Effects of integrated nursing and psychological intervention on pain relief and patient satisfaction in urinary calculi patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact of integrated nursing and psychological intervention on pain intensity and patient satisfaction in individuals with urinary calculi. METHODS: This retrospective study included 94 urological patients from the Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, between January 2020 and June 2022. Participants were divided into a control group (n=48), receiving routine nursing and psychological intervention, and a study group (n=46), receiving integrated nursing and psychological intervention. We compared pain intensity, pain relief rate, patient satisfaction, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, and quality of life scores between the groups. RESULTS: The study group had shorter hospital stays and lower hospitalization costs than the control group (both P < 0.05). Pain relief and satisfaction rates were higher in the study group (both P < 0.05). Post-intervention, both groups showed significant reductions in NRS, PSQI, SDS, and SAS scores, with greater reductions in the study group (all P < 0.05). Quality of life scores increased in both groups, more so in the SG (P < 0.05). The study group also had fewer adverse events (P < 0.05). Both groups showed decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels post-intervention, with a more significant decline in the study group (P < 0.05). Education, marital status, and occupation were major factors influencing outcomes in urinary calculi patients. CONCLUSION: Integrated nursing and psychological intervention significantly alleviates pain, improves emotional well-being, enhances sleep quality, increases overall life quality, and contributes to high patient satisfaction among urinary calculi patients.

Blocking OLFM4/galectin-3 axis in placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells triggers intestinal inflammation in newborns.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of premature and low-weight births, which increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); however, the association remains unclear. We report a close correlation between placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and NEC. Newborns with previous FGR exhibited intestinal inflammation and more severe NEC symptoms than healthy newborns. Placental PMN-MDSCs are vital regulators of fetal development and neonatal gut inflammation. Placental single-cell transcriptomics revealed that PMN-MDSCs populations and olfactomedin-4 gene (Olfm4) expression levels were significantly increased in PMN-MDSCs in later pregnancy compared to those in early pregnancy and non-pregnant females. Female mice lacking Olfm4 in myeloid cells mated with wild-type males showed FGR during pregnancy, with a decreased placental PMN-MDSCs population and expression of growth-promoting factors (GPFs) from placental PMN-MDSCs. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) stimulated the OLFM4-mediated secretion of GPFs by placental PMN-MDSCs. Moreover, GPF regulation via OLFM4 in placental PMN-MDSCs was mediated via hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Notably, the offspring of mothers lacking Olfm4 exhibited intestinal inflammation and were susceptible to NEC. Additionally, OLFM4 expression decreased in placental PMN-MDSCs from pregnancies with FGR and was negatively correlated with neonatal morbidity. These results revealed that placental PMN-MDSCs contributed to fetal development and ameliorate newborn intestinal inflammation.

Upregulated Tß4 expression in inflammatory bowel disease impairs the intestinal mucus barrier by inhibiting autophagy in mice.

Disrupted intestinal barrier homeostasis is fundamental to inflammatory bowel disease. Thymosin ß4 (Tß4) improves inflammation and has beneficial effects in dry-eye diseases, but its effects on the intestinal mucus barrier remain unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the underlying regulatory mechanisms and effects of Tß4 by examining Tß4 expression in a mouse model with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and colonic barrier damage. Additionally, we intraperitoneally injected C57BL/6 mice with Tß4 to assess barrier function, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3II) protein expression, and autophagy. Finally, normal human colon tissue and colon carcinoma cells (Caco2) were cultured to verify Tß4-induced barrier function and autophagy changes. Mucin2 levels decreased, microbial infiltration increased, and Tß4 expression increased in the colitis mouse model versus the control mice, indicating mucus barrier damage. Moreover, Tß4-treated C57BL/6 mice had damaged intestinal mucus barriers and decreased LC3II levels. Tß4 also inhibited colonic mucin2 production, disrupted tight junctions, and downregulated autophagy; these results were confirmed in Caco2 cells and normal human colon tissue. In summary, Tß4 may be implicated in colitis by compromising the integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibiting autophagy. Thus, Tß4 could be a new diagnostic marker for intestinal barrier defects.

Nutritional screening and assessment tools for patients with cirrhosis based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is highly prevalent and associated with complications and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Patients with cirrhosis were screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, the Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool and the Skeletal Muscle Index. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and consistency with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria results were calculated. We also analysed the association between nutritional status and short-term prognosis. RESULTS: We enrolled 125 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 59.20% and 60.00% were malnourished based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria and Skeletal Muscle Index. Some 53.60% and 65.60%, respectively, were classified medium-to-high nutritional risk by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and the Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool. The Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool had the best predictive value, and it was more sensitive and had a better negative predictive value than the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Tool. The Skeletal Muscle Index also had good sensitivity and predictive value. The Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool, Skeletal Muscle Index and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria showed high concordance. The 3- and 6-month mortality rates were significantly higher for patients with moderate-to-high nutritional risk or malnutrition, regardless of the tool. CONCLUSIONS: When assessing cirrhosis with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, the Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool is best for nutritional screening and the Skeletal Muscle Index is also a good nutritional assessment tool.

Transcriptome and miRNAs Profiles Reveal Regulatory Network and Key Regulators of Secondary Xylem Formation in "84K" Poplar.

Secondary xylem produced by stem secondary growth is the main source of tree biomass and possesses great economic and ecological value in papermaking, construction, biofuels, and the global carbon cycle. The secondary xylem formation is a complex developmental process, and the underlying regulatory networks and potential mechanisms are still under exploration. In this study, using hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa clone 84K) as a model system, we first ascertained three representative stages of stem secondary growth and then investigated the regulatory network of secondary xylem formation by joint analysis of transcriptome and miRNAs. Notably, 7507 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 55 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified from stage 1 without initiating secondary growth to stage 2 with just initiating secondary growth, which was much more than those identified from stage 2 to stage 3 with obvious secondary growth. DEGs encoding transcription factors and lignin biosynthetic enzymes and those associated with plant hormones were found to participate in the secondary xylem formation. MiRNA-target analysis revealed that a total of 85 DEMs were predicted to have 2948 putative targets. Among them, PagmiR396d-PagGRFs, PagmiR395c-PagGA2ox1/PagLHW/PagSULTR2/PagPolyubiquitin 1, PagmiR482d-PagLAC4, PagmiR167e-PagbHLH62, and PagmiR167f/g/h-PagbHLH110 modules were involved in the regulating cambial activity and its differentiation into secondary xylem, cell expansion, secondary cell wall deposition, and programmed cell death. Our results give new insights into the regulatory network and mechanism of secondary xylem formation.

The transcription factor CsS40 negatively regulates TCS1 expression and caffeine biosynthesis in connection to leaf senescence in Camellia sinensis.

Caffeine is considered as one of the most important bioactive components in the popular plant beverages tea, cacao, and coffee, but as a wide-spread plant secondary metabolite its biosynthetic regulation at transcription level remains largely unclear. Here, we report a novel transcription factor Camellia sinensis Senescnece 40 (CsS40) as a caffeine biosynthesis regulator, which was discovered during screening a yeast expression library constructed from tea leaf cDNAs for activation of tea caffeine synthase (TCS1) promoter. Besides multiple hits of the non-self-activation CsS40 clones that bound to and activated TCS1 promoter in yeast-one-hybrid assays, a split-luciferase complementation assay demonstrated that CsS40 acts as a transcription factor to activate the CsTCS1 gene and EMSA assay also demonstrated that CsS40 bound to the TCS1 gene promoter. Consistently, immunofluorescence data indicated that CsS40-GFP fusion was localized in the nuclei of tobacco epidermal cells. The expression pattern of CsS40 in 'Fuding Dabai' developing leaves was opposite to that of TCS1; and knockdown and overexpression of CsS40 in tea leaf calli significantly increased and decreased TCS1 expression levels, respectively. The expression levels of CsS40 were also negatively correlated to caffeine accumulation in developing leaves and transgenic calli of 'Fuding Dabai'. Furthermore, overexpression of CsS40 reduced the accumulation of xanthine and hypoxanthine in tobacco plants, meanwhile, increased their susceptibility to aging. CsS40 expression in tea leaves was also induced by senescence-promoting hormones and environmental factors. Taken together, we showed that a novel senescence-related factor CsS40 negatively regulates TCS1 and represses caffeine accumulation in tea cultivar 'Fuding Dabai'. The study provides new insights into caffeine biosynthesis regulation by a plant-specific senescence regulator in tea plants in connection to leaf senescence and hormone signaling.

Economic evaluation of bailing capsules for patients with diabetic nephropathy in China.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a major microvascular complication and the main cause of end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients. The therapeutic effects of Bailing capsules for diabetic nephropathy have already been demonstrated; however, the cost-effectiveness of Bailing capsules remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Bailing capsules combined with Western medicine compared with Western medicine alone in diabetic nephropathy from a Chinese healthcare system perspective. Methods: A Markov model was established to simulate the disease process of patients over a 20-year period. Clinical efficacy data were obtained from a meta-analysis, and transition probability was estimated based on microsimulation. Direct costs and utility values were collected from the Chinese Drug Bidding Database (https://www.shuju.menet.com.cn) and published literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was measured, and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to observe model stability. Results: A total of 34 randomized controlled trials involving 3,444 patients with diabetic nephropathy were selected for the meta-analysis. Compared to Western medicine alone, the addition of Bailing capsules resulted in an increase of 0.39 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and additional costs of Chinese Yuan (CNY) 24,721, yielding an ICER of CNY 63,001 per QALY gained. The ICER was lower than the threshold of willingness-to-pay of CNY 80,976 (The GDP per Capita in China). The reliability and stability of the results were confirmed by the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion: We found that Bailing capsules may be a cost-effective treatment choice for patients with diabetic nephropathy in the Chinese population.

Understanding workplace violence against medical staff in China: a retrospective review of publicly available reports.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against medical staff in China is a widespread problem that has negative impacts on medical service delivery. The study aimed to contribute to the prevention of workplace violence against medical staff in China by identifying patterns of workplace violence, key risk factors, and the interplay of risk factors that result in workplace violence. METHODS: Ninety-seven publicly reported Chinese healthcare violent incidents from late 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively collected from the internet and analysed using content analysis. A modified socio-ecological model guided analysis of the violent incidents focusing on risk. RESULTS: Physical violence, yinao, or a combination of physical and verbal violence were the typical forms of violence reported. The findings identified risk at all levels. Individual level risk factors included service users' unreasonable expectations, limited health literacy, mistrust towards medical staff, and inadequacy of medical staff's communication during the medical encounter. Organisational level risk factors under the purview of hospital management included problems with job design and service provision system, inadequacies with environmental design, security measures, and violence response mechanisms within hospitals. Societal level risk factors included lack of established medical dispute-handling mechanisms, problems in legislation, lack of trust and basic health literacy among service users. Situational level risks were contingent on risk factors on the other levels: individual, organisational, and societal. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions at individual, situational, organisational, and societal levels are needed to systematically address workplace violence against medical staff in China. Specifically, improving health literacy can empower patients, increase trust in medical staff and lead to more positive user experiences. Organizational-level interventions include improving human resource management and service delivery systems, as well as providing training on de-escalation and violence response for medical staff. Addressing risks at the societal level through legislative changes and health reforms is also necessary to ensure medical staff safety and improve medical care in China.

Mixed stitching interferometry with correction from one-dimensional profile measurements for high-precision X-ray mirrors.

This work presents a mixed stitching interferometry method with correction from one-dimensional profile measurements. This method can correct the error of stitching angles among different subapertures using the relatively accurate one-dimensional profiles of the mirror, e.g., provided by the contact profilometer. The measurement accuracy is simulated and analyzed. The repeatability error is decreased by averaging multiple measurements of the one-dimensional profile and using multiple profiles at different measurement positions. Finally, the measurement result of an elliptical mirror is presented and compared with the global algorithm-based stitching, and the error of the original profiles is reduced to one-third. This result shows that this method can effectively suppress the accumulation of stitching angle errors in classic global algorithm-based stitching. The accuracy of this method can be further improved by using high-precision one-dimensional profile measurements such as the nanometer optical component measuring machine (NOM).

Genome-Wide Investigation and Functional Analysis Reveal That CsKCS3 and CsKCS18 Are Required for Tea Cuticle Wax Formation.

Cuticular wax is a complex mixture of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and their derivatives that constitute a natural barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses on the aerial surface of terrestrial plants. In tea plants, leaf cuticular wax also contributes to the unique flavor and quality of tea products. However, the mechanism of wax formation in tea cuticles is still unclear. The cuticular wax content of 108 germplasms (Niaowang species) was investigated in this study. The transcriptome analysis of germplasms with high, medium, and low cuticular wax content revealed that the expression levels of CsKCS3 and CsKCS18 were strongly associated with the high content of cuticular wax in leaves. Hence, silencing CsKCS3 and CsKCS18 using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) inhibited the synthesis of cuticular wax and caffeine in tea leaves, indicating that expression of these genes is necessary for the synthesis of cuticular wax in tea leaves. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of cuticular wax formation in tea leaves. The study also revealed new candidate target genes for further improving tea quality and flavor and cultivating high-stress-resistant tea germplasms.

Assisted reproductive technology and interactions between serum basal FSH/LH and ovarian sensitivity index.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)/LH (Luteinizing hormone) ratio correlates with ovarian response in a cross-sectional retrospective study of a population with normal levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with data obtained from medical records from March 2019 to December 2019 at the reproductive center in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. The Spearmans correlation test evaluated correlations between Ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) and other parameters. The relationship between basal FSH/LH and ovarian response was analyzed using smoothed curve fitting to find the threshold or saturation point for the population with mean AMH level (1.1

Prosocial behavior predicts meaning in life during the COVID-19 pandemic: The longitudinal mediating role of perceived social support.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unexpected, long-term negative event. Meaning in life has been linked to better psychological adjustment to such events. The current study uses longitudinal data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic to discover whether perceived social support mediates the relationship between six dimensions of prosocial behavior (Altruistic, Anonymous, Public, Compliant, Emotional, and Dire) and meaning in life. A sample of Chinese college students (N = 514) was tracked at three time points (T1, T2, and T3) during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used for mediation analysis. The mediation effect was found in all the dimensions of prosocial behavior except for Public prosocial behavior. We also found a longitudinal, bidirectional association between perceived social support and meaning in life. The current study contributes to the growing literature on the significance of prosocial behavior in predicting meaning in life.

Characterization of the error of the speckle-based wavefront metrology device at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

A metrology device based on the near-field speckle technique was developed in the x-ray test beamline at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility to meet the at-wavelength detection requirements of ultra-high-precision optical elements. Different sources of error that limit the uncertainty of the instrument were characterized. Two main factors that contribute to the uncertainty of the measurements were investigated: (1) noise errors introduced by the electronics and the errors introduced by the algorithm and (2) stability errors owing to environmental conditions. The results show that the high measurement stability of the device is realized because it is insensitive to the effect of the external environment. The repetition accuracy of the device achieved 9 nrad (rms) when measuring the planar mirror that produces weak phase curvature.

Mast cells disrupt the duodenal mucosal integrity: Implications for the mechanisms of barrier dysfunction in functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Mast cells (MCs) may play a critical role in the development of FD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MCs on barrier function, tight junction (TJ) proteins and related signaling pathways. METHODS: The expression of the TJ proteins claudin-8, ZO-1 and occludin in biopsy tissues from seven FD patients and five controls was assessed. Based on the in vivo results, we further investigated the effect of (1) MC degranulation in a coculture model of Caco-2/RBL-2H3 cells and tryptase in Caco-2 monolayers, (2) MC degranulation in the presence or absence of a PAR-2 antagonist and (3) MC degranulation in the presence or absence of an ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor. The epithelial integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The expression of TJ proteins was evaluated by western blotting, QT-PCR and immunostaining. RESULTS: Epithelial claudin-8, ZO-1 and occludin protein expression were significantly reduced in tissues from FD patients compared with controls. MC degranulation and tryptase decreased the TEER and reduced the expression of TJ proteins in Caco-2 cell monolayers. A PAR-2 antagonist and an ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor significantly reduced the effect of MC degranulation on the TEER and TJ protein expression in Caco-2 cell monolayers. CONCLUSIONS: MCs disrupt duodenal barrier function by modulating the levels of TJ proteins, and the PAR-2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways may mediate the pathogenesis of FD.

P2X7Rs: new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis.

Increasing evidence suggests that both the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis are associated with inflammation, especially in primary osteoporosis. The maintenance of skeletal homeostasis is dependent on the complex regulation of bone metabolism. Numerous evidence suggested that purinoceptor networks are essential for bone homeostasis. In this review, the relationship between inflammation and the development of osteoporosis and the role of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in regulating the dynamic regulation of bone reconstruction were covered. We also discussed how P2X7R regulates the balance between resorption and bone formation by osteoblasts and reviewed the relevance of P2X7R polymorphisms in skeletal physiology. Finally, we analyzed potential targets of P2X7R for osteoporosis.

The Regulation of Xylem Development by Transcription Factors and Their Upstream MicroRNAs.

Xylem, as a unique organizational structure of vascular plants, bears water transport and supports functions necessary for plant survival. Notably, secondary xylem in the stem (i.e., wood) also has important economic and ecological value. In view of this, the regulation of xylem development has been widely concerned. In recent years, studies on model plants Arabidopsis and poplar have shown that transcription factors play important regulatory roles in various processes of xylem development, including the directional differentiation of procambium and cambium into xylem, xylem arrangement patterns, secondary cell wall formation and programmed cell death. This review focuses on the regulatory roles of widely and thoroughly studied HD-ZIP, MYB and NAC transcription factor gene families in xylem development, and it also pays attention to the regulation of their upstream microRNAs. In addition, the existing questions in the research and future research directions are prospected.

Slab remnants beneath the Myanmar terrane evidencing double subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean.

Closure of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean is one of the most significant tectonic events of the Cenozoic, forming the longest continental collision belt on Earth and influencing global climate and biodiversity. However, whether late Mesozoic subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean occurred along one single or a double subduction system remains controversial. Here, upper mantle imaging from seismic tomography and waveform modeling in the Myanmar region reveals two prominent, parallel, slab-like structures with high seismic velocities that trend to the north-south and dip to the east. The western high-velocity zone has been observed previously and represents the modern subducting slab. The eastern zone has not been previously reported and exhibits high-velocity anomalies of 1.0 to 2.5% to a depth of ~300 km. This zone likely represents a remnant of another Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab that subducted ~40 million years ago. Double subduction of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean during the late Mesozoic to early Cenozoic requires reevaluation of previous tectonic models.

Awe and Prosocial Behavior: The Mediating Role of Presence of Meaning in Life and the Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support.

Although awe has been shown to increase prosocial behavior, there is limited knowledge about the mechanisms underlying this relationship, and about this relationship during unique periods. To bridge these gaps, this study examined the influence of awe on prosocial behaviors, the mediating role of the presence of meaning in life, and the moderating role of perceived social support. Based on longitudinal surveys from 676 Chinese college students we showed that: (1) awe was positively associated with prosocial behavior; (2) the presence of meaning in life mediated this association, and; (3) these associations were moderated by perceived social support. Specifically, the positive relationship between awe and the presence of meaning in life was only significant for college students with low perceived social support; and the positive relationship between the presence of meaning in life and prosocial behavior was stronger for college students with high perceived social support.

High-Resolution Computer Tomography Image Features of Lungs for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes under the Faster-Region Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm.

The objective of this study was to adopt the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) technology based on the faster-region recurrent convolutional neural network (Faster-RCNN) algorithm to evaluate the lung infection in patients with type 2 diabetes, so as to analyze the application value of imaging features in the assessment of pulmonary disease in type 2 diabetes. In this study, 176 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into different groups based on gender, course of disease, age, glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), 2 h C peptide (2 h C-P) after meal, fasting C peptide (FC-P), and complications. The research objects were performed with HRCT scan, and the Faster-RCNN algorithm model was built to obtain the imaging features. The relationships between HRCT imaging features and 2 h C-P, FC-P, HbA1c, gender, course of disease, age, and complications were analyzed comprehensively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in HRCT scores between male and female patients, patients of various ages, and patients with different HbA1c contents (P > 0.05). As the course of disease and complications increased, HRCT scores of patients increased obviously (P < 0.05). The HRCT score decreased dramatically with the increase in the contents of 2 h C-P and FC-P after the meal (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of the Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the course of disease and complications were positively correlated with the HRCT scores, while the 2 h C-P and FC-P levels after meal were negatively correlated with the HRCT scores. The receiver operating curve (ROC) showed that the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of HRCT imaging based on Faster-RCNN algorithm were 90.12%, 90.43%, and 83.64%, respectively, in diagnosing lung infection of patients with type 2 diabetes. In summary, the HRCT imaging features based on the Faster-RCNN algorithm can provide effective reference information for the diagnosis and condition assessment of lung infection in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Corrigendum: Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonist Alleviates Allergic Airway Inflammation via the Inhibition of ILC2 Function.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835953.].