Advances In Quality Of Life Research Articles

Update in palliative care in gynecologic oncology.

This review summarizes research advances in quality of life, symptom management, and end-of-life practices within palliative care that can benefit patients with gynecologic cancers. Addressing fertility issues, sexual side effects, and possible disease recurrence can promote quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors. Cannabis can provide some benefit for nausea and neuropathic pain, yet for nonneuropathic pain presentations, it does not appear to provide significant benefit in reducing opioid usage. Lastly, palliative care outcomes, such as reduced aggressive care at the end of life and higher rates of hospice enrollment are augmented by the presence of an outpatient palliative care clinic. Ongoing advances in palliative care research hold potential for improvement in systems delivery of palliative care as well as symptom management and psychosocial support.

Research advances in quality of life in families with food-allergic children

Research advances in quality of life in families with food-allergic children

Antagonists of chemokine receptor CCR9 synergize with anti-TNFα immunotherapy to reduce inflammation in the MDR1a−/− mouse model of colitis

Abstract The development of anti-TNFα immunotherapies has led to great advances in quality of life for Crohn’s and colitis patients, and has allowed a reduction in steroid use for these diseases. However, a significant proportion of IBD patients is resistant to anti-TNFα agents, or becomes resistant over time. Preclinical research and clinical trials suggest that CCR9 antagonism can effectively reduce colon inflammation. CCR9 is expressed on a subset of T cells dedicated to intestinal trafficking. Antagonism of this receptor inhibits the accumulation of T cells within inflamed intestinal epithelium and lamina propria. Since anti-TNFα and CCR9 antagonists act through entirely different mechanisms, we asked whether these two approaches might synergize and expand the effectiveness and scope of each therapy. We used a piroxicam-accelerated version of the MDR1a−/− spontaneous colitis model in mice. We have found that combined dosing of piroxicam-fed MDR1a−/− mice with a CCR9 antagonist and an anti-TNFα MAb significantly reverses loss of body weight, diarrhea score and colon inflammation. The combined dosing was more effective than anti-TNFα or CCR9 antagonist alone, as measured by colon length/weight ratio, neutrophil accumulation in the colonic epithelium and reversal of the loss in body weight characteristic of this model. These data suggest that combining a CCR9 antagonist with existing anti-TNFα treatment regimens may extend the benefits of anti-TNFα immunotherapy to a larger class of patients suffering from IBD, and may prolong the effectiveness of anti-TNFα immunotherapy for those patients already undergoing such treatments.

P037 Antagonism of chemokine receptor CCR9 synergises with anti-TNFα immunotherapy to reduce inflammation in the MDR1a−/− mouse model of colitis

Abstract Background The development of anti-TNFα immunotherapies has led to great advances in quality of life for Crohn’s and colitis patients and has allowed a reduction in steroid use for these diseases. However, a significant proportion of IBD patients is resistant to anti-TNFα agents, or becomes resistant to such treatments over time. Preclinical research and clinical trials have suggested that CCR9 antagonism can effectively reduce colon inflammation. CCR9 is expressed on a subset of T cells dedicated to monitoring the immune status of the intestine. When activated by its only known chemokine ligand, CCL25/TECK, CCR9 triggers the adhesion of gut-specific T cells to vascular endothelium and the subsequent ingress of these cells to intestinal tissues. Antagonism of this receptor inhibits the accumulation of T cells within inflamed intestinal epithelium and lamina propria. Since anti-TNFα and CCR9 antagonists act through entirely different mechanisms, we asked whether these two approaches might synergise and expand the effectiveness and scope of each therapy. Methods We used a piroxicam-accelerated version of the MDR1a−/− spontaneous colitis model in mice. In this model, 7week MDR1a−/− mice (or WT FVB controls) receive piroxicam in powdered chow for 10 days. Mice are monitored both during and after the piroxicam feeding period, for a total of 21 days. Treatment groups (eight mice each) include an antibody (a saturating dose of either anti-TNFα or its isotype-matched control) and a CCR9 antagonist (or its vehicle alone as a control). Body weight and diarrhoea score were recorded throughout the entire 21 days period, after which colons were obtained from sacrificed animals for weighing, length measurement and imaging. Results We have found that combined dosing of piroxicam-fed MDR1a−/− mice with a CCR9 antagonist and an anti-TNFα MAb significantly reverses loss of body weight, diarrhoea score and colon inflammation. The combined dosing was more effective than anti-TNFα or CCR9 antagonist alone, as measured by colon length/weight ratio, neutrophil accumulation in the colonic epithelium and reversal of the loss in body weight characteristic of this model. Conclusion These data suggest that combining a CCR9 antagonist with existing anti-TNFα treatment regimens may extend the benefits of anti-TNFα immunotherapy to a larger class of patients suffering from IBD and may prolong the effectiveness of anti-TNFα immunotherapy for those patients already undergoing such treatments.

Make a Molecule: A Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Workshop Program for High School Students

Despite the importance of organic chemistry to human health and quality of life, very few outreach programs have been successful in communicating this message. This contributes to negative public perceptions of organic chemistry and obscures the enormous advances in quality of life engendered by organic synthesis. New chemical outreach programs that provide insight and hands-on experience of small molecule chemistry are vital to improving public engagement with the science. Make a Molecule is an organic chemistry workshop program that provides high school students with the opportunity to synthesize and biologically assess short peptides in a safe and easy manner, allowing them to experience the thrill of making and testing new bioactive molecules in a classroom environment. This manuscript details the development of the Make a Molecule project from its origins in our “synthetic fermentation” chemistry to its initial application in high schools. Scientific protocols were optimized to suit a classroom setting with the help of high school students. An accompanying website was constructed to serve as an experimental guide, aid with the workshop execution, and provide an educational resource for students and teachers. With everything in hand, the first Make a Molecule workshops were conducted in a local high school in Zurich, Switzerland, during which students were able to successfully synthesize and test novel bioactive molecules.

Global Advances in Quality of Life and Well-Being: Past, Present, and Future

This paper documents global progress in human well-being since the end of World War II and, more specifically, since 1950. The paper focuses on the transformative changes in quality of life that have occurred over this period in four of the most critical sectors of well-being: the health, education, economic, and welfare sectors. We also consider the significant impact that changes in the natural environment have and continue to make on humanity. In all five sectors we also identify what we regard as the underlying “drivers” that have made these transformative changes in the human condition possible and suggest how the strength of these changes can be expected to contribute to the further enhancement of quality of life and well-being over at least the near term. In pursuing these objectives, we argued in favor of adopting a more positive view with respect to the advances in quality of life and well-being that have taken place since 1950.

Acute reverse annular remodeling during MitraClip\xae therapy predicts improved clinical outcome in heart failure patients: a 3D echocardiography study

BackgroundTranscatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) has been shown to have acute effects on mitral valve geometry in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). This study investigates the impact of MitraClip® therapy-induced annular remodeling on clinical outcome and mitral regurgitation in heart failure patients.MethodsTMVR was performed successfully in 45 patients with FMR. In this study, mitral valve datasets were obtained before and directly after MitraClip® implantation using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography, and were analyzed offline retrospectively using dedicated 3D reconstruction software. Patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation at baseline and after 6 months. At follow-up, the patients were allocated into two groups according to their improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class: a Low Responder group with ΔNYHA <1.5 (n = 25); and a High Responder group with ΔNYHA ≥1.5 (n = 20).ResultsAt 6-month follow-up, data analysis revealed that while mitral regurgitation was reduced significantly in both groups, only the High Responder group had experienced significant downsizing of the 3D circumference (137 ± 14 mm to 126 ± 13 mm; p < 0.01) and the anterior-to-posterior diameter (33 ± 5 mm to 29 ± 4 mm; p < 0.01) of the mitral annulus during the intervention. Furthermore, only the High Responder group with reverse annular remodeling as shown had substantial advances in quality of life (Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire: 55 ± 10 to 34 ± 14 points; p < 0.01) and functional status (6-min walk distance: 290 ± 104 m to 462 ± 111 m; p = 0.07).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that instantaneous left ventricular annular remodeling during MitraClip® implantation is associated with improved clinical outcome of heart failure patients with functional mitral regurgitation.Trial registration The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Study Number 4497R, Registration ID: 2013121585). Trial registration: NCT02033811 Retrospectively registered January 9, 2014.

Advances in quality of life of patients with phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria, an autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by amino acid metabolism abnormality, has been listed as a screening program for neonatal genetic metabolic diseases in China.Eearly screening and treatment can reduce or even avoid the disease, However, delayed intervention can influence social functioning and psychological development.The research of life quality including psychological and social functioning in phenylketonuria patients has atlracted the increasing attention along with the medical model transformation.In order to study quality of life in patients with phenylketonuria, life quality questionnaires have been developed.It reveals that early and long-term treatments can improve the quality of life.The assessment and present condition as well as the impact factors of quality of life in phenylketonuria patients have been reviewed in this article, which have important value to evaluate the quality of life and guide clinical treatments as well as judge the prognosis of patients with phenylketonuria. Key words: Phenylketonuria; Quality of life; Assessment scale

City profile: Actually existing neoliberalism in Greater Santiago

Greater Santiago, the capital of Chile, concentrates most of economic and political power of this nation and 35% of its population. It is a conurbation of 6 million inhabitants, comprising 37 municipalities without a metropolitan level authority, where large scale planning is executed by centralized authorities. The historic development of this metropolis was sharply modified by neoliberal policies that were implemented during Pinochet's dictatorship and by the constitutional definition of a reduced Subsidiary State. These structural reforms had a strong impact on urban development, due to the weakening and incoordination of sectoral planning agencies and the progressive accumulation of socio-spatial inequalities. After the recovery of democracy, a stronger emphasis on social policies was promoted, but public action became increasingly dependent on private providers of public goods. Nevertheless, the early adoption of modern regulations and a sustained period of economic growth have allowed for important advances in quality of life and to considerably reduce poverty levels. This article aims to provide a systemic and critical study of Greater Santiago's institutions, living conditions and the urban outcomes of market-driven planning, considering historical processes and the present contradictions in a partially modern but segregated metropolis. In conclusion, the uniqueness of Greater Santiago's neoliberal development is discussed, highlighting the concentration of power, the influence of capitals over policy design and the strong socio-spatial inequalities that reflect direct wealth circulation from natural resources extraction to financial and real estate rents, in the absence of a strong industrial sector. However, emerging policies and the expected first elected regional governments suggest ways to advance towards more inclusive, participative and intersectoral forms of public action, under the pressure of civil demands for a fairer distribution of wealth, public goods and decision power.

Implementing the patient reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) global health scale in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology population.

6565Background: Advances in quality of life (QOL) measurement, including improved precision and brevity, greatly enhance the incorporation of QOL assessment at the point-of-care. In this study we r...

Technology and quality of life outcomes.

To discuss recent technological advances in quality of life (QOL) data collection and guidance for use in research and clinical practice. The use of telephone-, computer-, and web/internet-based technologies to collect QOL data, reliability and validity issues, and cost will be discussed, along with the potential pitfalls associated with these technologies. Health care literature and web resources. Technology has provided researchers and clinicians with an opportunity to collect QOL data from patients that were previously not accessible. Most technologies offer a variety of options, such as language choice, formatting options for the delivery of questions, and data management services. Choosing the appropriate technology for use in research and/or clinical practice primarily depends on the purpose for QOL data collection. Technology is changing the way nurses assess QOL in patients with cancer and provide care. As stakeholders in the health care delivery system and patient advocates, nurses must be intimately involved in the evaluation and use of new technologies that impact QOL and/or the delivery of care.

Advances in Quality of Life at the End of Life

To provide an overview of the developments in promoting quality of life (QOL) at the end of life (EOL) in oncology settings, to describe implications for clinical care for cancer patients at the EOL, and to address the continuing challenges for assessing QOL at the EOL. Published articles, clinical guidelines, and web resources. QOL continues to be an important aspect of patient care at the EOL. Nursing has made substantial contributions to the literature on QOL at the EOL through instrument development, clinical care priorities, and research. Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings must be aware of the importance of QOL assessment for terminally ill cancer patients, be informed about the process of selecting relevant QOL measures for the EOL, and apply current knowledge to quality cancer care.

Advances in quality of life and symptom management for head and neck cancer patients

Head and neck cancer and its therapy are associated with marked symptom burden, functional impairment and decreased quality of life. This review will encompass the recent studies addressing supportive care issues facing head and neck cancer patients. Although it has long been recognized that head and neck cancer therapy results in significant acute toxicity, it is now becoming recognized that the late effects of therapy are equally problematic. In addition, it is clear that many acute and late effects of therapy, including oral health issues, nutritional deficiencies and the role of physical therapy and rehabilitation, are under recognized and under studied. Although supporting data are scant, allied health professions play a critical role in managing acute and late effects of therapy. Healthcare providers must take an active role in the evaluation and management of the acute and late effects of therapy. Referral for appropriate supportive care and rehabilitative services is critical in order to minimize the acute and late effects of therapy and to maximize long-term function.

‘Tsunami third wave’ and the politics of disaster management in Sri Lanka

The paper compares the social and political consequences of two disasters that struck Sri Lanka 70 years apart, the 1934–1935 malaria epidemic that killed over 100,000 people and the tsunami of 26 December 2004. The main argument is that while the state and civil society responses to the malaria epidemic of 1930s in many ways led to the establishment and development of the Sri Lankan welfare state and the related outcomes, including rapid advances in quality of life particularly in the rural sector, the more elaborate and well-funded tsunami response driven by the international humanitarian industry failed to facilitate speedy recovery, failed to galvanize the peace process and even added to the vulnerability of some of the affected people due to the rapid exodus of many newly arrived INGOs before completing their humanitarian mission. While the relative failure of the tsunami response may be partly attributed to the persistent conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelaam (LTTE), it also exposes some of the key weaknesses of humanitarian aid in the modern world. A more historically grounded and conflict-sensitive approach is necessary along with greater coordination among agencies involved.

Short forms of subjective quality of life assessments from cross‐cultural studies for use in surveys with different populations

Among several advances in quality of life (QOL) assessment development, such as cross-cultural comparability of measurements, inclusion of more specific target populations, and assessment on different levels of QOL generality, economy of measurement has become of increasing importance. As a consequence, construction of short forms and indices of original measures is common in QOL assessment development. The present paper puts special emphasis upon the issue of shortening measures and developing short forms in QOL assessment in relation to this development. Some basic principles and procedures of short-form development in general are outlined, and selected prominent examples of short-form development as applied to QOL assessment are described.