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☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Effects of chitosan oligosaccharide on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, intestinal digestive capacity and morphological structure in growing female minks

Por: Hongfei Liu · Wenli Li · Gaoqiang Fan · Qiaoyi Chen · Shulei Zhang · Beibei Zhang — Septiembre 19th 2025 at 16:00

by Hongfei Liu, Wenli Li, Gaoqiang Fan, Qiaoyi Chen, Shulei Zhang, Beibei Zhang

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, duodenal digestive enzyme activity, and jejunal morphology in growing female minks. Ninety-six 12-week-old minks were randomly assigned to six groups (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg/kg COS), with 8 replicates per treatment and 2 minks per replicate, for an 8-week trial. The results showed that average daily gain (ADG) increased quadratically with increasing COS levels (P P P P P P 
☐ ☆ ✇ PLOS ONE Medicine&Health

Impact of calcined bauxite aggregates on the polishing resistance and skid resistance performance of SMA-7 asphalt mixtures

Por: Pengfei Li · Lingkun Kong · Nan Mao · Chenwei Gu — Agosto 5th 2025 at 16:00

by Pengfei Li, Lingkun Kong, Nan Mao, Chenwei Gu

High-performance anti-skid asphalt mixtures are essential for improving skid resistance and pavement durability. This study investigates the skid resistance performance of small-aggregate-size SMA-7 asphalt mixtures using calcined bauxite (CB) aggregates. Four types of aggregates—75#, 85#, and 88# CB and limestone—were used in the mixture preparation. Various laboratory tests, including pavement performance, Polished Stone Value (PSV) of aggregates, three-wheel polishing, and dynamic friction tests, were conducted to evaluate the performance and friction characteristics of the mixtures at various polishing stages. The results indicate that the optimal coarse-to-fine aggregate ratio for SMA-7 is 75:25, with a maximum particle size of 6.35 mm. The PSV of 88# CB aggregate stabilizes after 120,000 polishing cycles, exhibiting a decay rate 30% slower than that of limestone aggregates. Among the mixtures, 88#CB-SMA demonstrates superior high-temperature stability (1.5 times higher than limestone), slightly better low-temperature crack resistance, and significantly enhanced polishing resistance. Additionally, the dynamic friction coefficients of CB mixtures show slower attenuation, retaining 29.4–36.3% higher residual friction compared to limestone even after prolonged polishing. Strong correlations (R2 > 0.85) between the attenuation rates of PSV and dynamic friction coefficients confirm that the enhanced wear resistance of CB aggregates is key to long-term skid resistance, particularly at lower speeds. These findings suggest that high-grade CB aggregates greatly improve both the skid resistance and overall performance of asphalt mixtures, providing valuable insights for designing durable small-size asphalt wear layers.
☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Prediction Models of Medication Adherence in Chronic Disease Patients: Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

Por: Jingwen Xu · Xinyi Zhao · Fei Li · Yan Xiao · Kun Li — Diciembre 31st 2024 at 06:14

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives

To summarise the currently developed risk prediction models for medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases and evaluate their performance and applicability.

Background

Ensuring medication adherence is crucial in effectively managing chronic diseases. Although numerous studies have endeavoured to construct risk prediction models for predicting medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses, the reliability and practicality of these models remain uncertain.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

We conducted searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase and Medline from inception until 16 July 2023. Two authors independently screened risk prediction models for medication adherence that met the predefined inclusion criteria. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was employed to evaluate both the risk of bias and clinical applicability of the included studies. This systematic review adhered to the 2020 PRISMA checklist.

Results

The study included a total of 11 risk prediction models from 11 studies. Medication regimen and age were the most common predictors. The use of PROBAST revealed that some essential methodological details were not thoroughly reported in these models. Due to limitations in methodology, all models were rated as having a high-risk for bias.

Conclusions

According to PROBAST, the current models for predicting medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases exhibit a high risk of bias. Future research should prioritise enhancing the methodological quality of model development and conducting external validations on existing models.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Based on the review findings, recommendations have been provided to refine the construction methodology of prediction models with an aim of identifying high-risk individuals and key factors associated with low medication adherence in chronic diseases.

Patient or Public Contribution

This systematic review was conducted without patient or public participation.

☐ ☆ ✇ Journal of Clinical Nursing

Analysis of Factors Related to Physical Activity Levels Among Lung Cancer Survivors Who Underwent Nonsurgical Treatment: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Por: Qiaoqiao Ma · Jing Luo · Xiaoqing Liu · Huxing Cao · Shengchang Ye · Nan Dang · Ting Wang · Jianfei Li · Shajing Fan · Lili Hou — Septiembre 20th 2024 at 13:19

ABSTRACT

Aim(s)

The study aimed to investigate the current status of physical activity (PA) levels and associated factors among lung cancer survivors who have undergone nonsurgical treatments.

Background

PA has been incorporated as a nonpharmacological intervention in the rehabilitation programmes of cancer patients, playing a crucial role in alleviating symptom burden and enhancing the quality of life among lung cancer survivors. Understanding the potential influencing factors of PA levels aids in formulating targeted intervention strategies.

Design

A multicentre cross-sectional study.

Methods

Convenience sampling was utilised to survey lung cancer survivors from the respiratory and oncology departments of 12 hospitals across Eastern, Central and Western China, spanning from June 2023 to January 2024. Social demographic characteristics, disease-related features, health behaviour abilities, psychological factors and levels of PA were collected through a combination of clinical case systems used to record patients' treatment and medical conditions and self-reported questionnaires. Additionally, measurements of grip strength and the 6-min walk test were conducted for patients. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted.

Results

Only 109 patients (16.2%) achieved high PA levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated differences in age, residential location, employment status, religion, lung cancer stage, grip strength, albumin concentration, blood urea, Anderson symptom, depression and health behaviour capacity among lung cancer survivors with varying PA levels.

Conclusions

Significant associations were observed between age ≥ 75 years, residing in urban areas, unemployment, absence of religious beliefs, Stage IV lung cancer, lower grip strength, lower albumin concentration, higher blood urea, higher Anderson symptom scores, lower health behaviour capacity scores, higher depression scores and lower PA levels among lung cancer survivors. These potential factors should be considered when developing PA intervention plans.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study offers insights for developing subsequent PA intervention programmes. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals should continuously educate patients about the benefits of exercise and help them incorporate PA into their daily lives. Additionally, emphasising multidisciplinary collaboration involving physical therapists, nutritionists and mental health experts is crucial for ensuring safe and effective PA, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

Reporting Method

Our study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist: cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

At the phase of collecting data, participants were recruited to fill the questionnaires.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300072609

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Effect of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis

Por: Qian Yang · Fei Liu · Changxiu Zhao · Xin Xu · Yaqi Wang · Weiwei Zuo — Marzo 6th 2024 at 05:24

Abstract

This meta-analysis aims to systematically investigate the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases, from database inception to November 2023, to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the use of Chinese herbal compound dressings in patients with DFU. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Overall, 18 RCTs involving 1405 DFU patients were included. The analysis indicated that compared to the control group, the group treated with Chinese herbal compound dressings had significantly shorter ulcer healing time (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.53 to −1.46, p < 0.001), reduced ulcer surface area (SMD = −3.38, 95% CI: −4.67 to −2.09, p < 0.001), and higher healing rates (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.72–2.92, p < 0.001) as well as overall effectiveness rates (OR = 4.56, 95% CI: 3.10–6.71, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the external application of Chinese herbal compound dressings in patients with DFU can significantly shorten the ulcer healing time and improve wound healing rates.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Assessing wound complications in gastroscopy with Streptomyces protease enzyme combined with Shutai

Por: Qihui Chen · Hangfei Li · Lijuan Zhou · Zhanbo Yang — Enero 25th 2024 at 10:49

Abstract

Current gastroscopy practices necessitate a balance between procedural efficiency and patient safety. It has been hypothesized that increasing procedure outcomes through the use of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai is possible; however, precise nature of any potential adverse reactions and complications remains unknown. In Zhanjiang, China, 213 patients undergoing gastroscopy participated in this controlled trial. The subjects were allocated at random into two groups: control and treatment. The treatment group was administered topical Streptomyces protease enzyme and intravenous Shutai. Using chi-square and t-tests, information regarding patient demographics, adverse reactions, wound healing, procedure duration, distress levels, and satisfaction was gathered and analysed. The demographic and medical history characteristics of the groups were comparable. There was a greater prevalence of modest immediate reactions in the treatment group (p < 0.05), whereas there were no significant variations observed in delayed reactions and long-term complications (p > 0.05). The treatment group exhibited superior efficiency metrics, including shorter durations for diagnosis, procedure completion and recuperation (p < 0.05). The treatment group exhibited significantly higher patient satisfaction scores (p < 0.05). The incorporation of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai into gastroscopy procedures resulted in significantly enhanced level of procedural efficacy and patient contentment while not introducing an additional risk of long-term complications. The increase in moderate immediate reactions that have been observed requires additional research in order to determine their clinical significance. Although these agents present a possible progression in the field of gastroscopy, their application should be tempered by the immediate adverse reactions that have been documented.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

The influence of minimally invasive esophagectomy on wound infection in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery: A meta‐analysis

Por: Dongming Guo · Fei Liao · Lin Yang · Bowei Liu · Longqi Chen — Enero 16th 2024 at 03:55

Abstract

The impacts of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in comparison with open esophagectomy (OE) on postoperative complications, wound infections and hospital length of stay in patients with esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) using meta-analysis to provide reliable evidence for clinical practice. A search strategy was developed and computer searches were performed on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for clinical studies that reported the effects of MIE in comparison with OE in patients with ESCA. The retrieval time was from their inception to October 2023. Two authors independently performed literature screening, and data extraction and literature quality evaluation were performed separately for the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Overall, 26 studies with 2427 ESCA patients were included in this study, of which 1203 were in the MIE group and 1224 were in the OE group. The results showed that, compared with OE, ESCA patients who underwent MIE were less likely to develop postoperative wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.20–0.49, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.18–0.30, p < 0.001) and have a shorter hospital stay (standardized mean difference = −1.93, 95% CI: −2.38 to −1.48, p < 0.001). MIE has advantages over OE in terms of shorter hospital stay and reduced incidence of postoperative wound infections and complications.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

The knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers in Chinese nurses: A cross‐sectional study in 93 tertiary and secondary hospitals

Por: Hongyan Liang · Hongyang Hu · Liuqun Feng · Huiyan Wei · Yuai Ying · Yuanfei Liu — Diciembre 28th 2023 at 07:39

Abstract

Although pressure ulcers are related to substantial health burdens, they may be preventable. Since nurses play a fundamental role in pressure ulcer prevention, their knowledge and attitude are of great importance. This study aims to investigate the current situation and associated factors of nurses' knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers from both tertiary and secondary hospitals. A total of 11 347 nurses were recruited including 7108 nurses (62.6%) from tertiary hospitals and 4239 nurses (37.4%) from secondary hospitals. The median (interquartile range) of the pressure ulcer knowledge score was 51% (38%, 90%) for all the participants with the lowest scores on prevention of pressure ulcers (51.33%). The mean (standard deviation) of attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention was 39.64 (4.65) with the lowest scores on personal competency to prevent pressure ulcers (mean 3.09). The results of multivariate linear regression showed that hospital level, nurses' age, years of work experience, initial education level at work and time of last training significantly associated with nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Meanwhile, hospital level, job title, previous training, time of last training and subjective needs for further training had significant association with nurses' attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention (all p < 0.05). Results showed inadequate knowledge but relative positive attitudes in nurses indicating the importance to deliver continuing education and training regarding pressure ulcer prevention in practice to improve the quality of care.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Evaluating a technologically enhanced rehabilitation programme for wound healing in patients with coronary heart disease

Por: Feifei Hong · Feifei Liu · Yan Li · Pengxi Liu — Diciembre 21st 2023 at 07:27

Abstract

Wound healing symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are frequently problematic, potentially resulting in complications. In order to tackle this concern, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation programme was created, which incorporated telehealth, virtual reality and robotics in an effort to optimize wound healing in patients with coronary heart disease. The purpose of this research was to assess the efficacy of a rehabilitation programme that utilized cutting-edge technology in enhancing the outcomes of wound recovery for individuals diagnosed with (CHD). Data from 120 CHD patients who participated in this longitudinal randomized controlled trial of a specialized rehabilitation programme intended to promote wound repair were utilized in a cross-sectional analysis. Anthropometric measurements, sociodemographical factors, exercise capacity and the progression of wound recovery were gathered as data. The research participants were primarily comprised of older males from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Age, gender, BMI, socio-educational orientation, physical activity, identified regulation and identified regulation were all significant determinants of wound healing. The significance of customized strategies in cardiac rehabilitation programmes that aim to achieve favourable wound healing outcomes is underscored by these results. In conclusion, this study emphasized the importance of incorporating unique patient attributes when designing technologically advanced rehabilitation protocols aimed at facilitating wound recovery in patients with coronary heart disease. Personalized interventions that consider these variables could potentially result in improved outcomes for wound healing among this particular group of patients.

☐ ☆ ✇ International Wound Journal

Effect of transverse colostomy versus ileostomy in colorectal anastomosis on post‐operative wound complications: A meta‐analysis

Por: Qixin Zhang · Fei Liu · Yao Li · Lin Ji · Yanchun Yu · Xingju Yang — Noviembre 8th 2023 at 17:43

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of colostomy or ileostomy on post-operative wound complications. The research was tested using Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Included were randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs). A sensitivity analysis and a meta-analysis were carried out. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the reduction of wound infection between LC and LI. Out of 268 related studies, 5 publications were chosen and examined for compliance. Literature quality was evaluated throughout the trial. Studies with poor literature were excluded. The data were analysed with RevMan 5.3, and a decision was taken to analyse the data with either a stochastic or a fixed-effects model. There were no significant differences in the incidence of post-operative infection in patients with LC (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.34, 1.81; p = 0.57), and the incidence of post-operative anastomotic fistulae (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.30, 3.15; p = 0.97) was not significantly different from that with LI. These meta-analyses indicate that no significant reduction in the incidence of post-operative infections or anastomotic fistulae was observed by either LC or LI.

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