Elevated Quality Of Life Research Articles

Early Postoperative Cardiac Rehabilitation in LVAD Patients: A Case Report

This study emphasizes the crucial role of early mobilization and proactive physical therapy for individuals undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy in the context of chronic or end-stage heart failure. Given the intricate medical complexities and prolonged hospitalizations inherent in this patient cohort, specialized cardiac rehabilitation (CR) strategies emerge as indispensable components in cardiovascular medicine. Detailed herein is a case study featuring a 62-year-old male patient who underwent LVAD implantation and participated in a 7-week cardiac rehabilitation program. The observed outcomes revealed substantial improvements in exercise capacity and muscle strength, assessed through standardized physical assessments. Importantly, echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated no adverse effects on left ventricular function. This case underscores the pivotal significance of early rehabilitation intervention during the postoperative phase, particularly in patients exhibiting stable vital signs and hemodynamics. The findings contribute to the refinement of tailored rehabilitation approaches for LVAD recipients, thereby fostering enhanced clinical outcomes and an elevated quality of life in this specialized patient population. The study underscores the critical importance of implementing early rehabilitation strategies in the holistic care paradigm for LVAD recipients, with potential implications for optimizing therapeutic protocols and improving long-term patient outcomes in the field of cardiovascular rehabilitation.

An Evaluation of ARIMA and Persistence Models in IoT-Driven Smart Homes

Commencing with the transformative fusion of Smart Home and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, this study scrutinizes the efficacy of predictive modeling approaches, specifically the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and persistence algorithms. The primary focus lies in their potential for forecasting and optimizing energy consumption dynamics within the intricate framework of smart homes. The investigation reveals a nuanced comparison between the proposed ARIMA and conventional Persistence models. Smart Home, emblematic of innovative living, integrates seamlessly with IoT, promising an intelligent and interconnected domestic ecosystem. To enhance energy efficiency, this study explores the ARIMA model's capabilities alongside the persistence algorithm. Notably, the proposed ARIMA model showcases exceptional prowess in forecasting, substantiated by a significantly lower compared to the Persistence model. The ARIMA model, with an Root Mean Square Error value of 0.03378, outshines the Persistence model with a higher Root Mean Square Error value of 0.158 when evaluated on the test dataset. This substantial reduction in emphasizes the superior performance of the ARIMA model, making it a compelling choice for time series forecasting tasks. Beyond quantitative metrics, the precision of the ARIMA model holds transformative potential, promising cost-effective energy consumption, proactive maintenance, and an elevated quality of life within smart homes. This research establishes a robust foundation for integrating advanced predictive modeling, particularly the ARIMA model, to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and inhabitant satisfaction of smart homes in the era of IoT.

Effects of an 8-Week Virtual Reality Training Program on Pain, Fall Risk, and Quality of Life in Elderly Women with Chronic Low Back Pain: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) and falls are among the major problems experienced by the elderly population. The present study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week virtual reality training (VRT) program in helping relieve pain, minimize fall risk, and improve quality of life (QoL) in elderly women suffering from chronic LBP (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Twenty-five elderly women (VRT/intervention group = 13, control group = 12) with CLBP and aged 65 to 75 years were recruited. The VRT involved three 30-minute weekly sessions of exercises that were carried out using the Xbox Kinect headset. Pain intensity, fall risk, and QoL were assessed via the Visual Analog Scale, the Biodex Balance System, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. Results: The outcomes of a one-way analysis of covariance indicated that the pain intensity score of the intervention group significantly decreased after participation in the VRT program (P = 0.001). The intervention group also showed reduced fall risk (P = 0.001) and elevated QoL (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results confirmed that the VRT program can be regarded as a valid therapeutic intervention that helps reduce patients' symptoms and increase the effectiveness of exercises in the elderly by teaching pain-related insight as well as enhancing QoL and reduce fall risk through various movements.

Proposing an underwater exercise program to increase respiratory muscle strength in the elderly

Ageing societies are more and more common across the world, placing growing emphasis on elderly care. Although elderly care has been implemented, these systems were developed prior to the growth in ageing societies and, in addition, life expectancies have since increased which means that elderly people require care for longer. It is not enough to focus on the ease of provision of care and extending life, elderly care must also focus on improving health and wellbeing and elevating quality of life. These standards of care will also be applicable to disabled people and help create healthier societies. Professor Yoshihiro Yamashina and Hiroki Aoyama, Aino University, Japan, are introducing more effective, low impact exercises in order to improve elderly care, with a specific focus on enhancing respiratory muscle strength. This could help reduce the risk of diseases such as atelectasis and pneumonia and is important because pneumonia is a common cause of suffering and death in the elderly population. For those who are unable to undertake high impact sport, such as the elderly and people with injuries or chronic pain, aquatic exercises are effective. Yamashina and Aoyama are working to better understand how water can be used to strengthen the respiratory muscles.

Care of geriatric rabbits

With the continual advancement in veterinary medicine, rabbits have the care they need to live longer. While rabbits of all ages have similar needs, geriatric rabbits can have a longer, better quality of life with proper identification and management of age-related diseases. Important considerations for elevated quality of life for geriatric patients include: adjustments in husbandry and nutrition, and medical management of age-related diseases such as congestive heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency, and a wide variety of mobility issues. Becoming familiar with signs of age-related medical complications is extremely important due to a rabbit's natural instinct to hide signs of illness. Supportive care at home is key to the ongoing wellbeing of geriatric pets with health conditions. It is also important to be prepared to discuss the delicate subject of end-of-life care and euthanasia with owners of geriatric rabbits. Humane and stress-free euthanasia is important for all species, including pet rabbits.

Effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on patients' pain and quality of life after nasal endoscopic surgery

Objective To explore the effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on patients' pain and quality of life after endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods A total of 136 cases who were treated with nasal endoscopic surgery were chosen according to inclusion criteria from June 2015 to May 2016 in hospital and were randomly divided into control group and observation group. Patients in the control group received conventional nursing after nasal endoscopic surgery, while the observation group received extra comprehensive nursing intervention after nasal endoscopic surgery. Pain of patients, nursing satisfaction on postoperative 1 day, and improvement of top 5 of SNOT-20 of two groups were compared. Results Postoperative pain of two groups was none and mild, and postoperative pain response of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.01) . Top 5 signs of SNOT-20 were nasal congestion, need to blow nose, inattention, runny nose and tiredness. Top 5 signs of observation group were improved more compared with control group (P<0.01) . The total nursing satisfaction of observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.01) . Conclusions Comprehensive nursing intervention could effectively improve the pain response of patients after nasal endoscopic surgery and elevate quality of life of patients and their satisfaction to medical care and nursing. Key words: Pain; Quality of life; Nasal endoscope; Comprehensive nursing intervention

Application of continuing care in patients with generalized anxiety disorder after discharge

Objective : To explore the application of continuing care in patients with generalized anxiety disorder after discharge. Methods : From February 2011 to December 2014, 126 patients with generalized anxiety disorder after discharge were randomly assigned to control group (n=63) and intervention group (n=63). Patients in the intervention group received telephone follow-up and psychological counseling after discharge. When indisposed symptoms appeared, continuing care was conducted with Chinese massage. Results : Self-rating anxiety scale scores were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Scores of medication compliance and regular return visit compliance were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Scores of quality of life were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion : Continuing care can relieve various indisposed symptoms and mental stress, lessen anxiety, and elevate quality of life in patients after discharge.

시조를 통한 문학치료 연구

본 연구는 시조의 정격의 틀에 존재하는 문학치료적 의미구조를 추출하고 시조의 문학치료 효과를 규명하기 위한 서술적 조사연구이다. 본 연구는 문학 혹은 문장의 문학치료적 기제가 인체생리학적으로 인체의 신경계에 어떻게 대입되어 치료를 시행하는 지에 대해 분석하면서 이루어졌다. 그래서 그러한 인체생리학적 기전과 문학치료적 기제들이 어떻게 상호작용을 하며 치료적 효과를 산출하는지 알아보기 위해 문학 및 의학적인 서적들의 내용을 오프라인의 활동과 온라인 페이스북 그룹활동인 '시조야 놀자' 프로그램에 활용하며 각종 공모전 등을 시행하며 분석했다. 본 연구를 위하여 3 년 간 프로그램을 시행했는데 빠른 기간 안에 488명 중에서 27명이 신춘문예에 당선되었다. 그리고 각종 공모전 등을 통해 전문 시인들이 탄생되었다. (사)한국시조사랑시인협회에는 19명이 회원으로 가입하여 시조의 세계화에 뜻을 두고 활동하게 되었다. 그들의 적극적인 활동은 문학치료적 효과로 삶의 질이 한층 향상되었음을 보여주는 근거가 되었다. 문학치료 효과는 트라우마가 많은 창작자들, 특히 나이가 많을수록 높게 나타났다. 본 연구를 통해 시조는 문학치료 효과를 가장 신속적으로 진행시키며 삶의 질을 상승시키게 되는 문학 형태로 판단되었다. 그래서 날로 상승되는 우울증 및 정서적 고립감과 각종 병증 등의 상황을 개선하기 위해서, 시조의 창작 등 시조를 통한 문학치료 프로그램이 활성화되어야 하며 상시적인 문학치료적 접근의 전문화가 요구된다. This technical research paper attempts to examine literature therapeutic significance of Sijo. This research analyzes how the therapeutic mechanisms of literature or sentence can be physiologically applied to human nerve system. To study such interactions between therapeutic mechanisms of literature and human physiological mechanisms, diverse on- and offline Sijo activities, such as a Facebook group "Sijoya Nolja", were studied, as well as various publications in literature and medicine. For the three years this research was being conducted, 27 out of 488 Sijo poets debuted through Sinchunmunye, and many have gone professional through various contests. 19 of them became members of Sijo Poet Associations of Korea, with globalization of Sijo in mind. Their aggressive activity proves that the quality of live was elevated through literature therapy. The therapeutic effects are especially dramatic for older authors, and authors with traumatic experience. Through this research, Sijo turned out to be a form of literature with the quickest effect on elevating quality of life. To solve problems such as depression, emotional isolation, and other mental conditions, literature therapy through Sijo should be implemented, and therapeutic approach of literature should be more professionalized.

Evaluation and application of the simplified Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-BM22 questionnaire for quality of life in patients with bone metastases

Objective To translate the EORTC QLQ-BM22 into simplified Chinese and evaluate its utility. Methods Translate, reverse translate and cultural adjustment: Authors translated the English version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 into simplified Chinese. Two individual native English-speakers translated the Chinese version back into English. The reverse translated version was sent to EORTC for reviewing. From Sept 2012 to March 2013, we enrolled 10 patients with bone metastases (mean age 59.4, 37-78). There were 6 male and 4 female. Patients were asked to complete the questionnaire and questions about understanding of the questionnaire were recorded. How well patients could understand the questionnaire was evaluated and modification was made accordingly. From April 2013 to March 2014, 50 patients with bone metastases were admitted in our hospital. They were asked to take the questionnaire before and three days, one month, three months and 6 months after operation. The scores were analyzed and quality of life was evaluated. Results EORTC approved the translation of the simplified Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 questionnaire due to its accuracy to reflect the original version, and the Chinese version was online. Patients found no difficulty in understanding the questionnaire, and could complete the form without too much effort. We had 27 male and 23 female who participated in our survey (mean age 57.2, 46 to 84). According to the scores, scale of pain, sites of pain, and function were all significantly improved postoperatively. Patients received elevated quality of life with surgical treatment. Conclusion Simplified Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 could be used as an effective questionnaire in evaluating the quality of life for patients with bone metastases. Key words: Skeleton; Neoplasm metastasis; Questionnaires

A Virtual Reality System Combined with Biofeedback for Treating Pediatric Chronic Headache—A Pilot Study

Pediatric headache is highly widespread and is associated with distress and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological treatment of chronic headache in children has been only partially effective and, as in medication-overuse headache, can sometimes be counterproductive. Therefore, there is a substantial need to develop other effective methods of treatment. Here we present the rationale, feasibility, and preliminary results of a pilot study applying a novel system, combining virtual reality and biofeedback, aimed as an abortive treatment of pediatric chronic headache. A prospective single-arm open-label, pilot study. Ten children attending an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic were treated by the proposed system. Participants practiced relaxation with biofeedback and learned to associate successful relaxation with positive pain-free virtual images of themselves. Nine patients completed the 10-session intervention. Ratings of pain, daily functioning, and quality of life improved significantly at 1 and at 3 months posttreatment. Most patients reported applying their newly acquired relaxation and imagery skills to relieve headache outside the lab. This novel system, combining biofeedback and virtual reality, is feasible for pediatric use. Randomized controlled studies in larger populations are needed in order to determine the utility of the system in reducing headache, improving daily functioning, and elevating quality of life.

Investigation of mental intervention influence on negative emotion and quality of life of patients with gynecological malignant tumor

Objective Investigate mental intervention influence on negative emotion and quality of life of patients with gynecological malignant tumor. Methods Collected 80 patients whose final diagnosis were gynecological malignant tumor in half a year and life span were expected more than one year, and these parians were nonmetastasis or non - palindromia. Evaluate mental state and quality of life by SDS, SAS and score quality of life. And to aim directly at mental intervention based on initial evaluation, analyze the result. Results Mental health were bad with obviously anxious and depress, quality of life descent obviously. SDS、SAS were significant difference (P <0.01) between patients in initial stage and healthy crowd. And after intervention in half a year, anxiety and depress were improved remarkably, SDS、SAS were significance difference (P <0. 01) between before and after intervention. And the quality of life were improved. Conclusions Enforce mental intervention on patients whoee final diasnosis were gynecological malignant tumor in the initial stage, this method can abate negative emotion, elevate quality of life and positive promote patients'quality of life. Key words: Gynecology; Malignant tumor; Mental intervention; Negative emotion; Quality of life

To know or not to know: archiving and the under-appreciated historical value of data

Surplus goods, produced by a community, allow individuals to dedicate their efforts to abstract problems, while enjoying the benefits of support from the community. In return, the community benefits from the intellectual work, say, efficiently producing goods or profound medical aid. In further elevating quality of life, we need to understand nature and biology on the most detailed level. Inevitably, research costs are increasing along with the need for more scientists to specialize their efforts. As a result, a vast amount of data and information is generated that needs to be archived and made openly accessible with the permission to re-use and re-distribute. With economies undergoing crises and prosperity in an almost cyclic manner, it seems that funding for science and technology follows a similar pattern. Another aspect to the problem of the loss of data is the human propensity, at the level of each individual researcher, to passively discard data in the course of daily life and through a career. In a typical laboratory, significant amounts of information is still stored on disks in file cabinets or on isolated computers, and is lost when a research group disbands. Being conscientious to one's data, to see that it reaches a place in which it can persist beyond the lifespan of any one individual requires responsibility on the part of its creator.

Total anorectal reconstruction with the artificial bowel sphincter: report of eight cases. A quality-of-life assessment.

The artificial bowel sphincter has been proposed to treat patients with fecal incontinence. The good results achieved with this procedure encouraged us to use this device for reconversion of patients who previously underwent an abdominoperineal resection. Between 1999 and 2001, we selected eight patients for the total anorectal reconstruction, five for a synchronous reconstruction, and three cases for a delayed procedure. One patient was male and seven were female. The mean age was 52.6 years. All the patients underwent a postoperative manometry and defecography. Continence and quality of life scores were also evaluated in the follow-up. The follow-up length ranged from 6 to 28 months. Manometry assessed a basal pressure with the ABS cuff inflated between 58 and 62.2 mmHg. All but one patient achieved a good grade of continence with a Wexner score range between 3 and 9. A certain degree of impaired evacuation occurred in three patients, but with adequate training this improved and did not affect patient's satisfaction. The administered questionnaires demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life scores for stoma patients and an elevated quality of life in patients synchronously treated with artificial bowel sphincter implant. The artificial bowel sphincter is a good option for reconstruction of patients previously treated with an abdominoperineal resection. The procedure is feasible and safe, without serious postoperative complications. The quality of life is improved when the procedure is performed in stabilized stoma patients and is acceptable for motivated patients synchronously implanted. As compared with electrostimulated graciloplasty, the artificial bowel sphincter technique seems to be easier to perform and more acceptable for the patients, although the cost of the device is still high.