Three-in-One: Molecular Engineering of D-A-π-A Featured Type I and Type II Near-Infrared AIE Photosensitizers for Efficient Photodynamic Cancer Therapy and Bacteria Killing.

Bacterial infections are closely correlated with the genesis and progression of cancer, and the elimination of cancer-related bacteria may improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. However, the combinatorial therapy that utilizes two or more chemodrugs will increase potential adverse effects. Image-guided photodynamic therapy is a highly precise and potential therapy to treat tumor and microbial infections. Herein, four donor-acceptor-π-bridge-acceptor (D-A-π-A) featured near-infrared (NIR) aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) (TQTPy, TPQTPy, TQTC, and TPQTC) with type I and type II reaction oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities are synthesized. Notably, TQTPy shows mitochondria targeted capacity, the best ROS production efficiency, long-term tumor retention capacity, and more importantly, the three-in-one fluorescence imaging guided therapy against both tumor and microbial infections. Both in vitro and in vivo results validate that TQTPy performs well in practical biomedical application in terms of NIR-fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic cancer diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the amphiphilic and positively charged TQTPy is able to specific and ultrafast discrimination and elimination of Gram-positive (G+) Staphylococcus aureus from Gram-negative (G-) Escherichia coli and normal cells. This investigation provides an instructive way for the construction of three-in-one treatment for image-guided photodynamic cancer therapy and bacteria elimination.

Predictive models for delay in medical decision-making among older patients with acute ischemic stroke: a comparative study using logistic regression analysis and lightGBM algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors affecting delayed medical decision-making in older patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using logistic regression analysis and the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) algorithm, and compare the two predictive models. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 309 older patients aged ≥ 60 who underwent AIS. Demographic characteristics, stroke onset characteristics, previous stroke knowledge level, health literacy, and social network were recorded. These data were separately inputted into logistic regression analysis and the LightGBM algorithm to build the predictive models for delay in medical decision-making among older patients with AIS. Five parameters of Accuracy, Recall, F1 Score, AUC and Precision were compared between the two models. RESULTS: The medical decision-making delay rate in older patients with AIS was 74.76%. The factors affecting medical decision-making delay, identified through logistic regression and LightGBM algorithm, were as follows: stroke severity, stroke recognition, previous stroke knowledge, health literacy, social network (common factors), mode of onset (logistic regression model only), and reaction from others (LightGBM algorithm only). The LightGBM model demonstrated the more superior performance, achieving the higher AUC of 0.909. CONCLUSIONS: This study used advanced LightGBM algorithm to enable early identification of delay in medical decision-making groups in the older patients with AIS. The identified influencing factors can provide critical insights for the development of early prevention and intervention strategies to reduce delay in medical decisions-making among older patients with AIS and promote patients' health. The LightGBM algorithm is the optimal model for predicting the delay in medical decision-making among older patients with AIS.

Characteristics of people diagnosed with dementia vs lung cancer and cardiovascular disease at commencement of community palliative care: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Most people diagnosed with dementia live and die in community settings. This study aimed to: (i) describe the palliative care needs of patients with dementia at commencement of community palliative care; (ii) compare palliative care needs between patients with dementia and those with lung cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: This is a population-based descriptive study that involved 8,727, 7,539 and 25,279 patients who accessed community palliative care across Australia principally because of dementia, CVD and lung cancer. Patients' functional abilities, symptom burden and clinical condition were assessed at commencement of community alliative care using five validated instruments: Resource Utilisation Groups-Activities of Daily Living, Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status, Symptoms Assessment Scale, Palliative Care Problem Severity Score and Palliative Care Phase. We fitted ordinal logistic regression models to examine the differences in these assessments for dementia versus CVD and lung cancer, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, patients with dementia generally had low levels of distress from symptoms but poor functional problems. Compared to the other two diagnostic groups, palliative care for dementia was often initiated later and with shorter contacts. Also, patients with dementia presented with poorer functional performance (adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.02, Confidence Interval (CI): 3.68 - 4.38 for dementia vs CVD; aOR = 17.59, CI: 15.92 - 19.44 for dementia vs lung cancer) and dependency (aOR = 5.68, CI: 5.28 - 6.12 for dementia vs CVD; aOR = 24.97, CI: 22.77 - 27.39 for dementia vs lung cancer), but experienced lower levels of distress and problem severity for the majority of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Community palliative care is often an ideal care option for many patients, particularly for those with dementia. We call for expansion of the palliative care workforce and options for home care support to optimize accessibility of community palliative care for dementia.

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.

Exploring academic and clinical nurses' perspectives on evidence-based nursing course for undergraduates from perspectives of academic-practice partnerships: a qualitative study.

AIM: To explore nurses' perceptions of evidence-based nursing courses for undergraduates through academic-practice partnerships. DESIGN: A deductive thematic analysis based on the practice-academic logic model. METHODS: Fifteen academic and clinical nurses were interviewed between November and December 2023, either online or through face-to-face meetings. Each interview lasted 20-30 min. The interview outline was constructed based on the practice-academic partnership logic model, which was followed during the process of recorded, analyzed, and checked. RESULTS: Themes identified include inputs (e.g., stakeholder commitment), activities (e.g., communication), outputs (e.g., nursing projects), and outcomes (e.g., improved competence). These themes highlight the various aspects and outcomes of academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing courses. CONCLUSION: Effective academic-practice partnerships are crucial for developing evidence-based nursing courses, leading to positive educational and professional outcomes. IMPACT: Nurses' perceptions provide valuable guidelines for developing effective evidence-based nursing courses. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public users participated in this study.

Transition shock among nursing interns and its relationship with patient safety attitudes, professional identity and climate of caring: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing interns often experience lots of challenges during their clinical nursing internships, which can adversely affect career decisions and result in a squandering of nursing education resources. Patient safety attitudes, professional identity and climate of caring may affect nursing interns' clinical experience. However, more evidence is requested to validate these relationships for nursing educators to develop effective education programs and facilitate interns' successful transition. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, which used a convenience sampling method to recruit 387 nursing interns during December 2022 to April 2023 in university affiliated hospital in Hunan province, China. Data were collected using standardized scales. Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between transition shock, patient safety attitudes, professional identity, and climate of caring. RESULTS: Nursing interns experienced transition shock at a moderate level and the highest levels of transition shock in response to overwhelming practicum workloads, with the second being related to the conflict between theory and practice. Transition shock was negatively correlated with patient safety attitudes, professional identity and climate of caring among nursing interns. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing managers and educators need to value the transition shock experienced by nursing interns. Our study suggests that developing a strong sense of professional identity and a positive attitude toward patient safety can be effective in reducing the level of transition shock among nursing interns. In addition, a caring climate within the nursing unit can significantly enhance the overall experience of nursing interns. This can be achieved by enhancing the support of clinical mentors, providing patient safety-focused education, and facilitating team communication among nurses.

Autism candidate gene DIP2A regulates spine morphogenesis via acetylation of cortactin.

Dendritic spine development is crucial for the establishment of excitatory synaptic connectivity and functional neural circuits. Alterations in spine morphology and density have been associated with multiple neurological disorders. Autism candidate gene disconnected-interacting protein homolog 2 A (DIP2A) is known to be involved in acetylated coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) synthesis and is primarily expressed in the brain regions with abundant pyramidal neurons. However, the role of DIP2A in the brain remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that deletion of Dip2a in mice induced defects in spine morphogenesis along with thin postsynaptic density (PSD), and reduced synaptic transmission of pyramidal neurons. We further identified that DIP2A interacted with cortactin, an activity-dependent spine remodeling protein. The binding activity of DIP2A-PXXP motifs (P, proline; X, any residue) with the cortactin-Src homology 3 (SH3) domain was critical for maintaining the level of acetylated cortactin. Furthermore, Dip2a knockout (KO) mice exhibited autism-like behaviors, including excessive repetitive behaviors and defects in social novelty. Importantly, acetylation mimetic cortactin restored the impaired synaptic transmission and ameliorated repetitive behaviors in these mice. Altogether, our findings establish an initial link between DIP2A gene variations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and highlight the contribution of synaptic protein acetylation to synaptic processing.

IDH1 Associated with Neuronal Apoptosis in Adult Rats Brain Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), one member of the IDH family can convert isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) via oxidative decarboxylation. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations have been identified in multiple tumor types and the mutations confer neomorphic activity in the mutant protein, resulting in the conversion of α-KG to the oncometabolite, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). The subsequent accumulation of 2-HG results in epigenetic dysregulation via inhibition of α-KG-dependent histone and DNA demethylase. And the glutamate levels are reduced in IDH mutant cells compared to wild-type. We have known that diffuse gliomas contain a high frequency of mutations in the IDH1 gene. However, the expression of IDH1 and its roles in Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remain largely unknown. We observed increased expression of IDH1 in neurons after intracerebral hemorrhage. Up-regulation of IDH1 was found to be accompanied by the increased expression of active caspase-3 and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma-2 in vivo and vitro studies. So we hypothesized that IDH1 was involved in the regulation of neuronal apoptosis. The present research for the first time detected the expression and variation of IDH1 surrounding the hematoma, and all data proved the involvement of IDH1 in neuronal apoptosis following ICH.

Development of an evidence-based nursing practice course framework for undergraduate nursing students from a perspective of academic-practice partnerships: A Delphi study.

AIM: To develop an evidence-based nursing practice course framework for undergraduate nursing students from a perspective of academic-practice partnerships. BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnerships could play a crucial role in bridging theory-practice gap in evidence-based nursing education. However, there is a lack of evidence-based nursing practice course framework for undergraduate nursing students from a perspective of academic-practice partnerships. DESIGN: A Delphi study. METHODS: The Delphi study was conducted by literature analysis, qualitative interview and Delphi expert consultation to develop this course framework. 15 and 12 experts were involved in round one and round two of Delphi expert consultation, respectively. The consensus threshold of two-round Delphi expert consultation was described by expert's positive coefficient (≥ 50 %), positive coefficient (≥ 70 %), expert authority coefficient (≥ 0.7), coefficient of variation (<0.25) and full score frequency (>20 %). RESULTS: The final course framework includes learning objectives (17 items); teaching chapters of theoretical classes (five items); teaching contents (30 items), methods (12 items) and class hours (9 items) of theoretical classes; and the responsibilities of academic teachers (11 items) and clinical teachers (11 items) in practical classes. CONCLUSION: The course framework developed by this study could provide guidance for evidence-based nursing education of undergraduate nursing students. The effectiveness of this course framework should be verified through further experimental studies in the future.

An alkali-extracted neutral heteropolysaccharide from Phellinus nigricans used as an immunopotentiator in immunosuppressed mice by activating macrophages.

A neutral heteropolysaccharide (PNANb) was isolated with alkali (0.1 M NaOH) from mycelia of Phellinus nigricans, and the structure, immunostimulating activity and some of the underlying molecular mechanisms of action of PNANb were explored in the current study. PNANb (14.95 kDa) predominantly consisted of Gal, Glc, and Man with minor Fuc. GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated that the backbone of PNANb was mainly composed of 6-α-Galp, 2,6-α-Galp with minor 3,6-ß-Glcp, which was substituted with complex side chains at C-2 of 2,6-α-Galp and C-3 of 3,6-ß-Glcp. Notably, PNANb (50 or 100 mg/kg) possessed immunoprotective effects in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed C57BL/6 mice, which was supported by evidence including the enhancement of spleen and thymus indices, levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10), and macrophage activity. However, the immunostimulation effects of PNANb were decreased when macrophages were depleted, underscoring the essential role of macrophages in the beneficial effects of PNANb in Cy-induced immunosuppressed mice. Further investigations in vitro indicated that PNANb activated macrophages through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways mediated by Toll-like receptor 4. Therefore, PNANb can serve as a prospective immunopotentiator in immunosuppression.

CPT1A as a potential therapeutic target for lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Acute lung injury (ALI) remains a high mortality rate with dramatic lung inflammation and alveolar epithelial cell death. Although fatty acid ß-oxidation (FAO) impairment has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALI, whether Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), the rate-limiting enzyme for FAO, plays roles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remains unclear. Accordingly, we focused on exploring the effect of CPT1A in the context of ALI and the underlying mechanisms. We found that overexpression of CPT1A (AAV-CPT1A) effectively alleviated lung injury by reduction of lung wet-to-dry ratio, inflammatory cell infiltration, and protein levels in the BALF of ALI mice. Meanwhile, AAV-CPT1A significantly lessened histopathological changes and several cytokines' secretions. In contrast, blocking CPT1A with etomoxir augmented inflammatory responses and lung injury in ALI mice. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of CPT1A with lentivirus reduced the apoptosis rates of alveolar epithelial cells and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins induced by LPS in MLE12 cells, while etomoxir increased the apoptosis of MLE12 cells. Overexpression of CPT1A prevented the drop in bioenergetics, palmitate oxidation, and ATP levels. In conclusion, the results rendered CPT1A worthy of further development into a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of ALI.

Nrf2 mediates the effects of shionone on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Extended contact with silica particles can lead to Silicosis, a chronic lung condition lacking established treatment protocols or clear mechanisms of development. The urgency for innovative treatments arises from the unavailability of effective treatment methodologies. The origin of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis includes essential processes such as macrophage activation and the conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, with oxidative stress playing a pivotal role. Shionone (SHI), a triterpenoid extracted from the Aster tataricus plant, is recognized for its extensive health benefits. This study explores the capability of SHI to alleviate the effects of silica-induced lung fibrosis in mice. METHODS: This investigation explored the impact of SHI on lung inflammation and fibrosis at different stages (early and late) triggered by silica in mice, focusing specifically on the initial and more developed phases. It comprised an analysis of isolated peritoneal macrophages and fibroblasts extracted from mice to elucidate SHI's therapeutic potential and its underlying mechanism. The methodology employed encompassed quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and western blotting to examine macrophage activity and their transition into myofibroblasts. The activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway by SHI was confirmed via immunofluorescence and western blot studies. SHI's antioxidative properties were evidenced by the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS within both macrophages and fibroblasts, using 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and MitoSOX, respectively. The relevance of SHI was further underscored by applying ML385 and Nrf2 siRNA to gauge its effectiveness. RESULTS: Starting SHI treatment early countered the harmful effects of lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by silica, while initiating SHI at a later phase decelerated the advancement of fibrosis. SHI's action was linked to the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a boost in antioxidant enzyme levels, and a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation in macrophages affected by silica. Furthermore, SHI prevented the conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts prompted by TGF-ß, along with the resultant oxidative stress. The beneficial outcomes of SHI were negated when ML385 and Nrf2 siRNA were applied, highlighting the pivotal role of the Nrf2 pathway in SHI's efficacy. CONCLUSION: SHI plays a significant role in stimulating the Nrf2 pathway, thereby defending against silica-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in macrophages, and inhibiting the conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts due to TGF-ß. This suggests that SHI is a viable option for treating lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice suffering from silicosis.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 alleviates acetaminophen induced acute liver injury by activating Sirt1 mediated autophagy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acetaminophen (APAP) is the main cause of acute liver injury (ALI) in the Western. Our previous study has shown that fenofibrate activated hepatic expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can protect the liver form APAP injuries by promoting autophagy. However, the underlying mechanism involved in FGF21-mediated autophagy remains unsolved. METHODS: The ALI mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection of APAP. To investigate the influence of FGF21 on autophagy and Sirt1 expression in APAP-induced ALI, FGF21 knockout (FGF21KO) mice and exogenously supplemented mouse recombinant FGF21 protein were used. In addition, primary isolated hepatocytes and the Sirt1 inhibitor EX527 were used to observe whether FGF21 activated autophagy in APAP injury is regulated by Sirt1 at the cellular level. RESULTS: FGF21, Sirt1, and autophagy levels increased in mice with acute liver injury (ALI) and in primary cultured hepatocytes. Deletion of the FGF21 gene exacerbated APAP-induced liver necrosis and oxidative stress, and decreased mitochondrial potential. It also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Sirt1, LC3-II, and p62, as well as the number of autophagosomes. Replenishment of FGF21 reversed these processes. In addition, EX527 partially counteracted the protective effect of FGF21 by worsening oxidative damage, mitochondrial damage, and reducing autophagy in primary liver cells treated with APAP. CONCLUSION: FGF21 increases autophagy by upregulating Sirt1 to alleviate APAP-induced injuries.

Uncovering the pharmacological mechanism of Shou Tai Wan on recurrent spontaneous abortion: A integrated pharmacology strategy-based research.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shou Tai Wan (STW), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been historically used for the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Despite its long-standing usage, the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of STW remains unclear in the existing literature. AIMS OF THIS STUDY: To explore the Pharmacological Mechanism of STW on RSA. METHODS: A network pharmacological methodology was utilized to predict the active compounds and potential targets of STW, collect the RSA targets and other human proteins of STW, and analyze the STW related networks. The animal experiments were also performed to validate the effect of STW on RSA. RESULTS: The results of network analysis showed that STW may regulate PI3K/AKT, MAPK, FoxO signaling pathways and so on. Animal experiment established the RSA model with CBA/J × DBA/2 mice. It was found that STW can reduce the embryo absorption rate of RSA group (p < 0.05) and balance the expression of Th 1/Th2 type cytokines compared with the model group. After 14 days of administration, the decidual and placental tissues were taken and the CD4+ T cells were isolated, and the phosphorylation level of signaling pathway was detected by Springbio720 antibody microarray. This experiment found that STW can significantly up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and STAT6 proteins in the STAT signaling pathway, and down-regulating the phosphorylation level of STAT1 protein. STW also significantly up-regulated the phosphorylation levels of Raf1, A-Raf, Ask1, Mek1, Mek2, JKK1, ERK1, ERK2, c-fos, c-Jun and CREB proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway, and down-regulate the phosphorylation levels of MEK6 and IKKb proteins. Compared with the RSA group, the STW group increased the expression levels of ERK1/2 mRNA and proteins and p-ERK1/2 proteins, and there was a statistical difference (p < 0.05). This is consistent with the chip results. CONCLUSION: STW may achieve therapeutic effects by interfering with the signaling pathways, biological processes and targets discovered in this study. It provides a new perspective for revealing the immunological mechanism of STW in the treatment of RSA, and also provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of STW in the treatment of RSA.

Academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing education: Protocol of a theory-guided scoping review.

AIM: This theory-guided scoping review aims to provide an overview of existing literature about academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing education. BACKGROUND: Academic-practice partnership is an approach to improve evidence-based nursing education, to promote evidence-based nursing practice which could reduce the nursing care discrepancy, improve the nursing care quality and patient safety, reduce healthcare costs and promote nursing professional development. However, the related research is limited and there is a lack of systematic review of related literature. DESIGN: A scoping review guided by the theories of the Practice-Academic Partnership Logic Model and the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare. METHODS: The researchers will use JBI guidelines for scoping reviews and related theories to guide this theory-guided scoping review. The researchers will systematically search Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Educational Resource Information Centre (ERIC) using major search concepts including academic-practice partnership, evidence-based nursing practice and education. Two reviewers will be responsible for independent literature screening and data extraction. Discrepancies would be solved by a third reviewer. EXPECTED RESULTS: This scoping review will identify related research gaps to provide implications for researchers and identify specific information to provide implications for developing interventions of academic-practice partnerships in evidence-based nursing education. REGISTRATION NUMBER: This scoping review had been registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/83rfj).

Good death from cancer-the patient view: systematic review of qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: An in-depth understanding of what constitutes a good death among patients with cancer is vital to providing patient-centred palliative care. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on the perceptions of a good death among patients with cancer. METHODS: This systematic review involved a synthesis of qualitative data. A three-step process suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to synthesise the data. RESULTS: A total of 1432 records were identified, and five articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven synthesised findings emerged: (1) being aware of cancer, (2) pain and symptom management, (3) dying well, (4) being remembered after death, (5) individual perspectives of a good death, (6) individual behaviours leading to a good death, and (7) culture and religions. A structural framework was developed to elicit two layers that could be regarded as determinants of a good death. One layer suggested how multiple external issues impact a good death, whereas the other layer involves patients' internal attributes that shape their experiences of a good death. The elements in the two layers were inter-related to exert a crossover effect on good death in specific cultural and religious contexts. CONCLUSION: A good death is a process initiated from the time of awareness of cancer and extends beyond demise. Holistic approaches encompassing the management of physical and psychological distress along with psychosocial behavioural interventions to enhance patients' positive perspectives and behaviours are recommended to improve their quality of life and death.

An arabinogalactan extracted with alkali from Portulaca oleracea L. used as an immunopotentiator and a vaccine carrier in its conjugate to BSA.

A neutral polysaccharide (POPAN) from Portulaca oleracea L. was isolated with alkali and purified to obtain. HPLC analysis suggested POPAN (40.9 kDa) was mainly composed of Ara and Gal with traces of Glc and Man. GC-MS and 1D/2D NMR analysis confirmed POPAN was an arabinogalactan possessing a backbone mainly composing of (1 â†’ 3)-α-l-Araf-linked arabinan and (1 â†’ 4)-ß-d-Galp-linked galactan, which was different from structure characterization of typical arabinogalactan reported previously. Importantly, we conjugated POPAN to BSA (POPAN-BSA), and detected the potential and mechanism of POPAN as an adjuvant in POPAN-BSA. The results indicated, in contrast to BSA, POPAN-BSA induced the robust and persistent humoral response in addition to the cellular response with Th2-biased immunity response in mice. Further investigations of mechanism revealed effects of POPAN-BSA were a result of POPAN as the adjuvant to: 1) significantly activate DCs in vitro or in vivo including the upgraded expressions of costimulators, MHCs and cytokines; 2) greatly facilitated the capture of BSA. Overall, present studies demonstrated POPAN can be a potential adjuvant as an immunopotentiator and an antigen delivery vehicle in its conjugate to recombinant protein vaccines.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the traditional Chinese Food Allergy Quality of Life-Parental Burden questionnaire into simplified Chinese for use in mainland China.

AIM: The study aimed to translate and adapt the traditional Chinese Food Allergy Quality of Life-Parental Burden Questionnaire (TC-FAQL-PB) into simplified Chinese language and determine the validity and reliability of the translated version. DESIGN: A methodologic study design involving instrument translation and psychometric evaluation was used for the present study. METHODS: The simplified Chinese FAQL-PB (SC-FAQL-PB) was developed following Guillemin's guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation. A convenience sample of 230 participants was recruited. The psychometric properties were examined using internal consistency, test-retest reliability, item discrimination, content validity and construct validity. RESULTS: The values of I-CVI ranged from 0.83 to 1.00. The CFA model revealed that the study supported the two-factor model. The questionnaire had good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.946. The item-total correlation values ranged from 0.707 to 0.866. Test-retest reliability showed that the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.926 (95% CI, 0.830-0.968).

Family-oriented dignity therapy for patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy: How does it work better?

Objective: This study aimed to examine the fidelity of intervention delivery and identify precursory factors contributing to the successful delivery and beneficial effects of family-oriented dignity therapy. Methods: This was a process evaluation with quantitative and qualitative methods alongside a randomized controlled trial from March to May 2019. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyze how participants' demographics (n â€‹= â€‹45 dyads) and process variables influenced the intervention effects. Fourteen patients, 11 family caregivers, and 11 nurses were interviewed to explore their perception of the intervention. Conventional content analysis was adopted to analyze the qualitative data. Results: The fidelity was achieved with minor deviations from the protocol. Higher educational level and higher income were significantly correlated with lower levels of existential distress (H â€‹= â€‹12.20, P â€‹= â€‹0.030) and higher spiritual well-being (H â€‹= â€‹-16.310, P â€‹= â€‹0.031), respectively. Higher levels of interest were significantly correlated with lower levels of existential distress (H â€‹= â€‹10.396, P â€‹= â€‹0.035) and peace of mind distress (H â€‹= â€‹-16.778, P â€‹= â€‹0.006) and higher levels of life meaning (H â€‹= â€‹-12.808, P â€‹= â€‹0.047). Patients who had higher response levels to the question were significantly correlated with lower levels of symptom distress (H â€‹= â€‹-13.879, P â€‹= â€‹0.035). Four major categories were identified from the interview data: (1) benefits of the intervention, (2) risks of the intervention, (3) factors that enhance successful dignity-conserving care, and (4) difficulties and barriers to the delivery of dignity-conserving care. Conclusions: Fidelity and precursory factors that enhance the beneficial effects of family-oriented dignity therapy were identified. Reinforcement strategies, such as using supplementary video, audio, and reading materials; developing a flexible approach to expressing feelings; and exploring lessons and achievements from various perspectives, are recommended for future research to enhance intervention effects. Trial registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1900020806).

[Study on artificial neural network combined with near infrared spectroscopy for wood species identification].

In the present article, near infrared spectra of 89 wood samples of different geographical provenances and species were measured, and back propagation artificial neural networks(BPANN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) were used for modeling of wood species NIRS identifying. Parameters for two neural networks were chosen via analysis of variance, respectively; and networks were trained with optimum parameters. Considering the difference between spectra, spectra with different levels of white noise and different levels of bias were simulated and predicted by using the models built. It was found that both the two models had satisfactory prediction results, identification correct rates obtained by BPANN model applied to spectra with bias level no higher than 2% and noise level no higher than 4% were above 97%; correct rates obtained by GRNN model applied to spectra with bias level no higher than 2% and noise level no higher than 4% were above 99%.