scholarly journals Emerging Technologies to Control Oocyte Apoptosis Are Finally Treading on Fertile Ground

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 181-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan L. Tilly
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Premature Menopause ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Cell Renewal ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Control Oocyte ◽  
Gonadal Damage

As the medical community strives to improve on the efficacy of anticancer treatments, a critical issue not to be overlooked since the overall quantity of life has been substantially increased in many cancer survivors is the quality of that life post-therapy. Indeed, one of the most worrisome side effects of conventional cancer treatments is damage to the gonads. This problem is compounded in females since the ovaries, unlike the testes, are incapable of germ cell renewal in postnatal life. As a consequence, the inappropriate destruction of female germ cells (oocytes) following exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation is irreparable, often leading to premature menopause and infertility [1]. Considering recent estimates that 1 in 52 human females between birth and age 39 (i.e., the pre-reproductive and reproductive years) will be diagnosed with, and presumably treated for, cancer [2], new strategies to minimize or prevent gonadal damage during such treatments would have a profound positive impact on millions of lives.

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

Exercise Capacity in Chronic Heart Failure

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina G Mentzer ◽  
Alex J Auseon
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Pharmacologic Therapy ◽  
The Past ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Future Therapy

Heart failure (HF) affects more than 5 million people and has an increasing incidence and cost burden. Patients note symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue that result in a decreased quality of life, which has not drastically improved over the past decades despite advances in therapies. The assessment of exercise capacity can provide information regarding patient diagnosis and prognosis, while doubling as a potential future therapy. clinically, there is acceptance that exercise is safe in hf and can have a positive impact on morbidity and quality of life, although evidence for improvement in mortality is still lacking. specific prescriptions for exercise training have not been developed because many variables and confounding factors have prevented research trials from demonstrating an ideal regimen. Physicians are becoming more aware of the indices and goals for hf patients in exercise testing and therapy to provide comprehensive cardiac care. it is further postulated that a combination of exercise training and pharmacologic therapy may eventually provide the most benefits to those suffering from hf.

Patient satisfaction and comfort after a full-arch immediate loaded prosthesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Dellepiane ◽  
Francesco Pera ◽  
Paola Zunino ◽  
Maria Grazia Mugno ◽  
Paolo Pesce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Intermediate Phase ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Immediate Loading ◽  
Oral Rehabilitation ◽  
Masticatory Ability ◽  
Chewing Ability

The aim of this study was to assess oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients before, during and after completion of implant-supported full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation according to the Columbus Bridge Protocol (CBP). 25 patients with compromised dentition were rehabilitated according to the CBP and were assessed for OHRQoL using 4 questionnaires specifically realized for this study and inspired to the OHIP (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire. Patients assessed themselves before surgery, during the healing period (1 week and 2 months after surgery) and after definitive prosthodontic treatment (4 months after surgery). The questionnaires specifically investigated patients’ pain, confort, home oral hygiene habits, satisfaction related to esthetics, masticatory ability, phonetics and general satisfaction toward the treatment.Patients reported an improvement of OHRQoL after full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation. A statistically significant improvement in aesthetic and chewing ability was found. After 4 months 92% of the patients did not feel tense with their smile, 96% did not show problems to relate with other people or smiling, 92% did not show difficulty to eat some foods. Phonetics was found to be a critical issue, especially in the intermediate phase of healing. One week after surgery the percentage of patients who was very satisfied with phonetics slightly decreased from 48% to 36%. The assessment of patients' OHRQoL related to full-arch immediate loading implant therapy exhibited a significant improvement of their quality of life. The questionnaires herein presented could be an effective tool to evaluate patients' reaction to oral rehabilitation.

Circadian rhythms, sleep, and anti-cancer treatments

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale F. Innominato ◽  
David Spiegel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Timing System ◽  
Physical Wellbeing ◽  
Circadian Timing System ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents

The circadian timing system temporally regulates biological functions relevant for psycho-physical wellbeing, spanning all the systems related to health. Hence, disruption of circadian rhythms, along with sleep cycles, is associated with the development of several diseases, including cancer. Moreover, altered circadian and sleep functions negatively impact on cancer patients’ quality of life and survival, above and beyond known determinants of outcome. This alteration can occur as a consequence of cancer, but also of anti-cancer treatments. Indeed, circadian rhythms govern also the ability of detoxifying chemotherapy agents across the 24 hours. Hence, adapting chemotherapy delivery to the molecular oscillations in relevant drug pathways can decrease toxicity to healthy cells, while increasing the number of cancer cells killing. This chronomodulated chemotherapy approach, together with the maintenance of proper circadian function throughtout the whole disease challenge, would finally result in safer and more active anticancer treatments, and in patients experiencing better quality and quantity of life.

Leukemia Support Groups: How Are They Doing?

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-412
Author(s):  
Donna Corwin Moss
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
New Concepts ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Practical Impact

Background Support groups help their participants to cope with the emotional and practical impact of their illnesses. Methods The effectiveness of the Leukemia Society of America support groups in enhancing the quality of life for their participants is reviewed. The groundwork, purpose, and structure of such groups, as well as alternate sources of support, are presented. Evaluation and future directions for oncology groupwork are discussed. Results Support groups complement the therapies provided by clinical practitioners and scientists by addressing the additional needs of cancer patients over the course of illness and survival. Conclusions New concepts and methods that address the needs of specific age-groups and incorporate the newly generated data on cancer treatments will further enhance the benefits provided by support groups.

scholarly journals One Song, Many Voices: Dementia and The Power of Music

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 775-775
Author(s):  
Debra Sheets ◽  
Stuart MacDonald ◽  
Andre Smith
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
School Students ◽  
Choral Singing ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Care Partners

Abstract Choral singing is a novel approach to reduce dementia stigma and social isolation while offering participants a sense of purpose, joy and social connection. The pervasiveness of stigma surrounding dementia remains one of the biggest barriers to living life with dignity following a diagnosis (Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2018). This paper examines how a social inclusion model of dementia care involving an intergenerational choir for people living with dementia, their care partners and high school students can reduce stigma and foster social connections. Multiple methodologies are used to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, stress levels, social connections, stigma, and quality of life. Results demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation and indicate that this socially inclusive intervention offers an effective, non-pharmacological alternative for older adults living with dementia in the community. Discussion focuses on the importance of instituting meaningful and engaging dementia-friendly activities at the community level.

scholarly journals Engaging community pharmacists in quality improvement (QI): a qualitative case study of a partnership between a Higher Education Institute and Local Pharmaceutical Committees

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e001047
Author(s):  
Asam Latif ◽  
Nargis Gulzar ◽  
Fiona Lowe ◽  
Theo Ansong ◽  
Sejal Gohil
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Educational Institute ◽  
Collaboration And Communication ◽  
Improve Service Quality ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundQuality improvement (QI) involves the use of systematic tools and methods to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients. However, awareness and application of QI among healthcare professionals is poor and new strategies are needed to engage them in this area.ObjectivesThis study describes an innovative collaboration between one Higher Educational Institute (HEI) and Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs) to develop a postgraduate QI module aimed to upskill community pharmacists in QI methods. The study explores pharmacist engagement with the learning and investigates the impact on their practice.MethodsDetails of the HEI–LPCs collaboration and communication with pharmacist were recorded. Focus groups were held with community pharmacists who enrolled onto the module to explore their motivation for undertaking the learning, how their knowledge of QI had changed and how they applied this learning in practice. A constructivist qualitative methodology was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe study found that a HEI–LPC partnership was feasible in developing and delivering the QI module. Fifteen pharmacists enrolled and following its completion, eight took part in one of two focus groups. Pharmacists reported a desire to extend and acquire new skills. The HEI–LPC partnership signalled a vote of confidence that gave pharmacists reassurance to sign up for the training. Some found returning to academia challenging and reported a lack of time and organisational support. Despite this, pharmacists demonstrated an enhanced understanding of QI, were more analytical in their day-to-day problem-solving and viewed the learning as having a positive impact on their team’s organisational culture with potential to improve service quality for patients.ConclusionsWith the increased adoption of new pharmacist’s roles and recent changes to governance associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a HEI–LPC collaborative approach could upskill pharmacists and help them acquire skills to accommodate new working practices.

Setting up a successful nurse-led intravitreal injections service: pearls from Swindon

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (20) ◽  
pp. 1178-1185
Author(s):  
Hani Hasan ◽  
Sunil Mamtora ◽  
Nimish Shah
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Intravitreal Injections ◽  
Nurse Training ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Number Of Injections

The demand for performing intravitreal injections has increased in recent years, prompting the need for more nurse training in their administration. The Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust in Swindon has developed a structured nurse training programme and now has 8 independent nurse injectors trained to undertake injections independently; nurse practitioners now contribute upwards of 85% of the total number of injections. The authors have also demonstrated the financial benefits of using injection assistant devices and shown the positive impact such devices have on training. In September 2019, the authors organised the first course to offer nurses and doctors hands-on experience in administering injections, using the Swindon training model to provide participants with a structured approach to learn how to perform intravitreal injections safely. Nurses made up 96% of participants; the remainder were doctors and managers; 6% had never performed an intravitreal injection; of units where they had, disposable drapes and a speculum were used in 71% of these. The number of injections performed per session at participants' units at the time they attended the course was: 17 or more injections=46%, 13–14=39%, and 11–12=15%. The course was rated 8.9/10 overall for content, with 85% very likely to recommend it to colleagues. All participants indicated that using the Swindon model made them feel confident to deliver injections safely. The authors demonstrated that using a structured training protocol and intravitreal assistant device improves the quality of nurse training and increases confidence in administering intravitreal injections.

scholarly journals Preferences of Canadian Patients and Physicians for Treatment of HR+/HER2− Advanced Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 491-508
Author(s):  
Daniel Stellato ◽  
Marroon Thabane ◽  
Caitlin Eichten ◽  
Thomas E. Delea
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Patient Advocacy Group ◽  
Treatment Alternatives ◽  
E Mail

(1) Background: Past research suggests that patients with advanced breast cancer prefer treatments with improved clinical outcomes and lower risk of side effects. Evidence on preferences of Canadian patients and physicians for treatments for advanced breast cancer is limited. (2) Methods: Patients’ and physicians’ preferences for treatments for HR+/HER2−, pre-/peri-menopausal advanced breast cancer were assessed by an online discrete choice experiment (DCE). Treatment alternatives were characterized by seven attributes regarding dosing, efficacy, and toxicities, with levels corresponding to those for ribociclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI), NSAI, and tamoxifen. For patients, impacts of advanced breast cancer on quality of life (QOL) and ability to work/perform activities of daily living also were assessed. Patients were recruited by a Canadian breast cancer patient advocacy group through email and social media. Physicians were recruited by email. (3) Results: Among 118 patients starting the survey, 23 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (19%). Among 271 physicians who were sent the e-mail invitation, 21 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (8%). For both patients and physicians, the increased probability of remaining alive and without cancer progression over 2 years was the most important attribute. A treatment with attributes consistent with ribociclib plus NSAI was chosen by patients and physicians in 70% and 88% of the time, respectively. A substantial proportion of patients reported worrying about future diagnostic tests and their cancer getting worse; (4) Conclusions: Canadian patients and physicians are generally concordant in preference for advanced breast cancer treatments, preferring ribociclib plus NSAI to other options.

scholarly journals The patients’ perspective on coordinated action for cancer and AMR

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Apostolidis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Unique Challenge ◽  
Coordinated Action ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Patients Perspective

Abstract The speaker will present the perspective of the cancer patients, and the challenges they encounter across the spectrum of care and what measures they consider relevant in terms of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and, indeed, to raise awareness of the impact of AMR on rendering cancer treatments ineffective. She will elaborate on survivorship, and on the impact of AMR on the quality of life of patients, their carers, and families. Emphasis will be given on the implications of modern therapies, such as immunotherapy, representing a unique challenge in terms of better understanding the effect on overall health of patients, with the effect they have the immune system, further weakening the patient and leaving him/her exposed to infections potentially of higher risk than cancer itself.

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