bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients' perspectives on feedback interventions to support adherence to long-term medication: a systematic review with thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence
Authors: Kobson B , Paterson R , Hanley J , Mair A , Dima A , Rea N
Published: July 2024

Background

Medication optimisation is a global issue with up to 50% of people not taking medicines as prescribed. Numerous interventions have been developed to address this, many of them including feedback on behaviour and outcomes. Understanding patients’ views on such interventions is essential for successful adoption and use.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review is to: (1) Understand patients’ perspectives and experiences of medication adherence feedback interventions and (2) Identify barriers and facilitators which influence their implementation within practice.

Methods

CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMED, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria included; studies with qualitative or mixed method designs describing patients’ perspectives on medication adherence feedback interventions, primary studies with adult participants on long-term medications and studies involving interventions suitable for self-management in primary or community care. Quality assessment was completed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The review was reported using the PRISMA and conducted using ENTREQ guidelines. Data were extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis (NVivo 20). Findings were presented narratively.

Results

From the 1,031 records screened, ten studies were included. Five studies were conducted in the United States, two in the United Kingdom, and one in the Netherlands, Canada, and Tanzania, respectively. Medication adherence interventions included the use of therapeutic drug monitoring methods and digital adherence technologies such as mHealth and eHealth for people living with asthma, HIV, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Patients found interventions acceptable if they were simple to use, allowed control over data sharing options, incorporated audio visual cues, and provided emotional and motivational support. Building trust between patients and healthcare providers and the resulting benefit of shared decision-making were also considered key factors for intervention success. However, developing interventions without user input was identified as a potential barrier to intervention implementation. Patients expressed an overall desire to have interventions tailored to meet their personal needs and preferences, highlighting the importance of placing user needs at the centre of intervention development.

Conclusion

Placing user needs at the centre of adherence intervention development is crucial for successful implementation. Further research which facilitates user involvement in co-designing interventions to compliment patients’ characteristics and preferences would be key for intervention implementation.
Assessing the information needs of patients implanted with a left ventricular assist device via analysis of social media forums
Authors: Abdelhadi N , Klein S , Shahar M , Melnikov S
Published: July 2024

Background

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) serve as a feasible treatment alternative for patients with end-stage heart failure who do not respond sufficiently to maximal medical therapy. An increasing number of individuals with end-stage heart failure, both pre- and post-LVAD implantation, are utilizing social media to find medical information and peer support.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to identify unmet education and information needs of patients with LVAD through social media interactions.

Methods

In this research, information was gathered from the forum section of the website MyLVAD.com through an automated extraction technique. We conducted an anonymous collection and analysis of a dataset from MyLVAD.com, which comprised 459 forum threads and 3886 messages across the entire forum, contributed by 945 unique users. To establish a matrix addressing existing information and educational needs, we examined 867 posts and conversations that contained questions and inquiries, ultimately identifying a total of 435 concrete questions. A series of categorization matrices were developed and updated to facilitate the discovery of new categories.

Results

Numerous information gaps and unanswered questions were discovered in relation to the following areas: clothing, complications/adverse events, LVAD pros and cons, self-care, therapy, and recent LVAD implantation. Among the 435 questions, 216 (49.7%) questions had a primary focus on self-care for patients with LVAD, including subjects such managing the driveline site, understanding equipment functionality, and adapting lifestyle habits to ensure safety and health while living with an LVAD. Two other major question categories emerged: those regarding complications/adverse effects, comprising 80 questions (18.4%), and those discussing the pros and cons of LVAD, with 67 questions, accounting for 15.4%.

Conclusion

The social media data retrieved from MyLVAD.com is the first to be used to assess the unmet needs and knowledge gaps among patients implanted with LVAD and develop categories to describe LVAD patient knowledge and information needs. Unlike investigator-generated data, social media data reflect the natural and organic conversation between patients, untainted by investigator agendas or biases. Social media data can enhance our understanding of patient information deficiencies. This can lead to the creation of materials specifically aimed at fulfilling unaddressed educational requirements.Unmet LVAD patients information needs
The impact of frailty syndrome on the occurrence of anxiety disorders and depression in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Jarosz K , Kogut P , Mazgaj S , Moryn K , Mlynarska A
Published: July 2024

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of older people, which translates into more frequent diagnosis of frailty among geriatric patients. Anxiety and depressive disorders in geriatric patients very often lead to deterioration of their health and exacerbation of chronic diseases, which results in deterioration of their functioning. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of frailty syndrome on the occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders among patients with diagnosed hypertension.

Material and methods

The study included 70 patients with diagnosed hypertension (39 women - 56% and 31 men - 44%, aged between 60 and 92 years). The mean age of those included in the study was 70.3 ± 7.3 years.

Results

Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.7% of patients participating in the study (77.4% of men and 74.3% of women). Depressive disorders occurred in 28.5% of respondents, including 25.8% of men and 30.8% of women. Anxiety disorders occurred in 24.3% of people, interestingly, men predominated in this group - 32.2%, while there were 17.9% of women with anxiety disorders. It has been shown that in women there is a relationship between the occurrence of frailty and depression in the general frailty syndrome and the physical and psychological domains. However, there is no statistically significant relationship between TFI in the social domain and the occurrence of depression. In this group of respondents, there was a statistically significant correlation between TFI and anxiety only in the psychological domain. There was no correlation between general frailty, physical and social domains and the occurrence of the drug. There is no statistically significant correlation between frailty syndrome and its domains and the occurrence of depressive disorders. A statistically significant relationship appears only between the physical and psychological domains and anxiety.

Conclusions

In women, weakness in the physical and psychological domain influences the development of depression, while in the case of anxiety it affects only the psychological domain. In men, frailty does not influence the occurrence of depressive disorders. Among men, there is a statistically significant correlation between physical and psychological frailty and anxiety.
Assessment of pain intensity and analgesic requirements in patients with diabetes mellitus after STEMI
Authors: Pustelak K
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Patients with diabetes encounter a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and mortality following acute cardiac events. Examining pain intensity and analgesic needs in patients with diabetes can provide a comprehensive understanding of the pain experienced and individual analgesic needs in patients with diabetes.

Aim of the study

The aim was to assess pain intensity and analgesic requirements in patients with diabetes mellitus after STEMI.

Material and Methods

The study involved 104 participants (58 female and 46 male, with a mean age of approximately 72 years, M±SD= 11 yeas). The study was conducted at the Heart Institute, in the Intensive Cardiology Unit, and data were collected from patients following STEMI Participants were divided into two groups:

54 people with diabetes and 50 people without diabetes. The influence of factors such as gender, age, existing diseases, haemoglobin levels and the presence of diabetes on pain intensity was analysed.

In the diabetes group, the effects of treatment method, duration of illness and diabetes compliance on pain intensity were also considered. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, and analgesia requirement was assessed using an analgesic ladder.

The level of significance wasp < 0.05.

Results

The analysis indicated the effect of diabetes on pain intensity in patients with myocardial infarction. Those with diabetes experienced significantly less pain, however glycated HbA1c levels above 7.0 mg/dl predisposed to experiencing more pain. The b standardized regression coefficient indicated for diabetes ,a strong negative correlation (β=-0.77 ,p = 0,008), and for HbA1c level ,a strong positive correlation (β=0.88 ,p =0,889). Comparative analysis of analgesics revealed lower usage in the diabetes group(p=0.002). Diabetes Patients, the most frequent use of first-line drugs while the group of patients without diabetes needed second-level analgesic treatment. Those with diabetes rated their pain level as low ,while the non-diabetic group was dominated by respondents with an intermediate pain level. Non-adherence to diabetic recommendations correlated with higher pain intensity , with a strong positive correlation (β coefficient=0.90, p = 0,010 ). No significant impact was observed based on gender, age, the presence of comorbidities, or the influence of diabetes treatment methods and duration on the intensity of perceived pain.

Conclusions

The analysis indicated the effect of diabetes on pain intensity in patients with myocardial infarction. Those with diabetes experienced significantly less pain than non-diabetes patients. Diabetes patients required a lower level of the analgesics ladder.
The associationof quality of life and the functioning in the chronic disease among patients after myocardial infarction
Authors: Kolarczyk E B , Kohanova D , Witkowska A , Szymiczek M , Mlynarska A
Published: July 2024

Background

The importance of health-relatedquality of life (HRQoL) and improving functional status in reducing risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) has also been increasingly recognized.

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QoL) in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in relation to the degree of functioning in chronic disease.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, single-centre study. The study was conducted among 231 patients who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF) andthe Chronic Disease Functioning Scale(FCIS) were used.

Results

The Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation (coefficient value 0.5 < |r/rho| ≤ 0.7) between general functioning in chronic disease and the average QoL (rho = 0.56;p < 0.001)and somatic QoL levels(rho = 0.52;p < 0.001), as well as a moderately strong positive correlation with the QoL level on the psychological domain (rho = 0.50;p < 0.001), social domain (rho = 0.48;p < 0.001) and environmental domain (rho = 0.43;p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Identifying the chronic disease functioning indicator in post-MI patients in relation to HRQoL allows for targeted counseling and secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD), which translates into a reduced risk of further cardiovascular events and related rehospitalization.
The importance of family nurses' participation in the local program of cardiological prevention in Wroclaw
Authors: Krysa M
Published: July 2024

In Poland, cardiac prevention programs minimize the nurse's role in health education related the patient's lifestyle change. Following the experience of Swedish primary health care, the Health Department of the City Hall in Wrocław was the first local government to launch a long-term, ten-year preventive cardiology program in 1998.

Aim of the study

To present the participation of family nurses in the implementation of population intervention program in cardiological prevention among the inhabitants of Wrocław.

Material and method

The general practitioners from Wrocław and a group of 100 family nurses participated in the preventative program. The overall goal of the program was to assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Each patient was provided with education by the nurse.

To conduct the nursing visit, a procedure was used that took into account the structure criteria and the a unified procedure criteria. The nurses analyzed the norms of laboratory test results, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, fiber and fat intake, and calculated BMI and WHR. The nurses used a health profile. If a patient was considered a person from a higher risk group, they provided referred the patient to a general practitioner.

Conclusions

In local prevention program, residents were motivated to modify health behaviors through nursing diagnosis and assessment. The close place of residence and direct contact with the patient made it possible to provide health education focused on first-degree prevention. However, patient health education requires organization, time and communication skills, which is why it is so important to prepare staff to implement preventive programs and finance them from local funds. The new role of a health educator becomes an opportunity to change the perception of the traditional role of nursing.
Evaluation of secondary prevention knowledge in patients with coronary syndrome
Authors: Balint G , Slezakova Z
Published: July 2024

Background/introduction

Patient education is a crucial component in the care of patients with coronary syndrome. Nursing has an important role in disease prevention and health promotion. More than half of patients with coronary artery disease have limited knowledge which is associated with low commitment to lifestyle modification, increased hospitalizations and higher risk of mortality. The core competencies of the nurses is to promote, maintain, and restore the health of individuals in preventive care. Knowledge assessment can support nurses to plan educational strategies to address the information needs of their patients, providing effective support in secondary prevention.

Purpose

(1) To assess secondary prevention knowledge in patients with coronary syndrome and (2) to compare knowledge levels among groups of patients aged <60 years and aged >60 years.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of hospitalised patients with coronary syndrome. The Coronary Artery Diseases Education Questionnaire (CADE-Q II) was used to evaluate knowledge.

CADE-Q II has 31 items with 4 possible answers. Questions are related to health status, risk factors, exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial risk. The maximum score is 93, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge. Descriptive analysis of the CADE-Q II was performed. SPSS Version 22 was used for analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests. No items were missing.

Results

We included 155 patients; mean age 58,26±8,37; 22 % female; 78 % male; 56 % < 60 years old; 44 % > 60 years old; 71 % hypertension; 22 % diabetes; 32 % smokers. Mean knowledge score of participants was 61,4/93. Patients obtained values of completely correct answers in the following areas: health status 55 %; risk factors 47 %; exercise 64 %; nutrition 50 %; psychosocial risk 64 %. The level of knowledge based on the scores obtained: great 0 %; good 37 %; acceptable 55 %; poor 7 %; inadequate 1 %. Within the age groups, we obtained statistically significant results, patients aged <60 years got score 63,2/93; patients aged >60 years got score 59,0/93 (p=0.012); in the exercise domain, patients aged <60 years got score 16,5/21; patients aged >60 years got score 13,9/21 (p=0.001); in the psychosocial domain, patients aged <60 years got score 10,9/15; patients aged >60 years got score 9,7/15 (p=0.034).

Conclusion

The results of study point to a lower of knowledge of patients with coronary syndrome regarding their disease and factors affecting cardiovascular risk in all studied domains. The use of an assessment tool in patients with coronary syndrome allows nurses to plan educational process, providing effective support in prevention. Adequate information, promotion of health literacy of patients are an essential part of prevention and minimization of risk factors. Nurses during the nursing process by using CADE-Q II ought to promote knowledge and attitudes towards cardioprotective lifestyle.
Lived experiences of frail patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a phenomenological study
Authors: Arikan B , Demir Korkmaz F
Published: July 2024

Background

Frailty is an important issue in cardiovascular surgery. To provide individualised care to the needs of frail patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, it is needed to determine the patients' surgical experiences. Qualitative studies examining the experiences of frail patients undergoing surgery are limited (1,2). In addition, there is no study examining the surgical experiences of frail patients undergoing CABG surgery in our country.

Purpose

To examine frail patients' lived experiences of CABG surgery in early period.

Methods

In this qualitative study, a phenomenological approach was used. The study was conducted between 28.06.2021 and 18.02.2022 at the cardiovascular surgery department of a training and research hospital in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 14 patients who had CABG surgery and were determined to be frail in the preoperative period using the Modified Fried Frailty Index. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used in sample selection. The "Semi-Structured Interview Form" was used to collect the data. Data collection was carried out in the early pre-discharge period. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using the MAXQDA 2020 program. Content analysis and thematic analysis were used in the analysis of the data.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 65.6±8.84 (min:45-max:76) years. Nine of the patients were female, 13 were married, 13 were primary school graduates, and 9 were lived together with a partner. Thirteen of the patients had comorbid diseases, 12 had hypertension and 11 had diabetes mellitus. The mean length of hospital stay was 19.79 days±5.59 and the mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 8.64 days±4.46 days. 13 patients had postoperative complications. Four main themes were identified: i) "problems", ii) "coping", iii) "perceptions toward CABG" and iv) "expectations", in addition to nine sub-themes related to these main themes. Pain, postoperative complications such as bleeding, shortness of breath, infection, fear and anxiety were the most frequently expressed problems. The importance of support from health care professionals and family members was emphasised the most in terms of coping. In the theme of perception toward surgery, the surgical process being more difficult than expected and postoperative relief were the most mentioned issues. When the expectations of patients were examined, the importance of effective communication during the surgical process was highlighted the most.

Conclusions

Frail patients had both positive and negative experiences in the postoperative period, highlighting the significance of effective nursing care. The individualised patient-specific nursing care was required. Cardiovascular surgery nurses should evaluate patients in terms of frailty and consider the frailty status of patients while providing care.
Recovery from severe cardio-respiratory failure: the trajectory of muscle mass, strength, function and health related quality of life
Authors: Thomas A , Griffiths M , Kalakoutas A , Yates M , Sanders J
Published: July 2024

Background

The impact of intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, function and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients suffering from severe cardio-respiratory failure are known to lose considerable muscle mass and strength in the first 7 days of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Furthermore, patients surviving critical illness have a considerable less HRQoL and physical function with long term outcomes such as inability to return to work being reported. However, more information regarding muscle loss and recovery is required when patients leave hospital. Currently there are no treatments for ICUAW as once the process is established management is supportive, such as physical therapy.

Purpose

We Sought to investigate the effects of severe cardio-respiratory failure, in patients receiving extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), on ICUAW (including muscle mass, strength, function and HRQoL). Researching a real life model of ICUAW allows the observation of the loss of muscle mass and strength in the first stages of critical illness and severe cardio-respiratory failure.

Methods

Adults receiving ECMO for severe cardiorespiratory failure were included. Muscle mass was measured using ultrasound of the rectus femoris cross sectional area (RFcsa). Muscle strength was measured using hand held dynamometry for both hand held grip strength and isometric leg extension. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L. Function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Measurements were taken on day 0, day 7, ICU discharge, hospital discharge and at out-patient follow up.

Results

17 patients were recruited with 10 patients completing follow up. Patients lost 24% muscle mass in the first 7 days of ICU admission and ECMO initiation, with muscle loss continuing up until ICU discharge. Contrary to the hypothesis only 50% of the patients were seen to recover muscle mass at follow up. Strength and function all considerably improved between ICU discharge and out patient follow up. The EQ5D crosswalk index supported this suggesting considerable functional improvement.

Conclusion

Patients in severe cardio-respiratory failure lose considerable muscle mass in the first 7 days of admission, with only 50% of these patients recovering the initial muscle loss at follow up. However, strength, function and HRQoL all improve following ICU discharge suggesting an element of functional recovery. Strength and function have shown to improve regardless of the status of the muscle mass. Therefore, given the advantages of the real-life model and novel findings, this could serve as a platform to assess muscle loss and recovery over a longer time frame continuing to build the understanding of the patients recovery trajectory from critical illness.Rectus Femoris Muscle MassHand-Held Grip Strength
Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score is a predictor of prolonged hospitalizations after cardiac ablation procedures
Authors: Popiolek-Kalisz J , Chrominski T , Szczasny M , Blaszczak P
Published: July 2024

Background

Nutritional risk is a recognized factor of mortality, complications, and length of stay at a hospital in various medical conditions. This relationship was already proven in surgery, oncology, and selected cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze, if the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score is a predictor of the hospitalization length and in-hospital convalescence period defined as the time from the procedure to discharge among patients undergoing cardiac ablations.

Methods

265 patients who underwent cardiac ablation in 2023 were included in this retrospective study. The analyzed parameters included the overall length of stay and the time of the in-hospital convalescence after the ablation procedure. They were combined with the nutritional risk assessed with NRS 2002, body mass, and body mass index. The analysis was also performed in subgroups regarding the type of arrhythmia.

Results

The regression analysis revealed a significant impact of the NRS 2002 score on the overall length of stay (B=0.89, p=0.003) and the in-hospital convalescence time (B=0.57, p=0.02). Subgroup analysis revealed that this relationship was particularly strong in the atrial fibrillation patients (B=1.10, p=0.001 and (B=0.91, p=0.002 respectively), and in atrial arrhythmias for the overall length of stay (B=0.92, p=0.001), and ventricular arrhythmias for the convalescence time (B=0.76, p=0.002). Lower body mass index impacted the prolonged convalescence time (B= -0.05, p=0.03), mainly in the atrial fibrillation subgroup (B= -0.08, p=0.04) and atrial arrhythmias (B= -0.05, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Nutritional risk is a factor that impacts the length of stay and in-hospital convalescence in patients undergoing cardiac ablations, particularly in atrial fibrillation patients.
The Structure of Simple Satellite Variation in the Human Genome and Its Correlation With Centromere Ancestry
Authors: Said Iskander , Barbash Daniel A , Clark Andrew G
Published: July 2024

Although repetitive DNA forms much of the human genome, its study is challenging due to limitations in assembly and alignment of repetitive short-reads. We have deployed k-Seek, software that detects tandem repeats embedded in single reads, on 2,504 human genomes from the 1,000 Genomes Project to quantify the variation and abundance of simple satellites (repeat units <20 bp). We find that the ancestral monomer of Human Satellite 3 makes up the largest portion of simple satellite content in humans (mean of ∼8 Mb). We discovered ∼50,000 rare tandem repeats that are not detected in the T2T-CHM13v2.0 assembly, including undescribed variants of telomericand pericentromeric repeats. We find broad homogeneity of the most abundant repeats across populations, except for AG-rich repeats which are more abundant in African individuals. We also find cliques of highly similar AG- and AT-rich satellites that are interspersed and form higher-order structures that covary in copy number across individuals, likely through concerted amplification via unequal exchange. Finally, we use pericentromeric polymorphisms to estimate centromeric genetic relatedness between individuals and find a strong predictive relationship between centromeric lineages and pericentromeric simple satellite abundances. In particular, ancestral monomers of Human Satellite 2 and Human Satellite 3 abundances correlate with clusters of centromeric ancestry on chromosome 16 and chromosome 9, with some clusters structured by population. These results provide new descriptions of the population dynamics that underlie the evolution of simple satellites in humans.
Differential Conservation and Loss of Chicken Repeat 1 (CR1) Retrotransposons in Squamates Reveal Lineage-Specific Genome Dynamics Across Reptiles
Authors: Gable Simone M , Bushroe Nicholas A , Mendez Jasmine M , Wilson Adam , Pinto Brendan J , Gamble Tony , Tollis Marc
Published: July 2024

Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive DNA sequences which create mutations and generate genetic diversity across the tree of life. In amniote vertebrates, TEs have been mainly studied in mammals and birds, whose genomes generally display low TE diversity. Squamates (Order Squamata; including ∼11,000 extant species of lizards and snakes) show as much variation in TE abundance and activity as they do in species and phenotypes. Despite this high TE activity, squamate genomes are remarkably uniform in size. We hypothesize that novel, lineage-specific genome dynamics have evolved over the course of squamate evolution. To understand the interplay between TEs and host genomes, we analyzed the evolutionary history of the chicken repeat 1 (CR1) retrotransposon, a TE family found in most tetrapod genomes which is the dominant TE in most reptiles. We compared 113 squamate genomes to the genomes of turtles, crocodilians, and birds and used ancestral state reconstruction to identify shifts in the rate of CR1 copy number evolution across reptiles. We analyzed the repeat landscapes of CR1 in squamate genomes and determined that shifts in the rate of CR1 copy number evolution are associated with lineage-specific variation in CR1 activity. We then used phylogenetic reconstruction of CR1 subfamilies across amniotes to reveal both recent and ancient CR1 subclades across the squamate tree of life. The patterns of CR1 evolution in squamates contrast other amniotes, suggesting key differences in how TEs interact with different host genomes and at different points across evolutionary history.
Feeling Younger on Active Summer Days? On the Interplay of Behavioral and Environmental Factors With Day-to-Day Variability in Subjective Age
Authors: Schmidt Laura I , Rupprecht Fiona S , Gabrian Martina , Jansen Carl-Philipp , Sieverding Monika , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Subjective age, that is, how old people feel in relation to their chronological age, has mostly been investigated from a macro-longitudinal, lifespan point of view and in relation to major developmental outcomes. Recent evidence also shows considerable intraindividual variations in micro-longitudinal studies as well as relations to everyday psychological correlates such as stress or affect, but findings on the interplay with physical activity or sleep as behavioral factors and environmental factors such as weather conditions are scarce.

Research Design and Methods

We examined data from 80 recently retired individuals aged 59–76 years (M = 67.03 years, 59% women) observed across 21 days. Daily diary-based assessments of subjective age, stress, affect, and sleep quality alongside physical activity measurement via Fitbit (steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and daily hours of sunshine were collected and analyzed using multilevel modeling.

Results

Forty-four percent of the overall variance in subjective age was due to intraindividual variation, demonstrating considerable fluctuation. Affect explained the largest share in day-to-day fluctuations of subjective age, followed by stress and steps, whereas sunshine duration explained the largest share of variance in interindividual differences.

Discussion and Implications

In our daily diary design, subjective age was most strongly related to self-reported affect as a psychological correlate. We, however, also found clear associations with objective data on daily steps and weather. Hence, our study contributes to contextualizing and understanding variations in subjective age in everyday life.
Concomitant Administration of Ozanimod and Serotonergic Antidepressants in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis or Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Regueiro Miguel , Siegmund Britta , Horst Sara , Moslin Ryan , Charles Lorna , Petersen AnnKatrin , Tatosian Daniel , Wu Hsiuanlin , Lawlor Garrett , Fischer Monika , D’Haens Geert , Colombel Jean-Frederic
Published: July 2024

Background

Ozanimod, approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), is a weak in vitro monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor. MAO-B inhibitors can cause serotonin accumulation with concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). We evaluated the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) potentially associated with serotonin accumulation during ozanimod and concomitant SSRI/SNRI use in this post hoc analysis of pooled UC studies and the open-label extension RMS DAYBREAK.

Methods

Data for ozanimod 0.92 mg from pooled UC studies (n = 1158; cutoff: January 10, 2022) and RMS DAYBREAK (n = 2257; cutoff: February 1, 2022) were analyzed. Concomitant SSRI/SNRI use was allowed in the UC (n = 67) and RMS (n = 274) studies. A narrow Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities search (“serotonin syndrome,” “neuroleptic malignant syndrome,” and “malignant hyperthermia”) and a broad search including terms potentially associated with serotonin accumulation were conducted. The percentages of patients with TEAEs in both searches were analyzed by concomitant SSRI/SNRI use when the TEAE occurred.

Results

No patients had TEAEs matching the narrow search criteria. No differences were observed in the percentages of patients with ≥1 TEAE matching the broad search regardless of SSRI/SNRI use in UC (with: 25.4% [n = 17 of 67]; without: 15.0% [n = 164 of 1091]) and RMS (with: 12.4% [n = 34 of 274]; without: 15.6% [n = 310 of 1982]) studies.

Conclusions

No evidence of increased TEAEs potentially associated with serotonin accumulation was observed with concurrent use of ozanimod and SSRIs/SNRIs.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01647516, NCT02531126, NCT02435992, NCT02576717
Remaining useful life prediction of lithium battery based on CEEMD-SE-IPSO-LSSVM hybrid model
Authors: Feng Ziliang , Li Meili , Liu Hao
Published: July 2024

In order to prevent accidents caused by battery aging, accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) is a critical and highly challenging task in battery management systems. This article describes a lithium-ion battery RUL prediction method based on a hybrid model of CEEMD-SE-IPSO-LSSVM. This method integrates various technologies and algorithms, enhancing the accuracy and practicality of predictions. Initially, the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) is utilized to decompose the raw data into multiple intrinsic mode functions, aiding in denoising and feature extraction. Subsequently, the sample entropy (SE) is used to assess the complexity and irregularity of the data, merging intrinsic mode function components with similar SE values into a new component. Building upon this, the advanced iterative particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm refines the parameters of the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model, improving the predictive performance of the model. Finally, through iterative training and refinement of the LSSVM model, accurate prediction of the remaining life of lithium-ion batteries is achieved. This hybrid model approach integrates data processing, feature extraction, and model refinement, resulting in a significant improvement over the baseline model with a 69.5% increase in mean absolute percentage error and a 49.4% decrease in root mean squared error, providing a robust solution for predicting the remaining life of lithium-ion batteries.
Factors influencing the implementation of the CombiConsultation in Dutch clinical practice: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Meijvis Valérie A M , Heringa Mette , Kwint Henk-Frans , de Wit Niek J , Bouvy Marcel L
Published: July 2024

Objective

The CombiConsultation is an innovative concise clinical pharmacy service by the community pharmacist for patients with a chronic condition. We aimed to identify relevant factors influencing the implementation of the CombiConsultation in Dutch clinical practice.

Methods

A mixed-methods study involving interviews and a questionnaire. Content analysis topics within TDF domains were derived from the interview data and were related to the COM-B-model (capability–opportunity–motivation–Behaviour). The relevance of the resulting topics was explored using a questionnaire with 19 statements administered to all 27 pharmacists who performed CombiConsultations.

Key findings

Eighteen topics emerged from the interviews. The questionnaire was completed by 23 of the 27 pharmacists. In the domain ‘capability’, a small number of participants indicated that they need more expertise in pharmacotherapy (13%) and training in consultation skills (35%). In the domain ‘opportunity’, all participants indicated that an existing good collaboration with the general practitioner/practice nurse and access to all relevant medical data were necessary to implement the CombiConsultation. In terms of motivation, job satisfaction was most important to all participants, followed by adequate reimbursement (83%) and improving collaboration with other healthcare providers and the relationship with patients (78%).

Conclusions

Capability, opportunity, and motivation were all considered relevant for the implementation of the CombiConsultation. There were crucial factors on the level of the individual pharmacist, on the level of the local collaboration and organization, and on the health system level.
Investigating the impact of chlorine dioxide in shrimp-rearing water on the stomach microbiome, gill transcriptome, and infection-related mortality in shrimp
Authors: Imaizumi Kentaro , Nozaki Reiko , Konishi Kayo , Tagishi Hideaki , Miura Takanori , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to assess the effects of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in water on whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei, evaluating its impact on the stomach microbiota, gill transcriptome, and pathogens.

Methods and results

ClO2 was added to the aquarium tanks containing the shrimp. The application of ClO2 to rearing water was lethal to shrimp at concentrations above 1.2 ppm. On the other hand, most of the shrimp survived at 1.0 ppm of ClO2. Microbiome analysis showed that ClO2 administration at 1.0 ppm significantly reduced the α-diversity of bacterial community composition in the shrimp stomach, and this condition persisted for at least 7 days. Transcriptome analysis of shrimp gill revealed that ClO2 treatment caused massive change of the gene expression profile, including stress response genes. However, after 7 days of the treatment, the gene expression profile was similar to that of shrimp in the untreated control group, suggesting a recovery to the normal state. This 1.0-ppm ClO2 significantly reduced shrimp mortality in artificial challenges with an acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot syndrome virus, which were added to rearing water.

Conclusions

The use of ClO2 at appropriate concentrations effectively eliminates a significant portion of the bacteria in the shrimp stomach and pathogens in the water. The results of this study provide fundamental knowledge on the disinfection of pathogens in water using ClO2 and the creation of semi germ-free shrimp, which has significantly decreased microbiome in the stomach.
Differing planes of nutrition alter serum and histotroph amino acid composition in nonpregnant, multiparous beef cows on day 3 of the estrous cycle
Authors: Swanson Rebecca M , Neville Tammi L , McCarthy Kacie L , Kassetas Cierrah J , Borowicz Pawel P , Crouse Matthew S , Reynolds Lawrence P , Dahlen Carl R , Caton Joel S
Published: July 2024

Endometrial-derived uterine histotroph is a critical component of nutrient supply to a growing conceptus throughout gestation; however, the effect of nutritional plane on histotroph nutrient composition remains unknown in multiparous cows. We hypothesized that differing planes of nutrition would alter histotroph and serum nutrient composition in beef cattle. Thus, we evaluated serum and histotroph amino acid and glucose composition, and serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in cows individually fed to maintain body weight (BW; 0 kd/d, n = 9; CON) compared with those losing moderate BW (−0.7 kg/d, n = 9; NEG). After 49 d of differing nutritional planes, cows were subjected to the 7-d CoSynch + controlled internal drug release device estrus synchronization protocol and then slaughtered on day 62. Blood serum (days 0 and 62) and uterine histotroph [day 62; from uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum (CL)] were collected and analyzed for concentrations of amino acids, glucose, and NEFA. Performance characteristics, body composition via ultrasound (days 0 and 62), and carcass characteristics were collected. Body condition score, change in BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in NEG vs. CON cows. There were no differences in body composition or carcass characteristics, except an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in dressing percentage in NEG cows due to differences in gut fill, consistent with study design. Serum NEFA increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the NEG group, but there were no differences between NEG vs. CON in glucose or BUN. Serum histidine increased (P ≤ 0.05) and alanine, isoleucine, and tryptophan decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in NEG vs. CON cows. Compared with that of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL, histotroph from the uterine horn contralateral to the CL had increased (P ≤ 0.05) isoleucine, asparagine, and proline concentrations in NEG cows, and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) tryptophan as a proportion of essential and total amino acids. There were no differences in glucose concentrations of histotroph contralateral or ipsilateral to the CL. Cow nutritional plane does alter serum and histotroph amino acid composition, although the presence of an embryo may be necessary to fully elucidate these changes. Differences in serum and histotroph tryptophan should be given consideration in future studies due to its importance as an essential amino acid in protein synthesis and bioactive affects.
A retrospective audit with subsequent cost and environmental analysis of a denosumab self-injection program
Authors: Boylan Jack , Turton Jane , Hicks Zoe , Cottam Julia , Stone Michael
Published: July 2024

The Metabolic Bone Health Department, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, serves a local population of approximately 445 000 people. A retrospective audit of attendance data regarding the denosumab treatment clinic (the traditional treatment pathway) and the denosumab Self-Injection Program (SIP) was conducted to determine whether the SIP is both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial, compared to the traditional treatment pathway. Cost analysis was then conducted by the Finance Department. The audit was conducted over 3 years following the implementation of the service development; 233 patients had enrolled in the program at the time of the audit and 69 had completed 3 years of self-injected treatment. A control group of 497 patients were identified by the service. This group remained on the historical pathway and had consistent attendance activity over the 3-yr period from 2017 to 2019. Pre- and post-period activity of all patients on the program was compared, together with the activity for the independent control group. The SIP resulted in a reduction in clinical contacts, with financial analysis showing a total opportunity cost saving per patient of £420 per annum. There were obvious benefits to the patient of a reduced number of visits to a clinical site, which also resulted in an estimated carbon footprint reduction of 59 kg CO2 per patient per annum. The cost analysis is based on our organization’s 2022 charges. The SIP demonstrates that by focusing on care “closer to home”, it is possible to maximize resources, improve the patient experience through reduced travel, and reduce the environmental impact of healthcare.
Who Am I Here? Care Consumers’ Identity Processes and Family Caregiver Interventions in the Elderscape
Authors: Rötzmeier-Keuper Julia , Wünderlich Nancy V
Published: July 2024

With increasing longevity, the need for institutional elderly care has become commonplace. This study explores the experiences of elderly care consumers in institutional care settings, which we define as the “elderscape”—a heterotopic place shaped by the marketization of care. Drawing from 24 in-depth interviews with elderly care consumers, their family caregivers, and professional caregivers, we present a model of elderly care consumers' navigation patterns and identity processes in the elderscape. The transition to the elderscape often compels elderly consumers to strive to preserve their identities. Boundaries defined by market logic and professional care logic require elderly care consumers to navigate these constraints, sometimes adapting their identities. As a result, distinct navigation patterns emerge: rebuilding personal connections, revaluating possessions, reconsidering activities, and reclaiming space. Furthermore, the identity preservation efforts of elderly care consumers are complicated by the interventions of family caregivers. The findings highlight the dual nature of family caregivers' impact on elderly consumers' identity processes. Depending on their motivations—such as care, obligation, or nostalgia—family caregivers engage in patterned actions that either support or destabilize the elderly consumers' identity processes. This research provides valuable insights for care institutions, family caregivers, and care consumers alike.
Social networks, social determinants, and mortality: Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer study
Authors: Gandhi Shipra , Nie Jing , Trevisan Maurizio , Attwood Kristopher , Freudenheim Jo L
Published: July 2024

Background

There are few studies of social support and other social determinants of health after breast cancer diagnosis and their associations with mortality; results have been inconclusive. Further, it is not known if observed associations are specific to women with breast cancer diagnosis or if associations would be similar among healthy women.

Methods

Women with incident, pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer, stage I-IV (n = 1012), and healthy frequency age-matched participants (n = 2036) answered a social support questionnaire in prospective follow-up of a population-based case-control study, the Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer Study. At interview, all participants were aged 35-79 years and resident of 2 counties in Western New York State. Mortality status was ascertained from the National Death Index. Participants were queried regarding the number of their close friends, frequency of seeing them, household size, household income, and marital status. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer–specific mortality (breast cancer women only) and all-cause mortality were estimated.

Results

Lower household income was associated with higher all-cause mortality among women diagnosed with breast cancer (HR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.24 to 4.97) and similarly among the healthy women (HR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.25 to 5.53). Number and frequency of seeing friends, marital status, and household size were not associated with mortality, either among breast cancer patients or among healthy women.

Conclusion

Among those diagnosed with breast cancer and healthy women, lower income was associated with more than twice the mortality. Marital status, household size, and number or frequency of meeting friends were not associated with survival.