The Self-growth Process of Hospice Volunteers in Ningbo, China.

Objective: The development process of self-growth among Chinese hospice volunteers is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore and delineate their dynamic progression toward self-growth. Methods: This qualitative study used grounded theory to analyze semi-structured interview data using individual in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 volunteers at a hospice care center in Ningbo, China, between January 2021 and January 2022. Data analysis was based on the open, axial, and selective coding stages of grounded theory and used the constant comparative method. Results: From the interview data, we extracted 1 core category (Death awakening life), 4 categories, and 19 subcategories that pertained to the process of self-growth. The 4 categories delineated the process of self-growth; respondents progressed through self-salvation, self-reflection, self-healing, and self-transcendence stages. The 19 subcategories are introduced and illustrated with interview extracts. Conclusions: The study findings can inform the development of training projects aimed at improving hospice care volunteer services.

The development process of self-acceptance among Chinese women with breast cancer.

AIM: The development process of self-acceptance in breast cancer survivors is a dynamic process that is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore and delineate the dynamic progression toward self-acceptance in Chinese women with breast cancer. METHODS: Data were collected through individual in-depth face-to-face interviews with 20 women who had undergone treatment for breast cancer at the breast center in a large tertiary care hospital in Ningbo, China between September 2016 and June 2017. Data analysis occurred through the open, axial, and selective coding stages of grounded theory and used the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Based on the interviewer responses, one core category, three categories, and seven subcategories were identified that pertained to the process of self-acceptance in Chinese women with breast cancer. The core category of self-acceptance was normalization, returning to the pre-illness state with an identity and image that conformed to the cultural norm. To reach normalization, women progressed through a crisis stage, a compromise stage, and a managing impressions stage. CONCLUSION: This study proposes that self-acceptance in breast cancer survivors is a dynamic and active process. Findings will inform the development of interventions that will provide structure and support to Chinese women with breast cancer.

α-Aminoadipic acid protects against retinal disruption through attenuating Müller cell gliosis in a rat model of acute ocular hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Ocular hypertension is an important risk factor for glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the gliotoxic effects of α-aminoadipic acid (AAA) in a rat model of AOH and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the rat model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH), intraocular pressure was increased to 110 mmHg for 60 minutes. Animals were divided into four groups: sham operation (Ctrl), AOH, AOH + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and AOH + AAA. Cell apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer was detected with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) immunostained with Thy-1 were counted. Müller cell activation was detected using immunostaining with glutamine synthetase and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was examined using Western blot. RESULTS: In the rat model of AOH, cell apoptosis was induced in the ganglion cell layer and the number of RGCs was decreased. Müller cell gliosis in the retinas of rats was induced, and retinal protein levels of TNF-α were increased. Intravitreal treatment of AAA versus PBS control attenuated these retinal abnormalities to show protective effects in the rat model of AOH. CONCLUSION: In the retinas of the rat model of AOH, AAA treatment attenuated retinal apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer and preserved the number of RGCs, likely through the attenuation of Müller cell gliosis and suppression of TNF-α induction. Our observations suggest that AAA might be a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma.