情绪释放技术对乳腺癌术后化疗患者预期性悲伤的影响

目的 探讨情绪释放技术对改善乳腺癌术后化疗患者预期性悲伤的效果。方法 采用便利抽样法选取乳腺癌术后化疗患者60例为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组和干预组,各30例。对照组给予常规护理,干预组在对照组的基础上实施情绪释放干预疗法。比较干预前后2组心理痛苦程度和预期性悲伤得分水平。结果 干预后,干预组心理痛苦程度低于对照组(t=-17.930,P＜0.001);预期性悲伤总分及各维度得分均低于对照组(P＜0.001)。结论 对乳腺癌术后化疗患者应用情绪释放技术进行护理干预,可以减轻患者心理痛苦程度,降低患者预期性悲伤,值得临床推广应用。     

Performance evaluation of newly developed fluorescence immunoassay-based interferon-gamma release assay for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers

The ichroma? IGRA-TB (Boditech Med Inc., Chuncheon, Republic of Korea) is an automated fluorescent immunoassay-based point-of-care interferon-gamma release assay for detecting latent tuberculosis infection. We evaluated this assay with 408 health care workers, and demonstrated its acceptable performances comparing to QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus (QFT-Plus; Qiagen, Germantown, MD).     

Formulation and characterization of lornoxicam-loaded cellulosic-microsponge gel for possible applications in arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe joint pain. Herein, we report lornoxicam loaded cellulosic microsponge gel formulation with sustained anti-inflammatory effects that are required to manage arthritic pain. The microsponges were formulated using quasi emulsion-solvent diffusion method employing four different surfactant systems, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Tween80, Gelucire 48/16 and Gelucire 50/13. All the lornoxicam loaded microsponge formulations were extensively characterized with a variety of analytical tools. The optimized microsponge formulation was then converted into gel formulation. The lornoxicam loaded microsponge gel formulation had adequate viscosity and sufficient pharmaceutical properties as confirmed by the texture analysis and the drug release followed Super case II transport. It is noteworthy that we described the preparation of a new cellulosic polymers based microsponge system for delivery of lornoxicam to provide quick as well as lasting (sustained) anti-inflammatory effects in rats using carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. We were able to demonstrate a 72% reduction in inflammation within 4 h using the optimize transdermal gel formulation utilizing Transcutol P as permeation enhancer and with the aid of skin micro-piercing by microneedles, hence, demonstrating the potential of this microsponge gel formulation in arthritis management.     

Focal hole versus screw stimulation to prevent false negative results in detecting pedicle breaches during spinal instrumentation

ObjectiveWe describe a stimulus-evoked EMG approach to minimize false negative results in detecting pedicle breaches during lumbosacral spinal instrumentation.MethodsIn 36 patients receiving 176 lumbosacral pedicle screws, EMG threshold to nerve root activation was determined using a focal probe inserted into the pilot hole at a depth, customized to the individual patients, suitable to position the stimulating tip at the point closest to the tested nerve root. Threshold to screw stimulation was also determined.ResultsMean EMG thresholds in 161 correctly fashioned pedicle instrumentations were 7.5 mA ± 2.46 after focal hole stimulation and 21.8 mA ± 6.8 after screw stimulation. Direct comparison between both thresholds in individual pedicles showed that screw stimulation was always biased by an unpredictable leakage of the stimulating current ranging from 10 to 90%. False negative results were never observed with hole stimulation but this was not true with screw stimulation.ConclusionsFocal hole stimulation, unlike screw stimulation, approaches absolute EMG threshold as shown by the lower normal limit (2.6 mA; p < 0.05) that borders the upper limit of threshold to direct activation of the exposed root.SignificanceThe technique provides an early warning of a possible pedicle breakthrough before insertion of the more harmful, larger and threaded screw.     

Percutaneous soft tissue release performed using a blunt cannula in rabbits with chronic collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy

Background

This study investigated the effects of percutaneous soft tissue release (PSTR) performed using a blunt cannula on (1) the inflammatory cells-count, (2) expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and (3) substance P (SP) in rabbits with chronic phase of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy.

Method to examine how geometry affects the release and retention of alpine touring boot-binding systems

ObjectivesDevelop a method to examine the effects of component geometry and force-deflection on the release process of Tech/Pin alpine touring (AT) ski boots and bindings.Design and methodsFor seven AT boots, we measured the critical geometric dimensions of the metal inserts at the toe region of the boots. Binding geometry (including the pins and rocker arms) and the force-angular deflection curves of typical AT bindings were measured. A kinematic model was derived to predict the contact force between the metal inserts of the AT boots and the pins of the AT bindings, dependent on angular displacement of the binding rocker arms. By combining the kinematic model, the force-angular deflection curves, and moment equilibrium, we determined the force and binding rotation angle needed to release the AT boot in a direction normal to the ski.ResultsThe metal AT boot insert geometry and AT binding pin geometry and dimensions can affect significantly the contact states and kinematics of release. Two load-deflection curves of similar peak loads can result in significantly different maximal forces and angles to release the binding, even when the geometry and dimensions of the binding pins and boot inserts remain unchanged.ConclusionsThe geometry and dimensions of the binding (pins and rocker arm) and the boot inserts define the kinematics of the binding release. The model can be used to test the effects of varying parameters on the release and retention characteristics of Tech/Pin boot-binding systems to optimize the release and retention characteristics.