Impact of Omicron variant infection on the liver, kidney, and coagulation system in patients undergoing elective surgery: a retrospective case-control study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the impact of Omicron variant infection on the perioperative organ function in patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: A total of 5029 patients who underwent elective surgery between October 2022 and January 2023 at our hospital were enrolled. Among them, the patients who underwent elective surgery between October 2022 and November 2022 composed Group 1 (not infected with the Omicron variant) the control group; those who underwent elective surgery between December 2022 and January 2023 composed Group 2 (one month after Omicron variant infection) the experimental group. We further divided the patients into two subgroups for analysis: the tumor subgroup and the nontumor subgroup. Data on organ system function indicators, including coagulation parameters, liver function, complete blood count (CBC), and kidney function, were collected before and after surgery. Differences between the two groups were subsequently analyzed via binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Compared with those in the uninfected patient group, the following changes were observed in patients with Omicron variant infection who underwent elective surgery one month after infection: prothrombin activity (PTa), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, albumin/globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (PLT), and anemia were increased AST/ALT, indirect bilirubin (IBILI), eosinophils, and uric acid were decreased before surgery; and lung infection/pneumonia and fibrinogen were increased, while AST/ALT, globulin, total bilirubin (TBIL), white blood cell count (WBC), and uric acid were decreased after surgery. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate or length of hospital stay (LOS) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis revealed elevated monocyte, PLT, and fibrinogen classification, levels and decreased globulin, prealbumin (PBA), eosinophil, and uric acid levels in the tumor subgroup of patients who underwent elective surgery one month after Omicron infection compared with those in the uninfected patients. Compared with the nontumor subgroup, fibrinogen levels, lung infection/pneumonia, TBIL, and PLT count were increased in the uninfected patients, while the globulin and eosinophil levels were decreased. Conclusion: Compared with uninfected patients, patients who underwent elective surgery one month after Omicron variant infection exhibited minimal changes in perioperative coagulation parameters, liver function, CBC counts, and kidney function. Additionally, no significant differences in postoperative mortality or LOS were observed between the two groups.

Self-care challenges of patients with heart failure from the perspectives of patients and caregivers: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: self-care is critically important for the long-term management of heart failure (HF) patients, with caregivers playing an important role in promoting self-care. However, adherence to self-care is typically low among HF patients worldwide. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals diagnosed with HF. To structure the interview guide and underpin the analysis, two established behavioral science frameworks, the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), were used in this study. RESULTS: A total of 32 participants were included (n = 16 patients, n = 16 caregivers), with themes involving: barriers included: "Self-care with Limited Capability," "Insufficient External Support," "Lack of Motivation for Self-Care." Facilitators included: "Striving to Adapt to Disease Demands," "Adequate External Support," "Positive Health Behaviors and Experiences." CONCLUSIONS: Providing positive support to heart failure patients and their caregivers, along with cultivating intrinsic motivation for behavioral change, can enhance self-care ability.

Genome-wide analysis reveals selection signatures for body size and drought adaptation in Liangzhou donkey.

Liangzhou donkey is a domestic animal breed distributed on the edge of the Tengger Desert in Gansu Province of China. It has small body size and strong adaptability to dry environments. Here, we sequenced 10 Liangzhou donkey genomes and compared them to the 55 genomes of 8 representative donkey breeds worldwide. The population structure analysis revealed that Liangzhou donkey harboured the ancestry with the Asian domestic donkeys (0.863) and European domestic donkeys (0.137). Three methods (nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium decay and runs of homozygosity) implied the genetic diversity in Liangzhou donkey. In addition, we analyzed the genetic basis of the small body size and drought adaptation of Liangzhou donkey by using Fst, θπ-ratio, XP-EHH, CLR and θπ methods. We found that the NCAPG-LCORL on chromosome 3 may be a candidate region for small body size trait of Liangzhou donkey. The CYP4A11 gene located on chromosome 5 showed strong sign of selection sweep. CYP4A11 can convert arachidonic acid into 19(S)-HETE, which can promote water reabsorption in renal tubule and enhance the ability of Liangzhou donkey to adapt to dry environment. These results contribute to a better understanding of the underlying population structure of Liangzhou donkeys and provides a valuable resource for future research on donkey breeding in response to climate change.

Cuproptosis-Related Genes as Prognostic Biomarkers for Sepsis: Insights into Immune Function and Personalized Immunotherapy.

Background: This study aimed to discover diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for sepsis immunotherapy through analyzing the novel cellular death process, cuproptosis. Methods: We used transcriptome data from sepsis patients to identify key cuproptosis-related genes (CuRGs). We created a predictive model and used the CIBERSORT algorithm to observe the link between these genes and the septic immune microenvironment. We segregated sepsis patients into three subgroups, comparing immune function, immune cell infiltration, and differential analysis. Single-cell sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR were used to view the regulatory effect of CuRGs on the immune microenvironment and compare the mRNA levels of these genes in sepsis patients and healthy controls. We established a sepsis forecast model adapted to heart rate, body temperature, white blood cell count, and cuproptosis key genes. This was followed by a drug sensitivity analysis of cuproptosis key genes. Results: Our results filtered three key genes (LIAS, PDHB, PDHA1) that impact sepsis prognosis. We noticed that the high-risk group had poorer immune cell function and lesser immune cell infiltration. We also discovered a significant connection between CuRGs and immune cell infiltration in sepsis. Through consensus clustering, sepsis patients were classified into three subgroups. The best immune functionality and prognosis was observed in subgroup B. Single-cell sequencing exposed that the key genes manage the immune microenvironment by affecting T cell activation. The qPCR results highlighted substantial mRNA level reduction of the three key genes in the SP compared to the HC. The prediction model, which combines CuRGs and traditional diagnostic indicators, performed better in accuracy than the other markers. The drug sensitivity analysis listed bisphenol A as highly sensitive to all the key genes. Conclusion: Our study suggests these CuRGs may offer substantial potential for sepsis prognosis prediction and personalized immunotherapy.

Prognostic gene landscapes and therapeutic insights in sepsis-induced coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common and critical condition encountered in clinical practice that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) significantly affects patient outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, making the identification of effective prognostic and therapeutic targets imperative. METHODS: The analysis of transcriptome data from the whole blood of sepsis patients, facilitated the identification of key genes implicated in coagulation. Then we developed a prognostic model and a nomogram to predict patient survival. Consensus clustering classified sepsis patients into three subgroups for comparative analysis of immune function and immune cell infiltration. Single-cell sequencing elucidated alterations in intercellular communication between platelets and immune cells in sepsis, as well as the role of the coagulation-related gene FYN. Real-time quantitative PCR determined the mRNA levels of critical coagulation genes in septic rats' blood. Finally, administration of a FYN agonist to septic rats was observed for its effects on coagulation functions and survival. RESULTS: This study identified four pivotal genes-CFD, FYN, ITGAM, and VSIG4-as significant predictors of survival in patients with sepsis. Among them, CFD, FYN, and ITGAM were underexpressed, while VSIG4 was upregulated in patients with sepsis. Moreover, a nomogram that incorporates the coagulation-related genes (CoRGs) risk score with clinical features of patients accurately predicted survival probabilities. Subgroup analysis of CoRGs expression delineated three molecular sepsis subtypes, each with distinct prognoses and immune profiles. Single-cell sequencing shed light on heightened communication between platelets and monocytes, T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, alongside reduced interactions with neutrophils in sepsis. The collagen signaling pathway was found to be essential in this dynamic. FYN may affect platelet function by modulating factors such as ELF1, PTCRA, and RASGRP2. The administration of the FYN agonist can effectively improve coagulation dysfunction and survival in septic rats. CONCLUSIONS: The research identifies CoRGs as crucial prognostic markers for sepsis, highlighting the FYN gene's central role in coagulation disorders associated with the condition and suggesting novel therapeutic intervention strategies.

Qualitative Study on the Information Needs of Patients Undergoing Da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

To explore the information needs and experiences of patients who underwent Da Vinci robotic surgery and to establish a reference for providing information support to these patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 patients who underwent robotic surgery. Thematic analysis was subsequently executed on the data obtained from the interviews to identify the themes. Thematic analysis generated two main themes with six supporting sub-themes. The main themes were (1) surgical information acquisition experience and (2) the need for personalization to obtain satisfactory information. Patients who received Da Vinci robotic surgery had insufficient understanding of the surgical methods and possessed high demand for surgical-related information. Although patients' understanding of robotic surgery might be improved through multi-channel information support, due to the differences in patient access to information, personalized experiences would occur during this process. Professional information support could effectively enhance their positive psychological experiences with surgery.

A survey of health status of healthcare providers in a square cabin hospital during the new corona omicron outbreak: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The coronavirus omicron variant outbroke in early 2022 in Shanghai. Although previous studies indicated that long working hours in a square cabin hospital might increase the risk of mental health among frontline healthcare providers, few studies have investigated whether the mental health risk could be reduced among well-trained professionals following the new guidelines. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the health situation of frontline healthcare providers in Shanghai square cabin during the omicron variant circulation. Methods: An online survey was used to evaluate those healthcare providers working in the square cabin hospitals from March 1, 2022, to May 31, 2022. The first online survey was conducted and emailed to the health providers on April 1. The second survey was conducted and sent to the nonrespondents on May 31. Overall, 142 frontline healthcare providers completed the online survey. Their mental health was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Psychological Resilience Scale. We estimated multiple clinical systems and identified factors associated with those symptoms among participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors of these symptoms. Results: Overall, 66.20%, 45.07%, and 27.46% of frontline healthcare providers in Shanghai City reported symptoms of insomnia, depression, and anxiety, respectively. In addition, the most common symptoms included dry eyes (57.75%), lumbar muscle strain (47.18%), dry mouth (35.92%), itching (31.69%), headache (29.58%), and sore throat (28.87%) among the frontline healthcare providers. There was no statistical difference in symptoms by gender, age, personnel category, or job position (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In the case of an unexpected pandemic, the mental health of healthcare providers is not optimistic. This situation still exists more than 2 years after the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the physical and mental health of long-term healthcare providers working in a square cabin hospital still needs monitoring.

A Qualitative Investigation of the Psychological Experiences of COVID-19 Patients Receiving Inpatient Care in Isolation.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Still, little is known about the psychological experiences of patients who received inpatient isolation treatment in order to improve the well-being of these patients. We randomly recruited 10 COVID-19 patients who received inpatient isolation treatment at a designated hospital in Wuhan from February to March 2020 and were discharged after recovery. The data were collected via a semi-structured interview over WeChat video and analyzed them using Calaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. COVID-19 patients experienced significant psychological stress during hospitalization that continued after recovery and discharge. This can be categorized into three themes: (1) negative emotions experienced; (2) uncertainty of treatment provided; and (3) worries about readjusting to daily life. The insight into a patient's psychological experiences can support the timely implementation of personalized nursing interventions within hospitals and the community to improve the patient's mental well-being and recovery trajectory.