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Objective: Chronological age (CAge), biological age (BAge), and accelerated age (AAge) are all important for aging‐related diseases. CAge is a known risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); However, the evidence of association of BAge and AAge with BPH is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CAge, Bage, and AAge with BPH in a large prospective cohort. Method: A total of 135,933 males without BPH at enrolment were extracted from the UK biobank. We calculated three BAge measures (Klemera–Doubal method, KDM; PhenoAge; homeostatic dysregulation, HD) based on 16 biomarkers. Additionally, we calculated KDM‐BAge and PhenoAge‐BAge measures based on the Levine method. The KDM‐AAge and PhenoAge‐AAge were assessed by the difference between CAge and BAge and were standardized (mean = 0 and standard deviation [SD] = 1). Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess the associations of CAge, Bage, and AAge with incident BPH risk. Results: During a median follow‐up of 13.150 years, 11,811 (8.690%) incident BPH were identified. Advanced CAge and BAge measures were associated with an increased risk of BPH, showing threshold effects at a later age (all P for nonlinearity <0.001). Nonlinear relationships between AAge measures and risk of BPH were also found for KDM‐AAge (P = 0.041) and PhenoAge‐AAge (P = 0.020). Compared to the balance comparison group (−1 SD < AAge < 1 SD), the accelerated aging group (AAge > 2 SD) had a significantly elevated BPH risk with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.115 (95% CI, 1.000–1.223) for KDM‐AAge and 1.180 (95% CI, 1.068–1.303) for PhenoAge‐AAge, respectively. For PhenoAge‐AAge, subgroup analysis of the accelerated aging group showed an increased HR of 1.904 (95% CI, 1.374–2.639) in males with CAge <50 years and 1.233 (95% CI, 1.088–1.397) in those having testosterone levels <12 nmol/L. Moreover, AAge‐associated risk of BPH was independent of and additive to genetic risk. Conclusions: Biological aging is an independent and modifiable risk factor for BPH. We suggest performing active health interventions to slow biological aging, which will help mitigate the progression of prostate aging and further reduce the burden of BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizoma coptidis (CR) is traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal diseases. Wine-processed CR (wCR), zingiber-processed CR (zCR), and evodia-processed CR (eCR) are its major processed products. However, the related study of their specific mechanisms is very limited, and they need to be further clarified. The aim of this study is to compare the intervening mechanism of wCR/zCR/eCR on rats via faecal metabolomics and 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis. First, faecal samples were collected from the control and CR/wCR/zCR/eCR groups. Then, a metabolomics analysis was performed using UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS to obtain the metabolic profile and significantly altered metabolites. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis was carried out to analyze the composition of gut microbiota and screen out the significantly altered microbiota at the genus level. Finally, a pathway enrichment analysis of the significantly altered metabolites via the KEGG database and a functional prediction of relevant gut microbes based on PICRUSt2 software were performed in combination. Together with the correlation analysis between metabolites and gut microbiota, the potential intervening mechanism of wCR/zCR/eCR was explored. The results suggested that wCR played a good role in maintaining immune homeostasis, promoting glycolysis, and reducing cholesterol; zCR had a better effect on protecting the integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier, preventing gastric ulcers, and reducing body cholesterol; eCR was good at protecting the integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier and promoting glycolysis. This study scientifically elucidated the intervening mechanism of wCR/zCR/eCR from the perspective of faecal metabolites and gut microbiota, providing a new insight into the processing mechanism research of Chinese herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate public awareness of colorectal cancer (three components: total knowledge, confidence and anticipated delay) in the Chinese population, to explore factors associated with total knowledge and to elucidate relationships among three components of public awareness of colorectal cancer. Methods: We recruited 562 adult Chinese participants with no history of colorectal cancer between March and May 2020 by convenience sampling method. Data were collected online using a self‐designed demographic questionnaire and a simplified Chinese version of the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were applied. Results: The mean score for total knowledge was 10.56 (SD: 5.89). Over half of the participants (58.2%) lacked confidence about detecting warning signs. For 42.7% of participants, the anticipated delay was not within the acceptable range (2 weeks). Totally eight demographic variables were identified as significant predictors of total knowledge, accounting for 36.2% of the variance. Total knowledge was positively correlated with confidence (r = 0.126, p < 0.01) and negatively associated with anticipated delay (F = 8.891, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Public awareness of colorectal cancer was low in the Chinese population. Hence, educational interventions targeted for improving knowledge, enhancing individuals' confidence in detecting symptoms and reducing barriers to seeking medical help may be urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperalgesic priming (HP) is a model of the transition from acute to chronic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) could inhibit pain development through the peripheral dorsal root ganglia; however, it is unclear whether it can mitigate the transition from acute to chronic pain by attenuating protein expression in the p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) pathway in the spinal dorsal horn. Aims: We aimed to determine whether EA could prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain by affecting the p38 MAPK/TNF-α pathway in the spinal dorsal horn in a rat model established using HP. Methods: We first randomly subdivided 30 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats into 5 groups (n = 6 per group): control (N), sham HP (Sham-HP), HP, HP + SB203580p38 MAPK (HP+SB203580), and HP + Lenalidomide (CC-5013) (HP+Lenalidomide). We then randomly subdivided a further 30 male SD rats into 5 groups (n = 6 per group): Sham-HP, HP, sham EA (Sham EA), EA (EA), and EA + U-46619 p38 MAPK agonist (EA+U-46619). We assessed the effects of EA on the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and p38 MAPK/TNF-α expression in the spinal dorsal horn of rats subjected to chronic inflammatory pain. Results: Rats in the EA group had reduced p38 MAPK and TNF-α expression and had significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia compared with rats in the other groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that EA could increase the mechanical pain threshold in rats and inhibit the transition from acute pain to chronic pain. This mechanism could involve reduced p38 MAPK/TNF-α expression in the spinal dorsal horn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are being widely applied in various fields. Therefore, hAMSCs represent a promising candidate to facilitate cartilage regeneration. Nonetheless, no studies have investigated the application of hAMSC sheets to repair cartilage defects in vivo. Purpose: To evaluate hAMSC sheets encapsulating cartilage particles to promote repair of rabbit osteochondral defects. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: hAMSC sheets were constructed with passage 3 hAMSCs. The phenotypic and structural characteristics of hAMSC sheets were evaluated by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The potential for chondrogenic differentiation of hAMSC sheets was assessed by cartilage-specific marker staining, immunohistochemistry, and mRNA and protein expression (SOX9, COLII, and ACAN). Osteochondral defects (diameter, 3.5 mm; depth, 3 mm) were created in the left patellar grooves of 20 New Zealand White rabbits (female or male). The defects were treated with hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles (n = 5), cartilage particles (n = 5), hAMSC sheets (n = 5), or fibrin glue (n = 5). Macroscopic and histological evaluations of the regenerated tissue were conducted after 3 months. The survival time and differentiation of transplanted hAMSCs in the defect area were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: hAMSC sheets had a multilayered structure, with cells stacked layer by layer. Importantly, hAMSC sheets highly expressed phenotypic markers of mesenchymal stem cells. Cartilage-specific marker staining and immunohistochemistry were positive, and mRNA and protein expression was higher in the chondrogenically induced hAMSC sheet group than in the hAMSC sheet group (P <.05). hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles formed a large amount of hyaline-like cartilage in the defect area. In addition, macroscopic and histological scores were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Integration with surrounding normal cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in the hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles group were better when compared with the other groups. A large number of human nuclear-specific antigen-positive cells were observed in the defect area of hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles and hAMSC sheet groups. Moreover, some positive cells expressed SOX9. Conclusion: hAMSC sheets encapsulating cartilage particles facilitate osteochondral defect repair. Clinical Relevance: Delivery of cells in the form of a cell sheet in conjunction with cartilage particles provides a novel approach for cell-based cartilage regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To compare the differences in psychosocial behaviour reactions, psychosocial needs, anxiety and depression before and after colostomy surgery and to explore the predictors of psychosocial behaviour reactions. Background: Colorectal cancer is increasing worldwide. Abdominoperineal resection accompanied by permanent colostomy can cause complicated psychosocial reactions and needs. However, colostomy patients' trajectories of psychosocial adjustment at different time points must be discussed. Design: A longitudinal study. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, 67 patients planning to undergo colostomy surgery were recruited from a tertiary cancer centre in southern China from January 2013–January 2014. Data collection consisted of two phases, conducted 1–2 days before surgery and 1–2 days prior to discharge. The Ostomy Psychosocial Behaviour Reaction Questionnaire, the Ostomy Psychosocial Needs Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a self‐designed demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. STROBE guidelines were followed. Results: The participants had a moderate level of psychosocial behaviour reactions, a deep and wide range of psychosocial needs and a high incidence of anxiety and depression before and after surgery. Anxiety before surgery was significantly higher than that after surgery. Psychosocial needs and anxiety were significant predictors of psychosocial behaviour reactions. Conclusions: Patients' anxiety was alleviated after surgery. The combination of ascertaining and meeting various psychosocial needs and managing negative emotions was helpful in alleviating patients' stress responses before and after surgery. Relevance to clinical practice: An increased focus on the relationships among psychosocial behaviour reactions, psychosocial needs, anxiety and depression at different time points in colostomy patients is necessary for future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To reveal nurses’ self‐reported practice of managing chest tubes and to define decision‐makers for these practices. Background: No consensus exists regarding ideal chest‐tube management strategy, and there are wide variations of practice based on local policies and individual preferences, rather than standardised evidence‐based protocols. Design: This article describes a cross‐sectional study. Methods: Questionnaires were emailed to 31 hospitals in Tianjin, and the sample consisted of 296 clinical nurses whose work included nursing management of chest drains. The questionnaire, which was prepared by the authors of this research, consisted of three sections, including a total of 22 questions that asked for demographic information, answers regarding nursing management that reflected the practice they actually performed and who the decision‐makers were regarding eight chest‐drain management procedures. McNemar's test was used to analyse the data. Results: The results indicated that most respondents thought that it was necessary to manipulate chest tubes to remove clots impeding unobstructed drainage (91.2%). Most respondents indicated that dressings would be changed when the dressing was dysfunctional. At the same time, more than half of respondents approved of changing dressings routinely, and the frequency of changing dressings varied. When drainage was employed for pleural effusion and for a pneumothorax, 64.6% and 94.5% of respondents, respectively, considered that underwater seal‐drainage bottles should be changed routinely, and the frequency of changing bottles both varied. The results indicated that nurses were the primary decision‐makers in the replacement of chest tubes, manipulation of chest tubes and monitoring of drainage fluid. Conclusions: There was considerable variation in respondents’ self‐reported clinical nursing practice regarding management of chest drains. The rationale on which respondents’ practices were based also varied greatly. This study indicated that nurses were the primary decision‐makers for three of eight procedures regarding management of chest drains, which reflects that clinical nurses’ decision‐making power regarding management of chest drains was weak. Relevance to clinical practice: This study describes the nurse‐reported practices of Chinese nurses from Tianjin, including changing and selecting dressing types, manipulating chest tubes, clamping drains and replacing drainage bottles, and the study defines who the decision‐makers were for these interventions. By focusing on nurses’ self‐report of behaviours in managing chest drains (actual nursing practice vs. nursing knowledge), this article also relates the literature to the research findings and denotes the gaps in knowledge for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may adversely affect fetal and infant development. Two initiatives were introduced in New Zealand to prevent deficiency: (1) mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt; and (2) provision of a subsidised iodine supplement (150 μg) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. The aim of this study was to assess iodine intake and status among a self‐selecting sample of pregnant and lactating women in Palmerston North, both before and after the two initiatives. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were recruited before (n = 25 and 32; 2009) and after (n = 34 and 36; 2011) the initiatives. Iodine concentration was determined in 24‐h urine and breast milk samples using inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Use of supplements and salt, knowledge of iodine deficiency, and awareness of the initiatives were determined by questionnaire. Median urine iodine concentration (UIC) was higher in 2011 compared with 2009 for both pregnant (85 and 47 μg L−1) and breastfeeding (74 and 34 μg L−1) participants; median UIC were below the cut‐offs for adequate iodine status. However, in 2011, the estimated daily iodine intake during pregnancy was 217 μg day−1; 74% of women achieved the Estimated Average Requirement. Knowledge of the initiatives was low, only 28–56% were aware of the need for iodine supplements and only 15–22% were aware of the mandatory addition of iodised salt to bread. Despite initiatives, UIC of these women indicates iodine deficiency, however, dietary intakes appear adequate. Ongoing surveillance of supplement use and iodine status among pregnant and lactating women throughout New Zealand is needed to fully assess the efficacy of the initiatives. Alternative strategies may require evaluation to ensure all women have adequate iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]