Conectar
To determine the prevalence of presbyopia and associated risk factors among Bangladeshi recipients of elderly social safety net payments who were not currently using mobile financial services (MFS) and demonstrated numeracy, dexterity and cognitive prerequisites for smartphone use during eligibility screening for the Transforming Households with Refraction and Innovative Financial Technology (THRIFT) trial. Accessing these payments requires use of online banking, as with a smartphone.
Cross-sectional analysis of trial eligibility screening data.
Community-based screening conducted in two rural subdistricts in Kurigram District, Bangladesh.
Among 13 944 Old Age Allowance and Widows’ Allowance (WA) beneficiaries screened, 953 met trial eligibility criteria, including passing a smartphone readiness assessment and completing near vision examinations.
Presbyopia, defined as binocular presenting near visual acuity of N6.3 or worse, correctable to at least N5 with near vision glasses and with distance vision of ≥6/12 in both eyes.
Among 953 participants (mean age 61.4±7.2 years, 62.6% women), presbyopia prevalence was 62.6% (95% CI 59.5 to 65.7). Presbyopia was significantly positively associated with female gender (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR)=1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41) and receiving WA (APR=1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38) in multivariable analyses.
This study highlights a substantial burden of uncorrected presbyopia among a prescreened, randomised control trial-eligible subgroup of social safety net beneficiaries in rural Bangladesh, who were not currently using MFS but demonstrated cognitive and functional capacity to use mobile phones, potentially hampering their ability to carry out online banking. Delivery of reading glasses may improve digital financial access and facilitate broader financial inclusion, a hypothesis currently being tested in the parent THRIFT trial.
In December 2022, a large population infected with COVID-19 emerged in China, including frontline nurses. To maintain the medical system's function, many infected nurses returned to work before full recovery. This study aims to examine the characteristics of work resumption behaviour among the infected nurses and its influencing factors.
A nationwide cross-sectional study utilising questionnaire data.
An indicator was developed to assess the work resumption behaviour: work resumption type (autonomous work resumption, constrained work resumption). As the possible influencing factors of work resumption type, professional commitment, organisational commitment and psychological capital were included and measured by the Professional Commitment Scale (PCS), Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ), and Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). The logistic regression models were applied to estimate the association between the score of the PCS, OCQ, PCQ, and work resumption type.
A total of 30,062 nurses were included. The mean time of nurses returning to work after infection was 1.8 days, with 88.6% exhibiting autonomous work resumption behaviour. One standard deviation increment in the score of the PCS, OCQ, and PCQ was associated with a 41% (OR = 1.41), 29% (OR = 1.29) and 42% (OR = 1.42) average increase in the odds of having an autonomous work resumption, respectively.
The majority of nurses returned to work before full recovery during the pandemic. Elevated professional commitment, organisational commitment and psychological capital were associated with autonomous work resumption behaviour.
The large-scale work resumption in this emerging infectious disease outbreak demonstrated that the healthcare system should reevaluate nursing workforce growth targets for pandemics. It is still warranted for future research to explore the long-term effects of work resumption on individual and organisational levels.
Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2300067706 (January 8, 2023)
Skin temperature, including absolute temperature (at bony prominence areas under long-term compression) and relative temperature (the difference between bony prominence and adjacent control area), may serve as early warning indicators for PI. However, the optimal indicator remains unclear. This meta-analysis therefore synthesises evidence on their association with PI risk to identify the best indicator and evaluate its early-warning accuracy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
We included prospective cohort studies of adult patients investigating longitudinal associations between skin temperature and subsequent PI development. We pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios, complemented by summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve analysis. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE method.
We researched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Wanfang and CNKI databases from inception to September 25, 2024.
After screening 1354 titles and abstracts, ten studies comprising 1742 participants were included in the final synthesis. No significant difference in absolute temperature (combined SMD) was found between the PI and non-PI groups (seven studies included). In addition, decreased relative temperature (< −0.1°C) was associated with a 16-fold increased likelihood of PI (95% CI 6.38–40.19, I 2 = 79.4%) (three studies included), with the SROC curve analysis showing an AUC of 0.776. According to GRADE, the evidentiary certainty was very low for AT and low for RT.
Relative temperature is significantly related to the risk of PI, supporting its role as a promising early warning indicator. Future studies should establish a standardised measurement protocol to facilitate its clinical application.
Monitoring skin temperature changes holds promise as a non-invasive tool for early warning of PI risk. However, the amount and quality of available evidence limit our confidence in these findings, underscoring the need for further research before a definitive conclusion can be drawn.
This study followed PRISMA guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
PROSPERO CRD42024550099
by Lin Zhang, Feng Luo, Yalin Chai, Lijie Sun, Xuan Wang, Le Yin, Congjuan Luo
Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a major clinical challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, with ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) as one of its primary causes. Severe IRI-associated AKI (IRI-AKI) can progress to irreversible renal failure, yet no effective therapies are currently available. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of IRI-AKI. Moreover, IL-22 may alleviate AKI by modulating the ferroptosis process through regulation of the P62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling axis. In this study, we examined the protective role of the immune cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) in IRI-AKI and its mechanistic association with ferroptosis. Using a murine IRI model and an HK-2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation system, we systematically assessed the impact of IL-22 treatment. IL-22 administration significantly enhanced renal function, reduced histological injury, and limited both reactive oxygen species accumulation and ferroptotic cell death. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that IL-22 suppresses ferroptosis in vitro through an Nrf2-dependent mechanism and is associated with activation of the P62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings offer experimental evidence supporting IL-22 as a potential therapy for IRI-AKI and highlight ferroptosis modulation as a promising therapeutic strategy.by Congli Jia, Fu Yang, Yingchun Li
ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify diagnostic biomarkers for keloid and explore potential therapeutic agents from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by integrating network pharmacology approaches. Specifically, we sought to uncover key molecular targets for Aloe vera and validate their roles in keloid pathogenesis.
MethodsWe integrated keloid transcriptome datasets (GSE218007 and GSE237752) by merging GEO data, and identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis (GO, GSEA) and machine learning approaches were applied to select diagnostic biomarkers. Candidate genes were validated via Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves in training and independent cohorts (GSE44270). PPI networks and Cytohubba algorithms identified hub genes, while TCMSP-screened compounds from Aloe vera were docked with targets using molecular docking.
Results91 Identified DEGs enriched in fibrosis-related pathways. Machine learning prioritized two diagnostic biomarkers: AMPH and TNFRSF9 (AUC > 0.85 in training/testing). PPI analysis revealed IL6 as a hub gene. Aloe vera-derived quercetin targeted HAS2 and IL6 (both P Conclusion
AMPH and TNFRSF9 are promising diagnostic biomarkers for keloid, while quercetin from Aloe vera targets HAS2 and IL6, offering therapeutic potential. The dual role of IL6 underscores its centrality in keloid pathogenesis, connecting bioinformatics predictions with TCM pharmacology. This study provides a foundation for clinical prediction and targeted treatment strategies.
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.
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.
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.
This protocol was registered on chictr.org.cn prior to enrolment, which began on 19 June 2024 (Registration ID: ChiCTR2400085815).
Nurse-led interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in managing emergence delirium (ED), but there is a lack of evidence in pediatric studies.
To systematically synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of the nurse-led interventions on ED in pediatric patients.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycINFO from the inception to January 13, 2025. Risk of bias was assessed by using the revised Cochrane risk-of bias tool (ROB2) and the Cochrane risk of bias in non-randomized studies-of interventions (ROBINS-I). The meta-analysis was performed using Stata16.0. The forest plots showed the overall effect of the included study.
A total of 20 studies were included, involving 2369 children, comprising 17 RCTs, 1 quasi-experimental study and 2 cohort studies. Compared with usual care, nurse-led interventions significantly reduced the incidence of ED (risk ratio [RR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33 to 0.77, p = 0.002, I 2 = 77.2%), m-YPAS scores (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −7.67, 95% CI: −10.96 to −4.39, p = 0.000, I 2 = 91.7%), PAED scores (WMD: −1.47, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.60, p = 0.000, I 2 = 91.3%), and FLACC scores (WMD: −0.97, 95% CI: −1.59 to −0.35, p = 0.000, I 2 = 92.9%). However, no significant effect was observed on the length of PACU stay or the anesthesia induction compliance.
Nurse-led interventions can reduce the incidence and severity of ED in children, as well as in alleviating preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. However, more research is needed on influencing PACU length of stay and induction compliance.
Nurse-led interventions can be integrated into the perioperative management of children to reduce the incidence of ED. However, in clinical practice, these interventions should be flexibly adapted based on the individual differences of pediatric patients.
This study protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024601191
Nurses' health status significantly impacts their well-being and patient safety. Workflow interruptions, perceived workload, and missed nursing may potentially affect their physical and mental health. However, there is currently a lack of systematic studies on the relationships between these factors.
This study aims to explore how workflow interruptions influence nurses' health status through perceived workload and missed nursing, and provide strategies to promote nurses' health.
In October 2024, an online survey was conducted among 646 clinical nurses from three healthcare facilities in Henan Province. The survey covered nurses' demographic information, workflow interruptions, health status, perceived workload and missed nursing. Statistical analysis and model construction and validation were performed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 26.0 software.
Workflow interruptions were significantly negatively correlated with both physical component summary and mental component summary. Perceived workload and missed nursing served as mediators between workflow interruptions and physical and mental component summaries.
Workflow interruptions directly affect nurses' health status and indirectly influence it through perceived workload and missed nursing. Therefore, strategies should be implemented to optimise workflows, reduce workflow interruptions, lower perceived workload and take measures to minimise missed nursing. Future research could explore how to implement workflow optimization to improve nurses' health status effectively.
This study provides important guidance for improving nurses' health. The results reveal that optimising workflow and reducing work interruptions can effectively reduce nurses' perceived workload, thereby decreasing the occurrence of nursing omissions, and ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of nurses' health.
This study adhered to the cross-sectional Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
by Yao-Yao Mao, Ke Zhang, Dan-Dan Zhao, Jia-Wei Cui, Zhan-Dong Lin, Cong-Yue Zhang, Yue-Min Nan
BackgroundClinical practice commonly uses the Yi-qi Huo-xue formula (YQHX), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine comprising eight herbal components, to treat liver fibrosis resulting from various etiologies. Nevertheless, this formula’s specific active constituents and underlying mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated.
MethodsThe drug components of YQHX and potential targets for liver fibrosis were identified via the screening of the various databases. Qualitative and quantitative identification of chemical components of drug-containing serum by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).Liver fibrosis was induced in mice through the intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride, followed by oral administration of YQHX. RNA-Seq quantified transcriptomic profiles in liver tissue.The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed via histopathology staining, the transcription and expression of relevant proteins were analyzed. Primary cells were isolated for in vitro experiments to validate the influence of YQHX on the associated signaling pathways.
ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as potential targets for YQHX in treating liver fibrosis.The UPLC detected multiple potential active components. In vivo experiments showed that YQHX reduced serum AST and ALT levels in liver fibrosis-induced mice, decreased liverIL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and improved liver fibrosis.The results of transcriptomics suggest that YQHX can reduce the expression of “collagen-activated signaling pathway,” “MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway,” “fibrinolysis” and “toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway”. Furthermore, YQHX reduced the aggregation of M1 macrophages in the portal area and the deposition of α-SMA. Primary bone marrow-derived cells successfully transformed into M1 macrophages after induction, and YQHX reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the supernatant of M1 macrophage culture and decreased the activation of primary hepatic stellate cells indirectly co-cultured with the supernatant. Interestingly, TLR4 agonists weakened this inhibitory effect. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that YQHX could inhibit the expression of the TLR4/TRAF6/MyD88 pathway in M1 macrophages.
ConclusionWe reveal here the molecular mechanism and signaling pathway of YQHX in treating liver fibrosis by utilizing network pharmacology in conjunction with in vivo and in vitro experiments. The findings offer insights that may advance the clinical application of YQHX.
by My Ha Nguyen, Toan Van Ngo, Linh Gia Vu, Dat Cong Truong, Hai Minh Vu
BackgroundDespite the hazardous nature of rice farming, limited evidence exists regarding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward accident prevention, and no standardized instrument is currently available to measure these dimensions in Vietnam or comparable contexts. This study aimed to develop and validate a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing rice farmers’ KAP related to occupational accident prevention.
MethodsInstrument development and validation were carried out in three stages. First, an initial item pool was generated through an extensive review of existing literature. Second, content validity was established through expert consultation involving professionals in agriculture, occupational health, and public health. Third, a pilot study was conducted with 168 rice farmers in Thai Binh Province, Vietnam, to evaluate the instrument’s psychometric properties.
ResultsExploratory factor analysis identified 20 items across five factors in the knowledge domain, nine items forming a single factor for attitudes, and 17 items grouped into four factors for practices, explaining 85.8%, 43.8%, and 72.3% of the total variance, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis supported these structures, demonstrating satisfactory model fit across domains. The instrument exhibited high internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.894 to 0.969 for knowledge, 0.833 for attitudes, and 0.805 to 0.933 for practices.
ConclusionThe validated instrument provides a reliable and valid measure of rice farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning occupational accident prevention. It offers a robust foundation for future research, monitoring, and targeted interventions aimed at improving safety behaviors and reducing injury risks among agricultural workers.
by Jia Zhu, Xiaojun Xia, Haodong Jiang, Congying Wang, Yunpeng Jin
BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) and cancer are major global public health challenges. Research indicates that they share common risk factors and that physiological changes following MI may affect cancer incidence and progression. However, evidence defining the independent relationship between these conditions is still limited.
MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2018) using multivariable weighted logistic regression to examine the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and cancer. Additionally, we utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics and conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess potential causal relationships and explore underlying mechanisms. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of our findings.
ResultsA total of 20,859 participants were included in our observational study using NHANES data. Multivariable weighted logistic regression revealed no direct association between MI and cancer (OR=1.161, 95% CI [0.895–1.507], P = 0.261). Interestingly, MR analysis indicated that MI occurrence was associated with a reduced incidence of cancer (OR=0.9497, 95% CI [0.9223–0.9778], P = 0.0005). Furthermore, two-stage MR results suggested this reduction might be mediated by increased blood levels of metabolites that inhibit cancer development, such as dihomo-linoleate (20:2n6) (beta = −0.0050, 95% CI [−0.0027–0.0004], P Conclusion
Our integrative analysis suggests that myocardial infarction may be associated with a reduced cancer incidence through potential alterations in blood metabolite profiles, including dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and inosine. These findings provide preliminary evidence that warrants further large-scale studies to validate the observed associations and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among patients presenting with lower limb swelling and pain and their accompanying family members. A secondary objective was to compare KAP levels between these two groups and identify predictors of higher KAP.
A cross-sectional survey study.
The study was conducted in various hospital wards and outpatient clinics at a single tertiary academic hospital (Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University) in Xiamen, China, from October 2023 to May 2024.
A total of 725 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, comprising 358 patients presenting with lower limb swelling and pain and 367 accompanying family members. Key inclusion criteria were age of ≥18 years and the ability to provide informed consent.
Primary outcomes were KAP scores measured by a validated, self-designed questionnaire. Scores ≥70% of the maximum possible score for each domain were defined as adequate knowledge (≥16.8/24), a positive attitude (≥19) and proactive practice (≥30.4). Secondary outcomes included the comparison of KAP scores between patients and family members and the identification of factors associated with higher overall KAP levels using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Of 725 participants, both patients and family members demonstrated inadequate mean knowledge scores (10.62±4.71 and 11.88±4.95, respectively, below the adequacy threshold of 16.8), though mean attitude and practice scores were above the positive/proactive thresholds. Family members had significantly higher scores than patients across all domains: knowledge (mean difference: 1.26, p
Patients presenting with lower limb symptoms and their families possess inadequate knowledge about DVT, despite generally positive attitudes and proactive practices. Family members represent a key resource with significantly better KAP than patients. Targeted educational interventions, focusing on individuals with lower educational levels and non-medical backgrounds, are crucial to improve DVT awareness and facilitate timely medical consultation.
In recent years, the critical role of health literacy in diabetes management has become increasingly prominent. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social support on health literacy among patients with diabetes, to test the mediating role of self-efficacy and empowerment between social support and health literacy, and the moderating role of eHealth literacy.
A cross-sectional study conducted between August 2023 and June 2024.
This study adopted the cluster sampling method and conducted a questionnaire survey among 251 patients with diabetes in a tertiary hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. The questionnaires included the Social Support Rating Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Diabetes scale, the Health Empowerment Scale, the eHealth Literacy Scale and the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale.
Social support was positively associated with health literacy in patients with diabetes. Self-efficacy and empowerment mediated the relationship and formed chained mediation pathways respectively. eHealth literacy has a moderating role between self-efficacy and empowerment.
The results revealed that social support influences health literacy among patients with diabetes through the mediating pathways of self-efficacy and empowerment, and that this process is moderated by eHealth literacy. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical insights for improving health literacy among patients with diabetes.
Enhancing health literacy among people with diabetes by strengthening social support, self-efficacy and empowerment levels, while focusing on the technology-enabling role of eHealth literacy in this context.
This study adheres to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines based on the STROBE cross-sectional reporting method.
We thank all patients who participated in the study for their understanding and support.
Epidemiological evidence regarding the impact of elite athletic careers on cognitive trajectories remains contentious. Although consistent physical activity has been associated with long-term brain health, former elite athletes appear to represent a unique population. While past research has established a connection between sport-related concussions (SRCs) and later cognitive decline, less attention has been given to the cognitive function of former athletes who have not experienced SRCs. Therefore, well-structured cross-sectional studies accounting for established dementia risk factors are needed to compare mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prevalence between former elite athletes and the general population.
This cross-sectional study will be conducted at Beijing Sport University (BSU) in Beijing, China. It is designed as a comparative study, aiming to recruit a sample of around 360 participants aged 65 and above. This sample will comprise 180 former elite athletes without a history of SRCs recruited via the BSU Retirement Welfare Office (the former athlete group), and 180 age-matched individuals from the communities in three districts in Beijing (the comparison group). Participants will complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, dementia-related risk factors, current physical activity levels and, for the former athlete group specifically, details of their athletic careers. MCI and instrumental activities of daily living will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Memtrax continuous recognition test and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The primary objective is to determine whether former elite athletes without a history of SRCs have a lower MCI prevalence than the general population. The secondary objective is to assess if these former elite athletes have a reduced prevalence of amnestic MCI and impairment in IADL compared with the general population. Additionally, the study aims to explore whether specific career-related characteristics of former athletes, such as the type of sport and contact exposure, are correlated with their cognitive function and IADL abilities in later life as a secondary exploratory component. The study will calculate the crude prevalence ratios (PRs) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% CIs using the modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee/Internal Review Board of BSU (approval number: 2024042H). All procedures will adhere to the Helsinki Declaration. The study’s findings will be provided to participants as deemed appropriate. The outcomes will be communicated through abstract presentations at national or international conferences/academic seminars, as well as through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
ChiCTR2400085800.
The Nurse Practitioner Onsite Peer Review is an integral part of the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives Quality Assurance program. Traditionally an in-person assessment, Nurse Practitioner Onsite Peer Review involves a critical review of documentation by an experienced nurse practitioner assessor against regulatory standards and entry-level competencies. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting environmental limitations required the college to rethink its approach to onsite reviews, resulting in the quality assurance program embarking on a pilot project to explore the feasibility of conducting reviews virtually. As there are many factors that can affect the transition of an onsite assessment to one that is virtual, it was important to consider the technical, workflow, and usability aspects in developing this new method of performance assessment. Therefore, including usability testing and a human factors approach to exploring this emerging method was vital to ensuring its success. In this article, we discuss our experience, including benefits, technical and administrative considerations, barriers, challenges, and lessons learned. 
FreshRSS 