Biological research for nursing
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Comparative Study
Associations Between Bone Mass in Women With Fibromyalgia and Widespread Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity, Tenderness, Perceived Pain Level, and Disability.
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) on bone mass assessed by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in pre- and postmenopausal women and determine whether there are associations between bone status and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), tender point counts (TPCs), self-reported global pain, or disease severity. Ninety-five women with a diagnosis of FMS and 108 healthy controls matched on menopause status were included in this cross-sectional study. PPT and TPC were measured by algometry pressure. ⋯ No significant differences were found between any QUS measurements and global pain or disease severity. Calcaneal BUA and SOS values were lower in women with FMS compared to healthy controls, and decreased pain thresholds and higher TPCs were associated with lower calcaneal BUA values. Low pain thresholds might be independent predictors for low bone mass in FMS women.
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The aim of this study was to investigate thrombosis-related parameters (blood coagulation parameters, platelet indices, red blood cell [RBC] count, and inflammatory markers) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ Elevated platelet and RBC counts, PDW values, and fibrinogen levels as well as decreased prothrombin time are all indicative of a prothrombotic state in FM patients, which may be enhanced by an increased inflammatory tone. This prothrombotic state may increase the risk of thrombosis-related cardiovascular disease in patients with FM.
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A variety of methods and measures have been used to quantify oxidative stress in clinical studies related to preterm birth (PTB), and studies have reported conflicting findings. No integrative reviews have been conducted. ⋯ Findings suggest that an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants may be associated with PTB. The measurements and findings to date limit interpretation and understanding. Research using multidimensional methods and multidisciplinary teams are necessary to advance research and practice.
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Investigate the feasibility of a nurse-led mobility protocol and compare the effects of once- versus twice-daily episodes of early therapeutic mobility (ETM) and low- versus moderate-intensity ETM on serum biomarkers of inflammation and selected outcomes in critically ill adults. ⋯ Findings from this study suggest that nurses can provide twice-daily mobility interventions that include sitting on the edge of the bed once patients have a stable status without altering a pro-inflammatory serum biomarker profile.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) etiology and pathophysiology are not well understood. Recent data suggest that dysbiosis of gut microbiota may contribute to ALS etiology and progression. This review aims to explore evidence of associations between gut microbiota and ALS etiology and pathophysiology. ⋯ Ten other articles were reviews and commentaries providing indirect support for a role of gut microbiota in ALS pathophysiology. Thus, these studies provide a modicum of evidence implicating gut microbiota in ALS disease, although more research is needed to confirm the connection and determine pathophysiologic mechanisms. Nurses caring for these patients need to understand the gut microbiome and its potential role in ALS in order to effectively counsel patients and their families about emerging therapies (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbial transplant) and their off-label uses.