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AnteayerBMJ Open

Artificial intelligence driven malnutrition diagnostic model for patients with acute abdomen based on GLIM criteria: a cross-sectional research protocol

Por: Ma · W. · Cai · B. · Wang · Y. · Wang · L. · Sun · M.-W. · Lu · C. D. · Jiang · H.
Background

Patients with acute abdomen often experience reduced voluntary intake and a hypermetabolic process, leading to a high occurrence of malnutrition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria have rapidly developed into a principal methodological tool for nutritional diagnosis. Additionally, machine learning is emerging to establish artificial intelligent-enabled diagnostic models, but the accuracy and robustness need to be verified. We aimed to establish an intelligence-enabled malnutrition diagnosis model based on GLIM for patients with acute abdomen.

Method

This study is a single-centre, cross-sectional observational investigation into the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with acute abdomen using the GLIM criteria. Data collection occurs on the day of admission, at 3 and 7 days post-admission, including biochemical analysis, body composition indicators, disease severity scoring, nutritional risk screening, malnutrition diagnosis and nutritional support information. The occurrence rate of malnutrition in patients with acute abdomen is analysed with the GLIM criteria based on the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form to investigate the sensitivity and accuracy of the GLIM criteria. After data cleansing and preprocessing, a machine learning approach is employed to establish a predictive model for malnutrition diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen based on the GLIM criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has obtained ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital on 28 November 2022 (Yan-2022–442). The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences and directly to study participants.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200067044.

Examining the impact of COVID-19 on Maori:non-Maori health inequities in Aotearoa, New Zealand: an observational study protocol

Por: Curtis · E. · Jaung · R. · Paine · S.-J. · McLeod · M. · Tamatea · J. · Atkinson · J. · Jiang · Y. · Robson · B. · Reid · P. · Harris · R. B.
Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had both direct and indirect impacts on the health of populations worldwide. While racial/ethnic health inequities in COVID-19 infection are now well known (and ongoing), knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on non-COVID-19-related outcomes for Indigenous peoples is less well understood. This article presents the study protocol for the Health Research Council of New Zealand funded project ‘Mā te Mōhio ka Mārama: Impact of COVID-19 on Māori:non-Māori inequities’. The study aims to explore changes in access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes for Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and non-Māori during the COVID-19 outbreak period across NZ.

Methods and analysis

This observational study is framed within a Kaupapa Māori research positioning that includes Kaupapa Māori epidemiology. National datasets will be used to report on access to healthcare, quality of healthcare and health outcomes between Māori and non-Māori during the COVID-19 pandemic in NZ. Study periods are defined as (a) prepandemic period (2015–2019), (b) first pandemic year without COVID-19 vaccines (2020) and (c) pandemic period with COVID-19 vaccines (2021 onwards). Regional and national differences between Māori and non-Māori will be explored in two phases focused on identified health priority areas for NZ including (1) mortality, cancer, long-term conditions, first 1000 days, mental health and (2) rheumatic fever.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical approval from the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC AH26253). An advisory group will work with the project team to disseminate the findings of this project via project-specific meetings, peer-reviewed publications and a project-specific website. The overall intention of the project is to highlight areas requiring health policy and practice interventions to address Indigenous inequities in health resulting from COVID-19 pandemic management (both historical and in the future).

Sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis: prevalence and impact--a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Tu · X. · Lin · T. · Ju · Y. · Shu · X. · Jiang · T. · Ge · N. · Yue · J.
Objective

This review aims to provide an estimate of sarcopenia prevalence and its impact on clinical characteristics in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systemically searched from inception to 24 May 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with SSc.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction using standardised methods. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models.

Results

A total of 4583 articles were screened and 9 studies with data from 815 patients were included in the analysis (8 cross-sectional studies and 1 retrospective cohort study). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with SSc was 22% (95% CI 17% to 28%). Patients with SSc with sarcopenia had a poorer quality of life (mean difference –12.02; 95% CI –19.11 to –4.93) and higher C reactive protein (CRP) levels (standardised mean difference 0.67; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.00).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is common in patients with SSc. Patients with SSc with sarcopenia had a worse quality of life and higher CRP levels, based on our findings. Given the detrimental impact of sarcopenia on quality of life, future efforts aimed at early identification of sarcopenia in the clinical assessment of patients with SSc may have significance.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022368326.

Scoping review of HIV-related intersectional stigma among sexual and gender minorities in sub-Saharan Africa

Por: Dada · D. · Abu-Baare · G. R. · Turner · D. · Mashoud · I. W. · Owusu-Dampare · F. · Apreku · A. · Ni · Z. · Djiadeu · P. · Aidoo-Frimpong · G. · Zigah · E. Y. · Nyhan · K. · Nyblade · L. · Nelson · L. E.
Objectives

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and often face multiple HIV-related stigmas. Addressing these stigmas could reduce SGM HIV vulnerability but little is known about how the stigmas operate and intersect. Intersectional stigma offers a lens for understanding the experiences of stigmatised populations and refers to the synergistic negative health effects of various systems of oppression on individuals with multiple stigmatised identities, behaviours or conditions. This review aims to (1) assess how often and in what ways an intersectional lens is applied in HIV-related stigma research on SGM populations in SSA and (2) understand how intersectional stigma impacts HIV risk in these populations.

Design

Scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews.

Data sources

Public health and regional databases were searched in 2020 and 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Articles in French and English on HIV-related stigma and HIV outcomes among men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and/or transgender individuals in SSA.

Data extraction and synthesis

Articles were screened and extracted twice and categorised by use of an intersectional approach. Study designs and stigma types were described quantitatively and findings on intersectional stigma were thematically analysed.

Results

Of 173 articles on HIV-related stigma among SGM in SSA included in this review, 21 articles (12%) applied an intersectional lens. The most common intersectional stigmas investigated were HIV and same-sex attraction/behaviour stigma and HIV, same-sex attraction/behaviour and gender non-conformity stigma. Intersectional stigma drivers, facilitators and manifestations were identified across individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal socioecological levels. Intersectional stigma impacts HIV vulnerability by reducing HIV prevention and treatment service uptake, worsening mental health and increasing exposure to HIV risk factors.

Conclusion

Intersectional approaches are gaining traction in stigma research among SGM in SSA. Future research should prioritise quantitative and mixed methods investigations, diverse populations and intervention evaluation.

Role of HDL cholesterol in anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity: a prospective observational study in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP

Por: Ou · W. · Jiang · T. · Zhang · N. · Lu · K. · Weng · Y. · Zhou · X. · Wang · D. · Dong · Q. · Tang · X.
Objectives

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a debilitating cardiac dysfunction for which there are no effective treatments, making early prevention of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity (AISC) crucial. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a role in cardioprotection, but its impact on AISC remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate the protective capacity of HDL-C in AISC in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisone and rituximab).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Conducted in China from September 2020 to September 2022.

Participants

70 chemotherapy-naïve patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL who were scheduled to receive the standard dose of R-CHOP; 60 participants included in a case–control study (DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10085-6).

Primary outcome measures

Serum biomarkers, 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and conventional echocardiography were measured at baseline, at the end of the third and sixth cycles of R-CHOP and 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy.

Results

24 patients experienced AISC, while 10 did not. 36 patients were lost to follow-up and death. Cox regression analysis showed that higher levels of HDL-C were associated with a significantly lower risk of AISC (unadjusted HR=0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.67, p=0.006; adjusted HR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.79, p=0.017). Patients without AISC had a more stable and higher HDL-C level during the follow-up period. HDL-C levels significantly decreased from the end of the third cycle of chemotherapy to the end of the sixth cycle of chemotherapy in all patients (p=0.034), and particularly in the AISC group (p=0.003). The highest level of HDL-C was significantly higher in patients without AISC than in those with AISC (1.52±0.49 vs 1.22±0.29, p=0.034).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that higher HDL-C levels may associate with lower AISC risk in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. HDL-C could be a cardioprotective target, but further research is needed to confirm its benefits and limitations.

Study registration number

Study registration number: ChiCTR2100054721

Prevalence of and risk factors for myopia among urban and rural children in Northeast China: protocol for a school-based cross-sectional study

Por: Zheng · T. · Jiang · S. · Fu · W. · Liu · H. · Ding · S. · Xv · D. · Zhang · H. · Zheng · T. · Yang · X.
Introduction

The worldwide prevalence of myopia is high and continues to increase. In this study, a school screening programme for myopia will be implemented using the whole-process information method. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of myopia in urban and rural areas of Northeast China and to determine the factors related to myopia.

Methods and analysis

This is a school-based cross-sectional study. Our study population will include 6000 school-aged children from 2 urban and 2 rural schools in Jinzhou, China. The study will be conducted using our self-developed internet-based intelligent data collection, transmission, storage and analysis system. Examination parameters include uncorrected distance visual acuity, presenting distance visual acuity, non-cycloplegic autorefraction, height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, spinal curvature and dental caries. The examination report will be automatically sent to parents, who will complete the questionnaire, and appropriate statistical analysis will be performed. The main outcome is the prevalence of myopia, defined as an equivalent spherical degree ≤–0.5 D.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University (number: JYDSY-KXYJ-IEC-2023-018). Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Subjects and their parents (or other authorised agents) give informed consent prior to study participation.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300072893.

Quantitative assessments of retinal macular structure among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based, cross-sectional, optical coherence tomography study

Por: Zhang · Q. · Zhang · C. · Wang · Y. · Cong · L. · Liu · K. · Xu · Z. · Jiang · C. · Zhou · W. · Zhang · C. · Dong · Y. · Feng · J. · Qiu · C. · Du · Y.
Objectives

To quantitatively assess and compare retinal macular structures of rural-dwelling older adults in China using two different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and to examine their associations with demographic, lifestyle, clinical and ocular factors.

Design, setting and participants

This population-based, cross-sectional study included 971 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China study. We collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) and ocular factors (eg, visual acuity and spherical equivalent). We used two models of spectral-domain OCT to measure macular parameters in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields. Data were analysed using the multiple general linear models.

Results

Spectralis OCT demonstrated higher macular thickness but a lower macular volume than Primus 200 OCT (p

Conclusions

Macular thickness and volume assessed by Spectralis and Primus 200 OCT scanners differ. Older age and female sex are associated with lower macular thickness and volume. Macular parameters are associated with education, CVD and spherical equivalent.

Trial registeration number

MIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).

Multicentre, parallel, open-label, two-arm, randomised controlled trial on the prognosis of electrical impedance tomography-guided versus low PEEP/FiO2 table-guided PEEP setting: a trial protocol

Por: Wong · H. · Chi · Y. · Zhang · R. · Yin · C. · Jia · J. · Wang · B. · Liu · Y. · Shang · Y. · Wang · R. · Long · Y. · Zhao · Z. · He · H.
Introduction

Previous studies suggested that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has the potential to guide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration via quantifying the alveolar collapse and overdistension. The aim of this trial is to compare the effect of EIT-guided PEEP and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) network low PEEP/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) table strategy on mortality and other clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS.

Methods

This is a parallel, two-arm, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, conducted in China. All patients with ARDS under mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit will be screened for eligibility. The enrolled patients are stratified by the aetiology (pulmonary/extrapulmonary) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen/FiO2 (≥150 mm Hg or 2 table proposed by the ARDS Network. The primary outcome is 28-day survival.

Analysis

Qualitative data will be analysed using the 2 test or Fisher’s exact test, quantitative data will be analysed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test will be used to evaluate the 28-day survival rate between two groups. All outcomes will be analysed based on the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Data will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05307913.

Risk factors and glycaemic control in small-for-gestational-age infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study using propensity score matching based on a large population

Por: Li · J. · Pan · Y. · Zheng · Q. · Chen · X. · Jiang · X. · Liu · R. · Zhu · Y. · Huang · L.
Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) poses a significant concern for newborns, being linked to neonatal complications and potential metabolic disorders in adulthood, especially when born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), elevating their risk of complications and mortality. However, the pregnancy risk factors and glycaemic control associated with SGA infants born to mothers with GDM remain unclear.

Aim

To identify the pregnancy risk factors and glycaemic control associated with SGA infants born to mothers with GDM.

Method

This case–control study was conducted among 1910 women with GDM in China. Data were collected by the integrated electronic medical record system. Using 1:4 propensity score matching analysis, we adjusted for gestational age as confounder. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors.

Results

Risk factors for SGA born to mothers with GDM included a history of low birth weight, gestational hypertension, oligohydramnios, short maternal height, underweight pre-pregnancy body mass index and inadequate weight growth. While SGA was protected by weakly positive ketonuria levels in the first trimester, multiparous, anaemia and previous uterine scar were protective factors for SGA. Moreover, 2-hour postprandial glucose and haemoglobin A1c in the second trimester, as well as the 0-hour and 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were linked to risk of SGA.

Conclusions

SGA infants are the result of multifactorial interactions among GDM pregnant women. Notably, glycaemic control levels were associated with SGA. There is a need for enhanced perinatal monitoring and antenatal care to reduce SGA.

Assessing the impact of diverse mask types on COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol

Por: Chen · X. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · X. · Ren · D. · Wei · C. · Xu · A. · Yang · H. · Bai · R. · Li · C. · Yue · F. · Bao · S. · Shi · J. · Fan · J.
Introduction

Wearing masks has proven beneficial in preventing respiratory pathogen infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of different mask types on physiological indicators and daily physical activity in COPD patients remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of various mask types on cardiopulmonary function indicators, subjective perceptions and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in individuals with COPD.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will enrol 129 stable COPD patients. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups: control, N95 mask and surgical mask groups. Each group will undergo both a 6-minute seated test and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), without or with their respective masks. A 10-minute interval will be provided between the two phases. The primary indicators of the study include the 6MWD and blood oxygen saturation. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, pulse rate, Borg score, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score and subjective perception score. Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure will be recorded four times during the trial, while Borg and RPE scores will be compared before and after the 6MWT. Additionally, subjective perception scores will be collected after each mask-wearing stage.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 202335). We plan to disseminate research results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074554.

Risk factors for cognitive impairment in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

Por: Li · Y.-S. · Li · J.-B. · Wang · J.-J. · Wang · X.-H. · Jiang · W.-R. · Qiu · H.-N. · Xia · L.-F. · Wu · F. · Lin · C.-Y. · Liu · Y.-L. · Lin · J.-N.
Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI) and explore the relationship between obesity and cognition in hospitalised middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

Subjects were divided into normal cognitive function (NCF) (n=320) and CI (n=204) groups based on the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The risk factors for CI were determined by logistic regression analysis and generalised linear modelling. The associations between obesity parameters (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) and cognitive ability were studied with the use of linear regression analysis, piecewise regression modelling and interaction analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to examine the diagnostic value of influencing factors for cc

Results

The prevalence of CI was 38.9% in hospitalised middle-aged T2DM patients (median age, 58 years). Age, WC, hypoglycaemic episode within past 3 months and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were identified as independent risk factors for CI, while the independent protective factors were education, diabetic dietary pattern, overweight and obesity. BMI was a protective factor for the MoCA score within a certain range, whereas WC was a risk factor for the MMSE and MoCA scores. The area under the curve for the combination of BMI and WC was 0.754 (p

Conclusion

Age, education, diabetic dietary pattern, WC, overweight, obesity, hypoglycaemic episode in 3 months and CVD may be potential influencing factors for the occurrence of CI in hospitalised middle-aged population with T2DM. The combination of BMI and WC may represent a good predictor for early screening of CI in this population. Nevertheless, more relevant prospective studies are still needed.

Northern Shanghai Study II: systematic assessment and management of early organ damage and its role in preventing and reducing cardiovascular risk--protocol of a prospective study

Por: Hou · J. · Li · M. · Han · J. · Yu · S. · Jia · X. · Sun · F. · Zhang · Y.
Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disease burden in China. However, there is a lack of prospective cohort studies suitable for evaluating early organ damage and its role in preventing and reducing cardiovascular risk among Chinese residents. This study intends to establish the first database based on the phenotypes of all early structural and functional damage of cardiovascular organs in Chinese population. Moreover, a digital follow-up mechanism will be formed, a prospective population cohort will be established, a biological sample bank for early cardiovascular organ damage will be established, and an intervention and management system for early damage of cardiovascular organs will be explored.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective cohort study built on the foundation of the Northern Shanghai Study I. People aged 18–75 years are enrolled. After the recruitment, first, corresponding physical measurements and clinical examinations are conducted to collect cardiovascular risk factors and establish the demographic baseline of the study population. Next, the latest equipment is used to evaluate early structural and functional cardiovascular organ damage including heart, macrovessels, microcirculation, renal function and fundus. Meanwhile, the blood, urine, faeces and other biological samples of participants are collected to establish the cardiometabolic and gut microbiota analysis databases. The population is followed up every 2 years. Comprehensive assessment of early organ damage will be used to predict cardiovascular risk, guide people to change lifestyles to achieve early prevention and provide corresponding treatment recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Institutional Review Board. All participants signed a written consent form. The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals. Ethics approval: SHYS-IEC-5.0/22k148/P01.

Trial registration number

NCT05435898.

Changing epidemiology, microbiology and mortality of bloodstream infections in patients with haematological malignancies before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Cai · L. · Chen · H. · Wei · Y. · Guo · X. · Zheng · H. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · Y. · Yu · G. · Dai · M. · Ye · J. · Zhou · H. · Xu · D. · Huang · F. · Fan · Z. · Xu · N. · Shi · P. · Xuan · L. · Feng · R. · Liu · X. · Sun · J. · Liu · Q. · Wei · X.
Objective

This study was to explore the changes in bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective cohort study between 2018 and 2021.

Setting

The largest haematological centre in southern China.

Results

A total of 599 episodes of BSI occurring in 22 717 inpatients from January 2018 to December 2021 were analysed. The frequencies of the total, Gram-negative and Gram-positive BSI before and during the pandemic were 2.90% versus 2.35% (p=0.011), 2.49% versus 1.77% (p

Conclusion

Our data showed that the incidence of total and Gram-negative organisms BSI decreased, but Gram-positive BSI incidence increased in patients with HMs during the pandemic along with the changes of main isolates and susceptibility profiles. Although the 30-day mortality due to BSI was lower during the pandemic, the new infection prevention strategy should be considered for any future pandemics.

Efficacy of cell-based immunotherapies on patients with glioma: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocol

Por: Nikoobakht · M. · Shamshiripour · P. · Mostafavi Zadeh · S. M. · Rahnama · M. · Hajiahmadi · F. · Ramezani · A. · Farzam Rad · V. · Nazari · E. · Moradi · A.-R. · Akbarpour · M. · Ahmadvand · D.
Introduction

Glial brain tumours are highly mortal and are noted as major neurosurgical challenges due to frequent recurrence or progression. Despite standard-of-care treatment for gliomas, the prognosis of patients with higher-grade glial tumours is still poor, and hence empowering antitumour immunity against glioma is a potential future oncological prospect. This review is designed to improve our understanding of the efficacy of cell-based immunotherapies for glioma.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will be performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search of main electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science EMBASE and ProQuest will be done on original articles, followed by a manual review of review articles. Only records in English and only clinical trials will be encountered for full-text review. All the appropriate studies that encountered the inclusion criteria will be screened, selected and then will undergo data extraction step by two independent authors. For meta-analyses, data heterogeneity for each parameter will be first evaluated by Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. In case of possible heterogeneity, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed and for homogenous data, fixed-effects models will be selected for reporting the results of the proportional meta-analysis. Bias risk will be assessed through Begg’s and Egger’s tests and will also be visualised by Funnel plots.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study will be a systematic review without human participants’ involvement, no ethical registration is required and meta-analysis will be presented at a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022373297

Association between the number of retrieved lymph nodes and demographic/tumour-related characteristics in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Liu · Q. · Huang · M. · Yang · J. · Jiang · M. · Zhao · Z. · Zhao · H. · He · T. · Bai · Y. · Zhang · R. · Zhang · M.
Objective

Clinical practice guidelines recommend retrieving at least 12 lymph nodes for correct staging in colorectal cancer. However, it is difficult to retrieve adequate lymph nodes because of various factors. We aimed to evaluate the association between the number of retrieved lymph nodes and demographic/tumour-related characteristics in colorectal cancer.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched from January 2016 to June 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies that evaluated the association between retrieved lymph nodes and demographic/tumour-related characteristics in colorectal cancer were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

OR with 95% conference intervals was extracted and pooled.

Results

A total of 54 studies containing 2 05 821 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that fewer nodes were retrieved from elderly patients (OR=0.70, 95% CI (0.54 to 0.90), p=0.005), and from tumours located in the left colon than in the right colon (OR=0.43, 95% CI (0.33 to 0.56), p

Conclusions

The study results suggest that clinicians have an increased opportunity to retrieve sufficient lymph nodes for accurate pathological staging to guide treatment decisions in patients with colorectal cancer who are young, female, with tumours located in the right colon, advanced T stage and N2 stage.

Nationwide survey of physicians familiarity and awareness of diabetes guidelines in China: a cross-sectional study

Por: Jia · L.-y. · Huang · C.-x. · Zhao · N.-j. · Lai · B.-y. · Zhang · Z.-h. · Li · L. · Zhan · N. · Lin · Y.-b. · Cai · M.-n. · Wang · S.-q. · Yan · B. · Liu · J.-p. · Yang · S.-y.
Objective

This study aims to investigate physicians’ familiarity and awareness of four diabetes guidelines and their practice of the recommendations outlined in these guidelines.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

An online questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians affiliated with the Specialist Committee for Primary Diabetes Care of China Association of Chinese Medicine, using the snowball sampling method to ensure a broader representation of physicians.

Participants

1150 physicians from 192 cities across 30 provinces in China provided complete data.

Results

Tertiary care hospital physicians (TCPs) exhibited the highest familiarity with the Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China (91.3%), followed by the National Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes in Primary Care (76.8%), the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (72.2%) and the Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes in Chinese Medicine (63.8%). Primary care practitioners (PCPs) exhibited familiarity with these four guidelines at about 50% or less. Self-reported reference to modern diabetes guidelines by physicians is more frequent than traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diabetes guidelines, with rates at 73.2% and 33.8%, respectively. Approximately 90% of physicians provided instructions on self-monitoring of blood glucose to their patients with diabetes. Less than one-third of physicians referred patients to a specialised nutritionist. In terms of health education management, TCPs reported having a diabetes health management team at the rate of 75.7%, followed by secondary care hospital physicians at 57.0% and PCPs at 27.5%. Furthermore, approximately 40% of physicians did not fully grasp hypoglycaemia characteristics.

Conclusions

Familiarity and awareness of the screening guidelines varied among physicians in different hospital settings. Importantly, significant discrepancies were observed between physicians’ awareness and their self-reported reference to modern medicine guidelines and TCM guidelines. It is essential to consistently provide education and training on diabetes management for all physicians, particularly PCPs.

Risk factors of incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Fan · S. · Jiang · H. · Shen · J. · Lin · H. · Yang · L. · Yu · D. · Chen · L.
Introduction

Due to their ageing skin, older adults are more likely to develop incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Although previous attempts to look at the risk factors for IAD in older adults were done, methodological barriers hindered an in-depth understanding. By investigating risk factors for IAD in the ageing population, the development of precise clinical interventions and guidance could be facilitated, which in turn would enhance patient care standards for incontinence management in this target group. To address this knowledge gap, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to explore the major risk elements linked to IAD among older adults.

Methods and analysis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols are adhered to in this systematic review and meta-analysis. To achieve its objectives, a comprehensive search strategy PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, along with other relevant sources published until 18 July 2023 in both English and Chinese languages will be performed. The screening of articles, data abstraction and risk of bias evaluation will be done by two impartial reviewers. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for data synthesis. The quality of the included study will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment tool and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The I2 test will identify the heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no need for ethical approval. Individual patient information or the rights of participants will not be compromised by this protocol. The findings will either be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023442585.

Rationale and design of a comparison of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve-guided and intravascular ultrasound-guided intervention strategy for clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial (FLAVOUR II)

Por: Zhang · J. · Hu · X. · Jiang · J. · Lu · D. · Guo · L. · Peng · X. · Pan · Y. · He · W. · Li · J. · Zhou · H. · Huang · J. · Jiang · F. · Pu · J. · Cheng · Z. · Yang · B. · Ma · J. · Chen · P. · Liu · Q. · Song · D. · Lu · L. · Li · S. · Fan · Y. · Meng · Z. · Tang · L. · Shin · E.-S. · Tu · S. · Koo · B.-
Introduction

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by coronary angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has shown improved clinical outcomes compared with angiography-only-guided PCI. In patients with intermediate stenoses, FFR resulted in fewer coronary interventions and was non-inferior to IVUS with respect to clinical outcomes. However, whether this finding can be applied to angiography-derived FFR in significant coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.

Method and analysis

The comparison of angiography-derived FFR-guided and IVUS-guided intervention strategies for clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (FLAVOUR II) trial is a multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. A total of 1872 patients with angiographically significant CAD (stenoses of at least 50% as estimated visually through angiography) in a major epicardial coronary artery will be randomised 1:1 to receive either angiography-derived FFR-guided or IVUS-guided PCI. Patients will be treated with second-generation drug-eluting stent according to the predefined criteria for revascularisation: angiography-derived FFR≤0.8 and minimal lumen area (MLA)≤3 mm2 or 3 mm22 and plaque burden>70%. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and revascularisation at 12 months after randomisation. We will test the non-inferiority of the angiography-derived FFR-guided strategy compared with the IVUS-guided decision for PCI and the stent optimisation strategy.

The FLAVOUR II trial will provide new insights into optimal evaluation and treatment strategies for patients with CAD.

Ethics and dissemination

FLAVOUR II was approved by the institutional review board at each participating site (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine Approval No: 2020LSYD410) and will be conducted in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent would be obtained from each patient before their participation. The study results will be submitted to a scientific journal.

Trial registration number

NCT04397211.

Relationship between mental health, sleep status and screen time among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Por: Wang · W. · Jiang · J. · Qi · L. · Zhao · F. · Wu · J. · Zhu · X. · Wang · B. · Hong · X.
Objective

On 20 July 2021, after the outbreak of COVID-19 at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, several universities started closed management and online teaching. This had a large impact on students’ daily life and study, which may lead to mental health problems. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of screen time on mental health status of university students and the possible mediating effect of sleep status.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. A web-based questionnaire survey was employed that included demographic characteristics, sleep status and mental health status (depression, anxiety and loneliness). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale was used to assess sleep status, while the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Emotional versus Social Loneliness Scale (ESLS) were used to assess depression, anxiety and loneliness, respectively. Linear and logistic regression models were developed and adjusted for confounding factors, and finally the mediating effects were tested using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method.

Results

Finally, 1070 valid questionnaires were included. Among these, 604 (56.45%) indicated depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥16) and 902 (84.30%) indicated anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥10). The mean ESLS score (for loneliness) was 26.51±6.64. The relationship between screen time and depressive symptoms (OR 1.118, 95% CI 1.072 to 1.166) and anxiety symptoms (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.023 to 1.138) remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. Meanwhile, sleep status plays an intermediary role in screen time and mental health status (depression and anxiety) and accounts for 13.73% and 19.68% of the total effects, respectively. We did not find a significant association between screen time and loneliness.

Conclusion

During the outbreak of COVID-19, screen time is inevitably prolonged among university students. There is a relationship between mental health and screen time, and sleep status plays a mediating role.

Virtual reality as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Por: Li · Y. · Jiang · H. · Lyu · Z.
Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic lung disease characterised by persistent and progressive airflow obstruction resulting from tracheal and/or alveolar lesions. Patients afflicted with COPD endure a poor quality of life primarily due to the symptoms of the disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) constitutes a core component of the comprehensive management of individuals dealing with COPD. Nevertheless, suboptimal adherence and completion rates are the chief impediments associated with PR. Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising approach to support patients with COPD in their PR journey. Currently, no comprehensive systematic review has evaluated the impact of VR as a PR adjunct in patients with COPD. We aimed to investigate and summarise the evidence from recent studies related to the effect of VR as an adjunct to PR in COPD cases.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a comprehensive search of databases, including Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov, from their inception up to May 2023 to identify randomised controlled trials examining VR as an adjunct to PR in patients with COPD, with no restrictions on publication status or language. Our primary outcome measure will be the 6-min walk test. Two independent researchers will screen the literature for suitable articles for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Data collection and assessment of bias risk will be performed. This meta-analysis is intended to furnish data on each outcome as sufficient data become available. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the 2 test and I2 statistics. The current review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is waived due to the retrospective nature of this study. Furthermore, the findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022374736.

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