Responses of the tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeoniaceae) cultivar 'Yu Hong' to heat stress revealed by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics.

Horticulture productivity has been increasingly restricted by heat stress from growing global warming, making it far below the optimum production capacity. As a popular ornamental cultivar of tree peony, Paeonia suffruticosa 'Yu Hong' has also been suffering from heat stress not suitable for its optimal growth. To better understand the response mechanisms against heat stress of tree peony, investigations of phenotypic changes, physiological responses, and quantitative proteomics were conducted. Phenotypic and physiological changes indicated that 24 h of exposure to heat stress (40 °C) was the critical duration of heat stress in tree peony. The proteomic analyses revealed a total of 100 heat-responsive proteins (HRPs). According to bioinformatic analysis of HRPs, the heat tolerance of tree peony might be related to signal transduction, synthesis/degradation, heat kinetic proteins, antioxidants, photosynthesis, energy conversion, and metabolism. Our research will provide some new insights into the molecular mechanism under the response against the heat stress of tree peony, which will benefit the future breeding of heat-resistant ornamental plants.

Biological Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Procymidone Resistance in Stemphylium eturmiunum From Garlic.

Garlic leaf blight caused by Stemphylium eturmiunum was first reported in Jiangsu Province in China. The dicarboximide fungicide (DCF) procymidone is reported to possess broad-spectrum action in inhibiting filamentous fungi and is widely used to control leaf disease of various plants. Of 41 Stemphylium eturmiunum isolates collected in this study from commercial garlic farms in Pizhou and Dafeng counties of Jiangsu Province, eight isolates were resistant to procymidone. The following three phenotypes were categorized according to in vitro responses to DCFs: sensitive, low resistance to iprodione and procymidone, and high resistance to all iprodione and procymidone. The fitness of all resistant isolates was decreased in accordance with data on mycelial growth, conidiation, and virulence. After treatment with 10 µg/ml of procymidone for 4 h, mycelial intracellular glycerol concentrations of resistant isolates were significantly lower than those of sensitive isolates. Positive cross-resistance was observed between dicarboximides and phenylpyrroles, but there was no cross-resistance between dicarboximides and fluazinam or difenoconazole in the two resistant phenotypes. Nucleotide sequence alignment of two-component histidine kinase genes from sensitive and resistant isolates indicated that amino acid mutations were located at the histidine kinase, adenylyl cyclase, methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein and at the phosphatase domain of the N-terminal region and the response regulator domain of the C-terminal region. To our knowledge, this is the first report of DCF resistance in Stemphylium eturmiunum, and these findings will help establish a rational strategy to manage DCF-resistant populations of Stemphylium eturmiunum in the field.

Mutations and Overexpression of CYP51 Associated with DMI-Resistance in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from Chili.

Chili anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is an annual production concern for growers in China. Sterol C14-demethylation inhibitors (DMIs, such as tebuconazole) have been widely used to control this disease for more than three decades. In the current study, of 48 isolates collected from commercial chili farms in Jiangsu Province of China during 2018 and 2019, 8 single-spore isolates were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and the rest were identified as C. acutatum. To determine whether the DMI resistance of isolates develops in the field, mycelial growth of the 48 isolates was measured in culture medium with and without tebuconazole. In all, 6 of the 8 C. gloeosporioides isolates were resistant to tebuconazole, but all 40 of the C. acutatum isolates were sensitive to tebuconazole. The fitness cost of resistance was low based on a comparison of fitness parameters between the sensitive and resistant isolates of C. gloeosporioides. Positive cross-resistance was observed between tebuconazole and difenconazole or propiconazole, but not prochloraz. Alignment results of the CgCYP51 amino acid sequences from the sensitive and resistant isolates indicated that mutations can be divided into three genotypes. Genotype I possessed four substitutions (V18F, L58V, S175P, and P341A) at the CgCYP51A gene but no substitutions at CgCYP51B, while genotype II had five substitutions (L58V, S175P, A340S, T379A, and N476T) at CgCYP51A, concomitant with three substitutions (D121N, T132A, and F391Y) at CgCYP51B. In addition, genotype III contained two substitutions (L58V and S175P) at CgCYP51A, concomitant with one substitution (T262A) at CgCYP51B. Molecular docking models illustrated that the affinity of tebuconazole to the binding site of the CgCYP51 protein from the resistant isolates was decreased when compared with binding site affinity of the sensitive isolates. Our findings provide not only novel insights into understanding the resistance mechanism to DMIs, but also some important references for resistance management of C. gloeosporioides on chili.

Effect of Thidiazuron on Terpene Volatile Constituents and Terpenoid Biosynthesis Pathway Gene Expression of Shine Muscat (Vitis labrusca × V. vinifera) Grape Berries.

Volatile compounds are considered to be essential for the flavor and aroma quality of grapes. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a commonly used growth regulator in grape cultivation that stimulates larger berries and prevents fruit drop. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of TDZ on the production of aroma volatiles and to identify the key genes involved in the terpene biosynthesis pathways that are affected by this compound. Treatment with TDZ had a negative effect on the concentration of volatile compounds, especially on monoterpenes, which likely impacts the sensory characteristics of the fruit. The expression analysis of genes related to the monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathways confirmed that treatment with TDZ negatively regulated the key genes DXS1, DXS3, DXR, HDR, VvPNGer and VvPNlinNer1. Specifically, the expression levels of the aforementioned genes were down-regulated in almost all berry development stages in the TDZ-treated samples. The novel results from the present study can be used to aid in the development of food products which maintain the flavor quality and sensory characteristics of grape. Furthermore, these findings can provide the theoretical basis that can help to optimize the utilization of TDZ for the field production of grapes at a commercial scale.

Long intergenic noncoding RNA p21 suppresses the apoptosis of hippocampus neurons in streptozotocin-diabetic mice by sponging microRNA-221 through upregulation of FOS.

Diabetes is associated with neurological complications, and accumulated evidence shows that biological pathways in diabetes are targeted by noncoding RNA transcripts. In this study, the role of long intergenic noncoding RNA (lincRNA) p21/microRNA-221 (miR-221)/fructooligosaccharide (FOS) axis was investigated in the mice with diabetes treatment. The streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model was established. The learning ability and the pathological changes in mice were analyzed. After that, the interaction among miR-221, lincRNA p21, and FOS was explored and verified. The subcellular location of lincRNA p21 was identified. Finally, the cell cycle and apoptosis of the hippocampus neurons were measured. In the diabetic mice, the levels of blood glucose were higher and the leaning abilities were inhibited. miR-221 was highly expressed in the diabetic mice whereas lincRNA p21 and FOS were poorly expressed. miR-221 could bind with both lincRNA p21 and FOS. miR-221 silencing or lincRNA p21 overexpression in the diabetes mice reduced the cell apoptosis rate, and the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3, whereas increase the Bcl-2 expression. Overexpression of lincRNA p21 promotes FOS expression by binding to miR-221, thereby, inhibiting hippocampal neuron apoptosis in diabetic mice. This may offer potential targets for diabetes.

ERα Gene Promoter Methylation in Cognitive Function and Quality of Life of Patients With Alzheimer Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer disease (AD) has been recognized as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This study aims to investigate the effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) gene promoter methylation on the cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) of patients with AD. METHODS: A total of 132 patients with AD and 135 healthy individuals were recruited for this study. The DNA in the peripheral blood was extracted and treated with bisulfite; then methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the methylation status of ERα and ERα messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, respectively. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), activities of daily living (ADL), and Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease scale were employed to evaluate the cognitive functions, ADL, and QOL of the participants. RESULTS: The methylation group showed a decrease in ERα mRNA expression. The MMSE and ADL scores were indicative of a worse cognitive function in the methylation group. The ERα promoter methylated patients showed a higher rate of abnormal ADL score, while patients in the nonmethylation group enjoyed a better QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The ERα promoter methylation is related to impaired cognitive function and QOL of patients with AD by inhibiting ERα mRNA expression and transcription.

Rapamycin inhibits activation of AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway-induced Alzheimer's disease lesion in hippocampus of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is strongly correlated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rapamycin has important uses in oncology, cardiology and transplantation medicine. This study aims to investigate effects of rapamycin on AD in hippocampus of T2DM rat by AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. METHODS: Morris water maze test was applied to evaluate the learning and memory abilities. The fasting plasma glucose (FBG), glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and serum insulin level were measured. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were performed to test expression of AMPK and mTOR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the Aß deposition and immunoblotting to test the total tau, p-tau and Aß precursor APP expressions. RESULTS: After treated with rapamycin, T2DM rats and rats with T2DM and AD showed increased learning-memory ability, and decreased levels of FBG, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and serum insulin, decreased expression of APP and p-tau, increased AMPK mRNA expression and p-AMPK and decreased Aß deposition, mTOR mRNA expression and p-mTOR. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that rapamycin reduces the risk of AD in T2DM rats and inhibits activation of AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, thereby improving AD lesion in hippocampus of T2DM rats.

Diagnostic Significance of Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

BACKGROUND Our study aimed to explore the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy participants, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients in order to find their effects on DPN. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical data of 110 healthy participants (age: 57.3±8.2 year, height: 165.4±5.5 cm, weight: 64.1±7.5 kg), 83 T2DM patients (age: 56.5±7.9 year, height: 164.8±6.2 cm, and weight: 63.6±6.6 kg), and 65 DPN patients (age: 58.2±7.3 year, height: 166.7±6.7 cm, weight: 63.1±5.8 kg) were observed. ELISA was applied to detect serum NGF and BDNF levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic value of serum NGF and BDNF levels in DPN. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors for DPN. RESULTS Serum NGF and BDNF levels decreased most in DPN patients. Subsequently, we determined that serum NGF and BDNF levels were correlated with: the course of disease for patients, fasting C-peptide (FCP), 2-hour postprandial C-peptide level (2-h PCP), glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbAlc), and 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion (24-h UME). ROC curve analysis identified high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of NGF and BDNF levels on DPN. Serum levels of NGF and BDNF, course of disease, 2-h PCP level, and postprandial blood glucose level were determined to be risk factors for DPN. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights that serum levels of NGF and BDNF might be associated with the occurrence and development of DPN.

Clinical outcome of autologous hematopoietic stem cell infusion via hepatic artery or portal vein in patients with end-stage liver diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation via the hepatic artery vs. the portal vein for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). METHODS: Patients with hepatic decompensation were prospectively recruited from September 2010 to September 2012 to receive HSC transplantation via the hepatic artery or the portal vein. Liver function was examined at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Liver biopsy Results were analyzed using the Knodell score. RESULTS: Eighty patients (58 males and 22 females) were enrolled in the study. The Child-Pugh score was grade B in 69 cases, and grade C in the remaining 11 cases. HSC transplantation was performed via the portal vein in 36 patients and via the hepatic artery in 44 patients. ALT levels decreased while serum albumin levels increased significantly in both groups at 6 and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Total bilirubin levels decreased significantly in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Additionally, prothrombin time decreased in both groups at 12 months after HSC transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-transplantation level). There were no significant differences in ALT, total bilirubin and prothrombin time between the two groups either before or after transplantation. Moreover, Knodell score decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months. Histological examination showed that liver cell edema, degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation were significantly relieved at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy were 1.25%, 3.75%, and 2.5% respectively. The one-year survival rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous HSC transplantation improves liver function and histology in ESLD patients. The administration route of HSC has no significant impact on the efficacy of transplantation.

Factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Spiritual wellbeing emphasizes optimistic and positive attitudes while self-regulating negative emotions when coping with stress. However, there have only been a few small studies of spiritual wellbeing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. The core factors influencing spiritual wellbeing in this clinical population are still unclear. AIM: To identify factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among patients with PDAC receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 143 PDAC patients receiving chemotherapy were enrolled from January to December 2022. Patients completed general information questionnaires including: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being 12 Item Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were adopted for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant for all tests. RESULTS: Total spiritual wellbeing (FACIT-Sp-12) score was 32.16 ± 10.06 points, while dimension sub-scores were 10.85 ± 3.76 for faith, 10.55 ± 3.42 for meaning, and 10.76 ± 4.00 for peace. Total spiritual wellbeing score was negatively correlated with SAS score for anxiety and with the symptom domain of EORTC QLC-C30. Conversely, spiritual wellbeing score was positively correlated with global health status and EORTC QLQ-C30 role functioning domain score. Multivariate regression analysis identified educational level, health insurance category, symptom domain, functional role domain, and global health status as significant independent factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among PDAC patients undergoing chemotherapy (R2 = 0.502, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individualized spiritual support is needed for PDAC patients. Health, daily functioning, emotional, cognitive, and social function status should be taken into account to promote implementation of spirituality in nursing practice.

Evidences for Red Pigment Concentrating Hormone (RPCH) and Beta-Pigment Dispersing Hormone (ß-PDH) Inducing Oocyte Meiotic Maturation in the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis.

Red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) and pigment dispersing hormone (PDH) are crustacean neuropeptides involved in broad physiological processes including body color changes, circadian rhythm, and ovarian growth. In this study, the full-length cDNA of RPCH and PDH were identified from the brain of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The deduced RPCH and PDH mature peptides shared identical sequence to the adipokinetic hormone/RPCH peptides family and the ß-PDH isoforms and were designated as Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH, respectively. Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH transcripts were distributed in the brain and eyestalks. The positive signals of Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH were localized in the neuronal clusters 6, 8, 9, 10, and 17 of the brain as revealed by in situ hybridization. The expression level of Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH mRNA in nervous tissues were all significantly increased at vitellogenic stage, and then decreased at the final meiotic maturation stage. The administrated with synthesized Es-RPCH peptide results in germinal vesicles shift toward the plasma membrane in vitellogenic oocyte, and significant decrease of the gonad-somatic index (GSI) and mean oocyte diameter as well as the expression of vitellogenin mRNA at 30 days post injection in vivo. Similar results were also found when injection of the Es-ß-PDH peptide. In vitro culture demonstrated that Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH induced germinal vesicle breakdown of the late vitellogenic oocytes. Comparative ovarian transcriptome analysis indicated that some reproduction/meiosis-related genes such as cdc2 kinase, cyclin B, 5-HT-R and retinoid-X receptor were significantly upregulated in response to Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH treatments. Taken together, these results provided the evidence for the inductive effect of Es-RPCH and Es-ß-PDH on the oocyte meiotic maturation in E. sinensis.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor sitagliptin alleviates liver inflammation of diabetic mice by acting as a ROS scavenger and inhibiting the NFκB pathway.

As a common chronic metabolic disease, the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) may also be accompanied by liver damage and inflammatory disorders. Sitagliptin is an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26), which is clinically used for DM treatment. However, the mechanism of sitagliptin's efficiency in liver diseases is largely unknown. In this study, mice suffering from streptozotocin (STZ) exhibit elevated liver DPP4 expression and activity, as well as inflammatory and chronic liver injury phenotype, whereas specifically inhibiting the activity of DPP4 in mouse liver tissues and hepatocytes by sitagliptin contributes to decreased cytokines, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, sitagliptin reduced TNFα or LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and protein expression in the NFκB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells or primary mouse hepatocytes. Altogether, our study confirms that sitagliptin may protect liver tissue by alleviating ROS production and NFκB signaling activation, providing a putative mechanism for preventing the development of diabetic liver disease.

[The effects of NKG2D mAb on the survival of allogeneic transplanted islets in spontaneous diabetic nonobese diabetic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of NKG2D mAb on the survival of allogeneic transplanted islets nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, and to find if CD154 mAb has synergistic effects. METHODS: Spontaneous diabetic NOD mice transplanted with allogeneic islets of BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups. Group A was control group, Group B were treated with anti-NKG2D monoclonal antibody (mAb), Group C were treated with CD154 mAb (MR1), Group D were treated with NKG2D mAb and MR1. Glucose levels were monitored at regular intervals through caudal vein, and islet function was evaluated by glycemia. Histological study was performed at graft rejection or at day 120. Spleen cell suspension was prepared for mixed lymphocyte cultivation. The kidneys hosting the islet graft were prepared with HE staining and immuno-histochemistry staining of CD3, CD4 and CD8 was performed. RESULTS: MR1 therapy alone significantly prolonged the survival of islet grafts when compared to NKG2D mAb group and the control group: median graft survival was 41 days versus 8 days (P < 0.05) and 8 days (P < 0.05), respectively. Combination therapy with NKG2D mAb and MR1 prolonged islet grafts survival when compared to MR1 therapy alone: median graft survival was 51 days versus 41 days (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: NKG2D mAb alone did not result in the prolongation of islet graft survival, whereas CD154 mAb increased graft survival. When both antibodies were administered, a synergistic effect was obtained, but did not provide permanent protection from diabetes recurrence.

[Toxic effect of immunosuppression agent Everolimus on insuloma cells and pancreatic islets of SD rat].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of immunosuppression agent Everolimus on the viability and function of insuloma cells (INS-1) and pancreatic islet cells cultured in vitro. METHODS: INS-1 cells and islets were treated with a series of concentrations of immunosuppression agents (Everolimus, Cyclosporin A, Sirolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil). The viability of INS-1 cells and rat pancreatic islets were determined with MTT and the function of INS-1 cells and rat pancreatic islets was evaluated with Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assay. RESULTS: Above the clinical blood concentration, the inhibition rate of islet cell proliferation in the high concentration group of Everolimus and Sirolimus was significantly lower than that of Cyclosporin A and Mycophenolate Mofetil group (P < 0.05); Everolimus in the blood drug level, like other immunosuppressive agents, can inhibit the function of insulin secretion, and the stimulation index of each group was no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Compared to Mycophenolate Mofetil and Cyclosporin A, Everilimus and Sirolimus demonstrate lower toxicity effect on INS-1 cells and rat pancreatic islets in vitro and Everolimus is expected as a new type of immunosuppressive agent used in clinical islet transplantation.

Upregulation of GABA receptor promotes long-term potentiation and depotentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin. A previous study has reported that an association exists between γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the hippocampus. The current study therefore aimed to assess the effect of the GABA receptor (GABA-R) on the long-term potentiation (LTP) and depotentiation of the hippocampal CA1 region in mice with T2DM. Mice were divided into four groups: A normal group consisting of healthy mice and a GABA-R, negative control and blank group all comprising T2DM mice. The weight and blood glucose level of all mice were measured and GABA-R mRNA and protein expression were detected. A hydroxyl free radical (OH-) kit was used to determine the hippocampal OH-content. Using an electrophysiological experiment, the population spike (PS) slope was observed every 5 min. The results revealed that as GABA-R levels increased, the weight, blood glucose level and OH- content of the T2DM mice significantly decreased, and the neuron microstructures in the mice hippocampal tissue improved. The PS slope also significantly increased and the level of depotentiation improved. The results of the current study support the theory that the upregulation of GABA-R protects the neuronal ultrastructure and promotes LTP and depotentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region by inhibiting the accumulation of OH- in T2DM mice.

Photoluminescent Evolution Induced by Structural Transformation Through Thermal Treating in the Red Narrow-Band Phosphor K2GeF6:Mn4⁺.

This study explored optimal preparation conditions for K2GeF6:Mn(4+) red phosphors by using chemical coprecipitation method. The prepared hexagonal P3̅m1 K2GeF6:Mn(4+) exhibited efficient red emission, high color purity, good Mn(4+) concentration stability, and low thermal quenching. Structural evolution from hexagonal P3̅m1 to P63mc and then P63mc to cubic Fm3m occurred after thermal treatment at approximately 400 and 500 °C, respectively. Hexagonal P63mc phase showed an obvious zero phonon line peak at 621 nm, whereas cubic Fm3m phase showed no red emission. Yellowish K2GeF6:Mn(4+) with both hexagonal P3̅m1 and P63mc symmetries are promising commercial red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

Relationship between pain-specific beliefs and adherence to analgesic regimens in Taiwanese cancer patients: a preliminary study.

This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to 1) explore pain beliefs and adherence to prescribed analgesics in Taiwanese cancer patients, and 2) examine how selected pain beliefs, pain sensory characteristics, and demographic factors predict analgesic adherence. Pain beliefs were measured by the Chinese version of Pain and Opioid Analgesic Beliefs Scale-Cancer (POABS-CA) and the Survey of Pain Attitudes (SOPA). Analgesic adherence was measured by patient self-report of all prescribed pain medicine taken during the previous 7 days. Only 66.5% of hospitalized cancer patients with pain (n = 194) adhered to their analgesic regimen. Overall, patients had relatively high mean scores in beliefs about disability, medications, negative effects, and pain endurance, and low scores in control and emotion beliefs. Medication and control beliefs significantly predicted analgesic adherence. Patients with higher medication beliefs and lower control beliefs were more likely to be adherent. Findings support the importance of selected pain beliefs in patients' adherence to analgesics, suggesting that pain beliefs be assessed and integrated into pain management and patient education to enhance adherence.

Are nurses prepared to manage cancer pain? A national survey of nurses' knowledge about pain control in Taiwan.

Nurses play a crucial role in cancer pain control, but little is known about how well-prepared nurses are to manage cancer pain in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of knowledge about pain management among Taiwanese nurses with different background characteristics and to determine the predictor(s) of nurses' pain management knowledge. Nurse subjects were recruited by a cross-sectional nationwide survey with stratified sampling from nine hospitals distributed in the four major geographic regions of Taiwan. The Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey-Taiwanese version (NKAS-T) and a background information form were used to collect the data. Of 1900 surveys distributed, 1797 valid questionnaires (94.5%) were analyzed. The average correct response rate was 50.5%, with rates ranging from 7-86% for each survey question. Results from stepwise regression showed that nurses with higher mean correct answer scores had BS or higher degrees, had received pain education at professional conferences, had more prior hours of pain education, had longer clinical care experiences, and always worked with cancer patients. Nurses who worked in intensive care units, however, had significantly lower mean correct scores. The results strongly suggest an urgent need to strengthen pain education in Taiwan. The results also provide the direction for developing pain education.

Investigation of the difference between treadmill self-efficacy and actual performance in Taiwanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: Because overactivity or underactivity may result in inadequate physical responses among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the purpose of this study was to examine the difference between treadmill self-efficacy and actual treadmill performance. Factors that influence self-efficacy and actual performance were also examined. DESIGN: The design was a descriptive and correlational study. SETTING: The study took place at the Research Center of Sports Medicine in University. PATIENTS: A total of 48 subjects with COPD were recruited from 4 hospitals. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were treadmill self-efficacy and actual treadmill performance. INTERVENTION: Data were collected by means of treadmill exercise testing and 3 structured questionnaires. RESULTS: The findings of the study demonstrated that the average maximal functional capacity was 2.94 METs. A positive significant relationship between treadmill self-efficacy and actual performance was observed. However, the majority of subjects (72.9%) underestimated their treadmill performance and only 7 subjects (14.6%) assessed their treadmill performance accurately. Dyspnea was the most common reason for a subject to stop during the exercise testing. The patient's past experience was the most important predictor for both treadmill self-efficacy and actual treadmill performance. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that patients in Taiwan who have COPD have extremely poor functional capacity and most of them underestimated their exercise performance. An assessment of self-efficacy and exercise performance seems imperative in the development of individualized nursing interventions to help COPD patients.

The growth inhibitory effect of mesenchymal stem cells on tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the development and growth of tumor cells. The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of MSCs on tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate the mechanism. MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cocultured with murine hepatoma H22, lymphoma (YAC-1 and EL-4) and rat insulinoma INS-1 cell lines. The growth inhibitory effect of MSCs on tumor cells was tested through MTT and 3H-TdR incorporation assay. The apoptosis induction effect of MSCs on tumor cells was assessed with flow cytometry (FCM) and RT-PCR assay. MSCs were inoculated into BALB/c mice alone or coinoculated with ascitogenous hepatoma cells intraperitonealy, respectively. The tumor growth inhibition of MSCs was investigaed through the incidence and volume of ascites formation, and the immunosuppression effect was studied with splenocyte response to ConA stimulation test and T cell subsets analysis (FCM). The results showed that MSCs exhibited a number-dependent growth inhibitory effect on murine tumor cell lines in vitro and inhibited the growth of ascitogenous hepatoma cells in vivo without host immunosuppression. MSCs could upregulate tumor cells mRNA expression of cell cycle negative regulator p21 and apoptosis associated protease caspase 3. The findings of this experimental study demonstrated that MSCs had potential inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo without host immunosuppression, by inducing apoptotic cell death and G(0)/G(1) phase arrest of cancer cells.