Life Review Research Articles

Prenatal chemical exposures and the methylome: current evidence and opportunities for environmental epigenetics.

Exposure to pollutants and chemicals during critical developmental periods in early life can impact health and disease risk across the life course. Research in environmental epigenetics has provided increasing evidence that prenatal exposures affect epigenetic markers, particularly DNA methylation. In this article, we discuss the role of DNA methylation in early life programming and review evidence linking the intrauterine environment to epigenetic modifications, with a focus on exposure to tobacco smoke, metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We also discuss challenges and novel approaches in environmental epigenetic research and explore the potential of epigenetic biomarkers in studies of pediatric populations as indicators of exposure and disease risk. Overall, we aim to highlight how advancements in environmental epigenetics may transform our understanding of early-life exposures and inform new approaches for supporting long-term health.

The development of a dyadic family life review intervention for the Asian diaspora: A practice article.

Intergenerational family conflict is a commonly identified issue in the Asian diaspora; however, there are limited interventions designed to address this concern. Given this gap in the literature, the authors present a practice article outlining the conceptualization, development, and delivery of a dyadic life review intervention called (Re)Cultivating Family Stories (RFS). RFS is a clinician-facilitated family intervention designed to promote connection and foster successive communication through the joint activity of developing a family story. Life review is a structured approach for reminiscing and evaluating one's life experiences and includes dyadic variants. RFS builds on dyadic life review by facilitating collaborative dialogs between a parent and adult offspring, incorporating culturally responsive elements, and focusing on developing family stories. This article provides an overview of the intervention and its theoretical foundations, along with formative feedback from a field test. Considerations for future implementation and research directions are described.

The death education needs of patients with advanced cancer: a qualitative research

BackgroundCancer remains a global health concern, with nearly 20 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths reported in 2020.An increasing number of individuals with advanced-stage cancer are likely to confront the reality of mortality.In China, cancer-related deaths hold the top position among factors contributing to resident mortality, accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths. Patients with advanced-stage cancer contend with both physical challenges such as pain, physical decline, and functional impairments, as well as psychological issues including death anxiety, fear of death, and feelings of meaninglessness and hopelessness during disease treatment. Death education serves as a method to educate patients on coping with death, alleviating death-related anxieties and fears, and approaching death calmly, thereby facilitating a peaceful end-of-life experience. Currently, there is a dearth of death education content tailored to patients’specific circumstances in China. Consequently, this study aims to explore the content of death education needs among patients with advanced-stage cancer in China.MethodsA qualitative research based on phenomenology was used to select 19 patients with advanced cancer from November 2022 to June 2023. Semi-structured interviews were used to interview, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to organize and analyze the data.ResultsSix themes were extracted: 1. Death cognition and education; 2. Life review; 3. Ethics of death; 4. End-of-life decision-making; 5. Social support; 6. Disease treatment.ConclusionsPatients with advanced-stage cancer face significant distress caused by their illness and the prospect of death. This distress can impact their quality of life and even influence treatment decisions. It’s essential to comprehensively assess the current state and needs of patients, engaging in ongoing interventions tailored to individual patient circumstances. This approach involves implementing targeted death education content and methods.When executing death education, it’s imperative to consider the patient’s knowledge framework and their level of acceptance. Integrating the patient’s disease progression and treatment, as well as addressing their negative emotional states, becomes crucial for enhancing the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Not just growth, but worldmaking: A phenomenological exploration of posttraumatic growth among sexual minority women and nonbinary individuals.

Despite experiencing disproportionately high rates of trauma exposure and traumatic stress, sexual and gender minority populations are underrepresented in research on posttraumatic growth (PTG). Data from two waves of semistructured life review phenomenological interviews with 14 sexual minority women and nonbinary individuals were analyzed to explore sexual minority women and nonbinary individuals' lived experiences of growth and healing from exposure to traumatic events. Three main themes were identified: (1) healing through interpersonal connection; (2) new learning about the self and relationships; and (3) healing as political. The first theme describes the central role of interpersonal connection; whereas some participants described seeking and receiving social support from others, most discussed the value of healing with others. The second theme characterizes new learning following trauma, such as learning that, in healthy and safe relationships, one can be loved for who they are. The third theme encompasses how participants politicized their PTG and that even the process of politicizing the traumatic experience itself facilitated growth, as participants understood their struggle as connected to larger systems of oppression, contributing to further identity development. Our findings suggest that sexual minority women and nonbinary individuals experience PTG as a political, iteratively individual and relational process of queer worldmaking (Berlant & Warner, 1998). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Academic Listening Practices and Synodality: Reflections from a Study of World Youth Days

In order to analyze the possible contribution of academic listening practices to the synodal process, this article offers a reflexive analysis of two social science studies of World Youth Days. The first investigation is a historical work carried out between 2017 and 2020 on John Paul II’s World Youth Days, based on archives and testimonies collected in seven different countries. The second is a sociological and anthropological study carried out in July-August 2023 on the occasion of the WYD in Lisbon: as part of a delegation of pilgrims, the author experienced the pilgrimage in Portugal among the young people and their chaplains, while carrying out research work. At the crossroads of epistemological reflection and life review, the paper presents the opportunities and risks of such empirical research from the viewpoints of the researcher, respondents, and Catholic institution. While highlighting misunderstandings that can arise, the article emphasizes the mutual enrichment academic listening practices in a church setting can bring. If the researcher and researched agree to let go of their rigidities, their companionship can purify both faith and science by desacralizing what should not be sacred.

Estimating the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland: December 2021-March 2023

Abstract Background In Autumn 2023, COVID-19 booster vaccines were offered to all those aged ≥50 years in Ireland. There was concern that vaccine fatigue would impact uptake. We aimed to quantify the direct impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on averted outcomes in individuals aged ≥50 years, during a period of Omicron variant dominance, to inform vaccination strategy and public health communication. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study from December 2021 to March 2023 in Ireland. We considered as averted outcomes symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 presentations to primary care, emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths due to COVID-19. We used an adapted formula from other vaccine impact published studies, including national data on notified outcomes, vaccine coverage data and vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates, sourced from the WHO’s live systematic VE review, to estimate the count and prevented fraction of outcomes in ≥ 50-year-olds averted by the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The number of expected outcomes in the absence of vaccination was calculated by summing the counts of outcomes observed and outcomes averted. Results Between December 2021 and March 2023, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted 48,551 symptomatic presentations to primary care (36% of expected), 9,517 ED presentations (53% of expected), 102,160 hospitalisations (81% of expected), 3,303 ICU admissions (89% of expected) and 15,985 deaths (87% of expected). Conclusions During Omicron dominance, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted symptomatic and severe outcomes, including deaths due to COVID-19, underscoring the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. In the context of vaccine fatigue emerging as an important public health issue in Ireland and internationally, these findings can inform future COVID-19 booster vaccination programmes and communication about the reason for and importance of COVID-19 vaccination. Key messages • The COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland prevented illness and death in people aged ≥50-years. Vaccination therefore protected population health and the healthcare system. • These findings can be used to inform future COVID-19 vaccination policies, planning for winter, pandemic preparedness and communisation about the importance of ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

Exploring the Global Legacy of Professor Calayampudi Radhakrishna Rao: A Review of His Life and Biostatistical Contributions

Exploring the Global Legacy of Professor Calayampudi Radhakrishna Rao: A Review of His Life and Biostatistical Contributions

Life review for older adults: an integrative review.

Life review therapy is a form of psychotherapy framework which involves the guided reflection of life events throughout a patient's life journey. Patients are encouraged to actively recall and analyze important life events, both negative and positive. Through this process, patients may be able to come to terms with, or even resolve negative events such as conflicts and regrets. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the current knowledge of the use of life review therapy in older adults, and to identify areas for future research. A systematic literature search was conducted across CINAHL, Medline, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus. Papers were screened and selected using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence and exported into Excel. Data analysis was conducted to synthesise thematic analyses. One hundred and thirty-one articles from 1974 to 2023 were included in this study and were used to develop four themes: life satisfaction and self-esteem, depression and depressive symptoms, institutional care and cognitive decline, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma. Life review has some benefit in older adults in certain groups and situations, although the extent and duration of effectiveness of this benefit is unclear. Life review unlikely improves self-esteem. However, in the short term, life review appears to improve life satisfaction, depression or depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms in the elderly. Life review may be a useful therapeutic tool for older adults with cognitive decline for as long as the intervention continues. Areas for future research are explored.

Does it Matter Who Delivers Life Reviews? Differences in Spousal and Intergenerational Caregivers

ABSTRACT We developed a depression intervention, Caregiver-Provided Life Review (C-PLR) for care recipients with both dementia and depressive symptoms. We trained family caregivers and caregivers delivered life reviews at home (N = 40 dyads). The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to compare the efficacy of C-PLR quantitatively and examine the outcomes qualitatively among intergenerational (n = 30) and spousal (n = 10) dyads. Intergenerational dyads’ depression and relationship quality significantly improved while spousal dyads’ outcomes were similar but not statistically significant. Qualitative interviews supported gains in both groups. This study demonstrated that C-PLR can be taught to laypersons, however, its effect may differ by the dyad’s relationships. Intergenerational caregivers are more likely to hear new stories and process new memories with their parents while spousal dyads tend to cover previously heard stories, having already shared that information at other points during their relationships. The small number of spousal dyads may explain the lack of significant findings.

Review of Life after death: Surviving suicide.

Review of Life after death: Surviving suicide.

Facilitating and limiting factors in the implementation of Revie ⊕ among registered nurses: A multimethod study

PurposePeople with advanced cancer face long-term physical, psychological, and existential challenges. Revie ⊕ is a life review intervention based on building the strengths and resources of this patients. A randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention on self-esteem, well-being, personal development, life satisfaction and perceived interaction with registered nurses. In addition, the research team analysed the process of implementation with registered nurses, which was the subject of the present study. The aim of our study was to describe the facilitating or limiting factors in the implementation of Revie ⊕ with registered nurses in oncology units. MethodThis study used a multimethod cross-sectional research design and was conducted in the context of a randomized controlled trial. The selected sample included 57 registered nurses. Organizational readiness for change, satisfaction, and compassion fatigue were measured for the quantitative component, and two focus groups were conducted for the qualitative component. ResultsOrganizational readiness for change reveals favourable results conducive to the implementation of Revie ⊕. The professional quality of life measures highlighted high compassion satisfaction and a low risk of burnout and exposure to secondary traumatic stress. Participants with additional postgraduate training felt more strongly that the intervention was evidence-based, considered clinical experience, and respected patient preferences. The analysis of the qualitative data allowed for the extraction of 7 themes and 21 subthemes. ConclusionsThis study highlighted facilitating and limiting factors in the implementation process of Revie ⊕, good professional quality of life of registered nurses, and supportive preparation for change.

Brain Mappers of Tomorrow: An international multilingual initiative for neuroscience dissemination

The initiative “Brain Mappers of Tomorrow” coordinated by the Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM) Diversity and Inclusivity Committee (DIC) aims to make neuroscience accessible to children worldwide, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Over the past several years, this successful initiative has grown and evolved, offering live reviews of scientific papers tailored for children in multiple languages. These live review events have seen exponential growth, engaging over 1,000 children in 2023 alone. Through partnerships and innovative strategies, the initiative has successfully reached diverse audiences, fostering curiosity and critical thinking in young minds. Although some challenges remain, including recruiting scientists and participants from underprivileged communities, ongoing efforts strive to overcome these barriers. The success of “Brain Mappers of Tomorrow” demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives across scientific disciplines, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in science education and outreach. Such efforts can foster positive impacts at multiple levels, from individuals (children and presenters) to global society. This editorial highlights the benefits and challenges of such initiatives, shares experiences and resources to assist other scientific communities in launching similar endeavors, and discusses future directions.

Rethinking Lifetime Abuse in Old Age.

Research on abuse is often piecemeal and focused on specific forms, populations, and social situations. As a result, these studies tend to ignore the web of abuse resulting from the interactive effects of various forms of abuse over the life course, together referred to as "lifetime abuse." An examination of abuse from the point of view of older adults is likely to provide a lifetime perspective based on linking child abuse to elder abuse over the life course and an assessment of its consequences. Despite the growing awareness and resulting body of knowledge regarding this phenomenon, proposed theoretical formulations about it remain limited. The present article aimed to conceptualize the multifaceted phenomenon of lifetime abuse and to gain a deeper perspective of the topic by understanding its dimensions, meanings, and experiences in older age, based on a critical review of empirical studies. A model is suggested, which can be useful for future exploration and understanding of lifetime abuse. Based on a critical review of previous studies, we suggest a theoretical framework of lifetime abuse from the perspective of older adults, identifying three key domains: (a) perception of time and life review in old age; (b) cumulative and interactive abusive life events; and (c) resilience versus vulnerability over the life course. We propose a heuristic model to explore and understand lifetime abuse. We believe our proposed model is open to reflection and elaboration and is intended to raise questions that could enhance the need for our understanding of lifetime abuse in old age.

The Application of Psychological Therapies in Addressing Adolescent Disengagement from School.

The issue of adolescent aversion to school not only affects their academic performance but can also lead to psychological health problems. This article reviews the application of several psychological therapies in addressing the problem of adolescent aversion to school, including mindfulness therapy, sandplay therapy, life review method, adaptive psychological counseling, and humanistic therapy.

Outcome of whole brain irradiation with a dose-escalated simultaneous-integrated boost in patients with multiple large and/or diffuse brain metastases: real live data and review of the literature

BackgroundWe retrospectively investigate feasibility and safety of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) including a simultaneous-integrated boost technique (WBRT-SIB) in a cohort of patients with a very poor prognosis suffering from multiple and/or large brain metastases, unfavorable primary histology, poor performance status and/or symptomatic BMs.Materials and MethodsThirty-five patients with high brain tumor burden, extracranial metastases and low life-expectancy were treated with WBRT-SIB mostly with 35-42 Gy/14 fractions. All metastases were boosted in patients with up to 12 BMs. In patients with > 12 BM, large and/or small metastases in critical brain regions were boosted up to a maximum of 12 SIB volumes.ResultsThe median number of BM was 8 (range 2–45) and the median BM diameter was 12 mm (range 4–90 mm). Fifteen (43%) patients had ≥ 10 BMs and 25 patients presented with a Karnofski index ≤ 80%. Primary tumor histology was NSCLC (n = 13), SCLC (n = 11), breast cancer (n = 7), melanoma (n = 2), other (n = 2). The median iPFS was not reached, and 12- and 18-months iPFS were 75% and 50%, respectively. Overall, seven patients had intracranial progression: two patients within the SIB and WBRT area, one patient only within the SIB region and four patients had new BMs in the WBRT volume alone. The median iPFS for non-SCLC patients was 17 months and the 12- and 18-month iPFS were 56.8% and 28.4%, respectively. There was no significant OS difference between SCLC-group and non-SCLC patients (p = 0.38). Overall, median OS was 8.7 months and 1-year OS was 25%. The treatment was generally well-tolerated with no observed cases of radionecrosis.ConclusionOur WBRT-SIB approach involves a combination of whole brain radiotherapy and a simultaneous integrated boost to specific tumor volumes, and its effectiveness is compared with other treatment modalities in the literature. Further research, including prospective studies with larger patient cohorts, is necessary to validate and refine the findings.

Development of script concordance test for assessment of clinical reasoning in nursing: Lessons learned regarding construct validity

BackgroundThe script concordance test (SCT) has been shown to be an effective tool to assess the clinical reasoning skills of nursing students. Various nursing studies have demonstrated the construct validity of this test. However, studies on the barriers that may impede construct validity during the development process are limited. ObjectiveThis evaluation describes the barriers to the development of SCT for Bachelor's nursing students and the lessons learned regarding construct validity. MethodsWe conducted a descriptive evaluation of the SCT development and a validation process was performed. The evaluation was based on written comments during the assessment (N = 327), a Student's Perspective Questionnaire (N = 100), and student feedback during three live review sessions (N = 27). ResultsDespite consideration of the guidelines during SCT development, we encountered three main barriers that may impede construct validity. We undertook the necessary efforts to recruit an appropriate expert panel. We overestimated the experts' and students' understanding of the SCT methodology. Additionally, four potential causes of invalid item construction were identified. These possible causes were ‘questionable intervention, hypothesis, or investigation’, ‘blurred data in new information’, ‘regression to the middle’, and ‘misinterpretation of the midpoint’. ConclusionThe three lessons learned are as follows: 1) The recruitment of an appropriate expert panel must not be underestimated. Besides clinical expertise, experts need training in SCT methodology, including awareness of possible pitfalls; 2) SCT training is a prerequisite for SCT as an assessment; and 3) student feedback may offer a deeper understanding of potential hidden script errors and causes for misinterpretation of SCT. Further studies are necessary to identify additional causes which may impede the construct validity of SCT in nursing education.

Pengaruh Live Shopping, Online Review, Persepsi Harga dan Gratis Ongkir Terhadap Minat Beli Konsumen Muslim Kabupaten Pekalongan di Aplikasi Shopee

Live shopping, online reviews, price perception and shipping discounts are features released by the e-commerce platform Shopee. This feature aims to attract consumer buying interest. Ease of shopping will be one of the buying interests of consumers, especially Muslim consumers in Pekalongan district. This research aims to test the influence of Live shopping, online reviews, price perceptions and postage discounts on Muslim consumers' buying interest in the Shopee application, especially in Pekalongan Regency.This research is a type of quantitative research. The data collection method in this research is the questionnaire method using a sample of 96 respondents. The sampling technique uses the Accidental sampling method. This research uses multiple linear regression test data analysis with the help of SPSS 24.0. The research results show that live shopping, online reviews, price perceptions and postage discounts have a positive effect on Muslim consumers' buying interest in the Shopee application. Then simultaneously Live shopping, online reviews, price perceptions and postage discounts also influence Muslim consumers' buying interest in the Shopee application.

Why some homicide investigations go cold: a study exploring the experiences of the investigative review process by UK detectives

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the review mechanisms’ efficacy from the perspective of cold case reviewers. Live homicide review mechanisms at the 7- and 28-day stage of an inquiry seek to prevent the case becoming cold (or unsolved) by ensuring lines of inquiry have been suitably identified and progressed. There is also a requirement to ensure the investigation was not swayed by faulty decision-making or cognitive biases. However, the use of the review processes in preventing unsolved cases is unclear, and not subject to much academic discussion.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study explores the review functions through the lens of cold case detectives, currently reviewing unsolved cases to identify progression opportunities. The study uses data from a seven-month, non-participatory observation period with a two-force collaborative cold case unit and 13 semi-structured interviews with cold case review officers. The observations and interviews were simultaneously analysed adhering to an inductive approach to Thematic Analysis.FindingsThe results show procedural guides (e.g. the Major Crime Investigation Manual) are important quality assurance mechanisms for review officers, helping ensure the appropriate and necessary lines of inquiry have been pursued. However, they were keen to emphasise the importance of intuition in progressing cases but felt continuously hindered by a lack of resources and large numbers of applicable cases. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this study is the first exploration of cold case detective’s experiences of the live review processes and how they may pose challenges in case progression for cognitive errors and biases. While the study has identified some challenges facing review officers in nine police forces across the UK, wider examination of policies, practices and mechanisms should be explored to develop the current procedural guidance (e.g. NPCC, 2021).Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge this exploratory study is the first exploration of cold case detective’s experiences of the live review processes and how they may pose challenges in case progression for cognitive errors and biases. While the study has identified some challenges facing review officers in nine police forces across the UK, wider examination of policies, practices and mechanisms should be explored to develop the current procedural guidance (e.g. NPCC, 2021).

Safety and efficacy of robotic anti-reflux surgery in geriatric patients: a comparative analysis.

As our population ages, older adults are being considered for anti-reflux surgery (ARS). Geriatric patients typically have heightened surgical risk, and literature has shown mixed results regarding postoperative outcomes. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic ARS in the geriatric population. We conducted a single-institution review of ARS procedures performed between 2009 and 2023. Patients ≥ 65 were assigned to the geriatric cohort. We compared operative details, lengths of stay (LOS), readmissions, reoperations, and complications between the two cohorts. The gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) survey and review of clinic notes were used to evaluate ARS efficacy. 628 patients were included, with 190 in the geriatric cohort. This cohort had a higher frequency of diabetes (16.3% vs 5.9% p < 0.0001), hypertension (50.0% vs 21.5% p < 0.0001), and heart disease (17.9% vs 2.3% p < 0.0001). Geriatric patients were more likely to exhibit hiatal hernias on imaging (51.6% vs 34.2% p < 0.0001) and were more likely to have large hernias (30.0% vs 7.1% p < 0.0001). Older adults were more likely to undergo Toupet fundoplications (58.4% vs 41.3%, p < 0.0001), Collis gastroplasties (9.5% vs 2.7% p < 0.0001), and relaxing incisions (11.6% vs 1.4% p < 0.0001). Operative time was longer for geriatric patients (132.0min vs 104.5min p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in LOS, readmissions, or reoperations between cohorts. Geriatric patients exhibited lower rates of complications (7.4% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.011), but similar complication grades. Both groups had significant reduction in symptom scores from preoperative values. There were no significant differences in the reported symptoms between cohorts at any follow-up timepoint. Geriatric robotic ARS patients tend to do as well as younger adults regarding postoperative and symptomatic outcomes, despite presenting with larger hiatal hernias and shorter esophagi. Clinicians should be aware of possible need for lengthening procedures or relaxing incisions in this population.

The impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on symptomatic and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection during a period of Omicron variant dominance in Ireland, December 2021 to March 2023.

BackgroundAs Ireland prepared for an autumn 2023 COVID-19 vaccination booster campaign, there was concern that vaccine fatigue would affect uptake, which has been abating.AimThis study aimed to quantify the direct impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland on averted COVID-19-related outcomes including symptomatic presentations to primary care/community testing centres, emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths, in individuals aged ≥ 50 years, during Omicron dominance.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational COVID-19 vaccine impact study in December 2021-March 2023 in Ireland. We used national data on notified outcomes and vaccine coverage, as well as vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates, sourced from the World Health Organization's live systematic review of VE, to estimate the count and prevented fraction of outcomes in ≥ 50-year-olds averted by the COVID-19 vaccination programme in this age group.ResultsThe COVID-19 vaccination programme averted 48,551 symptomatic COVID-19 presentations to primary care/community testing centres (36% of cases expected in the absence of vaccination), 9,517 ED presentations (53% of expected), 102,160 hospitalisations (81% of expected), 3,303 ICU admissions (89% of expected) and 15,985 deaths (87% of expected).ConclusionsWhen Omicron predominated, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted symptomatic and severe COVID-19 cases, including deaths due to COVID-19. In line with other international vaccine impact studies, these findings emphasise the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for population health and the healthcare system and are relevant for informing COVID-19 booster vaccination programmes, pandemic preparedness and communicating the reason for and importance of COVID-19 vaccination in Ireland and internationally.