Qili Qiangxin,a compound herbal medicine formula,alleviates hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death via suppression of ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway in vitro

ObjectiveQili Qiangxin (QLQX), a compound herbal medicine formula, is used effectively to treat congestive heart failure in China. However, the molecular mechanisms of the cardioprotective effect are still unclear. This study explores the cardioprotective effect and mechanism of QLQX using the hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-induced myocardial injury model.MethodsThe main chemical constituents of QLQX were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light-scattering detection. The model of H/R-induced myocardial injury in H9c2 cells was developed to simulate myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. Apoptosis, autophagy, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured to assess the protective effect of QLQX. Proteins related to autophagy, apoptosis and signalling pathways were detected using Western blotting.ResultsApoptosis, autophagy and the excessive production of ROS induced by H/R were significantly reduced after treating the H9c2 cells with QLQX. QLQX treatment at concentrations of 50 and 250 μg/mL caused significant reduction in the levels of LC3II and p62 degradation (P < 0.05), and also suppressed the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (at 0.5 μmol/L), and QLQX (250 μg/mL) significantly inhibited H/R-induced autophagy and apoptosis (P < 0.01), while AICAR (an AMPK activator, at 0.5 mmol/L) increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy and abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of QLQX. Similar phenomena were also observed on the expressions of apoptotic and autophagic proteins, demonstrating that QLQX reduced the apoptosis and autophagy in the H/R-induced injury model via inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Moreover, ROS scavenger, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, at 2.5 mmol/L), significantly reduced H/R-triggered cell apoptosis and autophagy (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, NAC treatment down-regulated the ratio of phosphorylation of AMPK/AMPK (P < 0.01), which showed a similar effect to QLQX.ConclusionQLQX plays a cardioprotective role by alleviating apoptotic and autophagic cell death through inhibition of the ROS/AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway.     

Ovarian Thecoma Associated with a Large Quantity of Ascites and Elevated Serum CA 125 and CA 15-3

Background: Elevation of tumour marker CA (cancer antigen) 125 associated with Meigs’ or atypical Meigs’ syndrome is widely recognized. Other tumour markers are available to assist in distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian masses in the preoperative diagnosis.Case presentation: A 57-year-old woman presented with a suspicious pelvic mass and abundant ascites. Preoperative tumour markers CA 125 and CA 15-3 were elevated at 1750 U/mL and 60 U/mL, respectively. The woman underwent surgery, and 9 L of straw-coloured ascites were drained along with a solid-cystic ovarian mass. The final pathology disclosed an ovarian thecoma. Six months later, both tumour markers were normal.Conclusion: This first report of 2 elevated tumour markers associated with atypical Meigs’ syndrome cautions us not to rely on tumour markers to differentiate benign from malignant masses.     

Development and validation of the global assessment of the evidence implementation environment [GENIE] tool

BackgroundOvercoming the various barriers to evidence implementation is critical to delivering evidence-based health care. Identifying and managing these obstacles is somewhat challenging however, due to interprofessional and interjurisdictional variations in reported barriers. An efficient, systematic, comprehensive and innovative approach to isolating the barriers to evidence implementation is therefore needed.Materials and methodsUsing a mixed methods design, the study aimed to develop, refine and validate a tool to assess the evidence implementation environment for complementary medicine (CM) professions. The tool was developed using a five-stage process, and refined and validated using a two-round e-Delphi technique.ResultsInformed by reviews examining the barriers and enablers to evidence implementation in CM, and shaped by the Behaviour Change Wheel Framework, a preliminary 33-item tool was created (i.e. the Global Assessment of the Evidence Implementation Environment [GENIE] tool). A two-round Delphi technique was used to refine the criteria, with a panel of 23 experts agreeing to the removal of two criteria, and the addition of two items. In the end, the Delphi panel reached consensus on 33 criteria, which were sorted into nine stakeholder groups.ConclusionThis study has for the first time, created an innovative tool to assess the capacity and capability of CM professions to engage in evidence-based practice at an optimal level. By assessing the evidence implementation environment of CM professions, the GENIE tool is able to determine where resources, infrastructure and personnel should be directed in order to optimise the uptake of evidence-based practices within CM professions.     

Effects of a back-care bundle for reducing back pain among patients undergoing transfemoral artery coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a back-care bundle on back pain in patients undergoing transfemoral coronary angiography (TFA).MethodologyThis randomized controlled trial was conducted between March and June 2020. Thirty-four patients undergoing TFA were randomly assigned to either the back-care bundle or comparison group. The back pain score was measured using a visual analogue scale at baseline and at 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after TFA. Haemorrhage and subcutaneous thrombosis were assessed using a soft measuring tape immediately after TFA, hourly until the 6th hour, or after participants changed their positions. Generalised linear estimating equation models were used to estimate the effects of the interventions on back pain scores.ResultsThe back pain scores in the intervention group decreased significantly over time (mean difference: −0.15; 95 % confidence interval [CI] -0.23 to −0.07; p-value <0.001), while the back pain scores in the comparison group increased significantly over time (mean difference: 1.30; 95 % CI 1.15 to 1.44; p-value <0.001). Overall, the mean difference of back pain scores between the two groups was −2.98 (95 % CI -3.32 to −2.64; p-value <0.001). Haemorrhage and subcutaneous thrombosis were not detected in either group of patients.Conclusion and recommendationsThe back-care bundle effectively alleviated back pain in individuals undergoing TFA, with varying levels of bleeding risk. However, the effects of the back-care bundle on vascular complications remain unclear. For patients who do not have prolonged bleeding time, the duration of bed rest and the placement of a sand cushion on the puncture site can be reduced. Future trials are needed to develop and examine the effect of interventions in reducing back pain in patients with extended bleeding time.     

Effects of early mobilization on pulmonary parameters and complications post coronary artery bypass graft surgery

This study compared the effects of a four-phase and a three-phase early mobilization protocol on respiratory parameters and complications in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This is a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial with 120 candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: four-phase early mobilization protocol, three-phase early mobilization protocol, and control. Arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, and incidence of pulmonary complications were compared among the groups. Mean arterial blood gases and oxygen saturation improved significantly over time in both four-phase early mobilization protocol and three-phase early mobilization protocol groups compared to control (p < 0.05). There were observed trends for greater improvements in the study outcomes with three-phase early mobilization protocol than four-phase early mobilization protocol; however, did not reach statistically significant levels. The incidence of pulmonary complications was significantly in both intervention groups compared to control (odds ratio: 0.48, 95 % CI 0.007–0.537; p < 0.001). Both four-phase early mobilization and the three-phase early mobilization protocols improved respiratory parameters and reduced pulmonary complications. Statistically insignificant trends were found trends in the three-phase early mobilization protocol, focusing on chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises.     

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A)

AimTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A).BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for becoming overweight or obese and developing chronic conditions that lead to an increase in mortality globally. Inadequate physical activity (PA) has been a problem among Arabic-speaking populations, including female adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, psychometrically sound measures to assess PA among female adolescents in Saudi Arabia are lacking, indicating that a reliable, valid and feasible self-report measure is urgently needed for use with this young Arabic-speaking population.MethodsA cross-sectional study approved by a university institutional review board was conducted with 383 Saudi female adolescents, 13–18 years of age, who were recruited from 10 all-female public schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physical activity was measured via the PAQ-A, which assesses the level of PA engagement during the school year for 7 days. Internal consistency was estimated. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the measure's construct validity and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess convergent validity.ResultsCronbach's alpha was 0.81, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.11 to 0.61. Both EFA and CFA indicated a single-factor. The scale was significantly correlated with other cognitive and affective variables that reflected the physical activity perceptions among the female adolescents, such as enjoyment of PA, PA self-efficacy and social support for PA.ConclusionsThe Arabic version of the PAQ-A is reliable and valid measure for assessing PA among Arabic-speaking female adolescents.     

Effect of auricular acupressure on postpartum blues: A randomized sham controlled trial

AimTo investigate the effect of auricular acupressure on the severity of postpartum blues.MethodsA randomized sham controlled trial was conducted from February to November 2021, with 74 participants who were randomly allocated into two groups of either routine care + auricular acupressure (n = 37), or routine care + sham control (n = 37). Vacaria seeds with special non-latex adhesives were used to perform auricular acupressure on seven ear acupoints. There were two intervention sessions with an interval of five days. In the sham group, special non-latex adhesives without vacaria seeds were attached in the same acupoints as the intervention group. Severity of postpartum blues, fatigue, maternal-infant attachment, and postpartum depression were assessed.ResultsAuricular acupressure was associated with significant effect in reduction of postpartum blues on 10th and 15th days after childbirth (SMD = −2.77 and −2.15 respectively), postpartum depression on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = −0.74), and maternal fatigue on 10th, 15th and 21st days after childbirth (SMD = −2.07, −1.30 and −1.32, respectively). Also, maternal-infant attachment was increased significantly on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = 1.95).ConclusionAuricular acupressure was effective in reducing postpartum blues and depression, reducing maternal fatigue, and increasing maternal-infant attachment in the short-term after childbirth.Trial registrationRegistered prospectively in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (ID: IRCT20180218038789N2).     

Effects of propolis on inflammation markers in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A randomized,double-blind controlled clinical trial

Background and aimsSeveral studies have been performed in vitro and in animals showing that propolis (a resin made by bees) has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, but no study has been performed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with CKD on HD.MethodsThis is a longitudinal, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with patients randomized into two groups: propolis (4 capsules of 100 mg/day containing concentrated and standardized dry EPP-AF® green propolis extract) or placebo (4 capsules of 100 mg/day containing microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide) for two months. Routine parameters were analyzed using commercial kits. The plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by flow luminometry.ResultsForty-one patients completed the follow-up, 21 patients in the propolis group (45 ± 12 years, 13 women, BMI, 22.8 ± 3.7 kg/m²) and 20 in the placebo group (45.5 ± 14 years, 13 women, BMI, 24.8 ± 6.8 kg/m²). The obtained data revealed that the intervention with propolis significantly reduced the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) (p = 0.009) as well as had the tendency to reduce the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) (p = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the placebo group.ConclusionShort-term EPP-AF® propolis dry extract 400 mg/day supplementation seems to mitigate inflammation, reducing the plasma levels of TNFα and MIP-1β in patients with CKD on HD. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04411758).     

Mindfulness group intervention improved self-compassion and resilience of children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness group intervention on self-compassion, psychological resilience, and mental health of children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas.MethodsA total of 64 children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 32) and an intervention group (n = 32). Participants in the control group received conventional education, while participants in the intervention group received 6-week mindfulness intervention in addition to the conventional education. Both groups completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-compassion Scale (SCS), Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescent (RSCA), and the Mental Health Test (MHT) before and after the intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the levels of mindfulness and self-compassion in the intervention group were significantly improved in relative to the control group. The positive cognition in the RSCA was significantly increased in the intervention group, whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. There was a trend towards lower self-blame in the MHT, but no significant impact of the intervention on the overall level of mental health was found.ConclusionResults suggest that a 6-week mindfulness training effectively improve self-compassion and resilience of single-parent children. Thus, mindfulness training as a cost-effective approach can be arranged in the curriculum, which helps students develop high level of self-compassion and resilience. In addition, there may be a need to improve emotional control in order to improve mental health.     

Prevalence and predictors of compassion satisfaction,secondary traumatic stress,and burnout among Chinese hospice nurses: A cross-sectional study

AimTo explore the prevalence and predictors of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout among Chinese hospice nurses.BackgroundBecause of prolonged and continual contact with suffering, deaths, and grief, hospice nurses may be vulnerable to emotional burdens and have difficulty maintaining their professional quality of life.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 478 hospice nurses were selected from 24 medical institutions in Sichuan province. Demographic, work-related information and work-related trauma questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Chinese version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the Professional Quality of Life Scale for Nurses were used for collecting data.ResultsThe mean scores of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout were 34.89 ± 6.21, 26.35 ± 5.24, and 24.49 ± 5.01, respectively. Job satisfaction, perspective-taking, empathic concern, working in tertiary hospitals, and adopting cognitive reappraisal strategy were positively associated with compassion satisfaction, while personal distress was a negative factor, all variables explaining 50.7 % of the variance. Higher burnout was found among nurse who had higher personal distress, worked in secondary or primary hospitals, worked >8 h per day and caring for >10 dying patients last month. In addition, job satisfaction, social support, perspective-taking, empathic concern, and cognitive reappraisal were identified as significant protectors, explaining 50.1 % of the variance. We also found that lower job satisfaction, higher personal distress, higher expressive suppression, lack of social support, senior nurses, and cared for >10 dying patients last month, were positively related to secondary traumatic stress. However, cognitive reappraisal had negative associations. These seven factors explained 32.0 % of the variance.ConclusionsHospice care has specific characteristics and hospice nurses may suffer from more work-related stressors compared with other nurses. Our study may provide clues to help nursing administrators identify hospice nurses who are at higher risk of compassion fatigue and design targeted interventions focused on potential risk factors and protectors to improve hospice nurses' compassion satisfaction, while reducing compassion fatigue.