Effects of Kinesio Taping for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that seriously affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Clinicians have used Kinesio Taping (KT) in the treatment of CNLBP patients, but evidence is still lacking on the benefits of KT for CNLBP. Objective: The study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the currently published randomized controlled trails (RCTs) to determine KT's efficacy for CNLBP patients. Design: The research team performed a literature search using five major electronic databases-PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and OpenGrey-and included studies form inception to January 2018. The search used the keywords "kinesio tap*", "kinesio*", and "chronic low back pain (CLBP)" or "CNLBP". Setting: The study took place in the 942 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Outcome Measures: The research team performed the meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. The team selected studies that used pain intensity and disability as the primary outcome measures, and if the study used other outcomes, they had to be the secondary outcomes. Results: The systematic review included nine RCTs in the meta-analysis. KT can significantly reduce pain intensity between baseline and immediately postintervention (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.02, P = .04) and between baseline and the short-term follow-up period (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.20, P = .03). However, no significant differences existed between KT's ability to relieve other symptoms of CNLBP-disability, trunk flexion range of motion (ROM), change in status, fear of movement, isometric endurance of the trunk muscles, or extension-when compared to either sham taping or KT as an adjunct to physical therapy. Conclusions: KT can have immediate and short-term positive effects on reducing pain intensity, but existing evidence doesn't support KT's superiority to other interventions in improving functions for individuals with CNLBP.

Exploring Meaning in the Life of Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and spiritual fulfillment such as experiencing meaning in life plays an important role in coping with the disease. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to explore and understand Chinese breast cancer survivors' perspective on meaning in life. METHODS: This study used Grounded Theory; 23 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, purposive sampling, and theoretical sampling. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. RESULTS: A core category emerged as "satisfaction with my life" to explain Chinese breast cancer survivors' perspective of meaning in life, and 4 subcategories described the core category including (1) living a healthy and peaceful life, (2) having a good relationship with others, (3) achieving purpose in life, and (4) fulfilling responsibility. CONCLUSION: Chinese breast cancer survivors value physical health as well as spiritual fulfillment. The experience of adapting to life with cancer, having a good relationship with others, pursuing life goals, and fulfilling responsibility consists of a satisfying life, which makes life more meaningful. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health providers should pay more attention to survivors' experience of meaning in life and help them enhance meaning in life and improve their quality of life through building good relationship with others, achieving purpose in life, and fulfilling responsibility for family and society.

Solid lipid nanoparticle suspension enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel against tapeworm.

Hydatid disease caused by tapeworm is an increasing public health and socioeconomic concern. In order to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel (PZQ) against tapeworm, PZQ-loaded hydrogenated castor oil solid lipid nanoparticle (PZQ-HCO-SLN) suspension was prepared by a hot homogenization and ultrasonication method. The stability of the suspension at 4°C and room temperature was evaluated by the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles and in-vitro release pattern of the suspension. Pharmacokinetics was studied after subcutaneous administration of the suspension in dogs. The therapeutic effect of the novel formulation was evaluated in dogs naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus. The results showed that the drug recovery of the suspension was 97.59% ± 7.56%. Nanoparticle diameter, polydispersivity index, and zeta potential were 263.00 ± 11.15 nm, 0.34 ± 0.06, and -11.57 ± 1.12 mV, respectively and showed no significant changes after 4 months of storage at both 4°C and room temperature. The stored suspensions displayed similar in-vitro release patterns as that of the newly prepared one. SLNs increased the bioavailability of PZQ 5.67-fold and extended the mean residence time of the drug from 56.71 to 280.38 hours. Single subcutaneous administration of PZQ-HCO-SLN suspension obtained enhanced therapeutic efficacy against tapeworm in infected dogs. At the dose of 5 mg/kg, the stool-ova reduction and negative conversion rates and tapeworm removal rate of the suspension were 100%, while the native PZQ were 91.55%, 87.5%, and 66.7%. When the dose reduced to 0.5 mg/kg, the native drug showed no effect, but the suspension still got the same therapeutic efficacy as that of the 5 mg/kg native PZQ. These results demonstrate that the PZQ-HCO-SLN suspension is a promising formulation to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PZQ.