The author discusses the longstanding tradition of New Year resolutions regarding exercise and positive lifestyle changes and the role of exercise in palliative care. The article highlights the benefits of aerobic, resistance and mind-body exercises in improving strength, mobility, fatigue, pain and overall quality of life for patients with advanced cancer and non-malignant conditions.

This study aimed to compare the effects of music and memory writing therapy on fatigue and resilience in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 80 patients with MS who met the inclusion criteria were selected and assigned to three groups: music therapy, memory writing therapy, and control. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Regarding resilience, the mean score in the music therapy group increased by 2.05 points after the intervention; however, paired t-test results showed that this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.719). In the memory writing therapy group, the mean resilience score increased by 7.23 points post-intervention, which was statistically significant (P=0.047). The control group showed a slight increase in resilience scores, which was not statistically significant (P=0.581). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated no statistically significant differences in mean resilience scores among the three groups (music therapy, memory writing therapy, and control) before and after the intervention (P>0.050). For fatigue, the mean score in the music therapy group decreased by 0.81 points after the intervention, and this reduction was statistically significant (P=0.001). In the memory writing therapy group, a slight decrease in fatigue scores was observed post-intervention, but this change was not statistically significant (P=0.090). Similarly, paired t-test results for the control group showed no significant difference in mean fatigue scores before and after the intervention (P=0.321). The results indicated that both music therapy and memory writing therapy are effective methods for reducing fatigue and increasing resilience in patients with MS. Due to their simplicity and low cost, these approaches can improve both psychological and physical symptoms in these patients, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.

The association of social determinants of health and depressive symptoms with quality of life among rural patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.

The impact of health education on the quality of life of menopausal and perimenopausal women: A systematic literature review

Integration of music, yoga and massage: Investigation of their effects on preschool children's social-emotional development and quality of life.

Surgery for normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism is safe and effective.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. Advancements in medical science and technology have contributed to a reduction in the mortality rate among individuals who have experienced a stroke. The present study presents findings from a single case report employing a single-subject research design. To achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) was incorporated with Treadmill Training (TT), accompanied by challenging tasks during physiotherapy. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 66-year-old male post-stroke patient with left-sided weakness, impaired grip strength, and mobility issues following a right Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) ischaemic stroke. His medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension, with no significant family medical history reported. The patient presented with notable motor deficits and functional limitations resulting from the right MCA ischaemic stroke. Interventions targeting spasticity reduction, muscle strengthening, endurance, and gait retraining were essential to improve the patient’s functional mobility and overall quality of life. The findings revealed significant improvement in various outcome measures, including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Voluntary Motor Control (VMC), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), indicating positive changes and enhanced quality of life in stroke survivors. The cumulative effect of FES and TT with challenging tasks can significantly improve gait, muscle strength, and balance in patients recovering from stroke.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a progressive, systemic disorder that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. While it has traditionally been most prevalent in regions where malaria is endemic, recent epidemiological studies have shown an increasing disease prevalence in non-endemic areas, primarily attributed to global human migration patterns. The severity of SCA typically worsens with age. In early childhood, affected individuals may present with renal hyperfiltration, neurocognitive delays, cardiac remodeling, and skeletal fragility. The presence of these early manifestations often predicts the development of chronic complications later in life, including splenic atrophy, neurodegeneration, and impaired cerebral perfusion. Adequate management of SCA begins with universal newborn screening programs, enabling early detection and the initiation of appropriate interventions. Therapeutic advancements, ranging from disease-modifying agents such as hydroxyurea to curative options including gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, have significantly improved clinical outcomes; however, long-term morbidity remains a significant challenge. This review aimed to explore the effect of aging on pathophysiological changes and the onset of organ-specific complications in SCA patients. It highlights the importance of age-tailored monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach to detect early signs of organ damage, prevent irreversible complications, and consequently improve overall quality of life.

Medical students experience tremendous stressors related to the demanding nature of medical education programs, which can negatively impact their health and overall quality of life (QoL). This particular study aimed to evaluate the QoL of medical students at Al-Quds University (AQU) in Palestine across various academic years and demographic variables, concerning physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental conditions. A cross-sectional comparative study involving 522 medical students representing all six academic years was conducted from May to July 2024. QoL was assessed via the culturally adapted Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Demographic variables (gender, age, place of residence, number of bedrooms) and academic (academic year) variables were examined as correlates of QoL domains. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were applied, and linear regression was used to identify predictors. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Social relationships were the highest-rated domain (M = 3.58, SD = 0.862), followed by physical health (M = 3.38, SD = 0.721), environment (M = 3.28, SD = 0.638), and psychological conditions (M = 3.12, SD = 0.693). Gender differences emerged, with males reporting better physical health (p = 0.002). Linear regression further identified academic level as a key predictor of physical health (p < 0.001). Medical students at AQU have shown resilience in their social relationships. However, concerns arise from their lower psychological health and limited access to recreational opportunities. These findings highlight the importance of targeted institutional strategies that address mental health and foster supportive environments. Ultimately, this approach aims to enhance student well-being and create a more balanced and sustainable quality of life for students.

BackgroundEndogenous stem-cell mobilization represents a promising alternative to transplanted stem-cell therapies, which are limited by poor survival, immune incompatibility, and procedural risks. Biophotons, ultra-weak, non-thermal photons generated by biological systems have been increasingly implicated in mitochondrial regulation, redox signaling, and cellular repair. Whether controlled biophoton exposure can safely stimulate endogenous stem-cell production in humans has not been previously tested in a randomized clinical setting.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether a non-invasive, non-thermal biophoton generator can increase circulating stem/progenitor cell counts and improve functional health outcomes in adults.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial (FIAM-SC255; NCT06855459), 71 adults underwent 14 days of nighttime exposure to either an active Tesla BioHealing® biophoton generator or a visually identical placebo. Circulating CD34⁺, CD133⁺, and CD34⁺CD133⁺ stem/progenitor cells were quantified by flow cytometry at baseline and follow-up. Quality-of-life (SF-36) and Pain Disability Index (PDI) scores were assessed concurrently. After the blinded phase, placebo participants crossed over to active treatment. Safety monitoring occurred throughout.ResultsActive biophoton exposure produced significant increases in circulating stem/progenitor cells compared with baseline and placebo, including a 2.7-fold rise in CD34⁺, 3.5-fold rise in CD133⁺ (leukocyte population), and 3.1-fold rise in CD34⁺CD133⁺ cells (all p &lt; 0.01). No significant changes were observed during placebo exposure. SF-36 scores improved by 16–30% following active treatment (p &lt; 0.05), and PDI scores decreased by an average of 7.35 points (p &lt; 0.00001). Improvements replicated in the crossover cohort. No adverse events occurred.ConclusionNon-thermal biophoton therapy safely and robustly enhances endogenous stem-cell mobilization while simultaneously improving pain-related function and overall quality of life. The magnitude of stem-cell elevation is comparable to levels typically achieved through exogenous stem-cell infusion—yet without invasive procedures or safety risks. These findings support biophoton therapy as a clinically meaningful, non-invasive regenerative modality with potential relevance to neurological, metabolic, and age-related conditions.

Background: The Family Planning (KB) Program is one of the government’s strategic initiatives aimed at controlling population growth and improving the overall quality of life of the community. Despite the availability of various contraceptive methods, their utilization remains uneven across regions, reflecting disparities in access to information, health services, and socio-demographic factors. Objective: This study aims to describe the distribution pattern of active family planning participants according to the type of contraceptive method used across sub-districts in Palopo City, South Sulawesi Province. Method: A quantitative descriptive approach was employed using secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Palopo City for the year 2019. The data were analyzed descriptively to examine the distribution of contraceptive use across different sub-districts. Results: Data analysis was conducted through graphical interpretation of the distribution of active family planning participants based on contraceptive methods, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), female sterilization (MOW), male sterilization (MOP), condoms, implants, injections, and oral contraceptive pills. The findings indicate that injectable contraceptives were the most commonly used method, particularly in Wara Timur District, followed by oral contraceptives. In contrast, the utilization of long-term and permanent methods, such as IUDs, MOW, and MOP, remained relatively low. Variations in contraceptive use across districts suggest inequalities in access to family planning services and information. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to improve the equitable distribution of family planning services and to strengthen counseling efforts regarding the benefits and potential risks of various contraceptive methods. Such efforts are essential to enable individuals and couples to make informed and appropriate contraceptive choices based on their needs and circumstances.

Background: Disability remains a major public health concern globally and disproportionately affects individuals’ quality of life, social participation, and economic productivity. Persons with physical disabilities (PWPDs) often experience barriers in accessing preventive and rehabilitation services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding disability and to evaluate the frequency of utilization of rehabilitation services among PWPDs attending a tertiary care rehabilitation facility in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Artificial Limb Centre, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January to March 2024. A total of 238 PWPDs aged 19–45 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward disability, and utilization of rehabilitation services. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations between awareness levels and service utilization were assessed using the Chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Results: Among the respondents, 61.3% were male and 38.7% were female. Most participants demonstrated awareness regarding the consequences and prevention of disability; however, knowledge about available rehabilitation programs was comparatively limited. Positive attitudes toward disability were observed at individual and family levels, with self-reliance reported by a majority of participants. Regular utilization of rehabilitation services was significantly associated with higher awareness levels (p &lt; 0.05). Key barriers to utilization included affordability, limited accessibility, and inadequate availability of rehabilitation services. Conclusion: Although PWPDs showed reasonable awareness regarding disability and its prevention, gaps persist in knowledge and utilization of rehabilitation services. Addressing financial, infrastructural, and informational barriers is essential to improve service uptake and overall quality of life among PWPDs. Strengthening public awareness campaigns and integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare may enhance equitable access.

The aim of this review was to discuss the effect of dental fear and anxiety on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children, based on recent literature. Oral health is an important part of general health and allows individuals to eat, speak, and interact socially without pain or discomfort. Quality of life includes physical, emotional, and social well-being. The concept of OHRQoL combines these two areas and is especially important in pediatric dentistry, as oral problems can strongly affect children’s daily lives. Dental fear is a common emotional response to the dental environment, while dental anxiety refers to persistent worry about dental treatment. The prevalence of dental fear and anxiety in children varies widely across studies due to differences in age, culture, and assessment methods. Children who experience dental fear and anxiety often avoid visiting the dentist. As a result, oral health problems such as dental caries may remain untreated and worsen over time, leading to pain and infection. The article highlights a bidirectional relationship between dental fear and oral health. Poor oral health, especially tooth decay and toothache, can increase dental fear and anxiety. At the same time, dental anxiety causes children to avoid dental care, which further worsens oral health. This negative cycle affects several aspects of OHRQoL, including chewing ability, speech, appearance, emotional well-being, and social interaction. Consequently, children may experience reduced self-confidence and lower overall quality of life. Parental factors, particularly maternal dental anxiety, play an important role in the development of dental fear in children. Low socioeconomic status, lower educational level, irregular dental visits, and negative previous dental experiences are also associated with higher anxiety levels. The review emphasizes the importance of early detection of dental fear and anxiety. Positive dental experiences, regular dental visits, and appropriate behavioral guidance techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve cooperation. In conclusion, early intervention and effective management of dental fear and anxiety are essential to improve children’s oral health and enhance their oral health-related quality of life.

Relevance: Breast cancer remains the most common oncological disease among women in Kazakhstan. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation support is still limited and fragmented. Most patients experience chronic fatigue, lymphedema, psycho-emotional disturbances, and reduced working capacity after therapy. According to international clinical guidelines (ESMO, ASCO, NCCN), cancer rehabilitation is an essential part of comprehensive treatment, improving quality of life and reducing disability. Recent studies confirm the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and mindfulness, as well as telemedicine tools and multidisciplinary care. The development of evidence-based rehabilitation programs in Kazakhstan aligns with the national Comprehensive Plan for Combating Oncological Diseases (2023-2027) and aims to reduce the cancer burden and improve patients’ quality of life. The study aimed to analyze recent literature on the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for breast cancer patients, focusing on the integration of Eastern mind–body practices (Tai Chi, Qigong, mindfulness) as non-pharmacological approaches to recovery. Methods: An analytical literature review was conducted using major international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Springer Link). Studies assessing the impact of mind–body practices on physical, psycho-emotional, and cognitive functions in breast cancer survivors were selected based on methodological quality and clinical relevance. Results: The analysis revealed that Tai Chi, Qigong, and mindfulness practices significantly improve fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality, while enhancing mobility and emotional well-being. These techniques demonstrated high safety and can serve as effective components of multidisciplinary oncological rehabilitation programs. Their integration promotes both physical and psychological recovery, helping patients regain activity, confidence, and social adaptation. Conclusion: Integrating Tai Chi, Qigong, and mindfulness into breast cancer rehabilitation programs is a promising direction that enhances functional recovery, emotional stability, and overall quality of life in cancer survivors.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood is a progressive and irreversible condition that affects multiple organ systems, including the oral and dental structures. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the oral manifestations of CKD in pediatric patients and discusses appropriate dental management strategies. As the prevalence of CKD in children has increased in recent years, awareness of its oral implications has become increasingly important for pediatric dentists. Children with CKD commonly present with distinct oral findings resulting from metabolic disturbances, uremia, altered saliva composition, and long-term medical treatments. Although these patients often have inadequate oral hygiene and a carbohydrate-rich diet, several studies report a lower prevalence of dental caries compared to healthy peers. This paradox is mainly attributed to increased salivary urea levels, higher buffering capacity, and an alkaline oral environment, which inhibit acidogenic bacteria. However, the same salivary changes contribute to increased dental calculus formation. Additional oral findings include halitosis, gingival and periodontal alterations, oral mucosal pallor due to anemia, bleeding tendencies, and opportunistic infections, particularly in immunosuppressed or transplant patients. Renal osteodystrophy may affect the alveolar and supporting bone, increasing the risk of abnormal bone healing and jaw fractures following dental procedures. Moreover, medications commonly used in CKD management, such as cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers, may induce gingival overgrowth and xerostomia. Early identification of oral manifestations, regular dental follow-up, and preventive care are essential in children with CKD. A multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric dentists and pediatric nephrologists is crucial to ensure safe dental treatment and to improve both oral health outcomes and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.

Background: Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients with acquired intraoral defects is challenging and requires multidisciplinary collaboration. This case report describes an integrated surgical and prosthetic approach in which palatal obturator rehabilitation is used to restore palatal integrity, speech, swallowing, aesthetics, and overall quality of life after maxillectomy. The objective is to show how careful surgical planning to optimize prosthetic prognosis, combined with a precisely designed obturator prosthesis, can achieve satisfactory functional rehabilitation. Methods: A man in his 50s with sinonasal carcinoma underwent partial left maxillectomy followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The defect was classified as Aramany class I and Brown class 2b, and the surgical resection was planned to preserve structures favorable to prosthetic support. Prosthetic management included fabrication of a removable partial denture incorporating a hollow-bulb obturator. Results: During trial and delivery, the patient demonstrated improved speech and swallowing, enhanced denture stability, and favorable aesthetics. The patient reported satisfaction with functional and cosmetic outcomes and was provided with instructions for use and cleaning, with a plan for regular follow-up. Conclusions: Palatal obturator prostheses remain a gold standard for unilateral maxillectomy rehabilitation when adequate retention is achievable. Surgical-prosthetic collaboration permits restoring palatal contours, and dentition can normalize speech and swallowing, and substantially improve the quality of life.

Abstract - The loss of an upper limb significantly affects an individual’s daily functioning, independence, and overall quality of life. Modern prosthetic hands aim to restore these capabilities, yet conventional solutions remain expensive, complex, and inaccessible for many users. This project presents the development of a low-cost, customizable 3D Printed EMG-Controlled Prosthetic Hand that utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) signals to interpret user intent and generate intuitive hand movements. By integrating affordable 3D printing materials, Arduino-based control electronics, servo actuation, and EMG signal processing, the proposed system enables responsive and natural hand functionality such as grasping and releasing. The prosthetic is lightweight, modular, and easy to fabricate, offering significant advantages for rehabilitation, research, and resource-limited environments. This work demonstrates a practical approach to bridging mechanical design and biomedical signal interpretation, providing a scalable and accessible prosthetic solution that enhances user comfort. Key Words: Electromyography(EMG), sEMG signal processing, Servo actuation, Arduino microcontroller, Biomedical Engineering, Myoelectric control

BackgroundThe interplay between motivational traits and work values is essential for understanding life satisfaction among Chinese high school English teachers. This study investigates how motivation and teaching work values relate to life satisfaction, situating the research within the unique context of Chinese educators.MethodsParticipants are Chinese High School English teachers (N = 742) who answered a self-reported questionnaire conducted online using a web survey during April-May 2024. The analysis included hypothesis testing using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro for SPSS, which examines both the direct and indirect effects of an independent variable (X) on a dependent variable (Y) through a mediator (M). This model was tested separately for each independent variable: personal mastery, competitive excellence, and motivation anxiety.ResultsThe results indicated that personal mastery is positively associated with life satisfaction, and a significant positive relationship exists between personal mastery and work values. The findings also revealed a positive association between work values and life satisfaction, with mediation analysis showing that work values partially mediate the relationship between personal mastery and life satisfaction. While the direct effect of competitive excellence on life satisfaction was not significant, its indirect effect through work values was significant. Conversely, although the direct effect of motivation anxiety on life satisfaction was significant, the indirect effect through work values was not.ConclusionsThese results underscore the importance of aligning work environments with educators’ values to enhance their professional performance and overall quality of life. Practical implications include guiding school administrators and policymakers to foster environments that support teachers’ motivational traits and work values, which can lead to improved job satisfaction, reduced stress, and greater retention among educators.

ABSTRACT Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of functional materials known for their exceptional water absorption, retention capacity, and tunable physicochemical properties. Since their emergence in the 1960s, SAPs have progressed from simple moisture‐absorbing agents in hygiene products to multifunctional systems used in agriculture, environmental remediation, food preservation, and biomedical technologies. This review provides a comprehensive examination of their historical development, compositional evolution, and innovative synthesis strategies. It highlights how structural modifications, crosslinking chemistry, and the incorporation of renewable components have broadened their applicability and enhanced performance. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging functionalities such as biodegradability, stimuli‐responsiveness, and antimicrobial activity. These features enable SAPs to be integrated into sustainable and high‐value technologies. The environmental and agricultural sections describe their roles in water conservation, soil conditioning, and pollution control. Applications in food packaging, hygiene, and medicine further demonstrate their importance in improving human health, safety, and overall quality of life. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed, with special attention to the shift toward bio‐based, intelligent, and circular‐economy‐aligned SAP systems. Through a critical synthesis of recent developments, this review outlines a clear path toward next‐generation superabsorbent materials capable of addressing global sustainability and resource‐management challenges.

PurposePostoperative scarring remains a major concern for patients and parents following repair of congenital abdominal wall defects. This study evaluated perceptions of postoperative scars in children after omphalocele or gastroschisis repair, comparing self-assessments with parental evaluations. We hypothesized that parents perceive scarring more negatively than their children.MethodsA single-center study was conducted among patients treated for omphalocele or gastroschisis at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen (2001–2011). Between July 2022 and March 2023, patients and their parents completed the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 2.0, Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Exclusion criteria were death or psychomotor impairment precluding reliable self-assessment.ResultsTwenty-eight participants (61% gastroschisis, 39% omphalocele) were included. Parents rated scar appearance more negatively than their children (POSAS overall impression p = 0.040; appearance p = 0.002 in omphalocele). PSAQ revealed discrepancies regarding scar-related symptoms (p = 0.006) and satisfaction (p = 0.009 total; p = 0.038 omphalocele). Parents tended to underestimate children’s physical complaints (p = 0.099). No differences were found between defect types. SF-36 indicated high overall quality of life (mean 79.9 ± 13.3).ConclusionSignificant parent–child differences exist in scar perception. Parents emphasize cosmetic concerns, whereas children report physical symptoms. Larger studies are warranted to guide tailored postoperative support.