Psychometric properties of disease-specific health-related quality of life instruments for food allergy: A COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments-based systematic review.

Food allergies severely impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and their caregivers (family or informal caregivers). Currently there is no comprehensive review to provide an overview and critical assessment of the instruments in the field. Six databases were searched from inception until 10 August 2023, and a combination of subject terms and free words was used to search the literature. We used the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments methodology (COSMIN) to evaluate the measurement properties of the instruments. Forty-one studies reported on ten eligible instruments. Based on COSMIN guidelines, one instrument was recommended for Grade A, and the remaining nine instruments were recommended for Grade B. The Grade A instrument identified, the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF), can help researchers assess the effectiveness of treatment for patients with food allergy and to understand the psychosocial impact of the disease on patients.

Barriers and facilitators to patient education provided by nurses: A mixed-method systematic review.

AIM: To investigate the factors that facilitate or hinder nurses in providing patient education. DESIGN: A mixed-method systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Six databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE and ERIC) were systematically searched for relevant publications. METHODS: The study was conducted following the JBI for mixed-method systematic reviews, and the reporting followed the PRISMA guideline. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, literature evaluation, data extraction and synthesis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023427451. RESULTS: Twenty-six eligible articles were included, including 15 quantitative articles, 10 qualitative articles and 2 mixed-methods articles. The resultant synthesis of key findings led to the identification of these barriers and facilitators, categorised into five distinct levels: nurse-related factors, organisational factors, patient-related factors, the nurse-patient relationship and interdisciplinary collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the factors that facilitate or hinder nurses in providing patient education, suggesting that multifaceted interventions can enhance the practice of patient education in nursing and support the development of appropriate patient education guidelines or public policies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This review delineates the facilitators and barriers influencing nurses' provision of patient education, offering an initial framework for nursing managers to craft interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of patient education provided by nurses, consequently elevating the overall quality of nursing.

Psychological Flexibility Profiles and Mental Health Among University Students with Left-Behind Experience: A Latent Profile Analysis.

The left-behind experience as an adverse childhood experience has a negative impact on the mental health of university students. Psychological inflexibility mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and mental disorders, but no similar findings were drawn in psychological flexibility (PF). More research is needed to understand the relationship between PF and mental health of university students with left-behind experience. To investigate the relationship between PF profiles and mental health and sleep quality of university students with left-behind experience based on latent profile analysis. A sample of 1988 Chinese university students with left-behind experience were recruited to complete an online survey. Participants provided demographic information and completed validated measures of PF and mental health. Latent profile analysis was used to identify patterns of PF, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships among these variables. We found four PF profiles among participants, with the largest number being the moderately flexible profile (n = 808, 40.6%). The level of PF was positively correlated with mental health and sleep quality (all P < 0.001). Females, being left behind at a young age and for a long time, and having little contact with parents were associated with low PF (all P < 0.05). Our study highlights the importance of focusing on the PF of university students with left-behind experience and left-behind children, and the need for interventions to improve their PF and thus their mental health.

Academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice: A theory-guided scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnerships have the potential to solve many challenges in evidence-based nursing practice which is crucial for high-quality care. AIMS: To identify the existing knowledge on academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice. METHODS: We conducted this review following the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. We performed a comprehensive literature search of nine databases as well as five websites for gray literature. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction and analysis. A third researcher was involved when needed. RESULTS: Dedicated time, dedicated resources, and compatible goals were found to be the top three inputs in academic-practice partnerships for evidence-based nursing practice. Meeting and discussion were the most popular forms of activities. Sufficient resources were the most important facilitators. Insufficient resources, insufficient time, and communication issues were the top three barriers. CONCLUSIONS: The assumption proposed in the practice-academic partnership logic model (i.e., inputs plus activities can lead to outputs and outcomes) was preliminarily verified by the results of this review in the context of evidence-based nursing practice. Academic-practice partnerships can leverage the advantages of both sides to overcome barriers and promote evidence-based nursing practice. However, it is essential to conduct a broader range of high-quality studies. Such endeavors could offer more comprehensive evidence for refining the framework of academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, POLICY AND RESEARCH: The "theoretical framework of academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice" could theoretically guide academic and clinical nursing staff to collaborate on evidence-based nursing practice and related research and education programs. The academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice could lead to a win-win situation for both the academic and the clinical sides. Furthermore, the results of this study provide an evidence-based foundation for policymakers to develop supportive policies for academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing practice.

Multicomponent Intervention on Improving the Cognitive Ability of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential outcomes of an innovative 16-session multicomponent intervention model to improve cognitive abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by promoting healthy lifestyle, cognitive skills, tai chi and mindfulness practices. This study was a multicentre, randomized controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, unblinded trial in Hong Kong. 57 Chinese older adults with MCI recruited from three local elderly centers were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The study results support the feasibility and efficacy of the multicomponent intervention, and recommend future larger-scale randomized control trials.

Differences in evidence-based nursing practice competencies of clinical and academic nurses in China and opportunities for complementary collaborations: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) competencies of clinical and academic nurses and their collaboration needs for supporting EBNP. BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnerships have strong potential to overcome the key barriers to EBNP. However, there is little known about the collaboration needs of clinical and academic nurses for EBNP. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: We recruited clinical and academic nurses online during November 2021 to January 2022. Using a reliable and validated scale and adapted questionnaires, data were collected relating to demographic information, EBNP-related resources availability, EBNP competencies and EBNP collaboration needs. These data were described using descriptive statistical methods. The t test, χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate if the different responses between clinical and academic nurses were statistically significant. This study was reported following the STROBET checklist. RESULTS: Two 240 clinical nurses and 232 academic nurses submitted questionnaires. There was no difference in overall EBNP competence between clinical and academic nurses. However, clinical nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with academic nurses when searching for, appraising, and synthesising evidence. Academic nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with clinical nurses for disseminating and implementing evidence. CONCLUSION: Clinical and academic nurses both reported high needs for collaborating to overcome their perceived role limitations. Clinical and academic nurses have different strengths and limitations in EBNP. These role differences and intentions to collaborate for different dimensions of EBNP competence suggest that clinical and academic nursing roles could be complementary to each other, offering opportunities for synergistic collaborations to better support overall EBNP. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare and academic institutions should promote academic-practice partnerships as opportunities to gain complementary expertise on different dimensions of EBNP, and to improve nurses' competencies and confidence in EBNP overall.

Instruments for measuring nursing research competence: a COSMIN-based scoping review.

AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate and summarise the measurement properties of nursing research competence instruments and provide a summary overview of the use of nursing research competence instruments. BACKGROUND: Increasing nursing research competence instruments have been developed. However, a systematic review and evaluation of nursing research competence instruments is lacking. METHOD: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute updated methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Reviewers searched articles in Eight English databases and two Chinese databases between April 1st, 2022, and April 30th, 2022. An updated literature search was conducted between March 1st and March 4th, 2023. The literature screening and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers, independently. A third reviewer was involved when consensus was needed. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments methodology was used to evaluate the methodological quality and measurement properties of the nursing research competence instruments. RESULTS: Ten studies involving eight nursing research competence instruments were included. None of the existing instruments have assessed all measurement properties. A total of 177 empirical studies have utilized a nursing research competence instrument with tested measurement properties. CONCLUSION: 'Self-evaluated Nursing Research Capacity of Questionnaire (refined)' was identified as the most appropriate nursing research competence instrument in existing instruments. However, reviewers need to conduct further measurement properties studies on the existing nursing research competence instruments. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NURSING POLICY: This study could guide the selection of appropriate nursing research competence instruments which could help to evaluate the nursing research competence of nurses and inform the development of intervention plans to enhance nursing research competence.

Development and validation of an instrument for measuring junior nurses' recognition and response abilities to clinical deterioration (RRCD).

BACKGROUND: Nurses of all levels are expected to be competent in managing clinical deterioration. Given their limited experience and basic-level knowledge, there is a concern about junior nurses' clinical and patient management skills. However, junior nurses' abilities to recognise and respond to clinical deterioration have not been adequately explored because of the absence of a comprehensive tool. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a new self-assessment scale to assess the junior nurses' recognition and response abilities to clinical deterioration and to examine its reliability and validity. METHODS: Scale items were based on literature reviews and interviews. The preliminary scale was generated through two rounds of expert review. A panel of five experts evaluated content validity. After a pilot study, the questionnaire was distributed to 168 junior nurses via convenience sampling. Subsequent statistical analysis of results included construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Six factors were included, and 69.310% of the total variance was explained by the 25 items comprising the scale. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.905 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.812-0.979) for the overall scale and 0.655-0.838 for its subscales. The Guttman split-half reliability was 0.856 (95% CI: 0.806-0.894). The test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.836-0.911). CONCLUSION: We developed a scale for measuring the abilities of junior nurses to recognise and respond to clinical deterioration and confirmed its reliability and validity. More experimental studies are needed to further evaluate this instrument.

Effects of a blended emergent research training programme for clinical nurses on nursing research competence and critical thinking (Part 2): A quasi-experimental study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a blended emergent research training programme for clinical nurses on research competence and critical thinking. BACKGROUND: With the development of the nursing discipline and evidence-based nursing practice, nursing research competence is increasingly important for clinical nurses. Current nursing research training programmes cannot meet the needs of clinical nurses. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study. METHODS: A total of 104 clinical nurses from two tertiary hospitals participated in this study. The intervention group received a blended emergent research training programme for clinical nurses, and the control group received no intervention. Nursing research competence and critical thinking were measured at baseline, after the intervention and three months after the intervention. The satisfaction with the training of clinical nurses in the intervention group was also measured after the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on outcome variables. Qualitative data were analysed by two researchers using the content analysis method. Our reporting complies with the TREND checklist. RESULTS: The blended emergent research training programme for clinical nurses finally showed positive effects on nursing research competence and critical thinking. The effects lasted until three months after the training programme. 'Learner-centred Training', 'Skilled Trainers', 'Encouraging Training Environment' and 'Positive Outcomes' are the main categories generated from the qualitative data. CONCLUSION: The blended emergent research training programme for clinical nurses could be used for clinical nurses' research education to improve their nursing research competence and critical thinking. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The blended emergent teaching method could be considered as an effective method to provide an encouraging learning environment and promote learner-centred teaching for clinical nurses. The blended emergent research training programme could be used to improve nursing research competence and critical thinking of clinical nurses which are important for evidence-based nursing practice.

Development of a blended emergent research training program for clinical nurses (part 1).

BACKGROUND: Nursing research training is important for improving the nursing research competencies of clinical nurses. Rigorous development of such training programs is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of these research training programs. Therefore, the objectives of this study are: (1) to rigorously develop a blended emergent research training program for clinical nurses based on a needs assessment and related theoretical framework; and (2) to describe and discuss the uses and advantages of the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) in the instructional design and potential benefits of the blended emergent teaching method. METHODS: This intervention development study was conducted in 2017, using a mixed-methods design. A theoretical framework of blended emergent teaching was constructed to provide theoretical guidance for the training program development. Nominal group technique was used to identify learners' common needs and priorities. The ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) was followed to develop the research training program for clinical nurses based on the limitations of current nursing research training programs, the needs of clinical nurses, and the theoretical foundation of blended emergent teaching. RESULTS: Following the ADDIE model, a blended emergent research training program for clinical nurses to improve nursing research competence was developed based on the needs of clinical nurses and the theoretical framework of blended emergent teaching. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that nominal group technique is an effective way to identify learners' common needs and priorities, and that the ADDIE model is a valuable process model to guide the development of a blended emergent training program. Blended emergent teaching is a promising methodology for improving trainees' learning initiative and educational outcomes. More empirical studies are needed to further evaluate blended emergent teaching to promote the development of related theories and practice in nursing education.

Factors influencing the professional identity of nursing interns: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Improving the professional identity of nursing intern is significant for enhancing the number of new registered nurses and easing the shortage of nursing personnel. The clinical internship is a key period for the formulation of professional identity. However, we know little about the factors influencing the nursing interns' professional identity during clinical internship. Therefore, this study explore the influencing factors of nursing interns' professional identity during clinical internship. This study will provide evidence and suggestions for generating effective strategies contributing to professional identity improvement of nursing interns. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The convenience sampling was used to recruit 398 nursing interns from a teaching hospital in Hunan, China. The demographic characteristics information was collected by a self-developed questionnaire. The nursing interns' professional identity and potential influencing factors (e.g., work atmosphere, teacher capacity) were measured by questionnaires with good psychometric properties. The appropriate indicators were used for descriptive statistics, and t test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the influencing factors. RESULTS: In this study, the influencing factors of nursing interns' professional identity are education level, first choice of major, residential status, work atmosphere, and teacher capacity. The results showed that: (1) the nursing interns with a higher education level reported a lower level of professional identity; (2) the nursing interns whose first choice of major was not nursing discipline reported a lower level of professional identity; (3) the nursing interns live in rural areas (compared to urban areas) reported a higher level of professional identity; (4) the nursing interns in better work atmosphere reported a higher level of professional identity; (5) the nursing interns under the guidance of the teachers equipped with better teaching capacity reported a higher level of professional identity. CONCLUSION: The education level, first choice of major and residential status are influence factors of nursing interns' professional identity. The nursing educators need to pay attention to nursing interns whose first choice is not nursing, and in a bachelor program, who may have a lower level of professional identity. It is crucial to enhance the nursing interns' professional identity by improve the work atmosphere and clinical teachers' capacity, to promote nursing interns to choose nursing as a profession and reduce the shortage of nursing workforce.

Feasibility of Self-Guided Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for University Students During COVID-19.

Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of a self-guided online cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) for university students in Hong Kong during COVID-19. Method: One group pre-post-test design with convenient sampling was adopted in this study, involving 84 university students who received a newly developed iCBT within an 8 week intervention period. The iCBT offered eight online modules for students to learn the skills of CBT at home through an online platform which was accessible any time anywhere anonymously with technical support only. Standardized assessment tools were used for outcomes assessment at the pre- and post-intervention periods. Results: Three quarters of participants completed all iCBT modules. The results of paired t-tests showed that, after completing the iCBT, participants showed reduction in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidences to support the feasibility and efficacy of the self-guided iCBT for university students during COVID-19.

Relationship between critical thinking disposition and research competence among clinical nurses: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between critical thinking disposition and research competence among clinical nurses. BACKGROUND: The development of the nursing discipline and evidence-based practice calls for research competence and critical thinking disposition among clinical nurses. The verification of the relationship between critical thinking disposition and research competence could make contributions to promoting related knowledge building and providing practical implications for nurses, nurse educators and nurse managers. However, there is a lack of evidence exploring the relationship between critical thinking disposition and research competence in clinical nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 156 clinical nurses from two tertiary hospitals participated in this study. The Chinese Version of Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and Research Competence Scale for Clinical Nurses were used to measure critical thinking disposition and nursing research competence, respectively. Data were collected in September 2017. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation and linear regression were used to analyse data. The STROBE checklist was used in reporting this study. RESULTS: The clinical nurses surveyed showed a positive inclination to general critical thinking but reported an overall low level of nursing research competence. A moderate degree of positive correlation was found between critical thinking disposition and research competence among clinical nurses. Educational degree was also found as an influencing factor of nursing research competence of clinical nurses. CONCLUSION: The critical thinking disposition of clinical nurses is positively related to their research competence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses with a passion for nursing research should pay attention to improving their critical thinking dispositions. Nurse educators and managers should provide better learning, working and research environments and more supports to cultivate critical thinking disposition and improve nursing research competence in nursing research education and practice.

Preparation of Polyurethane/Graphite Composite Films with Stable Mechanical Property and Wear Resistance Underwater.

The wear resistance and stable mechanical properties affect the service life of the underwater functional materials to a certain extent. Unfortunately, the current study of underwater functional materials is rarely related to these aspects. Herein, we successfully designed and prepared polyurethane/graphite nanosheet (PU/GN) composite materials, which exhibited excellent wear resistance and stable mechanical properties underwater. The PU/GN composite films were prepared by evaporating a mixed solution of PU and GN on concave hexagonal honeycomb silicon templates. The mechanical properties of the composite films were determined by tensile test, and the wear resistance was evaluated by comparing the surface morphology before and after grind. By adjusting the content of graphite in the composite films, we found that the composite films containing 23 wt% GN had higher tensile strength and superior wear resistance. Moreover, this composite film showed an outstanding stability when expose to water. The impressive results along with simple preparation process made PU/GN composite films had potential applications in robust underwater functional materials.

Highly Transparent Poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/TiO2 Nanocomposite Films with Remarkable Photocatalytic Performance and Recyclability.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been regarded as an efficient photocatalyst for degradation of environmental pollutants. However, recovery of TiO2 nanoparticles from suspension limits its practical application. Herein, we reported a novel highly transparent poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/TiO2 photocatalytic film via in-situ growth and solution casting method. TiO2 nanoparticles with average size of 10 nm were uniformly dispersed in transparent PVA matrix. The photocatalytic performance was investigated by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under solar light irradiation. PVA/TiO2 photocatalytic film exhibited remarkably high photocatalytic activity and excellent recyclable properties during multi-cycle use. PVA not only acted as a transparent supports for TiO2, but also worked as an efficient holes scavenger. The hydroxyl groups on PVA chains played a key role in separation of photo-generated electrons and holes, thus increased the photodegradation rate of MO. This work gives an easy and reliable way for polymer/TiO2 nanocomposites in practical environmental applications.

Assessment and management of constipation in post-operative patients in the spinal surgery ward: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Constipation is a common complication following spinal surgery that can result in distension, abdominal pain, infection, and even intestinal perforation. This study reports on an evidence-based implementation project to reduce the incidence of constipation in spinal surgery wards. METHODS: The project was conducted in the spinal surgery ward of a general tertiary hospital in Changsha City, China, from March to August 2022. We used the JBI Implementation Framework and the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare for audits and feedback. Data were collected and analyzed using JBI's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) software. Seven audit criteria were developed based on the best practice recommendations summarized by JBI. A baseline audit was conducted with 20 nurses and 50 patients in the spinal surgery ward, and a follow-up audit was conducted using the same sample size and setting. RESULTS: The baseline audit revealed compliance below 46% for five of the seven criteria. Strategies developed to address poor compliance included educating nurses and patients, developing a post-operative constipation risk assessment sheet, organizing stakeholder focus group meetings, establishing a constipation management routine, and effective empowerment of nurses. The follow-up audit showed positive compliance results, with the highest rate for Criterion 7 (100%) and the greatest increase for Criterion 2 (from 0% to 78%). Furthermore, the incidence of post-operative constipation decreased from 48% to 16%. CONCLUSION: The project improved compliance with audit criteria, reduced the incidence of constipation, and enhanced the efficiency of quality management in the spinal surgery ward. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A186.

New quasi-Co/Cu-MOF nanozyme coupled with entropy-driven DNA amplification cascades for highly sensitive electrochemical aptamer growth differentiation factor 15 assay.

BACKGROUND: The monitoring of concentration variation of the newly developed growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) biomarker in human serum is of great significance for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Current methods for the detection of the GDF15 protein mainly are based on antibody-assisted immunoassays, which encounter the limitations in terms of sensitivity, complexity and costs. The development of simple and sensitive biosensors for GDF15 can therefore facilitate the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: A new bimetallic quasi-Cu/Co-MOF nanozyme with high catalytic performance for electrochemical reduction of H2O2 is synthesized via simple one-step precipitation and low-temperature calcination method. Such nanozymes are further employed as amplification tags and coupled with cyclic entropy-driven DNA signal enhancement strategies to construct ultrasensitive aptamer-based biosensor for detecting GDF15 in human serums. GDF15 molecules associate with two aptamers and release the ssDNA trigger sequences via target-binding induced displacement reaction. These ssDNAs subsequently initiate cyclic DNA-fueled strand displacement and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction cascades for confining many quasi-Cu/Co-MOF nanozymes on sensor electrode, which yield drastically amplified H2O2 reduction current for detecting GDF15 down to 0.12 pg mL-1 with a dynamic range of 0.5 pg mL-1 to 20 ng mL-1. The electrochemical aptasensor also presents good reproducibility and selectivity and exhibits the capability to detect GDF15 in diluent serums. SIGNIFICANCE: Our aptamer-based GDF15 protein electrochemical assay clearly outperforms current existing antibody-based methods and the quasi-Cu/Co-MOF nanozyme/entropy-driven cascaded signal amplification means can be used as a universal strategy for sensitive monitoring of different biomolecular markers for diverse applications.

Highly catalytic sulfur-doped and bimetal-coordinated CoFe(CN)5NO nanoparticles coupled with PER/HCR amplification cascades for sensitive electrochemical aptamer luteinizing hormone assay.

Sensitive monitoring of luteinizing hormone (LH), a glycoprotein that regulates the synthesis of regulatory steroid hormones, can facilitate the diagnosis of various reproductive diseases. In this work, a new and highly catalytic Sulfur-doped and bimetal-coordinated CoFe(CN)5NO (denoted as S-CoFe(CN)5NO) nanoparticles are synthesized. Such material is further used to construct high performance sensing interface and coupled with primer exchange reaction (PER) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification cascades for sensitive electrochemical aptamer-based LH assay. Target LH molecules bind aptamer sequences in DNA duplex probes to liberate ssDNA strands, which initiate subsequent PER/HCR amplification cascades for the capture of many ferrocene (Fc)-tagged DNAs on sensing interface. S-CoFe(CN)5NO subsequently leads to catalytic oxidation of these Fc tags for yielding substantially magnified currents for realizing ultrasensitive assay of LH with the detection limit of 0.69 pM in range from 5 pM to 10 nM. Owing to the high specificity of aptamer, such sensor has high selectivity and can achieve low levels of LH assay in diluted serum samples. With the successful demonstration for detecting trace LH, such sensor can be easily extended as a universal aptamer-based electrochemical sensing method for monitoring various target analytes in the biomedical and biological fields.

Rehabilitation exercises for kidney transplant recipients in an organ transplant ward: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage kidney disease. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are prone to experiencing reduced physical function, depression, fatigue, and lack of exercise motivation due to their sedentary lifestyle before surgery. Exercise is an effective intervention for KTRs, but it has not been properly implemented in many practice settings. This project aimed to promote evidence-based exercises as part of KTRs' rehabilitation to improve their health outcomes. METHODS: This project was informed by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. The project was conducted in the organ transplant ward of a tertiary comprehensive hospital in Changsha, China. Based on a summary of best evidence, 12 audit criteria were developed for the baseline and follow-up audits involving 30 patients and 20 nursing staff. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool were used to identify barriers and facilitators and develop targeted strategies to improve issues. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline audit, significant improvements were achieved in most of the criteria in the follow-up audit, with 9 of the 12 criteria reaching 100% compliance. Notably, the 6-minute walk distance test results were significantly higher, while the Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This project demonstrates that evidence-based practice can improve the clinical practice of rehabilitation exercises for KTRs. The GRiP strategies proved to be extremely useful, notably, the formulation of a standardized rehabilitation exercise protocol, training, and enhancement of the exercising environment. Head nurses' leadership and decision-making also played an important role in the success of this project. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A180.

Anti-obesity effects of mulberry leaf extracts on female high-fat diet-induced obesity: Modulation of white adipose tissue, gut microbiota, and metabolic markers.

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are reported to have beneficial effects in modulating obesity in male models. However, the impact of different types of mulberry leaf extracts (MLEs) on female models, specifically their influence on adipocytes, gut microbiota, and related metabolic markers, remains poorly understood. In this study, we observed a strong correlation between the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and adipocyte modulation effects of water extracted MLEs. HB-W (water-extracted baiyuwang) and HY-W (water-extracted Yueshen) demonstrated remarkable inhibition effects on adipocytes in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes model. Moreover, MLEs effectively reduced the levels of triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in adipocytes in vitro. In vivo experiments conducted on female mice with high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity revealed the anti-obesity effects of HB-W and HY-W, leading to a significant decrease in weight gain rates and notable influence on the ratios of adipose tissue, particularly white adipose tissue (WAT). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the up-regulation of WAT-related genes (Pla2g2a and Plac8) by HB-W, while HY-W supplementation showed beneficial effects on the regulation of blood sugar-related genes. Furthermore, both HB-W and HY-W exhibited modulatory effects on obesity-related gut microbiota (Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents. Importantly, they also mitigated abnormalities in liver function and uncoupling protein 1 (UPC1) expression. Overall, our findings underscore the anti-obesity effects of MLEs in female rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity.