Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: The non-stress test (NST) is one of the most common tests used to assess fetal well-being. The NST, based on the evaluation of a fetus's oxygenation status, is widely used because it is non-invasive and easy to interpret.

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the effect of music listened to by pregnant women during the NST on their test results and anxiety levels.

Methods: This randomized controlled study included 110 multiparous pregnant women. Of them, 55 were in the intervention group and 55 were in the control group. The pregnant women in the intervention group listened to music during the NST procedure. The data were collected using the Pregnant Woman Information Form and the NST Follow-up. The form was developed based on pertinent literature, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure the state anxiety levels of pregnant women before and after the NST procedure.

Results: It was observed that music increased the acceleration number and reactive NST ratio of pregnant women and reduced their anxiety levels.

Conclusions: It is recommended that midwives/nurses should play music in the follow-up and care of pregnant women in the clinic and NST polyclinic.

Objective: Exploring the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI).

Methods: Eighty patients with post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence, who were admitted to Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji University from November 2021 to November 2022, were randomly divided into a TENS group and a PFMT group. The PFMT group received pelvic floor muscle training, while the TENS group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training. The bladder elevation, urodynamic parameters, pelvic floor muscle strength, treatment outcomes, and treatment efficacy were compared between the two groups of patients after treatment.

Results: In the TENS group, the bladder elevation time was shorter and the elevation speed was higher compared with the PFMT group. The TENS group also showed higher values of Qmax, MCC, MUCP, and VLPP than the PFMT group. Furthermore, the TENS group had lower total scores of ICI-Q-SF and less urine pad usage at 72 hours compared with the PFMT group. The treatment efficacy in the TENS group was higher than that in the PFMT group.

Conclusion: The combination of TENS and PFMT in PRPUI (Primary Recurrent Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Urinary Incontinence) patients can effectively build up the speed of bladder base elevation, reduce the elevation time, enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, improve patients' urodynamic parameters and urinary incontinence symptoms, and optimize treatment outcomes.

Objective: To explore the relationship between controlling the development of H-type hypertension and the effectiveness of precision prevention of cardiovascular risk.

Methods: 518 patients with essential hypertension with hyperhomocysteinemia diagnosed in December 2019 to February 2020 in Qingyuan District Public Hospital were recruited as the experimental sample for prospective analysis and were equally divided into control and experimental groups according to their order of admission, i.e., 259 patients in each group. The control group was treated with antihypertensive drugs only, while the experimental group was given enalapril folic acid tablets (0.8 mg/d) and vitamin B once daily in addition to antihypertensive drugs, and then monitored for plasma Hcy levels, cardiovascular event rates, and survival at one year.

Results: After treatment, the plasma Hcy levels of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .001). During treatment, the total incidence of cardiovascular disease in the experimental group was less than that in the control group (P < .05). One year after the end of treatment, the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease in the control group was higher than that in the experimental group (P < .05).

Conclusion: It is worthwhile to promote the use of targeted management of patients with H-type hypertension to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, improve Hcy levels, and stabilize blood pressure levels in patients.

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism commonly arises in individuals with end-stage kidney disease, especially those who undergo maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This study investigated strategies and effectiveness of nursing interventions in MHD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism complications.

Methodology: This study is a retrospective analysis conducted at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command. From June 2021 to June 2023, 212 patients undergoing MHD were selected for the study. They were divided into 2 groups based on their parathyroid hormone levels: a hyperthyroidism group and a standard group. Within the hyperthyroidism group, participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (CG), which received routine nursing, or the observation group (OG), which received targeted nursing. The study assessed several primary outcome measures, including patient risk factors, nursing satisfaction, psychological status, quality of life, treatment compliance, and nutritional indexes.

Results: Significant disparities existed in the age, diabetes presence, pulse pressure, duration of dialysis, and levels of creatinine, C-reactive protein, phosphorus, triglyceride, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus product between the hyperthyroidism and the standard group. The duration of dialysis, presence of diabetes, C-reactive protein, and blood phosphorus were identified as independent risk factors for maintaining secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Overall satisfaction with nursing care and compliance with treatment were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the CG. Following nursing care, the scores on the Self-rating Anxiety Scale and the Self-rating Depression Scale were substantially lower in the OG compared to the CG. After nursing care, the biochemical indicators were lower, the nutritional indicators were higher, and the quality of life scores were significantly improved in the OG compared to the CG.

Conclusion: Targeted nursing interventions in the care of hemodialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism enhanced serological markers, alleviated negative emotions, and improved patients' quality of life and nutritional status.

Jiedu Tongluo (JDTL) Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula containing three herbal ingredients. It is widely used to treat myocardial fibrosis (MF). This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of JDTL Decoction's effect on MF. In this study, 6 compounds of JDTL Decoction were identified by HPLC. HE and Masson staining showed that in the isoproterenol hydrochloride-induced MF rat model, JDTL treatment can protect the myocardial structure and inhibit the expression of collagen III. The immunohistochemistry results also showed that JDTL treatment can significantly reduce vimentin and α-SMA expression, TGF-β1 expression, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in the rat MF model. RCF, a rat cardiac fibroblast cell line, was used as a tool for in vitro study. Using the methods of hydroxyproline detection, MTT, wound healing test, western blot, and double immunofluorescence staining, our in vitro study confirmed the inhibitory effects of JDTL Decoction on proliferation, migration, and trans-difference ability of RCF cells, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of JDTL Decoction, including the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway through down-regulation of TGF-β1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 as well as the inhibition of the expression of vimentin and α-SMA. In conclusion, JDTL Decoction can prolong the process of myocardial fibrosis through the inhibition of the TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an Objectives and Key Results (OKR)-based nursing intervention in enhancing the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Methods: Between July and December 2021, 180 inpatients who attended the Department of Gastroenterology, Dongtai Hospital, Nantong University, had their first colonoscopy and were able to complete bowel preparation and perform colonoscopy, and met the inclusion criteria of this study, were selected as study subjects. The 180 inpatients were divided into a control group (n=90, receiving conventional care) and a research group (n=90, managed with specialist care quality standards in addition to conventional care) using a random number table to compare the pass rate of bowel preparation cecum insertion rate, compliance rate, patient satisfaction and incidence of adverse reactions.

Results: The research group had higher rates of successful bowel preparation, appendiceal intubation, adenoma detection, compliance, and patient satisfaction than the control group (P < .05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the research group was lower than in the control group (P < .05).

Conclusion: Implementing OKR-based nursing interventions in bowel preparation protocols significantly enhances patient outcomes and satisfaction, suggesting its widespread adoption in gastroenterology practices.

Objective: This study aimed to search and analyze relevant evidence on perioperative activities in patients undergoing hepatectomy and provide a summary of the best evidence available.

Methods: Comprehensive computer searches were conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, BMJ Best Practice, Joanna Briggs Institute, Evidence-Based Health Care Centre Database, US Guidelines Network, UK National Institute of Clinical Medicine, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, International Guidelines Association Network, New Zealand Clinical Practice Guidelines Network, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from January 30, 2022 to December 30, 2023. The search included guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, and original research closely related to the evidence.

Results: A total of 11 pieces of evidence were included, consisting of 2 guidelines, 2 expert consensuses, 1 evidence summary, 1 systematic review, and 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). From these, five pieces of best evidence were identified.

Conclusions: The evidence from the included studies collectively indicates that well-planned perioperative activities are safe and beneficial for patients undergoing hepatectomy. Furthermore, high-quality local guidelines have been established in China, suggesting that healthcare professionals can adopt these practices to accelerate patient recovery and enhance the quality of clinical care.

Background: Oral health problems often occur in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the incidences of dental caries and gingivitis increase as blood glucose (BG) levels rise. This work compared caries and gingival status of patients with T2D and healthy children to improve the understanding and attention of patients with T2D to oral health.

Methods: Clinical data of 60 patients with T2D under the age of 10 from May 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected and assigned to the diabetes group. Those 60 healthy children with the same physical examination were collected and assigned to the healthy group. Children in both groups underwent periodontal examination, dental caries examination, and gingival index examination. The prevalence, decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT), caries average (CA), plaque index (PI), gingival crevicular bleeding index (GCBI), attachment loss (AL), and tooth looseness (TL) were observed and compared.

Results: The prevalence of dental plaque (DP) (91.67%) and moderate to severe DP (45%) in the diabetes group was much higher based on those in the healthy group (73.33% and 23.33%) [1.25, 95% CI (0.96, 1.63), P < .001]. The prevalence of caries and CA was greatly higher in the diabetes group (75% vs. 21.67%, 2.88 vs. 1.06), and the incidence of gingivitis was higher (63.33% vs. 16.67%) [1.93, 95% CI (1.38, 2.70), P < .001]. Meanwhile, the diabetes group exhibited much higher PI (2.31 ± 0.13), GCBI (2.45 ± 0.28), AL (5.62 ± 0.47 mm), and TL (0.85 ± 0.17 mm) and exhibited obvious difference to those in the healthy group (0.92 ± 0.21, 0.86 ± 0.23, 1.65 ± 0.46mm, 0.36 ± 0.08 mm) [3.46, 95% CI (2.33, 5.15), P < .001].

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis in patients with T2D was higher than those in healthy children. Based on these findings, it is suggested that patients with T2D should be educated and encouraged to prioritize their oral health. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and preventive measures, such as professional cleanings and fluoride treatments, should be emphasized. Maintaining optimal blood glucose control is also crucial, as it may help reduce the risk and severity of oral health complications associated with diabetes.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combining a hepatoprotective formula with entecavir and continuous nursing in improving treatment outcomes for patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Methods: This study included 80 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to December 2022. These patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. Patients in the experimental group received a hepatoprotective formula consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Schisandra chinensis, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, along with the antiviral drug entecavir and continuous nursing, while patients in the control group received only entecavir and routine care. Outcome measures during the study included clinical efficacy, liver function indicators (ALT, AST), coagulation function indicators (PT, TT), traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores (to track changes in symptoms like rib pain and abdominal distension), treatment compliance, and quality of life. These measures provided a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic effects, covering both Western medical and traditional Chinese medicine perspectives.

Results: The total effective rate in the experimental group was 92.5%, significantly higher than the 77.5% in the control group (P < .05). Liver function significantly improved in the experimental group, with mean ALT decreasing from 128.4 U/L at baseline to 49.2 U/L after treatment, and mean AST decreasing from 102.6 U/L to 41.8 U/L (both P < .01). Coagulation function also showed greater improvements, with mean PT decreasing from 19.2 s to 14.8 s and mean TT decreasing from 22.4 s to 17.5 s in the experimental group (both P < .01), compared to more modest changes in the control group. Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores for rib pain and abdominal distension decreased by 75% and 80% respectively in the experimental group, indicating significant relief of these symptoms. Patient treatment compliance was 95% in the experimental group versus 82% in the control group. Quality of life scores improved by 28% in the experimental group compared to 15% in the control group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a comprehensive treatment approach combining a traditional Chinese medicine-based hepatoprotective formula with Western antiviral therapy and continuous nursing care can provide significantly greater benefits for patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis compared to antiviral therapy alone. The experimental group showed superior outcomes across multiple measures, including liver function, coagulation status, traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, treatment compliance, and quality of life. These findings suggest that integrating a herbal hepatoprotective formula into the standard of care for hepatitis B cirrhosis may be a valuable strategy to impro

Background: The intrauterine device is the most commonly used female contraceptive device, but the related complications of intrauterine devices are also common. Sometimes, intrauterine devices can cause uterine perforation, migrating into the abdominal cavity or other organs. At the same time, the intrauterine device may break into several small segments, migrate to distant organs, and even cause misdiagnosis.

Objective: This study assessed the role of laparoscopy in treating intrauterine device migration.

Design: This was a retrospective study involving in a review of a single case.

Setting: This study was conducted at Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University.

Participants: This study focued on a single case acout a 64-year-old female patient presented with repeated painless gross hematuria. She had a history of placing an intrauterine device and "removed the intrauterine device" in a local hospital for 20 years.

Interventions: Laparoscopic ureterectomy was chosen based on the specific findings from the computerized tomography scan and cystoscopy. Abdominal computerized tomography showed high-density foreign body under the abdominal wall, size 2.29×0.51 cm, showed signs of edema in the surrounding tissue, and it was connected to the bladder wall. High-density lesions in the urachus and urachus calculi were considered. Cystoscopy showed the bubble position on the top of the bladder was depressed, a dark foreign body seemed to be seen inside, and the local mucosa was congested. The urachus foreign body, the urachus stone, was considered.

Results: Computerized tomography examination showed a high-density space-occupying lesion at the position of the bladder and urachus tube. Cystoscopy showed local congestion at the top of the bladder, like urachus and dark foreign bodies, and no obvious abnormality in other parts of the bladder. Laparoscopy showed the urachus position was congested and edema, with local adhesion of the greater omentum and foreign bodies. The foreign bodies and surrounding tissues were removed by laparoscopic ureterectomy. Pathology showed tubular tissue, metal and plastic foreign bodies, fibrous tissue proliferation, and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration around the foreign bodies.

Conclusion: The intrauterine device is a common contraceptive tool, and intrauterine device rupture and migration are normal. Migration to rare locations can lead to misdiagnosis. It can be removed by endoscopy, and combined with imaging and pathological examination, a correct diagnosis can finally be obtained. The patients should be advised to undergo regular check-ups after the procedure. These cases may provide diagnostic reference for similar symptoms of intrauterine device migration.