To analyse current Glasgow Coma Scale practice among emergency nurses in China and identify factors influencing assessment quality.
A quantitative, multicenter cross-sectional design.
A convenience sample of 1740 emergency nurses from secondary and tertiary hospitals across 21 provinces completed a validated structured questionnaire between March and April 2025. Participants had at least 6 months of emergency nursing experience. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression to examine factors influencing correct Glasgow Coma Scale application.
Participants had a mean age of 29.8 years (SD = 6.2). Only 52.5% of nurses demonstrated correct Glasgow Coma Scale application despite 97.0% having theoretical knowledge of scoring criteria. While 56.8% had received Glasgow Coma Scale training, significant standardisation deficiencies emerged. Notably, 41.8% of departments lacked operational guidelines, and 53.7% of nurses experienced scoring disagreements with colleagues. Clinical utilisation varied substantially by patient population: traumatic brain injury (97.8%), neurological diseases (96.9%), and systemic critical illness (85.8%). Multivariate analysis identified six significant factors influencing correct application: standardised training (OR = 2.252, 95% CI: 1.789–2.825), manageable workload ≤ 4 patients/shift (OR = 1.652, 95% CI: 1.327–2.057), departmental guidelines (OR = 1.523, 95% CI: 1.233–1.881), extensive work experience ≥ 9 years (OR = 1.534, 95% CI: 1.182–1.992), while multidisciplinary collaboration issues (OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.439–0.712) and special patient experience (OR = 0.520, 95% CI: 0.406–0.666) were associated with reduced accuracy.
Substantial standardisation challenges exist in Glasgow Coma Scale practice among Chinese emergency nurses, characterised by significant gaps between theoretical knowledge and clinical application. Major barriers include insufficient standardised guidelines, inconsistent training approaches, and inadequate interdisciplinary collaboration.
Healthcare administrators should develop national standardised guidelines, implement simulation-based training programs, optimise emergency workflows, and integrate alternative assessment tools to enhance consciousness assessment accuracy and improve patient safety.
STROBE statement adherence.
No patient or public contribution.
This study aimed to examine the level of vicarious posttraumatic growth among intensive care unit nurses in China and explore the mediating role of death coping ability in the relationship between moral resilience and vicarious posttraumatic growth.
A multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.
Between January and March 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 666 intensive care unit nurses from nine tertiary Grade A hospitals across five provinces in China. Participants completed three standardised instruments: the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, the Coping with Death Scale–Short Version, and the Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. We used IBM SPSS 27.0 for descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and correlation analyses, and employed AMOS 27.0 to perform structural equation modelling for testing mediation effects.
Intensive care unit nurses demonstrated a moderate level of vicarious posttraumatic growth. Moral resilience was positively associated with both death coping ability and vicarious posttraumatic growth. Death coping ability was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between moral resilience and vicarious posttraumatic growth.
Moral resilience and death coping ability are key factors associated with vicarious posttraumatic growth among intensive care unit nurses. Nurses with stronger moral resilience are more likely to cope constructively with death-related stress, which may support psychological growth in trauma-intensive environments.
This study highlights the need to enhance intensive care unit nurses' moral and emotional capacities through ethics education, emotional coping training, and institutional support strategies. Strengthening these competencies may foster professional development and mental wellbeing in critical care settings.
Patients’ sense of gain experience (PSGE) is the comprehensive feeling throughout the treatment process, which is a critical benchmark for evaluating comprehensive medical and health system reform in China. This study aims to assess the current status of PSGE in public hospitals and identify important associated factors, providing evidence-based recommendations for improving healthcare services.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted from October to November 2023.
A total of 14 public hospitals in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
There were 3223 responses, including 1592 from outpatients and 1631 from inpatients.
PSGE was assessed across five domains: time accessibility, service accessibility, cost affordability, patient participation and efficacy predictability. Participants were also asked to provide an overall rating of the PSGE.
The overall score for PSGE was 4.47±0.53 (mean±SD), with service accessibility receiving the highest score (4.68±0.50) and affordability the lowest (4.17±0.86). Secondary hospitals scored an overall PSGE of 4.55±0.50, while tertiary hospitals scored 4.42±0.54. Key factors associated with PSGE were overall satisfaction (β=0.164, p
This study found that patients reported a positive PSGE with service accessibility but reported a less positive PSGE with cost affordability. A tier-based disparity was evident, with secondary hospitals outperforming tertiary hospitals in overall PSGE outcome. Stronger PSGE was positively associated with higher scores in overall satisfaction, treatment satisfaction, satisfaction with medical reforms, patient loyalty and hospital reputation. Demographic and institutional factors, such as hospital level, patient type and household registration, were associated with the PSGE. Efforts can be focused on enhancing clinicians’ willingness and competence in discussing treatment costs during clinical encounters. It is essential for policymakers to address disparities in healthcare experiences among patient groups across hospital tiers to advance equitable, patient-centred systems.
Global urbanisation is intensifying alongside steadily expanding older adult populations. The resulting air pollution profoundly impacts human health by exacerbating diseases, particularly among vulnerable elderly groups. Evidence demonstrates that green spaces mitigate air pollutant effects on health. Recent studies indicate green space exposure benefits older adults physiologically, psychologically and socially. However, existing systematic reviews have not synthesised the health impacts on this demographic. Consequently, this protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate how green space exposure affects health outcomes in older adults.
This systematic review protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be applied across: (1) electronic databases (eg, PubMed, Web of Science), (2) the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and (3) the Guidelines International Network database. Grey literature will be searched via GreyNet International, covering records from each database’s inception to November 2024. The study will analyse associations between green space exposure and health outcomes in older adults. Two researchers will independently screen literature, extract data and assess risk of bias. Heterogeneity will be assessed with a focus on study design, exposure variables and outcome measures. If sufficient homogeneity exists, a meta-analysis will be undertaken; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be performed.
This study requires no ethics approval because it uses publicly available data from published studies. The completed review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at relevant conferences.
PROSPERO (CRD42024619700).
The incidence of acute pain subsequent to modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer approximates 40%, with more than half of these cases evolving into chronic pain. Currently, the commonly employed analgesic schemes in clinical practice still have inadequacies. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is bupivacaine encapsulated in liposomes, and it is reported that its duration of action can extend up to 72 hours. This study will investigate the analgesic efficacy of LB in combination with bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl) for transversus thoracic muscle plane (TTP) block and pectoral nerves (PECS) block after MRM for breast cancer.
In this prospective, randomised, controlled trial, we will enrol 80 female patients aged 30 to 65 years who are scheduled to undergo MRM under general anaesthesia in combination with nerve block. They will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the LB+BHCl group (Group A) and the BHCl group (Group B). All patients will undergo ultrasound-guided TTP+PECS block prior to surgery. The primary outcomes are the cumulative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from 6 to 72 hours post-surgery and the quality of recovery, assessed using the QoR-40 score at 72 hours post-surgery. The secondary outcomes include the time to first analgesic rescue, the consumption of analgesic drugs within 72 hours postoperatively, the occurrence of adverse events and the VAS scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University (2024 Ke Lun Shen (2024-07-01)). All patients will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400089933).
Cancer has impacted patients’ quality of life (QoL). Qigong, a type of mind-body exercise, has been adopted by some patients with cancer to improve their QoL. However, various lengthy questionnaires were used to assess Qigong’s effects which made data synthesis difficult. Therefore, a simplified Qigong QoL Questionnaire (3Q instrument) has been developed to assess cancer patients’ QoL when they practise Qigong. This study aims to validate this instrument and contribute to the standardisation and simplification of the outcome measures for the studies on Qigong.
A total of 173 patients with cancer practising Qigong in Australia and China will be recruited to evaluate QoL using the 3Q instrument and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) questionnaire. SPSS Statistics V.29 software will be used for data analyses. Exploratory factor analysis will be conducted to identify the factor structures of the 3Q instrument. The internal consistency of the 3Q instrument will be evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha. Test–retest reliabilities will be confirmed by intraclass correlations. Content validity will be assessed by the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Construct validity will be established through confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion validity will be assessed against FACT-G, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient will be adopted to calculate their correlations.
This study has been approved by the RMIT University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC26229). The findings from the present study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication and/or presented at conferences.
by Ping Guo, Yuwen Liu, Xiaomi Huang, Yanfang Zeng, Zhonglan Cai, Guang Tu
BackgroundAcute pulmonary edema is a severe clinical condition with high mortality. The anion gap, reflecting metabolic acid-base disturbances, is often elevated in critically ill patients. However, its relationship with outcomes in acute pulmonary edema remains unclear.
ObjectiveTo explore the association between admission anion gap levels and 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with acute pulmonary edema.
MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized data from the MIMIC-IV database (2008–2019) and included adult patients with acute pulmonary edema. Patients were categorized into quartiles based on anion gap levels. Cox regression models analyzed the relationship between anion gap and mortality, with restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and subgroup analyses.
ResultsA total of 1094 patients were included. Univariate Cox regression showed a positive correlation between anion gap levels and 28-day mortality (HR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.09–1.17, P P P Conclusion
Admission anion gap levels predict 28-day all-cause mortality in acute pulmonary edema patients, particularly in younger patients and those without renal disease. Clinically, anion gap monitoring should be emphasized, and individualized prognostic and treatment strategies should be developed with factors like age and renal status to improve outcomes.
by Du Chigan, Jianbei Liu, Yang Zhao, Jianyou Zhao
Highway freight transport is the backbone of Tibet’s logistics network, accounting for 76.4% of regional freight movement (Tibet Bureau of Statistics, 2024). Challenging alpine road conditions—characterized by steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow lanes—combine with the substantial dimensions of heavy trucks to create significant operational difficulties. Autonomous truck development offers a potential solution; however, their trajectory planning algorithms exhibit limitations in high-altitude environments. To address these challenges, we propose a novel trajectory planning method using quartic Bézier curves. These 4th-order parametric curves provide G² continuity. Our approach integrates speed profiles into a three-dimensional curve representation and employs a two-phase optimization process to ensure safety and efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in maintaining truck stability while enabling responsive maneuvering under Tibet’s demanding road conditions.by Haoyang Zhou, Jinfeng Yang, Na Li, Jinying Li, Jianxin Ran, Yan Zheng, Yifan Long, Fang Cheng, Yuanpeng Liao
BackgroundSarcopenia is an age-associated disorder characterized by a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The condition is linked to low levels of anabolic hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), with its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) signaling pathway. There is growing evidence that resistance training (RT) or vibration training (VT) could improve physical functioning in individuals with sarcopenia. However, the related physiological influence of exercise on sarcopenia remains elusive.
MethodThis prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 96 participants, aged between 65 and 80 years. In participants, sarcopenia diagnosis will be confirmed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and participants will be randomized into either control, RT, VT, or RVT (combined RT and VT) groups. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with assessments performed at baseline, 12 weeks (after intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcomes will include skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes comprise IGF-1 concentrations, PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 protein activity, quality of life, and timed-up-and-go test performance assessments.
DiscussionThis clinical study aims to elucidate the potential modulation of molecular mechanisms in vivo for combined RT and VT in sarcopenia patients and to identify the effects of the intervention on physical function.
Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2400083643. Registered on April 29, 2024.
To predict the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and the central venous minus arterial CO2 pressure to arterial minus central venous O2 content ratio (Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2) in prehospital settings.
A prospective cohort study was conducted in China.
The study was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024, enrolling patients diagnosed with TBI. Participants presenting a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 2/Ca-cvO2: Group A Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 >1.8 mm Hg/mL and ONSD >5.6 mm; Group B: Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 >1.8 mm Hg/mL and ONSD ≤5.6 mm; Group C: Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 ≤1.8 mm Hg/mL and ONSD >5.6 mm; and Group D: Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 ≤1.8 mm Hg/mL and ONSD ≤5.6 mm.
30-day mortality, functional neurological recovery at discharge (measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS)), and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were compared between the 4 groups.
Our findings show that Group D had the lowest 30-day mortality, the shortest ICU stay and the highest good recovery at discharge (GOS score) among the four groups. Survival curves illustrated a decrease in 30-day mortality in group C patients after mannitol administration compared with patients who did not receive mannitol administration. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 combined with ONSD (0.907 (95% CI 0.843 to 0.941)) was higher than those for ONSD (0.851 (95% CI 0.791 to 0.911)) alone, Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 (0.814 (95% CI 0.744 to 0.873)) alone or initial GCS (0.823 (95% CI 0.763 to 0.889)). Calibration plots demonstrated a strong alignment between observed and predicted probabilities for ONSD, Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2, the combination of ONSD and Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2, and initial GCS.
ONSD combined with Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 is a relatively novel method for predicting the outcome in TBI patients, especially in a prehospital setting. This dual approach may improve the prediction of early prognosis and guide osmotherapy treatment in patients with TBI.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive, fatal motor neuron disease. Diagnostic delay severely impairs patient access to ALS multidisciplinary clinics, available disease-modifying medications and therapies that may prolong survival.
To investigate how patient and physician perspectives might be leveraged to promote timely ALS diagnosis, and how system-level barriers might be addressed to promote appropriate referral to ALS multidisciplinary care.
A qualitative study in Alberta, Canada, used human-centred design and interviews to map the diagnostic journeys of ALS patients and identify individual-level and system-level diagnostic barriers and opportunities.
30 semistructured interviews (10 patients; 20 physicians) were conducted. Data were inductively analysed with the aid of Miro board software. Patient and physician data were triangulated to identify key phases of the journey from symptom onset to confirmed ALS diagnosis and themes related to the diagnostic barriers and opportunities. Journey maps were created to visualise the diagnostic journey.
Patient journeys were comprised of five phases and commonly involved iterative cycles of referral and testing before an ALS diagnosis was confirmed. Four primary themes related to diagnostic barriers: difficulty recognising and responding effectively to early-stage ALS symptoms, absence of a single definitive diagnostic test, long wait times between referrals and clinical visits, and physician reluctance to pronounce an ALS diagnosis. Analysis indicated three approaches for improving diagnostic processes: increase ALS awareness; improve communication between referring physicians and physicians receiving referrals (consultants); and develop physician, diagnostic testing and multidisciplinary clinic referral forms that will guide symptom assessment and accurate referral.
Timely ALS diagnosis is challenging for patients navigating the frequently prolonged, circuitous diagnostic journey and physicians who struggle with referral pathways and the efficient diagnosis of this rare disease. Findings demonstrate the importance of increased ALS awareness and effective communication and response within referral pathways. Recommendations include strengthening the clinical approach of community-based physicians and supporting access and referral pathways. Current initiatives arising from this investigation seek to achieve meaningful change in timely referrals for progressive neurological diseases like ALS.
To evaluate the research capability of clinical nurses in China and identify the determinants associated with their capability.
As nursing evolves into an increasingly independent discipline, the research capability of clinical nurses has become critical for the development of the profession, advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient care quality.
A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling from September 2023 to February 2024, among clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals across three provinces in China. The Nursing Research Capability Self-Assessment Scale was used to assess the research capability of the nurses. Chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used to examine factors associated with research capability. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology was followed.
A total of 1074 clinical nurses participated. The mean research capability score was 89.11 ± 27.69, reflecting a moderate level of research capability. However, two dimensions of research questions and literature review received lower scores. Multiple linear regression analysis identified that education level, professional title, administrative position and nursing job title (all p < 0.05) were independent predictors of research capability.
Clinical nurses exhibit moderate research capability, with notable deficiencies in formulating research questions and conducting literature reviews. Key factors influencing research capability include education, professional title, administrative position, and job title. Targeted training and development programmes should address these factors to enhance nurses' research competence and advance nursing science.
To explore whether vaccine confidence and vaccine delay intention mediated the effect of the pay-it-forward intervention on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake.
This secondary mediation analysis of a two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted among female adolescents aged 15–18 years in Chengdu, China, from July 2022 to June 2023.
This study was conducted in four residential areas representing diverse economic backgrounds in Chengdu.
A total of 321 parents of girls aged 15–18 years who had not received the HPV vaccine participated in the study.
Participants were randomly allocated into two arms. Pay-it-forward participants received a community-contributed subsidy (47.7 USD) to support the HPV vaccination, along with educational postcards and an opportunity to donate to support others. In the standard-of-care arm, participants paid for their vaccination.
Primary outcome was the receipt of the first HPV vaccine dose within a 3-month period following an intervention. Based on previous literature, we hypothesised that vaccine confidence and vaccine delay intention were potential mediators. Vaccine confidence was measured using the vaccine confidence index. Vaccine delay intention refers to the caregiver’s preference to postpone HPV vaccination for their daughter until the preferred vaccine type becomes available, rather than accepting the immediately accessible HPV vaccine. Data on these mediators were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire conducted after the intervention but before vaccination.
Among urban participants, when compared with the standard-of-care arm, about 39% of the effect of the pay-it-forward intervention on vaccine uptake was mediated by a reduction in vaccine delay intention. Notably, vaccine confidence did not appear to mediate the effect of the intervention on vaccine uptake. Among suburban participants, no mediation effects were observed. In the suburban setting, caregivers who vaccinated their daughters showed poorer prior awareness of the HPV vaccine before participating in the trial compared with those who did not vaccinate their daughters (41.5% vs 21.1%; p=0.011).
Our findings indicate that among urban participants, the pay-it-forward may have effectively reduced vaccine delay intention, which was associated with an increased uptake of the HPV vaccine. However, in suburban areas, enhanced awareness might be a potential contributing factor to improved vaccine uptake, but further research is necessary to affirm this.
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200055542.
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has made significant strides. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive validation and evaluation of AI-derived quantitative indicators in DR screening.
This study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of retinal microvascular indicators in the early detection of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes and to identify potential novel indicators for early DR screening.
This cross-sectional study included 533 community-recruited patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent fundus imaging. Based on the results of the fundus examination, the eyes were categorised into non-DR, mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), moderate NPDR and severe NPDR groups. AI systems were employed to quantify various retinal microvascular indicators, including microaneurysms (MAs), haemorrhage count (HC), haemorrhagic area (HA), the ratio of HA to retinal area (HA/RA), the ratio of HA to MA (HA/MA) and HC and/or MA (H/MA). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the association between fundus indicators and DR severity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive and screening value of these indicators, determining sensitivity, specificity, ROC area under the curve (AUC) and optimal cut-off values.
Among the 533 participants (mean age 64.03±9.71 years; 51.6% female), the DR prevalence was 10.0%. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin levels, smoking and alcohol consumption, multivariable logistic regression indicated that HA/RA (OR 1.873, 95% CI 1.453 to 2.416) and HA/MA (OR 1.115, 95% CI 1.063 to 1.169) were associated with mild NPDR. Similarly, HA/RA (OR 1.928, 95% CI 1.509 to 2.464) and HA/MA (OR 1.165, 95% CI 1.112 to 1.220) were associated with moderate NPDR, and HA/RA (OR 2.435, 95% CI 1.921 to 3.086) and HA/MA (OR 1.171, 95% CI 1.117 to 1.226) were linked to severe NPDR. ROC curve analysis revealed that before adjustment, HA/RA demonstrated the highest screening value for DR, with an AUC of 0.917, sensitivity of 86.14%, specificity of 93.41%, Youden’s index of 0.796 and an optimal cut-off value of 0.063. After adjusting for confounding factors, the AUC for HA/RA in diagnosing DR was 0.900, with sensitivity of 83.17%, specificity of 86.28%, Youden’s index of 0.695 and an optimal cut-off value of 0.093.
The HA/RA and HA/MA show robust screening performance for early DR. These indicators should be considered for inclusion in AI-based early DR screening systems in the future.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) may lead to poor outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic stimulation on the duration of MV (DMV), the intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (ILOS), the proportion of patients successfully weaned and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) in patients with prolonged MV.
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cochrane library, Embase, Pubmed and Web of Science up to December 2024.
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies evaluating the outcomes of patients with prolonged MV after diaphragmatic stimulation were included up to December 2024.
All articles were independently assessed by two reviewers, and a third reviewer was consulted to resolve different evaluations. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Cochrane Collaboration tool in RevMan V.5.3 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014) were applied to assess the quality of cohort studies or RCTs. The meta-analysis was carried out with RevMan V.5.3 software, applying a random-effects model and presenting results with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was examined using the Higgins I² statistic, and subgroup analyses were carried out to investigate possible contributors to heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were further conducted in Stata 18.0 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Potential publication bias was assessed through funnel plots combined with Egger’s regression test. For each outcome, the certainty of evidence was appraised according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
Ten studies involving 802 patients (349 received diaphragmatic stimulation) were included. The meta-analysis indicated that patients receiving diaphragmatic stimulation had shorter DMV (mean differences (MD) –5.69 d, 95% CI –10.99 to –0.39, p=0.04) and ILOS (MD –5.48 d, 95% CI –10.72 to –0.24, p=0.04). The proportion of patients successfully weaned was larger in patients with diaphragmatic stimulation (risk ratios (RR) 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53, p=0.04). The MIP increased compared with the control group.
The promising results suggest that diaphragmatic stimulation has the potential to shorten DMV and ILOS and accelerate weaning from ventilator.
CRD42024599512.
Eye injury poses a significant challenge to the global burden of blindness. Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, this study aims to comprehensively assess the latest global burden of eye injury and examine its relationship with the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).
Observational study.
Population-based data on eye injury from the GBD 2021 database, covering the period 1990–2021.
Primary outcomes included incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to eye injury. Secondary outcomes included temporal trends analysed using joinpoint regression, age-period-cohort effects, health inequality indices (Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index) and decomposition analysis of contributing factors.
From 1990 to 2021, global eye injury incidence (in thousands) increased from 33 702.80 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 27 271.41 to 44 086.12) to 39 996.91 cases (95% UI: 32 341.74 to 52 215.74), while age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) declined from 622.73 to 503.26 per 100 000 population (average annual percent change (AAPC): –0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.81 to –0.46, p75 years). Health inequality between SDI regions narrowed (SII decreased from 3.10 to 2.21 per 100 000), with population growth contributing 207.93% to increased incidence.
The burden of eye injury exhibits distinct patterns across development levels, requiring tailored interventions: occupational safety for young adults in developing regions and fall prevention for the elderly in developed areas. Prevention strategies should align with regional economic development stages, emphasising workplace safety in industrialising regions while maintaining robust healthcare accessibility.
Mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy (MHL) is increasingly identified owing to various underlying conditions. Minimally invasive biopsy techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (TBMC) and transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBFB), are common diagnosis tools. However, their safety and diagnostic efficiency remain unclear. This trial aims to compare the diagnostic yield and safety of these three techniques.
This study is a three-arm, parallel-design, randomised controlled trial involving 972 adult patients with MHL recruited from multiple medical centres. Participants will be randomly assigned to the EBUS-TBNA, TBMC via a tunnel or TBFB via a tunnel group. The primary outcome is diagnostic yield, and the secondary outcomes include diagnostic sensitivity, sample quality and procedure-related complications. Statistical analyses will be conducted using the appropriate methods. An independent sample ² test will be used to test the differences in the diagnostic yield and incidence of procedure-related complications.
Ethics approval was obtained from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital Ethics Committee (2022-KY-194).
Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients or their guardians before their enrolment in the study. This study will be conducted per the principles established in the Declaration of Helsinki and the International Council for Harmonisation Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
Nurses play vital roles in healthcare systems, especially in competitive environments that must meet diverse stakeholder expectations, improve quality and foster innovation. However, these efforts are often challenged by workforce issues such as nurse turnover intention, which is a critical concern requiring effective leadership and management. Despotic leadership is harmful and may lead to negative nurse behaviours, including intentions to leave their positions.
This study explored the correlations and differences in the clinical nurse managers' despotic leadership and nurse turnover intention based on the sample characteristics as perceived by registered nurses (RNs) working in the selected hospitals in Jordan.
This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional correlational comparative design to measure the relationships and differences between the perceived despotic leadership of nurse managers and nurse turnover intention. In 2024, a paper-format survey was distributed to nurses working in various hospitals. Five governmental and private hospitals in Jordan were purposively chosen to recruit 301 nurses using non-probability convenience snowball sampling techniques. Sample size was collected using G* power, and data were collected using a highly psychometric instrument of the Toxic Leadership Behaviours of Nurse Managers Scale (The ToxBH-NM Scale) and the Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6 Items).
The overall score for clinical nurse managers' despotic indicated a moderate level of despotic leadership among nurse managers. Among the nurses surveyed, 53 (17.60%) expressed an intention to stay in their positions, while 248 (82.30%) indicated they intended to leave those positions. There was a statistically significant weak positive correlation between the total score of perceived clinical nurse managers' despotic leadership and the total score of perceived nurse turnover intention (r = 0.215, p = 0.01). This correlation suggests a small effect size (Cohen's guidelines: small = 0.10, medium = 0.30, large = 0.50), indicating that while the relationship was statistically significant, the practical impact was at a small level. No significant differences were found in the perceived despotic leadership of nurse managers or nurse turnover intention.
The findings highlighted the critical roles of leaders, policymakers and organisations in reducing the perceived despotic leadership of nurse managers. These roles are crucial in decreasing nurses' intentions to leave their jobs.
Accurately identifying despotic management behaviours is crucial. To improve nurse retention, healthcare organisations should implement evidence-based interventions targeting job satisfaction, workload management and ongoing professional development.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
This study aimed to validate the mediating role of nurses' AI trust in the relationship between AI uncertainties and AI competence.
A cross-sectional study.
A purposive sample of 550 registered nurses with at least 1 year of clinical experience from three tertiary and two secondary hospitals in Jinan and Hangzhou, China, was used. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing AI uncertainty, trust and competence. Demographic data included gender, age, education level, years of clinical experience, professional title and hospital level. Mediation analysis.
Most nurses were from tertiary hospitals (88.9%), held a bachelor's degree (87.6%), and had over 6 years of experience. The mediating role of AI trust between AI uncertainties and AI competence is validated. AI uncertainties affected AI trust (B = 0.39, p < 0.0001), explaining 10% of the variance. AI uncertainties and AI trust affected AI competence (B = 0.25 and 0.67, p < 0.0001), explaining 63% of the variation. AI trust's total effect was 0.51, comprising direct and indirect effects of 0.25 and 0.26, respectively.
Hospitals can reduce uncertainty through an AI-transparent decision-making process, providing clinical examples of AI and training nurses to use AI, thereby increasing trust. Second, AI systems should be designed to consider nurses' psychological safety needs. Hospital administrators utilise optimised AI technology training and promotional techniques to mitigate nurses' resistance to AI and enhance their positive perceptions of AI competence through trust-building mechanisms.
Impact: Enhancing nurses' AI trust can reduce uncertainty and improve their competence in clinical use. Strategies such as transparency, explainability and training programmes are crucial for improving AI implementation in healthcare.
This study focused solely on clinical nurses and did not include patients or the public.
The study adhered to STROBE guidelines.
To examine whether manpower and expertise understaffing are distinct, and whether they relate similarly to nursing stressors, burnout, job satisfaction and intentions to turnover.
A cross-sectional survey of hospital nurses nested within units was used.
The sample included 402 nurses. Nurses provided ratings of the study's variables using validated self-report measures. The data were analysed both as multilevel and single-level data.
Manpower and expertise understaffing contributed unique explained variance to all of the examined outcomes. Nurses within the same units experience different understaffing levels. Expertise understaffing emerged as a significantly stronger predictor than manpower understaffing for three of the six of the outcome variables (illegitimate tasks, job satisfaction and turnover intentions).
Manpower and expertise understaffing are distinct, and both are associated with nurse outcomes.
We have adhered to the STROBE guideline for cross-sectional studies.
Considering both manpower and expertise understaffing to maintain proper staffing levels in nursing units is crucial.
A Director of Patient Care Services from the hospital where the study was conducted is a member of the research team. This member contributed to designing and conducting the study as well as interpreting the results.