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.

Systematic Review of Fitbit Charge 2 Validation Studies for Exercise Tracking.

Context: There are research-grade devices that have been validated to measure either heart rate (HR) by electrocardiography (ECG) with a Polar chest strap, or step count with ACTiGraph accelerometer. However, wearable activity trackers that measure HR and steps concurrently have been tested against research-grade accelerometers and HR monitors with conflicting results. This review examines validation studies of the Fitbit Charge 2 (FBC2) for accuracy in measuring HR and step count and evaluates the device's reliability for use by researchers and clinicians.

Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acute coronary syndrome among patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) morbidity and mortality are rising in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. The shift in health-care resources from communicable diseases to chronic conditions has created formidable health-care challenges.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among ACS patients.

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).

Treatment Seeking Behaviors and Associated Factors among Patients Experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Health Belief Model in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition. The mortality rate will be reduced if immediate treatment is provided. Patients' awareness of ACS is limited, so they do not seek help as quite often as they should.

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.

Acute coronary syndrome treatment delay in low to middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Although morbidity and mortality rates are declining for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in most high-income countries, it is rising at an alarming pace for low to middle income countries (LMICs). A major factor that is contributing to the poor clinical outcomes among LMICs is largely due to prehospital treatment delays. This systematic review was conducted to determine the mean length of time from symptom onset to treatment in LMICs and the sociodemographic, clinical and health system characteristics that contribute to treatment delays.

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.

Relationships of diabetes self-care behaviours to glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and comorbid heart failure.

Aim: To describe the relationship between diabetes self-care behaviours and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid heart failure.

Design: A cross-sectional, correlational study.

Method: A secondary analysis of 180 participants' baseline data from a clinical trial that tested a 6-month integrated self-care intervention was performed.

Pilot study of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on fatigue for patients with head and neck cancer: Inflammatory and epigenetic changes.

This pilot study examined whether a combined aerobic resistance exercise program reduced fatigue and the potential inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy. The exercise group (N = 12) received a 3-month supervised aerobic resistance exercise intervention that was initiated before a 6-week radiotherapy regimen; the control group (N = 14) received standard care. Fatigue was measured using Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20; physical function measures included a 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), chair stands, bicep curls, and hand grip strength.

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.

Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of diabetes self-efficacy in adults with type 2 diabetes and comorbid heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a comorbidity that complicates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) management and increases the chance of death. However, little is known concerning factors related to diabetes self-efficacy in comorbid HF. This secondary data analysis was aimed at describing sociodemographic and clinical correlates of diabetes self-efficacy in adults with T2D and comorbid HF.

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.

An Intervention to Improve Physical Function and Caregiver Perceptions in Family Caregivers of Persons With Heart Failure.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether a 12-week home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program would improve physical function and caregiving perceptions among family caregivers (FCGs) of persons with heart failure. Overall, 127 FCGs were randomized to one of three groups: usual care attention control (UCAC), psychoeducation only (PE), and psychoeducation plus exercise (PE + EX). Physical function measures (6-min walk test, handgrip, and upper and lower strength) and caregiving perceptions (Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale) were obtained at baseline and at 6 months.

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).