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Microplastic particles in the blood can cause damage to organs such as the brain. This study aimed to analyze the effect of microplastic particles in the blood on membrane damage (expression of malondialdehyde metabolites) and deoxyribonucleic acid damage (expression of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites) in hippocampus neurons of Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were used and equally divided into six groups. The study groups X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 was given 0.0375mg, 0.075mg, 0.15mg, 0.3mg, and 0.6mg of low-density polyethylene microplastic powder mixed with 2cc distilled water respectively, while the control group only given distilled water. Microplastic administration was carried out for 90 days. Results: Microplastic particles were found in the blood of Wistar rats. The level of microplastics particle was higher along with the higher exposure dose. The mean expression of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites in the hippocampal neurons in CA1 and CA3 areas were significantly increased with higher exposure doses (Kruskal-Wallis test p <0.01). The Spearmen’s correlation showed a strong relationship between the levels of microplastic particles in blood and the expression of metabolites malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (all p <0.01). Microplastic in the blood of Wistar rats has increased expression of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine metabolites in hippocampal neurons.

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant cause of morbidity since it results in the inflammation process which leads to necrosis or apoptosis. Inflammatory response to the tissue damage increases IL-6 and IL-8 levels. ACTH4–10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 is a peptide community that has been shown to have a beneficial effect on minimizing the morbidity and increasing the recovery time. Methods This study is a true experimental laboratory research with a totally randomized method. The subjects were animal models with light and extreme compression of spinal cord, respectively. Results The administration of ACTH 4–10 in mild SCI in the 3-hour observation group did not show a significant difference in IL-6 expression compared with the 6-hour observation group. The administration of ACTH 4–10 in severe SCI showed a significantly lower expression level of IL-6 in the 3-hour observation group compared with the 6-hour one. The administration of ACTH 4–10 in severe SCI led to a significantly lower IL-8 expression in the 3-hour observation group compared with the 6-hour one. However, there was no significant difference in IL-8 expression in the group receiving ACTH 4–10 in 3 hours observation compared with that in 6 hours observation. Conclusion The administration of ACTH4–10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 can reduce the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 at 3-hour and 6-hour observation after mild and severe SCI in animal models. Future research works are recommended.

IntroductionBreast cancer is a chronic disease that has implications for many aspects of the patient's life. Contracting the COVID-19 virus places cancer patients at a higher risk of infection. This condition triggers uncertainty which causes emotional responses.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to measure the relationship between the uncertainty perspective of breast cancer patients and emotional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study used an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from May to December 2021. The total sample of this study was 110 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Army Hospital of Dr. Soepraeon Malang, Indonesia. We used purposive sampling. The questionnaire used was a modified questionnaire from the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, a modified questionnaire from the Concerns about Recurrence Questionnaire, a modified questionnaire from the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale, and a modified questionnaire from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS with a Spearman correlation test.ResultsThe mean uncertainty of the respondents was 75.98 or in the moderate category, emotional response was moderate fear with a mean score of 18.40, the average anxiety score was 41.05 or normal, and the mean depression score was 15.96 or low depression. In addition, there was a significant relationship between uncertainty and the emotional response among breast cancer patients in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic ( p < .05).ConclusionThis study showed that there was a relationship between uncertainty and emotional response among breast cancer patients. It is important for nurses to provide good information about the disease among patients by using therapeutic communication and paying attention to the negative emotional responses of breast cancer patients.

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