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Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine 2024Research has identified a positive relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan. The present study further examined the...
Research has identified a positive relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan. The present study further examined the relationship between physical activity, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults (ages 65-96) who completed an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation ( = 526). Psychometrically sound and validated measures were used to assess depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to examine differences between individuals who reported regularly engaging in physical activity and those who did not, after adjusting for demographic variables (age, education, and gender). Results indicated that physical activity was associated with better scores on measures of depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. Effect sizes for total scores on all measures were large, but there was a sizeable range of effect sizes (from small to large) for various cognitive domains. Smallest effect sizes were observed for subtests measuring language skills and visuospatial abilities, whereas largest effect sizes were seen in processing speed and memory. Results suggest that engaging in physical activity may be a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for older adults. These findings underscore the importance of integrating physical activity programs in community and healthcare settings to foster mental and cognitive health in older populations.
PubMed: 38911221
DOI: 10.1177/23337214241262924 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify student-reported institutional facilitators and barriers to successful research experiences at a single United...
Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify student-reported institutional facilitators and barriers to successful research experiences at a single United States allopathic institution. Residency applications have increasingly become more competitive, and with the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam's transition to pass/fail, factors such as research experience and outcomes may become more important to increase residency application competitiveness. This study sought to explore factors that impact successful research experiences leading to tangible outcomes for medical students at our medical school, the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine. Methods A cross-sectional survey was developed and administered via REDCap to 853 students in May 2022. Survey question domains included demographics, past and present research participation, perceived barriers/facilitators to research, tangible outcomes (e.g., publications and posters), and overall satisfaction with research comparing subjectively "best" and "worst" experiences. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) deemed this project as non-regulated research. Results We had a 24% (n = 204/853) response rate. The responses were distributed equally among the four classes. A big portion of the participants (71%, n = 59/83) identified a tangible outcome as the most important measure of success. Regarding facilitators, students identified having a mentor (89%, n = 165/184) and departmental connections (85%, n = 156/184) as the most important when looking for a project. Barriers included SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) lacking in 31% (n = 24/75) of worst projects, followed by a clear timeline in 29% (n = 22/76) and hours of commitment in 27% (n = 21/78). The best projects were more likely to have resulted in a publication (61% (27/44) vs. 32% (14/44)) or have a poster (64% (28/44) vs. 36% (16/44)). Conclusions Medical students are interested in participating in research, with important facilitators including mentorship and departmental connections. Modifiable variables include lack of clear timelines, well-defined roles and responsibilities, and time commitments. This information may be useful for faculty who mentor medical students or medical schools interested in designing medical student research programs.
PubMed: 38910643
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60809 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine combined with Liuzijue exercise on the physiological symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in postoperative...
Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined With Liuzijue Exercise in Physiological Rehabilitation After Video-assisted Lung Lobectomy for Cancer: A Prospective Propensity Score Matching Study.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine combined with Liuzijue exercise on the physiological symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in postoperative patients with early-stage lung cancer.
METHODS
One hundred and eighty-three lung cancer patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were categorize into either a traditional Chinese medicine treatment group (CM) or a control group (non-traditional Chinese medicine treatment, NC), among whom 73 underwent Chinese herbal medicine and Liuzijue therapy, while 110 underwent no comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The propensity score matching (PSM) method with a 1:2 ratio was used to balance the baseline characteristics and evaluate the efficacy of CM in improving postoperative symptoms and QoL.
RESULTS
Cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms after VATS. Except for chest pain, they were all correlated with the scope of operation ( < .05). After PSM, 165 patients were identified in the matched cohort, and the covariates of gender, age, operative site, and scope of operation were balanced between the 2 groups ( > .05). In the domain of global health status, the improvement in QoL in CM was greater than that in NC (6.06 ± 15.83 vs -1.06 ± 14.68, = .005). In terms of symptoms, improvements in cough (1.69 ± 3.15 vs 0.38 ± 2.63, = .006), dyspnea during climbing stairs (-10.30 ± 16.82 vs -1.82 ± 17.97, = .004), and pain (-0.76 ± 1.32 vs -0.08 ± 1.31, = .002) in CM were better than in NC.
CONCLUSION
Comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can provide therapeutic benefits in physiological rehabilitation after VATS for cancer.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Lung Neoplasms; Propensity Score; Middle Aged; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Aged; Exercise Therapy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Treatment Outcome; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38907709
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241261977 -
Journal of Neurotrauma Jun 2024Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairments, and some survivors experience cognitive decline post-recovery. Early detection of decline...
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairments, and some survivors experience cognitive decline post-recovery. Early detection of decline is important for care planning, and understanding risk factors for decline can elucidate targets for prevention. While neuropsychological testing is the gold standard approach to characterizing cognitive function, there is a need for brief, scalable tools that are capable of detecting clinically significant changes in post-TBI cognition. This study examines whether clinically significant change can be detected using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) in a sample of individuals with chronic TBI and investigates whether potentially modifiable factors are associated with cognitive decline. Ninety participants aged 40 or older with complicated mild to severe TBI participated in two telephone-based study visits approximately one year apart. Demographic, head trauma exposure, comorbid medical conditions, physical and psychosocial functioning data were collected via self-report. The BTACT, a brief measure of global cognitive function, was used to assess cognitive performance across six domains. A Reliable Change Index (RCI) for quantifying clinically significant changes in BTACT performance was calculated. Results revealed cognitive decline in 10% to 27% of participants across various cognitive domains. More specifically, only depressive symptoms, including depressed affect and anhedonia, were significantly associated with cognitive decline after correcting for multiple comparisons using FDR. Other factors such as the number of blows to the head, male gender, dyspnea, increased anxiety symptoms, seizures, illicit drug use, and fewer cardiovascular comorbidities should be considered hypothesis-generating. Importantly, age was not a significant predictor of cognitive decline, which challenges the assumption that cognitive decline is solely related to the natural aging process. It suggests that there are unique factors associated with TBI that impact cognitive function, and these factors can affect individuals across the lifespan. The BTACT is a brief and sensitive tool for identifying clinically meaningful changes in cognitive function over a relatively brief period (i.e., one year) in a sample of individuals in the chronic stages of TBI (i.e., x̅=6.7 years post-TBI). Thus, the BTACT may be useful in surveillance efforts aimed at understanding and detecting decline, particularly in situations where in-person cognitive screening is impractical or unfeasible. We also identified potentially modifiable targets for the prevention of post-TBI cognitive decline. These findings can offer insights into treatment goals and preventive strategies for individuals at risk for cognitive decline, as well as help to facilitate early identification efforts.
PubMed: 38907691
DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0589 -
BMC Nursing Jun 2024The transition of newly graduated nurses into the workforce is recognized as a complex undertaking and has been examined extensively in the literature.
BACKGROUND
The transition of newly graduated nurses into the workforce is recognized as a complex undertaking and has been examined extensively in the literature.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the readiness levels of intern nursing students and investigate the factors affecting their transition to professional practice within the Al Jouf region in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
The study employed a combination of descriptive, correlational, and qualitative methodologies to conduct its investigation. Data were acquired via an online questionnaire that included demographic information, the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale (NPRS), and two open-ended questions. A total of 135 nursing intern students were recruited to participate in the study. Benner's "novice-to-expert" theory of clinical competence was utilized to guide the theoretical underpinning of the study.
RESULTS
Findings revealed that most intern nursing students (63.7%) exhibited a moderate level of readiness. Furthermore, 70.4% and 55.6% of the students showed moderate readiness in terms of their professional attitudes and patient-centeredness, respectively. More than one-third of the students demonstrated a high level of readiness in the self-regulation domain (36.3%), while a similar proportion indicated a high level of readiness in the domain of collaborative interpersonal relationships (33.3%). The students underscored their reliance on the education system as pivotal in enhancing their preparedness for clinical practice.
CONCLUSION
Nursing internship programs contribute to a more comprehensive readiness of nurses for active participation in clinical practice as compared to traditional educational programs.
PubMed: 38907212
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02106-5 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2024Neurocognitive impairment, characterized by reduced performance in various cognitive domains, has been significantly linked with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes...
BACKGROUND
Neurocognitive impairment, characterized by reduced performance in various cognitive domains, has been significantly linked with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Poorly controlled diabetes often results in decreased cognitive abilities, and a longer duration of the disease is associated with lower cognitive levels.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cognitive impairment in adults with T2DM and identify related factors.
METHODS
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 adults with T2DM. A systematic random sampling was used to select study participants in two referral hospitals in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination tool was used. Binary logistic regression was used. Significance was declared at p value≤0.05 with 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Over a quarter (27.6%) of participants were identified as cognitively impaired. Factors associated with lower cognitive status included older age, being single, lower education level, farming occupation, presence of comorbidity, and engagement in moderate physical activity.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the prevalence of cognitive impairment among T2DM patients is a growing concern. Several risk factors have been identified like age group, marital status, education level, occupation, presence of comorbidity, and moderate physical activities. The impact of cognitive impairment on the quality of life and functional abilities of T2DM patients should not be underestimated.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Ethiopia; Adult; Prevalence; Aged; Risk Factors; Comorbidity; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38905040
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230245 -
Noise & HealthThe aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the effect of music therapy on patients with end-stage cancer in hospice care.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the effect of music therapy on patients with end-stage cancer in hospice care.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included 195 patients with end-stage cancer from January 2021 to December 2023. The conventional group comprised patients who received routine hospice care, whereas the combination group comprised those who received routine hospice care and music therapy. The immune indicators, anxiety and depression scores, quality of life scores, and sleep quality scores of both groups were compared before and after management.
RESULTS
Before management, no significant differences were observed in the immune indicators, anxiety and depression scores, quality of life scores, and sleep quality scores between both groups (P > 0.05). However, after management, the immune indicators lymphocytes CD3+ and CD4+ were significantly higher in the combination group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05); in contrast, anxiety and depression and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were lower in the combination group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05). Lastly, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version scores were significantly higher in all domains in the combination group than in those in the conventional group; furthermore, the degree of decline in the physical, psychological, and social relationship domain scores was smaller in the combination group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
For patients with end-stage cancer, music therapy can improve their immune status, quality of life, and sleep and ameliorate their anxiety and depression.
Topics: Humans; Music Therapy; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Aged; Anxiety; Depression; Hospice Care; Sleep Quality; Adult
PubMed: 38904805
DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_104_23 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of Orff music therapy on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from the perspectives of parents, evaluators,...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of Orff music therapy on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from the perspectives of parents, evaluators, and therapists.
METHODS
93 children with ASD aged 3-6 years participated in the study. They were divided into an observation group ( = 48) receiving comprehensive rehabilitation intervention including Orff music therapy, and a control group ( = 45) receiving only comprehensive rehabilitation intervention. The Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Psycho-educational Profile-3rd edition (PEP-3) were used for assessments before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in Sensory, Relating, Language, CVP, EL, RL, VMI, AE, SR, and CARS scores at T1, T2, and T3 (T1 vs. T2, T2 vs. T3, T1 vs. T3) (all < 0.05). The observation group demonstrated significant changes in Body and Object use and FM, while the control group showed some changes in these domains. Social and self-help, GM, CMB, and CVB also significantly improved in both groups after 6 months of intervention (all < 0.05). In terms of different time intervals, the observation group showed greater improvements in Sensory, Relating, Language, CARS scores, EL, RL, and SR compared to the control group (all < 0.05). The improvement levels in Body and Object use, CVP, FM, VMI, and AE did not differ significantly between the two groups in the T1-T2 interval, but were significantly higher in the observation group in the T2-T3 and T1-T3 intervals (all < 0.05). The magnitude of changes in Social and self-help, GM, CMB, and CVB did not differ significantly between the groups.
CONCLUSION
Orff music therapy showed significant improvements in language expression, language comprehension, social skills, cognitive abilities, imitation abilities, emotional expression and fine motor in children with ASD. These findings provide support for the use of Orff music therapy as an effective intervention for children with ASD.
PubMed: 38903168
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1387060 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024It is unclear how post-stroke cognitive trajectories differ by stroke type and ischemic stroke subtype. We studied associations between stroke types (ischemic,...
BACKGROUND
It is unclear how post-stroke cognitive trajectories differ by stroke type and ischemic stroke subtype. We studied associations between stroke types (ischemic, hemorrhagic), ischemic stroke subtypes (cardioembolic, large artery atherosclerotic, lacunar/small vessel, cryptogenic/other determined etiology), and post-stroke cognitive decline.
METHODS
This pooled cohort analysis from four US cohort studies (1971-2019) identified 1,143 dementia-free individuals with acute stroke during follow-up: 1,061 (92.8%) ischemic, 82 (7.2%) hemorrhagic, 49.9% female, 30.8% Black. Median age at stroke was 74.1 (IQR, 68.6, 79.3) years. Outcomes were change in global cognition (primary) and changes in executive function and memory (secondary). Outcomes were standardized as T-scores (mean [SD], 50 [10]); a 1-point difference represents a 0.1-SD difference in cognition. Median follow-up for the primary outcome was 6.0 (IQR, 3.2, 9.2) years. Linear mixed-effects models estimated changes in cognition after stroke.
RESULTS
On average, the initial post-stroke global cognition score was 50.78 points (95% CI, 49.52, 52.03) in ischemic stroke survivors and did not differ in hemorrhagic stroke survivors (difference, -0.17 points [95% CI, -1.64, 1.30]; =0.82) after adjusting for demographics and pre-stroke cognition. On average, ischemic stroke survivors showed declines in global cognition, executive function, and memory. Post-stroke declines in global cognition, executive function, and memory did not differ between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke survivors. 955 ischemic strokes had subtypes: 200 (20.9%) cardioembolic, 77 (8.1%) large artery atherosclerotic, 207 (21.7%) lacunar/small vessel, 471 (49.3%) cryptogenic/other determined etiology. On average, small vessel stroke survivors showed declines in global cognition and memory, but not executive function. Initial post-stroke cognitive scores and cognitive declines did not differ between small vessel survivors and survivors of other ischemic stroke subtypes. Post-stroke vascular risk factor levels did not attenuate associations.
CONCLUSION
Stroke survivors had cognitive decline in multiple domains. Declines did not differ by stroke type or ischemic stroke subtype.
PubMed: 38903102
DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.24306600 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Depression is a globally prevalent mental condition, particularly among older adults. Previous research has identified that social networks have a buffering effect on...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Depression is a globally prevalent mental condition, particularly among older adults. Previous research has identified that social networks have a buffering effect on depression. Existing systematic reviews have either limited their research to specific geographic areas or provided evidence from over a decade ago. The vast body of recent literature particularly from the last decade emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review. This systematic review aims to analyze the association of structural aspects of social networks and depression in older adults.
METHODS
The electronic databases APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, PSYINDEX, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, and Web of Science were searched from date of data base inception until 11 July 2023. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on community-dwelling older adults (defined as a mean age of at least 60 years old), had an acceptable definition for depression, referred to the term social network in the abstract, and were published in English. Quality was appraised using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Outcome data were extracted independently from each study and analyzed by direction of the relationship, social network domain and cross-sectional or longitudinal study design.
RESULTS
In total, 127 studies were included. The study categorizes structural network aspects into seven domains and finds that larger and more diverse networks, along with closer social ties, help mitigate depression. The literature on the relationships between depression and network density, homogeneity, and geographical proximity is scarce and inconclusive. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Despite inconsistent findings, this review highlights the importance of quantifying complex social relations of older adults. Limitations of this review include publication and language bias as well as the exclusion of qualitative research. Further research should use longitudinal approaches to further investigate the reciprocal relationship between social networks and depression. Following this review, interventions should promote the integration of older adults in larger and more diverse social settings. Other: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Grant [454899704]. This systematic review was pre-registered. The review-protocol can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6QDPK .
Topics: Humans; Independent Living; Aged; Depression; Social Networking; Social Support
PubMed: 38902787
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02581-6