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Ayer — Mayo 14th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Comparison efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies in breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

by Yawen Xu, Jiangxuan Yu, Rui Shen, Xueqi Shan, Wenlu Zhou, Junjie Wang

Objective

Although several acupuncture and moxibustion therapies have been tested in managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), there is little consensus regarding the best options for treating this condition. This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of various acupuncture and/or moxibustion therapies for BCRL.

Methods

Seven databases and two clinical registration centers were searched from their inception to December 1st, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias assessment tool evaluated the quality of included RCTs. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed in STATA 16.0, while a network meta-analysis was performed in R 4.2.2.

Results

18 studies were included in this analysis. Our results showed that acupuncture and moxibustion methods had great advantages in improving BCRL of patients with breast cancer. In particular, needle-warming moxibustion (NWM) could be the optimal acupuncture and moxibustion method for improving clinical effectiveness and reducing the degree of swelling of affected limbs.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that NWM has great potential in treating BCRL. It may reduce arm circumference, lower swelling levels, and improve clinical effectiveness. Nevertheless, more multi-center, high-quality, and large sample RCTs will be needed in the future.

Comparative efficacy of telehealth interventions on promoting cancer screening: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Cancer screening is a pivotal method for reducing mortality from disease, but the screening coverage is still lower than expected. Telehealth interventions demonstrated significant benefits in cancer care, yet there is currently no consensus on their impact on facilitating cancer screening or on the most effective remote technology.

Design

A network meta-analysis was conducted to detect the impact of telehealth interventions on cancer screening and to identify the most effective teletechnologies.

Methods

Six English databases were searched from inception until July 2023 to yield relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two individual authors completed the literature selection, data extraction, and methodological evaluations using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Traditional pairwise analysis and network meta-analysis were performed to identify the overall effects and compare different teletechnologies.

Results

Thirty-four eligible RCTs involving 131,644 participants were enrolled. Overall, telehealth interventions showed statistically significant effects on the improvement of cancer screening. Subgroup analyses revealed that telehealth interventions were most effective for breast and cervical cancer screening, and rural populations also experienced benefits, but there was no improvement in screening for older adults. The network meta-analysis indicated that mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone were associated with more obvious improvements in screening than other teletechnologies.

Conclusion

Our study identified that telehealth interventions were effective for the completion of cancer screening and clarified the exact impact of telehealth on different cancer types, ages, and rural populations. Mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone are the three forms of teletechnologies most likely to improve cancer screening. More well-designed RCTs involving direct comparisons of different teletechnologies are needed in the future.

Clinical Relevance

Telehealth interventions should be encouraged to facilitate cancer screening, and the selection of the optimal teletechnology based on the characteristics of the population is also necessary.

Machine Learning–Based Approach to Predict Last-Minute Cancellation of Pediatric Day Surgeries

imageThe last-minute cancellation of surgeries profoundly affects patients and their families. This research aimed to forecast these cancellations using EMR data and meteorological conditions at the time of the appointment, using a machine learning approach. We retrospectively gathered medical data from 13 440 pediatric patients slated for surgery from 2018 to 2021. Following data preprocessing, we utilized random forests, logistic regression, linear support vector machines, gradient boosting trees, and extreme gradient boosting trees to predict these abrupt cancellations. The efficacy of these models was assessed through performance metrics. The analysis revealed that key factors influencing last-minute cancellations included the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, average wind speed, average rainfall, preanesthetic assessments, and patient age. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm outperformed other models in predicting cancellations, boasting an area under the curve value of 0.923 and an accuracy of 0.841. This algorithm yielded superior sensitivity (0.840), precision (0.837), and F1 score (0.838) relative to the other models. These insights underscore the potential of machine learning, informed by EMRs and meteorological data, in forecasting last-minute surgical cancellations. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm holds promise for clinical deployment to curtail healthcare expenses and avert adverse patient-family experiences.

Combining antibiotic‐loaded bone cement‐based free vastus lateralis muscle‐sparing flap with split‐thickness skin grafts: A reliable strategy for reconstructing diabetic foot ulcers at non‐weight‐bearing areas

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present significant challenges due to their associated amputation rates, mortality, treatment complexity and excessive costs. Our earlier work introduced a wound surgical integrated treatment (WSIT) for DFUs, yielding promising outcomes. This study focuses on a specific WSIT protocol employing antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) in the first Stage, and free vastus lateralis muscle-sparing (VLMS) flaps and split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in the second stage to repair non-weight-bearing DFUs. From July 2021 to July 2023, seven DFU patients (aged 47–71 years) underwent this treatment. Demographic data, hospital stay and repair surgery times were collected. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed angiogenesis, collagen deposition and inflammation. SF-36 questionnaire measured pre- and postoperative quality of life. Preoperative ultrasound Doppler showed that the peak blood flow velocity of the recipient area artery was significantly >30 cm/s (38.6 ± 6.8 cm/s) in all patients. Muscle flap sizes varied from 8 × 3.5 × 1 to 18 × 6 × 2 cm. The operation time of the repair surgery was 156.9 ± 15.08 minutes, and the hospital stay was 18.9 ± 3.3 days. Histological analysis proved that covering DFUs with ALBC induced membrane formation and increased collagen, neovascularization and M2 macrophages fraction while reducing M1 macrophages one. All grafts survived without amputation during a 7- to 24-month follow-up, during which SF-36 scores significantly improved. A combination of ALBC with free VLMS flaps and STSGs proved to be safe and effective for reconstructing non-weight-bearing DFUs. It rapidly controlled infection, enhanced life quality and foot function, and reduced hospitalization time. We advocate integrating this strategy into DFU treatment plans.

How does eligibility for GusNIP produce prescriptions relate to fruit and vegetable purchases and what factors shape the relationship? A protocol for a secondary analysis of nationally representative data in the USA

Por: Houghtaling · B. · Zhang · N. · Yaroch · A. · Milburn Atkinson · C. · Byker Shanks · C.
Introduction

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Programme (GusNIP) produce prescription programme (PPR) ‘prescriptions’ provide eligible participants with low income, risk for diet-related chronic disease and food insecurity a healthcare issued incentive to purchase lower to no cost fruits and vegetables (FVs). However, GusNIP requirements specify that PPR prescriptions can only be redeemed for fresh (not frozen, canned or dried) FVs. This requirement may prevent participants from fully engaging in or benefiting from GusNIP PPR, given communities with lower healthy food access may have reduced fresh FV accessibility.

Methods and analysis

We will use the nationally representative 2012–2013 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) and complementary FoodAPS Geography Component data in a secondary data analysis to examine how household GusNIP PPR eligibility relates to the quantity and variety of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FV purchases and to what extent individual, household and food environment factors shape the relationship. FoodAPS data include household food purchasing and acquisition information across a 7 day period from 14 317 individuals among 4826 households and was collected between April 2012 and January 2013. The FoodAPS Geography Component provides information about the local community/environment relative to FoodAPS households. This study will examine the correlation or association of selected variables between different quantities and varieties of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FVs, as well as correlations among multilevel predictors.

Ethics and dissemination

We are following data integrity standards as outlined by agreements with the USDA Economic Research Service. All results of analyses will undergo a thorough disclosure review to ensure no identifiable data are shared. Results will be disseminated to research, practice and policy communities using an Open Access peer-reviewed manuscript(s), scientific and practice presentations, and a public facing report and infographic.

Application of deep learning to pressure injury staging

Journal of Wound Care, Volume 33, Issue 5, Page 368-378, May 2024.
AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

Effects of (2<i>R</i>,6<i>R</i>)-hydroxynorketamine in assays of acute pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors in mice

by Todd M. Hillhouse, Kaitlyn J. Partridge, Patrick I. Garrett, Sarah C. Honeycutt, Joseph H. Porter

Ketamine has been shown to produce analgesia in various acute and chronic pain states; however, abuse liability concerns have limited its utility. The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) has been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects similar to ketamine without abuse liability concerns. (2R,6R)-HNK produces sustained analgesia in models of chronic pain, but has yet to be evaluated in models of acute pain. The present study evaluated the efficacy of acute (2R,6R)-HNK administration (one injection) in assays of pain-stimulated (52- and 56-degree hot plate test and acetic acid writhing) and pain-depressed behavior (locomotor activity and rearing) in male and female C57BL/6 mice. In assays of pain-stimulated behaviors, (2R,6R)-HNK (1–32 mg/kg) failed to produce antinociception in the 52- and 56-degree hot plate and acetic acid writhing assays. In assays of pain-depressed behaviors, 0.56% acetic acid produced a robust depression of locomotor activity and rearing that was not blocked by pretreatment of (2R,6R)-HNK (3.2–32 mg/kg). The positive controls morphine (hot plate test) and ketoprofen (acetic acid writhing, locomotor activity, and rearing) blocked pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors. Finally, the effects of intermittent (2R,6R)-HNK administration were evaluated in 52-degree hot plate and pain-depressed locomotor activity and rearing. Intermittent administration of (2R,6R)-HNK also did not produce antinociceptive effects in the hot plate or pain-depressed locomotor activity assays. These results suggest that (2R,6R)-HNK is unlikely to have efficacy in treating acute pain; however, the efficacy of (2R,6R)-HNK in chronic pain states should continue to be evaluated.

Shared decision-making for non-operative management versus operative management of hip fractures in selected frail older adults with a limited life expectancy: a protocol for a nationwide implementation study

Por: Zeelenberg · M. L. · Oosterwijk · P. C. · Willems · H. C. · Gosens · T. · Den Hartog · D. · Joosse · P. · Loggers · S. A. I. · Nijdam · T. M. · Pel-Littel · R. E. · Polinder · S. · Schuijt · H. J. · Wijnen · H. H. · Van der Velde · D. · Van Lieshout · E. M. M. · Verhofstad · M. H. J
Background and purpose

Recent research has highlighted non-operative management (NOM) as a viable alternative for frail older adults with hip fractures in the final phase of life. This study aims to guide Dutch physicians and hospitals nationwide in a standardised implementation of shared decision-making regarding surgery or NOM in selected frail older adults with a hip fracture.

Methods and analysis

The patient population for implementation includes frail older adults aged ≥70 years with an acute proximal femoral fracture, nursing home care or a similar level of care elsewhere and at least one additional criterion (ie, malnutrition, severe mobility impairment or ASA≥4). The 2-year implementation study will be conducted in four phases. In phases 1 and 2, barriers and facilitators for implementation will be identified and an implementation protocol, educational materials and patient information will be developed. Phase 3 will involve an implementation pilot in 14 hospitals across the Netherlands. The protocol and educational material will be improved based on healthcare provider and patient experiences gathered through interviews. Phase 4 will focus on upscaling to nationwide implementation and the effect of the implementation on NOM rate will be measured using data from the Dutch Hip Fracture Audit.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was exempted by the local Medical Research Ethics Committee (MEC-2023-0270, 10 May 2023) and Medical Ethics Committee United (W23.083, 26 April 2023). The study’s results will be submitted to an open access international peer-reviewed journal. Its protocols, tools and results will be presented at several national and international academic conferences of relevant orthogeriatric (scientific) associations.

Trial registration number

NCT06079905 .

Aspirin versus metformin in pregnancies at high risk of preterm pre-eclampsia in China (AVERT): protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, 3-arm randomised controlled trial

Por: Liu · J. · Shen · L. · Nguyen-Hoang · L. · Zhou · Q. · Wang · C. C. · Lu · X. · Sahota · D. · Chong · K. C. · Ying · H. · Gu · W. · Zhou · R. · Yang · H. · Jiang · Y. · Chen · D. · Li · X. · Poon · L.
Introduction

Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects about 5% of Chinese pregnant women and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The first trimester screening model developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation, which uses the Bayes theorem to combine maternal characteristics and medical history together with measurements of biomarkers, has been proven to be effective and has superior screening performance to that of the traditional risk factor-based approach for the prediction of PE. Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin in women at risk for PE has resulted in a lower incidence of preterm-PE. However, there is no consensus on the preferred aspirin dosage for the prevention of preterm-PE. Evidence has also suggested that metformin has the potential benefit in preventing PE in pregnant women who are at high risk of the disorder.

Method and analysis

We present a protocol (V.2.0, date 17 March 2022) for the AVERT trial, which is a multicentre, double-blinded, 3-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) that uses an effective PE screening programme to explore the optimal dosage of aspirin and the role of metformin for the prevention of PE among high-risk pregnant women in China. We intend to recruit 66 000 singleton pregnancies without treatment of low-dose aspirin and metformin at 11–13 weeks’ gestation and all eligible women attending for their first trimester routine scan will be invited to undergo screening for preterm-PE by the combination of maternal factors, mean arterial pressure and placental growth factor. Women found to be at high risk of developing preterm-PE will be invited to take part in the RCT. This study will compare the incidence of preterm-PE with delivery at

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong–New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREC Ref. No. 2021.406) in Hong Kong and the Ethics Committee of each participating hospital in Mainland China. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The results of the AVERT trial will be disseminated at international academic conferences and published in high-impact factor journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05580523.

Analysis of risk factors affecting wound healing and wound infection after meningioma resection

Abstract

To analyse the risk factors affecting wound healing and infection after spinal meningioma resection surgery. The surgical incision healing of 137 patients who underwent spinal meningioma resection at our hospital from January 2021 to January 2024 was analysed. The data collected included physical examination findings, haematological and biochemical measurements, and various scales assessed upon admission and after surgery. These data were then analysed. The surgical wound healing, infection and postoperative complications were statistically analysed. Multiple logistic regression analysis method was used to conduct risk factor analysis on corresponding indicators; the odds ratio and p value of 95% confidence interval were calculated. Factors such as age and smoking history were significantly negatively correlated with wound healing after meningioma resection (odds ratio < 1.000, p < 0.05), while preoperative albumin and platelet count were significantly positively correlated with wound healing (odds ratio > 1.000, p < 0.05). Age, WHO Meningioma Grading, preoperative albumin and preoperative platelet were significantly negatively correlated with wound infection after meningioma resection (odds ratio < 1.000, p < 0.05). The history of virus infection and history of neurological disorders were significantly positively correlated with wound infection (odds ratio > 1.000, p < 0.05). The influence of each factor is different. Age, smoking history, WHO Meningioma Grading, preoperative albumin, preoperative platelets, history of virus infection and history of neurological disorders had the greatest influence on wound healing and infection after meningioma resection.

Exploring the impact of OSA on short-term survival in patients with AECOPD admitted to the ICU

by Liangfeng Liu, Yang Chen, Guanwen He, Bingbang Lin, Zhongshou Zhu, Rifu Wei, Yangbin Xu

Background

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is characterized by a sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms, which significantly contributes to hospitalizations related to COPD symptoms. Previous research has mainly focused on the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and COPD. However, there were few studies that investigated the short-term mortality rate of AECOPD patients with or without OSA.

Methods

Data for our research was taken from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database IV. A total of 1332 patients were included in the study based on well-defined criteria for selection and exclusion. By analyzing the characteristics of AECOPD patients, we compared those with and without OSA.

Results

There were 1122 AECOPD patients without OSA, 210 patients with OSA. In comparison to those without OSA, patients with OSA exhibited lower 30-day and 90-day ICU mortality with unadjusted HR, as well as lower hospital mortality with unadjusted OR. However, after adjustments were made, there were no significant associations observed between OSA and short-term mortality, including 30-day ICU mortality, 90-day ICU mortality, ICU mortality, and hospital mortality in AECOPD patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that OSA may act as a risk factor for AECOPD patients with a BMI lower than 30 kg/m2.

Conclusions

There is no impact on short-term survival in AECOPD patients with OSA under intensive care unit (ICU) management and nursing.

Characteristics of men who have casual sex with men among Chinese university students: A cross-sectional study

by Weiyong Chen, Qiaoqin Ma, Xiaohong Pan, Lin Chen, Hui Wang, Xin Zhou, Tingting Jiang, Wanjun Chen

Objectives

The characteristics of men who have sex with men (either exclusively or with both men and women; MSM) who engaged in casual sex among Chinese male university students have not been compared with the characteristics of men who have sex with only women (MSW). This information is important for tailoring targeted behavioral interventions to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission in this subgroup of MSM.

Methods

Data were derived from a large cross-sectional electronic questionnaire survey conducted at 13 universities in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2018. Bivariate analyses were used to compare demographic, HIV-related psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics between MSM and MSW students who engaged in casual sex during the previous year. Proportion differences between the two groups and their 95% confidence intervals were analyzed.

Results

Among the 583 sexually active male students who engaged in casual sex during the previous year, 128 and 455 were MSM and MSW, respectively. Compared with MSW students, larger proportions of MSM students reported knowing that male-to-male sexual behavior was the main mode of HIV transmission among Chinese students (62.5% vs. 45.5%), consenting to commercial sex (67.2% vs. 53.4%), wanting to know the HIV serostatus of partners before casual sex (65.8% vs. 51.3%), feeling at risk of HIV infection (40.5% vs. 11.8%), high condom-decision scale scores (55.3% vs. 42.6%), engaging in sex with ≥ 5 casual sex partners (44.6% vs. 25.9%), searching for casual partners online (89.2% vs. 51.3%), consuming alcohol before casual sex (64.8% vs. 45.0%), engaging in sex with regular partners (83.1% vs. 67.0%), engaging in commercial sex (54.2% vs. 26.4%), and visiting a clinic for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) (16.4% vs. 8.4%). However, compared with MSW students, smaller proportions of MSM students reported knowing that consistent condom use could prevent HIV transmission (80.5% vs. 95.2%) and that VCT should be actively sought after risky sexual behavior (78.9% vs. 93.8%), using condoms sometimes/often (26.4% vs. 44.3%), and consistently using condoms (28.9% vs. 40.1%) while engaging in sex with casual partners.

Conclusions

MSM students who engaged in casual sex were at a greater risk of HIV/STI transmission, compared with MSW students. Comprehensive interventions to address the risks of unprotected male-to-male sex, searching for casual sex partners online, and non-use of HIV testing services are needed to reduce the burden of HIV/STI transmission among this subgroup of MSM.

Shanghai Community-Based Schizophrenia Cohort (SCS): a protocol for establishing a longitudinal cohort and research database of patients with schizophrenia receiving community-based mental health treatment

Por: Zhu · Y. · He · S. · Liu · Y. · Chen · C. · Ge · X. · Zhang · W. · Zhu · Y. · Zhou · Q. · Jiang · Y. · Zhang · Y. · Xu · W. · Wang · N. · Cai · J. · Xie · B.
Introduction

Drivers for remission, relapse and violence-related behaviour among patients with schizophrenia are the most complicated issue.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to recruit a longitudinal cohort of patients with schizophrenia. Two suburban districts and two urban districts were randomly selected according to health service facilities, population, geographical region and socioeconomic status. Individuals (>18 years old) who received a diagnosis of schizophrenia following the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) criteria within the past 3 years will be invited as participants. Assessments will be carried out in local community health centres. Data will be used to (1) establish a community-based schizophrenia cohort and biobank, (2) prospectively determine the course of multidimensional functional outcomes of patients with schizophrenia who are receiving community-based mental health treatment, and (3) map the trajectories of patients with schizophrenia and prospectively determine the course of multidimensional outcomes based on the differential impact of potentially modifiable moderators.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Shanghai Mental Health Center (2021-67). Results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals. If effective, related educational materials will be released to the public.

Evaluating the effectiveness of echocardiographic guidance in diminishing postoperative wound complications for left atrial appendage closure: A clinical retrospective study

Abstract

Echocardiographic guidance in left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance patient outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF). This retrospective study assesses its impact on hospital stay duration, readmission rates and surgical site wound complications in 200 AF patients. Divided equally into an echocardiographically guided group (Group E) and a non-guided group (Group N), the analysis focused on detailed patient data encompassing hospital stay, 30-day readmission and wound complications. Findings revealed that Group E experienced a significantly shorter average hospital stay of 3.5 days, compared with 6.5 days in Group N, along with a lower 30-day readmission rate (5% vs. 18% in Group N). Furthermore, Group E showed a considerable reduction in surgical site wound complications, such as infections and hematomas. The study concludes that echocardiographic guidance in LAA closure procedures markedly improves postoperative wound outcomes, underscoring its potential as a standard practice in cardiac surgeries for AF patients. This approach not only optimizes patient safety and postoperative recovery but also enhances healthcare resource utilization.

Updated cost-effectiveness analysis of adebrelimab plus chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer in China

Por: Long · Y. · Wang · H. · Xie · X. · Li · J. · Xu · Y. · Zhou · Y.
Objective

The CAPSTONE-1 trial demonstrated that adebrelimab-based immunotherapy yielded a favourable survival benefit compared with chemotherapy for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this immunotherapy in the treatment of ES-SCLC from a healthcare system perspective in China.

Design

The TreeAge Pro software was used to establish a three-state partitioned survival model. Survival data came from the CAPSTONE-1 trial (NCT03711305), and only direct medical costs were included. Utility values were obtained from the published literature. Sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the robustness of the model. The cost-effectiveness of immunotherapy was investigated through scenario and exploratory analyses in various settings.

Outcome measures

Total costs, incremental costs, life years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental QALYs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

The basic analysis revealed that the adebrelimab group achieved a total of 1.1 QALYs at a cost of US$65 385, while the placebo group attained 0.78 QALYs at a cost of US$12 741. ICER was US$163 893/QALY. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the model was robust. Results from scenario and exploratory analyses indicated that the combination of adebrelimab and chemotherapy did not demonstrate cost-effectiveness in any scenario.

Conclusions

From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, adebrelimab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of ES-SCLC was not economical compared with chemotherapy.

Salt intake across the hypertension care cascade in the Bangladeshi adult population: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Por: Monower · M. M. · Abid · S. U. A. · Abrar · A. K. · Choudhury · S. R.
Objectives

This study aimed to examine the distribution of daily salt intake across the hypertension care cascade and assess the proportional distribution of these care cascade categories across various salt consumption level.

Design

A population-based national cross-sectional study.

Settings

Data from the Bangladesh STEPS 2018 survey were used, encompassing both urban and rural strata within all eight divisions. National estimates were generated from weighted data.

Participants

A diverse population of 6754 men and women aged 18–69 years was included in the study.

Outcome measures

Daily salt consumption was estimated using the spot urine sodium concentration following Tanaka equation. Distribution of salt intake among different categories of hypertension care cascade, including hypertensives, aware of hypertension status, on treatment and under control, was assessed.

Results

Individuals with hypertension consume more salt on average (9.18 g/day, 95% CI 9.02 to 9.33) than those without hypertension (8.95 g/day, 95% CI 8.84 to 9.05) (p

Conclusions

Individuals with hypertension consume significantly more salt than those without, with no significant variations in salt intake based on aware, treated and controlled hypertension. Adhering to WHO salt intake guidelines aids better blood pressure management. By addressing salt consumption across hypertension care cascade, substantial progress can be made in better blood pressure control.

Analysis on the willingness and influencing factors of choosing hospice care service institutions among among older people in Wuhu, China: a cross-sectional study

Por: Yang · L. · Zhou · Q. · Hong · T. · Zhang · L. · Che · H.
Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inclination and determinants influencing the selection of hospice care service institutions among elderly individuals in China.

Design

The study conducted has a cross-sectional design.

Setting

The study was conducted at four urban community centres in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China.

Participants

The sample consisted of 642 older adults, with ages ranging from 60 to over (mean age=71.03 years, SD=7.18).

Method

This study, based on the Anderson model, developed a questionnaire after conducting a preliminary survey and engaging in several group discussions. The final questionnaire encompassed the basic information, health status, attitude towards hospice care, choice of hospice care institutions and reasons of the older people. A regional population study was conducted using the Logistic regression model to estimate the ORs (OR) of influencing factors selected by hospice services.

Results

38.5% of respondents expressed their willingness to receive hospice care, while 22.3% were unwilling and 39.3% felt ambivalent towards it. The acceptance rate of older people in hospice care increases with higher levels of education and monthly income. 47.0% of older people opted for hospice care in a general hospital ward, indicating that demand for hospice services among older people in Wuhu City is primarily focused on such wards. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the willingness of older individuals to accept hospice care services based on gender, age, educational attainment and income levels. Regardless of the location of hospice care, older men had a lower likelihood of being willing to use hospice services compared with older women. The proportion of older women choosing a hospice ward or general hospital was 53.8%, which was higher than that of older men at 42.0%. The proportion of older men choosing a community health service institution was 31.6%, higher than 23.3% of women. The educational level differences significantly influence the older people’s inclination towards receiving hospice care.

Conclusion

With the ageing population of Wuhu City on the rise, there is an increasing demand for hospice services. In their final journey, older individuals require multilevel hospice care services, which necessitates equipping general hospitals with hospice wards and using community health service centres to meet their specific needs.

Risk factors for amputation in diabetic foot ulcers: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are chronic, difficult-to-heal wounds with a very high incidence of amputation. For patients with DFUs, prevention of amputation is crucial. However, the risk factors associated with DFU amputation and the extent to which different risk factors increase the risk of amputation are still uncertain. This study intends to provide a clinical basis for early intervention in DFU by retrospectively analysing the risk factors for DFU amputation. A retrospective analysis of 200 patients with DFUs admitted between October 2019 and October 2023 was conducted. Sixty-eight of the 200 underwent amputations. The overall amputation rate was 34%. Multiple logistic regression model showed that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.943; 95% CI:1.826–2.139), white blood cell (OR = 1.143; 95% CI:1.034–1.267), C-reactive protein (OR = 1.307; 95% CI:1.113–2.194) and Wagner grading (OR = 2.783; 95% CI: 1.751–4.302) were independent risk factors for amputation, while haemoglobin (OR = 0.742; 95% CI:0.638–0.965) and high density lipoprotein were independent protective factors for amputation (OR = 0.168; 95% CI:0.037–0.716), and further Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve curves showed that they showed high accuracy and were good predictors of amputation of DFUs.

The current state of knowledge on care for co‐occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder: A scoping review

Abstract

Background and Aims

Opioid use disorder often co-occurs with chronic pain but assessment and treatment of these co-occurring disorders is complex. This review aims to identify current treatments and delivery models for co-occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD) documented in the scientific literature.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

The review was conducted in six databases in June 2022 (no time limit): CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed and Embase. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to guide reporting.

Results

Forty-seven publications addressing the issue of co-occurring chronic pain and OUD management were included. Randomized controlled trials provide evidence for the effectiveness of opioid agonist treatments (OAT) such as methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as for combining OAT with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement or cognitive behavioural therapy. A number of other pharmacological treatments (opioid and nonopioid), nonpharmacological treatments (e.g. physiotherapy) and service delivery models (e.g. simultaneous treatment of comorbidities, interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration) are also underlined. In most cases, authors recommend a combination of strategies to meet patient needs.

Conclusions

The scoping review reveals gaps in evidence-based knowledge to effectively care for co-occurring chronic pain and OUD, but several experts recommend the uptake of known ‘best’ practices such as integrated treatment of the multiple biopsychosocial dimensions of the co-occurring disorders as well as collaborative interdisciplinary work.

Clinical Relevance

Improving services is dependent on alleviating barriers such as working in silos, the costs associated with nonpharmacological treatments, and the double stigma associated with pain in people with a substance use disorder.

Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on healing of lower extremity diabetic skin ulcers: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the cutaneous ulceration of diabetes mellitus (DM). From the beginning of the database until January 2024, we looked through several databases to obtain randomised, controlled PRP studies to treat the wound healing of DM in adult patients. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk-Of-Bias Instrument was used to evaluate the risk of bias in randomised, controlled studies. Funnel plots, sensitivity analyses and Egger regression tests were employed to determine the reliability and effectiveness of the meta-analyses. Depending on the degree of heterogeneity, a fixed or random effect model has been used. The statistical significance was determined to be below 0.05. Altogether 281 trials were collected from the database and entered into Endnote Software for screening, and 15 trials were analysed. It was found that PRP was associated with a higher rate of wound healing (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.42, 4.31 p < 0.0001). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of post-operative wound infection (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.99 p = 0.05). PRP was associated with a reduction in the risk of amputations amongst those with DM (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.84 p = 0.009). Overall, PRP treatment for DM is expected to improve the rate of wound healing, decrease the risk of wound infection and decrease the risk of amputations.

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