[Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in ameliorating liver injury induced by DDP by regulating apoptosis factors Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on improving liver injury by observing the changes of cysteine protease (Caspase) associated with hepatocyte apoptosis based on cisplatin (DDP) induced liver injury model mice. METHODS: Forty KM mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, acupuncture group and moxibustion group, with 10 mice in each group. The liver injury model was replicated by intraperitoneal injection of DDP. In the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group, acupuncture and moxibustion were performed at"Dazhui"(GV14), and bilateral "Ganshu"(BL18), "Shenshu"(BL23), and "Zusanli"(ST36), respectively, once per day for 5 d. General condition of mice in each group were observed;The activities of AST, ALT and GLDH in mice serum were detected by biochemical method. ELISA and Western blot assay were used to detect Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 contents and protein expression in the liver tissues of each group of mice, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the general condition of the mice in the model group was poorer, and the Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 contents and protein expressions in liver tissues and the activities of AST, ALT and GLDH in serum were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general condition of the mice in the acupuncture and moxibustion groups improved, and the Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 contents and protein expressions in liver tissues and activities of AST, ALT and GLDH in serum were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce liver injury due to DDP chemotherapy by modulating the expression of apoptotic factors Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 in liver tissues of DDP model mice and improving liver function, which may be one of the mechanisms of the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to ameliorates liver injury after DDP chemotherapy.

[A primary exploration of nursing practicum during epidemics of major contagious diseases].

The purpose of this article was to investigate the issues related to nursing students' clinical practicum when severe contagious diseases occur. Based on the concept that patient-benefit must come first, the authors suggested that nursing students should remain on duty even if there were an outbreak of a severe contagious disease. The authors also discussed relevant issues in terms of professional roles and the safety of the learning environment. The problems identified and the proposed strategies for solving them are outlined in this article. There is no single strategy applicable to all conditions, however. Finally, the authors urge schools and hospitals to develop effective communications and close cooperation and to remain well informed about severe contagious diseases.

Faculty's perceptions of humanistic teaching in nursing baccalaureate programs.

In an attempt to investigate faculty's perceptions of humanistic teaching in nursing baccalaureate programs, a qualitative study was conducted by interviewing 10 faculty members (including one dean, and five associate deans) who all had experience in teaching nursing baccalaureate students. The participants were from five universities located in the southwestern, southeastern, and southern parts of the USA. The data were collected from 6/28-7/12, 2002. All the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was inductive, seeking understanding of individuals' perceptions. When a number of coded contexts were considered to have common elements, they were merged to form categories and presented as results. The findings showed that there are five essential elements in faculty's perceptions of humanistic teaching in nursing baccalaureate programs: availability, caring, authenticity, empowerment, and a transformative curriculum.