Inhibition of platelet activation by lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS)-silenced (tearless) onion juice.

Onion and garlic are renowned for their roles as functional foods. The health benefits of garlic are attributed to di-2-propenyl thiosulfinate (allicin), a sulfur compound found in disrupted garlic but not found in disrupted onion. Recently, onions have been grown with repressed lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS) activity, which causes these onions to produce increased amounts of di-1-propenyl thiosulfinate, an isomer of allicin. This investigation into the key health attributes of LFS-silenced (tearless) onions demonstrates that they have some attributes more similar to garlic and that this is likely due to the production of novel thiosulfinate or metabolites. The key finding was that collagen-induced in vitro platelet aggregation was significantly reduced by tearless onion extract over normal onion extract. Thiosulfinate or derived compounds were shown not to be responsible for the observed changes in the inflammatory response of AGS (stomach adenocarcinoma) cells to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) when pretreated with model onion juices. A preliminary rat feeding trial indicated that the tearless onions may also play a key role in reducing weight gain.

Evaluation of a compassion fatigue resiliency program for oncology nurses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a resiliency program designed to educate oncology nurses about compassion fatigue. DESIGN: Descriptive pilot study. SETTING: A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States. SAMPLE: 13 oncology nurses employed in an outpatient infusion center. METHODS: Nurses attended a five-week program involving five 90-minute sessions on compassion fatigue resiliency. A pre- and post-test design, using repeated measures, was conducted over six months. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Scores on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) IV, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Nursing Job Satisfaction Scale. FINDINGS: Long-term benefits were realized from the program. Secondary traumatization scores on the ProQOL IV declined immediately after the program, remained down at three months, and then dropped again at six months, with a statistically significant mean difference compared with baseline. The average IES-R total scores improved significantly overall and for each of the three postintervention time points. Participants evaluated the program positively with respect to their ability to apply and benefit from resiliency techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported study to show benefits gained from a compassion fatigue intervention program. Participants received useful strategies for managing stress at work and home. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Compassion fatigue is a prevalent condition among healthcare providers. Development of resiliency to compassion fatigue may improve decision making, clarity of communication, and patient and nurse satisfaction. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION: Self-regulation offers an approach to reduce stress during a perceived threat. Working by intention reduces reactivity in the workplace and makes communication more intentional and, therefore, effective.

Documenting the symptom experience of cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients experience symptoms associated with their disease, treatment, and comorbidities. Symptom experience is complicated, reflecting symptom prevalence, frequency, and severity. Symptom burden is associated with treatment tolerance as well as patients' quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to document the symptom experience and QOL of patients with commonly diagnosed cancers. The relationship between symptoms and QOL was also explored. METHODS: A convenience sample of patients with the five most common cancers at a comprehensive cancer center completed surveys assessing symptom experience (Memorial Symptom Assessment Survey) and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy). Patients completed surveys at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter. This article describes the study's baseline findings. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 558 cancer patients with breast, colorectal, gynecologic, lung, or prostate cancer. Patients reported an average of 9.1 symptoms, with symptom experience varying by cancer type. The mean overall QOL for the total sample was 85.1, with results differing by cancer type. Prostate cancer patients reported the lowest symptom burden and the highest QOL. LIMITATIONS: The sample was limited in terms of racial diversity. Because of the method of recruitment, baseline data were collected 6-8 months after diagnosis, meaning that participants were at various stages of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The symptom experience of cancer patients varies widely depending on cancer type. Nevertheless, most patients report symptoms, regardless of whether or not they are currently receiving treatment. Patients' QOL is inversely related to their symptom burden.