Effectiveness of a multicomponent activity and horticultural intervention for the hospitalized older adults: A randomized controlled trial: Effectiveness of Intervention for the Hospitalized Older Adults.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of different intervention programs in improving function among hospitalized older individuals using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). A randomized controlled trial consisted of three groups: routine care, horticulture, and multicomponent activities (n = 32 each). Horticultural and multicomponent activity interventions showed beneficial effects on the CGA in hospitalized older individuals, particularly regarding cognitive function and quality-of-life. Additionally, horticultural activities significantly contributed to the perception of older adults' health status. We recommend to select older patients in geriatric wards with long-term hospitalization and adjust the frequency of activities or choose a single intervention program to provide long-term and effective intervention effects.

Does category of strength predict return-to-work after occupational injury?

BACKGROUND: Occupational accidents may lead laborers to lose their working capacities, affecting their physical and mental health. Occupational rehabilitation helps improve the ability of patients with occupational accidents and suggests appropriate jobs to avoid second injuries. This study aimed to identify whether any of the functional capacity evaluation (FCE) strength subtests predicted successful return to work. METHODS: Data were collected of 84 patients receiving government-subsidized occupational rehabilitation between September 2016 and December 2018. A structured questionnaire was employed for pre- and post-training assessment, including basic information, information of the occupational accident, status of the laborer at the opening of the injury case, physical requirement for the job, and physical capacity. Eight subtests of strength were included in the physical capacity evaluation, i.e., carrying, lifting to several levels, power grip, and lateral pinch, to explore the association between the strength tests and return to work. RESULTS: The unadjusted model showed that for every additional kilogram in bilateral carrying strength before work hardening training, the odds of successful return to work increased (crude odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.24, p = 0.027). After adjustment for basic demographic information and pre-accident physical functional elements of work, the odds of successful return to work increased (adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04-1.54, p = 0.02) for every additional kilogram in the pre-training bilateral carrying strength. There were no statistically significant differences observed in the other seven subtests. CONCLUSION: Through thorough evaluation and work hardening training provided in the occupational rehabilitation, patients' physical capacity can be understood and improved. However, a full evaluation of functional capacities is prolonged and time-consuming. This study provides evidence that pre-work-hardening bilateral carrying strength may be a promising predictor of return to work and we recommend to consider it as a prioritized test to assist in determining appropriate advice regarding return to work.

Demoralization level fluctuated at various time frame of radiotherapy for patients with different cancers: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization is a psychological response that is frequently observed in patients with cancer or advanced diseases. It is affected by national characteristics, culture, disease characteristics and general conditions of the patient such as individual cultural features, nature of stress, personal expression preferences and social behavior. Compared with the results of previous studies on demoralization syndrome, patients with cancer in Taiwan exhibit a higher prevalence of demoralization. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of high demoralization and the changes in the level of demoralization in cancer patients during radiotherapy to explore the associated factors and the contributing factors to the high level of demoralization. METHODS: We used the Demoralization Scale-Mandarin Version to evaluate the demoralization level at six-time points in patients admitted for radiotherapy in a 3-month observational period. 101 patients allocated to three groups by cancer region completed the study. We applied the generalized estimating equation (GEE) to analyze the changes in the demoralization level among the three groups. The variables associated with the changes in the demoralization level were also investigated. RESULTS: In the analysis using univariate GEE, only patients in the chest and breast group exhibited significant changes at two different time points. The results obtained using multivariate GEE revealed that sociodemographic variables, stage of disease and use of surgery or chemotherapy had no impact on the changes in demoralization across three months. CONCLUSION: The demoralization level certainly fluctuated in an extremely high range. The higher prevalence of demoralized patients may indicate that if medical staff neglect the importance of demoralization, demoralized patients with cancer may not receive appropriate care.

[Validity and Reliability of a Nursing Process Scale].

BACKGROUND: A valid and reliable nursing record audit tool can simplify nursing records and provide a basis for quality auditing. PURPOSE: To ensure the validity and reliability of the Nursing Process Scale to promote accurate monitoring of nursing record quality. METHODS: This study employed structural equation modeling to examine the content validity and reliability of the current Nursing Process Scale. A total of 660 results from a medical center were used to revise the content and then the validity and reliability of the revised scale were analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used in three stages, namely item generation and content validity testing, item analysis and validity testing, and reliability testing. RESULTS: Validity, reliability, and organization based on clinical practice were used to identify and remove scale items with low factor loadings. The remaining items were organized under several factors in the revised Nursing Process Scale, which had good internal consistency with a Cronbach's α of .653 in the EFA, a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of .614, and a significant Bartlett's test of sphericity value. Five factors and 22 questions were extracted from the original 32 questions. The CFA conducted after the model correction reduced the number of questions to 10 and the number of factors to 3, with each index reaching the ideal level. To improve ease-of-use in clinical settings, the important items were reduced from 32 to 22 questions, including the 10 questions suggested by the CFA. CONCLUSIONS: The validity, reliability, and organization based on clinical practice were considered in the removal of items with low factor loadings. Axial conversion was used to generate a component matrix, which allowed item rearrangement across factors and the revision of the Nursing Process Scale. The development of simple valid and reliable audit tools will save auditor time and allow the effective evaluation of nursing record quality and improvement in record integrity. This revised scale was reviewed and approved for implementation in 42 clinical wards.

Effectiveness of Varenicline Versus Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation: One-Year Outcomes in a Smoking Cessation Clinic in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: Varenicline and combination nicotine replacement treatment (cNRT) have been recommended as the most effective pharmacotherapies, with equal abstinence rate for smoking cessation in a network meta-analysis of randomized trials, but data from real-world long-term follow-up studies are rare. This study aimed to compare the 12-month sustained abstinence rates of smokers using varenicline versus cNRT in their quit attempt. METHODS: A total of 3569 smokers were recruited via the Department of Family Medicine outpatient department at Kaohsiung Veteran General Hospital between June 2013 and March 2019. Participants received counseling from a physician and chose either varenicline (N = 2870) or cNRT (N = 699) for smoking cessation. Both varenicline and cNRT users could receive a free 8-week supply and eight clinic visits over 90 days. Participants were followed-up by telephone at 12, 24, and 52 weeks from first visit. The primary outcome measure of the study was self-reported sustained abstinence up to 52 weeks. RESULTS: Varenicline users had a significantly higher sustained abstinence rate at weeks 12-52, adjusted for baseline variables (15.2% vs 10.3%, p = .001; adjusted odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.05). Other significant predictors of 52 weeks sustained abstinence were being male, having a higher income, attending more clinical visits, and have lower nicotine dependence. CONCLUSION: Varenicline appears to have higher sustained abstinence rates to 52 weeks compared with cNRT, in a smoking cessation clinic where smokers can choose their medication option. IMPLICATIONS: Network meta-analysis of randomized trials suggests that varenicline and cNRT are similarly effective for smoking cessation. This study shows that 1-year sustained abstinence rates were significantly higher among smokers using varenicline, compared with smokers using cNRT, when used as part of a structured smoking cessation program. These findings are highly relevant to policy makers and service providers to help determine provision of smoking cessation treatment.

Result of intravitreal aflibercept injection for myopic choroidal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injections as the primary treatment for subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was further used for some patients to detect the changes of CNV after treatment. METHODS: In the present study, 21 treatment-naive eyes of 21 patients with subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic CNV received primary intravitreal aflibercept injections and were under follow-up for a minimum duration of 12 months. Among the 21 patients, 12 underwent OCTA to evaluate the changes in central foveal thickness, selected CNV area, and flow area. RESULTS: The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) pertaining to all the patients significantly improved from the baseline value of 0.7 to 0.3 logMAR after treatment for 12 months (P = 0.001). However, the improvements in the median BCVA after treatment for three and 12 months were not statistically significant in the younger group (< 50 years), compared to the older group (≥ 50 years). One aflibercept injection resolved the CNV in 47.6% (10/21) of the patients. The younger group displayed greater improvement in the median central foveal thickness, compared to the older group. OCTA revealed interlacing or disorganized pattern at the level of the outer retinal layer in 12 subjects with myopic CNV. After 3 months of treatment, both groups displayed a decrease in the size of the selected CNV area and flow area. The interlacing group displayed a trend towards better anatomical improvements. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal aflibercept injection provides long-term improvement in visual acuity in patients with myopic CNV. Eyes with the interlacing pattern on OCTA displayed a greater decrease in size and flow after aflibercept injection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Before data collection, written informed consent was obtained from each participant, whose identity information was protected by encryption and conversion to a non-identifiable format and removing data links. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital ( KSVGH21-CT1-17 ).

Impact of statin on long-term outcome among patients with end-stage renal disease with acute myocardial infarction (AMI): a nationwide case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Use of statin has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases events and mortality. However, in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the protective effects of statin are controversial. To evaluate the impact of chronic statin use on clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with ESRD. METHODS: We enrolled 8056 patients with ESRD who were initially diagnosed and admitted for first AMI from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Of which, 2134 patients underwent statin therapy. We randomly selected and use age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), heart failure (HF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, matched with the study group as controls (non-stain user). We compared the effects of statin use in term of all-cause death among patients with AMI with ESRD. RESULTS: Statin use resulted in a significantly higher survival rate in patients ith AMI with ESRD compared with non-statin users. After adjusted the comorbidities the male patients and patients with DM, PVD, HF and CVA had lower long-term survival rate (all p<0.001). Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (p<0.001), ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (p<0.001), ß receptor blockers (p<0.001) and statin therapy (p=0.007) had better long-term survival rate. Patients with AMI with ESRD on statin therapy exhibited a significantly lower risk of mortality compared with non-statin users (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Among patients with ESRD with AMI, statin therapy was associated with reduced all-cause mortality.

Tumor subsites and risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw in patients with oral cavity cancer: a national-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: The association between the tumor subsites of the oral cavity and the risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) remains unclear. We study the correlation between oral cavity tumor subsites and the risk of ORNJ in a nationwide population-based database. METHODS: We enrolled 16,701 adult patients with oral cavity cancers who were treated with radiotherapy between 2000 and 2013. The subsites of the oral tumor, treatments of oral cavity cancers, and the timing of tooth extraction were examined for their association with ORNJ in oral cancer patients. RESULTS: 903 patients (5.40%) developed ORNJ. Of the relevant variables, pre-RT mandible surgery, tooth extraction either before or after RT, and tumor sites were associated with the risk of ORNJ. The adjusted HRs for ORNJ in the mouth floor, gums, retromolar, and buccal cancer were 2.056 (1.490-2.837), 1.909 (1.552-2.349), 1.683 (1.105-2.562), and 1.303 (1.111-1.528), respectively, compared with the risk of tongue cancer. There was no significant difference in the risk of ORNJ between the pre-RT extraction group, the during-RT extraction group, and the post-RT extraction (less than 6 months) group; the post-RT extraction (more than 6 months) group had a significantly higher risk of ORNJ. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that oral cavity tumor subsite is an independent risk factor of ORNJ after RT. Post-RT extraction (less than 6 months) group did not carry a significantly higher risk of ORNJ compared with pre-RT extraction group or during RT extraction group.

Predicting in-hospital mortality for dementia patients after hip fracture surgery - A comparison between the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

BACKGROUND: Considerable in-hospital mortality was reported in geriatric patients with dementia sustaining femoral neck or inter-trochanteric fracture. We intended to establish a predictive model of in-hospital mortality for dementia patients after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: We collected 8080 registrants ≧ 65 years old from the subset (LHID2000) of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) that met the following inclusion criteria:1. Admitted with the ICD of hip fracture; 2. Underwent operation of hip fracture during the same hospitalization; 3. Co-existing diagnosis of dementia (ICD-9-CM codes 290). The co-morbidity was recorded according to validated Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) from the diagnoses of hospitalization. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality that was defined as death being reported during hospitalization. The comparison of predictability was conducted by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) among different predictive models. RESULTS: The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) score showed similar ability in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.653, 95% CI = 0.611-0.695 for CCI; AUC = 0.624, 95% CI = 0.582-0.665 for ECI, p = 0.0717). By adding age grouping (≥80 yrs = 1, 65-80 yrs = 0) and gender difference (Male = 1, Female = 0), these two models were shifted to models CCI_new1 and ECI_new1. Consequently, the AUC greatly increased in the CCI_new1 (AUC = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.643-0.722). It therefore provided better prediction of in-hospital mortality than ECI_new1 (AUC = 0.651, 95% CI = 0.611-0.691) (p = 0.0444). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing the CCI with addition of grouping for age and gender provides a better prediction for in-hospital mortality than the ECI among elderly patients with concomitant dementia and hip fracture who underwent surgical intervention.

Tumor origin and symptom distress of radiotherapy affected fluctuation of purpose in life for cancer patients.

This study was to explore the change in purpose in life (PIL) and symptom distress among cancer patients with radiotherapy and associated risk factors. This was a longitudinal study.160 patients were recruited from a medical center in Southern Taiwan. Surveys were conducted one week before and one week after the patients had radiotherapy by questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. The patients had significant changes in PIL after radiotherapy compared to before. They had low PIL scores when they were at stage IV, were unable to receive surgery, had tumors in sites other than the abdominal cavity and pelvic, or had high scores in symptom distress scale. Our findings empirically demonstrated that the sense of meaning is integrally associated with the physical and psychosocial effects of illness. Given that cancer patients who are at an advanced stage, unable to receive surgery and have tumors at sites that are not the abdominal cavity and pelvis are at a high risk for having low PIL after RT, care services should be directed to the patients under these conditions.

Preradiation tooth extraction and jaw osteoradionecrosis: Nationwide population-based retrospective study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) within 7 days of tooth extraction is contraindicated because it may increase the risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ). However, delayed RT could compromise survival in patients with HNC. By using a national healthcare database, we reviewed the contraindications and analysed other risk factors for ORNJ. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: By using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, 5,062 HNC patients with at least one tooth extraction 1-21 days before the first RT day (index day) and without any extractions during or after RT from 2000 to 2013 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of tooth extraction before the index day: 1-7 days and 8-21 days. PARTICIPANTS: Taiwanese patients with head and neck cancer. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors of ORNJ. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ORNJ in the included patients was 1.03% (mean follow-up duration, 4.07 ± 3.01 years; range, 1.00-13.99 years). Tooth extraction within 7 days before RT was not associated with increased ORNJ risk (hazard ratio [HR] =0.734; P = .312). Significant risk factors for ORNJ included oral cancer (adjusted HR = 3.961), tumour excision surgery within 3 months before RT (adjusted HR = 3.488) and mandibulectomy within 3 months before RT (adjusted HR = 5.985; all P < .001). CONCLUSION: In a mean follow-up of 4 years, tooth extraction within 7 days before RT for HNC treatment did not increase the ORNJ risk compared with tooth extraction 7-21 days before RT.

The impact of DPP-4 inhibitors on long-term survival among diabetic patients after first acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies regarding the cardioprotective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have not provided sufficient evidence of a relationship between DPP-4 inhibition and actual cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of DPP-4 inhibitors on the survival of diabetic patients after first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: This was a nationwide, propensity score-matched, case-control study of 186,112 first AMI patients, 72,924 of whom had diabetes. A propensity score, one-to-one matching technique was used to match 2672 controls to 2672 patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor group for analysis. Controls were matched based on gender, age, and a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and percutaneous coronary intervention. RESULTS: DPP-4 inhibitors improve the overall 3-year survival rate (log rank P < 0.0001), whether male or female. Cox proportional hazard regression showed DPP-4 inhibitor is beneficial in diabetes patients after AMI (HR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.78-0.95), especially in those patients with hypertension (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.97; P = 0.0103) and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.72-0.97; P = 0.018), but without dyslipidemia (HR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.67-0.92; P = 0.0029), without peripheral vascular disease (HR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.78-0.96; P = 0.0047), without heart failure (HR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.73-0.96; P = 0.0106), without end stage renal disease (HR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.77-0.95; P = 0.0035), and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.78-0.97; P = 0.0096). CONCLUSIONS: DPP-4 inhibitor therapy improved long-term survival in diabetic patients after first AMI, regardless of gender.

Propensity score analysis of lung cancer risk in a population with high prevalence of non-smoking related lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide among both men and women in recent years. There is an increase in the incidence of nonsmoking-related lung cancer in recent years. The purpose of the present study was to investigate multiple potential risk factors for nonsmoking-related lung cancer among Asian Ethnic Groups. METHODS: We used a propensity score-mated cohort analysis for this study. We retrospectively review the medical record of 1975 asymptomatic healthy subjects (40 ~ 80 years old) who voluntarily underwent low-dose chest CT from August 2013 to October 2014. Clinical information and nodule characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: A propensity score-mated cohort analysis was applied to adjust for potential bias and to create two comparable groups according to family history of lung cancer. For our primary analysis, we matched 392 pairs of subjects with family history of lung cancer and subjects without history. Logistic regression showed that female gender and a family history of lung cancer were the two most important predictor of lung cancer in the endemic area with high prevalence of nonsmoking-related lung cancer (OR = 11.199, 95% CI = 1.444-86.862; OR = 2.831, 95% CI = 1.000136-8.015). In addition, the number of nodules was higher in subjects with family history of lung cancer in comparison with subjects without family history of lung cancer (OR = 1.309, 95% CI = 1.066-1.607). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, risk-based prediction model based on the family history of lung cancer and female gender can potentially improve efficiency of lung cancer screening programs in Taiwan.

Removal of micropollutants from municipal wastewater by graphene adsorption and simultaneous electrocoagulation/electrofiltration process.

In this work the optimal operating conditions for removing selected micropollutants (also known as emerging contaminants, ECs) from actual municipal wastewater by graphene adsorption (GA) and simultaneous electrocoagulation/electrofiltration (EC/EF) process, respectively, were first determined and evaluated. Then, performance and mechanisms for the removal of selected phthalates and pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewater simultaneously by the GA and EC/EF process were further assessed. ECs of concern included di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), acetaminophen (ACE), caffeine (CAF), cefalexin (CLX) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). It was found that GA plus EC/EF process yielded the following removal efficiencies: DnBP, 89 ± 2%; DEHP, 85 ± 3%; ACE, 99 ± 2%; CAF, 94 ± 3%; CLX, 100 ± 0%; and SMX, 98 ± 2%. Carbon adsorption, size exclusion, electrostatic repulsion, electrocoagulation, and electrofiltration were considered as the main mechanisms for the removal of target ECs by the integrated process indicated above.

The Experience of Cancer Stigma in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study of Female Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Taiwan. Because the causes of cancer are often difficult to identify, a diagnosis of cancer is occasionally attributed to karma and the concept of stigma. These feelings lead to a life predicament, and stigma influences these perceptions. OBJECTIVE: This study intended to understand how stigma is formed in the disease-related experiences of women with cancer. METHODS: Ten participants were interviewed at the time of a confirmed diagnosis of advanced cancer and completed cancer treatment with regular follow-up after treatment, and all subjects underwent 2-3 interviews. The number of interviews conducted was determined by data saturation. A content analysis method was used. RESULTS: The stigma of cancer includes the concepts of "cancer equals death", including the feeling of death approaching and an awareness of disease severity. "Cancer equals menace to social life" suggests that social life is affected and includes other individuals' uncomfortable attitudes toward cancer (shame, sympathy, pity, suffering, and over-cautiousness) and external physical changes. "Cancer equals cancer-ridden life" includes being sensitive to the topics of death and calculating the number of remaining survival days. CONCLUSIONS: The process from early diagnosis to the decision to receive treatment is complicated for patients with cancer. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the stigma of diagnosis significantly affects patients. Regarding social stereotypes, educating the public to resolve individuals' negative responses to cancer and further convey social and public information to women in society is necessary.

Removal of phthalates and pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewater by graphene adsorption process.

In this work graphene was used for evaluation of its adsorption behavior and performance in removing phthalate esters and pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), acetaminophen (ACE), caffeine (CAF), cephalexin (CLX), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) were emerging contaminants (ECs) with detection frequencies over 92% in a one-year monitoring of the occurrence of ECs in influent samples of a sewage treatment plant in Taiwan. Thus, these ECs were selected as the target contaminants for removal by graphene adsorption process. Experimental results showed that the adsorption isotherm data were fitted well to Langmuir model equation. It was also found that the adsorption process obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. A graphene dosage of 0.1 g/L and adsorption time of 12 h were found to be the optimal operating conditions for the ECs of concern in model solutions in a preliminary study. By using the determined optimal operating conditions for removal of such ECs in actual municipal wastewater, removal efficiencies for various ECs were obtained and given as follows: (1) DnBP, 89%, (2) DEHP, 86%, (3) ACE, 43%, (4) CAF, 84%, (5) CLX, 81%, and (6) SMX, 34%.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Demoralization and Depression in Patients With Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization is a psychological response that is frequently observed in patients with cancer or advanced diseases. Depression and demoralization syndrome in patients with cancer are closely related to suicidal behavior. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors affecting demoralization of patients with cancer from a depression perspective, to assist with distinguishing patient emotions and provide appropriate intervention as early as possible, thereby enabling patients to receive proper care. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was employed in this study. The databases included Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane, PubMed/ MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Centre for European Policy Studies, and reference lists of articles. Experts in this field also were contacted. Based on inclusion criteria, 2 investigators selected the research and reviewed each study's quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Five correlational studies with 32 subjects were identified. RESULTS: The countries of studies included Australia, Germany, Taiwan, and the United States. There was a statistically significant difference in depression between patients with cancer in the high-demoralization group and those of the low-demoralization group (odds ratio = 9.65, 95% CI: 6.99-13.33, Z = 15.002, p < 0.0001). Four studies regarded demoralization and depression as distinguishable. CONCLUSIONS: The demoralization of patients with cancer was highly correlated with depression. Therefore, the suicide risk of demoralized patients without depression must also be assessed to prevent patients with high suicide risk from being neglected. If medical staff can perceive patient's demoralization issues earlier, they can more effectively prevent patients' depression from occurring, which benefits suicide prevention.

Research on the Mechanism and Material Basis of Corn (Zea mays L.) Waste Regulating Dyslipidemia.

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an essential gramineous food crop. Traditionally, corn wastes have primarily been used in feed, harmless processing, and industrial applications. Except for corn silk, these wastes have had limited medicinal uses. However, in recent years, scholars have increasingly studied the medicinal value of corn wastes, including corn silk, bracts, husks, stalks, leaves, and cobs. Hyperlipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid and/or lipoprotein levels in the blood, is the most common form of dyslipidemia today. It is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases if severe. According to the authors' literature survey, corn wastes play a promising role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. This article reviews the mechanisms and material basis of six different corn wastes in regulating dyslipidemia, aiming to provide a foundation for the research and development of these substances.

[Using logotherapy to relieve death anxiety in a patient with recurrent cancer: a nursing experience].

We used logotherapy concepts to manage the mental impact of recurrent cancer on a patient. The patient had received radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma approximately one year prior to the March 9th - April 21st, 2011 nursing care period. The authors interacted with the patient during the care period via personal observation and telephone interview. Patient data was also collected from medical staff. Integral nursing assessment disclosed that the patient faced several major nursing issues, including death anxiety, pain, and sleep disturbance. This report describes how logotherapy was utilized to enable the patient better understand his condition and ultimately allow him to identify and pursue renewed meaning and happiness in life. Logotherapy helped alleviate the death anxiety caused by recurrent cancer and helped the patient self-reconfirm the meaning of life.

The impact of end-stage kidney disease on mortality in patients after acute myocardial infarction: A nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on mortality in patients with first-time acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: This was a retrospective nationwide cohort study. Patients diagnosed with first-time AMI between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, were included. All patients were followed-up until death or December 31, 2012, whichever occurred first. A one-to-one propensity score matching technique was used to match patients with ESKD to those without ESKD of similar sex, age, comorbidities, and coronary intervention (including percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] and coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]). Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curves were constructed to compare AMI patients with and without ESKD. RESULTS: A total of 186 112 patients were enrolled and 8056 patients with ESKD were identified. Propensity score matched 8056 patients without ESKD were included in the comparison. Overall, the 12-year mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with ESKD than in those without ESKD (log-rank p < 0.0001), including the sex, age, and PCI and CABG subgroups. In Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis, ESKD was an independent risk factor for mortality after patients suffered from first-time AMI (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.70-1.84; p < 0.0001). A forest plot for subgroup analysis revealed that in AMI patients, ESKD had a higher impact on mortality in male; younger age; without comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and receiving PCI and CABG subgroups. CONCLUSION: ESKD significantly increases the mortality risk in patients with first-time AMI, including both sexes, different ages, and whether PCI or CABG was performed. In patients with AMI, ESKD has a high impact on mortality in male, younger age, without comorbidities, and those undergoing PCI and CABG.