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Animal Models and Experimental Medicine Jul 2024Artesunate (ASA) acts as an •O₂ source through the breakdown of endoperoxide bridges catalyzed by Fe, yet its efficacy in ASA-based nanodrugs is limited by poor...
BACKGROUND
Artesunate (ASA) acts as an •O₂ source through the breakdown of endoperoxide bridges catalyzed by Fe, yet its efficacy in ASA-based nanodrugs is limited by poor intracellular delivery.
METHODS
ASA-hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates were formed from hydrophobic ASA and hydrophilic HA by an esterification reaction first, and then self-targeting nanomicelles (NM) were developed using the fact that the amphiphilic conjugates of ASA and HA are capable of self-assembling in aqueous environments.
RESULTS
These ASA-HA NMs utilize CD44 receptor-mediated transcytosis to greatly enhance uptake by breast cancer cells. Subsequently, endogenous Fe from the tumor catalyzes the released ASA to produce highly toxic •O₂ radicals to kill tumor cells, although sustained tumor growth inhibition can be achieved via in vivo experiments.
CONCLUSIONS
Self-targeting NMs represent a promising strategy for enhancing ASA-based treatments, leveraging clinically approved drugs to expedite drug development and clinical research in oncology.
PubMed: 38952042
DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12468 -
BMC Neurology Jun 2024The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) measures the self-confidence of the individual in functional activities after a stroke. The SSEQ is a self-report scale...
BACKGROUND
The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) measures the self-confidence of the individual in functional activities after a stroke. The SSEQ is a self-report scale with 13 items that assess self-efficacy after a stroke in several functional domains.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to translate the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire into Urdu Language and to find out the validity and reliability of Urdu SSEQ among stroke patients.
METHODS
The cross-cultural validation study design was used. Following COSMIN guidelines, forward and backward translation protocols were adopted. After pilot testing on 10 stroke patients, the final Urdu version was drafted. A sample of 110 stroke patients was used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SSEQ-U. Content and Concurrent validity were determined. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were used to measure internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.
RESULTS
The final version was drafted after application on 10 stroke patients. Content validity was analyzed by a content validity index ranging from 0.87 to 1. The internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's alpha (α > 0.80). Test-retest reliability was determined by the Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC=0.956). Concurrent validity was determined by correlations with other scales by using the Spearman correlation coefficient; moderate to strong correlations (positive and negative) were found with the Functional Independence Measure (r = 0.76), Beck Depression Inventory (r=-0.54), Short Form of 12-item Scale (r = 0.68) and Fall Efficacy Scale (r = 0.82) with p < 0.05.
CONCLUSION
The Urdu version was linguistically acceptable and accurate for stroke survivors for determining self-efficacy. It showed good content and concurrent validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Stroke; Self Efficacy; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Adult; Psychometrics; Translations; Language
PubMed: 38951800
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03704-1 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024An individualized education using visual aids, allowing the woman to demonstrate what she has learned, and providing the opportunity for the woman to ask questions are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of breastfeeding education given through the teach-back method on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success: a randomized controlled study.
BACKGROUND
An individualized education using visual aids, allowing the woman to demonstrate what she has learned, and providing the opportunity for the woman to ask questions are important in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and the sustainability of the education. This study is original in evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of breastfeeding education provided through the teach-back method in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and success in a short period of time. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of teach-back method on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a randomized controlled study. The population of this study consisted of women who gave birth in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a state hospital located in Çorlu, in the northwest region of Turkey, between March 2022 and August 2022. The sample of this study consisted of a total of 100 postpartum women, with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 participants in the control group, who gave birth in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Çorlu State Hospital. Computer-assisted simple randomization was employed to ensure the homogeneous distribution of the women into the experimental and control groups. The women in the experimental group received education and counseling services using the Teach-Back Method, based on the content of the prepared Breastfeeding Education Guide. The control group mothers, on the other hand, received standard breastfeeding education and counseling services. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews during the first 24 h postpartum and at the 1-month follow-up visits. In the study, the data collection tools used were a Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment and Evaluation Scale, Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (short form), and the Teach-Back Observation Tool. In the evaluation of the research findings, the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) program was used for statistical analyses. Descriptive, graphical, and statistical methods were employed to examine whether the scores obtained from each continuous variable followed a normal distribution. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the scores derived from a continuous variable using statistical methods.
RESULTS
In the study, no significant difference was found in the distribution of the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants according to the study groups. In the experimental group, which received training with the tell-what-you-learned method, the mothers' average EÖYÖ scores before the training, at the 24th hour after the training and at the 1st month after the training were 46.41 ± 11.26, respectively; It was determined to be 66.23 ± 6.94 and 67.84 ± 6.27. In the measurements made during the follow-up, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the study group's EÖYÖ score averages (p < 0,001). For mothers in the experimental group, the average LATCH score of the mothers before training, 24 h after training and 1 month after training was 7.73 ± 1.81, respectively; It was determined that these values were 8.66 ± 1.61 and 9.95 ± 0.30, and there was a significant difference in the mean LATCH scores of the study group in the measurements made during the follow-up (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Breastfeeding education provided through the teach-back method is more effective in increasing both breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy when compared to standard breastfeeding education.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center IRCT20220509054795N2 Date of first registration: 10/11/2022.
Topics: Humans; Breast Feeding; Female; Self Efficacy; Adult; Mothers; Turkey; Patient Education as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 38951771
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06601-0 -
Drug and Alcohol Review Jul 2024Given structural barriers, access to services is key for preventing drug-related harms and managing chronic disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). The Patient...
INTRODUCTION
Given structural barriers, access to services is key for preventing drug-related harms and managing chronic disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). The Patient Activation Measure (PAM), a validated scale to assess self-efficacy in navigating one's own health care, was operationalised to improve service utilisation and outcomes but has not been assessed among PWID. We characterised PAM and its association with healthcare and harm reduction utilisation among PWID in the AIDS Linked to IntraVenous Experience cohort in Baltimore.
METHODS
From 2019 to 2020, participants completed surveys on PAM, service utilisation and drug use. We used log-binomial regression to identify correlates of "Lower" PAM and modelled the association between lower PAM and service utilisation, stratified by recent IDU.
RESULTS
Participants (n = 351) were primarily male (67%), Black (85%) and 24% reported recent IDU. Lower PAM was significantly more common in those reporting IDU (aPR 1.45; 95% CI 1.03, 2.04), heavy alcohol (aPR 1.77; 95% CI 1.24, 2.51) and marijuana (aPR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.23, 2.36) but less common among women (aPR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38, 0.84) and those living with HIV (APR 0.52; 95% CI 0.35, 0.78). In modelling service utilisation, lower PAM was associated with a lower prevalence of methadone utilisation (aPR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09, 0.84) among those reporting IDU, but a higher prevalence of methadone utilisation (aPR 2.72; 95% CI 1.46, 5.08) among those not reporting IDU, after controlling for correlates of PAM.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
PAM-tailored interventions targeting methadone utilisation warrant consideration but should account for socio-structural barriers to utilisation and correlates of PAM among PWID.
PubMed: 38951716
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13893 -
Current Pain and Headache Reports Jun 2024Mindfulness therapy is a widely used treatment for many diseases and has been shown to improve pain-related functions. There is growing support for the use of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Mindfulness therapy is a widely used treatment for many diseases and has been shown to improve pain-related functions. There is growing support for the use of psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic pain. While studies have shown a positive effect of mindfulness therapy, it is important to consider psychosocial factors as there are still a small number of studies that question its effectiveness.
RECENT FINDINGS
Based on current studies, mindfulness therapy involves cognitive factors related to chronic pain, both in terms of cognitive production and its impact on cognitive control. Psychological and neurobasic studies were reviewed to provide a deeper understanding of these components, which include thought inhibition, attention deficit, pain catastrophizing, and self-efficacy. Mindfulness therapy has the potential to normalize psychology and nerves, and increase internal and external connectivity to work networks related to stress perception, cognition, and emotion. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects. By exploring the relationship between mindfulness therapy and chronic pain. This review provides a new avenue for future research in psychotherapy for patients with chronic pain.
PubMed: 38951466
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01284-w -
AIDS and Behavior Jul 2024Disclosing one's HIV status can involve complex individual and interpersonal processes interacting with discriminatory societal norms and institutionalized biases. To...
Disclosing one's HIV status can involve complex individual and interpersonal processes interacting with discriminatory societal norms and institutionalized biases. To support disclosure decision-making among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV, we developed Tough Talks™, an mHealth intervention that uses artificially intelligent-facilitated role-playing disclosure scenarios and informational activities that build disclosure skills and self-efficacy. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 YMSM living with HIV (mean age 24 years, 50% Black) who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing Tough Talks™ to understand their experiences with HIV status disclosure. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. Barriers to disclosure focused on fear, anxiety, stigma, and trauma. Facilitators to disclosure are described in the context of these barriers including how participants built comfort and confidence in disclosure decisions and ways the Tough Talks™ intervention helped them. Participants' narratives identified meaning-making within disclosure conversations including opportunities for educating others and advocacy. Findings revealed ongoing challenges to HIV status disclosure among YMSM and a need for clinical providers and others to support disclosure decision-making and affirm individuals' autonomy over their decisions to disclose. Considering disclosure as a process rather than discrete events could inform future intervention approaches.
PubMed: 38951455
DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04406-y -
Journal of Medical Systems Jul 2024Physical activity is essential to interrupt the cycle of deconditioning associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, access to targeted physical activity... (Review)
Review
Physical activity is essential to interrupt the cycle of deconditioning associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, access to targeted physical activity interventions remain under-supported due to limited funding and specialised staff. Digital interventions may address some of these factors. This systematic review sought to examine the evidence base of digital interventions focused on promoting physical activity or exercise and their effect on health outcomes for people living with CKD. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane) were searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 December 2023. Interventions (smartphone applications, activity trackers, websites) for adults with CKD (any stage, including transplant) which promoted physical activity or exercise were included. Study quality was assessed, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Of the 4057 records identified, eight studies (five randomised controlled trials, three single-arm studies) were included, comprising 550 participants. Duration ranged from 12-weeks to 1-year. The findings indicated acceptability and feasibility were high, with small cohort numbers and high risk of bias. There were inconsistent measures of physical activity levels, self-efficacy, body composition, physical function, and psychological outcomes which resulted in no apparent effects of digital interventions on these domains. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis. The evidence for digital interventions to promote physical activity and exercise for people living with CKD is limited. Despite popularity, there is little evidence that current digital interventions yield the effects expected from traditional face-to-face interventions. However, 14 registered trials were identified which may strengthen the evidence-base.
Topics: Humans; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Mobile Applications; Self Efficacy; Feasibility Studies; Body Composition
PubMed: 38951385
DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02081-z -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024This study aimed to compare the effects of a mobile health intervention based on social cognitive theory with standard care on maximal mouth opening, exercise... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare the effects of a mobile health intervention based on social cognitive theory with standard care on maximal mouth opening, exercise compliance, and self-efficacy in patients receiving proton and heavy ion therapy for head and neck cancer.
METHODS
This open-label, parallel-group, randomized, superiority trial involved a self-developed "Health Enjoy System" intervention. We assessed maximal mouth opening, exercise compliance, and self-efficacy at baseline (T), post-treatment (T), and at 1 month (T) and 3 months (T) after radiotherapy. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze differences between the groups over time, with results reported as P values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The study included 44 participants. At T, the intervention group showed a 6 mm greater increase in maximal interincisal opening than the control group (mean difference = 6.0, 95% CI = 2.4 to 9.5, P = 0.001). There was also a significant difference in exercise compliance between the groups (mean difference = 31.7, 95% CI = 4.6 to 58.8, P = 0.022). However, no significant difference in self-efficacy was found between the groups.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that an mHealth intervention incorporating behavior change theory could effectively enhance or maintain maximal mouth opening in patients undergoing proton and heavy ion therapy for head and neck cancer in China. This approach provides valuable support during and after treatment.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ChiCTR: ChiCTR2300067550. Registered 11 Jan 2023.
Topics: Humans; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Proton Therapy; Self Efficacy; Telemedicine; Trismus; Heavy Ion Radiotherapy; Exercise Therapy; Aged; Patient Compliance; Adult
PubMed: 38951291
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08679-w -
Dysphagia Jun 2024Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are not routinely screened for dysphagia. An Australian regional...
Impacts of a Dysphagia Screening Questionnaire on Speech Pathology Input Using a Transdisciplinary Approach for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are not routinely screened for dysphagia. An Australian regional health service audit revealed that patients with COPD are frequently referred to speech pathology during acute admissions, rather than proactively to mitigate the risk of dysphagia-related consequences. Referral patterns to speech pathology using a novel transdisciplinary approach for identifying at risk for dysphagia patients in a PRP were explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a transdisciplinary dysphagia screening questionnaire on speech pathology referrals within a cohort of patients with COPD enrolled in a PRP. This quasi-experimental study introduced a dysphagia screening questionnaire in a PRP using a transdisciplinary approach. A retrospective audit of PRP patients (n = 563) between 01/01/2014 and 31/12/2018 was conducted to identify the frequency of referrals to speech pathology for dysphagia. Data was compared to a cohort of patients (n = 50) enrolled in the PRP (from 01/02/21 to 30/11/21) after introduction of the questionnaire using Fisher's exact test. Less than 1% (n = 4/563) of PRP patients were referred to speech pathology prior to implementation of the questionnaire. Following the implementation, referrals to speech pathology significantly increased to 16% (8/50) (X = 7.72, P < 0.05; odds ratio = 7.89 95% CI [1.94, 32.1]). Introducing a dysphagia screening questionnaire increased referrals to speech pathology from a PRP. This study demonstrated the potential for a transdisciplinary approach in early screening for patients at risk of dysphagia for patients with COPD. Further research is encouraged to explore patient motivation towards speech pathology input with COPD-related dysphagia and clinicians' perceived self-efficacy in using the questionnaire.
PubMed: 38951236
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-024-10713-2 -
Journal of Tissue Viability Jun 2024To determine the relationship between the knowledge and self-efficiency regarding pressure ulcers of nursing students.
AIM
To determine the relationship between the knowledge and self-efficiency regarding pressure ulcers of nursing students.
METHODS
This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 775 nursing students from three different universities in various regions of Turkey. The "Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool-Updated Version" and "Pressure Ulcer Management Self-Efficiency Scale for Nurses" tool were used to collect data between May and September 2023. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies checklist was followed to report this study.
RESULTS
The mean knowledge score was 7.27 ± 3.09, and the mean self-efficiency on pressure ulcer management score was 35.5 ± 18.3. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between nursing students' knowledge and self-efficiency mean scores regarding pressure ulcers (p < 0.05). A significant difference was also found between the students' academic levels and gender and their knowledge and self-efficiency scores regarding pressure ulcers.
CONCLUSION
In this study, where the data covers these three institutions, students' pressure ulcer knowledge and self-efficiency scores were lower compared to all academic years. Accordingly, it was also determined that students with more nursing practice experience showed higher knowledge and self-efficacy scores than students with less nursing practice experience. Additionally, the students' self-efficacy increased along with their knowledge level. Training courses may be suggested to improve students' knowledge and self-efficiency regarding pressure ulcers.
PubMed: 38951049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2024.06.017