Antibody-Dependent Respiratory Burst against Merozoites in Individuals Living in an Area with Declining Malaria Transmission.

Malaria transmission intensity affects the development of naturally acquired immunity to malaria. An absolute correlate measure of protection against malaria is lacking. However, antibody-mediated functions against correlate with protection against malaria.

The role of serum thymidine kinase 1 activity in neoadjuvant-treated HER2-positive breast cancer: biomarker analysis from the Swedish phase II randomized PREDIX HER2 trial.

Background: Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis and cellular proliferation. TK1 has been studied as a prognostic marker and as an early indicator of treatment response in human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-negative early and metastatic breast cancer (BC). However, the prognostic and predictive value of serial TK1 activity in HER2-positive BC remains unknown.

Association between empathy, anxiety and psychological well-being in Mexican medical students. Transversal study.

Background: The expression of empathy improves the quality of health care, which is why its instruction is suggested during the years of academic training of medical students. However, expressing empathy can also cause anxiety and impair psychological well-being.

Objective: To identify profiles that describe the relationship between empathy, anxiety and psychological well-being in Mexican medical students.

Feasibility of screening and prevalence of prenatal depression in an obstetric setting in Spain.

Objectives: Prenatal depression is a significant public health problem and one of the main risk factors for postpartum depression. Limited research in perinatal depression has been conducted in Spain. The objectives of this study was to: (1) examine the feasibility of integrating a screening program for prenatal depression in an obstetrics setting in a large urban hospital in Spain; and (2) provide an initial estimate of the prevalence rate of the severity of depressive symptoms during pregnancy.

Identification of effective strategies to promote language in deaf children with cochlear implants.

Parental involvement and communication are essential for language development in young children. However, hearing parents of deaf children face challenges in providing language input to their children. This study utilized the largest national sample of deaf children receiving cochlear implants, with the aim of identifying effective facilitative language techniques.

Language and behavioral outcomes in children with developmental disabilities using cochlear implants.

Objective: Over the past decade, the number of deaf children with developmental disabilities receiving cochlear implants has increased dramatically. However, little is known about the developmental outcomes of these children post-implantation. The current study evaluated oral language and behavioral outcomes over 3 years after implantation in a sample of typically developing deaf children and children with developmental disabilities.

Depression and anxiety symptoms in bronchiectasis: associations with health-related quality of life.

Background And Purpose: Bronchiectasis causes pulmonary infections and loss of lung function, resulting in chronic respiratory symptoms and worsening health-related quality of life. The aims of this study were to measure symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of patients with bronchiectasis and evaluate their relationship to health outcomes and health-related quality of life.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included adolescents and adults with bronchiectasis.

Parenting Stress among Parents of Deaf and Hearing Children: Associations with Language Delays and Behavior Problems.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates predictors of both general and context-specific parenting stress in a cross-sectional sample of hearing parents of young deaf and hearing children. DESIGN: Participants were 181 children who were deaf and 92 children with normal hearing. Perceived parenting stress was measured using both general and context-specific measures.

[Validation of the Spanish version of the Revised Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire in adolescents and adults (CFQR 14+ Spain)].

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the revised disease-specific health related quality of life questionnaire for adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CFQR 14+ Spain).

Methods: A total of 43 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients completed the CFQR 14+ Spain. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, in percentage of predicted - FEV(1) (%)-, number of respiratory exacerbations, 6-minute walk test, Bhalla score (based on computerized tomography of the chest), fat-free mass index, body mass index (BMI), faecal fat and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were included as measurements of health status.

Anxiety and depression in cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression have important consequences for patients with chronic disease, including lower rates of adherence and increased morbidity. This review discusses the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) across the life span and highlights current understanding of how these symptoms affect adherence, health outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Anxiety and depression appear to be more common in patients with CF than in the general population.

Prevalence and impact of depression in cystic fibrosis.

Purpose Of Review: Numerous studies have demonstrated that patients with chronic illnesses are at an increased risk for depression, with serious direct and indirect consequences for health outcomes. The few studies examining rates of depression in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or parent caregivers have found clinically significant elevations. Given the importance of identifying and treating symptoms of depression, the purpose of this review was to highlight recent data on the prevalence and impact of depression in CF patients and to propose recommendations for screening and treatment.

Systematic review of health-related quality of life measures for children with respiratory conditions.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in both clinical trials and clinical care to evaluate patient benefits. The purpose of this review was to identify currently available PROs for children with pulmonary conditions and to make recommendations regarding future development and application of these measures. Systematic searches were conducted and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, a type of PRO, were identified for asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), vocal cord dysfunction and sleep-related breathing disorders.

APN-physician collaboration in caring for women with high-risk pregnancies.

Purpose: To examine: (a) frequency and focus of APN-physician collaborations in a clinical trial in which half of physician prenatal care for women with high-risk pregnancies was substituted with APN prenatal care delivered in women's homes; and (b) characteristics of women requiring greater numbers of collaborations.

Design And Methods: Descriptive study with secondary analysis of data from 83 of the original trial's 85 intervention participants followed by APNs prenatally through 8 weeks postpartum. APN practices, recorded in logs, included APN interactions with the women and the physician, and type of APN contact (e.