Infection. 2025 Aug 1. doi: 10.1007/s15010-025-02586-w. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:40748451 | DOI:10.1007/s15010-025-02586-w
Psychol Health Med. 2025 Aug 1:1-15. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2025.2539943. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This study is conducted to analyze the relationship between the transformative power of suffering among nurses and their compassion level of others’ lives after the earthquake. Nurses are under the risk of experiencing a second trauma since they give care for earthquake survivors while they are also survivors at the same time. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. This study was conducted among 238 nurses. Data of the study were collected with Socio-demographic Form, the Transformative Power of Suffering Scale (TPSS) and Compassion of Others’ Lives Scale (COOL). The study was reported following the STROBE. The TPSS mean score of nurses was found as 20.61 ± 7.62, their total mean score of COOL was found as 10.63 ± 2.09. Statistically significant differences were found between the age, gender, working period, position in the unit of nurses and mean scores of TPSS. In the correlation analysis, a weak positive correlation between TPSS and total COOL and its subscales was found. It was found that TPSS mean score of nurses was at medium-level, that COOL total mean score of nurses was at good level and as the transformative power of suffering increased, the compassion of others’ lives increased.
PMID:40747634 | DOI:10.1080/13548506.2025.2539943
Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2025 Dec;21(1):2541496. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2541496. Epub 2025 Aug 1.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 epidemic has significantly disrupted routine childhood immunization programs. This study assesses the impact of different COVID-19 prevalence phases on immunization coverage and timeliness in Shanghai, China. We employed a retrospective cohort design, encompassing children born between September 1, 2018, and August 30, 2023. Children were categorized into three COVID-19 phases based on their expected vaccination dates: baseline period, epidemic period, and pre/post-epidemic period. Kaplan-Meier estimators were utilized to ascertain the cumulative vaccination probabilities, with differences tested using the log-rank method. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 phases on vaccination timeliness. Vaccination timeliness significantly declined when the vaccination window coincided with an epidemic period, particularly for older children and during heightened epidemic activity. The probability of timely vaccination at 2 months was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92) in the baseline period and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.51-0.55) in the epidemic period, compared to the pre/post-epidemic period. At 3 months, the probability of timely vaccination decreased 12% (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.86-0.90) and 49% (HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.49-0.53), respectively. Similarly, for vaccinations scheduled at 4 months, the probabilities of timely vaccination were 0.87 (95% CI 0.85-0.89) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.47-0.51) times. At 5 months, the probabilities declined 9% (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.94) and 57% (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.40-0.46), correspondingly. Our study assessed the notable decline of vaccination timeliness during epidemic periods, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to mitigate disruptions in routine childhood immunization services.
PMID:40747582 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2025.2541496
Fam Pract. 2025 Jun 4;42(4):cmaf054. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmaf054.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Appropriate medication behavior is important to ensure patients receive optimal health benefits from interacting with their healthcare providers. Communication between patients and providers is essential in ensuring patients take prescribed medication appropriately.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the available evidence on the effectiveness of bi-directional communication interventions that focus on both patients and clinicians in outpatient settings aimed at changing how patients take their medications. The desired patient medication behavior changes included initiation, adherence, dose escalation, dose reduction, and discontinuation.
METHODS: We performed a systematic review of research studies assessing bi-directional patient-provider communication interventions targeting patient medication behavior change in the outpatient setting. We identified the types of interventions used in each study and the components of successful trials.
RESULTS: We included eight randomized controlled trials and two quasi-experimental trial with a total of 2,911 adult participants. Among the 10 studies, 9 reported statistically significant improvement in the desired direction of medication behavior change in the intervention group compared to control group.
CONCLUSION: This scoping review shows the promise of bi-directional patient-provider communication tools in impacting behavior related to how patients take their prescribed medications. More randomized controlled trials with standardized outcomes are needed to better assess the utility of patient-provider communication tools.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Including both patient and provider in an effort to improve desired patient medication behavior change should be considered when educational interventions are designed.
PMID:40747580 | DOI:10.1093/fampra/cmaf054
Health Promot Int. 2025 Jul 1;40(4):daaf132. doi: 10.1093/heapro/daaf132.
ABSTRACT
Health literacy (HL) is a critical determinant of health, as it affects health behavior and outcomes, in addition to equity in health. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Swedish version of HLS19-Q12 (HLS19-Q12-SE). The HLS19-Q12 is a widely used instrument that consists of 12-items and is often used to assess HL in Europe. A convergent mixed-methods design was applied, including cognitive interviews (n = 8) and psychometric testing with a survey sample (n = 374) and test-retest group (n = 28). The instrument was forward and backwards translated and culturally adapted. Data was analyzed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, correlation testing, and reliability assessments. Cognitive interviews explored the clarity, interpretation, and contextual relevance of the items. Participants found the HLS19-Q12-SE clear and easy to understand, though some reported difficulties with unfamiliar health situations and uncertainty of the term “health information.” Based on the interviews, the examples for one of the items were culturally adapted. Psychometric testing showed good feasibility, no floor or ceiling effects on scale level, and moderate positive correlations with other HL instruments, supporting internal and external validity. Structural validity was confirmed, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability were satisfactory. However, ceiling effects were observed at the dichotomous item level, and correlations with self-rated health and social status were low. The HLS19-Q12-SE is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing general HL in Sweden. While psychometric properties were strong overall, future research should address ceiling effects on item level and explore the instrument’s performance in more diverse populations.
PMID:40747568 | DOI:10.1093/heapro/daaf132
Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2025 Oct;22(4):e70013. doi: 10.1111/jjns.70013.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Currently, there is no Japanese tool to measure organizational context factors that influence nurses’ implementation of evidence-based practices. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate the Alberta Context Tool (ACT) for nurses in Japan.
METHODS: We completed forward translations with reconciliation, expert discussions, back translations with reconciliation, back translation review by tool developers, and semi-structured cognitive interviews with verbal probing. A convenience sample of nurses from five hospitals completed the translated tool. Item descriptives (including missing data), internal structure (confirmatory factor analyses [CFA]), criterion validity (correlations with Team Climate Inventory [TCI] items “support for innovative ideas”), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha, item-concept correlations), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation) were examined.
RESULTS: Cognitive debriefing with nine nurses led to modifying 10 ACT items. A total of 508 nurses completed the survey. CFA showed an acceptable model fit for the seven scale-based concepts ( = 1037.28, root mean square error of approximation = 0.054, Comparative Fit Index = 0.913, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.902, standardized root mean square residual = 0.053). Correlations between the 10 ACT concepts and TCI ranged from .08 to .43, with nine statistically significant (p < .05). Cronbach’s alpha ranged from .22 to .91 (exceeding 0.70 for 8/10 concepts), and item-concept correlations ranged from .15 to .96 (exceeding 0.70 for 26/56 items). Retest reliability (N = 65) ranged from 0.45 to 0.81.
CONCLUSIONS: The ACT Japanese version demonstrated initial evidence of acceptable validity and reliability for most concepts and items, supporting its use in assessing organizational context.
PMID:40747563 | DOI:10.1111/jjns.70013
Cancer Med. 2025 Aug;14(15):e71121. doi: 10.1002/cam4.71121.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The increasing number of cancer survivors (CSs) globally highlights the critical need for healthcare systems to address their unmet needs. These needs span physical, psychosocial, spiritual, informational, and practical dimensions and, if unaddressed, can impact quality of life and healthcare satisfaction.
AIMS: This study aimed to identify and understand the unmet needs of CSs in Italy to guide the development of patient-centered survivorship care services.
METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted between April 2023 and January 2024 at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with 35 CSs and seven caregivers selected via convenience sampling. Eligibility criteria included non-cutaneous CSs with a 5-year survival rate of ≥ 65% who had completed active treatment and were in follow-up care. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method.
RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: (1) Dignity and Respect: Emphasis on the importance of treating CSs with dignity and respect within healthcare settings; (2) Desire for Normality: Highlighting CSs’ strong desire to regain a sense of normalcy post-treatment; (3) Pursuit of Control Over One’s Life: CSs’ need to maintain control, particularly regarding information needs and treatment management; (4) Existential Vulnerability: The vulnerability and fragility felt by CSs, underscoring their need for emotional support and reassurance.
CONCLUSIONS: Unmet needs remain a significant challenge for CSs, necessitating the implementation of tailored, patient-centered care interventions. Addressing these needs can enhance quality of life, satisfaction, and outcomes for CSs worldwide.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06236373.
PMID:40747540 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.71121
Iran J Parasitol. 2025 Apr-Jun;20(2):213-226. doi: 10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19027.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The use of nanocarriers in combination with other treatments shows significant promise in addressing drug-resistant diseases, particularly malaria. Given the high prevalence of drug-resistant malaria, research into innovative therapies is crucial. This study focuses on a nanoform of chitosan, a biodegradable polymer, combined with Crocus sativus (saffron) and chloroquine to enhance their antimalarial effects.
METHODS: Saffron extract and chloroquine were separately conjugated with chitosan, followed by confirmation tests to determine conjugation efficiency. Both chloroquine-resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum were cultured to calculate the IC50 values of various treatments in vitro. This study was conducted at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2024.
RESULTS: Confirmation tests (FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, TEM) verified proper drug conjugation to nanocomposites, with observed nanosize, the percentage of conjugation was 64.4% for chloroquine and 42.9% for saffron. Toxicity and hemolysis tests confirmed safe doses. The IC50s values for Chloroquine, Nanoparticle-Chloroquine, Saffron, and Nanoparticle-Saffron were 0.3, 0.8, 42.5, and 6.24 μg/ml, respectively, for the sensitive strain, and 5, 1, 12.5, and 3.12 μg/ml, respectively, for the resistant strain. Combination therapy with the fixed ratio method showed synergistic effects. Statistical analysis revealed synthesized nanocomposites’ superior inhibition of P. falciparum growth compared to non-nano. Significant differences were observed in some cases (P< 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Utilizing nanocarriers and combination therapy is an appropriate strategy for addressing drug resistance. Saffron’s anti-malarial effects on P. falciparum were notably increased when linked to chitosan nanocomposites. Furthermore, employing a fixed ratio technique enhanced the therapeutic effectiveness of saffron when combined with chloroquine and chloroquine-nanocomposites across all concentrations.
PMID:40747512 | PMC:PMC12307787 | DOI:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19027
Iran J Parasitol. 2025 Apr-Jun;20(2):280-288. doi: 10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19047.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean form of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in some regions of Iran and is often seen in children under 10 years old. There is a 90% mortality in patients, if diagnosis and treatment are not done on time. Canids, as reservoirs, play an important role in the spread of the disease.
METHODS: Bushehr Province, southern Iran is always mentioned as one of the endemic areas for VL, so for this purpose, as the first study in the region, 112 sheltered dogs in Bushehr City were evaluated for canine leishmaniasis (CanL) using serological Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) as well as detailed clinical examinations.
RESULTS: Out of 112 samples collected, 71.4% of cases had anti-L. infantum IgG antibody titers of 1:80 and higher and therefore considered as seropositive. Furthermore, from the 70 seropositive dogs with antibody titer of 1:320 and higher, 47 (42%) had at least one of the clinical symptoms associated with VL and considered as cases with CanL.
CONCLUSION: The current seroprevalence situation of dogs in this region, is very noticeable and can be an important alarm for policymakers and health system practitioners. More comprehensive and complementary parasitological studies should be carried out on a number of reservoirs in the region for diagnosis and treatment and to accurately determine the statistics of the disease compared to the obtained seroprevalence status.
PMID:40747508 | PMC:PMC12307777 | DOI:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19047
Iran J Parasitol. 2025 Apr-Jun;20(2):299-306. doi: 10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19049.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Respiratory infections caused by Lophomonas blattarum and Pneumocystis jirovecii are significant threats, especially to immunocompromised patients. Both pathogens are associated with severe pneumonia and are often underdiagnosed due to the challenges in identifying them accurately, particularly in co-infections. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of co-infections with L. blattarum and P. jirovecii in patients with respiratory symptoms.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 111 patients admitted to the Pulmonary Ward of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2023. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from all patients and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. PCR amplification targeting L. blattarum and P. jirovecii was performed, with subsequent sequencing for molecular identification. The presence of Pneumocystis was identified using a 346-bp PCR band.
RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, Lophomonas was detected in 48 patients (43.2%), and Pneumocystis in 47 patients (42.3%). Co-infections were identified in 26 patients (23.6%). Both infections were more common in males, though the difference between genders was not statistically significant. The highest prevalence was observed in patients over 60 years, with 18% and 19.8% infection rates for Lophomonas and Pneumocystis, respectively. Co-infection rates were significantly higher in older patients and in males (P= 0.028).
CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates a significant prevalence of co-infections with L. blattarum and P. jirovecii in patients with respiratory conditions, particularly in the elderly. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies, including molecular and microscopic approaches, to accurately diagnose and manage these co-infections in high-risk populations.
PMID:40747507 | PMC:PMC12307776 | DOI:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19049