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Enhanced Wound Healing Through Air‐Break Augmentation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Combined With Adipose‐Derived Stromal Cell Transplantation in a Murine Model

ABSTRACT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and reducing hypoxia. However, the role of air-breaks—intermittent exposures to ambient air during HBOT—remains unclear. We investigated the effects of air-breaks on HBOT-mediated wound healing, particularly in combination with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs). Full-thickness wounds were created in C57BL/6 mice (n = 36) and assigned to control, HBOT (1 h/day, 2 ATA for 11 days), or HBOT with a 10-min air-break groups. In a second experiment, we evaluated ASC treatment combined with HBOT and air-breaks. Wound healing was assessed via gross examination, histology and gene expression analysis of collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1a1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif1a) and tumour necrosis factor (Tnf-α). Compared with HBOT alone, air-breaks significantly improved wound closure, epithelial regeneration and collagen deposition (p < 0.05). Gene analysis showed higher Col1a1 expression and lower Hif1a and Tnf-α levels in the air-break group. In ASC-treated wounds, air-breaks further accelerated healing, enhancing collagen synthesis and reducing hypoxia and inflammation. These findings suggest that incorporating air-breaks into HBOT protocols improves wound healing outcomes, both generally and in ASC-based therapies, by modulating collagen production, hypoxia and inflammation, and could optimise HBOT efficacy, particularly in cell-based regenerative therapies.

Sustaining Dignity at Life's End: A Meta‐Ethnographic Study of Nurses' Insights

ABSTRACT

Aim

To systematically synthesise nurses' perspectives on dignified death, providing a culturally informed and comprehensive understanding.

Design

Meta-ethnography.

Methods

This study was conducted using Noblit and Hare's approach, which included reciprocal translation, refutational synthesis, and line-of-argument synthesis. Methodological rigour and credibility were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist. The review included peer-reviewed qualitative studies published in English or Korean that focused on nurses' or nursing students' views on dignified death in end-of-life care.

Data Sources

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Web of Science in August 2023, with an updated search in August 2024. Seventeen qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Four interconnected themes emerged: A death that embraces humanity, a death that preserves personal identity, a death that facilitates connection and reconciliation, and a death that affirms acceptance and spiritual serenity. These themes, including eight sub-themes, highlight cultural influences shaping nurses' approaches to dignified death.

Conclusion

The findings emphasise the influence of cultural context in shaping end-of-life care and support the development of culturally sensitive nursing education and guidelines to enhance care quality.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This research provides culturally grounded strategies to improve end-of-life care and strengthen nurses' competencies in delivering holistic support.

Impact

This study highlights cultural variations in nurses' approaches to balancing autonomy, family expectations, and spiritual needs, offering practical insights for holistic, patient-centred, and culturally sensitive care.

Reporting Method

This review complies with the Equator and improving reporting of meta-ethnography (eMERGe) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Current Status and Influencing Factors of Death Preparedness in Advanced Cancer Patients Based on the PRECEDE‐PROCEED Model: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Death preparedness is an important prerequisite for improving the quality of life and the quality of death in advanced cancer patients. However, research on the level of death preparedness in patients is insufficient, and there is little understanding of the current status and influencing factors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients.

Aim

This study aims to assess the current status of death preparedness and its influencing factors in advanced cancer patients.

Methods

Based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, a structured survey questionnaire was designed to collect data on personal factors (such as gender, age and residence area), interpersonal factors (such as social support, caregiver readiness and healthcare worker readiness) and social factors (such as care resources, policy support and information supply). Through multiple linear regression and BP neural network analysis, the study explores the impact and significance of these influencing factors on death preparedness in advanced cancer patients.

Results

A total of 930 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. The death preparedness score in advanced cancer patients was 72.18 ± 22.82, indicating a moderate level, with the highest score being the ‘reflexive care’ dimension and the lowest score being the ‘hospice programme’ dimension. Multivariate analysis revealed that meaning in life and social support were the most significant predictors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients. In addition, personal factors such as dignity, household income and coping style, also played an important role. Interpersonal factors like social support, as well as social factors such as care resources and policy support, also had an impact on patients' death preparedness to some extent.

Conclusion

Death preparedness in advanced cancer patients is generally at a moderate level, and death preparedness is influenced by a combination of personal factors, interpersonal factors and social factors.

Impact

This study is based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to comprehensively explore the influencing factors of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients. It provides theoretical support for improving life services for advanced cancer patients. It offers valuable practical experience and insights for societal attention and reform in end-of-life care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper.

Generative artificial intelligence in dementia care: a scoping review protocol on nursing roles, experiences and ethical perspectives

Por: Chen · Y.-C. · Nieh · H.-C. · Chen · H.-C. · Chen · J.-C. · Chang · M.-Y. · Wu · P.-O.
Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI), including large language models and multimodal generative systems, is rapidly emerging in healthcare with growing interest in its potential applications for dementia care. These technologies offer new possibilities for communication support, cognitive engagement and personalised interaction, yet they also introduce complex ethical, relational and practical challenges. Nurses—who hold central, sustained roles across dementia care settings—are key mediators of technology adoption and are positioned to assess the appropriateness, safety and ethical implications of GAI use. However, existing literature remains fragmented and largely focused on technological development or patient-facing outcomes, with limited synthesis of nurses’ roles, experiences and ethical perspectives. This scoping review aims to map the current evidence regarding how nurses engage with GAI in dementia care and to identify gaps that may inform practice, policy and future research.

Methods and analysis

This review will follow the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley, refined by Levac et al and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Reporting will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The review will be conducted between March 2026 and October 2026, encompassing database searching, screening, data charting, synthesis and reporting. A comprehensive search will be conducted across MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science using controlled vocabulary and keywords related to nursing, generative artificial intelligence and dementia. Eligible sources will include empirical studies, reviews, conceptual papers and policy analyses that report nursing roles, experiences or ethical considerations related to GAI in dementia care. Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts and full texts and extract data using a structured charting form. Findings will be synthesised through descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis, supported by conceptual mapping to illustrate relationships among GAI types, nursing roles, ethical concerns and care settings. Critical appraisal will not be undertaken, as it is optional in scoping reviews and is not aligned with the primary mapping objectives of this review.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as the review synthesises publicly available literature. Should the optional interest-holders consultation be undertaken, ethical clearance will be obtained from an appropriate institutional review board prior to participant engagement. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and knowledge-translation outputs targeted at clinicians, educators, policymakers and AI developers. The review will support informed, ethically grounded integration of GAI in dementia care.

Culturally sensitive stress management strategies for parents of preterm infants in the NICU: a systematic review of qualitative evidence protocol

Por: Chen · Y.-C. · Chang · M.-Y. · Wu · T.-Y.
Introduction

Parenting a preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is a profoundly stressful experience, shaped by clinical uncertainty, physical separation and emotional vulnerability. Although stress management strategies—such as counselling, peer support and psychoeducation—are commonly available in NICU settings, little is known about how parents experience these forms of support when they are intended to be culturally sensitive or delivered within diverse cultural contexts. Cultural values, beliefs and practices shape how parents interpret stress and engage with support, highlighting the need to synthesise qualitative evidence on parents’ lived experiences of culturally sensitive stress management strategies during NICU hospitalisation.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review of qualitative evidence will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A comprehensive search will be undertaken across six databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Airiti Library. This review will include qualitative studies that examine parents’ experiences, perceptions and meaning-making in relation to stress management strategies that are explicitly culturally sensitive or situated within identifiable cultural contexts in NICU settings. Studies published in English or Chinese between 2014 and 2024 will be eligible. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, assess methodological quality using the JBI critical appraisal checklist and extract data using the standardised JBI data extraction tool. Meta-aggregation will be used to synthesise findings, and the ConQual approach will be applied to assess confidence in the synthesised outputs.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review of qualitative evidence will synthesise data from previously published studies and does not require formal ethical approval. The review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the JBI methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at national and international conferences on neonatal care, nursing and family-centred healthcare. Target audiences include NICU clinicians, hospital administrators, educators and policymakers interested in integrating culturally responsive approaches into stress management and family support practices.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022357472.

Mediating Effects of Family and Clinical Characteristics on the Quality of Life of Children With Spina Bifida and Their Parents

ABSTRACT

Aims

(1) To determine the mediating effects of children's transition readiness, which reflects self-management skill acquisition, and family resilience on the relationship between parenting stress and the quality of life (QOL) of parents and children with spina bifida (SB). (2) To conduct an exploratory analysis of the differences in the mediating pathways based on the presence of SB-related clinical characteristics.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from a single centre in South Korea between October 2022 and July 2024. Participants included children aged 7–13 years diagnosed with myelomeningocele, lipomyelomeningocele or tethered cord syndrome, along with their parents. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and the MEDYAD macro for actor–partner interdependence mediation model analysis.

Results

Family resilience significantly mediated the relationship between parenting stress and both child and parent QOL. However, transition readiness was not a significant mediator in the overall sample. Among children with SB-related clinical characteristics, transition readiness significantly mediated the association between parenting stress and child QOL. In contrast, family resilience mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parent QOL. No significant mediators were found in children without SB-related clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

This study highlights the mediating role of family resilience and transition readiness in improving the QOL of children with SB, particularly those with clinical characteristics. The findings suggest that interventions should be tailored to address both family resilience and transition readiness, especially for children with SB-related clinical challenges.

Impact

These findings are valuable for nurses supporting children with SB, as the results highlight the importance of transition education tailored to SB-related clinical characteristics. In particular, nurse-led transition education may play a key role in enhancing transition readiness and improving the QOL of children with SB who have clinical characteristics.

Patient Contribution

None.

Reporting Method

STROBE Checklist for cross-sectional studies.

Assessing stress restorative potential of plant species richness and plant landscape types of pocket parks: The mediating role of aesthetic quality

by Yu Wang, Filzani Illia Ibrahim, Junlin Chang, Siti Norzaini Zainal Abidin

The issue of stress among urban residents is becoming increasingly serious, affecting both physical and mental health in cities in China. Pocket parks serve as essential green spaces for people’s well-being in high-density urban environments. However, limited empirical research has examined how plant landscape components support stress recovery among urban residents, particularly in the context of pocket parks in China. This study investigated the effects of plant species richness and plant landscape types on stress recovery, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived aesthetic quality. A pre-test and post-test design were conducted in six selected pocket parks with different landscape characteristics using questionnaire surveys. A total of 605 urban residents were recruited using a random sampling method at different sites. The results indicated that medium plant species richness (t = −10.502, p p 

Comparing perspectives of volunteers and patients on the Health Champions intervention in secondary mental healthcare: a qualitative study

Por: Pinto da Costa · M. · Chang · W. C. A. · Wu · Y. · Spence · S. · Cho · H. J. · Mcgrath · R. · Sadler · E. · Tredget · G. · Mdudu · I. · Gaughran · F. · Sevdalis · N. · Bakolis · I. · Williams · J.
Background

People with serious mental illness (SMI) can experience significant physical health challenges. The Health Champions intervention was developed to support their physical health through using trained volunteers. However, volunteer and patient perspectives on the impact and implementation of this intervention have yet to be understood.

Aims

To compare the views of patients and volunteers on the Health Champions intervention.

Design and setting

A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with 29 study participants. Interviews were carried out either face-to-face, via Microsoft Teams, or by telephone and included 12 patients (6 men and 6 women) and 17 volunteers (the Health Champions) (5 men and 12 women).

Results

Four overarching themes were identified, highlighting both similarities and differences between stakeholders’ perspectives: (1) supporting goal setting; (2) impact on positive lifestyle; (3) experiences and perception of the programme and (4) navigating challenges during the programme. Both groups found the programme to be largely successful, by motivating patients to work towards their physical health goals and facilitating successful matching of patients with volunteers. Volunteers and patients valued good communication with the research team. Though both groups shared some views on the challenges with scheduling and a lack of face-to-face contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, their perceptions on how patients incorporated their health changes during and after the programme, as well as other administrative concerns such as views on the efficacy of journaling and breakdown of roles, differed.

Conclusions

The Health Champions intervention was perceived as useful to improve the physical health of patients with SMI. Differences in the views between the two stakeholders may result from their distinct experiences and expectations. Future volunteering programmes should further support the diverse physical health needs of patients with SMI.

Trajectories and Co‐Occurrence of Perceived Control in Patients With Heart Failure and Self‐Efficacy in Their Caregivers: A Three‐Month Longitudinal Study of Dual Trajectories

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study aims to explore the trajectories and co-occurrence of perceived control and caregiver self-efficacy among patients with heart failure (HF) and their caregivers within 3 months post-discharge and identify associated risk factors.

Design

A prospective cohort design.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from March to June 2024 in Tianjin, China. Information on perceived control and caregiver self-efficacy was collected 24 h before discharge, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge. Group-Based Dual Trajectory Modelling (GBDTM) and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results

The study included 203 dyads of patients with HF and their caregivers (HF dyads). Perceived control identified three trajectories: low curve (15.3%), middle curve (57.1%) and high curve (27.6%). Caregiver self-efficacy demonstrated three trajectories: low curve (17.2%), middle curve (56.7%) and high stable (26.1%). GBDTM revealed nine co-occurrence patterns, with the highest proportion (36.7%) being ‘middle-curve group for perceived control and middle-curve group for caregiver self-efficacy’, and 16.7% being ‘high-curve group for perceived control and high-stable group for caregiver self-efficacy’. Age, gender, household income, NYHA class, symptom burden and psychological resilience were identified as risk factors for perceived control trajectories; marital status, regular exercise and psychological resilience were identified as risk factors for caregiver self-efficacy trajectories.

Conclusion

We identified distinct trajectories, co-occurrence patterns and risk factors of perceived control and caregiver self-efficacy among HF dyads. These findings help clinical nurses to better design and implement interventions, strengthening the comprehensive management and care outcomes for HF dyads.

Impact

These findings highlighted the interactive relationship between perceived control and caregiver self-efficacy trajectories, suggesting that interventions should boost both to improve personalised treatment plans and outcomes for HF dyads.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and their caregivers contributed by participating in the study and completing the questionnaire.

Pore network modeling of water and gas transport characteristics in synthetic porous media

by Li Dong, Changkun Ma, Wanghai Tao, Quanjiu Wang

The flow characteristics of water and gas are closely linked to pore structure of porous media, which is of critical importance across various scientific and industrial fields. In this study, synthetic porous media with varying grain sizes and porosity were generated, and their corresponding pore structures were characterized using pore network modeling. Furthermore, the intrinsic permeability, water retention curve, water-gas relative permeability and relative gas diffusivity of the synthetic porous media were simulated via pore network modeling. The results demonstrate that the pore networks extracted from images can effectively distinguish pore structural characteristics. Specifically, the mean pore diameter, throat diameter, and throat length were larger in coarse-grained media compared to fine-grained media of the same porosity. In contrast, fine-grained media exhibited higher values for pore number, throat number, and coordination number. Additionally, the distributions of pore diameter, throat diameter, throat length and coordination were found to follow a lognormal distribution. Porous media with coarse grains and larger porosity exhibit greater intrinsic permeability and relative gas diffusivity compared to media composed of finer grains or lower porosity. The water-retention curves were fitting by van Genuchten model, revealing an exponential relationship between parameter α and throat diameter (or pore diameter). But the parameter n did not show a clear trend across various synthetic porous media, which is attributed to the relatively narrow range of pore size distribution. Similarly, for water-gas relative permeability, the critical water saturation did not vary significantly across different porous media. A strong correlation was observed among the pore structural parameters, irrespective of grain shape and size. Both intrinsic permeability and relative gas diffusivity exhibited a power-law relation with the porosity as well as with pore or throat radius. Moreover, the relationship between intrinsic permeability and relative gas diffusivity can be expressed as k = 166.51(Dp/D0)0.98, which provides a direct means of estimating relative gas diffusion from intrinsic permeability directly.

Social Determinants of Health and Falls Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Analysis

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Falls among older adults represent a major public health challenge, yet research examining the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in fall risk remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors associated with fall occurrence and fall frequency among community-dwelling older adults in Korea, with particular emphasis on SDOH.

Design

A cross-sectional study design.

Methods

We used a large nationwide sample (n = 9746) from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans. The number of falls in the past year served as the dependent variable. Independent variables included a range of socioeconomic and environmental variables as SDOH, alongside biological and behavioral variables. A zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression analysis was employed to address excess zeros and overdispersion in fall count data.

Results

Among participants, 94.8% experienced no falls, 3.2% reported a single fall, and 1.9% reported recurrent falls. In the logit model for fall occurrence, higher household income level, absence of age-friendly housing, higher access to parks, and lower access to welfare centers were associated with higher risk of fall occurrence. In the count model for fall frequency, higher education level, presence of age-friendly housing, and outdoor mobility barriers were associated with higher fall frequency within the at-risk group.

Conclusions

The findings provide empirical evidence on the critical roles of SDOH in falls among community-dwelling older adults. Specifically, a ZINB regression analysis identified distinct sets of SDOH associated with fall occurrence versus fall frequency, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of fall patterns among older adults.

Clinical Relevance

Healthcare providers and policymakers seeking to reduce falls should implement tailored, SDOH-integrated strategies by addressing the different mechanisms underlying fall occurrence and fall frequency.

When a fall leads to a hospital emergency department visit: a focus group study on factors influencing the adoption of falls prevention measures

Por: Reeck · N. · Völkel · A. · Mammes · M. · Urbahn-Schiefer · D. · Reineking · B. · Brushinski · E. · Stuckenschneider · T. · Zieschang · T. · Brütt · A. L.
Objectives

Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of falls prevention interventions for high-risk older adults who have experienced a severe fall. However, uptake and adherence rates remain low. The purpose of this study is to assess the capabilities, opportunities and motivations of older adults following a fall with subsequent presentation to the emergency department and direct discharge home in relation to falls prevention measures.

Design and setting

This study, conducted as part of the ‘Sentinel fall presenting to the emergency department’ project at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg in Germany, involved a participatory research team (PRT). It was a qualitative study based on focus group interviews undertaken between June and October 2022, analysed in accordance with qualitative content analysis following Kuckartz. The Theoretical Domains Framework forms the basis of the deductive category system. PRT members collaborated as co-researchers in conducting and analysing the focus groups.

Participants

12 focus groups were conducted (N=52). The participants were older adults (≥60 years) who had received outpatient care in an emergency department following a fall (N=41) and their relatives (N=11).

Results

Interviewees indicated that both knowledge of available support options and the ability to self-evaluate are important following a fall. Additionally, health circumstances, such as limitations resulting from fall-related consequences, influence the adoption of falls prevention measures. Social influences, as well as environmental context and resources, were also discussed, reflecting participants’ preferences for intervention design, such as having a central point of contact and specific courses on fall training. Moreover, the fall event itself may strengthen the perceived need for preventive measures, whereas a fear of falling can lead to reduced or modified activity levels.

Conclusions

To improve the engagement of older adults in falls prevention interventions following a fall, the establishment of a central point of contact could be considered. Individual tailored interventions, including psychological support as well as specific fall training, are needed.

Trial registration number

DRKS00025949.

Effects on recurrence and quAlity-of-life of iliac vein Stenting angioplasTy for patients with Varicose veins combined with severE Iliac veiN compression: a protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised clinical trial (EAST-VEIN trial)

Por: Cong · L. · Cai · F. · Chang · Y. · Hua · Z. · Hu · Z. · Hao · H. · Ma · J. · Ma · L. · Wang · L. · Wang · L. · Xia · Y. · Yuan · H. · Yu · W. · Zhang · F. · Zhuang · H. · Zhang · R. · Zhang · Z. · Yang · T. · Yang · L.
Introduction

Both varicose veins (VV) and iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) can cause skin damage and functional impairment in the lower extremities, and these issues often coexist. However, the question of whether IVCS exacerbates VV progression and leads to differences in the surgical outcomes of therapy for VV remains unanswered. Therefore, no high-level evidence-based medical data is available to support the concomitant use of iliac vein stenting in patients with VV and severe IVCS, and treatment protocols vary significantly among different centres. This study will investigate the effects of concomitant iliac vein stenting on post-procedure varices recurrence and quality of life (QoL) on the basis of a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial with the goal of providing a foundation for the standardised treatment of patients with VV and IVCS.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial will enrol 160 patients with VV and severe IVCS. All patients will be randomly divided into either the VV endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) alone group or the VV ETA combined with iliac vein stenting (ETAS) group. Baseline data will be collected and follow-up will be conducted at 1, 6, 12 and 36 months after the procedure. The primary outcome is post-procedure VV recurrence (as assessed by clinical and ultrasound examination). Secondary outcomes include QoL scores (according to the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire, the Chronic Lower Limb Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire, the European Quality of Life Five-Dimensions, and the Venous Clinical Severity Score) and the incidence of post-procedure complications. Bleeding complications resulting from anticoagulation therapy and stent-related complications (such as restenosis and deep vein thrombosis) will also be recorded for patients in the ETAS group.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (approval number: XJTU1AF2024LSYY-075). Written informed consent has been obtained from all participants. The final results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national or international conferences.

Trial registration number

This protocol was registered on chictr.org.cn prior to enrolment, which began on 19 June 2024 (Registration ID: ChiCTR2400085815).

Surgery versus conservative management for severe pectus excavatum (RESTORE): protocol for a multicentre, randomised, controlled superiority trial

Por: Maier · R. · Dunning · J. · Wason · J. · Chadwick · T. · Bryant · A. · Fernandez-Garcia · C. · Vale · L. · Danjoux · G. R. · Wallace · G. · Levett-Renton · A. · Naidu · B. · Pryor · C. · McCulloch · P. · Thursfield · R. · Wyllie · J. · Chang · L. · Marsay · L. · Akowuah · E.
Introduction

Severe pectus excavatum (PE) may impair cardiopulmonary and physical function. The effectiveness of surgical treatment to correct PE and restore physical function is widely debated due to a lack of high-quality comparative evidence. The RESTORE trial aims to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of corrective surgery for severe PE compared with conservative management for the first time in a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods and analysis

RESTORE is a pragmatic, multicentre, RCT with an embedded observational cohort. 200 participants aged ≥12 years with severe PE will be recruited at around 12 National Health Service cardiothoracic surgical centres in England. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive either surgery within 3 months of randomisation (intervention arm) or no surgery until after the primary outcome measurement at 1 year (comparator arm). The primary outcome is change in physical functioning from baseline to 1 year as measured by the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) physical function score. The primary economic outcome is cost-effectiveness. The key secondary outcome is change in % predicted VO2peak at 1 year measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Outcomes will be assessed at 1 year post-randomisation in the comparator arm and 1 year post-surgery in the intervention arm. The primary analyses will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat population using a linear mixed-effects model, adjusted for stratification variables via a binary covariate. Other secondary outcomes will include change from baseline of cardiopulmonary function (CPET and spirometry), health-related quality of life using the EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) and SF-36v2 questionnaires, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and disease specific symptoms (Phoenix Comprehensive Assessment for Pectus Excavatum Symptoms and Pectus Excavatum Evaluation Questionnaire). Adverse events, complications from surgery and operative technical success (Haller and Compression Indices from preoperative and postoperative CT scans) will also be assessed. Health economic analysis will estimate the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year at 1 year.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by East of Scotland Research and Ethics Service (24/ES/0034). Participants who are ≥16 years of age will be required to provide written informed consent. For participants

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11359779.

Content validity, practicality and testing of the reliability of various tools for the detection and screening of delirium in residents with dementia in German nursing homes: a study protocol

Por: Seiters · J. C. · Molitor · V. · Morandi · A. · Zieschang · T. · Dichter · M. N. · Haastert · B. · Erdmann · M. · Hoffmann · F. · Palm · R.
Introduction

Although individuals with dementia who reside in nursing homes are particularly susceptible to developing delirium, this condition is rarely recognised in these settings. Detection of delirium requires validated and reliable tools for this setting that can be applied by nursing staff. The primary objective of the study is to assess the comprehensibility, practicality and inter-rater reliability of two delirium detection tools (4 A’s test (4AT) and 4-item delirium superimposed on dementia (4-DSD)) and one tool for assessing both the diagnosis and severity of delirium (Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98)) in people with dementia who reside in nursing homes when used by nurses.

Methods and analysis

The comprehensibility and practicality of the German versions of the 4AT, 4-DSD and DRS-R-98 will be evaluated using cognitive interviews in accordance with the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments framework. On the basis of the results of the cognitive interviews, a manual for each of the three tools will be developed and finalised by an expert panel. Finally, the inter-rater reliability and measurement error of the three tools will be determined using the manuals. For this purpose, a total of 70 residents from six nursing homes will be assessed by at least two nurses. The data analysis will include descriptive statistics and inter-rater reliability assessment for individual items (kappa value) and total scores (Intraclass correlation coefficients).

Ethics and dissemination

This study will assess the comprehensibility, practicality and inter-rater reliability of the 4AT, 4-DSD and DRS-R-98 for use in residents with dementia in nursing homes. The project was approved by the medical ethics committee of the University of Oldenburg (reference number: 2025-093).

Trial registration number

The inter-rater reliability study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register. Registration number: DRKS00037458 (https://www.drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00037458/details).

Reliability, validity, and correlates of an AI voice emotion recognition app among nurses

by Chu-Ying Huang, Wen-Pei Chang

Background

Digital tools are increasingly widespread in healthcare, particularly in the fields of emotion recognition and mental health assessment.

Objectives

This study evaluated whether an artificial intelligence (AI) voice emotion recognition (VER) app could identify nurses’ emotions and explored its associations with their background and health conditions.

Methods

The emotions of 349 clinical nurses at a medical center in northern Taiwan were analyzed using an AI VER app and several standardized psychological questionnaires. To control for potential confounding variables, demographic and health-related factors including age, gender, work experience, exercise habits, and history of physical symptoms were collected and statistically adjusted in correlation analyses. Convergent validity was tested with Pearson’s correlations, and test-retest reliability was evaluated in 30 nurses using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

Significant correlations were observed between app-derived emotions and standard scales (anger: Novaco Anger Inventory-Short Form, r = .42; fear: Perceived Stress Scale, r = .41; happiness: Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, r = .45; and sadness: Beck Depression Inventory-II, r = .47; all p p = .025), peptic ulcers predicted greater fear (β = .19, p p = .041), and irregular menstrual cycles predicted lower happiness (β = −.13, p = .014) and greater sadness (β = .30, p  Conclusion

Peptic ulcers, irregular menstrual cycles, and lack of exercise were associated with negative emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger. The AI VER app could objectively detect these emotional patterns in nurses, helping to identify emotional fluctuations early and support timely mental healthcare.

Characterising adverse events in postdischarge high-risk patients with 6-month follow-up in a Korean tertiary hospital: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Hwang · J.-I. · Chang · Y.-S. · Chin · H. J.
Objectives

This study aimed to examine adverse event occurrences in outpatient care settings and healthcare utilisation after discharge and to identify the characteristics of patients at high risk of safety issues during the care transition from the hospital to their homes. In addition, the performance of outpatient triggers for the detection of adverse events was explored.

Design

A retrospective cohort study using hospital medical record reviews over 6 months postdischarge.

Setting

A tertiary teaching hospital in South Korea.

Participants

A total of 746 adult patient medical records mainly including patients potentially at high risk of adverse events were analysed, comprising 5439 outpatient visits.

Primary outcome measure

Occurrence of adverse events.

Results

Approximately 14.2% of patients experienced at least one adverse event within 6 months postdischarge. Medication-related (84.2%) and surgical/procedural (13.2%) events were common. Most events were mild in severity and assessed as unpreventable. Patients who experienced adverse events had significantly more all-cause re-hospitalisations, emergency room visits and outpatient clinic visits. No difference was found in mortality. Controlling for other variables, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients who are overweight (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.90), with circulatory system diseases (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.96) and with a National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) ≥2 at discharge (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.54) were less likely to experience adverse events. Those with admissions via emergency rooms or day-surgery centres (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.32), in medical departments (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.23), with a diagnosis of cancer (OR=2.03, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.62) and longer hospital stays (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11) were more likely to experience adverse events postdischarge. Outpatient triggers with relatively high performance included ‘constipation with narcotics/calcium channel blockers’, ‘abrupt medication discontinuation’, ‘rash’ and ‘white blood cell count 3’.

Conclusions

Approximately 14% of patients, mainly comprising high-risk patients, experienced adverse events postdischarge, with more emergency room visits and all-cause re-hospitalisations. Patients experiencing adverse events were characterised by body mass index, type of admission route, clinical department, medical diagnosis, length of hospital stay and NEWS2. Patient and caregiver participation in the monitoring and reporting of adverse events should be encouraged to improve postdischarge patient safety. The use of triggers to detect potential patient safety problems is recommended.

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