UNASSIGNED: Although the negative impact of smoking and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on depression has been confirmed in various studies, There has been little exploration of how HRQoL mediates the relationship between smoking and depression. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between smoking and depression in the Chinese current smokers with nicotine dependence and the mediating role of HRQoL.
UNASSIGNED: A cross-sectional study named \"Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents\" was conducted from July 10 to September 15, 2021 in China. Nicotine dependence, HRQoL and depression were measured by Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the European Five Dimensional Five Level Health scale (EQ-5D-5L) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) respectively. Information on age, gender, place of residence, household registration, education level, marital status, employment status, average family monthly income, drinking frequency, living status, BMI, multiple chronic conditions were also collected. Pearson\'s correlation test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to explore the association between nicotine dependence, HRQoL and depression and a mediation analysis was applied to explore the mediating effect of the HRQoL on this relationship.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 1,381 current smokers were included in the study. The participants showed a moderate level of nicotine dependence with a mean of 1.36(SD=1.50), a relatively high level of HRQoL scores (Mean=0.94, SD=0.13), and a depression score with a mean of 6.48(SD=6.09). Approximately 22.74% (314/1,381) of the participants were considered to indicate depression. In the univariable regression model, it was found that nicotine dependence was positively associated with depression (OR:1.094, 95%CI: 1.008-1.187), while HRQoL was negatively associated with depression (OR:0.011, 95%CI: 0.004-0.033). In the multivariable regression model, HRQoL was still notably associated with depression (OR:0.008, 95%CI: 0.002-0.027), however, the positive association was not observed between nicotine dependence and depression. The Pearson\'s correlation test demonstrated that nicotine dependence was negatively correlated with HRQoL(rs= -0.147, P<0.001) and HRQoL was negatively correlated with depression(rs= -0.275, P<0.001). In contrast, nicotine dependence was positively correlated with depression(rs= 0.136, P<0.001). Mediation analysis found that HRQoL moderated the relationship between nicotine dependence and depression with a mediating effect of 26.49%.
UNASSIGNED: The findings support that nicotine dependence is positively associated with depression and HRQoL is negatively associated with depression in current smokers. HRQoL mediated the relationship between nicotine dependence and depression. The well-established imperative interventions aimed at promoting smoking cessation and improving quality of life may benefit for alleviation of depression in current smokers.

BACKGROUND: N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare neurological autoimmune disease with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms during the acute phase. Despite good functional neurological recovery, most patients continue to experience cognitive, psychiatric, psychological, and social impairments years after the acute phase. However, the precise nature and evolving patterns over time of these long-term consequences remain unclear, and their implications for the well-being and quality of life of predominantly young patients have yet to be thoroughly examined.
METHODS: SAPIENCE is a European multi-center (n = 3) prospective observational cohort study studying the long-term cognitive, psychiatric, psychological, and social outcome in patients with NMDAR encephalitis. The study consists of three interconnected levels. Level 1 comprises a qualitative interview and focus groups with patients and their caregivers. Level 2 consists of a condensed form of the interview, standardized questionnaires, and a detailed neuropsychological examination of patients. Level 3 involves an online survey that will be open to patients world-wide and explores patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), and patient-reported experiences (PREMs) in association with clinical and cognitive outcomes. Levels 1 to 3 will progressively contribute developing of structured interviews, survey questions, and treatment guidelines by informing one another.
CONCLUSIONS: SAPIENCE is an in-depth study of the long-term effects of NMDAR encephalitis and bridges the gap between standardized assessments and individual patient experiences, intending to improve patient care and to increase awareness of the psychosocial long-term consequences of the disease. Through collaboration of experts in clinical neurology and social and health psychology across Europe, SAPIENCE aims to create online assessment tools and formulate guidelines for patient-centered post-acute care that will help enhance the quality of life for patients and caregivers.

UNASSIGNED: A group of related risk factors known as central obesity, elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides (TGs), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low quality of life (QoL) in terms of health is linked to MetS. This study sought to determine how lifestyle modifications affected the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of primary care patients with MetS.
UNASSIGNED: In this study, we randomized 300 subjects diagnosed with MetS as per the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, into control, yoga, and yoga + diet groups according to their intervention which was given for 6 months. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and physiological and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was also used to assess HRQoL.
UNASSIGNED: The results of this study indicate that yoga + diet and yoga intervention led to significant decrease in metabolic risk factors, such as waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), TGs, and increase in HDL at 3 months and 6 months from baseline. SF-36 score also showed increment (from 0 score to 100) at 3 months and 6 months, which indicates improvement in HRQoL.
UNASSIGNED: Dietary changes and yoga are useful strategies for reducing the risk of MetS, which improves QoL in relation to health. Incorporating yoga practices and advocating a balanced diet within primary care systems can significantly benefit individuals with or at risk of MetS.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) facilitate communication between patients and providers, enhancing patient-centered care. We report PROs for virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 who switched to dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) or continued their 3- or 4-drug current antiretroviral regimen (CAR) in the phase 3 SALSA study. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (status version; HIVTSQs) and HIV Symptom Distress Module (HIV-SDM) at Weeks 4, 24, and 48. A post hoc analysis assessed change in HIVTSQs and HIV-SDM by age (≥ 50 and < 50 years). Higher HIVTSQs scores represent greater treatment satisfaction (range, 0-60); lower HIV-SDM scores indicate less symptom bother (range, 0-80). Participants in the DTG/3TC (n = 246) and CAR (n = 247) groups reported comparable baseline HIVTSQs total scores (mean [SD], 55.2 [6.5] and 55.8 [5.5], respectively). Beginning at Week 4, mean HIVTSQs scores in the DTG/3TC group further increased vs. CAR and were sustained through Week 48. Baseline mean (SD) HIV-SDM symptom bother scores were comparable between the DTG/3TC (9.0 [9.9]) and CAR (7.9 [9.3]) groups. Small improvements in HIV-SDM scores favoring DTG/3TC were observed at Weeks 4 and 24 and sustained through Week 48 (though not significant between groups). Participants aged ≥ 50 and < 50 years who switched to DTG/3TC reported higher satisfaction and less symptom distress vs. CAR; these results were generally comparable between age groups. Participants who switched to DTG/3TC reported rapid and sustained improvements in treatment satisfaction compared with those who continued CAR, reinforcing the benefits of DTG/3TC beyond virologic suppression (NCT04021290; registration date, 7/11/2019).

OBJECTIVE: Studies evaluating oncological inpatient rehabilitation rarely include follow-up intervals beyond 6 months and larger proportions of patients other than those with breast cancer. Therefore, this study investigated changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and fear of progression of patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer from the beginning to the end of oncological rehabilitation and a 9-month follow-up.
METHODS: Three hundred seventy-seven patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer undergoing oncological inpatient rehabilitation (median age 61 years, 49% female) completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, the PHQ-9, and the FoP-Q-SF at each measurement point. Data analysis used 3 (tumor site) × 3 (time of measurement) repeated measures ANCOVAs with patient age and time since diagnosis as covariates. At each time point, we also compared our sample to the general population on the measures used.
RESULTS: Having controlled for the covariates, we found significant effects of tumor site, which were small except for Diarrhea. Effects of time of measurement were often significant and in part at least medium in size indicating improvement of HRQoL and depression during rehabilitation. At follow-up, some HRQoL domains and depression deteriorated. Women with breast cancer, in particular, showed a greater decrease in emotional functioning then. Compared to the general population, the sample\'s HRQoL and depression were significantly worse on most occasions.
CONCLUSIONS: Oncological inpatient rehabilitation may improve HRQoL. The subsequent and in part differential deterioration in some HRQoL domains suggests a need for further follow-up care within survivorship programs.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is known, however, about its costs. We aimed to collect the direct costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data of HIFU in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario.
METHODS: We collected direct costs and HRQoL data of 20 patients with localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer who received whole-gland HIFU at a privately owned clinic in Ontario. We compared the direct costs of HIFU, open radical prostatectomy (ORP), robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and external beam radiation therapy (RT) in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer.
RESULTS: The average direct costs of HIFU, ORP, RARP, and RT per case in 2023 are $14,886.78, $14,192.26, $21,794.55, and $17,377.51, respectively. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the study participants\' age and HRQoL data prior to the HIFU procedure were 64.5 (11.25) years, 94.5 (8.65), 38.5 (4), 6.0 (4.46), and 22.5 (8.32), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Our healthcare payer\'s perspective costing study revealed median direct costs per case of HIFU and favorable HRQoL outcomes compared to other treatment options for primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario. A health economic model is warranted to analyze the cost-effectiveness of HIFU compared to other treatment options in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore treatment-related, socio-economic, and psychological factors influencing body image and return to work.
METHODS: 137 patients participated in the study. A questionnaire was completed before surgery and at 1-year follow-up, where patients were also interviewed in person with questions modified from the Body Image Scale and the sexual adjustment scale as well as questions about their work status.
RESULTS: There was a significant decline in body image score from baseline to 1-year follow-up related to younger age, more extensive surgery and post-surgery treatments. Treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a lower rating on ability to work in relation to mental requirements and later return to work. Higher anxiety scores at baseline were associated with both a decline in body image and a delay in return to work.
CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer surgery can affect body image and especially adjuvant chemotherapy seems to affect work ability. However, personal characteristics are also involved and thus should be considered when planning for treatment of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pilates exercise on the quality of life, functional capacity, cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol of colorectal cancer survivors.
METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study which was conducted at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The intervention group performed Pilates exercises with a certified Pilates instructor for eight weeks via online streaming from the participants\' homes. Meanwhile, the control group participants received the usual care as stipulated by their oncologists. The primary outcome was the quality of life. The secondary outcomes were functional capacity, cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol. Data was collected at baseline and eight weeks after the exercise intervention. The effects of the intervention were analyzed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistical test.
RESULTS: Thirty-six (36) colorectal cancer survivors were allocated into either a Pilates exercise intervention group (N= 18) or a control group (N= 18). Over eight weeks, the Pilates exercise group revealed significant group x time interactions in terms of quality of life (p = 0.003), role functioning (p = 0.012), functional capacity (p = 0.048), and stool frequency (p = 0.021). However, only the stool frequency symptom (p = 0.008) remained significant after controlling for the confounders of age, gender and stage of cancer. No significant changes in cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol levels between the groups were observed after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: Pilates exercise had positive impacts on role functioning, bowel function, and functional capacity among colorectal cancer survivors, ultimately contributing to an improvement in quality of life.

Background: Native (NVE) and prosthetic (PVE) aortic valve endocarditis (AVE) remain a surgical challenge with an ongoing trend towards more complex surgical procedures. Methods: First-time NVE was compared with PVE, focusing on pathogens, risk factors, perioperative course, postoperative follow-up, including recurrent infection, as well as health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results: From 2007 to 2022, surgical intervention for AVE was necessary in 231 patients with 233 episodes of infective aortic valve endocarditis, i.e., there were only two cases of reinfection (NVE group). The study group consisted of 130 cases with NVE and 103 with PVE. Overall, a median of 40.3% of survivors were in NYHA class I or II. In-hospital mortality was higher in the PVE group with 13.3%. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, with 24.9% across both groups. EuroSCORE II was higher in the PVE group (19.0 ± 14.3% total, NVE 11.1 ± 8.1%, PVE 27.8 ± 14.6%; p < 0.05), reflecting an older, more co-morbid patient cohort. Abscess formation was also more common in the PVE group, while vegetations were more common in the NVE group. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates did not differ significantly between NVE and PVE and were 74.4% and 52.2% for the NVE group, respectively, and 67.4% and 52.9% for the PVE group, respectively. The HRQOL as assessed by the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLHFQ) demonstrated no significant difference between both groups. Conclusions: Long-term survival and QoL after surgical treatment of infective aortic valve endocarditis are excellent and do not depend on the type of replacement.

UNASSIGNED: Geographic atrophy (GA) impacts both patients and caregivers, yet little is understood about their respective burdens. The MOSAIC study aimed to identify the clinical, emotional, and financial burden among patients with GA and caregivers.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 28 patients with GA and 17 caregivers from the United States (US), the United Kingdom, and Australia participated in individualized qualitative interviews followed by a cross-sectional quantitative survey of 102 patients and 102 caregivers in the US. Interview transcripts were analyzed to develop conceptual models, which were then used to guide the design of quantitative surveys. Data were described at the item level and score level when appropriate (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [NEI VFQ]-39 and Zarit Burden Interview [ZBI]). For the patient/caregiver dyad sample, the association between the NEI VFQ-39 scores and ZBI score was explored through correlation coefficients and scatterplots.
UNASSIGNED: GA had a substantial impact on patients\' vision-related quality of life, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living. There was considerable overlap between perspectives and key concerns identified by patients and caregivers. Eighty-three percent of caregivers reported having to drive patients to appointments due to limited patient mobility, for example, and 41% reported a change in their employment status after becoming a caregiver, with 50% of them unable to work due to caregiving. The burden of patients and caregivers had a correlation ranging from -0.63 to -0.21 between NEI VFQ-39 subscale and composite scores and ZBI score.
UNASSIGNED: This study confirms the paucity of support for both patients with GA and caregivers. Both groups require expanded access to financial, social, and mental health resources.
What is this summary about? People with geographic atrophy, also called GA, can lose their eyesight and have a hard time driving, reading, and recognizing faces. This can worsen their quality of life. Often, people with GA need someone to care for them. The MOSAIC study was done to find out how GA affects health, happiness, and finances of people with GA and their caregivers. What were the results? One hundred and two people with GA and 102 caregivers in the United States were interviewed. The average age of people with GA was 68 years and of caregivers was 46 years. The findings showed that most people with GA did not drive because of their poor eyesight and instead counted on their caregivers to drive them to doctor appointments and other places. They also had a reading and doing things around their home because of their worsened eyesight. Both people with GA and caregivers said they felt stressed. They both worried about spending money on things they need to make living with GA easier. They also felt stressed about their finances because they could not work as much. People with GA worried most about losing their independence and caregivers worried most about the future of their loved one with GA. What do the results mean? This study showed that GA has a serious effect on people’s health and quality of life while also having a major impact on their caregivers.