Sleep disturbances, glycaemic control, stress, and coping among diabetic patients: A structural equation modelling approach.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are more prevalent in diabetic patients than in the general population and may consequently be comorbid with hyperglycaemia. OBJECTIVE: The two study aims were to (1) verify the factors associated with sleep disturbances and glycaemic control and (2) further understand the mediation effects of coping and social support in the relationship among stress, sleep disturbances, and glycaemic control. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected at two metabolic clinics in southern Taiwan. The study recruited 210 patients with type II diabetes mellitus who were aged 20 years or above. Demographic information and data on stress, coping, social support, sleep disturbances, and glycaemic control were collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality, and PSQI scores >5 were considered to indicate sleep disturbances. Structural equation modelling (SEM) approaches were employed to analyse the path association for sleep disturbances in diabetic patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the 210 participants was 61.43 (standard deviation, SD 11.41) years old, and 71.9 % reported sleep disturbances. The final path model had acceptable model fit indices. Stress perception was divided into stress perceived positively and negatively. Stress perceived positively was associated with coping (ß = 0.46, p < .01) and social support (ß = 0.31, p < .01), whereas stress perceived negatively was significantly associated with sleep disturbances (ß = 0.40, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that sleep quality is essential to glycaemic control, and stress perceived negatively might play a critical role to sleep quality.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections Are Associated with Infection Recurrence in Arteriovenous Grafts Treated with Revision.

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) recur more frequently than other bacterial infections following treatment with revision. Materials and Methods: Operative procedures, including total excision, subtotal excision, and revision, were performed on 60 patients to treat 65 AVG infections. Final outcomes were classified as no infection recurrence, infection recurrence, and death without prior recurrence. In the competing risk setting, the cumulative incidence was estimated using the cumulative incidence function and Gray's test, and the associations between outcomes and different variables were estimated using a subdistribution hazard (SDH) model. Results: Comparing AVG infections with and without recurrence, PA infection was not associated with a higher risk of infection recurrence (p = 0.13); however, the first operative procedure type was associated with infection recurrence (p = 0.04). AVGs with PA infection were associated with a higher total number of surgical interventions (p < 0.05) than AVGs without PA infection. Regarding the cumulative incidences of outcomes, for AVGs treated with subtotal excision or revision, the cumulative incidence of recurrent infection was 3.3-fold higher for those with PA infection than without one year after the first surgery. However, when AVGs were treated with revision alone, the cumulative incidence was 4.1-fold. After excluding AVGs treated with total excision, the SDH model was applied, obtaining a hazard ratio for infection recurrence of 16.05 (p = 0.02) for AVGs with PA infection compared with AVGs without PA infection. No other variables were significantly associated with infection recurrence. Conclusions: For subtotal resection and revision, AVGs infected with PA had a higher recurrence rate than those infected with other species. However, revision surgery may aggravate the recurrence rate.

[Risk Factors of Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients With Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 Antibody-Positive Dermatomyositis].

Objective: To investigate the conditions of patients with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis combined with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD), and to analyze the risk factors. Methods: A total of 145 patients diagnosed with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 2018 and September 2021 were selected, and their general and clinical data were collected. The patients were divided into two groups, a RPILD group of patients with comorbid RPILD and a non-RPILD group of those who did not have comorbid RPILD. Factors that might affect whether patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis also had comorbid RPILD were screened out and binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Among the 145 patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis, 32 (22.07%) patients had comorbid RPILD, while the remaining 113 (77.93%) did not have comorbid RPILD. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase≥370 IU/L (compared with <370 IU/L, OR=4.066, 95% CI: 1.616-10.230) and carcinoembryo antigen≥5 ng/mL (compared with <5 ng/mL, OR=6.070, 95% CI: 2.013-18.303) were risk factors for comorbid RPILD in patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis ( ß>0, OR>1, P<0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended that close attention be given to changes in high-resolution chest CT and pulmonary functions in patients with lactate dehydrogenase≥370 IU/L and carcinoembryo antigen≥5 ng/mL. If rapid progression of lung disease is detected, it is necessary to strengthen the treatment of the lung disease, thereby improving the prognosis of patients.

[Factors Associated With Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit].

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) commonly occurs in intensive care units (ICU) and is associated with longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with CAUTI in ICU patients. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from a study on the usage of indwelling catheters in adult internal and surgical ICU patients at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2017. Descriptive analysis, the independent t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with CAUTI. RESULTS: Of the 1,120 patients with an indwelling urinary catheter in the ICU, 330 revealed a positive urine culture result, indicating a 29.5% prevalence of CAUTI. The average duration of indwelling urinary catheter usage was 6.55 (SD = 4.89) days. The participants averaged 69.93 years old (SD = 15.19 years), and 627 (56.0%) were men and 493 (44.0%) were women. Being female, having diabetes, having a large indwelling urinary catheter, having a longer duration of indwelling urinary catheter usage, and being unable to remove the indwelling urinary catheter during the ICU stay were found to be associated with a significantly higher risk of CAUTI. CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Women and patients with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to CAUTI. Thus, urinary catheters should be used with caution. Using smaller-sized urinary catheters and reducing the duration of urinary catheter use are suggested. The results of this study may be used to guide clinical practice to help reduce the incidence of CAUTI and enhance overall healthcare service quality.

The genome of Cymbidium sinense revealed the evolution of orchid traits.

The Orchidaceae is of economic and ecological importance and constitutes ˜10% of all seed plant species. Here, we report a genome physical map for Cymbidium sinense, a well-known species belonging to genus Cymbidium that has thousands of natural variation varieties of flower organs, flower and leaf colours and also referred as the King of Fragrance, which make it arose into a unique cultural symbol in China. The high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly was 3.52 Gb in size, 29 638 protein-coding genes were predicted, and evidence for whole-genome duplication shared with other orchids was provided. Marked amplification of cytochrome- and photosystem-related genes was observed, which was consistent with the shade tolerance and dark green leaves of C. sinense. Extensive duplication of MADS-box genes, and the resulting subfunctional and expressional differentiation, was associated with regulation of species-specific flower traits, including wild-type and mutant-type floral patterning, seasonal flowering and ecological adaption. CsSEP4 was originally found to positively regulate gynostemium development. The CsSVP genes and their interaction proteins CsAP1 and CsSOC1 were significantly expanded and involved in the regulation of low-temperature-dependent flowering. Important genetic clues to the colourful leaf traits, purple-black flowers and volatile trait in C. sinense were also found. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of important phenotypic traits of Cymbidium and its evolution and serve as a powerful platform for future evolutionary studies and molecular breeding of orchids.

Participation in a free medication program among non-registered permanent residents with severe mental disorders in Bao'an district, Shenzhen, China and its influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the government of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China launched a free medication program for all non-registered permanent residents with severe mental disorders (SMD) within its jurisdiction, in efforts to reduce the relapse caused by intermittent medication or non-medication. Participation in the program has not been analyzed since its inauguration. This study aimed to evaluate the participation of non-registered permanent residents with SMD in the program from 2016 to 2020 and to explore its influencing factors. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 3760 non-registered permanent residents with SMD in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China (response rate: 78.64%). Data have been obtained from two sources: the Shenzhen Information System for Psychosis in 2020 and the free medication program's management files from 2016 to 2020. We employ descriptive statistics to analyze the participation rate of the free medication program among non-registered permanent patients. Logistic regression analysis is used to explore the factors affecting the patients' participation in the program. RESULTS: The participation rate of the free medication program among non-registered permanent patients has shown an upward trend, rising from 28.83% in 2016 to 58.32% in 2020. High participation rates have been registered among the following patient subgroups: those aged between 30 and 39 (63.11%), those with high school/technical secondary school (62.33%), those from rural areas (61.62%), those living in poverty (67.79%), those suffering schizoaffective disorder (72.26%), those having SMD for less than 5 years (59.89%), and those with family history of mental illness (71.23%).Logistics regression analysis shows that age, patient-guardian relationship, place of residence, financial condition, types of disease, duration of illness and family history are the main factors affecting the patients' decision to participate in the free medication program. CONCLUSION: The steadily increasing participation rate of the free medication program indicates that the program has been gradually accepted and recognized by non-registered permanent residents with SMD. However, nearly half of the patients have yet to join the program. To further raise the participation rate, special attention should be given to patients who are financially secure, aged below 20, without guardians, intellectually disabled or suffering SMD for over 5 years.

Do the Paths of Sequential Vein Grafts Influence the Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgeries?

BACKGROUND: The use of a sequential vein graft (SVG) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in multi-vessel coronary disease is common. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the paths of SVGs on the outcomes of CABG. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2017, 126 patients underwent elective isolated CABG. If the path of the SVG was from the aorta to the right coronary artery (RCA)/ posterior descending artery (PDA) to the left circumflex artery (LCX)/obtuse marginal artery (OM), the patients were included in Group R. If the path was from the aorta to the LCX/OM to the RCA/PDA, the patients were included in Group L. The in-hospital and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Group R had 69 patients, and Group L had 57 patients. Univariate analysis showed that Group L had a higher number of grafts (P < .001) and less aortic cross-clamping time (P < .001) and total bypass time (P = .001). Otherwise, Group L had 14 patients (19.3%), who received first diagonal branch (D1) bypass grafting, while Group R had none (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, in- hospital mortality from heart failure, postoperative acute kidney injury, medium-term mortality, and readmission for cardiac incidents were not associated with the SVG path. CONCLUSION: The SVG path from the aorta to the LCX/OM to the RCA/PDA facilitated the additional D1 bypass grafting, but the outcomes for this approach were not significantly different from those for the other path.

Modeling Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being and the Possibility of Relapse Intention in Adults Who Have a History of Substance Use in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Substance use is a global mental health issue. There has been limited research exploring the relationships among body, mind, and spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse across different categories of substance users. AIMS: The purpose of the current path analysis was to examine the relationship between body-mind-spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse intention as well as other relevant predictors in people who had a history of substance use. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used. Participants were recruited in Southern Taiwan between December 2015 and June 2016. Data were collected from 467 participants who had a history of using controlled substances. RESULTS: Path analysis results revealed that body-mind-spirit well-being was negatively predictive of the possibility of relapse intention. Out of several predictors, stress influence and duration of substance use had direct effects on body-mind-spirit well-being and the possibility of relapse intention, respectively. Stress influence and duration of substance use were associated with decreased body-mind-spirit well-being and increased relapse intention scores. In addition, no history of health problems and male gender were associated with increased body-mind-spirit well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Stress management and the duration of substance use play an important role in body-mind-spirit well-being and relapse intention in people with a history of substance use. Health care professionals could teach substance users coping strategies to address their stress and problems, which may improve their health and reduce the possibility of relapse intention.

The effect of music therapy on reducing depression in people with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of music therapy on reducing depression for people with dementia during different intervention intervals. A systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The databases surveyed include AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane. Seven studies were included in this review. The result revealed that music therapy significantly reduced depression at six, eight, and 16 weeks. This study also supported that music therapy significantly improved depression when the results of six studies with medium-term interventions were pooled. However, no evidence of effect of music therapy on depression was observed at three, four, 12 weeks, and five months during intervention, and one and two months after the cease of music therapy. Music therapy without a music therapist involved did not significantly reduce depression at any time. Medium-term of music therapy might be appropriate in reducing depression for people with dementia.

Development and psychometric testing the Health of Body, Mind and Spirit Scale for assessing individuals who have drug abuse histories.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop the Health of Body, Mind and Spirit Scale (HBMSS), which was designed to assess drug abusers' health condition. BACKGROUND: Helping drug abusers to become healthy is important to healthcare professionals. However, no instrument exists to assess drug abusers' state of health. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was implemented to examine the validity of the HBMSS. METHODS: Data were collected from 2015-2016 at one drug abuse prevention centre in Taiwan. Participants (N = 320) who had abused drugs were invited to complete a preliminary 64-item version of the HBMSS. An item analysis, criterion-related validity analysis (using the Relapse Prediction Scale [RPS] score), split-half reliability testing and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the HBMSS. RESULTS: The final version of the HBMSS contained 15 items that were divided into three subscales: the health of the body, mind and spirit. Cronbach's α and split-half reliability coefficients were all above .85. The factor loading of each item was between .74-.95. The HBMSS had satisfactory criterion-related validity with the RPS score (r = -.50, p < .001). A second-order CFA was conducted on the HBMSS. The fit indexes were good, χ2  = 184.060, df = 94, χ2 /df = 1.958 (p = .000). CONCLUSIONS: The entire HBMSS and the subscales had satisfactory reliability and validity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals could use the HBMSS to evaluate the condition of the health of individuals with a drug abuse history.

Development and Psychometric Testing of the Suicidal Recovery Ability Scale (SRAS) for Assessing Individuals Who Have Attempted Suicide.

Assessing the recovery ability of individuals who have attempted suicide is crucial for psychiatric health nurses. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a psychometric Suicidal Recovery Ability Scale (SRAS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that three subscales with 15 items best fit the data. The global SRAS score showed significant negative correlation with the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) score. The Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability scores for the global SRAS and the subscales all exceeded 0.70. Nurses can use the SRAS to assess the recovery ability of individuals who have attempted suicide and provide proper care to help them.

Factors predicting recovery from suicide in attempted suicide patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the factors predicting suicide recovery and to provide guidance for healthcare professionals when caring for individuals who have attempted suicide. BACKGROUND: The high rate of suicide is a global health problem. Suicide prevention has become an important issue in contemporary mental health. Most suicide research has focused on suicidal prevention and care. There is a lack of research on the factors predicting suicidal recovery. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was adopted. METHODS: A correlational study with a purposive sample of 160 individuals from a suicide prevention centre in southern Taiwan was conducted. The questionnaires included the Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5, Suicidal Recovery Assessment Scale and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 40.2 years. Many participants were striving to make changes to create a more stable and fulfilling life, had an improved recovery from suicide and had a good ability to adapt or solve problems. The linear regression showed that the Beck Hopelessness Scale scores (ß = -.551, p < .001) and Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (ß = -.218, p = .003) and past suicidal behaviour (ß = -.145, p = .008) were significant predictors of individuals' recovery from suicide. They accounted for 57.1% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal individuals who have a lower level of hopelessness, a better ability to cope with their mental condition and fewer past suicidal behaviours may better recover from suicide attempts. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The nurses could use the results of this study to predict recovery from suicide in patients with attempted suicide.

A study of suicidal ideation in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidences indicate that stroke confers a substantial risk for suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of suicidal ideation in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHOD: A total of 271 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited in Huai-He hospital or the First People's Hospital, Kaifeng City, China. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and evaluated. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine the risk factors of suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Suicidal ideation was identified in 29 patients (10.7%). It was more frequent in patients who lived in rural region, with pre-/post-stroke depression or diabetes, had a higher NIHSS score, had no confidence in disease treatment, or had a poor coping style. Living in rural region (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.02-6.58), the presence of pre-stroke depression (OR 11.74, 95% CI 4.45-31.01), stroke severity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08-1.33), having no confidence in disease treatment (OR 14.70, 95% CI 2.60-83.15), and post-stroke depression (OR 16.22, 95% CI 6.40-41.10) were independent risk factors of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: Several factors may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation in acute ischemic stroke patients, including pre-/post-stroke depression, more severe stroke, having no confidence in treatment, as well as living in rural region. Our findings may have implication in risk assessment and intervention for acute ischemic stroke patients in reducing the burdens of suicidal ideation.

Community-based interventions in hypertensive patients: a comparison of three health education strategies.

BACKGROUND: Community-based health education programs may be helpful in improving health outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate community-based health education strategies in the management of hypertensive patients with low socioeconomic status in Dongguan City, China. METHODS: This was a randomized, non-blinded trial involving 360 hypertensive patients enrolled in the community health service centre of Liaobu Town, Dongguan City, China. Participants were randomized to receive one of the three community-based health education programs over 2 years: self-learning reading (Group 1), monthly regular didactic lecture (Group 2), monthly interactive education workshop (Group 3). Outcomes included the changes in the proportion of subjects with normalized blood pressure (BP), hypertension-related knowledge score, adherence to antihypertensive treatment, lifestyle, body mass index and serum lipids. RESULTS: After the 2-y intervention, the proportion of subjects with normalized BP increased significantly in Group 2 (from 41.2% to 63.2%, p<0.001), and increased more substantially in Group 3 (from 40.2% to 86.3%, p<0.001), but did not change significantly in Group 1. Improvements in hypertension-related knowledge score, adherence to regular use of medications, appropriate salt intake and regular physical activity were progressively greater from group 1 to group 2 to group 3. Group 3 had the largest reductions in body mass index and serum LDL cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: Interactive education workshops may be the most effective strategy in community-based health promotion education programs for hypertensive patients in improving patients' knowledge on hypertension and alleviating clinical risk factors for preventing hypertension-related complications.

Electrically tunable organic bioelectronics for spatial and temporal manipulation of neuron-like pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells.

BACKGROUND: Organic bioelectronic devices consisting of alternating poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and reduced graphite oxide (rGO) striped microelectrode arrays were fabricated by lithography technology. It has been demonstrated that the organic bioelectronic devices can be used to spatially and temporally manipulate the location and proliferation of the neuron-like pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12 cells). METHODS: By coating an electrically labile contact repulsion layer of poly(l-lysine-graft-ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) on the PEDOT electrode, the location and polarity of the PC-12 cells were confined to the rGO electrodes. RESULTS: The outgrowth of spatially confined bipolar neurites was found to align along the direction of the 20µm wide electrode. The location of the PC-12 cells can also be manipulated temporally by applying electrical stimulation during the neurite differentiation of PC-12 cells, allowing the PC-12 cells to cross over the boundary between the PEDOT and the rGO regions and construct neurite networks in an unconfined manner where the contact repulsive coating of PLL-g-PEG was removed. CONCLUSIONS: This adsorption and desorption of the PLL-g-PEG without and with electrical stimulation can be attributed to the tunable surface properties of the PEDOT microelectrodes, whose surface charge can switch from being negative to positive under electrical stimulation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The electrically tunable organic bioelectronics reported here could potentially be applied to tissue engineering related to the development and regeneration of mammalian nervous systems. The spatial and temporal control in this device would also be used to study the synapse junctions of neuron-neuron contacts in both time and space domains. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Organic Bioelectronics - Novel Applications in Biomedicine.

Influence of health-related quality of life on health service utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers.

BACKGROUND: Rural-to-urban migrant workers have been increasing rapidly in China over recent decades. Health related quality of life (HRQOL) may affect health service utilization. There is a lack of data on HRQOL in relation to health service utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers. This study was aimed to explore the influence of HRQOL on health service utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of 1,438 female rural-to-urban migrant workers in Shenzhen-Dongguan economic zone, China in 2013. HRQOL was assessed by the 36-items Health Survey Short Form (SF-36). Health service utilization was measured by any physician visit over the recent two weeks and any hospitalization over the last 1-year (annual hospitalization). Clustered logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of HRQOL on health service utilization. RESULTS: Lower scores in three HRQOL domains (bodily pain, general health, role physical) were associated with more frequent health service utilization in female rural-to-urban migrant workers. Bodily pain and general health were associated with an independent influence of 15.6% on the risk of recent two-week physician visit, while role physical and general health were associated with an independent influence of 21.2% on the risk of annual hospitalization. The independent influence of HRQOL on health service utilization was smaller than that of socio-demographic and health-related variables. CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL may have a modest influence on health service utilization in Chinese rural-to-urban female migrant workers - an underprivileged population in urban China.

[Estimation of water clarity in offshore marine areas based on modified semi-analysis spectra model].

The main objectives of the research described in the present paper are to develop a semi-analysis model of water clarity for case 2 waters without inputting the absorption and scattering coefficient, which are not easy to be obtained for offshore marine areas so far. Based on the Zsd (Secchi depth)inversion theory, a simple semi-analysis spectra model was established for offshore seawater clarity by analyzing the relationship between vertical diffuse attenuation coefficient K(d) (490) and the beam attenuation coefficient c(490) with remote sensing reflectance. This semi-analysis spectra model needed two band reflectance ratios on- ly, while tidal correction was produced for this model to improve the precision of the retrieving results. The semi-analysis spectra model was applied to ASD hyperspectral reflectance data measured in the Pearl River Estuary Ecological Zone (October 21, 23, 2012, November 2, 2012; N=20) and the Xuwen Coral Reef Protection Zone (January 13, 14, 2013, N=25) which covered different water body of tidal times and different pollution sources. The results indicated that the changing tendency of predicted values was consistent with the synchronous measurement values after comparing them. However, water clarity calculated by the ASD hyperspectral reflectance measured in spring tidal time, generated 0. 4 m deviation compared with in-situ water clarity, while water clarity calculated by the ASD hyperspectral reflectance measured in neap tidal time is close to the in-situ water clarity. So the tidal correction coefficient of 0.4 was further applied for the model. After modification, the coefficient of determination between the inversed and measured water clarity was 0. 663, the average absolute error was 0. 14 m and the average relative error was 19.5%. Research demonstrated that this semi-analysis inversion algorithm just needs two band reflectance ratio to complete the inversion of water clarity, which is simple and works relatively well for lower clarity (less than 2 meters) waters compared to He' (2004) and Doron' (2011) algorithms.

Phospholipids with two polyunsaturated fatty acyl tails: an important driver of ferroptosis.

We highlight the latest work of Qiu et al. on the core mechanism of ferroptosis induced by rare phospholipids with two polyunsaturated fatty acyl tails (PL-PUFA2s), which has been published in Cell. It has long been acknowledged that PLs containing one PUFA tail (PL-PUFA1s) serve as substrates for phospholipid peroxidation during the process of ferroptosis, owing to their susceptibility to oxidation and prevalence in vivo. However, the authors note that PL-PUFA2s, rather than PL-PUFA1s, represent critical lipid classes involved in the pro-ferroptosis process. Exogenous phosphatidylcholine-PUFA2s accumulate in mitochondria and combine with Complex I within the electron transport chain, thereby potentially resulting in an elevation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels. Then, these mitochondrial peroxides prompt the substantial accumulation of peroxides within the endoplasmic reticulum, ultimately culminating in ferroptosis. These findings shed light on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of ferroptosis by dietary PL-PUFA2s and offer novel insights for both the evaluation of cellular iron death sensitivity and the treatment of cancer. This article will provide a more comprehensive elucidation of the paper and facilitate an enhanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms for readers.

Exploration of agr types, virulence-associated genes, and biofilm formation ability in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hemodialysis patients with vascular access infections.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus, is a pathogen commonly encountered in both community and hospital settings. Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment face an elevated risk of vascular access infections (VAIs) particularly Staphylococcus aureus, infection. This heightened risk is attributed to the characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus, , enabling it to adhere to suitable surfaces and form biofilms, thereby rendering it resistant to external interventions and complicating treatment efforts. Methods: Therefore this study utilized PCR and microtiter dish biofilm formation assay to determine the difference in the virulence genes and biofilm formation among in our study collected of 103 Staphylococcus aureus, isolates from hemodialysis patients utilizing arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), tunneled cuffed catheters (TCCs), and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) during November 2013 to December 2021. Results: Our findings revealed that both MRSA and MSSA isolates exhibited strong biofilm production capabilities. Additionally, we confirmed the presence of agr types and virulence genes through PCR analysis. The majority of the collected isolates were identified as agr type I. However, agr type II isolates displayed a higher average number of virulence genes, with MRSA isolates exhibiting a variety of virulence genes. Notably, combinations of biofilm-associated genes, such as eno-clfA-clfB-fib-icaA-icaD and eno-clfA-clfB-fib-fnbB-icaA-icaD, were prevalent among Staphylococcus aureus, isolates obtained from vascular access infections. Discussion: These insights contribute to a better understanding of the molecular characteristics associated with Staphylococcus aureus, infections in hemodialysis patients and provided more targeted and effective treatment approaches.

Social functioning, depression, and quality of life among breast cancer patients: A path analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify associations among social functioning, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 180 breast cancer patients were recruited from the surgical units in southern Taiwan hospital in 2021. Path analysis was employed to analyze the relationships between background information and social functioning, depression, and quality of life. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for examining the path analysis in this study. RESULTS: The path model showed that respondents with a religious belief (ß = 0.18, p < .000) and less severe disease (ß = -0.29, p < .01) showed better social functioning. Income did not affect social functioning directly but was directly related to the social interaction dimension (ß = 0.30, p < .000). Moreover, younger age (ß = -0.29, p < .000, lower income (ß = -0.10, p < .05) and more severe disease (ß = 0.35, p < .000) increased the level of depression. Less severe disease would also result in a better quality of life (ß = -0.45, p < .000). Breast cancer patients with better social function levels have low levels of depression (ß = -0.82, p < .000) and better quality of life (ß = 0.76, p < .000). CONCLUSION: Age, religion, income, and severity are crucial predictors of social functioning, depression, and quality of life. Furthermore, severity variables which combined clinical variables to make this variable a stronger predictor for SF, depression, and QOL.