact factors. The Guidelines for cross-sectional studies were used in this study (Data S1).

Results

209 older adults aged 60 and over participated in this study, of whom 121 were women and 88 were men. The average (SD) age of the participants was 84.7 (6.3) years. Of the participants, 46.4% were classified as well nourished. About 39.2% were at risk of malnutrition and 14.4% were malnourished. Compared to those who were well nourished, those who were malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished were more likely to suffer from comorbidities, polypharmacy, a higher risk of falling, ADL dependence and to receive more nutritional interventions. However, there are no significant differences after adjustment for age, education level, previous occupation, marital status, length of stay, and type of health care payment.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is a common problem among older adults innursing homes in Chongqing, China. There are certain differences in physical conditions and nutritional interventions among older adults withdifferent nutritional status.

Public Contribution

This study suggests that the problem of malnutrition is very prominent in nursing homes in Chongqing, China. Cognitive impairment, impaired activities of daily living, fall risk and nutritional intervention need to be prevalent in older adults with (risk of) malnutrition.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Lipid-focused dietary education intervention in pregnant women: study protocol for an open-label, parallel, randomised, intervention study addressing adverse pregnancy outcomes in China

Por: Zhang · Y. · Gao · X. · Zhu · H. · Sun · S. · Contento · I. R. · Koch · P. A. · Yu · H. — Enero 4th 2024 at 17:13
Introduction

The incidence of infants who are large-for-gestational-age (LGA) is on the rise in China, and its detrimental effects on health have received increasing attention. Diet-based interventions have the potential to reduce adverse birth outcomes, particularly in decreasing the occurrence of LGA infants. We aim to evaluate the effect of lipid-focused diet education based on the theories of behaviour change in pregnant women on maternal and offspring outcomes through a randomised controlled trial.

Methods and analysis

We have designed an open-label, parallel, multicentre randomised controlled trial in collaboration with three hospitals in Beijing, China.

Pregnant women will be recruited before reaching 12 weeks of gestation and will be randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio into three arms: (1) online education arm, (2) pregnancy nutrition checklist and ‘one-page flyer’ arm and (3) routine antenatal education. The primary outcome LGA will be recorded at birth. Demographic information, physical activity, sleep and medical history will be collected through questionnaires and case cards prior to enrolment. Questionnaires will also be used to collect dietary behaviours and psychosocial factors of pregnant women at enrolment, at 24–28 weeks and 34–36 weeks of gestation. Additionally, information on breastfeeding and complementary food supplementation for infants and young children will be obtained through questionnaires. Physical development indicators of children and taste tests will be assessed 3 years after delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the Capital Medical University Ethics Committee and other collaborating study centres. Informed consent will be introduced to pregnant women, and their consent will be obtained. The findings will be reported in relevant national and international academic conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300071126.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Machine learning application for prediction of surgical site infection after posterior cervical surgery

Por: Keyu Lu · Yiting Tu · Shenkai Su · Jian Ding · Xianghua Hou · Chengji Dong · Haiming Jin · Weiyang Gao — Diciembre 29th 2023 at 06:43

Abstract

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of posterior cervical surgery. It is difficult to diagnose in the early stage and may lead to severe consequences such as wound dehiscence and central nervous system infection. This retrospective study included patients who underwent posterior cervical surgery at The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 2018 to June 2022. We employed several machine learning methods, such as the gradient boosting (GB), random forests (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and other popular machine learning models. To minimize the variability introduced by random splitting, the results underwent 10-fold cross-validation repeated 10 times. Five measurements were averaged across 10 repetitions with 10-fold cross-validation, the RF model achieved the highest AUROC (0.9916), specificity (0.9890) and precision (0.9759). The GB model achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9535) and the KNN achieved the highest sensitivity (0.9958). The application of machine learning techniques facilitated the development of a precise model for predicting SSI after posterior cervical surgery. This dynamic model can be served as a valuable tool for clinicians and patients to assess SSI risk and prevent it in clinical practice.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Efficacy and safety of oral probiotic supplementation in mitigating postoperative surgical site infections in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Por: Jiahong Chen · Jie Zhao · Hongfu Wu · Tao Wang · Cifeng Gao — Diciembre 29th 2023 at 05:44

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose significant risks to patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. With increasing evidence on the benefits of oral probiotics in various clinical contexts, there is a need to assess their efficacy and safety in reducing SSIs following CRC surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines using the PICO framework. On 19 September 2023, four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched without any temporal or language restrictions. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed. Data extraction was independently undertaken by two assessors, and any discrepancies were discussed. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias instrument was utilized to assess study quality. The meta-analysis incorporated a fixed-effects model or random-effects model based on the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity. The initial search yielded 1282 articles, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Probiotic administration not only significantly reduced the incidence of SSIs but also curtailed the duration of hospital stays. Moreover, the subgroup analysis indicated that interventions employing multiple strains of probiotics were more effective in reducing postoperative infections than those utilizing a single strain. Probiotics effectively prevent postoperative infections and shorten hospital stays. Multi-strain probiotics outperform single strain in efficacy. Future studies should focus on their safety and optimal clinical use.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Hypertension, socioeconomic status and depressive and anxiety disorders: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Chinese women

Por: Wang · X. · Gao · D. · Wang · X. · Zhang · X. · Song · B. — Diciembre 28th 2023 at 16:47
Objectives

To investigate the association of hypertension with depressive and anxiety disorders in middle-aged and older Chinese women, and to further assess whether the association was influenced by socioeconomic status (SES).

Design

Nationwide cross-sectional study.

Setting

Six provinces of the eastern, central and western regions of China.

Participants

Women aged 40–70 years were included by a multistage stratified random cluster sampling in 2018 (N=9900).

Primary outcome measures

Depressive and anxiety disorders were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the OR and 95% CI for hypertension and the odds of depressive and anxiety disorders.

Results

18.5% of participants reported having hypertension; 20.9% and 15.3% of women experienced depressive and anxiety disorders, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, women diagnosed with hypertension were more likely to have depressive (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.45) and anxiety disorders (OR=1.48, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.71) than those without hypertension. Stratified analyses demonstrated that hypertension was significantly associated with higher odds of depressive disorders in women living in rural areas (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.59), with lower levels of education (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.46) and with average monthly household income

Conclusions

Hypertension was associated with increased odds of depressive and anxiety disorders among middle-aged and older women, especially in those with low SES. Effective strategies and actions for identification and management of hypertension and depressive and anxiety disorders are needed.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with external application of Chinese herbal medicine: An overview of overlapping systematic reviews

Por: Xiaolun Liang · Yuge Xia · Zhirui Xu · Qiang Zeng · Guochuan Gao · Jiangshan He · Danping Xu — Diciembre 23rd 2023 at 06:13

Abstract

This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis (MAs) aimed to systematically collate, appraise and synthesize evidence for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with the external application of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). SRs/MAs of external application of CHM for DFUs were collected by searching Cochrane Library, Web of science, CNKI, PubMed, VIP, Embase and Wanfang. Two independent reviewers carried out the literature selection and data extraction. Subsequently, AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA, and GRADE system were applied by two reviewers independently to evaluate the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included studies, respectively. Eight SRs/MAs met the eligibility criteria and were included. According to AMSTAR-2, a very low methodological quality assessment was given to the included SRs/MAs due to the flaws of items 2, 4 and 7. The PRISMA system identified protocol and registration weaknesses, as well as search method weaknesses. With GRADE, no high-quality evidence was identified to support the role of external application of CHM for DFUs, and the quality of evidence for the vast majority of outcomes was rated as low or moderate. In conclusion, low- to moderate-quality evidence supports the promise of external application of CHM for the treatment of DFUs. Due to the limitations of the evidence supporting external application of CHM for DFUs, rigorously designed and larger samples of high-quality studies are needed going forward before broad recommendations can be made.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Wound complication risk factors following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures

Por: Xiuguo Han · Fenglong Chu · Dailiang Jia · Ming Gao · Rui Zhang · Xu Zhang · Haibin Wang — Diciembre 19th 2023 at 11:59

Abstract

This study was designed to identify risk factors for wound complications including surgical site infection (SSI) and wound healing issues following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. A retrospective analysis of individuals with ankle fractures treated with ORIF was undertaken. Study subjects were divided into a wound complications (WC) group and a no wound complication (NWC) group. The WC group was further divided into an SSI group and wound healing issues group. Twenty-one potential risk factors associated with wound complications after ORIF were tracked. Uni- and multivariate binary logistical regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with wound complications, ISS and wound healing issues. In total, 613 individuals, who had undergone surgery for ankle fractures formed the study cohort. The incidence of postoperative wound complications was 10.3% (63 cases), including 5.2% of SSI (32 cases) and 5.1% of wound healing issues (31 cases). The independent risk factors for wound complications were age 65 years or older, preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, peripheral neuropathy, open fracture, fewer than seven cases per year in surgical volume, and attending surgeon level. The independent risk factors for SSI were age 65 years or older, preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, open fracture and fewer than seven cases per year in surgical volume. The independent risk factors for wound healing issues were preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, peripheral neuropathy, open fracture and attending surgeon level. Herein we found both factors inherent to the injury and individual and those pertaining to the surgical team affected the frequency of wound complications after ORIF of ankle fractures. Specifically, advanced age and low surgical volume were associated with a greater risk of SSI. Peripheral neuropathy and the low expertise level on the part of the surgeon were associated with a greater risk of wound healing issues. Hypoproteinaemia and open fracture were both associated with a greater risk of both SSI and wound healing issues.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Regional anaesthesia practice in public hospitals in Botswana: A cross-sectional study

Por: Mamo Kassa · Farai Madzimbamuto · Gaone Kediegite · Eugene Tuyishime — Diciembre 19th 2023 at 15:00

by Mamo Kassa, Farai Madzimbamuto, Gaone Kediegite, Eugene Tuyishime

Introduction

Little is known about the regional anesthesia practice in low resources settings (LRS). The aim of this study was to describe the regional anesthesia capacity, characteristics of regional anesthesia practice, and challenges and solutions of practicing safe regional anesthesia in public hospitals in Botswana.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana. A purposive sampling method of public hospitals was used to achieve representation of different hospital levels across Botswana. Paper-based questionnaires were sent to anesthesia providers from selected hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

Questionnaires were distributed to 47 selected anesthesia providers from selected hospitals; 38 (80.9%) were returned. Most participants were nurse anesthetists and medical officers (57.8%). All hospitals perform spinal anesthesia; however, other regional techniques were performed by a small number of participants in one referral hospital. Most hospitals had adequate regional anesthesia drugs and sedation medications, however, most hospitals (except one referral hospital) lacked ultrasound machine and the regional anesthesia kit. The common challenges reported were lack of knowledge and skills, lack of equipment and supplies, and lack of hospital engagement and support. Some solutions were proposed such as regional anesthesia training and engaging the hospital management to get resources.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that spinal anesthesia is the most common regional anesthesia technique performed by anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana followed by few upper limb blocks. However, most public hospitals lack enough training capacity, equipment, and supplies for regional anesthesia. More engagement of the hospital management, investment in regional anesthesia resources, and training are needed in order to improve the regional anesthesia capacity and provide safe surgery and anesthesia in Botswana.

☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Association of epicardial and visceral adipose tissue in relation to subclinical cardiac dysfunction in Chinese: Danyang study

Por: Yao · F. · Zeng · L. · Hua · M. · Zhang · S. · Liang · J. · Gao · Y. · Chen · C. · Zhao · X. · He · A. · Liu · M. — Diciembre 12th 2023 at 17:17
Objective

Our study aims to examine the associations of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with subclinical cardiac dysfunction in a Chinese population.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Background

EAT and VAT are the most important ectopic fat pools which were previously shown to be associated with subclinical cardiac dysfunction. However, few studies simultaneously measured both EAT thickness and VAT area, and explored their associations with cardiac dysfunction. Our study aims to examine the associations of VAT and EAT with subclinical cardiac dysfunction in a Chinese population.

Methods

The study subjects were recruited from Danyang County from 2018 to 2019. Using Philips CX50, we recorded EAT thickness at the end-systole in a long-axis view. The subclinical systolic and diastolic function were assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking, and transmitral and tissue Doppler imaging, respectively. Using Omron HDS-2000, we measured VAT area by dual bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

The 1558 participants (age, 52.3±12.8 years) included 930 (59.7%) women. Compared with women, men had higher VAT area (99.4 vs 70.1 cm2; p

Conclusions

Increased EAT thickness was associated with worse subclinical systolic dysfunction, while greater VAT area was associated with early diastolic dysfunction.

☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Identification of genes regulated by lipids from seaweed Susabinori (<i>Pyropia yezoensis</i>) involved in the improvement of hepatic steatosis: Insights from RNA-Seq analysis in obese <i>db</i>/<i>db</i> mice

Por: Sayaka Iizasa · Koji Nagao · Keisuke Tsuge · Yukio Nagano · Teruyoshi Yanagita — Diciembre 12th 2023 at 15:00

by Sayaka Iizasa, Koji Nagao, Keisuke Tsuge, Yukio Nagano, Teruyoshi Yanagita

Hepatic steatosis is an early stage in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and can lead to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Identification of dietary components that can alleviate hepatic steatosis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Recently, we demonstrated the impact of lipids extracted from the marine red alga Susabinori (Pyropia yezoensis) in a murine model of type 2-diabete (db/db). We found that Susabinori lipids (SNL), abundant in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-containing polar lipids, protected against obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. To understand the specific genes or biological pathways underlying the effects of SNL, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis of the hepatic transcriptome. By performing comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes between normal mice and db/db mice consuming a control diet, as well as SNL-fed db/db mice, we identified the 15 SNL-dependent up-regulated genes that were down-regulated in db/db mice but up-regulated by SNL feeding. Gene ontology and pathway analysis on these 15 genes demonstrated a significant association with the metabolisms of arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). Furthermore, we observed alterations in the expression levels of monoacylglycerol lipase (Magl) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4) in the SNL-fed db/db mice, both of which are implicated in AA and LA metabolism. Additionally, the livers of SNL-fed db/db mice exhibited reduced levels of AA and LA, but a high accumulation of EPA. In conclusion, the SNL diet might affect the metabolisms of AA and LA, which contribute to the improvement of hepatic steatosis. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of SNL.
☐ ☆ ✇ BMJ Open

Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation over supplementary motor area in people with Parkinsons disease: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Por: Wei · Y. · Ye · S. · Jiang · H. · Chen · Y. · Qiu · Y. · Zhang · L. · Ma · R. · Gao · Q. — Diciembre 9th 2023 at 17:51
Introduction

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience initial hesitation, slowness of movements, decreased balance and impaired standing ability, which can significantly impact their independence. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are two widely used and promising non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) modalities for treating PD. The supplementary motor area (SMA), associated with motor behaviour and processing, has received increasing attention as a potential stimulation target to alleviate PD-related symptoms. However, the data on NIBS over SMA in PD individuals are inconsistent and has not been synthesised. In this article, we will review the evidence for NIBS over SMA in PD individuals and evaluate its efficacy in improving PD function.

Method and analysis

Randomised controlled clinical trials comparing the effects of NIBS and sham stimulation on motor function, activities of daily living and participation for people with PD will be included. A detailed computer-aided search of the literature will be performed from inception to February 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science (WOS) and The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Two independent reviewers will screen articles for relevance and methodological validity. The PEDro scale will be used to evaluate the risk of bias of selected studies. Data from included studies will be extracted by two independent reviewers through a customised, preset data extraction sheet.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review. The study’s findings will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023399945.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Trajectory and predictors of family function in caregivers of stroke survivors: A longitudinal study of the first 6 months after stroke

Por: Wei Zhang · Mingming Ye · Wanqiong Zhou · Yitian Gao · Lanshu Zhou — Diciembre 8th 2023 at 08:56

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the trajectory and predictors of family function in caregivers of stroke survivors during the first 6 months after the first episode of stroke.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

A total of 288 primary caregivers of patients with first-time stroke were recruited from seven tertiary hospitals in China between July 2020 and March 2021. The following characteristics were assessed by caregivers at hospitalization (T0) and at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3) after the stroke: family function, general self-efficacy, social support, coping style, caregiver burden, and sociodemographic and clinical data.

Results

Family function scores among caregivers of stroke survivors were highest in the resolve dimension and lowest in the growth and adaptation dimensions within the first 6 months. The percentages of families with low functioning were 34.7%, 33.3%, 24.8% and 17.7% at T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The generalized estimating equation model revealed that family function in caregivers increased over the first 6 months (Exp(B) = 1.415–2.689, p < .05). The following factors were identified as predictors of family functioning: caregiver's age, education, residential district, self-efficacy, social support utilization and caregiver burden.

Conclusions

Family function of caregivers of stroke survivors gradually increased during the first 6 months after stroke. However, some families demonstrated poor functioning. Caregivers' age, education, caregiver burden, self-efficacy and social support utilization could predict family function over time.

Impact

Empirical data on family function in families of stroke survivors are important for developing psychosocial interventions that can help families adapt to stroke. This study found that families of stroke survivors were likely to be dysfunctional in the first 6 months after stroke, particularly in family growth and adaptation. Therefore, reducing caregiver burden and promoting self-efficacy and social support utilization can help restore family functioning early after stroke.

Patient or Public Contribution

Stroke caregivers from seven hospitals in China were involved in this study and had the right to be informed of the main findings. A few patients were informed of the research results, who contributed to the dissemination.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Advanced Nursing

Medication adherence trajectory of patients with chronic diseases and its influencing factors: A systematic review

Por: Yu Chen · Jing Gao · Minmin Lu — Diciembre 8th 2023 at 08:56

Abstract

Aims

To synthesize the published studies on medication adherence trajectories among patients with chronic diseases and identify the influencing factors.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and Web of Science core collection were searched from database inception to 1 July 2022.

Review Methods

Potentially eligible articles were independently screened by three reviewers using set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for cohort studies was used to appraise the quality of the included articles. Three reviewers independently evaluated the quality, extracted data and resolved differences by consensus. Results were presented using descriptive synthesis, and the prevalence of recategorised medication adherence trajectories was calculated from the published data.

Results

Fifty studies were included. Medication adherence trajectories among patients with chronic diseases were synthesized into six categories: adherence, non-adherence, decreasing adherence, increasing adherence, fluctuating adherence and moderate adherence. Low and moderate evidence showed that (1) patient-related factors, including age, sex, race, marital status and mental status; (2) healthcare team and system-related factors, including healthcare utilization, insurance and primary prescriber specialty; (3) socioeconomic factors including education, income and employment status; (4) condition-related factors including complications and comorbidities and (5) therapy-related factors including the number of medications, use of other medications, and prior medication adherence behaviours were factors influencing the medication adherence trajectory. Marital status and prior medication adherence behaviour were the only influencing factors with moderate evidence of an effect.

Conclusion

The medication adherence trajectory among patients with chronic diseases varied widely. Further studies are warranted to determine contributory factors.

Implications for the Profession

Healthcare providers should be aware that patients' medication adherence has different trajectories and should take appropriate measures to improve patients' medication adherence patterns.

Patient or Public Contribution

None. As a systematic review, patients and the public were not involved.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Effects of nurse‐led self‐care interventions on health outcomes among people with heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Por: Zehao Huang · Ting Liu · Ruitong Gao · Sek Ying Chair — Diciembre 2nd 2023 at 13:29

Abstract

Aim

To estimate the effects of nurse-led self-care interventions on people with heart failure (HF).

Background

Research evidence of the effects of nurse-led HF self-care interventions on patient outcomes is scant.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Data Sources

Six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from the inception to December 2022 to identify eligible studies.

Methods

RCTs published in English that evaluated the impact of nurse-led HF self-care interventions on quality of life, anxiety, symptom burden, sleep quality, healthcare service utilisation and mortality were included. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using RoB 2.0. We conducted data syntheses using the R software and graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA.

Results

Twenty-five studies with 2746 subjects were included. Our findings demonstrated, that compared to the controls, nurse-led self-care interventions improved QOL (SMD: .83, 95% CI: .50–1.15, moderate evidence), anxiety (MD: 1.39, 95% CI: .49–2.29, high evidence) and symptom burden (SMD: .81, 95% CI: .24–1.38, low evidence) in people with HF. No significant effects were found in all-cause hospital readmission and all-cause emergency department visit. Research evidence on sleep quality, cardiac-related hospital readmission, cardiac-related emergency department visit and all-cause mortality remained unclear.

Conclusions

Our review suggests that nurse-led HF self-care interventions have favourable effects on the QOL, anxiety and symptom burden. Further, well-designed RCTs are warranted to address the gaps identified in this review.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results indicated that nurse-led HF self-care interventions could improve QOL, anxiety and symptom burden in people with HF. Nurse-led self-care intervention could be integrated into current HF management practices.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Association between burnout and post‐traumatic stress disorder among frontline nurse during COVID‐19 pandemic: A moderated mediation analysis

Por: Leilei Liang · Yuanchao Hu · Junsong Fei · Tongshuang Yuan · Ren Gao · Jingyi Yue · Qianqian Song · Xixi Zhao · Songli Mei — Diciembre 2nd 2023 at 06:08

Abstract

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among frontline nurses who went to assist the epidemic situation in Wuhan, China, during the outbreak in 2020. The study also explored the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of age in the main relationship.

Background

The relationship between burnout and PTSD in nurse has rarely been investigated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand the relationship between these variables can provide empirical evidence for developing interventions and protocols that improve the health of nurses in future public health emergencies.

Design

An online cross-sectional survey of targeted local 327 nurses who went to assist the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Wuhan during the initial outbreak.

Methods

This study was conducted in August 2020, the burnout scale, the PTSD scale and the depression scale were used to survey participants. The moderated mediation model was used to test research hypotheses.

Results

Burnout could affect the PTSD symptoms in nursing staffs and depression could mediate this relationship. Age moderated the relationship between burnout/depression and PTSD, and the effects was strong and significant among younger participants in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.

Conclusions

Burnout was identified as a core risk factor of PTSD in nurses. Depression and age played significant roles in the relationship between burnout and PTSD.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

PTSD, as a symptom that manifests after experiencing a stressful event, should be a key concern among frontline healthcare professionals. This study suggests that PTSD in nurses can be further reduced by reducing burnout. Attention should also be paid to the PTSD status of nurses of different age groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and the public were not involved in the design and implementation of this study. Frontline nurses completed an online questionnaire for this study.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

The effects of evidence‐based nursing interventions on pressure ulcers in patients with stroke: a meta‐analysis

Por: Ming‐Ming Gao · Li‐Ping Wang · Li‐Li Zhang · Yao‐Yao Li — Noviembre 27th 2023 at 21:38

Abstract

This meta-analysis evaluated the role of evidence-based nursing interventions in preventing pressure ulcers in patients with stroke. Computer systems were used to retrieve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on evidence-based nursing interventions for patients with stroke and comorbid pressure ulcers from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Data from database inception until April 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the quality of the included studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RevMan 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 23 articles with results on 2035 patients were included, with 1015 patients in the evidence-based nursing group and 1020 patients in the routine nursing group. The meta-analysis results showed that evidence-based nursing interventions significantly reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients with stroke (5.22% vs. 22.84%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.24, p < 0.001), delayed the onset of pressure ulcers (standardised mean difference [SMD]: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.40–5.42, p < 0.001) and improved patient quality of life (SMD: 2.95, 95% CI: 2.35–3.56, p < 0.001). Evidence-based nursing interventions are effective at preventing pressure ulcers in patients with stroke, delaying the onset of pressure ulcers and improving their quality of life. Evidence-based nursing should be promoted for patients with stroke. However, owing to differences in sample size between studies and the methodological inadequacies of some studies, these results should be verified by large, high-quality RCTs.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Impact of wound complications in obese versus non‐obese patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Por: Yufei Yang · Zhenqun Zhao · Yong Wang · Yuhui Gao · Hongyan Sun · Wanlin Liu — Noviembre 27th 2023 at 21:38

Abstract

This meta-analysis examined the post-operative wound effect of both obese and non-obese in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. To gather as complete an overview as possible, the researchers took advantage of 4 databases—PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science—to conduct a critical assessment. Following the development of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the researchers evaluated the quality of each document. A total of 9 related trials were conducted to determine the 95% CI (CI) and OR using a fixed-effect model. The final meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.3. Our findings indicate that there is no statistically significant benefit in terms of post-operative wound complications among obese and non-obese patients. Obese subjects had a significantly higher risk of injury than those without obesity (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.95, p = 0.03); obesity was also associated with a significantly higher risk of operative site infection than in non-obese subjects (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.76, 2.18, p < 0.0001); and after surgery, there was also a significant increase in the risk of post-operative wound infections among obese subjects than in non-obese subjects (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.34, 1.84, p < 0.0001). However, due to the small size of the cohort study in this meta-study, caution is required in the analysis. More randomized, controlled studies will be needed to validate these results.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Effect of topical antibiotics on the prevention and management of wound infections: A meta‐analysis

Por: Meixue Zhang · Haonan Feng · Yongtao Gao · Xiang Gao · Zhixin Ji — Noviembre 27th 2023 at 21:38

Abstract

A meta-analysis research was implemented to appraise the effect of topical antibiotics (TAs) on the prevention and management of wound infections (WIs). Inclusive literature research was performed until April 2023, and 765 interconnected researches were reviewed. The 11 selected researches included 6500 persons with uncomplicated wounds at the starting point of the research: 2724 of them were utilising TAs, 3318 were utilising placebo and 458 were utilising antiseptics. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilised to appraise the consequence of TAs on the prevention and management of WIs by the dichotomous approach and a fixed or random model. TAs had significantly lower WI compared with placebo (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38–0.92, p = 0.02) and compared with antiseptics (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31–0.88, p = 0.01) in persons with uncomplicated wounds (UWs). TAs had significantly lower WIs compared with placebo and antiseptics in persons with UWs. However, caution needs to be taken when interacting with their values because of the low sample size of some of the chosen researches and low number of researches found for the comparisons in the meta-analysis.

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