scholarly journals Combining Nanotechnology and Gas Plasma as an Emerging Platform for Cancer Therapy: Mechanism and Therapeutic Implication

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Milad Rasouli ◽  
Nadia Fallah ◽  
Sander Bekeschus
Keyword(s):  
Unique Feature ◽  
Multidisciplinary Research ◽  
Plasma Technology ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Gas Plasma ◽  
Therapeutic Outcomes ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Delivery Vehicles ◽  
Controlled Deposition ◽  
Improve Health

Nanomedicine and plasma medicine are innovative and multidisciplinary research fields aiming to employ nanotechnology and gas plasma to improve health-related treatments. Especially cancer treatment has been in the focus of both approaches because clinical response rates with traditional methods that remain improvable for many types of tumor entities. Here, we discuss the recent progress of nanotechnology and gas plasma independently as well as in the concomitant modality of nanoplasma as multimodal platforms with unique capabilities for addressing various therapeutic issues in oncological research. The main features, delivery vehicles, and nexus between reactivity and therapeutic outcomes of nanoparticles and the processes, efficacy, and mechanisms of gas plasma are examined. Especially that the unique feature of gas plasma technology, the local and temporally controlled deposition of a plethora of reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species released simultaneously might be a suitable additive treatment to the use of systemic nanotechnology therapy approaches. Finally, we focus on the convergence of plasma and nanotechnology to provide a suitable strategy that may lead to the required therapeutic outcomes.

scholarly journals Understanding disadvantaged adolescents’ perception of health literacy through a systematic development of peer vignettes

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah R. Goss ◽  
Clare McDermott ◽  
Laura Hickey ◽  
Johann Issartel ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Young People ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Unhealthy Behaviour ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Literacy Profiles ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract Background Adolescence represents a crucial phase of life where health behaviours, attitudes and social determinants can have lasting impacts on health quality across the life course. Unhealthy behaviour in young people is generally more common in low socioeconomic groups. Nevertheless, all adolescents should have a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential. Health literacy is positioned as a potential mediating factor to improve health, but research regarding health literacy in adolescents and socially disadvantaged populations is limited. As part of Phase one of the Ophelia (OPtimising HEalth LIterAcy) framework, The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of socially disadvantaged Irish adolescents in relation to health literacy and related behaviours, and utilise this data to develop relevant vignettes. Methods A convergent mixed method design was used to co-create the vignettes. Questionnaires were completed by 962 adolescents (males n = 553, females n = 409, Mean age = 13.97 ± 0.96 years) from five participating disadvantaged schools in Leinster, Ireland. Focus groups were also conducted in each school (n = 31). Results were synthesised using cluster and thematic analysis, to develop nine vignettes that represented typical male and female subgroups across the schools with varying health literacy profiles. These vignettes were then validated through triangular consensus with students, teachers, and researchers. Discussion The co-creation process was a participatory methodology which promoted the engagement and autonomy of the young people involved in the project. The vignettes themselves provide an authentic and tangible description of the health issues and health literacy profiles of adolescents in this context. Application of these vignettes in workshops involving students and teachers, will enable meaningful engagement in the discussion of health literacy and health-related behaviours in Irish young people, and the potential co-designing of strategies to address health literacy in youth. Conclusion As guided by the Ophelia framework, the use of authentic, interactive and participatory research methods, such as the co-creation of vignettes, is particularly important in groups that are underserved by traditional research methods. The approach used in this study could be adapted to other contexts to represent and understand stakeholders’ perceptions of health, with a view to explore, and ultimately improve, health literacy.

scholarly journals Utilizing Participatory Research to Engage Underserved Populations to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Delaware

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2353
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Robson ◽  
Samantha M. Rex ◽  
Katie Greenawalt ◽  
P. Michael Peterson ◽  
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Cooperative Extension ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improve Health

Cooperative Extension is a community outreach program. Despite its large reach, there is a need for the evaluation of changes in health-related outcomes for individuals engaged with Cooperative Extension. A team-based challenge was developed using community-engaged participatory research integrated with Cooperative Extension to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviors through Cooperative Extension programming. Thus, the primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to (1) evaluate changes in anthropometric outcomes and (2) evaluate changes in health behavior outcomes. Associations of anthropometric changes and health behavior changes with engagement in the three-month team-based challenge were explored. Anthropometrics were measured using standard procedures, and intake of fruits and vegetables and physical activity were self-reported. Of the 145 participants in the community-engaged participatory research portion of the study, 52.4% (n = 76) had complete anthropometrics before and after the team-based challenge and were included in this study. At 3 months, there was a significant reduction in body mass index (−0.3 kg/m2, p = 0.024) and no significant change in waist circumference (p = 0.781). Fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased (+0.44 servings/day, p = 0.018). Physical activity did not significantly change based on (1) the number of days 30 or more minutes of physical activity was conducted (p = 0.765) and (2) Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores (p = 0.612). Changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the team-based challenge. Using community-engaged participatory research with community outreach programs, such as Cooperative Extension, can improve health-related outcomes in underserved populations. However, despite a participatory approach, changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the developed team-based challenge.

scholarly journals An Onsite Fitness Facility and Integrative Wellness Program Positively Impacted Health-Related Outcomes Among Teachers and Staff at an Urban Elementary/Middle School

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 216495611987327
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A Parker ◽  
Patrick F McArdle ◽  
Debbie Gioia ◽  
Ariel Trilling ◽  
Mary Bahr-Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
The United States ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Fitness Facility ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improve Health

Background Given the large number of obesity-focused studies conducted in schools, there is a surprising lack of data regarding teacher workplace health behaviors in the United States. Objective To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an onsite fitness facility with a structured integrative wellness program to improve health-related outcomes among teachers and staff at an urban elementary/middle school. Methods A 2-year mixed-methods analysis using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures and qualitative interviews included 39 teachers and staff employed at an urban elementary/middle school in Baltimore, Maryland. The fitness facility was dedicated exclusively to teachers and staff and the integrative wellness program included group exercise classes, yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition competitions. T tests were used to compare quantitative outcomes at baseline, the end of year 1, and the end of year 2. Results Compared to baseline, at year 1, there was a significant improvement in the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance score. From baseline to end of year 2, there were significant increases in the PROMIS Global Physical Health as well as significant decreases in Sleep Disturbances, Fatigue, and Social Isolation. Qualitative interviews conducted at the end of year 1 indicated that teachers who used the facility felt that it improved their mood, increased their energy, motivated them to eat healthily, and gave them opportunities to socialize with their colleagues in new ways. This impact was further enhanced in year 2. Conclusions An onsite fitness facility with an integrative wellness program may improve health-related outcomes among urban elementary school teachers and staff, with the greatest benefits seen after 2 years of implementation.

A Residential Summer Camp Can Reduce Body Fat and Improve Health-related Quality of Life in Obese Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Wong ◽  
Sarah E. Barlow ◽  
Carmen Mikhail ◽  
Theresa A. Wilson ◽  
Paula M. Hernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Summer Camp ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improve Health

scholarly journals Concept analysis of adherence

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Mei Lyu ◽  
Li Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract Objective To explore the concept of adherence in the context of rehabilitation of patients with chronic illnesses. This concept analysis is helpful in predicting health behaviors and intentions including physical activity and dietary behaviors in patients with chronic illnesses. Methods The framework of Walker and Avant was used to analyze the concept of adherence. Results Adherence is defined as the extent to which a person’s behavior, such as taking medication, following a diet, and/or executing lifestyle changes, corresponds to agreed recommendations from a health-care provider. The antecedents of adherence are the biomedical status of the individual, social support, self-efficacy, and education. Self-report questionnaires and patient self-reporting are the most common measurement tools of adherence. Thus, the reliable and valid instrument of monitoring adherence in the clinical settings is challenging. Conclusions Analyzing the concept of adherence is necessary to help understand how best to promote adherence to improve health-related outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document