Effects of an evidence-based nursing intervention on neurological function and serum inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute cerebral infarction: A randomized controlled trial

Nursing intervention and quality feedback guided by stress system theory in neurological function recovery and post-traumatic growth of patients with acute primary cerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of nursing intervention and quality feedback guided by stress system theory on neurological function recovery and post-traumatic growth in patients with cerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

120 patients with cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to November 2023 were selected, 47 patients in the control group received routine medical care, and 73 patients in the observation group were added nursing intervention measures under the guidance of stress system theory on this basis. The effects of the intervention were evaluated by Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Barthel index (BI) and Chinese scale of clinical neurological impairment in stroke patients (CSS).

RESULTS

After intervention, the PTGI score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001), indicating that the nursing intervention effectively alleviated the anxiety and depression of patients. At the same time, the BI index of the observation group was significantly increased, and the CSS score was significantly decreased (p < 0.001), indicating that the patients' self-care ability of daily life and the recovery level of neurological function were significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

Nursing intervention and quality feedback strategy under the guidance of stress system theory can effectively improve the neurological recovery ability and post-traumatic growth level of patients with cerebral hemorrhage, and has a significant effect on improving the psychological state and quality of life of patients.

Impacts of evidence-based nursing combined with enteral nutrition on nutritional status and quality of life in acute cerebral infarction patients: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impacts of evidence-based nursing (EBN) combined with enteral nutrition (EN) on nutritional status as well as quality of life in acute cerebral infarction (ACI) patients.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled cluster trial, 80 ACI patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and randomly separated into study group (SG) and control group (CG), with 40 patients in each group. Patients in CG received routine nursing, and patients in the SG received EBN combined with EN. The neurological function, limb movement ability, nutritional status, anxiety and depression, incidence of complications and quality of life between two groups were compared.

RESULTS

After intervention, the NIHSS score in the SG was lower than that in the CG (CG = 5.62 ± 0.56, SG = 3.27 ± 0.33. p < .001). The FMA score in the SG was higher compared with the CG (CG = 52.58 ± 5.32, SG = 68.85 ± 6.87. p < .001). The Hb level, TP level and ALB level in the SG were higher relative to the CG (p < .001). The Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores in the SG were lower in comparison with the CG (SAS score: CG = 42.32 ± 4.25, SG = 36.28 ± 3.64; SDS score: CG = 48.27 ± 4.85, SG = 40.06 ± 4.05. p < .001). The incidence of complications in SG was lower than that in CG. Finally, we found that SF-36 scores in the SG in all dimensions were higher than those in the CG (Physiological function: CG = 70.23 ± 7.05, SG = 82.71 ± 8.26. Role function: CG = 66.28 ± 6.64, SG73.39 ± 7.36. Physical pain: CG = 70.67 ± 7.06, SG = 82.69 ± 8.29. General health: CG = 58.74 ± 5.86, SG66.62 ± 6.65. Mental health: CG = 53.68 ± 5.37, SG = 62.39 ± 6.31. Energy: CG = 60.75 ± 6.08, SG = 67.87 ± 6.78. Social function: CG = 76.25 ± 7.25, SG = 85.78 ± 8.59. Emotional function: CG = 61.23 ± 6.15, SG = 75.74 ± 7.56. p < .001).

CONCLUSION

EBN combined with EN can improve the nutritional status and the quality of life in ACI patients compared with the traditional routine nursing, and is suggested as a valuable strategy for clinical management of ACI.

Application of a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation nursing is considered an indispensable part of the cerebral infarction treatment system. The hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model can provide continuous nursing services across hospitals, communities, and families for patients.

AIM

To explore the application of a hospital–community–family rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction.

METHODS

From January 2021 to December 2021, 88 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into a study (n = 44) and a control (n = 44) group using a simple random number table. The control group received routine nursing and motor imagery therapy. The study group was given hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing based on the control group. Motor function (FMA), balance ability (BBS), activities of daily living (BI), quality of life (SS-QOL), activation status of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortical area to the affected side, and nursing satisfaction were evaluated before and after intervention in both groups.

RESULTS

Before intervention, FMA and BBS were similar (P > 0.05). After 6 months’ intervention, FMA and BBS were significantly higher in the study than in the control group (both P < 0.05). Before intervention, BI and SS-QOL scores were not different between the study and control group (P > 0.05). However, after 6 months’ intervention, BI and SS-QOL were higher in the study than in the control group (P < 0.05). Before intervention, activation frequency and volume were similar between the study and the control group (P > 0.05). After 6 months’ intervention, the activation frequency and volume were higher in the study than in the control group (P < 0.05). The reliability, empathy, reactivity, assurance, and tangibles scores for quality of nursing service were higher in the study than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combining a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model and motor imagery therapy enhances the motor function and balance ability of patients with cerebral infarction, improving their quality of life.

Identification of pyroptosis-related immune signature and drugs for ischemic stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a common and serious neurological disease, and multiple pathways of cell apoptosis are implicated in its pathogenesis. Recently, extensive studies have indicated that pyroptosis is involved in various diseases, especially cerebrovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanism of interaction between pyroptosis and IS is scarcely understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of pyroptosis on IS-mediated systemic inflammation.

Methods: First, the RNA regulation patterns mediated by 33 pyroptosis-related genes identified in 20 IS samples and 20 matched-control samples were systematically evaluated. Second, a series of bioinformatics algorithms were used to investigate the contribution of PRGs to IS pathogenesis. We determined three composition classifiers of PRGs which potentially distinguished healthy samples from IS samples according to the risk score using single-variable logistic regression, LASSO-Cox regression, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Third, 20 IS patients were classified by unsupervised consistent cluster analysis in relation to pyroptosis. The association between pyroptosis and systemic inflammation characteristics was explored, which was inclusive of immune reaction gene sets, infiltrating immunocytes and human leukocyte antigen genes.

Results: We identified that AIM2, SCAF11, and TNF can regulate immuno-inflammatory responses after strokes via the production of inflammatory factors and activation of the immune cells. Meanwhile, we identified distinct expression patterns mediated by pyroptosis and revealed their immune characteristics, differentially expressed genes, signaling pathways, and target drugs.

Conclusion: Our findings lay a foundation for further research on pyroptosis and IS systemic inflammation, to improve IS prognosis and its responses to immunotherapy.

Review on Comfort Nursing Interventions for Patients Undergoing Neurosurgery and General Surgery

Objective

To summarize the commonalities and particularities of comfort care interventions for neurology and general surgery patients.

Methods

The development of comfort care and its practical application in neurology and general surgery were discussed and summarized by searching the current literature on comfort care interventions for neurology and general surgery patients, including case reports, clinical studies, and systematic reviews.

Results

Comfort nursing intervention is a kind of nursing intervention with integrity and creativity. In addition to its uniqueness, the comfort nursing model also has strong effectiveness. Clinical holistic nursing has been significantly improved through the application of comfort nursing intervention theory, and its nursing mode has enhanced the connotation of clinical nursing.

Conclusion

Comfort nursing intervention for neurology and general surgery patients can help patients recover and deserves further promotion.

Application Value of Evidence-Based Care in Patients with Lung Cancer Chemotherapy

Objective

The present research project is aimed at elucidating the application value of evidence-based care (EBC) in patients with lung cancer (LC) chemotherapy.

Methods

Ninety-four advanced LC patients visited between March 2019 and February 2021 were retrospectively selected. Based on the type of care, 44 cases who used routine nursing were set as the control group (CG), and 50 patients who received EBC were included in the research group (RG). The pain degree, adverse mood, and individual fatigue of patients were assessed, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS), and Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), respectively. Besides, patients were assessed for treatment compliance, self-efficacy, and life quality using the treatment compliance questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), respectively.

Results

The VAS, SAS, and SDS scores were lower in RG versus CG after nursing intervention. RG scored lower in the dimensions of physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue in terms of individual fatigue assessed by the CFS and higher in various domains of the QLQ-C30 score after nursing intervention. Besides, higher treatment compliance and self-efficacy were determined in RG as compared to CG.

Conclusions

In addition to improving the treatment compliance, self-efficacy, and life quality of patients with LC chemotherapy, EBC can effectively alleviate their pain, adverse psychological mood, and individual fatigue, which deserves to be promoted in clinical application.

Intervention Effect of Evidence-Based Nursing on Postoperative Recovery of Vacuum Sealing Drainage in Patients with High Perianal Abscess with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence Images

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intervention effect of evidence-based nursing (EBN) on vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) recovery of patients with high perianal abscess after vacuum sealing drainage based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence images. 60 patients with high perianal abscess were selected, and 30 patients before VSD were selected as the control group. Routine nursing was implemented in the control group, 30 patients after VSD were observed, and EBN was implemented in the observation group. The detection rates of various types of perianal abscess with different sequence combinations were studied, and the effects of EBN on pain and anal function scores of perianal abscess patients were analyzed. Anal function and defecation were assessed, and postoperative complications were calculated. Different combinations of MRI sequences can reach higher detection rates of intersphincter abscess and ischial anal abscess. The observation group had better pain relief and anal function recovery. The complication rate of the observation group was 16.67%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). It was confirmed that different MRI sequence combinations had higher detection rates for intersphincter abscess and ischial fossa abscess. EBN can promote the recovery of anal function and reduce complications in patients with perianal abscess.

Effect Analysis of Clinical Pathway Nursing Combined with Humanized Nursing in Cerebral Infarction

Objective

To make the application effect of clinical pathway nursing combined with humanized nursing clear in cerebral infarction.

Methods

Hundred patients who suffered from cerebral infarction had been hospitalized in our hospital and they become our study objects. By means of the random number table, they were separated into 50 cases both in the control group and in the observation group. The control group accepted the routine nursing, and the observation group accepted the clinical pathway nursing mixed with humanized nursing. The followings were compared including the hospitalization expenses and length of stay, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel index rating scale (BI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the incidence of complications and recurrence rate. A comparison was made between the two groups about satisfaction with nursing.

Results

In contrast with the control group, the treatment expenses and length of stay in the observation group were considerably reduced (P < 0.05). In contrast, before nursing, the NIHSS marks of the two groups decreased considerably after nursing, and the scores of BI and FMA increased considerably, the NIHSS scores of the observation group were considerably lower than those of the control group, and the scores of BI and FMA were considerably higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast with the control group (44.00%, 12.00%), the incidence of complications (22.00%) and recurrence rate (2.00%) in the observation group were considerably lower (P < 0.05). In contrast with the control group (72.00%), the satisfaction of nursing in the observation group (96.00%) was considerably higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The application effect of clinical pathway nursing combined with humanized nursing in cerebral infarction is significant. It can not only effectively reduce hospitalization expenses and hospitalization time, improve neurological function, ability of daily living, and limb motor function but also reduce complications and recurrence and improve patients' satisfaction with nursing, which has a high clinical reference value.

Clinical Effect of Butylphthalide Combined with Rt-PA Intravenous Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective

To assess the clinical effect of butylphthalide combined with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction (ACI).

Methods

Totally, 312 acute cerebral infarction patients were included in this research. Those in the group for experiment received butylphthalide (25 mg QD) combined with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis (0.9 mg/kg QD), while the control group received rt-PA intravenous (P < 0.05). Moreover, NIHSS (NIH Stroke Scale/Score) and Barthel index scores in the two groups improved, NIHSS score had ameliorated, and Barthel index score was higher than that in the reference group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of butylphthalide and recombination plasminogen activator alteplase (rt-PA) intravenous thrombolysis has a significant clinical effect in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. It can alleviate the inflammatory symptoms, accelerate the recovery of neurological function, and improve the ability of daily living.

A Vicious Cycle: In Severe and Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is one of the fastest-evolving viral diseases that has instigated a worldwide pandemic. Severe inflammatory syndrome and venous thrombosis are commonly noted in COVID-19 patients with severe and critical illness, contributing to the poor prognosis. Interleukin (IL)-6, a major complex inflammatory cytokine, is an independent factor in predicting the severity of COVID-19 disease in patients. IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α participate in COVID-19-induced cytokine storm, causing endothelial cell damage and upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. In addition, IL-6 and PAI-1 form a vicious cycle of inflammation and thrombosis, which may contribute to the poor prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19. Targeted inhibition of IL-6 and PAI-1 signal transduction appears to improve treatment outcomes in severely and critically ill COVID-19 patients suffering from cytokine storms and venous thrombosis. Motivated by studies highlighting the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis in viral immunology, we provide an overview of the immunothrombosis and immunoinflammation vicious loop between IL-6 and PAI-1. Our goal is that understanding this ferocious circle will benefit critically ill patients with COVID-19 worldwide.

An emergency nursing and monitoring procedure on cognitive impairment and neurological function recovery in patients with acute cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND

The optimization and standardization of emergency nursing and monitoring procedures are of great significance for thrombolytic treatment of acute cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE

Studies on the emergency nursing and monitoring procedure on cognitive impairment and neurological function in patients with acute cerebral infarction are still limited.

METHODS

The study was a randomized controlled trial and 134 patients with acute cerebral infarction were recruited. They were randomly arranged into the control group (n = 67) receiving normal nursing procedure and the intervention group (n = 67) receiving emergency nursing and monitoring procedure after pre-intervention assessment. The cognitive impairment, neurological function and levels of inflammatory biomarkers and neuron-specific enolase of the participants were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTS

Emergency nursing and monitoring procedure improved Mini-mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores of patients with cerebral infraction compared with the control group. It also improved the scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, activities of daily living scale, Fugl-Meyer scale in the participants. Emergency nursing and monitoring procedure led to significantly decreased neuron-specific enolase and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of the participants.

CONCLUSION

Emergency nursing and monitoring procedure are beneficial for cognitive impairment and neurological function recovery in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Effects of All-Inclusive and Hierarchical Rehabilitation Nursing Model Combined with Acupuncture on Limb Function and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Cerebral Infarction during Convalescence

Objective

To investigate effects of all-inclusive and hierarchical rehabilitation nursing model combined with acupuncture on limb function and quality of life in elderly patients with cerebral infarction during convalescence.

Methods

Eighty elderly patients with cerebral infarction who were treated in our hospital (February 2018–February 2020) and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen as the research objects, and their materials were analyzed in the way of retrospective study. They were equably randomized into observation group and reference group. Based on the acupuncture treatment, the patients in the observation group and the reference group were given routine rehabilitation nursing and all-inclusive and hierarchical rehabilitation nursing respectively for three months. The simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores, Modified Edinburgh-Scandinavian Stroke Scale (MESSS) scores, Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL) scores, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) scores in the two groups before and after intervention were recorded, and the changes of limb function, neurological function, and living quality of the patients in the two groups were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the reference group, the observation group after intervention achieved prominently higher FMA score (P < 0.001), markedly lower MESSS score (P < 0.001), and signally higher SS-QOL scores (P < 0.05). After intervention, the observation group achieved obviously higher ADL score than the reference group (68.88 ± 8.91 vs 59.00 ± 8.38, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The all-inclusive and hierarchical rehabilitation nursing model combined with acupuncture can accelerate the recovery of neurological function of the elderly patients with cerebral infarction, enhance the rehabilitation of their limb function, and markedly improve their quality of life. Therefore, this model has referential significance in clinic.

Effects of virtual reality-based motor control training on inflammation, oxidative stress, neuroplasticity and upper limb motor function in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Immersive virtual reality (VR)-based motor control training (VRT) is an innovative approach to improve motor function in patients with stroke. Currently, outcome measures for immersive VRT mainly focus on motor function. However, serum biomarkers help detect precise and subtle physiological changes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effects of immersive VRT on inflammation, oxidative stress, neuroplasticity and upper limb motor function in stroke patients.

METHODS

Thirty patients with chronic stroke were randomized to the VRT or conventional occupational therapy (COT) groups. Serum biomarkers including interleukin 6 (IL-6), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed to reflect inflammation, oxidative stress and neuroplasticity. Clinical assessments including active range of motion of the upper limb and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) were also used. Two-way mixed analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine the effects of the intervention (VRT and COT) and time on serum biomarkers and upper limb motor function.

RESULTS

We found significant time effects in serum IL-6 (p = 0.010), HO-1 (p = 0.002), 8-OHdG (p = 0.045), and all items/subscales of the clinical assessments (ps < 0.05), except FMA-UE-Coordination/Speed (p = 0.055). However, significant group effects existed only in items of the AROM-Elbow Extension (p = 0.007) and AROM-Forearm Pronation (p = 0.048). Moreover, significant interactions between time and group existed in item/subscales of FMA-UE-Shoulder/Elbow/Forearm (p = 0.004), FMA-UE-Total score (p = 0.008), and AROM-Shoulder Flexion (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This was the first study to combine the effectiveness of immersive VRT using serum biomarkers as outcome measures. Our study demonstrated promising results that support the further application of commercial and immersive VR technologies in patients with chronic stroke.

An Evidence-Based Nursing Intervention Decreases Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Quality and Somatic Symptoms of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the effects of evidence-based nursing (EBN) intervention on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and somatic symptoms of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

The eligible AIS patients were randomized into the intervention group and control group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in both groups received routine nursing care. On the basis of routine nursing, patients in the intervention group also received EBN. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) were used to assess patients' anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and somatic symptoms at baseline (T0) and 6 months after intervention (T1), respectively.

RESULTS

There was no difference in SAS, SDS, PSQI, and PHQ-15 scores at T0 between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Comparing to the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower SAS and SDS scores at T1 (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). The SAS and SDS score changes (T1-T0) were more evident in the intervention group than in the control group (all P < 0.001). No difference of PSQI or PHQ-15 score between the 2 groups was observed at T1. However, the PSQI and PHQ-15 score changes were more evident in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.044 and P = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSION

EBN invention significantly improved anxiety, depression, sleep quality and somatic symptoms of patients with AIS.