Conectar
To investigate the level of humanistic care ability of oncology nurses, its association with empathy and emotional intelligence, and the mediative role of emotional intelligence on empathy and humanistic caring ability.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a cancer hospital in China.
We enrolled a total of 1189 oncology nurses from several cancer hospitals from December 2023 to January 2024. All participants completed three general questionnaires: the Caring Ability Inventory, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals and the Emotional Intelligence Scale.
The overall scores for the three scales were 202.35 ± 23.89, 112.38 ± 18.85 and 137.49 ± 17.81, respectively. A positive correlation was detected between caring ability, empathy and emotional intelligence (r = 0.741, p < 0.001; r = 0.577, p < 0.001). And emotional intelligence mediates the association between empathy and caring ability in oncology nurses (0.233, p < 0.001). The total and direct effect were also significant (0.825, p < 0.001; 0.592, p < 0.001).
The study findings indicated that oncology nurses exhibit a moderate level of caring ability. Emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between empathy and caring ability, at least in part. Therefore, an increase in the level of emotional intelligence in oncology nurses could improve their caring ability.
When designing training to improve humanistic care, we recommend the integration of specific training relating to empathy and emotional intelligence into the training system.
Oncology patients experience multiple forms of distress and require high-quality humanistic care. This study identified a moderate association between empathy and emotional intelligence. Our findings provide further recommendations for nurse leaders in medical institutions relating to how the humanistic care ability of oncology nurses can be improved by specific training in empathy and emotional intelligence.
This study was reported using the STROBE Checklist for cross-sectional studies.
Nurse leaders organised this survey in their own hospital.
by Lei Guo, Jun Ge, Li Cheng, Xinyi Zhang, Zhengzheng Wu, Meili Liu, Hanmei Jiang, Wei Gong, Yi Liu
BackgroundThe incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains high, with an increasing prevalence among elderly patients. Cellular senescence has been widely recognized as a contributor to UC susceptibility; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify senescence-associated biomarkers in UC to provide new insight for diagnosis and treatment.
MethodsBy integrating transcriptomic data from UC patients with established aging-related databases, we identified aging-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Cytoscape, we pinpointed the core genes involved. A diagnostic model for UC was then developed based on these core genes, and their expression patterns were characterized at single-cell resolution. The roles of these genes were ultimately validated through in vitro and animal experiments.
ResultsWe identified 24 aging-related DEGs in UC, which were primarily implicated in inflammatory responses and cytokine-receptor interactions. Further analyses pinpointed three core genes (CXCL1, MMP9, and STAT1) that were predominantly expressed in macrophages. A diagnostic model constructed using these genes exhibited robust predictive performance. Experimental validation confirmed that the expression levels of all three core genes were significantly upregulated in both a UC mouse model and in macrophages compared to controls. Additionally, pathway analyses revealed elevated levels of CXCL12 and VEGFA in the enriched pathways.
DiscussionOur findings underscore the pivotal roles of CXCL1, MMP9, and STAT1 in UC-associated cellular senescence. The analysis positions these molecules as promising macrophage-mediated diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Collectively, this work provides novel insights into UC pathogenesis and lays a foundation for developing precision medicine strategies that target senescence pathways.
by Ying Li, Jing Jia, Runze Lu, Liyan Dong, Lizhu Fang, Litao Sun, Zongyi Zhang, Qing Duan, Lijie Zhang, Kunzheng Lv, Huilai Ma
BackgroundQingdao, a historically high-risk area for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China, is undergoing agricultural mechanization and urbanization. However, the specific risk factors for HFRS in this context remain unclear. This study sought to determine the risk factors for HFRS in Qingdao.
MethodsCommunity-based, 1:2 case-control study. Each case was matched with two healthy neighborhood controls based on biological sex, age, and the same neighborhood or village. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. Furthermore, stratified analyses were performed to explore risk factor heterogeneity between the peak season for Hantaan virus (HTNV) type HFRS (October-January) and other months.
Results93 cases (73.2%, 93/127) reported from January 2022 to September 2023 and 186 controls completed this questionnaire. Farmers accounted for the highest proportion (68.8%, 64/93). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there were three significant risk factors for HFRS: piles of firewood and/or grain in residential yards (odds ratio [OR]=3.75, 95% CI: 2.14–6.55), mite and/or flea bites (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.06–3.18) and contacting with rats and/or their excreta (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.09–2.74); three variables represented significant protective factors for HFRS: frequency of sun exposure for quilts and bedding (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19–0.90), rodent control measures at home (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.81) and knowing the main sources of HFRS transmission (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.36–0.90). Stratified analysis revealed that the influence of these factors varied by season, with rodent contact and control measures being particularly salient during the HTNV peak season.
ConclusionThis study provides the first comprehensive evidence of risk and protective factors for HFRS in Qingdao, highlighting the role of rodent control, promoting comprehensive health education, environmental management, and personal protection. However, the results should be interpreted considering the study’s limitations, including a 73.2% response rate and the potential for recall bias.
Perioperative sleep disturbance (PSD) can adversely affect immunological and cognitive functions, can prolong hospital stays and have long-lasting effects on quality of life, ultimately increasing mortality rates. Unfortunately, PSD is common among surgical patients and can manifest at any stage during surgical care with a high incidence. Owing to the high incidence and severe adverse outcomes of PSD, effective management of PSD is imperative in clinical practice. Intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective strategy for improving perioperative sleep quality. It is characterised by high bioavailability, a low incidence of adverse events and the avoidance of pain from venipuncture and intramuscular injection. However, this clinical evidence is insufficient due to the limited sample size, diverse outcome observation indicators and inconsistent research quality. Consequently, we will conduct a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to offer clinical evidence on whether intranasal dexmedetomidine can be opted as an effective treatment for PSD.
English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library), Chinese electronic databases (Wanfang database, VIP Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and clinical trial registry platforms will be screened from their inception up to October 2025 to detect randomised controlled trials of intranasal dexmedetomidine for the management of PSD. We will compute the mean differences (MDs) or standardised MDs along with 95% CIs for continuous data, and the risk ratio with 95% CIs for dichotomous data using Review Manager V.5.4. Either the fixed-effects or random-effects model will be employed depending on the heterogeneity assessed by Cochran’s Q test and the I2 statistic. Risk of bias will be assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool V.2, while evidence quality will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The conclusiveness of evidence will be evaluated via trial sequential analysis. Moreover, publication bias will be assessed via funnel plot analysis supplemented with Egger’s regression test.
Ethical approval was not required for this systematic review protocol. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
CRD420251002119.
by Yizhe Yang, Ruifeng Liang, Yan Luo, Doudou Zhu, Yi Liu, Yuyan Guo, Jiafen Zhang, Qiao Niu
ObjectiveInvestigate the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) of students from Medical College towards emerging infectious diseases, and assess their impact, can provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for enhancing medico’s prevention and control capabilities.
MethodsA total of 2,395 participants from various grades and majors at Medical University were randomly selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 25 and May 31, 2020, using a self-administered questionnaire developed on the Wenjuanxing platform to assess COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical students.
ResultsA total of 2,245 participants (aged 16–28 years) were included in the study, coming from five medical disciplines: Clinical Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Nursing, Clinical Pharmacy, Health Inspection and Quarantine. The average scores for the COVID-19 epidemiological knowledge and the control measures for the epidemic were 4.92 ± 1.03 and 4.50 ± 0.78, respectively. Among them, the scores of epidemiological knowledge exhibited significant differences in sex, nation, type of dwelling place, major, grade, annual per capita household income, and age. The scores of preventive knowledge significantly differed by sex, major, grade, physical condition, and age. Further, behavioral data indicated that 96.0% of the students thought the pandemic had severely affected their daily life, while >90% maintained consistent mask usage and >80% insisted on health-protective practices. Practice scores finally varied significantly by sex, family structure, and ethnicity.
ConclusionsAltogether, medical students possess certain basic knowledge in controlling emerging infectious diseases, but some still generally suffer from insufficient cognitive depth and anxiety. Colleges can systematically enhance students’ rational cognitive level which include offering specialized courses as well as promoting cutting-edge research achievements, and through standardized operations stabilize their psychological states.
by Chamberline E. Ozigbu, Zhenlong Li, Bankole Olatosi, James W. Hardin, Nicole L. Hair
While prior studies have identified sociodemographic correlates of zero-dose status within populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), few have applied spatial regression techniques to explore geographic variability in these relationships. We aimed to address this gap using data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in SSA between 2010 and 2020. Our sample comprised children aged 12–59 months in 33 countries and 329 survey regions. Data were aggregated to the first-level administrative unit prior to analysis. First, using ordinary least squares regression, we documented global relationships between theoretically important sociodemographic characteristics and zero-dose prevalence. Next, we identified patterns, i.e., geographic clustering, of zero-dose prevalence. Finally, using multiscale geographically weighted regression, we described spatial variability in relationships between sociodemographic characteristics and zero-dose prevalence. We detected 27 regions with higher than expected concentrations of zero-dose children. All but one of these hot spots were observed in 7 Western and Central African countries; only 1 was located in an Eastern African country. Regions with higher proportions of mothers with no antenatal care visits were consistently found to have higher rates of zero-dose children. In contrast, relationships between zero-dose prevalence and indicators of religious affiliation, delivery site, maternal age, maternal education, and maternal employment were found to vary locally in terms of their strength and/or direction. Study findings underscore spatial disparities in zero-dose prevalence within SSA and, further, highlight the importance of geographically informed strategies to effectively address immunization gaps. Implementing targeted interventions based on regional sociodemographic dynamics is crucial for achieving comprehensive vaccination coverage in SSA.by Linna Zhao, Juanjuan Zhang, Weizhe Liu, Cheng Dai, Aiying Li
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is identified as a potential modifier of clinical outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF), yet its prognostic impact is not fully determined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prognostic impact of DM on survival outcomes in AHF patients by synthesizing evidence from 26 studies involving 326,928 subjects collected from Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to 1 June 2024. Both prospective/retrospective cohort and case-control studies published since 2000 were included, with outcomes evaluated through multivariate, univariate, and binary analyses using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment. Multivariate analysis indicated that DM significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in AHF patients (cohort studies: HR = 1.21, 95%CI (1.13, 1.29), OR=1.15, 95%CI (1.05, 1.26); case-control studies: HR = 1.39, 95%CI (1.26, 1.53), OR=1.43, 95%CI (1.10, 1.84)]. Univariate analysis confirmed this finding in case-control studies [HR = 1.30, 95%CI (1.01, 1.67)], but not in cohort studies. In both cohort [RR = 1.27, 95%CI (1.12, 1.43)] and case-control [OR=1.21, 95%CI (1.08, 1.35)] studies, DM increased the risk of all-cause mortality. AHF patients with DM had a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality [cohort studies: HR = 1.85, 95%CI (1.46, 2.33); case-control: OR=1.70, 95%CI (1.17, 2.47)]. While multivariate analysis showed no association between DM and in-hospital mortality, case-control studies indicated an increased risk [OR=1.21, 95%CI (1.03, 1.42)]. DM also increased the risk of readmission [cohort studies: HR = 1.32, 95%CI (1.14, 1.53); case-control studies: HR = 1.44, 95%CI (1.23, 1.69); binary data: OR=1.19, 95%CI (1.07, 1.31)].This updated meta-analysis demonstrates that DM imposes significant adverse effects on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related mortality, and readmission risk in AHF patients. However, no significant connection was found between diabetes and survival outcomes with respect to the co-endpoint of death or readmission and the endpoint of in-hospital mortality. These findings underscore the necessity for implementing targeted diabetes management within AHF care protocols to enhance clinical outcomes, an essential consideration for future practice.Coronary artery involvement remains the primary focus in the long-term management of Kawasaki disease (KD). However, previous studies suggest that myocardial abnormalities frequently persist beyond coronary artery involvement in KD patients. Yet, their temporal evolution and clinical implications remain poorly characterised. To address this gap, we established the Kawasaki disease cardiac imaging (KDCI) cohort, integrating cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with echocardiography, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and invasive angiography. These multimodal imaging approaches enable comprehensive assessment of cardiac abnormalities and elucidate the role of cardiac imaging in optimising long-term KD management.
The KDCI cohort is a prospective study aiming to enrol 400–500 KD patients diagnosed at West China Second University Hospital from September 2018 to September 2035. To date, 207 participants have been recruited. Participants will perform the multimodal cardiac imaging including echocardiography, CMR, CCTA, invasive angiography and comprehensive laboratory testing under a scheduled protocol in the follow-up.
The KDCI cohort has established baseline characteristics for 207 KD patients. Of those included to date, 72.0% (149/207) received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, with 26.1% (54/207) demonstrating IVIG resistance, and 37.7% (78/207) exhibiting coronary artery dilatation. Longitudinal follow-up data are available for 80.7% (167/207) of participants, with a median follow-up duration of 2.7 years and a follow-up patient-years of 594 patient-years. Of the 207 patients, 16.9% (35/207) patients experienced endpoint events, encompassing coronary artery thrombosis (8.2%, 17/207), coronary stenosis/obstruction (5.3% 11/207) and clinical myocardial infarction (1.9%, 4/207). Based on the data collected, we have demonstrated the cardiac abnormalities beyond coronary artery involvement in KD by CMR and CCTA.
The KDCI cohort will maintain ongoing recruitment and longitudinal follow-up, with a projected enrolment exceeding 400 participants by 2035. This expansion will yield a median follow-up duration of 10 years, providing robust long-term outcome data. We have implemented standardised protocols for scheduled follow-up assessments and data collection in newly enrolled patients. Furthermore, planned genomic analyses will be incorporated to investigate the molecular pathogenesis and prognostic determinants of KD.
Sense organ diseases (SODs) are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. They severely impact communication, mobility and quality of life, with rising prevalence and widening inequalities across populations. This study aims to provide an updated, comprehensive assessment of the global, regional and national burden and trends of SODs, and to inform strategies for prevention, treatment and health policy development.
This is a population-based observational study using secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. SODs, defined in the GBD framework as age-related and other hearing loss (AHL), blindness and vision loss (BVL), and other sensory impairments, were analysed in terms of prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We focused on SODs overall and conducted specific analyses for AHL and BVL, stratified by age, sex and sociodemographic index (SDI).
Global dataset covering 204 countries and territories across all regions and sociodemographic strata from 1990 to 2021.
This study covered the global population represented in the GBD 2021 dataset, using aggregated population-level estimates with no direct individual recruitment.
Not applicable.
Primary outcomes were prevalence (cases and age-standardised prevalence rates) and DALYs (number and age-standardised DALY rates). Secondary outcomes included age–period–cohort effects, decomposition of contributors (population growth, ageing and epidemiological change), inequality metrics and burden projections to 2030.
Between 1990 and 2021, the global age-standardised rate (ASR) of DALYs for SODs increased from 884.07 to 912.8 per 100 000 population. The ASR of prevalence rose from 25 297.36 to 28 050.29 per 100 000. The disease burden increased across all age groups, with females experiencing a higher prevalence of SODs, and population growth and ageing as the leading contributors. AHL emerged as the predominant category of SODs. Socioeconomic disparities widened, with the slope index of inequality for DALYs rising from 128.82 in 1990 to 418.62 in 2021. In 2021, China reported the highest DALYs and case numbers. Predictive analysis showed a stable ASR of DALYs and prevalence, but a continued rise in cases through 2030, with COVID-19 further exacerbating the burden.
The global burden of SODs continues to rise, driven primarily by population ageing and growth, with widening disparities across sociodemographic levels. These findings emphasise the need for targeted prevention strategies, improved early detection and equitable access to sensory healthcare services. Monitoring the long-term impact of COVID-19 and demographic shifts remains a priority.
Not applicable. This study is a secondary analysis of GBD data and is not linked to a clinical trial.
by Georgia Black, Reena Besa, Daniel Blumberger, Heather Brooks, Graham Collingridge, John Georgiou, Evelyn K. Lambe, Clement Ma, Bernadette Mdawar, Tarek K. Rajji, Sanjeev Sockalingam, Cara Sullivan, Quincy Vaz, Zhengbang Yao, Branka Agic
IntroductionIntegrated knowledge translation (iKT) is a collaborative research approach that emphasizes the meaningful and active participation of knowledge users throughout the research process. Evidence suggests that integrated knowledge translation has the potential to increase the relevance, applicability, and use of research findings. This approach has been increasingly utilized in health research in recent years. However, the extent to which it has been applied in preclinical research and its effectiveness are unknown. To address this gap, we will conduct a scoping review to map the current use, potential benefits, and challenges of iKT in preclinical research.
MethodsGuided by a modified Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, we will systematically search reference lists and key research databases including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles written or translated in English that focus on iKT or approaches that align with iKT within the context of preclinical research will be included. This review will be conducted as part of the Improving Neuroplasticity through Spaced Prefrontal intermittent-Theta-Beta-Stimulation REfinement in Depression (INSPiRE-D) project, which features preclinical research from mouse models to human work (Grant number CAMH File No.22-060). The project’s multidisciplinary team and knowledge user advisory committee will be consulted at key points throughout the scoping review process. A person with lived experience co-chairs the project advisory committee, co-authored this manuscript, and will be routinely included in the decision-making process of the scoping review.
Delayed antibiotic prescribing (DAP) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use for uncomplicated respiratory tract infections (uRTIs) in primary care across high-income countries. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness in low-income and middle-income countries remains limited. This cluster-randomised controlled trial (cRCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of DAP for optimising antibiotic use in primary healthcare institutions (PHIs) in China.
We designed a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, three-arm cRCT in adult patients with uRTIs. The study will involve 12 PHIs in Korla City of China. Participating institutions will be randomised at a 1:1:1 ratio to three parallel arms: (1) DAP-intervention arm, (2) Immediate antibiotic prescribing comparator arm and (3) Usual care (observational arm). The primary outcome is symptom duration. Secondary outcomes include symptom severity, antibiotic use, adverse events, patient satisfaction and patient belief regarding antibiotic efficacy.
Ethics committee approval of this study was obtained from Peking University Institution Review Board (IRB00001052-24169). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
ChiCTR2500097330.
To construct a nursing diagnosis index system for burn patients under prolonged field care (PFC).
A modified Delphi study.
13 class A tertiary hospitals and 2 universities.
Nine experts were selected for expert interview: (1) bachelor’s degree or higher; (2) ≥10 years’ experience in burn care, nursing quality management or health service management, including participation in ≥3 PFC operations; (3) intermediate or higher professional title; (4) willingness to participate. 22 experts were selected for expert consultation: (1) bachelor’s degree or higher; (2) ≥3 years’ nurse management experience with theoretical expertise in burn nursing diagnosis; participation in ≥3 major non-combat military operations; (3) intermediate or higher professional title; (4) commitment to complete consultations.
Including a two-stage process: (1) system construction: developed a preliminary index system using The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association international’s framework, guided by US military ‘10 PFC Core Competencies’ and UK military SHEEP VOMIT standards, via literature analysis and expert interviews. (2) Delphi refinement: conducted three Delphi rounds with 22 experts. Finalised indicators using Analytical Hierarchy Process to assign weights.
The burn PFC nursing diagnosis index system established in this study comprises 7 primary indicators, 18 secondary indicators and 44 tertiary indicators. The valid questionnaire response rate for the expert consultation reached 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.85. After three rounds of the Delphi expert consultation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W) for indicators at all levels ranged from 0.104 to 0.305 (p
This systematic, scientific and rational index system provides a foundation for standardising burn PFC nursing plans, potentially enhancing care quality and efficiency in PFC settings.
Tobacco use causes approximately 8 million deaths worldwide each year. Against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding game market, there is growing potential to develop tailored gaming interventions for smoking cessation. This study protocol describes the development of a personalised Serious Game Applet based on an integrated TTM–PMT–HAPA framework (Transtheoretical Model, Protection Motivation Theory, Health Action Process Approach) and evaluates its effectiveness compared with conventionalShort Messaging Service (SMS) -based smoking cessation interventions.
Design: The study comprises two phases. The first involves developing the Serious Game Applet using the TTM–PMT–HAPA theoretical framework. The second phase consists of a multicentre, two-arm, single-blind cluster randomised controlled trial, which will enrol 1320 eligible smokers from various enterprises. Enterprises will be randomised to either the Serious Game Applet group or the SMS push control group. Eligible participants include daily smokers aged 18–45 years, working in non-tobacco-related enterprises, with exhaled carbon monoxide levels ≥6 ppm.
Outcomes: Primary outcomes are smoking abstinence rates at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes include abstinence rates at 1, 2 and 9 months; point-prevalence cessation rates at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 months; changes in cigarette consumption; stage transitions in smoking cessation; nicotine dependence scores and withdrawal symptoms. The trial will be conducted as a field study targeting smartphone users across three cities in Fujian Province, China.
This study has been approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University (Approval No. 127, 2024). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.
ChiCTR2400088105.
This study was aimed to evaluate the association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
A retrospective cohort study.
The study utilised data from two tertiary care centres in China, which were retrospectively analysed.
This retrospective cohort study initially enrolled 953 adult (≥18 years) patients with acute STEMI undergoing PCI. After applying exclusion criteria (including prior myocardial infarction, severe hepatic/renal dysfunction, lost follow-up and so on), 784 participants with complete clinical data comprised the final cohort and were divided into three AIP groups based on tertiles of AIP levels: low AIP group (n=260), medium AIP group (n=261) and high AIP group (n=263).
High AIP patients exhibited significantly higher 2-year MACEs rates versus lower tertiles (p0.05).
Our study demonstrates the AIP independently predicts 2-year MACEs in STEMI patients post-PCI, particularly recurrent acute coronary syndrome, suggesting its utility as a cost-effective prognostic tool complementary to traditional lipid metrics.
Falls are a critical problem for older people, including those from ethnically diverse communities, who are under-represented in research. The aim of this pilot trial is to evaluate (1) the implementability of a co-designed intervention developed to support the sustained uptake of tailored exercise to reduce falls (MOVE Together: Reduce Falls) and (2) the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in older people from Italian, Arabic, Cantonese or Mandarin-speaking communities.
Investigator and assessor-blinded pilot two-arm parallel RCT. 60 older people at risk of falls from Italian, Arabic, Cantonese or Mandarin speaking communities will be recruited, with the option to enrol on their own or with another participant (dyad). Participants or dyads will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control arm. The experimental arm will receive MOVE Together: Reduce Falls, which provides up to 12 sessions with a physiotherapist over 12 months and supports participants to engage in individualised exercises. Both arms will receive educational resources in the participant’s preferred language. The primary outcome is implementability of the co-designed intervention, MOVE Together: Reduce Falls; operationalised as fidelity (>70% of intended sessions delivered), feasibility (> 95% of sessions delivered with no serious adverse events related or likely related to the intervention) and acceptability (>50% acceptability score). The secondary outcome is feasibility of the RCT protocol, which will be evaluated quantitatively (eg, recruitment and retention rates, completion of clinical outcome data including prospective collection of falls data for 12 months via falls calendars) and qualitatively (eg, barriers and enablers to data collection).
Ethical approval has been granted for this study (HREC/106010/MH-2024). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences and community forums.
ACTRN12624000658516.
by Lei Wang, Chang Han Ma, Si Yuan Yang, Zheng Gang Zhang
BackgroundHigh-dose intravenous iron supplementation offers substantial hematologic protective benefits in clinical practice; however, its efficacy in enhancing blood protection during cardiac surgery remains uncertain. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and safety of high-dose intravenous iron as an optimal blood management strategy for patients undergoing cardiac procedures.
MethodsMajor databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, were searched on June 20, 2025, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing red blood cell transfusion rates in adult patients undergoing high-dose intravenous iron supplementation versus those receiving control therapy (placebo) following cardiac surgery. The secondary outcome measures included postoperative hemoglobin levels, length of hospital stay, and incidence of adverse events.
ResultsSeven RCTs involving 975 subjects were identified in the database search. Compared with the control group (placebo), high-dose intravenous iron significantly decreased the rate of postoperative red blood cell transfusion among patients undergoing cardiac surgery (risk ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–0.91, P = 0.009, I2 = 61%, n = 975, certainty of evidence: moderate). Furthermore, one week or more following surgery, administration of high-dose intravenous iron resulted in a significant increase in postoperative hemoglobin levels (mean difference 0.71, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.01, P 2 = 63%, certainty of evidence: moderate). Significant differences between the groups were not observed for the other outcome measures, including mortality, infection rates, and cardiovascular events.
ConclusionsHigh-dose intravenous iron supplementation during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery significantly reduces the risk of red blood cell transfusion and enhances postoperative hemoglobin levels. Although the present study demonstrated a favorable safety profile for intravenous iron administration, the limitations of the present meta-analysis necessitate continued vigilance regarding potential drug-related risks associated with intravenous iron therapy. Systematic review protocol: CRD420251069827 (PROSPERO).
To evaluate bioecology and environmental influences of patients presenting with alopecia regarding decisions made for hair camouflage.
A descriptive qualitative design was used.
Sixteen adult patients with alopecia were purposefully recruited from two specialised trichology clinics across the Jiangsu Province, China. Surveys and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2024 and December 2024. Practical thematic analysis of transcribed data was informed through Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.
Five major facilitators (camouflaged demands drive, camouflaged psychological resilience, habituation and dependence, family resilience and cross-border support, social acceptance) and four major barriers (limited future orientation, perceived coordination barriers, marginalisation of camouflage-related information, runaway costs) to hair camouflage were identified. These themes align with different levels of the ecological systems theory.
This study captures the complex ecological and intersectional nature of choice, experience and decision-making in patients' views on hair camouflage amid alopecia. Nursing professionals must understand these complexities to provide informed support and evidence-based interventions throughout patients' experiences with alopecia.
This study uses patient voices to offer ecological insights for a holistic understanding of their experiences. It provides knowledge relevant to nursing practice and alopecia patient support. Understanding patient-identified barriers and facilitators in alopecia camouflage is essential to inform more patient-centred approaches to choice, decision-making and psychological adaptation. Nurses are pivotal in this process, making enhanced understanding crucial for improving patients' psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
Our research reveals factors that equip nurses and the broader healthcare team to develop targeted counselling strategies, educational programs and resources related to camouflage for patients with alopecia. The hair-camouflage industry can use these insights to create more personalised and accessible products, better addressing patients' concealment needs and preferences.
Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.
No patient or public contribution.
To explore the mediating effect of team job crafting on the transformational leadership–occupational well-being association in newly graduated nurses.
A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in China. Using convenience sampling, 677 newly graduated nurses were recruited between August 2024 and September 2024, and completed the transformational leadership questionnaire, team job crafting scale for nurses, and healthcare providers' occupational well-being scale. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 27.0 software and the PROCESS 4.2 plugin. Hayes' mediation model (Model 4) was employed to test the indirect effect. The significance of the mediating effect was assessed using the bias-corrected bootstrap method (5000 resamples).
Ultimately, 546 valid questionnaires were collected. The participants' transformational leadership, nurse team job crafting and healthcare providers' occupational well-being scores were all above average. Linear regression analysis revealed that transformational leadership and team job crafting positively predicted occupational well-being (β = 0.549, p < 0.001; β = 0.695, p < 0.001). Mediating analysis revealed that the indirect effect of transformational leadership on occupational well-being was 0.276 (95% confidence interval: 0.174, 0.377), indicating the presence of an indirect effect. Additionally, team job crafting accounted for 33.5% of the effect of transformational leadership on occupational well-being.
Perceived transformational leadership among newly graduated nurses could positively influence their occupational well-being, with team job crafting playing a partial mediating role between the two. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing managers strengthen their transformational leadership practices to promote the accumulation and internalisation of job resources among newly graduated nurses, thereby enhancing their ability and level of team job crafting and further promoting their occupational well-being.
by Weixin Chen, Jiaming Yan, Zhenxing Kong, Yuliang Sun, Wenfei Zhu, Jie Kang
ObjectivesAir quality in China has become an increasing concern, its association with physical fitness remains unclear. This study represents one of the largest nationwide investigations of this association, leveraging data from 174,246 students aged 7–22 years across 30 provinces.
MethodsAnnual concentrations of PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, O₃, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) were obtained from the Tracking of Atmospheric Pollution in China dataset. Physical fitness was evaluated through a comprehensive set of field-based tests covering anthropometric, cardiopulmonary, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance. Associations were examined using generalized linear models with progressive adjustments: Model 1 controlled for demographic factors (age, sex, residence, province), Model 2 additionally accounted for physical activity and parental factors, and Model 3 further incorporated temperature and humidity.
ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, each 1 μg/m³ increase in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ was associated with decreases in physical fitness scores of 0.18 [95% CI: −0.22, −0.14] and 0.12 [−0.16, −0.08] points, respectively. SO₂, O₃, and CO showed similar negative associations, with reductions of 0.42 [−0.47, −0.38], 0.21 [−0.25, −0.16], and 0.16 [−0.20, −0.11] points, respectively. In contrast, NO₂ exhibited a positive association, with an increase of 0.29 [0.25, 0.33] points per 1 μg/m³. AQI was also inversely related to fitness, decreasing scores by 0.17 [−0.21, −0.13] points per 1-unit increase.
ConclusionsAmbient air pollution is adversely associated with physical fitness among Chinese children, adolescents, and young adults, highlighting the importance of air quality improvement strategies for youth health. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to strengthen causal inference.
FreshRSS 