Quality Of Life In Patients Research Articles

Psychosocial Determinants for Self-Reported Health Status in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cohort Analysis of the CONVINCE Randomized Trial.

We investigated whether psychosocial determinants self-efficacy and social support are associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in hemodialysis patients enrolled in the CONVINCE trial. We used baseline data from the cohort of patients involved in the CONVINCE randomized trial of hemodiafiltration versus hemodialysis. Measures included age, gender, relationship status, children, housing, education, employment, comorbidities, dialysis schedules, time of first dialysis, residual kidney function, general self-efficacy and social support scores, and PROMIS measurements for health-related quality of life. Associations were analyzed using hierarchical regression. One thousand three hundred and sixty patients from CONVINCE were the cohort of interest. Mean age was 62±13.5 years (range 20-92), and 66.9% were men. Self-efficacy was a significant predictor for all health-related quality of life domains: depression (β = -0.36, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = -0.35, p < 0.001), social participation (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), cognition (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), fatigue (β = -0.29, p < 0.001), physical function (β = 0.27, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (β = -0.23, p < 0.001), pain interference (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), pain intensity (β = -0.17, p < 0.001), interdialytic symptoms (β = -0.14, p = 0.002) and intradialytic symptoms (β = -0.14, p = 0.002). Social support was a significant predictor for cognition (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (β = -0.11, p = 0.017) and intradialytic symptoms (β =- 0.11, p = 0.02). Higher general self-efficacy scale scores are associated with improvements in cognition, depression, anxiety, social participation, fatigue, physical function, sleep disturbance, pain interference, interdialytic symptoms, pain intensity and intradialytic symptoms. Associations for self-efficacy are larger than those for social support and stronger than previously reported. It is plausible that targeted psychosocial interventions may improve health outcomes in people on hemodialysis.

LGGL-02 NURSING CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH PONTINE GLIOMAS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE NAIROBI HOSPITAL AND KENYA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Pontine gliomas, aggressive brain tumors predominantly affecting pediatric patients, pose limited treatment options and a grim prognosis, emphasizing the crucial role of nursing care for comprehensive patient and family support. This abstract explores nursing considerations for pediatric pontine glioma patients at The Nairobi Hospital, contrasting them with broader healthcare practices in Kenya. METHODS A thorough literature review focused on nursing practices for pediatric pontine glioma patients, utilizing peer-reviewed journals, healthcare guidelines, expert opinions, and textbooks. Key areas included vital observations, parental support strategies, patient and family empowerment initiatives, palliative care approaches, and nursing intervention impact on outcomes and family satisfaction. RESULTS The analysis highlighted nursing considerations at The Nairobi Hospital, where a patient-centered approach and proactive vital observations were evident. Nurses monitored health status pre-radiotherapy, adjusting care plans promptly. End-of-life care showcased comprehensive palliative support and bereavement guidance, contrasting varied national practices, underscoring the need for standardized protocols and enhanced training nationwide CONCLUSION Nursing care’s pivotal role in optimizing outcomes and quality of life for pediatric pontine glioma patients and families was emphasized. The study’s implications extend to healthcare policy, education, and practice, stressing collaborative efforts to improve standards and patient outcomes.

Relationship between Family Support and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients

Stroke is a disease of the brain in the form of impaired local nerve function that appears suddenly, progressively, and quickly. Family support is very influential on stroke patients, because family support is very instrumental in a form of assistance provided by family members to provide physical and psychological comfort when someone experiences illness and provides social support. This article review aims to determine the relationship between family support and quality of life in stroke patients. This study used the literature review method with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews &amp; Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Scientific articles or journals were downloaded from PubMed, Garuda Portal, and Google Scholar with SINTA IV and V standards within 2020-2024. In this literature, it was found that family support is an aspect that plays an important role in the quality of life of stroke patients. Family support itself includes emotional support, appreciation support, instrumental support and information support. The family is the closest person who always interacts with post-stroke patients, so the role of the family is very important in an effort to provide various supports that create a sense of security for patients.

Expanding horizons: lung transplantation for non-IPF interstitial lung diseases

ObjectiveInterstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are diverse pulmonary disorders marked by diffuse lung inflammation and fibrosis. The variability in characteristics and treatment approaches complicates diagnosis and management. In advanced cases requiring transplantation, determining indications and selecting suitable candidates presents additional challenges.MethodsOf all patients with non-IPF ILD between December 2016 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups: transplanted patients and deceased patients on the waiting list. Clinical data and survival outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsOf the 43 patients, 20 underwent lung transplantation while 23 died awaiting transplantation. Waiting list mortality was 53.4%, with median waiting times similar between groups (3 months for transplant patients and 6 months for those on the waiting list). There were no significant differences between groups in age, gender, height, BMI, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), or forced vital capacity (FVC). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) was 76.7% in right heart catheterizations, similar in both groups. One single and 19 bilateral lung transplants were performed. Overall, 13 of the 20 patients survived to discharge from the hospital. One-year mortality was 7/20 (35%). The median follow-up was 34 months, with a 1-year conditional survival of 90.9% at 3 years and 70.7% at 5 years.ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of further research into non-IPF ILDs. Lung transplantation remains a viable option that can significantly enhance both the quality and longevity of life for patients with advanced ILD.

Machine learning explains response variability of deep brain stimulation on Parkinson’s disease quality of life

Improving health-related quality of life (QoL) is crucial for managing Parkinson’s disease. However, QoL outcomes after deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) vary considerably. Current approaches lack integration of demographic, patient-reported, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological data to understand this variability. This study used explainable machine learning to analyze multimodal factors affecting QoL changes, measured by the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) in 63 patients, and quantified each variable’s contribution. Results showed that preoperative PDQ-39 scores and upper beta band activity (>20 Hz) in the left STN were key predictors of QoL changes. Lower initial QoL burden predicted worsening, while improvement was associated with higher beta activity. Additionally, electrode positions along the superior-inferior axis, especially relative to the z = −7 coordinate in standard space, influenced outcomes, with improved and worsened QoL above and below this marker. This study emphasizes a tailored, data-informed approach to optimize DBS treatment and improve patient QoL.

Effects of preoperative respiratory muscle training for improvement of postoperative health related quality of life in mitral valve replacement patients.

A patient's defective mitral valve is replaced as part of a treatment called mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a mechanical or biological (bioprosthetic) valve. To evaluate the effects of preoperative respiratory muscle training (RMT) on the improvement of postoperative Health related quality of life in MVR patients. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology. A Sample of 40 adult patients aged 25-50years of both genders who underwent MVR was selected and divided into two groups Group 1 (Respiratory Muscle Training Group) was received RMT consisting of 10-15 repetitions a day for 5days; for 3weeks. Whereas Group 2 (Conventional Group) was receive breathing exercise consisting of 10-12 repetitions a day for 5days; for 3weeks. Modified Healthy Heart Questionnaire (HHQ-GP-1) was used as screening tool. In outcome measuring tools Health Related Quality of life Questionnaire (EuroQol), New York Heart Association, was used at baseline, 3rd week and postoperatively. Duration of Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation (hours) and Hospital Stay was also noted as outcome measures of this study. Results obtained indicate that level of Self-Care in EuroQol-5-D-5L has improved in group 1 3.35±1.03 to 1.35±0.48 showing significant improvement similarly in case of Hospital Length of Stay, Mechanical ventilation 4.05±0.68 to 5.05±0.51 and Pain 65.25±8.34 to 71.50±6.70 has improved. It was concluded that Respiratory Muscle Training and Conventional Muscle Training both are effective in MVR patients. But RMT is more effective in improving self-care, reducing pain, Hospital Length of Stay and Mechanical Ventilation in postoperative period as compared to Conventional Muscle Treatment.

Emotional intelligence: a novel predictor of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, affects skin and internal organs compromising organ function and leading to significant morbidity and poor health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This cross-sectional study investigated whether HrQoL is influenced by trait emotional intelligence (TEI). Sixty patients with SSc (Female: 86.67%) completed the socio-demographic characteristics form, TEI Questionnaire Short-Form (TEIQue-SF), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sixty healthy controls were also completed the TEIQue-SF. A series of multiple linear regression analyses with correlation matrix was used to analyze SF-36 domains as dependent variables with TEI domains (well-being, self-control, emotionality, sociability) as independent variables. The average age of participants was 57.3 ± 12.9 years with a mean disease duration of 7.7 ± 6.7 years. Patients differed from controls in the sociability domain of TEI. TEI global was found to affect the physical and mental component summaries (p < .001), and all 8 dimensions of the HrQoL (p < .001). Age, disease duration, and gastrointestinal manifestations were negatively associated with various components of SF-36. TEI was positively associated with all dimensions of HrQoL. Understanding the relationship between TEI and HrQoL dimensions is important for the support and empowerment of SSc patients, as well as the establishment and implementation of appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions.

What is an impact of hearing aids primarily fitted for presbyacusis on quality of life in patients complaining of tinnitus: a pilot study

ObjectiveTo assess the secondary effect of hearing aids primarily fitted for presbyacusis and their impact on the quality of life of patients complaining of tinnitus. DesignPilot case studyStudy sampleAdults with presbyacusis hearing loss were recruited in the Asker ENT clinic in Norway. Twenty consecutive patients were included in the pilot study.MethodsTwenty patients who were diagnosed with presbyacusis and additional tinnitus by the hearing tests (pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry) and medical interviews were recruited for the study. The level of their tinnitus distress was measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before and around 2 months after the hearing aid fitting. The results were afterwards statistically analyzed using paired sampled t-tests in Excel.ResultsThe data showed that hearing aids fitted primarily for presbyacusis can improve the quality of life in individuals suffering from tinnitus (p = 0.001504). In our sample, women showed higher levels of complaints about their tinnitus, compared to men. We found that age was an influencing factor on the outcomes of hearing aid usage for both presbyacusis and tinnitus, as people in this study before the age of 75 benefited less than patients above 75 (p = 0.005). All patients with moderate hearing loss in our sample showed significant improvement in their quality of life in regard to their tinnitus complaint, with a statistical value of p = 0.044. Also, patients with the lower levels of THI (slight and mild) were the groups who had the most clinically significant improvements in tinnitus distress. Finally, while analyzing the answers to all the THI questionnaire questions from the patients who did not show improvements in THI scores, a pattern of having trouble sleeping was detected as the most probable factor.ConclusionsThe results showed that hearing aids fitted primarily for presbycusis can have a positive influence on the perception of tinnitus and their quality of life.

Immediate Versus Delayed Exercise on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients Initiating Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Results from a Year-long Randomised Trial

Background and objectiveAn array of treatment-related toxicities result from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa), compromising function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Exercise has been demonstrated to counter a number of these adverse effects including decreased HRQoL; however, when exercise should be initiated is less clear. This study aims to examine whether commencing exercise when ADT is initiated rather than later during treatment is more effective in countering adverse effects on HRQoL. MethodsMen with PCa (48–84 yr) initiating ADT were randomised to immediate exercise (IMEX; n = 54) or delayed exercise (DEL; n = 48) for 12 mo. IMEX consisted of 6 mo of supervised resistance/aerobic/impact exercise commenced at the initiation of ADT with 6 mo of follow-up. DEL consisted of 6 mo of usual care followed by 6 mo of the same exercise programme. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 at baseline and 6 and 12 mo. Intention to treat was utilised for the analyses that included a group × time repeated-measure analysis of variance using log transformed data. Key findings and limitationsThere were a significant group × time interaction for the physical functioning domain (p = 0.045) and physical component summary score (p = 0.005), and a significant time effect for bodily pain (p < 0.001) and vitality domains (p < 0.001), with HRQoL maintained in IMEX and declining in DEL at 6 mo. Exercise in DEL reversed declines in vitality and in the physical component summary score, with no differences at 12 mo compared with baseline. Limitations include treatment alterations during the intervention. Conclusions and clinical implicationsConcurrently initiating exercise and ADT in patients with PCa preserves HRQoL, whereas exercise initiated while on established ADT regimens reverses declines in some HRQoL domains. Patient summaryTo avoid initial treatment-related adverse effects on health-related quality of life exercise, medicine should be initiated at the start of treatment.

Paeoniae radix overcomes resistance to EGFR-TKIs via aurora B pathway suppression in lung adenocarcinoma

Targeted therapies using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have markedly improved survival rates and quality of life for patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Despite these advancements, resistance to EGFR inhibitors remains a significant challenge, limiting the overall effectiveness of the treatment. This study explored the synergistic effects of combining Paeoniae Radix (PR) with first-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), erlotinib and gefitinib, to overcome this resistance. Transcriptomic analysis of EGFR-mutant LUAD cell lines revealed that PR treatment could potentially reverse the gene signatures associated with resistance to EGFR-TKIs, primarily through the suppression of the Aurora B pathway. Experimental validation demonstrated that combining PR with erlotinib and gefitinib enhanced drug responsiveness by inhibiting Aurora kinase activity and inducing apoptosis in LUAD cells. Additionally, gene expression changes confirmed these combined effects, with the suppression of the Aurora B pathway and upregulation of the apoptotic pathway, which was accompanied by increased expression of multiple pro-apoptotic genes. Our findings contribute to the development of natural product-based therapeutic strategies to mitigate drug resistance in LUAD.

Early palliative care involvement in gastrointestinal malignancies: A community cancer center perspective.

198 Background: Early involvement of palliative care (PC) specialists enhances quality of life for patients with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients with newly diagnosed stage III and IV GI cancer seen at a large community cancer center between 10/1/22 and 9/30/23. We compared patients seen by a PC provider in clinic at least once to those without an outpatient PC visit within the one-year study period. Results: 283 patients with stage III/IV colorectal (42%), gastroesophageal (23%), pancreatic (16%), hepatobiliary (12%), and other GI cancers (8%) received care within the study period (Table). Of these, 49 (17%) had at least one PC clinic visit, and 234 (83%) had no PC visits. Patients with pancreatic (35% vs 12%) and hepatobiliary cancer (20% vs 10%) were over-represented in the group receiving PC vs those without PC, while patients with colorectal cancer were under-represented (20% vs 47%). Greater percentages of patients in the group receiving PC completed advanced care planning (ACP) documents (63% vs 24%) and died during the study period (65% vs 15%). Conclusions: A minority of patients with GI malignancies at a large community cancer center are seen by an outpatient PC provider during the first year after diagnosis. These patients are more likely to have tumor types associated with worse prognosis, to complete ACPs, and to die within one year. Broader delivery of early PC will require expanded services in community cancer centers and continued development of tools for identifying patients most likely to benefit. The distribution of gastrointestinal cancer between outpatient palliative care visit and no outpatient palliative care visit. Primary cancer PC No PC Total Colorectal 10 (20% | 8%) 110 (47% | 92%) 120 (42% | 100%) Gastroesophageal 10 (20% | 16%) 54 (23% | 84%) 64 (23% | 100%) Pancreatic 17 (35% | 39%) 27 (12% | 61%) 44 (16% | 100%) Hepatobiliary 10 (20% | 30%) 23 (10% | 70%) 33 (12% | 100%) Other GI 2 (4% | 9%) 20 (9% | 91%) 22 (8% | 100%) Total 49 (100% | 17%) 234 (100% | 83%) 283 (100% | 100%) PC: Palliative care.

Predictors of symptom improvement in patients with chronic coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Decreases in symptom load and improvements in quality of life are important goals in the invasive treatment of symptomatic chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). To date, it is not known which patients profit most from the invasive treatment. This sub-analysis of the prospective, multi-centre PLA-pCi-EBO trial includes 145 patients with symptomatic CCS and successful PCI. The prespecified endpoints angina pectoris and quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire-SAQ) were assessed 1 and 6months after PCI. Predictors of symptom improvement were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Quality of life, physical limitation, and angina frequency markedly improved 6months after PCI. Worse baseline health status (i.e., low SAQ subscales) was the best predictor of highly clinically relevant improvements (≥ 20 points in SAQ subscales) in symptom load and quality of life. Demographic factors (age, sex, body-mass index) and cardiovascular disease severity (number of involved vessels, ejection fraction) did not predict relevant improvements after PCI. The influence of psychologic traits has not previously been assessed. We found that neither optimism nor pessimism had a relevant effect on symptomatic outcome. However, patients who exercised more after PCI had a much larger improvement in quality of life despite no differences in physical limitation or angina frequency. PCI effectively reduces symptom load and improves quality of life in patients with symptomatic CCS. Reduced baseline health status (symptom load, quality of life) are the only relevant predictors for improvements after PCI. Physical activity after PCI is associated with greater benefits for quality of life. The German Clinical Trials Register registration number is DRKS0001752.

Effectiveness of a novel finger range-of-motion brace for extensor tendon injury: a report of 10 patients

BackgroundExtensor tendon injuries require surgical repair, followed by rehabilitation to ensure optimal outcomes. Immobilization has been the cornerstone of postoperative management. However, immobilization after surgery frequently makes the finger stiffness, often resulting in reduced functionality and quality of life for patients. Recent studies indicate that early controlled motion can significantly improve outcomes, but safe early range of motion (ROM) exercise is a significant clinical challenge. This article aims to check the efficacy of the novel designed finger ROM brace for preventing finger stiffness for extensor tendon injuries with case series.MethodsA finger ROM brace was designed based on the natural finger movement. Like a real finger, there are two tiny hinge joints and three round-shape body components. The design aimed to be ergonomic dynamic splint assisting controlled motion to promote early motion, thus reducing tendon tension and preventing stiffness. Elastic resistant ROM exercise could be by inserting a silicone band into the groove on the components and free movement could be achieved by removing a silicone band.ResultBetween December 2022 and July 2023, 10 patients who underwent tenorrhaphy because of extensor tendon laceration were involved. Complete extensor tendon laceration was 3 patients, other seven patients had partial laceration of extensor tendons. Surgery was performed within 2 days of injury, and no infection was observed in all patients. After the extensor tendon was confirmed as healed state by ultrasound, the patients were permit the active exercise wearing finger ROM brace with a silicone band. Within 1–2 weeks after elastic resistant exercise, the patients could achieve free full ROM movement without any complication.ConclusionThe novel finger ROM brace combines the advantages of dynamic splinting and under-actuated mechanisms to offer a comprehensive solution for preventing stiffness after extensor tendon suture. Future studies should focus on clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of this brace in a larger population.

Prior Knowledge, Acceptance, Adaptation, and Challenges Following Stoma Formation among Colorectal Cancer Patients in Northern Peninsular of Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Stoma formation affects an individual in various ways, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functions. Diverse studies report ways of an individual lives with new stoma formation. However, the comprehensive understanding of the entire process by the patient, which includes knowledge before the surgical procedure, as well as the subsequent acceptance, adaptation, and challenges to living with a stoma is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth interview session were conducted with 12 colorectal cancer patients who have undergone surgical procedures for intestinal stoma formation. The patterns and themes within the data were identified by thematic analysis, involving data familiarisation and coding followed by themes’ generation and refinement of the themes. RESULTS: Four themes and 9 subthemes were identified, which revealed the sufficiency of stoma-related information and understanding prior to surgery as well as positive acceptance of self and family members reflected through their reactions and support. Nonetheless, the challenges were anticipated which highlights the complications of the stoma itself, obstacles surrounding social life, and financial burdens. CONCLUSION: This study provided valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living with a stoma following colorectal cancer surgery. The themes and subthemes highlight the need to address social stigma as well as financial issues to alleviate the burden of stoma-related expenses. Increasing public awareness and improving financial assistance could be a way to enhance the overall quality of life for patients living with stoma

The impact of whole-process visualization collaborative nursing discussions education on perioperative symptoms and emotional well-being in radical prostatectomy patients.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in elderly males, with radical prostatectomy being the established therapeutic approach for localized disease. Patients undergoing this surgical procedure frequently experience increased negative emotions and symptomatology during the perioperative period, likely due to concerns about the illness and its treatment. The present study aims to investigate the effects of a novel educational approach involving a whole-process visualization and collaborative nursing discussions on perioperative symptoms and emotional well-being in radical prostatectomy patients. Data were prospectively collected from 310 patients admitted to the hospital between June 2021 and December 2023, all of whom were scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy. These patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving new model education) or the control group (receiving conventional education), with 155 patients in each group. The study compared basic demographic information, anxiety and depression scores, fear of disease progression scores, quality-of-life scores, main symptom scores, and changes in perioperative vital signs between the two groups. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, comorbidities, insurance type, education level, income, and tumor history (P > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anxiety and depression scores, proportion of patients with anxiety and depression, vital signs, and fear of disease progression scores between the two groups at Time 1 stage (P > 0.05). During stages Time 2 and Time 3, the intervention group exhibited lower anxiety and depression scores, a lower proportion of anxious and depressed patients, as well as significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Following radical prostatectomy, the main symptoms of patients, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, were assessed using the MADIS Symptom Assessment Scale on days 1-3 post-surgery. The intervention group exhibited significantly lower scores for three symptoms compared to the control group (P < 0.05); at Time 4 stage, the patients in the intervention group also demonstrated significantly improved quality-of-life scores compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, blood pressure and heart rate of patients returned to baseline levels at Time 4 stage, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the anxiety and depression scores in the intervention group at the Time 4 stage remained significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the fear of disease progression scores in both groups were lower than those at the Time 1 stage, with a more pronounced improvement observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Patients diagnosed with malignant tumors often experience fear and anxiety regarding the progression of their disease and upcoming surgery, as well as uncertainty surrounding their treatment and prognosis. This heightened emotional distress can contribute to a greater symptom burden during the perioperative period. Utilizing a whole-process visualization and collaborative nursing discussion approach, as compared to traditional communication methods, has been shown to alleviate patients' fears, reduce anxiety and depression, and ultimately lessen the symptom burden experienced during the perioperative phase. Ultimately, this approach can enhance the overall quality of life for patients facing malignant tumors.

Targeting ICAM1 to Ameliorate Vaso-Occlusion and Inflammation in Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary disorder characterized by vaso-occlusion, inflammation, and tissue damage. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of SCD by promoting the adhesion of sickle cells to the endothelium, contributing to vaso-occlusion and tissue damage. The ICAM-1 gene encodes a glycoprotein that interacts with lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and macrophage 1-antigen (Mac-1) receptors, perpetuating inflammation, and oxidative stress. The NF-κB signaling pathway regulates ICAM-1 expression, which is elevated in patients with SCD, leading to increased endothelial cell activation and damage. Targeting ICAM-1 and its interactions with sickle cells and the endothelium has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for managing SCD. This review highlights the complex interplay between ICAM-1, sickle cells, and the endothelium, and discusses the potential of ICAM-1-targeted therapies for mitigating VOC and improving the quality of life for patients with SCD.

The Effect of Yoga on Dyspnea, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Yoga on Dyspnea, Sleep, and Quality of Life in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of surgery on quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Impact of surgery on quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Real-World Data on Brodalumab Treatment in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: An Observational Study from the Czech Republic BIOREP Registry.

The aim of this observational, multicenter study was to assess the real-world use of brodalumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in patients in the Czech Republic, using data from the BIOREP registry. The study included 273 patients aged≥18years with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who received brodalumab. Endpoints were drug survival (time from treatment initiation to discontinuation), effectiveness [Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)], and health-related quality-of-life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)]. Predicted drug survival probability was 92.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 89.1, 95.7%] at 6months and 84.2% (95% CI 79.5, 89.1%) at 12months; this was maintained at 24months [80.4% (95% CI 74.5, 86.8%)]. Younger age, higher body mass index, and no previous biologic treatment were significantly associated with longer drug survival. Absolute PASI≤3 after 3months was achieved by 89.8% of patients; 92.4%, 77.8%, and 59.1% reached PASI 75, PASI 90, and PASI 100, respectively. After 12months, 96.5% of 141 patients had an absolute PASI≤3. The proportion of patients achieving DLQI 0/1 was 87.3% at 12months. This study demonstrated high and sustained drug survival with high rates of skin clearance and improved quality of life in patients with relatively severe disease treated with brodalumab. Improvements were observed as early as 3months post-treatment initiation and were sustained for up to 24months in a real-life setting.

The impact of early cardiac rehabilitation nursing on cardiac function and quality of life in patients after emergency PCI.

The impact of early cardiac rehabilitation nursing on cardiac function and quality of life in patients after emergency PCI.