Factors Associated with Behaviors Toward End-of-life Care Among Chinese Oncology Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Xiaoyu Wu,Zhihuan Zhou,Yiheng Zhang,Xiaoyan Lin,Meng Zhang,Fulin Pu,Meifen Zhang 한국간호과학회 2021 Asian Nursing Research Vol.15 No.5

Purpose The goal of this study was to describe the current status of oncology nurses' behaviors toward end of life (EOL) care in China and to explore the factors associated with oncology nurses’ behaviors toward EOL care. Methods A cross-sectional design was applied and a convenience sample of 1038 oncology nurses from 22 grade A hospitals were recruited into this study. A general social demographic data questionnaire was administered, and the Chinese version of Nurses’ Behaviors of Caring for Dying Patients Scale was used to assess nurse behavior toward EOL care. The total score ranges from 40 to 200 points. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 software. Results Chinese oncology nurses' average score of holistic EOL care behaviors was 2.97 ± 0.59. Oncology nurses provide physical care most (3.81 ± 0.76), followed by family care (3.02 ± 0.86), and spiritual care (2.37 ± 0.67). Multiple regression analysis showed that a higher frequency of sharing EOL care experience with colleagues, in-service palliative care education, higher level of head nurse support for EOL patient care, more cases of EOL care, higher working position, and nurse's perceived high level of support were positively associated with behavior toward EOL care. These six factors explained 16.2% of the total variance. Conclusions The results may help provide a basis for converting behavior for EOL care among oncology nurses and design interventions to better improve quality of life for EOL patients with cancer in China. Purpose The goal of this study was to describe the current status of oncology nurses' behaviors toward end of life (EOL) care in China and to explore the factors associated with oncology nurses’ behaviors toward EOL care. Methods A cross-sectional design was applied and a convenience sample of 1038 oncology nurses from 22 grade A hospitals were recruited into this study. A general social demographic data questionnaire was administered, and the Chinese version of Nurses’ Behaviors of Caring for Dying Patients Scale was used to assess nurse behavior toward EOL care. The total score ranges from 40 to 200 points. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 software. Results Chinese oncology nurses' average score of holistic EOL care behaviors was 2.97 ± 0.59. Oncology nurses provide physical care most (3.81 ± 0.76), followed by family care (3.02 ± 0.86), and spiritual care (2.37 ± 0.67). Multiple regression analysis showed that a higher frequency of sharing EOL care experience with colleagues, in-service palliative care education, higher level of head nurse support for EOL patient care, more cases of EOL care, higher working position, and nurse's perceived high level of support were positively associated with behavior toward EOL care. These six factors explained 16.2% of the total variance. Conclusions The results may help provide a basis for converting behavior for EOL care among oncology nurses and design interventions to better improve quality of life for EOL patients with cancer in China.

Effect of Sn on Plastic Deformation Ability of Fe–Si–B–P–Sn bulk Metallic Glasses

Xiaoyu Wu,Xining Li,Xue Li,Shengli Li 대한금속·재료학회 2023 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.29 No.12

Fe-based bulk metallic glasses have the advantages of high strength and low coercivity. However, their plastic deformationability is negligible. Therefore, in this study, Sn was added to a Fe–Si–B–P bulk metallic glass matrix to study its influence onthe formation and plastic deformation ability of Fe–Si–B–P bulk metallic glasses. The results showed that the mixing enthalpyof Sn was less than that of Fe and other metal-like atoms, which caused Sn atoms to separate from Si-, B- and P-centeredclusters, resulting in metal-like clusters not occupying adjacent positions and the voids between clusters being occupied bySn atoms. With increasing Sn, the metal-metal bonds of the linked clusters increased and the macroscopic performance wasmanifested in an improvement in the plastic deformation ability. With 0.3 at% Sn addition, the alloy system showed the bestplastic deformation ability increasing from 0.7 to 2.2% and the yield strength of 3150 MPa.

Effects of the Helicobacter pylori Virulence Factor CagA and Ammonium Ion on Mucins in AGS Cells

Xiaoyu Zhang,Ding Shi,Yong-pan Liu,Wu-jie Chen,Dong Wu 연세대학교의과대학 2018 Yonsei medical journal Vol.59 No.5

Purpose: To investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-CagA and the urease metabolite NH4 + on mucin expression inAGS cells. Materials and Methods: AGS cells were transfected with CagA and/or treated with different concentrations of NH4CL. Mucingene and protein expression was assessed by qPCR and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. Results: CagA significantly upregulated MUC5AC, MUC2, and MUC5B expression in AGS cells, but did not affect E-cadherin andMUC6 expression. MUC5AC, MUC6, and MUC2 expression in AGS cells increased with increasing NH4 + concentrations untilreaching a peak level at 15 mM. MUC5B mRNA expression in AGS cells (NH4 + concentration of 15 mM) was significantly higherthan that at 0, 5, and 10 mM NH4 + . No changes in E-cadherin expression in AGS cells treated with NH4 + were noted, except at 20mM. The expression of MUC5AC, MUC2, and MUC6 mRNA in CagA-transfected AGS cells at an NH4 + concentration of 15 mM wassignificantly higher than that at 0 mM, and decreased at higher concentrations. The expression of MUC5B mRNA increased withincreases in NH4 + concentration, and was significantly higher compared to that in untreated cells. No significant change in the expressionof E-cadherin mRNA in CagA-transfected AGS cells was observed. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed the observedchanges. Conclusion: H. pylori may affect the expression of MUC5AC, MUC2, MUC5B, and MUC6 in AGS cells via CagA and/or NH4 + , butnot E-cadherin.

Piezoelectric properties of [Li0.03(K0.48Na0.52)0.97](Nb0.97Sb0.03)O3-(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Xiaoyu Chen,Jiagang Wu,Xiaojing Cheng,Bo Wu,Wenjuan Wu,Dingquan Xiao,Jianguo Zhu 한국물리학회 2012 Current Applied Physics Vol.12 No.3

[Li0.03(K0.48Na0.52)0.97](Nb0.97Sb0.03)O3-(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 [(1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ] lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid state method, and effects of BCTZ content on the piezoelectric properties of LKNNS ceramics were mainly investigated. A stable solid solution has been formed between LKNNS and BCTZ, and a morphotropic phase boundary of (1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics is identified in the range of 0 < x ≤ 0.02. The Curie temperature of (1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics decreases with increasing BCTZ content. A higher εr value and a lower tan d value are demonstrated for the (1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramic with x = 0.02. The (1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramic with x = 0.02 has an enhanced electrical behavior of d33w237 pC/N, kpw 48.6%, 3 rw1451, tan d w0.037, and Tcw335 ℃. As a result, (1-x)LKNNS-xBCTZ ceramics are promising candidate materials for the field of lead-free piezoelectric materials.

Decreased vitamin D-binding protein level portends poor outcome in acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by hepatitis B virus

Daxian Wu,Qunfang Rao,Zhongyang Xie,Xiaoqing Zhu,Jian Wu,Hainv Gao,Jingyu Zhang,Zhouhua Hou,Xiaoyu Cheng,Zeyu Sun 대한간학회 2022 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology(대한간학회지) Vol.28 No.4

Background/Aims: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a catastrophic illness. Few studies investigated the prognostic value of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) resulted in conflicting results. Methods: Two prospective HBV-ACLF cohorts (n=287 and n=119) were enrolled to assess and validate the prognostic performance of VDBP. Results: VDBP levels in the non-survivors were significantly lower than in the survivors (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that VDBP was an independent prognostic factor for HBV-ACLF. The VDBP level at admission gradually decreased as the number of failed organs increased (P<0.001), and it was closely related to coagulation failure. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of the Child-Pugh-VDBP and chronic liver failuresequential organ failure assessment (CLIF–SOFA)-VDBP scores were significantly higher than those of Child-Pugh (P<0.001) and CLIF-SOFA (P=0.0013). The AUCs of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-VDBP were significantly higher than those of MELD (P= 0.0384) only in the case of cirrhotic HBV-ACLF patients. Similar results were validated using an external multicenter HBV-ACLF cohort. By longitudinal observation, the VDBP levels gradually increased in survivors (P=0.026) and gradually decreased in non-survivors (P<0.001). Additionally, the VDBP levels were found to be significantly decreased in the deterioration group (P=0.012) and tended to be decreased in the fluctuation group (P=0.055). In contrast, they showed a significant increase in the improvement group (P=0.036). Conclusions: The VDBP was a promising prognostic biomarker for HBV-ACLF. Sequential measurement of circulating VDBP shows value for the monitoring of ACLF progression.

Alpha-Hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus Obstructs Yeast-Hyphae Switching and Diminishes Pathogenicity in Candida albicans

Yu Xiaoyu,Mao Yinhe,Li Guangbo,Wu Xianwei,Xuan Qiankun,Yang Simin,Chen Xiaoqing,Cao Qi,Guo Jian,Guo Jinhu,Wu Wenjuan 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.2

The use of antibiotics can disrupt the body’s natural balance and increase the susteptibility of patients towards fungal infections. Candida albicans is a dimorphic opportunistic fungal pathogen with niches similar to those of bacteria. Our aim was to study the interaction between this pathogen and bacteria to facilitate the control of C. albicans infection. Alpha-hemolysin (Hla), a protein secreted from Staphylococcus aureus, causes cell wall damage and impedes the yeast–hyphae transition in C. albicans. Mechanistically, Hla stimulation triggered the formation of reactive oxygen species that damaged the cell wall and mitochondria of C. albicans. The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, CDC42 was downregulated, and Ywp1 was upregulated, disrupting yeast hyphae switching. Subsequently, hyphae development was inhibited. In mouse models, C. albicans pretreated with Hla reduced the C. albicans burden in skin and vaginal mucosal infections, suggesting that S. aureus Hla can inhibit hyphal development and reduce the pathogenicity of candidiasis in vivo.

Iron-doped chitosan microsphere for As(III) adsorption in aqueous solution: Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

Xiaoyu Lin,Leli Wang,Shi Jiang,Longzhe Cui,Gui-Ping Wu 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.7

Iron-doped chitosan microsphere was prepared successfully and employed for effective adsorption of As(III). The results showed that the adsorption capacity benefited from the increase of iron content, and the maximum adsorption capacity was achieved at pH=8. According to the study of adsorption kinetics, adsorption rate was controlled by liquid film diffusion at a lower rotational speed, while it was controlled by chemical reaction rate at a higher rotational speed. The Freundlich and Temkin models exhibited a better fit to adsorption isotherm data, which indicated the adsorption of As(III) on iron-doped chitosan microsphere was chemisorption and the active sites of adsorbents were non-uniform distributed. Adsorption process was a spontaneous exothermic reaction because its ΔG and ΔH were negative. In presence of cations (Cd2+, Pb2+ or Zn2+) in solution, the iron-doped chitosan microsphere also showed the significant removal of As(III). However, the existence of anions (NO3 , SO4 2 or PO4 3) inhibited the As(III) removal at different level. PO4 3 showed the most significant side effects on the removal of As(III) by iron-doped chitosan microsphere. The used iron-doped chitosan adsorbent can be effectively regenerated using 1.0mol·L1 NaOH solution, and the adsorption efficiency decreased only 15.69% after being reused three times. The results of XPS, FT-IR showed that the adsorption was mainly achieved by the coordination interaction between As (III) and doped Fe in adsorbent.

Uncertainty quantifi cation of the power control system of a small PWR with coolant temperature perturbation

Xiaoyu Li,Chuhao Li,Yang Hu,Yongqi Yu,Wenjie Zeng,Haibiao Wu 한국원자력학회 2022 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.54 No.6

The coolant temperature feedback coefficient is an important parameter of reactor core power controlsystem. To study the coolant temperature feedback coefficient influence on the core power controlsystem of small PWR, the core power control system is built with the nonlinear model and fuzzy controltheory. Then, the uncertainty quantification method of reactor core parameters is established based onthe Latin hypercube sampling method and the Bootstrap method. Finally, under the conditions ofreactivity step perturbation and coolant inlet temperature step perturbation, uncertainty analysis for twocases is carried out. The result shows that with fuzzy controller and fuzzy PID controller, the uncertaintyof the coolant temperature feedback coefficient affects the core power control system, and the maximumuncertainties of core relative power, coolant temperature deviation, fuel temperature deviation and totalreactivity are acceptable

Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic System Based on IMVO Algorithm

Wu Zhongqiang,Cao Bilian,Hou Lincheng,Hu Xiaoyu,Ma Boyan 대한전기학회 2022 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.17 No.5

The power output curve of the photovoltaic (PV) array exhibits multi-peak characteristics under partial shading conditions, and the traditional control algorithm cannot track the maximum power point continuously and accurately, therefore, a global maximum power point tracking method is proposed based on the improved multi-verse optimization algorithm. Spiral update and adaptive compression factor are introduced to enhance the global search capability of algorithm; the travelling distance rate update method is changed, and the convergence speed of algorithm is accelerated, so the optimization ability of the algorithm is improved by the three aspects. The simulation results show that the improved multi-verse optimization algorithm can track the maximum power point continuously and stably under the three conditions that uniform irradiance, partial shading and variable irradiance, and the convergence time and convergence accuracy have been greatly improved, thus verifying the feasibility of the algorithm in the maximum power point tracking control.

Antifungal Activity of an Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus versicolor DYSJ3 from Aphanamixis grandifolia Blume against Colletotrichum musae

( Xiaoyu Li ),( Yateng Wu ),( Zhiqiang Liu ) 한국균학회 2021 Mycobiology Vol.49 No.5

An endophytic fungus strain DYSJ3 was isolated from a stem of Aphanamixis grandifolia Blume, which was identified as Aspergillus versicolor based on the morphological characteristics, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and calmodulin gene sequences analyses. A. versicolor DYSJ3 exhibited strong antagonistic activity against Colletotrichum musae, C. gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense with the inhibition rates of 61.9, 51.2 and 55.3% respectively. The antifungal metabolites mainly existed in the mycelium of A. versicolor DYSJ3, and its mycelial crude extract (CE) had broad-spectrum antifungal activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The CE had a good thermal stability, and the inhibition rate of 100 mg/mL CE against C. musae was above 70.0% after disposing at 120 ℃ for 1 h. Five secondary metabolites were isolated from the CE and identified as averufanin, ergosterol peroxide, versicolorin B, averythrin and sterigmatocystin. Activity evaluation showed versicolorin B exhibited inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. musae, and sterigmatocystin had a weak inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of C. musae.