Tobacco use accounts for approximately 1.35 million deaths annually in India, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals, men, rural residents, those without formal education and groups of low socioeconomic status (SES). Despite progress in tobacco control, scalable, low-cost solutions, such as brief advice interventions, are needed. This study explored priority implementation determinants for adapting an evidence-based brief advice/counselling intervention for high-reach, low-resource settings in Mumbai, India. The focal settings (health-focused and tuberculosis-focused non-governmental organisations (Health NGOs and TB NGOs) and dental clinics) served low-SES populations.
Mumbai-based and US-based team members conducted a qualitative study employing semistructured interviews to gather data from four groups connected to Health and TB NGOs and dental clinics: (1) 15 patients, (2) 33 practitioners, (3) nine practice leaders and (4) three policymakers. We used a team-based, critical, reflexive thematic analysis approach to analysis, grounded in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment framework. We managed data with Nvivo software.
Participants were supportive but highlighted diverse challenges and supports required for implementing the intervention in these diverse settings. First, many noted that societal constraints such as economic insecurity and cultural factors were expected to limit tobacco control efforts for low-SES populations. Second, setting-specific intervention adaptations were identified as necessary to support integration and ensure access to support for all patients. Various participant groups highlighted different adaptation areas. For example, patients noted that tobacco was part of their routines and social lives, practitioners emphasised the need to design implementation plans that support integration alongside existing needs, and policymakers highlighted the need for uniform implementation strategies.
Adapting brief advice/counselling interventions for Health NGOs, TB NGOs and dental clinics in Mumbai will require strategic communication to support buy-in, thoughtful workflow integration and changes to funding and support mechanisms for organisations so meaningful reductions in tobacco use can be achieved among low-SES groups. In other words, there is a need to adapt both the intervention and the implementing system to allow for brief advice/counselling to contribute to broader tobacco control efforts.
R01 CA230355.
by Yanxuan Wu, Fu Li, Hao Chen, Liang Shi, Meng Yin, Fan Hu, Gongchang Yu
BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia are major global public health problems, and their coexistence significantly increases the risk of death. In recent years, this trend has become increasingly prominent in younger populations, posing a major public health challenge. Numerous studies have regarded reduced muscle mass as a reliable indicator for identifying pre-sarcopenia. Nevertheless, there are currently no well-developed methods for identifying low muscle mass in individuals with MetS.
MethodsA total of 2,467 MetS patients (aged 18–59 years) with low muscle mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included using data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was then used to screen for important features. A total of nine Machine learning (ML) models were constructed in this study. Area under the curve (AUC), F1 Score, Recall, Precision, Accuracy, Specificity, PPV, and NPV were used to evaluate the model’s performance and explain important predictors using the Shapley Additive Explain (SHAP) values.
ResultsThe Logistic Regression (LR) model performed the best overall, with an AUC of 0.925 (95% CI: 0.9043, 0.9443), alongside strong F1-score (0.87) and specificity (0.89). Five important predictors are displayed in the summary plot of SHAP values: height, gender, waist circumference, thigh length, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
ConclusionThis study developed an interpretable ML model based on SHAP methodology to identify risk factors for low muscle mass in a young population of MetS patients. Additionally, a web-based tool was implemented to facilitate sarcopenia screening.
by Zhixuan Huang, Jian Liu, Hui Li, Hengjun Huang, Yangwen Ai, Dongyue Zhou
BackgroundEvodia rutaecarpa is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known for its potential benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Despite its recognized effects, the effects of Evodia rutaecarpa on ischemic stroke (IS), along with the primary active compounds and precise mechanisms of action, require elucidation.
MethodsNetwork pharmacology analyses and molecular docking were performed to integrate information related to Evodia rutaecarpa and IS. Cell oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were established to simulate cerebral ischemic injury. The effects of rutaecarpine on these models were evaluated to assess its effect on IS.
ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis indicated that rutaecarpine from Evodia rutaecarpa showed therapeutic effects against IS. The mechanism underlying these effects mainly involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and targets such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, caspase 3 and MMP-2 may be activated to exert these effects. In vitro studies showed that rutaecarpine significantly improved the mitochondrial membrane potential of HT22 cells, reduced the production of reactive oxygen species, and reversed OGD-induced cytotoxicity. In the MCAO rat model, pretreatment with rutaecarpine significantly reduced neuronal death, decreased infarct volume, and improved neurological functional deficits. In addition, rutaecarpine alleviated damage to the blood–brain barrier in the brain tissue. These effects may be related to the regulation of the MAPK-mediated MMPs pathway.
ConclusionThis study revealed the neuroprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of rutaecarpine on IS, providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical application of Evodia rutaecarpa.
by Xuanqi Pan, Katerina Togka, Hilde ten Berge, Lisa de Jong, Harry Groen, Maarten J. Postma, Eleftherios Zervas, Ioannis Gkiozos, Christoforos Foroulis, Kyriaki Tavernaraki, Sofia Lampaki, Georgia Kourlaba, Antonios Moraris, Sofia Agelaki, Konstantinos Syrigos
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening (LCS) employing volume-based low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in contrast to the absence of screening, targeting an asymptomatic high-risk population in Greece, leveraging the outcomes derived from the NELSON study, the largest European randomized control trial dedicated to LCS.
MethodsA validated model incorporating a decision tree and an integrated state-transition Markov model was used to simulate the identification, diagnosis, and treatments for a population at high risk of developing lung cancer, from a healthcare payer perspective. Screen-detected lung cancers, costs, life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were predicted. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess the robustness and reliability of the model’s outcomes under varying parameters and hypothetical situations.
ResultsAnnual LCS with volume-based LDCT detected 17,104 more lung cancer patients at early-stage among 207,885 screening population, leading to 8,761 premature lung cancer deaths averted. In addition, in contrast to no screening, LCS yielded 86,207 LYs gained and 50,207 incremental QALYs at an additional cost of €278,971,940, resulting in an ICER of €3,236 per LY and €5,505 per QALY, over a lifetime horizon. These estimates were robust in sensitivity analyses.
ConclusionsLCS with volume-based LDCT, targeting an asymptomatic high-risk population, is highly cost-effective in Greece. Implementing LCS ensures efficient allocation of public healthcare resources while delivering substantial clinical benefits to lung cancer patients.
by Ji Sun, Xuanyu Deng, Juanjuan Huang, Gefei He, Shiqiong Huang
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, acting as an effective agent against COVID-19, has achieved considerable results in clinical studies in terms of drug efficacy. However, there is little research about its medication safety. Based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database, this study aims to mine the adverse reaction signals of the latest major recommended drug Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir for the antiviral treatment of COVID-19, so as to provide a basis for safe and rational drug use. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) was used to explore the adverse event report data of all COVID-19 emergency use authorization (EUA) products in the FAERS database with the deadline of third quarter of 2023. In the analysis, 135427 adverse drug event (ADE) reports were found, and 35250 ADEs were reported with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir as the primary suspected drug, which was involved in multiple system. There was a high signal intensity of dysgeusia (ROR = 72.98), diarrhea (ROR = 3.03) and headache (ROR = 1.25), which was compatible with the adverse reactions recorded in the manual for Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir. In addition, it was suggested that Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir might cause pale-colored stools (ROR = 45.53), chromaturia (ROR = 3.07), yellow skin (ROR = 3.62), tongue coating (ROR = 35.55) and other new adverse reactions (not included in the instructions manual for Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir). The ADEs of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir that are not in the instructions and are highly relevant in the real world are supplemented, prompting clinical attention to the ADEs of the drug, and providing a theoretical basis for the safe and effective application of the drug.by Dijin Mu, Jianan Meng, Sangju Wang, Shizhen Xiao, Hao Wang, Xiangxuan Sun, Pan Wu
Studying the apportionment of source-specific health risks and control factors for heavy metal pollution in karst regions is crucial for prevention and management. A typical karst basin was chosen in this study to investigate the pollution characteristics of heavy metals, source-specific health risks, and control factors. The results indicate that during the rainy season, As, Cd, and Pb, as well as As during the dry season, were the primary elements responsible for water pollution in the watershed. Comparative analyses showed that the absolute principal component-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model better identifies and quantifies the sources of heavy metals in karst basin waters. The analysis of health risks revealed that during the dry season, heavy metals in the basin posed a moderate cancer risk to adults (10−4 −3), whereas during the rainy season, these heavy metals posed a non-cancer risk (total hazard index (THI) > 1) and a moderate to high cancer risk (10−4 −2). The APCS-MLR model combined with the health risk analysis showed that Industrial waste discharge sources are the main contributors to the health of basin residents (29.39%-52.57%), making dry season As a non-cancer risk for basin residents, as well as rainy season As and Cd a non-cancer risk and a high cancer risk for basin residents. Therefore, reasonable planning for upstream industrial production should be developed, and priority should be given to monitoring and treating As and Cd pollution in water. Analyses also showed that input pathways, dilution effects, and hydrochemical characteristics may influence the spatial and temporal variability of heavy metals in the basin. The results provide essential information and significant reference for prioritising and managing the health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in water bodies in karst areas.by Yawen Xu, Jiangxuan Yu, Rui Shen, Xueqi Shan, Wenlu Zhou, Junjie Wang
ObjectiveAlthough 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.
MethodsSeven 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.
Results18 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.
ConclusionOur 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.
This research intended to investigate the influence of the operation of both kinds of hysterectomies in the risk of wound infection and the degree of wound dehiscence. Both of them were open field and laparoscope. In this research, we looked into four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Research was conducted on various operative methods for hysterectomy in obese patients between 2000 and October 2023. Two independent investigators performed an independent review of the data, established the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and managed the results with Endnote software. It also evaluated the quality of the included literature. Finally, the data were analysed with RevMan 5.3. This study involved 874 cases, 387 cases received laparoscopy and 487 cases received open access operation. Our findings indicate that there is a significant reduction in the rate of post-operative wound infection among those who have received laparoscopy compared with who have received open surgical procedures (odds ratio [OR], 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01–0.15; p < 0.001); There was no statistical difference between the rate of post-operative wound dehiscence and those who received laparotomy compared with those who received open surgical procedures (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.10–1.11; p = 0.07); The estimated amount of blood lost during the operation was less in the laparoscopy group compared with the open procedure (mean difference, −123.72; 95% CI, −215.16 to −32.28; p = 0.008). Generally speaking, the application of laparoscopy to overweight women who have had a hysterectomy results in a reduction in the expected amount of bleeding during surgery and a reduction in the risk of post-operative wound infections.
Wound nonhealing is a common and difficult problem in clinic. Stem cells are pluripotent cells, and their undifferentiated and self-replicating characteristics have attracted much attention in the regenerative medicine-related researches. New treatment approaches might result from an understanding of the function of stem cells in wound healing. Using bibliometric techniques, this study proposed to analyse the research status, hotspots, and research trends in stem cell and wound healing. By using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), we conducted an in-depth review of publications on stem cells in wound healing from 1999 to 2023. We used scientometric analysis methods to examine annual trends, institutions, countries, journals, authors, keywords, co-occurrence references and their closed relationship, revealing present hotspots and potential future advancements in this field. We analysed 19 728 English studies and discovered a consistent rise in annual publications. The United States and China were the two countries with the most publications. The most three influential institutions in the field were Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sun Yat-sen University, and University of Pittsburgh. International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Biomaterials were considered the most influential journals in this field. International Journal of Molecular Sciences had the most publications, and the most quantity of citations and the highest H-index were found in Biomaterials. The dual-map overlay revealed that publications in Molecular/Biology/Genetics and Health/Nursing/Medicine co-cited journals received the majority of the citations for studies from Molecular/Biology/Immunology and Medicine/Medical/Clinical. In terms of publication production and influence, Fu X stood out among the authors, and Pittenger MF took the top spot in co-citations. According to the keywords from the analysis, future research should concentrate on the mechanisms through which stem cells promote wound healing. We conducted a thorough analysis of the general information, knowledge base and research hotspots in the field of stem cells and wound healing from 1999 to 2023 by using the VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and other bibliometric analysis tools. It not only provided valuable insights for scholars, but also served as a reliable reference that drives further development in the field and stimulates the interest of researchers.
A surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of spinal surgery. Malnutrition has also been linked to SSI after other surgical procedures. However, whether malnutrition is a risk factor for SSI after spinal surgery remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between malnutrition and SSI. Relevant studies of the correlation between malnutrition and SSI were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data from database inception to 21 May 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed the included studies, and a meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17.0 software. A total of 24 articles with 179 388 patients were included: 3919 and 175 469 cases comprised the SSI and control groups, respectively. The meta-analysis results showed that malnutrition significantly increased the SSI incidence (odds ratio, 1.811; 95% confidence interval, 1.512–2.111; p < 0.001). These results suggest that patients with malnutrition are at higher risk for SSI after surgery. However, because of significant differences in sample sizes among studies, and because some studies had limitations to their methodological quality, further validation of these results by additional high-quality studies with larger sample sizes is necessary.
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, and the mechanisms underlying their formation remain poorly understood. We analysed scRNA-seq data from samples of normal skin and HS. Using the hdWGCNA method, key gene modules of fibroblasts in HS were identified. Non-negative matrix factorization was employed to perform subtype analysis of HS patients using these gene modules. Multiple machine learning algorithms were applied to screen and validate accurate gene signatures for identifying and predicting HS, and a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on deep learning was established and validated. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression. Immunofluorescence was used for gene localization analysis, and biological features were assessed through CCK8 and wound healing assay. Single-cell sequencing revealed distinct subpopulations of fibroblasts in HS. HdWGCNA identified key gene characteristics of this population, and pseudotime analysis was conducted to investigate gene variation during fibroblast differentiation. By employing various machine learning algorithms, the gene range was narrowed down to three key genes. A CNN was trained using the expression of these key genes and immune cell infiltration, enabling diagnosis and prediction of HS. Functional experiments demonstrated that THBS2 is associated with fibroblast proliferation and migration in HS and affects the formation and development of HS through the TGFβ1/P-Smad2/3 pathway. Our study identifies unique fibroblast subpopulations closely associated with HS and provides biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of HS.
This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nursing on the incidence surgical site wound infection in older adults with hip fractures. The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP databases were searched from inception up to March 2023 for articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of ERAS nursing on surgical site wound infection in older adults with hip fractures. Patients in the experimental group received ERAS nursing, and patients in the control group received conventional postoperative nursing. Two researchers independently completed literature screening and data extraction. The included articles were evaluated according to Cochrane quality assessment standards and the meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software to calculate the effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twelve RCTs were included with 1117 patients, including 559 in the experimental group and 558 in the control group. In older adults with hip fractures, ERAS nursing reduced the risk of surgical site wound infection (odds ratio [OR]: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11–0.58, p = 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.14–0.33, p < 0.001), and reduced the length of hospital stay (mean difference: −4.04 days, 95% CI: −4.33 to −3.76 days, p < 0.001). In older adults with hip fractures, ERAS nursing reduces the incidence of surgical site infection and complications and shortens the length of hospital stay.
To explore the clinical effect of “micromovement” in preventing intraoperative acquired pressure injures (IAPIs) among patients experiencing surgery in supine position. A total of 200 patients accepting elective surgery in supine position from 10 May 2023 to 4 July 2023 at Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital were selected and randomized into two groups (experimental group, n = 100; control group, n = 100). For control group patients, soft silicone foam dressing was applied to the sacrococcygeal region. On the basis of the treatment for control group patients, “micromovement” was implemented among experimental group patients. During this process, the operating table was tilted for 15° leftwards and rightwards alternately every 1 h, and the tilt angle was maintained for 5 min to prevent IAPIs. Finally, comparisons between the two groups were made in terms of the sacrococcygeal IAPI incidence, relative temperature differences (ΔT) on sacrococcygeal skin, and job satisfaction of nurses. Compared with control group patients, patients from the experimental group exhibited lower IAPI incidence (2% vs. 10%), reduced ΔT between the sacrococcygeal skin and surrounding normal skin [0 (−0.1, 0.1) vs. 0.2 (−0.2, 0.4)], and elevated job satisfaction of nurses (80% vs. 66%). All the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). “Micromovement” implemented intraoperatively among patients receiving surgery in supine position is able to lower the IAPI incidence by five times and elevate job satisfaction of nurses.