The Effects of Exercise on Telomere Length in Persons With Heart Failure.

Background: Telomere length is reduced in persons with heart failure (HF). Inflammation is a putative mechanism contributing to telomere shortening. Although physical activity is known to increase telomere length, its effects in HF are unknown.

Longitudinal associations among physical activity, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the associations among physical activity (PA), inflammatory markers, and quality of life (QoL) from preradiotherapy to 1-year postradiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods: This was an observational longitudinal study. Mixed-effect models incorporating within-subject correlation were used to examine the relationship among the three key variables.

Low Subjective Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perceptions among Hypertensive Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Accurate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk appraisal is essential for hypertensive patients to identify correctly their risk status and take efficient behavioral measures timely to avoid major adverse outcomes. However, hypertensive patients' risk perceptions of CVD events in Ethiopia are unknown. Thus, the study aimed to compare the subjective CVD risk perception level of patients with the nonlaboratory Framingham Risk Score (nl-FRS).

Foot self-care behaviour in type 2 diabetes adults with and without comorbid heart failure.

Aims: To compare the correlates of foot self-care behaviours among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) adults with and without comorbid heart failure (HF).

Design: Cross-sectional, correlational, comparative design.

Methods: A 210 T2D adults (105 with HF and 105 without HF) participated from August-December 2020.

Sex Differences in Cardiac Risk Factors in Young Adults: A Secondary Analysis and Surveillance Study.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing in young adults, and greater understanding of their cardiac risk factors is essential to ensure effective prevention. Given the sex differences in CAD observed in older adults, understanding sex differences in risk factors for this younger group of adults is important. Having insight of cardiac risk factors and sex differences in the young adult population is essential to creating personalized strategies for prevention in nursing care and in this age group.

The Emory-Addis Ababa PhD in Nursing Program: A sustainable model for strengthening nursing research capacity in Ethiopia.

In 2015, Ethiopia's first PhD in nursing program was established in collaboration between the Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Emory University Schools of Nursing. Eleven students have entered the program since its inception, six have successfully defended their proposals, one has graduated, and two have received Fogarty Global Health Fellowships. This paper describes the evolution of this international partnership and the innovative processes and mechanisms involved in program implementation; the authors address the description of the program, central implementation challenges, notable outcomes, and student achievements.

Exercise and Cognitive Training Intervention Improves Self-Care, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Persons With Heart Failure.

This study evaluated a 12-week, home-based combined aerobic exercise (walking) and computerized cognitive training (EX/CCT) program on heart failure (HF) self-care behaviors (Self-care of HF Index [SCHFI]), disease specific quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]), and functional capacity (6-minute walk distance) compared to exercise only (EX) or a usual care attention control (AC) stretching and flexibility program. Participants ( = 69) were older, predominately female (54%) and African American (55%). There was significant improvement in self-care management, (2, 13) = 5.

Palliative Care in Heart Transplantation.

The purpose of this article is to describe palliative care incorporation within the care of heart transplant patients. Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that includes symptom management and goal setting to improve patients' quality of life. Palliative care is designed to be used with patients who have chronic illness that impacts quality of life and should be incorporated early in the disease.

Correlates of Self-Care Behaviors in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Comorbid Heart Failure.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial correlates of diabetes self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and comorbid heart failure (HF).

Method: Baseline data of 180 participants from a clinical trial that tested a 6-month integrated self-care intervention for persons with comorbid HF and T2D were analyzed. Correlational bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine correlates of diabetes self-care behaviors.

The role of concordant and discordant comorbidities on performance of self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review.

Most patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have high number of comorbid chronic conditions that can affect their self-care abilities. Guidelines for diabetes self-care behaviors are disease specific with little attention given to managing T2D with other comorbidities. Identifying comorbidities that either improve or potentially diminish the individual's capacity to perform effective self-care behaviors is essential to enhance clinical outcomes.

Exercise and Cognitive Training as a Strategy to Improve Neurocognitive Outcomes in Heart Failure: A Pilot Study.

Objective: Mild cognitive impairment, especially memory loss, is prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and contributes to poor clinical outcomes and higher mortality.

Methods: This study evaluated a combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (EX/CT) program on memory, executive function, attention, processing speed and reaction time compared to exercise only or a usual care attention control (UCAC) stretching and flexibility program. Participants completed a standardized neurocognitive battery at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months along with demographic, clinical, and functional capacity (6-minute walk test).

Effects of Exercise on ASC Methylation and IL-1 Cytokines in Heart Failure.

Introduction/purpose: Inflammation contributes to heart failure (HF) progression and the interleukin (IL)-1 cytokine IL-1β is implicated in this process. The adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) is necessary for inflammasome activation of IL-1β. Lower ASC methylation is associated with worse outcomes in HF.

ASC Methylation and Interleukin-1β Are Associated with Aerobic Capacity in Heart Failure.

Background: Aerobic capacity, as measured by peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2), is one of the most powerful predictors of prognosis in heart failure (HF). Inflammation is a key factor contributing to alterations in aerobic capacity, and interleukin (IL)-1 cytokines are implicated in this process. The adaptor protein ASC is necessary for inflammasome activation of IL-1β and IL-18.

Family partnership and education interventions to reduce dietary sodium by patients with heart failure differ by family functioning.

Objectives: Determine if family functioning influences response to family-focused interventions aimed at reducing dietary sodium by heart failure (HF) patients.

Background: Lowering dietary sodium by HF patients often occurs within the home and family context.

Methods: Secondary analysis of 117 dyads randomized to patient and family education (PFE), family partnership intervention (FPI) or usual care (UC).

An economic evaluation of a self-care intervention in persons with heart failure and diabetes.

Background: Persons with concomitant heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus constitute a growing population whose quality of life is encumbered with worse clinical outcomes as well as high health resource use (HRU) and costs.

Methods And Results: Extensive data on HRU and costs were collected as part of a prospective cost-effectiveness analysis of a self-care intervention to improve outcomes in persons with both HF and diabetes. HRU costs were assigned from a Medicare reimbursement perspective.

The Importance of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Heart Failure.

Patients with heart failure continue to suffer adverse health consequences despite advances in therapies over the past 2 decades. Identification of novel therapeutic targets that may attenuate disease progression is therefore needed. The inflammasome may play a central role in modulating chronic inflammation and in turn affecting heart failure progression.

Family partner intervention influences self-care confidence and treatment self-regulation in patients with heart failure.

Background: Heart failure self-care requires confidence in one's ability and motivation to perform a recommended behavior. Most self-care occurs within a family context, yet little is known about the influence of family on heart failure self-care or motivating factors.

Aims: To examine the association of family functioning and the self-care antecedents of confidence and motivation among heart failure participants and determine if a family partnership intervention would promote higher levels of perceived confidence and treatment self-regulation (motivation) at four and eight months compared to patient-family education or usual care groups.

Aerobic exercise as an adjunct therapy for improving cognitive function in heart failure.

Persons with heart failure (HF) are typically older and are at a much higher risk for developing cognitive impairment (CI) than persons without HF. Increasingly, CI is recognized as a significant, independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes, more frequent hospital readmissions, and higher mortality rates in persons with HF. CI can have devastating effects on ability to carry out HF effective self-care behaviors.

Towards a conceptual model of diabetes self-management among Chinese immigrants in the United States.

Background: Chinese immigrants have been disproportionally affected by type 2 diabetes. This paper presents the state of science regarding the factors that may influence diabetes self-management among Chinese immigrants in the US and the potential health outcomes.

Design: Using Walker and Avant's techniques, a search of the literature was conducted from CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science.

Family context influences psychological outcomes of depressive symptoms and emotional quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Background: Although family influences in heart failure (HF) care are considered important, little evidence is available regarding relationships between the family context and specific outcomes for patients with HF.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of patient perceptions of family functioning, autonomy support, and perceived criticism, as well as their family member's (FM) HF knowledge, with patient outcomes of depressive symptoms and HF quality of life (QOL).

Methods: Participants (n = 117) with HF were enrolled in a family partnership intervention study.

A trial of family partnership and education interventions in heart failure.

Background: Lowering dietary sodium and adhering to medication regimens are difficult for persons with heart failure (HF). Because these behaviors often occur within the family context, this study evaluated the effects of family education and partnership interventions on dietary sodium (Na) intake and medication adherence (MA).

Methods And Results: HF patient and family member (FM) dyads (n = 117) were randomized to: usual care (UC), patient-FM education (PFE), or family partnership intervention (FPI).

A pilot test of an integrated self-care intervention for persons with heart failure and concomitant diabetes.

Studies show 30% to 47% of people with heart failure (HF) have concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM). Self-care for persons with both of these chronic conditions is conflicting, complex, and often inadequate. This pilot study tested an integrated self-care program for its effects on HF and DM knowledge, self-care efficacy, self-care behaviors, and quality of life (QOL).