by Xie Qiu, Shuo Hu, Shumin Dong, Haijun Sun
ObjectiveTo develop a predictive framework integrating machine learning and clinical parameters for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).
MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 286 NSCLC patients (2022–2024), incorporating 13 demographic, metabolic-inflammatory, and surgical variables. An Improved Blood-Sucking Leech Optimizer (IBSLO) enhanced via Cubic mapping and opposition-based learning was developed. Model performance was evaluated using AUC-ROC, F1-score, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHAP interpretation identified key predictors.
ResultsThe IBSLO demonstrated significantly superior convergence performance versus original BSLO, ant lion optimizer (ALO), Harris hawks optimization (HHO), and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) across all 12 CEC2022 test functions. Subsequently, the IBSLO-optimized automated machine learning (AutoML) model achieved ROC-AUC/PR-AUC values of 0.9038/0.8091 (training set) and 0.8775/0.8175 (testing set), significantly outperforming four baseline models: logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), XGBoost, and LightGBM. SHAP interpretability identified six key predictors: preoperative leukocyte count, body mass index (BMI), surgical approach, age, intraoperative blood loss, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Decision curve analysis demonstrated significantly higher net clinical benefit of the AutoML model compared to conventional methods across expanded threshold probability ranges (training set: 8–99%; testing set: 3–80%).
ConclusionThis study establishes an interpretable machine learning framework that improves preoperative risk stratification for NSCLC patients, offering actionable guidance for thoracic oncology practice.
by Mengzhen Qin, Mengyuan Qiao, Yuying Dong, Haiyan Wang
ObjectiveCompared with those without such impairment, middle-aged and older adults with sensory impairment (SI) demonstrate a greater prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms, significantly affecting their mental health. We aimed to develop and validate a depression risk prediction model for middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI.
MethodsData from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were randomly partitioned into training and validation sets at a 7:3 ratio. Within the training set, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and binary logistic regression were used to identify predictor variables, and a risk prediction column‒line graph was subsequently developed, with depression status among middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI as the dependent variable. Predictive performance of the training and validation sets was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis.
ResultsIn total, 5308 middle-aged and older adults with SI were included, with 50.1% (n = 2657) developing depression. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis identified several depression predictors, including sex, education level, place of residence, marital status, self-rated health, life satisfaction, pension insurance status, nighttime sleep duration, functional impairment status, and pain (all P CI = 0.783–0.811) and 0.778 (95% CI = 0.755–0.800), respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow values were P = 0.176 and P = 0.606 (P > 0.05), and the calibration curves revealed significant agreement between the model and actual observations. ROC and DCA curves indicated good predictive performance for the column‒line graph.
ConclusionThis study presents a reliable, validated, and acceptable predictive model for depression risk in middle-aged and elderly individuals with SI, and the identified predictors have potential applications in public health policy and clinical practice.
Overexpression of p16 has been documented in a variety of human tumours. Nonetheless, the association between p16 overexpression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with cervical cancer remains a subject of debate. This meta-analysis sought to systematically assess the relationship between p16 expression and the clinicopathological features of patients with cervical cancer.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library (Central), Web of Science (SCI Expanded), and Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and CBM) were searched through 1 March 2024.
Case-control studies examining the association between p16 expression and cervical cancer were analysed to evaluate whether p16 expression was correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with cervical cancer.
Two independent reviewers employed standardised methods to search, screen and code the included studies. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tools and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses and data processing were conducted using Review Manager V.5.4, which included heterogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses. Additionally, STATA V.16.0 was used for further sensitivity analyses of the included studies, and publication bias was assessed using Begg’s test.
The p16 protein is strongly associated with the onset and progression of cervical cancer and serves as a valuable biomarker for its early detection and diagnosis.
CRD42024546241.
The management of bleeding and coagulation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has long been recognised as a significant challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Despite the notable success of empirical anticoagulation in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) following TKA, the increased risk of postoperative bleeding has also raised extensive concern. Ecchymosis, as one of the most common manifestations indicating postoperative bleeding, holds the potential to indicate the balance of bleeding and hypercoagulation. However, there is still a lack of evidence-based medical research to determine the importance of postoperative ecchymosis and related personalised anticoagulation therapy. Therefore, we have designed a randomised controlled trial aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of personalised delayed anticoagulation strategies in the management of postoperative bleeding in TKA patients.
This is a prospective, randomised, controlled trial. Patients diagnosed with end-stage knee osteoarthritis will be grouped based on the presence of ecchymosis after TKA. Those without ecchymosis will receive standard anticoagulation therapy, while those with ecchymosis will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into either the standard anticoagulation group or the delayed anticoagulation group. The primary outcomes will compare the blood routine examination, coagulogram, thromboelastography and the incidence of VTE. The secondary outcomes will include surgical-related complications. Additionally, patient baseline data and surgery-related data will also be recorded and analysed.
Ethics approval has been obtained from The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (2024-194-01). The results will be disseminated at international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
ChiCTR2400084440.
Skin tone can affect clinical signs and device accuracy in paediatric anaemia and deterioration detection, creating risks of inequity.
Studies show disparities in diagnostic accuracy across different skin tones, supported by community-based evidence.
(1) Build multicenter networks with standardised skin-tone data. (2) Validate devices across varied skin tones. (3) Train clinicians in dark-skin sign recognition. (4) Include equity metrics in paediatric quality indicators.
Reducing skin-tone bias is essential for equitable paediatric care. Collaborative research across diverse regions is needed.
by Dong Min Jung, Yong Jae Kwon, Yong Wan Cho, Jong Geol Baek, Dong Jae Jang, Yongdo Yun, Seok-Ho Lee, Gahee Son, Hyunjong Yoo, Min Cheol Han, Jin Sung Kim
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for lung cancer involves complex multileaf collimator (MLC) motion, which increases sensitivity to interplay effects with tumour motion. Current dynamic conformal arc methods address this issue but may limit the achievable dose distribution optimisation compared with standard VMAT. This study examined the clinical utility of a VMAT technique with monitor unit limits (VMATliMU) to mimic conformal arc delivery and reduce interplay effects while maintaining plan quality. VMATliMU was implemented by applying monitor unit limitations during VMAT reoptimisation to minimise MLC encroachment into target volumes. Using mesh-type reference computational phantom CT images, treatment plans were generated for a simulated stage I lung cancer case prescribed to 45 Gy in three fractions. VMATliMU, conventional VMAT, VMAT with leaf speed limitations, dynamic conformal arc therapy, and constant dynamic conformal arc therapy were compared. Plans were optimised for multiple isodose line prescriptions (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) to investigate the impact of dose distribution. Evaluation parameters included MLC positional accuracy using area difference ratios, dosimetric indices, gradient metrics, and organ-at-risk doses. VMATliMU prevented MLC encroachment into the internal target volume across 60%–90% isodose lines, showing superior MLC accuracy compared with other methods. At the challenging 50% isodose line, VMATliMU had 4.5 times less intrusion than VMAT with leaf speed limits. VMAT plans had better dosimetric indices than dynamic conformal arc plans. VMATliMU reduced monitor units by 5.1%–19.2% across prescriptions. All plans met the clinical dose constraints, with the aortic arch below tolerance and acceptable lung doses. VMATliMU combines VMAT’s dosimetric benefits with the dynamic conformal arcs’s simplicity, minimising MLC encroachment while maintaining plan quality. Reduced monitor units lower low-dose exposure, treatment time, and interplay effects. VMATliMU is usable in existing planners with monitor unit limits, offering a practical solution for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy.To explore the illness coping experiences of patients with moderate-to-severe burns and provide a reference for healthcare professionals to formulate coping strategies.
Qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach.
From 1 June to 30 September 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 patients with moderate-to-severe burns. Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for data analysis.
Seven subthemes and three higher order themes were identified: (1) perception of illness experience; (2) coping with disease threats; and (3) benefits of coping with illness. Most of the participants faced multiple difficulties in their disease experiences, such as increased financial pressure, higher pressure on family caregiving, deformed physical conditions and negative emotions. Positive psychological qualities, family and social support played significant roles in coping with these challenges.
Patients with moderate-to-severe burns experience multiple difficulties during their recovery. Effective coping resources can help them overcome these challenges.
Healthcare professionals should work with patients with moderate-to-severe burns and their families to establish an effective support system that enhances patients' coping abilities and promotes their overall recovery.
Patients with moderate-to-severe burns face diverse challenges. However, their experiences and coping processes during recovery remain unclear. This study provided valuable insights into their illness experiences and coping strategies. The findings highlighted multiple difficulties, such as a significant increase in financial pressure and dependence on family caregiving, painful and deforming physical conditions and various negative emotions. Positive psychological qualities, family and social support play an important role in coping with these challenges. Healthcare professionals should work with patients and their families to establish effective support systems to promote overall recovery.
No patient or public involvement.
by Jun Sang Yoo, Jae Hyun Choi, Jae Young Park, Jeong Yun Song, Jun Young Chang, Dong-Wha Kang, Sun U. Kwon, Hang Jin Jo, Bum Joon Kim
BackgroundLipohyalinotic degeneration (LD) and branch atheromatous disease (BAD) can contribute to subcortical infarctions in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory. This study aimed to identify the association between the proximal and distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter ratio and the two different pathomechanisms of LSA infarction.
MethodsPatients with acute LSA infarctions categorized as small vessel occlusive disease were included. Demographic and clinical data, along with MCA geometrical variables, were collected. LD and BAD were differentiated based on the length of the infarction diameter and number of axial slices. The proximal/distal M1 diameter ratio was calculated. MCA geometrics between LD and BAD were compared. Independent factors associated with LD were investigated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to evaluate hemodynamic parameters.
ResultsA total of 117 patients were included, of whom 64 (54.7%) and 53 (45.3%) were classified as BAD and LD, respectively. LD was associated with hypertension and favorable prognosis. MCA geometric variables revealed that LD had a higher proximal/distal M1 diameter ratio, indicating a potential distinguishing factor. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent association between LD and the proximal/distal M1 diameter ratio. The proximal/distal M1 diameter ratio also showed a positive correlation with the number of ipsilesional lacunes. CFD analysis showed that the LD model had faster, greater blood influx into LSAs and higher wall shear stress and pressure gradient compared with the BAD model.
ConclusionsThis study suggests MCA geometry, particularly the proximal/distal M1 diameter ratio, may serve as an independent factor for identifying LD.
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.
by Lin Chen, Jiayao Chen, Jindong Wan, Muqing Shao, Caiyu Chen, Shuo Zheng, Fuwei Zhang, Jian Yang
The angiotensin converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas receptor axis plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) has attracted more attentions by modulating G protein-coupled receptors and blood pressure. However, it remains unknown whether renal Mas receptor is regulated by GRK4 and its role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) exhibited impaired Mas receptor-mediated diuresis and natriuresis, which was accompanied with increased phosphorylation levels of Mas receptors. Similarly, the phosphorylation of renal Mas receptor was increased and its-induced renal effects were decreased in human (h) GRK4γ 142V transgenic mice relative to wild-type littermates. There was a colocalization and a direct interaction of renal Mas receptor and GRK4, which were increased in SHRs and confirmed by rigid protein–protein docking. In vitro studies found that treatment with the Mas receptor agonist AVE0991 inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity in WKY renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells, which was failed in SHR cells. GRK4 silencing decreased the phosphorylation of Mas receptor and improved the impaired Mas receptor-mediated inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity in SHR RPT cells. Further study showed that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-targeted renal GRK4 depletion decreased Mas receptor phosphorylation and improved its-induced diuresis and natriuresis in SHRs. These suggest that GRK4 contributes to increased renal Mas receptor phosphorylation and dysfunction in hypertension, indicating that targeting GRK4 may be a viable therapeutic approach for hypertension.Advance care planning for people with dementia is an important process to ensure that patient preferences are respected throughout disease progression. However, the complexity of advance care planning and the challenges in effective communication hinder its implementation. The lack of clear procedural guidance for health care teams and the limited research on practical issues such as building trust and resolving conflicts further complicate this process.
To explore the key components of and processes for advance care planning for people with dementia.
The authors conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, NICE, Open Grey, CNKI, and Wanfang. The inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting advance care planning practices and stakeholder perspectives related to dementia.
The review included 45 studies and identified key components and processes for successfully implementing advance care planning in dementia care. These components include enhancing readiness, capturing patient wishes, and executing those wishes. The implementation processes cover assessing participation capacity, selecting surrogate decision-makers, and identifying healthcare providers who implement advance care planning. As the condition of people with dementia progresses, the role of healthcare providers who implement advance care planning becomes increasingly important in advance care planning practices.
The success of advance care planning depends on the interconnection of multiple components, and the findings offer practical insights for improving the advance care planning process to ensure that the care preferences of people with dementia are respected throughout the progression of the disease.
PRISMA-ScR.
This is a review without patient and public contribution.
In China, government-funded free treatment programmes have substantially expanded access to mental healthcare for patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). However, the effectiveness and patient satisfaction associated with these programmes can vary significantly. Understanding the factors underlying these variations is crucial for optimising patient adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.
To identify factors influencing SMI patients' satisfaction with a government-funded free treatment programme in District S, Nanjing, China, and propose targeted measures to enhance the programme's effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.
A cross-sectional study.
This study was conducted in 23 community healthcare centres in District S, Nanjing, China, from January to July 2022. A total of 924 SMI patients enrolled in the programme were selected using a two-stage random sampling method. Data on patients' individual characteristics, health behaviours and satisfaction with the programme were collected by a self-developed structured questionnaire. Guided by Andersen's Behavioural Model, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with patient satisfaction.
Among the 924 valid responses, 51.3% of patients with SMIs reported low satisfaction with the programme. Factors associated with patient satisfaction included individual predisposing, enabling, need and health behaviour variables. Specifically, patients who were employed, had schizophrenia, experienced adverse drug reactions, feared program exposure of their condition and received treatment in hospital were more likely to report lower satisfaction.
This study revealed that satisfaction among SMI patients with the programme remains low, with patient satisfaction primarily determined by individual need and health behaviour factors. Policymakers and stakeholders should implement targeted measures to address these factors and improve patient satisfaction.
The findings offer new insights and scientific bases for policymakers seeking to improve the programme and practical recommendations for stakeholders to develop effective solutions.
STROBE guidelines.
No patient or public contribution.
by Lijun Jiang, Qian Yu, Hui Li, Fudong Wang, Feng Liu, Zhenxing Xu
ObjectiveTo determine the association between blood pressure variability (BPV), coagulation indexes, and germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) in preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks. In addition, we aimed to determine whether the combination can predict the occurrence and outcome of GMH-IVH.
MethodsThis retrospective study included 106 preterm infants. According to the presence of GMH-IVH, the preterm infants were divided into GMH-IVH (51 patients) and no GMH-IVH (55 patients) groups. Furthermore, according to the short-term prognoses, the GMH-IVH group was subdivided into good outcome (30 patients) and poor outcome (21 patients) groups. Coagulation function and BPV indexes were collected at admission. Univariate analysis, logistic regression model, and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to analyze the relationship between indexes and the occurrence and outcome of GMH-IVH in preterm infants.
ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that the difference between maximum and minimum (Max-Min); standard deviation (SD); coefficient of variation (CV) of BPV, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and proportion of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were higher in the GMH-IVH group than the no GMH-IVH group (P ). Logistic regression analysis showed that INR and DBP SD were directly correlated with GMH-IVH, and the joint curve had the largest area under the curve (AUC) (82.4% sensitivity and 79.7% specificity). BPV SD, BPV CV, APTT, and INR were higher in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (P ). Logistic regression analysis showed that INR and DBP SD were directly correlated with poor outcomes in preterm infants with GMH-IVH. The joint curve had the largest AUC (sensitivity 76.2% and specificity 90.0%).
ConclusionIncreased INR and DBP SD are directly associated factors for the developement and poor short-term outcome of GMH-IVH, and combined monitoring of INR and DBP SD has certain reference value for the early identification and prognosis evaluation of GMH-IVH in preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks.
by John Bosco Asiimwe, Hellen Namawejje, Faith Rachel Mirembe, Annet Adong, Jolly Achola, Herbert Nabaasa, Jebena Mulusew, Jonathan Izudi, Damazo T. Kadengye
A substantial proportion (7%) of people in Uganda practice open defecation. A Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) project was started in 2011 to reduce indiscriminate disposal of excreta but the effect has not been rigorously evaluated. We, therefore, evaluated the effect of CLTS on reducing open defecation in the program intervention districts in Uganda. We used the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data to conduct a quasi-experimental study using a propensity score matching (PSM) approach. The intervention group consisted of districts that implemented the CLTS and the comparison group were districts that did not implement the CLTS. We matched the intervention and comparison groups on several covariates in a 1:1 ratio within a caliper of 20% of the standard deviation of the propensity score. We confirmed balance in covariates using standardized mean difference (SMD) beingby Yi Chi, Xueqin Yang, Donglin Deng, Peimao Li, Yingbiao Zhang
This study aimed to explore the relationship between circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms, specifically MTNR1A rs2119882 and CLOCK rs1801260, and the risk of acne in an occupational population. MTNR1A encodes a melatonin receptor involved in circadian rhythm regulation, while CLOCK is a core transcription factor in the molecular circadian clock. Both genes are essential in maintaining hormonal balance, sleep-wake cycles, and inflammatory responses—factors closely associated with acne pathogenesis. A case-control study was conducted among 90 participants, comprising acne-affected workers (AAG), acne-free workers (AFG), and healthy control group (HCG). Peripheral blood samples were collected, and DNA was extracted for genotyping of MTNR1A rs2119882 and CLOCK rs1801260 polymorphisms. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational data were obtained via structured interviews. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between gene polymorphisms and acne risk, adjusting for relevant covariates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings. In the overall population, no significant association was found between MTNR1A rs2119882 polymorphisms and acne risk. However, CLOCK rs1801260 polymorphisms showed a strong association with acne susceptibility. Under the dominant model, participants carrying the AG/GG genotypes exhibited a significantly higher risk of developing acne compared to those with the AA genotype (unadjusted odds ratios (OR) = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.27–11.31; adjusted OR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.41–18.33). In the additive model, the risk of acne increased with additional G alleles (unadjusted OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.22–7.13; adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.25–9.81). Subgroup analysis among night shift workers revealed a significant association between MTNR1A rs2119882 and acne risk, such that carriers of the CC genotype exhibited increased susceptibility (adjusted OR = 3.97, p = 0.049). Moreover, individuals with AG/GG genotypes at CLOCK rs1801260 showed an even higher risk (OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 1.22–20.14). This study suggests that circadian rhythm gene polymorphisms, particularly CLOCK rs1801260, are associated with acne risk, especially in individuals working rotating night shifts.To examine the impact of critical care nurses' delirium knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical reasoning competency on delirium care difficulties based on the information–motivation–behavioural (IMB) skills model from a behavioural perspective.
Cross-sectional study.
A total of 440 critical care nurses from five hospitals in China were selected using convenience sampling and invited to complete an online questionnaire for measurement. Data were collected in November 2024 and analysed using SPSS/AMOS with descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression. Structural equation modelling was constructed to test the hypothesised relationships among the variables, with bootstrapping to assess mediation effects.
The level of delirium care difficulties was moderated. Delirium care difficulties were negatively correlated with delirium knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical reasoning competency. Clinical reasoning competency partly mediated delirium knowledge and self-efficacy with regard to delirium care difficulties.
Delirium knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical reasoning competency are essential for improving critical care nurses' delirium care competencies. The role of clinical reasoning competency in the relationship between the other two variables and delirium care difficulties was highlighted. Establishing multifaceted innovative delirium education programmes, emphasising individuals' sense of competence and enhancing clinical reasoning competency as behavioural skills were supported. Exploring these pathways using a nurse behaviour change-based perspective is critical.
Critical care managers should value nurses' delirium care competencies. Enhancing continuing professional development through system-level support with high reliability and multiform professional education, including innovative theoretical and practical training; advancing policies that increase work motivation and self-planning to stimulate self-efficacy; and exercising critical and reflective thinking to improve clinical reasoning competency may enhance nurses' delirium recognition and care competencies, including prioritisation, potentially improving delirium care dilemmas and patient outcomes.
The STROBE checklist was used as a guideline.
Nurses completed questionnaires.
Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400092177). https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=249216
To explore the perspectives of community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia on exercise engagement and adherence.
Sarcopenia is prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and is associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Encouragingly, it is a treatable and potentially reversible condition through exercise interventions. However, studies on this population's views on exercise are scant, thus limiting the design and delivery of tailored, sustainable exercise interventions in primary care.
A descriptive qualitative study.
Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 27 community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia from four community care centres in China between October 2023 and February 2024. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Four main themes with their respective subthemes were identified from the data analysis and described as: (1) limited capability to identify and engage in appropriate exercise; (2) various motivations influenced by personal values, resilience and habits; (3) exercise behaviour shaped by environmental and social factors; (4) expectations for community-based exercise programmes.
Older adults with sarcopenia often misbelieve muscle issues to be normal ageing, leaving their condition undiagnosed and unmanaged. Limited information about appropriate exercises leads them to engage in simple, unstructured activities. Motivation levels and contextual factors influence their exercise engagement and adherence. Nurse-led tailored, evidence-based and group-based programmes, complemented by home-based exercise resources, are needed to address challenges and support long-term adherence.
This study provides new insights into the perspectives, challenges and expectations of exercise in this specific population. Findings inform nurse-led exercise programmes in primary care that meet the needs and preferences of this population.
This study follows the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies.
Participant interviews offered valuable perspectives on exercise engagement and adherence.
Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, significantly impacts individuals' physical and mental well-being. Despite conventional treatments, some patients experience persistent insomnia. Acupuncture, a safe complementary therapy, has been demonstrated to be effective in treating insomnia. Meridian differentiation can enhance acupuncture efficacy by enabling individualised diagnosis. Previous clinical research has indicated that meridian differentiation acupuncture (MA), based on objective data, can notably enhance sleep quality in patients with intractable insomnia. However, small sample sizes and a lack of objective measures necessitate further investigation. Therefore, we plan to conduct a large-scale, multicentre clinical trial to validate its efficacy.
We propose a multicentre, single-blind, randomised, sham acupuncture (SA)-controlled trial involving 489 participants with intractable insomnia. Patients will be randomly assigned to three groups at a 1:1:1 ratio: the MA group, the conventional acupuncture group and the SA group. We will assess Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, actigraphy, sleep diary, Insomnia Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale scores, Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety scores and meridian imbalance values at baseline, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, and at two follow-up periods (8 weeks and 12 weeks postbaseline). The intention-to-treat principle will be applied to analyse the data, observe differences between meridian differentiation acupuncture, CA and SA in improving outcomes related to intractable insomnia.
The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2024HL-002) and the ethics committees of other participating institutions. Each participant must provide their written informed consent form before enrolling in this study, and consent can be withdrawn at any stage. On completion of the study, the results will be published in a journal or made available by contacting the corresponding author via email.
This study protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 22 April 2024 (ChiCTR2400083323).
To identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing the social franchising model ‘Smart Focus’ for delivering eye care services to children in rural China, using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) as a theoretical basis to evaluate implementation performance drivers and propose strategies for effective scaling and sustainability.
This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from both the supply side and demand side. Interview guide development, coding, analysis and reporting of findings were thoroughly informed by the CFIR 2.0.
Smart Focus operated in 23 poverty-designated counties across four western provinces in China, collaborating with local public hospitals, private optical shops and third-party non-governmental organisations.
Key informants included two Smart Focus project managers, six representatives from local education and health bureaus and ten vision centre employees and franchise operators.
Key facilitators of implementation included a robust evidence base, high trialability and adaptability of the innovation, relative advantages over competitors, standardised resources and effective training programmes. Major barriers included challenges in cross-departmental collaboration, underestimated variable costs, competition from private providers, high employee turnover due to inadequate incentives and the lack of feedback mechanisms for contextual adaptation.
This study highlights critical barriers and facilitators to implementing social franchising models for eye care in low-resource settings. While Smart Focus demonstrated success in scalability, achieving sustainability requires addressing financial constraints, staff retention and adaptive feedback mechanisms. The findings provide a context-specific framework for scaling health innovations in low- and middle-income countries, offering valuable lessons for bridging the gap between social and business objectives in hybrid models.