| 1. |
- Carlsson-Lalloo, Ewa, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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Testing the feasibility of a translated and culturally adapted person-centred training programme in maternal and newborn healthcare in Democratic Republic of Congo: A process evaluation.
- 2024
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Ingår i: Sexual & reproductive healthcare : official journal of the Swedish Association of Midwives. - 1877-5764. ; 40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ensuring quality of maternal and newborn healthcare is challenging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity rate is high. Essential for quality care is a person-centred approach. One model of person-centred care (PCC) has been developed at Gothenburg University. To support its implementation a training programme, "Mutual Meetings", has been developed. This study aims to test the feasibility of a translated and culturally adapted version of this PCC training programme for healthcare providers in the maternal and newborn healthcare context of DRC.The PCC programme was translated into French and tested in a workshop with 31 maternal and newborn healthcare providers in eastern DRC. The feasibility of the programme was evaluated through focus group interviews and individual interviews. The interview transcripts were analysed deductively using key components in a process evaluation framework including fidelity, dose, reach, adaptation, acceptability, and application.The French PCC programme exceeded the participants' expectations and was found being applicable in both teaching and clinical setting with some suggested contextual modifications. Its pedagogic structure including a participatory reflective approach, was perceived innovative and inspirational, mediated a sense of comfort, and enabled the participants to use a person-centred approach towards each other.The results show that the French on-site version of the PCC training programme was valid in terms of feasibility and how it was received by the participants. The study demonstrates the importance of contextual adaptation of complex interventions in new settings.
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| 2. |
- Temple, Frida, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluating the implementation of person-centred care and simulation-based learning in a midwifery education programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a study protocol.
- 2024
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Ingår i: Global health action. - 1654-9880 .- 1654-9880. ; 17:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Investing in midwives educated according to international standards is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in maternal and newborn health. Applying a person-centred care approach and using simulation-based learning to improve the learning experience for midwifery students may enhance the quality of childbirth care. This protocol describes a study evaluating the implementation of person-centred approach and simulation-based learning in childbirth as part of a midwifery education programme at the Evangelical University in Africa, DRC.The research will be exploratory and guided by an implementation research framework. Ethical approval has been obtained. Facilitators working at the programme's five clinical practice sites will be trained in: 1) Introducing person-centred childbirth care using a training programme called'Mutual Meetings'; and 2) integrating simulation-based learning, specifically by using the three courses: Essential Care of Labor, Bleeding after Birth, and Vacuum Extraction. Data will include interviews with midwifery students, facilitators and clinical preceptors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes from birth registers.By integrating a validated and culturally adapted person-centred care training programme and simulation-based learning into a midwifery education programme and clinical practice sites, the findings from the study anticipate an improvement in the quality of childbirth care. Training facilitators in these methodologies aim to effectively mitigate maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. The findings are expected to provide valuable recommendations for governments, policymakers, and healthcare providers in the DRC and beyond, contributing to significant improvements in midwifery education and aligning with global health priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals.The study was registered retrospectively with the ISRCTN registry on the 23rd of February 2024. The registration number is: ISRCTN10049855.
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| 3. |
- Aminoff, Victoria, et al.
(författare)
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Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychological Distress Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic : A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-1078. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with various negative psychological consequences. This is a challenge for the society as regular psychological services cannot be offered to the same extent as before the pandemic. In addition to the requirement of social distancing, there is a need to adjust psychological treatment components like exposure to avoid increasing the spread of the infection. Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has an established evidence base for a range of psychiatric problems and has been suggested as one possible approach to deal with the situation. This study aimed to conduct a randomized controlled pilot trial during the summer of 2020 with a broad focus on psychological distress and a treatment approach that tailors the intervention based on symptom profile and preferences.Methods: Following the advertisement and interview, we included 52 participants with elevated levels of psychological distress. They were randomly allocated to either a 7-week-long individually tailored ICBT (n = 26) or a wait-list control condition (n = 26). Measures of depression and quality of life were used as primary outcomes. We also included secondary outcome measures of anxiety, insomnia, trauma, stress, anger, and alcohol use. For screening, we used the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS). Results: Overall moderate to large between-group effects were found at post-treatment in favor of the treatment on measures of both depression [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Cohens d = 0.63; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): d = 0.62] and anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7-item scale (GAD-7); d = 0.82]. This was also observed for stress symptoms [Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14); d = 1.04]. No effects were seen on measures of quality of life, insomnia, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and anger. There was an effect on alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT); d = 0.54], which was not of clinical relevance.Conclusion: Individually tailored ICBT shows initial promise as a way to reduce psychological problems in association with the COVID-19 pandemic. A possible limitation was that the trial was conducted when the effects of the pandemic were decreasing and when fewer people were affected by the restrictions (e.g., the summer of 2020).
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| 4. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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A national study of health-related quality of life in patients with cancer of the base of the tongue compared to the general population and to patients with tonsillar carcinoma
- 2021
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Ingår i: Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck. - : Wiley. - 1043-3074 .- 1097-0347. ; 43:12, s. 3843-3856
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background This exploratory, registry-based, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a subsite of oropharyngeal cancer: cancer of the base of the tongue (CBT). Methods CBT patients, treated with curative intent, completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires 15 months after diagnosis. The HRQOL of CBT patients was compared to reference scores from the general population and to that of tonsillar carcinoma patients. Results The 190 CBT patients scored significantly worse than members of the general population on most scales. CBT patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive tumors had significantly better HRQOL on 8 of 28 scales than HPV-negative patients. Compared to 405 tonsillar carcinoma patients, CBT patients had significantly worse HRQOL on 8 of the 28 scales, the majority local head and neck related problems. Conclusion One year after treatment, CBT patients' HRQOL was significantly worse in many areas compared to that of the general population and slightly worse than that of tonsillar carcinoma patients.
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| 5. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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A randomized study comparing the nutritional effects of radiotherapy with cetuximab versus cisplatin in patients with advanced head and neck cancer
- 2024
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Ingår i: HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK. - 1043-3074 .- 1097-0347. ; 46:4, s. 760-771
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundHead and neck cancer (HNC) patients have a high risk of developing malnutrition. This randomized study aimed to compare the effect of weekly cisplatin or cetuximab combined with radiotherapy on weight loss at 3 months after treatment was started. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, feeding tube dependence and health related quality of life from a nutritional perspective.MethodsPatients from the ARTSCAN III study with advanced HNC were assessed for weight, body composition, enteral tube dependence and selected quality-of-life scores (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35) at diagnosis and 6 weeks 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation.ResultsOf the 80 patients, 38 and 42 were randomized to receive cetuximab and cisplatin treatment, respectively. There was no significant difference in weight loss at 3 months between the two study groups. However, the cetuximab group had significantly less weight loss, fewer enteral feeding tubes and better physical functioning at the end of treatment but more pain-related problems 3 months after treatment initiation. No differences between the groups were found at 6 and 12 months. The prevalence of malnutrition was not significantly different at any time point.ConclusionThe hypothesized benefit of concomitant treatment with cetuximab over cisplatin regarding the prevalence of malnutrition was not supported by this study.
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| 6. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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Fatigue in Long-Term Head and Neck Cancer Survivors From Diagnosis Until Five Years After Treatment
- 2023
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Ingår i: Laryngoscope. - : Wiley. - 0023-852X.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Fatigue due to cancer is a challenging symptom that might be long-lasting after cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to follow the development of fatigue among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients prospectively and longitudinally and to analyze predictors for acute and chronic fatigue. Methods: HNC patients treated with curative intent were included at diagnosis and completed the following questionnaires multiple times, up to 5 years after treatment: the EORTC QLQ-FA12 for fatigue, EORTC QLQ-C30, and HNC-specific EORTC QLQ-H&N35 together with an anxiety and depression questionnaire. Predictors of fatigue were evaluated at 3 months and 5 years after treatment. Results: Of the 311 study participants, 74% responded at the 5-year follow-up. Physical fatigue was significantly worse 3 months after treatment, while emotional and cognitive fatigue were the worst at diagnosis and at 3 months. All fatigue domains were significantly better after 1 year, and the fatigue scores remained stable from 1 until 5 years after treatment. Three months after chemoradiotherapy, physical fatigue was more significant, but no long-term differences due to treatment modalities were found. Depression and anxiety were predictors for chronic emotional fatigue, and local HN pain and swallowing problems were predictors for chronic physical fatigue. Better global quality of life at diagnosis was associated with less physical and emotional fatigue. Conclusion: Fatigue was worst in the short term for HNC patients and improved after 1 year, and long-term fatigue remained stable up to 5 years after treatment. A few predictors for chronic fatigue were found. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 2023. © 2023 The Authors. The Laryngoscope published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.
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| 7. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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Replacement of a Tracheal Stenosis with a Tissue-Engineered Human Trachea Using Autologous Stem Cells: A Case Report
- 2014
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Ingår i: Tissue Engineering. Part A. - 1937-3341 .- 1937-335X. ; 20:1-2, s. 389-397
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cell-based therapies, involving tissue engineering represent interesting and potentially important strategies for treatment of patients with various disorders. Here, using a detergent-enzymatic method we prepared an intact 3-dimensional scaffold of an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from a human cadaver donor trachea, which we repopulated with autologous stem cells and implanted into a 76-year old patient with tracheal stenosis including lower part of the larynx. Although the graft provided the patient with an open airway, a week after surgery, the mucous membrane of the graft was covered by a 1-2mm thick fungal infection, which was treated with local and systemic anti-fungal therapy. The airway lumen was postoperatively controlled by fiberbrandoscopy and found stable and sufficient. However, twenty-three days later the patient died due to cardiac arrest but with a patent, open, stable tracheal transplant and intact anastomoses. Histopathological results of the transplanted tracheal graft at autopsy showed a squamous but not ciliated epithelium, neovascularization, bundles of -sma positive muscle cells, serous glands and nerve fibres with S-100 positive nerve cells in the submucosa and intact chondrocytes in the cartilage. Our findings suggest that although autologous stem cells- engineered tracheal matrices may represent a tool for clinical tracheal replacement. Further preclinical studies are required for generating functional airway grafts and long term effects of such grafts.
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| 8. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of age on health-related quality of life for head and neck cancer patients up to 1 year after curative treatment
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Geriatric Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-4068. ; 13:1, s. 60-66
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of age on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), treated with curative intent, in the Western healthcare region of Sweden. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 311 HNC patients completed quality of life questionnaires for cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and for older patients with cancer (EORT QLQELD14) at diagnosis and 3, 6, and 12 months after start of treatment. Mean scores for patients >_70 years old were compared to younger patients (50 to 69 years old) to assess differences in HRQOL. Results: Of the 311 study participants, 105 patients were >_70 years old (median age 76.7), of which 32 were >_80 years of age. Most HRQOL scores were equal or better for older adult patients at 3 months after treatment, but physical function was better for younger adult patients up to 12 months after treatment. At 6 months the HRQOL was similar (older patients had less appetite loss and financial difficulties), while the oldest patients (>_80 years) had worse fatigue, role function, and feeling ill at 12 months. For the EORTC-ELD-14 questionnaire, older patients scored better for worries at diagnosis and reported more difficulties in maintaining purpose at 12 months after treatment. Conclusion: When curative treatment is administered, older adult patients with HNC have similar or even better HRQOL compared to younger adult patients, except for physical function, during the first year. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 9. |
- Berg, Malin, 1976
(författare)
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Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life and Nutrition
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of this thesis was to explore the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue and nutrition in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The tumour locations often induce problems with swallowing and nutrition. Curative treatment, in-cluding surgery and/or radiotherapy (+/- chemotherapy), aggravates these problems, and worsened HRQoL is common. The thesis is based on three cohort studies and one random-ized controlled trial comparing radiotherapy combined with cetuximab or cisplatin. HRQoL was assessed with validated questionnaires from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). The GLIM criteria were used to diagnose mal-nutrition. Results: Paper I evaluated HRQoL in patients with cancer of the base of the tongue (CBT) one year after treatment. Their HRQoL was significantly worse than that of the general population, especially local symptoms such as pain, swallowing problems and dry mouth. When CBT patients were compared to patients with tonsil cancer, only a minimal differ-ence in HRQoL was observed. Paper II aimed to explore the impact of treatment on HRQoL depending on age. The HRQoL at diagnosis and repeatedly measured up to one year after treatment were similar or even better for older patients (>70 years) than for younger pa-tients. After treatment, older patients did not regain their physical function to the same level as the younger patients did. In Paper III, fatigue was evaluated for 5 years in the same cohort. Physical fatigue was significantly worse after 3 months, whereas emotional and cognitive fatigue were the worst at diagnosis and at 3 months. All fatigue domains were significantly better after one year and remained stable to five years after treatment. There were no long-term differences in fatigue for age or treatment modality. A few predictors for developing chronic fatigue were found. In Paper IV, radiotherapy with concomitant cetux-imab was equal to concomitant cisplatin regarding the number of malnourished patients according to the GLIM criteria. However, at 6 weeks, patients receiving cisplatin had lost significantly more weight. Conclusions: HRQoL is persistently decreased compared to general population scores, and malnutrition is common after treatment of HNC. Rehabilitation and nutritional support before, during and after cancer treatment are important in the management of HNC patients. These findings may also help to affirm to patients and caregivers regarding the natural progress of symptoms associated with HNC and its treatment.
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| 10. |
- Nayakawde, Nikhil, et al.
(författare)
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In Vitro Regeneration of Decellularized Pig Esophagus Using Human Amniotic Stem Cells
- 2020
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Ingår i: Bioresearch Open Access. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 2164-7860. ; 9:1, s. 22-36
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Decellularization of esophagus was studied using three different protocols. The sodium deoxycholate/DNase-I (SDC/DNase-I) method was the most successful as evidenced by histology and DNA quantification of the acellular scaffolds. Acellular scaffolds were further analyzed and compared with native tissue by histology, quantitative analysis of DNA, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Histologically, the SDC/DNase-I protocol effectively produced scaffold with preserved structural architecture similar to native tissue architecture devoid of any cell nucleus. ECM proteins, such as collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans were present even after detergent-enzymatic decellularization. Immunohistochemical analysis of acellular scaffold showed weak expression of Gal 1, 3 Gal epitope compared with native tissue. For performing recellularization, human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and epithelial cells were seeded onto acellular esophagus in a perfusion-rotation bioreactor. In recellularized esophagus, immunohistochemistry showed infiltration of MSCs from adventitia into the muscularis externa and differentiation of MSCs into the smooth muscle actin and few endothelial cells (CD31). Our study demonstrates successful preparation and characterization of a decellularized esophagus with reduced load of Gal 1, 3 Gal epitope with preserved architecture and ECM proteins similar to native tissue. Upon subsequent recellularization, xenogeneic acellular esophagus also supported stem cell growth and partial differentiation of stem cells. Hence, the current study offers the hope for preparing a tissue-engineered esophagus in vitro which can be transplanted further into pigs for further in vivo evaluation.
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