Recent Death Research Articles

Death awareness and psychological resilience in adults aged 50 plus

This study examines the relationship between death awareness and psychological resilience in adults aged 50 and above, focusing on the roles of religious activity, recent death experiences, and educational background. A total of 52 participants completed surveys measuring death awareness (TBS-5) and resilience (RS-10). Results indicated that religiously active individuals reported significantly lower death anxiety and higher resilience compared to non-religious participants. Additionally, individuals who had experienced the death of a loved one in the past 12 months showed a tendency toward greater openness in discussing death. No significant effects were found for educational background. While the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, the study highlights the importance of religious and experiential factors in shaping attitudes toward mortality and offers practical implications for end-of-life care and counseling. The results also suggest that fostering open dialogue about death and enhancing spiritual support may increase psychological resilience among older adults.

Development of a registration interval correction model for enhancing excess all-cause mortality surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estimates of excess deaths provide critical intelligence on the impact of population health threats including seasonal respiratory infections, pandemics and environmental hazards. Timely estimates of excess deaths can inform the response to COVID-19. However, access to timely mortality data is challenging due to the time interval between the death occurring and the date the death is registered and available for analysis ('registration interval'). Using data from the New South Wales, Australia, Births Deaths and Marriages Registry, we developed a Poisson regression model that estimated near-complete weekly counts, for a given week of death, from partially-complete death registration counts. A 10-weeks lag was considered, and a 2-year baseline of historical registration intervals was used to correct lag weeks. Validation of estimated counts found that the root-mean-square error (as a percentage of mean observed near-complete registrations) was less than 7% for lag week 3, and <5% for lag weeks 4-9. We incorporated this method utilizing an existing rapid weekly mortality surveillance system. Counts corrected for registration interval replaced observed values for the most recent weeks. Excess death estimates, based on corrected counts, were within 1.2% of near-complete counts available 9 weeks from the end of the analysis period. This study demonstrates a method for estimating recent death counts to correct for registration intervals. Estimates obtained at a 3-week lag were acceptable, while those at greater than 3 weeks were optimal.

Borealpox Virus: a Comprehensive Review of its Emergence and Global Recommendations

The emergence of the Borealpox virus (BRPV), formerly known as the Alaskapox virus (AKPV), in 2015 poses an intriguing scientific challenge. Despite being first discovered in Alaska, BRPV is a potential global threat, and reports of instances have raised questions about how serious it can be; especially in those with impaired immune systems. The unique characteristics of BRPV have been clarified through genomic characterization, providing insight into its evolutionary lineage and transmission dynamics. A recent death linked to BRPV highlights the difficulties presented by newly developing infectious illnesses, particularly for individuals who are already at risk. The implications of BRPV for public health call for all-encompassing management approaches; such as creating efficient treatments and customized interventions for various clinical presentations. Research and surveillance initiatives are vital for comprehending ecological reservoirs and patterns of transmission. Additionally, biosafety regulations and immunization programs are critical for controlling outbreaks and reducing the worldwide effects of BRPV. Prioritizing vaccination drive approaches, implementing stringent infection control measures, and reinvigorating disease surveillance systems are imperative for preventing BRPV. In addition, enhancing the training of frontline healthcare professionals and implementing the One Health concept are crucial measures that foster robust cooperation and adaptability, while confronting new public health concerns. A comprehensive review of the emergence and consequences of the Borealpox virus is necessary to direct future investigations and global public health campaigns. By utilizing interdisciplinary approaches and promoting global collaboration, we may successfully alleviate the danger presented by BRPV and protect public health across borders.

Can we develop a more targeted approach to mitigating seismic risk?

The recent high death tolls caused by large earthquakes are a further indication that earthquakes remain one of the most destructive natural hazards in the world and can seriously threaten the achievement of disaster reduction goals. To effectively reduce the existing seismic risk, the limited available mitigation resources should be allocated to areas with the most severe potential risk. However, identifying localized concentrations of risk requires detailed studies. Here, we propose a strategy to delineate regional high seismic risk zone at a fine resolution and with high confidence. We demonstrate this strategy by using the seismic hazard and loss estimation results for earthquake scenarios with a magnitude of Mw 7.5 for the Jiaocheng fault of the Shanxi Rift System, China. Our analyses reveal that the delineated zone accounts for only ~7% of the regional land area but for ~85% of the total financial loss. We recommend prioritizing seismic risk mitigation measures in such high-risk zones, especially for densely populated cities in seismically active areas, to better meet the disaster risk reduction targets in the Sendai Framework.

Examining Theories at Work: Speech Acts, Implicatures and Politeness in a Pragmastylistic Analysis of Anton Chekhov’s The Bear

Through a descriptive qualitative method, Anton Chekhov’s The Bear is examined for its use of speech acts, implicatures, and politeness. To surface the said theories, a stylistic analysis is conducted, following the principles of pragma-stylistics. Pragmastylistics is used in analyzing a literary piece towards arriving at particular themes, and in which the focus of analysis is how a speaker or writer chooses to realize their speech act in consideration of the intended meaning and effect of which towards an audience. The subject of the following analysis is a one-act play considered to be a farcical comedy depicting the story of a woman mourning her husband’s recent death, amidst which she encounters and eventually falls in love with her deceased husband’s creditor. The analyses focused on the employment of the pragmatic theories of speech acts, cooperative principles and implicatures, and politeness. The paper attempted ultimately to show through an analysis of dramatic text how words could mean differently or even have meanings at all when put into context.

Surprising Gendered Age Differences in Rural Malawians' Early COVID-19 Pandemic Prevention Efforts.

We assess how age, the presence of mature adults aged 45+ years, and recent deaths in rural households are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventative actions and the likelihood of getting vaccinated against the virus in Malawi during early stages of the pandemic. We draw upon data from 2,187 rural Malawians who participated in a 2020 COVID-19 Phone Survey. We estimate the log odds of engaging in "low-cost" and "high-cost" COVID-19 preventative actions based on age, gender, household composition, and recent household deaths. Low-cost prevention efforts were washing hands with soap and water frequently, avoiding close contact with people when going out, and avoiding shaking hands. High-cost actions included staying at home and decreasing time spent close to people not living in their household. We also estimate the chances of acquiring the COVID-19 vaccine in early stages of its availability. Mature women (45+ years) in general and younger men (<45 years)-living with at least one mature adult in the household-were less likely than others to comply with low-cost actions. Mature men were more likely than younger men (<45 years) to take on high-cost actions. To some extent, individuals who experienced a recent family death were more likely to engage in high-cost COVID-19 preventative actions as well as getting vaccinated. Gendered age differences in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 offer hints of larger social norms affecting protective efforts. The analyses also inform future COVID-19 public health outreach efforts in Malawi and other rural SSA contexts.

Mental health and obesity

Purpose Obesity is a significant public health issue. With obesity increasing worldwide, risk factors for obesity need to be better understood and require careful examination. This study aims to examine mental health as a risk factor for obesity using longitudinal data from Australia. Design/methodology/approach The main identification strategy relies on the recent death of a close friend and a serious injury or illness to a family member as exogenous shocks to mental health. Findings The authors’ preferred estimates, which account for the endogeneity of mental health, suggest that mental health has a significant negative impact on obesity. This result proves to be robust to a suite of sensitivity checks. Further investigations reveal that poor mental health leads to increased smoking, which also has an effect on obesity. Originality/value The study’s findings provide a new perspective on how good mental health helps curb obesity.

Thoracic Reirradiation with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Recurrent Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) local control remains suboptimal with rates around 75%. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an option for isolated local recurrences of small volume recurrences. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of 60 Gy in eight fractions in large volume local recurrences. MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients treated with salvage SBRT for NSCLC lung parenchymal recurrence between July 2013 and February 2020. Reirradiation prescribed dose was 60 Gy in eight fractions utilizing SBRT technique. The primary endpoint was local control at most recent follow-up or death. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, disease-free interval, cancer-specific survival, and treatment related toxicities. ResultsSeven patients met criteria. Median follow up time was 38 months (18.1-72.4). Median age was 67 years (63-80). The median time to reirradiation was 18.2 months (7.3-28.6). Retreatment median ITV was 57.9cc (15.8-344.6) and PTV median was 113.6cc (38.3-506.9). Local control was maintained in four of seven patients (57.1%). Two of the seven patients (28.6%) remained alive. Median disease-free interval was 22.5 months (11-65). Three of seven patients (42.9%) had grade two toxicities. One patient (14.3%) had a grade 3 rib/chest wall toxicity with concurrent disease recurrence invading the chest wall. ConclusionThis study reports that SBRT of 60 Gy in eight fractions was delivered safely and effectively to large volume recurrent NSCLC previously treated with radiation therapy. The disease-free interval of nearly 2 years is meaningful for patients’ quality of life and duration of time off of systemic therapy.

Dr. Tetsuro Fujiwara-My Memories from the Early Days of Dr. Fujiwara's Research.

This brief commentary honors Dr. Tesuro Fujiwara, the first person to treat infants with respiratory distress syndrome by instilling surfactant into their trachea. In the 1960s, mortality from RDS, which could only be treated with oxygen, was about 50 percent. Based on the physiology Fujiwara learned that lung immaturity could be treated with doses of surfactant from animals in sheep models. He then made a surfactant from cow lungs called Servanta and treated 10 infants with RDS, who all had a large improvement in oxygenation. Other new therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure and newer infant ventilators-in combination with surfactant therapy have decreased infant mortality to less than 1% from RDS in the most recent US infant death statistics.

Subjective rather than objective patient death experiences link with physicians’ and nurses’ professional quality of life

BackgroundPatient deaths are impactful events for professional caregivers in both their professional and personal lives. The present study aims to explore how both subjective and objective patient death experiences are related to various aspects of professional quality of life (ProQOL) among physicians and nurses.MethodsSecondary analyses of cross-sectional data were conducted, and 306 Chinese physicians and nurses whose most recent patient death experience was more than one month prior were included. Objective and subjective patient death experiences were measured based on the number of past patient deaths and the Accumulated Global Changes (AGC) subscale of the Professional Bereavement Scale, respectively. ProQOL was measured with the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Regressions were run following bivariate analyses.ResultsThe number of past patient deaths was not significantly linked with any of the three ProQOL scores in either the bivariate analyses or regressions. Meanwhile, higher AGC scores were associated with higher burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction scores after participants’ age, occupation (physician/nurse), department, work experience, job commitment, and sense of mission were controlled.ConclusionSubjective rather than objective past patient death experiences link significantly with all three aspects of physicians’ and nurses’ ProQOL. The more professional caregivers think that they have been changed by all past patient deaths in their career, the more they experience burnout and secondary traumatic stress, but, the more satisfied they are with their job and the helping itself.

Kyasanur Forest Disease: An Epidemiological Investigation and Case-Control Study in Shivamogga, Karnataka, India-2022.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a viral zoonosis reported from Karnataka, India. We investigated cases in the Shivamogga district, Karnataka, to describe the epidemiology and identify risk factors in the affected block in 2022. A case was defined as a laboratory-confirmed KFD-positive resident of Shivamogga from 1 January-31 May 2022. We extracted the records of KFD cases from district surveillance. We conducted a 1:3 case-control study in the Thirthahalli block. We enrolled laboratory-confirmed KFD-positive Thirthahalli residents from January to May 2022 as cases, and residents without "fever with myalgia" as controls. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Shivamogga reported 35 cases, with a median age of 46 (4-75) years, of which 51% were men, and one death. Among 25 cases and 90 controls, knowledge of avoiding recent monkey death sites was low (cases = 0%, controls = 11%). Monkey death sites within 500m [aOR = 8.6 (1.8-41.9)] and household tick exposure [aOR = 3.7 (1.3-10.7)] were independent risk factors. This was a laboratory-confirmed cluster of KFD cases in Thirthahalli, with residence near a monkey death site and household tick exposure considered significant risk factors. We recommend evaluating monkey carcass disposal procedures and increasing awareness of tick protective measures.

Teaching sports geography

ABSTRACT This short essay introduces the symposium “Teaching sports geography”. The six papers that make up this symposium represent the first substantive interventions into the pedagogies of sports geography. Sports geography has a rich research literature that is briefly reviewed, before the paper goes on to consider enduring concerns that sports geographers have pursued over several decades. The paper also notes some of the many opportunities and challenges associated with the teaching of sports geography, before going on the provide an overview of the six papers in the symposium. The paper ends by briefly outlining prospects for the teaching of sports geography. It also acknowledges the recent death of John Bale who was the preeminent pioneer and scholar of sports geography, to whom this collection of papers is dedicated.

Recent death early warning value of ECG changes in patients with NSCLC.

We aimed to explore the predictive value of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in non-small-cell lung carcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for near-term mortality. Seventy-eight NSCLC patients hospitalized in Chaohu Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from October 2017 to August 2021 were selected as the observation group. Baseline medical history and type of ECG abnormalities were the same. Seventy-eight patients were included in the control group. To compare the difference in mortality within 3 months between the observation group and the control group after the occurrence of the same type of electrocardiogram abnormalities, and to explore the value of electrocardiogram abnormalities in the early warning of NSCLC patients recent death. When the average ventricular rate of patients in the observation group was ≥100 beats/minute, ST-segment depression ≥0.05 mm, QRS voltage decrease ≥0.5 mm, new atrial fibrillation and other electrocardiogram changes, all patients died within 3 months. The control group with the same abnormal ECG had no death within 3 months (P < .05). In the resting 12-lead synchronous ECG in NSCLC patients, when the average ventricular rate ≥100 beats/minute, QRS wave voltage significantly decreased ≥0.5 mm, ST segment depression ≥0.05 mm, new atrial fibrillation appeared, it suggested that the patients' cardiac function decreased and the potential for near-term adverse outcomes is high.

Gianfranco Poggi (1934–2023)

Gianfranco Poggi (1934–2023) was amongst the initial staff cohort at the formation of the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Sociology in 1964. Poggi’s recent death brought to an end almost six decades of thinking, arguing, and writing about Sociology: much of that time was spent in Scotland. Here Scottish Affairs marks his passing through short memorials to him from his former student and colleague, David McCrone; and from his daughter, Maria Poggi Johnson.

Advance care planning among older adults in Belgium with Turkish backgrounds and palliative care needs: A qualitative interview study

BackgroundData on advance care planning (ACP) among migrants in Europe is lacking. Research has shown that few older migrants in the United States perform ACP due to healthcare system distrust, collectivistic values and spirituality/religion.ObjectivesTo explore the ACP knowledge and perspectives of older Turkish-origin adults in Belgium requiring palliative care.MethodGeneral practitioners (GPs) in Brussels and Antwerp recruited Turkish-origin participants aged ≥ 65 years with palliative care eligibility for this qualitative study. A GP conducted semi-structured interviews in Turkish in respondents’ homes between May 2019 and February 2022 using a topic guide. Two researchers performed combined inductive/deductive thematic data analysis.ResultsAll 15 interviewees (average age, 79 years) lacked ACP awareness and information. Some had discussed specific end-of-life preferences (e.g. care location, burial place) with family. Still, many did not feel the need to discuss future healthcare preferences, due mainly to trust in God and family for caretaking and decision-making. Some respondents viewed ACP discussions as applicable, relieving the burden on family and enabling proactive addressing of ‘what if’ questions. Self-identified ACP barriers were fear of making wrong decisions, ‘living in the moment’ and difficulty discussing death. Facilitators were obtaining sufficient ACP information and recent family illness or death.ConclusionOur sample of Turkish-origin older adults in Belgium requiring palliative care lacked ACP knowledge. Our findings suggest that their lack of engagement in discussing end-of-life medical care planning was linked to their family dynamics and religion. The findings have implications for healthcare providers to ethnic-minority groups.

B - 32 Grief in Neuropsychological Assessment among Culturally Diverse Middle-Old Older Adults.

Bereavement, exacerbated by losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, contributes to high rates of grief and associated mood disturbances among older adults, potentially impacting neurocognition. Middle-old cohorts (ages 75-84) are particularly vulnerable, due to elevated levels of baseline depression, complicated grief, and perceived lower quality of life. The contributory role of grief and culturally-relevant manifestations of bereavement should be carefully considered as potential confounds or performance contributors. Four cases seen for neuropsychological assessment in the Department of Neurological Surgery: A 75-year-old bilingual (Russian, English) patient with a meningioma who noticed cognitive changes following spouse's death from COVID-19; A 77-year-old monolingual (English) patient with Parkinson's disease undergoing a pre-surgical work-up prior to Deep Brain Stimulator insertion. Mood reportedly worsened sharply since spouse's recent death; An 81-year-old monolingual (Cantonese) patient undergoing a pre-surgical work-up prior to DBS insertion. Shared grieving the recent death of younger sibling from COVID-19; An 84-year-old, monolingual (English) patient who was evaluated due to longstanding cognitive challenges in the context of cerebrovascular disease (monitored by Neurological Surgery). Cognitive deficits reportedly precipitously worsened following spouse's death. While levels of neurocognitive and adaptive dysfunction varied, mood disturbance and affective distress likely reduced engagement in the testing process. Reluctance to disclose depressive and anxious symptomatology on questionnaires as a function of culture was noted. Thorough, culturally-sensitive, clinical interviewing and metrics are needed to elicit nuanced information. Grief and associated mood disturbances are to be prioritized and carefully considered in the evaluation and treatment plan with middle-old older adults.

Short-term professional bereavement reactions and their links with the meaning of patient death: Evidence from network analyses.

Taking a dimensional view, this study aims to understand, among professional caregivers after patient deaths, the symptom distribution and development of the short-term bereavement reaction (SBR) network and the node-level links between the meaning of patient death (MPD) and the SBR network. A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted with existing data from 220 Chinese urban hospital nurses and physicians who experienced the most recent patient death within a month. MPD was measured by the 10 formative items of the meaning of patient death model, and SBR was measured by the Short-term Bereavement Reactions Subscale of the Professional Bereavement Scale. Both Gaussian graphical network analysis and Bayesian network analysis were applied to the SBR network, and Gaussian graphical network analysis was used to estimate the MPD-SBR network. Frustrated and guilty are central nodes in the regularized partial correlation SBR network. Meanwhile, a traumatic event and failure at work are important bridge nodes between the MPD network and the SBR network. In the Bayesian SBR network, moved by the family's understanding, moved by the family's gratitude and sad mainly drive other nodes. After a patient death, nurses' and physicians' SBR networks feature professional-dimension symptoms at their core, while they follow 'personal to professional' and 'concrete to abstract' symptom development patterns. The personal meaning of a traumatic event and the professional meaning of a failure at work play key roles in bridging the MPD and SBR networks, and meanings of both the personal and the professional dimensions can link to professional-dimension reactions. The manuscript followed the STROBE checklist for reporting cross-sectional studies. No patient or public contribution.

Ofsted suicides: who is responsible for suicide prevention?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the response of the relevant authorities to evidence that female primary schoolteachers have an elevated suicide risk in the UK. The paper situates the recent tragic death of a primary school head teacher, following an Ofsted inspection at her school, within the wider context of teacher suicide deaths and asks what, if any, action the authorities have taken to prevent avoidable suicide deaths from occurring.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines a recent case of suicide by a primary head teacher within the wider context of statistical data on suicides by primary schoolteachers and in relation to previous cases of suicide linked to a school inspection.FindingsThe paper suggests that the relevant authorities have failed to act in relation to evidence of high suicide risk amongst female primary schoolteachers and to previous suicide deaths linked to the impact of a school inspection. Without learning from suicide deaths and acting on available evidence, there is a risk that preventable suicide deaths will continue to occur.Originality/valueThe paper draws together case study evidence and statistical data to make the case for regulatory reform to ensure that work-related suicides are investigated, monitored and prevented.

Palliative Care Case Report: A Man with End Stage Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases

INTRODUCTION : Lung cancer accounts for 13% of malignancies in the world and the most common type of cancer suffered by men in Indonesia. The 5-year survival rate for patients with lung cancer is only 18.1%. About 25-30% will develop brain metastases. Overall palliative care is needed including biologically targeted therapy, chemotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgery in selected cases, and whole brain radiotherapy treatment (WBRT). Rare studies that take into account surgical palliation in advanced NSCLC. It has been demonstrated that metastaticectomy generally improves survival and, in some patients, even long-term survival. CASE REPORT : A 65-year-old male patient with Non-Small Cell Carcinoma favor Lung Adenocarcinoma and cerebellum metastases. The patient underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. The patient received 8 radiotherapies and Erlotinib chemotherapy for 4 cycles for 6 months. The dose of Erlotinib 150g/24 hours was used in the first month. The dose was reduced in the 2nd to 6th month to 100g/24 hours. Assessment of palliative care was carried out using the Karnopsky Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). CONCLUSION : . Despite major improvements in the way lung cancer patients are treated in recent years, morbidity and death rates are still high. Palliative care (PC) is an approach to treating patients with life-threatening diseases, one of which is lung cancer

Understanding the Brain-based Determination of Death When Organ Recovery Is Performed With DCDD In Situ Normothermic Regional Perfusion.

Understanding the Brain-based Determination of Death When Organ Recovery Is Performed With DCDD In Situ Normothermic Regional Perfusion.