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Simple Summary: Blood clots are formed when blood vessels are injured. They help stop bleeding and heal wounds, but can also cause serious problems if they block blood flow or break off and travel to other organs. This study investigates how blood clots differ in people with cancer compared to healthy or non-cancerous individuals. This study found that cancer patients have higher levels of histones in their blood, which make their clots stiffer and resistant to lysis. Further, clots formed in cancer patients have higher viscoelastic properties, and hence are harder to break down. These findings suggest that cancer patients have abnormal clotting properties that may increase their risk of developing thrombosis, and evaluating these properties can be helpful in detecting cancer. Background: Blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels can play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, the role of histones and DNA in modulating blood clot properties remains to be investigated. This study investigates the differences in blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels among cancer patients, individuals with other diseases, and healthy individuals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 101 participants, including 45 cancer patients, 22 healthy individuals, and 34 individuals with other diseases. Rheological properties of clots formed in vitro by reconstituted elements of fibrinogen or plasma were analyzed with an Anton Paar Rheometer, USA. Plasma protein levels of D-dimer, TPA, EPCR, fibrinogen, and histone H3 were measured through ELISA. Blood clots were formed with or without DNA and histones (H3) by adding thrombin and calcium to plasma samples, and were evaluated for viscoelasticity, permeability, and degradation. Results: Cancer patients show higher blood viscoelasticity and plasma D-dimer levels compared to healthy individuals and individuals with other diseases. Our in vitro analysis showed that the addition of histone to the plasma results in a significant decrease in viscoelasticity and mean fiber thickness of the clot formed thereafter. In parallel studies, using plasma from patients, DNA and histones were detected in fibrin clots and were associated with less degradation by t-PA. Moreover, our results show that the presence of DNA and histones not only increases clots' permeability, but also makes them more prone to degradation. Conclusions: Plasma histones and DNA affect the structure of the clot formed and induce defective fibrinolysis. Moreover, the increased viscoelastic properties of plasma from cancer patients can be used as potential biomarkers in cancer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training for improving walking capacity in chronic stroke patients.

Rehabilitation is included in the universal health coverage (UHC) target of the sustainable development goals as an essential health service; access to rehabilitation is a human right. (1) Rehabilitation services [...]

The article is a call for papers in the Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada journal. It focuses on the topic of natural experiments on built environments, health behaviors, and chronic diseases. The built environment, which includes structures, recreation facilities, transportation systems, and community design, has been linked to the development of chronic diseases and health behaviors. Natural experiments, which are interventions that occur without a researcher's manipulation, offer an opportunity to evaluate the effects of changes to the built environment on health behaviors and chronic disease risk. The special issue aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of built environment interventions in a Canadian context. The journal is seeking research articles that present new findings or synthesize existing evidence on natural experiments and their impact on health behaviors and chronic disease prevention. The submission deadline is November 30, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

The use of knowledge graph analysis for chronic disease nursing based on visualization technology and literature big data is an unexplored area of research in this field of study. To uncover research hotspots and developmental trends in the field of chronic disease nursing, and to provide a scholarly reference, we employed mathematical and statistical methods along with CiteSpace literature visualization analysis software for quantitative analysis of extensive literature data from the Web of Science Core Collection. We examined aspects such as publication trends, journals, author collaborations, research institutions, national and regional distributions, keyword co-occurrence, clustering, time zones, emergence, literature co-citations, and more. These analyses identified the current hotspots and future directions for research. Notably, scholars' interest in chronic disease nursing exhibited a consistent upward trajectory. In particular, the field of artificial intelligence technology application in nursing yielded 3, 610 published papers in 141 journals with more than or equal to 10 published papers on the topic, accounting for 58.41% of the total number of published papers in this field of study. Furthermore, the top three publishers were the "Journal of Clinical Nursing," "Journal of Advanced Nursing," and "BMC Health Services Research." Among authors, Hu, Frank B., Willett, Walter C., and Rimm, Eric B., ranked as the top three, and 12 authors had more than 10 publications. The most active research institutions included Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital, University of California System, University of London, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Sydney, and the University of Toronto. The United States, Australia, England, China, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Germany emerged as the leading countries in terms of research output, while emerging hotspots encompassed topics such as incidence, rheumatoid arthritis, qualitative research, burnout, kidney transplantation, critical illness, COVID-19, Sars-COV-2, public health, and the well-being of medical staff. These findings present valuable insights for prospective research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root out the problem. Methods: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in-depth interviews with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged. Results: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current policies to overcome the existing barriers. Conclusion: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the inflammatory mechanisms of most chronic upper airway diseases such as rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, systemic steroids have been used for their treatment for decades. However, it has been very well documented that—potentially severe—side-effects can occur with the accumulation of systemic steroid courses over the years. A consensus document summarizing the benefits of systemic steroids for each upper airway disease type, as well as highlighting the potential harms of this treatment is currently lacking. Therefore, a panel of international experts in the field of Rhinology reviewed the available literature with the aim of providing recommendations for the use of systemic steroids in treating upper airway disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the inflammatory mechanisms of most chronic upper airway diseases such as rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, systemic steroids have been used for their treatment for decades. However, it has been very well documented that—potentially severe—side‐effects can occur with the accumulation of systemic steroid courses over the years. A consensus document summarizing the benefits of systemic steroids for each upper airway disease type, as well as highlighting the potential harms of this treatment is currently lacking. Therefore, a panel of international experts in the field of Rhinology reviewed the available literature with the aim of providing recommendations for the use of systemic steroids in treating upper airway disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the summary of the critically appraised paper "Additional rehabilitation following botulinum toxin-does not improve goal attainment and upper limb activity in chronic stroke survivors" which was published within the issue.

The author comments on the critically appraised paper entitled "Additional rehabilitation following botulinum toxin-A does not improve goal attainment and upper limb activity in chronic stroke survivors" which was published within the issue.

The article focuses on implicit motor learning is not superior to explicit motor learning for improving gait speed in chronic stroke.

Introduction: Personalised prevention aims to delay or avoid disease occurrence, progression, and recurrence of disease through the adoption of targeted interventions that consider the individual biological, including genetic data, environmental and behavioural characteristics, as well as the socio-cultural context. This protocol summarises the main features of a rapid scoping review to show the research landscape on biomarkers or a combination of biomarkers that may help to better identify subgroups of individuals with different risks of developing specific diseases in which specific preventive strategies could have an impact on clinical outcomes. This review is part of the "Personalised Prevention Roadmap for the future HEalThcare" (PROPHET) project, which seeks to highlight the gaps in current personalised preventive approaches, in order to develop a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the European Union. Objective: To systematically map and review the evidence of biomarkers that are available or under development in cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases that are or can be used for personalised prevention in the general population, in clinical or public health settings. Methods: Three rapid scoping reviews are being conducted in parallel (February–June 2023), based on a common framework with some adjustments to suit each specific condition (cancer, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases). Medline and Embase will be searched to identify publications between 2020 and 2023. To shorten the time frames, 10% of the papers will undergo screening by two reviewers and only English-language papers will be considered. The following information will be extracted by two reviewers from all the publications selected for inclusion: source type, citation details, country, inclusion/exclusion criteria (population, concept, context, type of evidence source), study methods, and key findings relevant to the review question/s. The selection criteria and the extraction sheet will be pre-tested. Relevant biomarkers for risk prediction and stratification will be recorded. Results will be presented graphically using an evidence map. Inclusion criteria: Population: general adult populations or adults from specific pre-defined high-risk subgroups; concept: all studies focusing on molecular, cellular, physiological, or imaging biomarkers used for individualised primary or secondary prevention of the diseases of interest; context: clinical or public health settings. Systematic review registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7JRWD (OSF registration DOI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, initiation of nocturnal non-invasive ventilation at home is non-inferior to initiation during a hospital admission.

Epidemics of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are presently emerging and on the increase in South Africa. It is increasingly recognized that the occurrence of adult chronic disease are influenced by factors operating from childhood, which are sustained throughout the individual's life course. Increased risk may start in infancy or even before birth and will continue to be influenced by health related behavior during adulthood. The academic level of people in the community influence the level of their health status. Commitment to the promotion of health through prevention, education, and suitable management is the building block for creating a healthy society. The community must make strides to shift from traditional knowledge and medication, and seek new innovative ways of addressing issues facing the population with regard to obesity, overweight, hypertension health, smoking cessation, alcohol abuse, and low physical activity in line with a healthy living lifestyle. The NCDs pose health problems in South Africa and deserve more attention. Poor control of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, to name just a few, only adds to the current problems. The South African government and the business sector of South Africa should provide safe walking/riding trails in the cities and in rural area to combat emerging NCDs that are killing our community members indiscriminately without considering race, gender, age, and place of residence. Compulsory introduction of physical education lessons to all public schools cannot be over emphasized in the current escalating NCD situation in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To detect immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and determine immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and avidity in filter paper-embedded blood (FPEB) samples of pregnant women.Study Design:A total of 100 FPEB samples of pregnant women (30 positive and 70 negative) were analyzed for anti-T. gondii-specific IgM antibodies. Eleven and nine pairs of serum and FPEB samples were used to standardize IgG titration and avidity, respectively. Then, the correlation of avidity results was determined with 23 serum/FPEB pairs from IgG-positive cases.Result:IgM detection in FPEB was 92% sensitive and 100% specific. The titration of IgG antibodies in FPEB correlated with that of serum (r 0.9). Significant difference in avidity between the acute and the undetermined/chronic cases was observed in both samples. As expected, no correlation was found between IgM levels and avidity.Conclusion:The FPEB is useful to infer infection phase, and thus to speed clinical decisions in congenital toxoplasmosis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a commentary on how group-format dual-task training reduces dual-task interference in mobility tasks in people with chronic stroke. Topics discussed include potential advantages in terms of increasing social interactions, improving adherence, and reducing costs; simultaneous performance practice of walking and concurrent tasks across numerous participants; and reductions in dual-task interference effects were observed only in the group receiving dual-task training.

Background: Access to healthcare is part of every individual's human rights; however, many studies have illustrated that ethnic minority patients seem to be confronted with barriers when using healthcare services. Understanding how healthcare utilities are accessed from the perspective of patients and why healthcare disparities occur with patients from a minority background has the potential to improve health equality and care quality. This qualitative systematic review aims to gain insights into the experiences of people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) from a minority background and explore factors contributing to their experiences in accessing healthcare to inform related health policy makers and healthcare providers. Methods: This systematic review complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, where the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregative instrument facilitated the qualitative synthesis. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022346055). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL were the databases explored. Results: From the papers selected, 47 findings were derived from 10 included studies, and four synthesised findings were generated: (1) the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals affects the usage of healthcare services; (2) patients' perceptions and cultural beliefs affect their compliance with disease management; (3) personal behaviours affect the usage of healthcare services; and (4) health resource inequalities have an impact on accessing healthcare services. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that ethnic minorities with CRDs face inequalities when engaging in healthcare. The relationship between patients and clinicians impacting the use of healthcare is the most pivotal discovery, where not speaking the same language and being of a different race alongside the accompanying criticism and faith in facilities are key contributors to this effect. In addition, the thinking patterns of these marginalised groups may reflect their cultural upbringing and diminish their engagement with therapies. This paper has uncovered ways to attenuate inequalities amongst ethnic minorities in engaging with healthcare providers and provides insight into building effective equity-promoting interventions in healthcare systems. To overcome these disparities, coaching doctors to communicate better with minority cohorts could help such patients to be more comfortable in connecting with medical facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature cells that expand in the circulation of patients with cancer, sepsis or chronic inflammation, modulate the immune response against cancer (favoring tumor onset and progression) and promote neoangiogenesis. These premises suggest that MDSCs could be involved in the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis (PMF) (a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by chronic inflammation and extensive neoangiogenesis in bone marrow and spleen). In this paper, we found that (1) MDSCs are increased both in the circulation and in the spleen of PMF patients and strongly correlate with disease progression; and (2) reduced CXCR4 expression on MDSCs along with increased plasmatic SDF-1α can be involved in their mobilization. These findings suggest that circulating MDSCs can be considered a parameter of disease severity and set MDSCs as potential new targets for cancer therapy. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that plays a relevant role in the disease pathogenesis (as proven by high levels of inflammatory cytokines with prognostic significance and by a persistent oxidative stress) and by extensive neoangiogenesis in bone marrow (BM) and spleen. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature cells that expand in patients with cancer, sepsis or chronic inflammation, favoring tumor onset and progression mainly through the decrease in immune surveillance and the promotion of neoangiogenesis. In this paper, we evaluated the presence of circulating MDSCs in PMF patients, the plasmatic factors involved in their mobilization/expansion and the correlations with laboratory, genetic and clinical parameters. The data indicated that MDSCs could have a relevant role in PMF as a new pathogenic mechanism contributing to explaining the phenotypic diversity observed during the clinical course of the disease, or a potential new target for personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable sensor technologies are becoming increasingly relevant in health research, particularly in the context of chronic disease management. They generate real-time health data that can be translated into digital biomarkers, which can provide insights into our health and well-being. Scientific methods to collect, interpret, analyze, and translate health data from wearables to digital biomarkers vary, and systematic approaches to guide these processes are currently lacking. This paper is based on an observational, longitudinal cohort study, BarKA-MS, which collected wearable sensor data on the physical rehabilitation of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on our experience with BarKA-MS, we provide and discuss ten lessons we learned in relation to digital biomarker development across key study phases. We then summarize these lessons into a guiding framework (DACIA) that aims to informs the use of wearable sensor data for digital biomarker development and chronic disease management for future research and teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potentially inappropriate polypharmacy (PIP) is among the major factors leading to adverse drug reactions, increased healthcare costs, reduced medication adherence, and worsened patient conditions. This study aims to identify existing interventions implemented to monitor and manage polypharmacy in the Italian setting. Methods: A systematic literature review (PROSPERO: CRD42023457049) was carried out according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, and Web of Science were queried without temporal constraints, encompassing all published papers until October 2023. Inclusion criteria followed the PICO model: patients with polypharmacy; interventions to monitor/manage polypharmacy regimen versus no/any intervention; outcomes in terms of intervention effectiveness and cost variation. Results: After duplicate deletion, 153 potentially relevant publications were extracted. Following abstract and full-text screenings, nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 78% (n = 7) were observational studies, 11% (n = 1) were experimental studies, and 11% (n = 1) were two-phase studies. A total of 44% (n = 4) of the studies involved patients aged ≥ 65 years, while 56% (n = 5) were disease-specific. Monitoring was the most prevalent choice of intervention (67%; n = 6). Outcomes were mainly related to levels of polypharmacy (29%; n = 6) and comorbidities (29%; n = 6), effectiveness rates (14%; n = 3), and avoidable costs (9%; n = 2). Conclusions: This review outlines that Italy is still lacking in interventions to monitor/manage PIP, addressing an unmet need in developing patient-tailored strategies for reducing health-system burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the concept of pediatric hospice and palliative care through conceptual analysis. It also sought to identify the differences between related concepts such as pediatric death care and pediatric spiritual care, in order to provide foundational data for the development of nursing theory and knowledge. Methods: A conceptual analysis of pediatric hospice and palliative care was conducted using Rodgers’ evolutionary method. Out of 5,013 papers identified, 28 were selected for detailed reading and analysis. Results: Pediatric hospice and palliative care encompasses physical, psychological, social, mental, spiritual, and family care for children with acute and chronic diseases with uncertain prognoses ahead of death, as well as their families. Effective pediatric hospice and palliative care will require multidisciplinary team nursing, effective communication, and supportive policies. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that providing pediatric hospice and palliative care will lead to improvements in pain relief for children and families, the efficiency of responses to death in children, and the quality of life for children and families. The significance of this study is that it clearly clarifies the concept by analyzing pediatric hospice and palliative care using an evolutionary method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and purpose: Currently, as the frequency of obesity is alarming, the role of many factors that could contribute in preventing and treating this condition are being researched, among them the certain food with beneficial health profiles - one of them is soybeans, specifically the isoflavones it contains. Populations that consume soy are known for lower risk of various disorders - among them obesity. The aim of this paper is to summarize the existing paper about the role of these bioactive components in the treatment of this condition. The search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholarship databases. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Obesity is one of the leading challenges in today's healthcare as it leads to various chronic diseases that are fraught in consequences. Current knowledge is pointing into the association between composition of the soy isoflavones and the lower risk of obesity. Results of the studies indicate that patients affected with obesity could benefit from introducing soy isoflavones into their diet along with other necessary modifications. Conclusions: Soy isoflavones are potential agents in the holistic obesity treatment. Consumption of isoflavones merits further recognition as foregoing results of conducted studies are pointing to its possibly meaningful role. It is worth mentioning that consumption of soy isoflavones is not only an anti-obese factor, but also presents various other health benefits and when consumed rationally poses no risk to human's well being. We conclude that further studies would enable us to fully reveal the potential of those polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the primary causative agent of chronic respiratory disease in poultry, and vaccination is the measure most commonly used for its control. Pathological changes caused by M. gallisepticum are mainly observed in the trachea and air sacs, but assessment of air sac lesions is subjective. Standardized parameters for evaluation of pathological changes, and their reproducibility and discrimination in uninfected and infected groups, are critical when assessing the efficacy of M. gallisepticum vaccination. This study reviewed and critically appraised the published literature on evaluation of vaccine efficacy against pathological changes caused by M. gallisepticum in poultry in the trachea and air sacs. A search of four electronic databases, with subsequent manual filtering, identified 23 eligible papers published since 1962 describing the assessment of histopathological changes in the trachea using tracheal lesion scores and/or measurement of tracheal mucosal thicknesses and assessment of gross air sac lesions using lesion scores. Measurement of tracheal lesions proved a more reliable and robust method of assessing disease induced by M. gallisepticum when compared to assessment of air sac lesions, highlighting the importance of including assessment of tracheal lesions as the primary outcome variable in vaccine efficacy studies. In addition, this study also identified the necessity for use of a standardized model for evaluation and reporting on M. gallisepticum vaccines to minimize variations between vaccine efficacy studies and to allow direct comparisons between them. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Tracheal and air sac lesions have been used to assess M. gallisepticum vaccine efficacy. The specific parameters and statistical tests used to compare tracheal and air sac lesions vary greatly. Measures of tracheal lesions are more discriminatory than measures of air sac lesions. A standardized model is needed to evaluate vaccines against infection with M. gallisepticum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the management of chronic diseases. Factors that increased the prevalence of chronic diseases; Statistics on the prevalence of chronic diseases.