Survival Experiences Research Articles

The Fuzzified Log-Rank Test Procedure for Comparing More Than Two Groups

Objectives: To extend the conventional log-rank test to handle fuzzy data, accommodating the inherent uncertainty and vagueness in illustrative data. To create a statistical procedure that can compare survival distributions across more than two groups. Methods: The log-rank test is a familiar non-parametric methodology used to compare the survival experiences of two or more groups of subjects. This study applies fuzzification procedures to survival data, transforming precise survival times and event indicators into fuzzy numbers. Findings: When fuzziness is attributed to the survival data, the proposed method shows less potential and is unable to produce reliable results. However, the fuzzified log-rank test outperforms conventional methods when dealing with uncertain or imprecise data, providing more reliable results. Novelty: Unlike conventional log-rank tests that are typically limited to two groups, the proposed method can simultaneously compare survival distributions across three groups, providing a more comprehensive survival analysis. This article suggests a new procedure that can accommodate the fuzziness in the data. The fuzzified log-rank test enhances the analytical capability of survival analysis and represents a novel contribution to statistical methodologies in medical and survival research. Keywords: Fuzziness, Survival Data, Log-Rank Test, Three Groups, Defuzzification

Impact of Non-Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury on Survival Outcomes in Non-critically Ill Hospitalized Medical Patients in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction The severe consequences of acute kidney injury (AKI) have been well-documented in high-risk patient populations. However, the effects of milder forms in non-critically ill patients remain understudied, particularly in resource-limited settings. While the risk of mortality associated with these cases is considered low, it can still lead to various complications including prolonged hospitalization, which may influence long-term renal and patient survival.Hence, the objective of this study was to studythe impact of non-dialysis-requiring AKI (NDR-AKI) on survival outcomes of non-critically ill medical patients admitted to St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia during the period from July 2019 to January 2022. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 300 non-critically ill medical patients, 93 with NDR-AKI and 207 without AKI.Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and median survival times, were employed to summarize the data. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were utilized to compare survival experiences of groups. A Cox proportional hazards survival model was fitted to estimate the impact of NDR-AKI on time to recovery. Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report findings. Results Two hundred four (68.0%) were discharged after improvement and the median recovery time was 16 days (95%CI: 13.5-18.5 days). Having NDR-AKI was associated with a 43% lower rate of achieving recovery (AHR=0.57, 95%CI=0.38, 0.84, p-value=0.004). Females were found to have a 1.41 times higher rate of recovery (AHR=1.41, 95%CI=1.03,1.94, p-value=0.033). Additionally, having tuberculosis (AHR=0.41, 95%CI=0.23,0.72, p-value=0.002) and being on anticoagulant (AHR=0.67, 95%CI=0.47,0.95, p-value=0.027) were associated with a 59% and 33% lower rate of recovery, respectively. Conclusion NDR-AKI significantly delays recovery compared to patients without AKI suggesting that even milder forms of AKI in non-critically ill patients can negatively impact patient outcomes. Early identification, prompt management, and addressing underlying causes are key to improving recovery and reducing long-term morbidity and mortality. Strict screening and monitoring of high-risk groups such as men, patients with tuberculosis, and those on anticoagulants is also crucial.

An invasion front gene expression signature for higher-risk patient selection in stage IIA MSS colon cancer.

Stage II colon cancer (CC) encompasses a heterogeneous group of patients with diverse survival experiences: 87% to 58% 5-year relative survival rates for stages IIA and IIC, respectively. While stage IIA patients are usually spared the adjuvant chemotherapy, some of them relapse and may benefit from it; thus, their timely identification is crucial. Current gene expression signatures did not specifically target this group nor did they find their place in clinical practice. Since processes at invasion front have also been linked to tumor progression, we hypothesize that aside from bulk tumor features, focusing on the invasion front may provide additional clues for this stratification. A retrospective matched case-control collection of 39 stage IIA microsatellite-stable (MSS) untreated CCs was analyzed to identify prognostic gene expression-based signatures. The endpoint was defined as relapse within 5 years vs. no relapse for at least 6 years. From the same tumors, three different classifiers (bulk tumor, invasion front, and constrained baseline on bulk tumor) were developed and their performance estimated. The baseline classifier, while the weakest, was validated in two independent data sets. The best performing signature was based on invasion front profiles [area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) = 0.931 (0.815-1.0)] and contained genes associated with KRAS pathway activation, apical junction complex, and heme metabolism. Its combination with bulk tumor classifier further improved the accuracy of the predictions.

“I established a life; I can re-establish it again”: Lived experiences of intimate partner violence in Mongolia

Violence against women persists globally, transcending intersecting backgrounds, such as race, gender, socio-economic status, education, and ableness. The reality remains that women across diverse intersections continue to endure various forms of violence. According to a nationwide study, 30 % of women experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime in Mongolia. The present research adopts an intersectional lens to comprehensively address the survival experiences of Mongolian women who had lived through intimate partner violence. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants recruited through purposive sampling, most of whom had ended a relationship involving intimate partner violence. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes among survival experiences. Although women's experiences varied, intimate partner violence confronted them with the dilemma of maintaining or going against traditional values, including family unity when seeking protection (and safety) for themselves and their children. The women's survival experiences included a combination of building a sense of community and rebuilding a sense of self, while self-contentment was achieved when the women ceased to blame themselves. This study highlights a critical shift in mindset and behavior by investigating the survival experiences of women who defy social norms, prioritizing family unity over personal well-being. Recognition of survivors' efforts to cease self-blame and seek support signifies a crucial advancement in the survival process. The findings suggest a positive trend toward self-empowerment and a willingness to access the necessary resources and support systems. From a practical standpoint, these findings advocate for strengthening current interventions that empower survivors to challenge norms, cease self-blame, and actively seek assistance.

Modeling Survival Time to Death among Stroke Patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to impaired blood flow to brain tissues. Every year, about 15 million people worldwide suffer from a stroke, with five million of them suffering from some form of permanent physical disability. Globally, stroke is the second-leading cause of death following ischemic heart disease. It is a public health burden for both developed and developing nations, including Ethiopia. This study is aimed at estimating the time to death among stroke patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. A facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 432 patients. The data were collected from stroke patients under follow-up at Jimma University Medical Center from January 1, 2016, to January 30, 2019. A log-rank test was used to compare the survival experiences of different categories of patients. The Cox proportional hazard model and the accelerated failure time model were used to analyze the survival analysis of stroke patients using R software. An Akaike's information criterion was used to compare the fitted models. Of the 432 stroke patients followed, 223 (51.6%) experienced the event of death. The median time to death among the patients was 15 days. According to the results of the Weibull accelerated failure time model, the age of patients, atrial fibrillation, alcohol consumption, types of stroke diagnosed, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were found to be the significant prognostic factors that contribute to shorter survival times among stroke patients. The Weibull accelerated failure time model better described the time to death of the stroke patients' data set than other distributions used in this study. Patients' age, atrial fibrillation, alcohol consumption, being diagnosed with hemorrhagic types of stroke, having hypertension, and having diabetes mellitus were found to be factors shortening survival time to death for stroke patients. Hence, healthcare professionals need to thoroughly follow the patients who pass risk factors. Moreover, patients need to be educated about lifestyle modifications.

Magnitude and Impacts of Adverse Events of Injectable Containing Shorter Regimen in Programmatic Management of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Since its launch as a standardized treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Ethiopia in April 2018, the safety profile of the shorter injectable regimen under a programmatic setting has not been well studied. Thus, this study aimed to assess the status of adverse events in patients treated with a shorter injectable regimen in Ethiopia. This is a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected using a structured data abstraction form and analyzed using SPSS, version 25, both descriptively and analytically. Logistic regression was conducted to assess predictors, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to examine the time to AEs and survival experiences. Of 256 patients, 245 (95.7%) were eligible for the study. Of 245, 107 (43.7%) patients experienced at least one AE. In total, 276 AE cases were observed out of which the most common were nausea/vomiting (20.3%), dyspepsia (18.1%), and ototoxicity (11.6%). Of 276 AEs, approximately 49 (17.8%) were serious. AEs led to drug discontinuation, dose modification, and regimen change in 29 (27%), 15 (14%) and 10 (9.3%) patients, respectively. Only 19.2% of 276 the overall AEs and 22.6% of 62 AE of special interest (AESI) were reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Center. Although the observed extent of AEs associated with the shorter regimen (SR) seemed to be moderate, it significantly influenced the treatment schemes and patient conditions. Reporting of AEs was low, irrespective of their severity and AESI. Therefore, strengthening the implementation of active drug safety monitoring and management is required.

Life Experience of Chinese Pediatric Medulloblastoma Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: With the improvement of technology and the advancement of medical treatment in recent decades, more and more pediatric medulloblastoma survivors reintegrate to the community. This study aimed to examine the experiences of pediatric medulloblastoma survivors. METHODS: A qualitative research was conducted. Twenty Chinese pediatric medulloblastoma survivors were interviewed. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi's analysis method was used to analyze data. RESULTS: There were 4 themes in this study: physical health issues, community reintegration challenges, overcoming psychological pressure, and multiple unmet needs. CONCLUSION: Pediatric medulloblastoma survivors face challenges in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of their health, along with multiple unmet healthcare needs. Nurses should comprehensively assess the survivor's needs from admission, plan for discharge, and provide regular follow-up care after discharge. Furthermore, nurses should collaborate with caregivers, clinicians, and schoolteachers to develop programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for survivors. It is also important to explore the survival experiences of individuals in different regions.

Time to Relapse and Relapse Predictors in Patients with Schizophrenia at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia

Background. Rehospitalization, treatment resistance, and impairment are all possible outcomes of a schizophrenia relapse, which has a severe impact on patients, families, and the healthcare system. However, little is known regarding the time to relapse and relapse predictors in Ethiopia and in the study settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the time to relapse and relapse predictors in patients with schizophrenia at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among 273 schizophrenia patients discharged from Ayder Comprehensive and Specialty Hospital between January 2015 and January 2019. The data was taken from the patient’s medical record and was chosen using a systematic random sampling procedure. A standardized data collection checklist was employed. The survival experiences of participants were compiled using a life table. Both univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used for variable selection. Finally, after confirming the model’s diagnosis and assumptions, factors with a p value of less than 0.05 were declared to be statistically significant predictors of schizophrenia relapse. Results. In this study, the incidence of relapse was 2.9 per 100 person-months (PMs) and the median time to relapse of 13 months (interquartile range: 6–23 months). Being divorced ( AHR = 2.50 , 95% CI: 1.18-5.28), not adhering to treatment ( AHR = 5.7 , 95% CI: 3.03-10.74), and substance abuse ( AHR = 1.8 , 95% CI: 1.01-3.22) were risk factors for increasing schizophrenia relapse. Age ( AHR = 0.65 , 95% CI: 0.34-0.88) and length of first hospitalization ( AHR = 0.69 , 95% CI: 0.57-0.86) were factors that decreased schizophrenia relapse. Conclusion and Recommendation. In this study, out of 100 patients with schizophrenia followed up for a month, three had a relapse, and the highest risk factor for relapse was treatment nonadherence, followed by being divorced and substance misuse. As a result, it is advised that all parties involved focus on early detection and taking preventive measures against schizophrenia relapse, as well as providing regular psychoeducation about the significance of treatment adherence and connecting patients with substance misuse to substance rehabilitation centers.

"Going Forward Like a Grandmother in the Snow": Personal Survival Strategies, Motherhood, and Nature as Resources for Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence.

After suffering interpersonal violence (IPV), women survivors can access various interdisciplinary services and programmes to guide their recovery. Nevertheless, many vulnerable women postpone seeking help, sometimes indefinitely. Motherhood especially complicates help-seeking because mothers often want to protect both the perpetrator and their children. Understanding women's resilience, resources, and capacities in surviving IPV, however, could guide the development of helpful services that women actually access. Thus, in our study, we sought to explore the agency, resources, and reinforcing survival experiences of survivors of IPV. Our data, gathered in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic, consisted of 12 narratives of mothers told in Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interviews that were subsequently subjected to thematic analysis. Five themes describing personal resources, motherhood, and nature were identified under the overarching metaphor of "going forward like a grandmother in the snow". Recognising the agency, resources, capacities, and coping mechanisms of women who have suffered IPV can help in developing professional outreach programmes, promoting women's early access to useful resources, and, in turn, helping them to stop the possible intergenerational transmission of violence.

Impact of social determinants of health on immigrant women’s cancer prevalence, outcomes, and survival experiences: narrative review

Background and Objective: This paper aims to review the social determinants of health to comprehend the cancer survival lived experiences of immigrant females. It can serve as a guideline for Canadian healthcare providers who wish to formulate an intervention for improving the quality of life of immigrant females who are cancer survivors. The intervention is formulated based on various factors associated with cancer development, health outcomes, and survival lived experiences of these immigrants.

Abstract WMP39: Effects Of A Home Visiting And Phone Coaching Self-management Program For Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Systematic reviews show that self-management interventions were associated with significant improvements in stroke survivors’ activities of daily living and quality of life. However, the programmes were largely group-based and held in community settings. It may limit access by stroke survivors who have greater physical impairment or are more vulnerable to adverse events. Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of a new, 8-week, individual-based self-management program on stroke survivors’ self-efficacy in performing self-management behaviors and level of community reintegration. Methods: A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted. A convenience sample of adults who had a first-ever/recurrent ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke were recruited from community-based rehabilitation organisations and support groups. The participants in the intervention group received the self-management program and usual care. The program included four home visits and five phone coaching sessions held weekly over eight weeks. It was led by a healthcare professional who conducted home visits and supported by a trained volunteer who provided phone coaching. Access to the program website and a workbook with essential information about self-management and peer survivors’ sharing of survival experiences in videos was also provided. The generalised estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare the difference in outcomes between the intervention and control groups at post-intervention compared to baseline. Results: A total of 134 participants (mean age=64.06 years; SD=12.69) were recruited. The mean years after a stroke was 4.19 years (SD=5.07). The adjusted GEE analysis results showed that participants in the intervention group improved significantly more in total scores of the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the Reintegration into Normal Living Index at follow-up with respect to baseline compared to those in the control group. Conclusions: The results supported the benefits of the self-management program. The model of collaboration between healthcare professionals and trained volunteers in the program delivery could be further explored to optimize the continuity of self-management support to stroke survivors.

Staying Power of UK Buy-outs

This paper examines 1,089 private equity (PE) backed and non-PE backed (pure) UK buy-outs, determinants of their survival, and their exit behaviour during the period of 1966–2004. Our results suggest that 56% of the pure sample buy-outs remained in a buy-out organisational form for at least seven years after the original buy-out transaction, thus lending support to views that buy-outs present long rather than short term form. PE backed buy-outs exhibit higher exit rates, fewer early (within 12 months) exits and fewer liquidations than their pure counterparts. Buy-outs sponsored by PE syndicates, those harvested during periods with strong market conditions and greater supply of PE funding, tend to have shorter longevity. The most notable difference between the survival experiences of PE backed and pure buy-outs is documented in IPO exits, where a significant number of pure buyouts exit early to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Advances in pediatric intensive care have dramatically improved the prognosis for critically ill patients. The study aimed to determine the survival status and predictors of mortality among patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at selected tertiary care hospitals in Ethiopia. A health facility-based prospective observational study from October 2020 to May 30, 2021, was conducted in a selected tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. Kaplan Meier was used to compare patient survival experiences and Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of ICU mortality. The hazard ratio was used as a measure of the strength of the association, and a P-value of <.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Of 206 study participants, 59 (28.6%) patients died during follow-up time, and the incidence of mortality was 3.6 deaths per 100 person-day observation (95% CI: 2.04-5.04 deaths per 100 person-days). Respiratory failure 19 (32.2%) was the commonest cause of death followed by septic shock 11(18.6). In-ICU complications (AHR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.42; P = .04), sepsis diagnosis (AHR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.78; P = .01), GCS < 8 (AHR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.43; P = .02), use of sedative drugs (AHR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.16, 4.95; P = .02) were linked with increased risk of in-ICU mortality. In contrast, the use of mechanical ventilation was associated with decreased mortality (AHR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.92; P = .03). The study found a high incidence of in-ICU mortality among admitted pediatric patients in selected Ethiopian tertiary care hospitals. In-ICU complications, sepsis diagnosis, GCS < 8, and patient use of sedative drugs were independent predictors of in-ICU mortality. Prudent follow-up is warranted for those patients with the aforementioned risk factors.

Relationship between the Informal Economy and Local Economic Improvement in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in South Africa

Purpose: The LED in South Africa complies with the formalisation of economies, the legislative context and the economic development framework. It involves the progression of the informal economy through consideration of its characteristics and potentials together with the standard LED requirements that associate the notion of a green economy and the connections among the unregulated and the official economies. This study investigates the relationship between the informal economy and the LED in the Thembisile Hani local municipality in South Africa.&#x0D; Methodology: The scholarship uses face-to-face interviews to collect data from respondents in the Thembisile Hani municipality regarding their economic survival experiences.&#x0D; Findings: The study results show that several limitations such as infrastructure, capital, suitable skills, excessive regulations and security apprehensions compromise the informal economy growth. In addition, the study showed that employment opportunities are created in the informal sector for poverty reduction and economic improvement. Furthermore, inclusive economic development is required because the government have excluded the informal economy from their economic planning processes.&#x0D; Implications: Municipalities should ensure the enhancement of basic knowledge and a better environment for the informal economy players to create the bridge between the unofficial economy and a sustainable LED in the country.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis and the Determinants of Lose to Follow-Up the Treatment for Tuberculosis Patients in Case of Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tuberculosis and determinants of lose to follow-up from TB treatment.MethodsA retrospective study design is used to analyze the prevalence of tuberculosis and the determinants of lose to follow-up from TB treatment who follow the treatment from 2006 to 2017. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical model.ResultsThe study showed that among 375 TB patients, who started TB treatments, about 24.8% were lost to follow-up from TB treatment and 75.2% were censored at the end of the study. The median survival time of TB patients was 199 days. The results from the Log rank test showed that marital status, HIV co-infection, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and anemia cases had a significant difference between the survival experiences at a 5% level of significance. The result of the Cox-proportion hazard model showed that age (p-value=0.002; CI: (0.9831144, 0.9962526)), HIV co-infection (p-value=0.016; CI: (1.112293, 2.774715)), and anemia (p-value=0.021; CI: (1.089895, 2.938783)) had a significant effect on tuberculosis patients’ lose to follow-up from TB treatment at a 5% level of significance.ConclusionFrom 375 patients who started TB treatments, about 24.8% were lost to follow-up from TB treatment, and 75.2% were censored at the end of the study. The median survival time of TB patients was 199 days. The variables marital status, HIV co-infection, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and anemia cases had a significant difference between the survival experiences survival time of TB patients at a 5% level of significance. The result also showed that age, HIV co-infection, and anemia had a significant effect on tuberculosis patients.

Survival Patterns and Predictors of Mortality among COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Treatment Centers in Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

PurposeTo assess survival patterns and predictors of mortality among patients admitted with COVID-19 to treatment centers in the Oromia region of Ethiopia from April 1 to August 31, 2021.MethodsA prospective cohort study design was employed, taking a sample of 854 patients selected from eight treatment centers in the region. The follow-up duration was the time interval from admission to the treatment center until the final disposition of patients at discharge (death, recovery, or failed to recover). Data were collected by computer tablet with an interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist designed using CSPro 7.5 and exported to Stata 13 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to explore the characteristics of patients. The mortality rate was estimated by number of deaths per 1,000 person-days of observation. The survival duration was estimated by medians with IQR. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare the survival experiences of patients. To identify the predictors of time to death after hospitalization, a Cox proportional-hazard model was used. The magnitude of association was estimated using HRs with 95% CIs, and statistical significance was set at P<0.05.ResultsThe mortality rate among hospitalized patients was 9.9 per 1,000 person-days of observation and the median survival time after admission was 9 (IQR 9–10) days. Higher hazard of death was observed among patients who drank alcohol (AHR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.3), required anticoagulants (AHR 10, 95% CI 1.2–91.5), glucocorticoids (AHR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.8), and oxygen (AHR 4.7, 95% CI 1.1–22.0), those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (AHR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7–5.1), and critical patients admitted to intensive care units (AHR 3.4, 95% CI 2.0–5.9).ConclusionThe hazard of death is significantly predicted by alcohol use, requiring anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, or oxygen medication, acute respiratory distress syndrome complication, and being critical when admitted to intensive care units.

Academic Survival Experiences of the Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This qualitative research study aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the college students? lives in Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College Cervantes Campus, specifically towards their academic survival. It was conducted to produce an action plan in strategizing modes of instructional delivery that will cater on the needs of students for significant learning experiences in this new normal. Findings reveal that students experienced both Personal and Environmental challenges in meeting their subject requirements. Personal challenges include difficulty in adjustments and in comprehension of subject matters as well as their personal struggles. Meanwhile, environmental challenges include time restrictions; and overload requirements per subjects; lack of resources; inconsiderate teachers and poor internet connections. To cope with the challenges, the students employ Internal and External adaptive coping mechanisms. Internal includes keeping their self-motivations and responsibility. External includes seeking assistance from others, finding a suitable place for learning, earning extra income, and clinging on to God. Positively, the students have developed their intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. With themselves, they have developed values solidifying their character besides enhancing their digital and entrepreneurial skills. With others, they have realized the importance of teachers, have spent more time for family, have built genuine relationships, and have deepened their faith. Meanwhile, the students have recognized the extended help by the teachers in terms of digital instructions, adjustments, and moral supports. However, they wished to have limited face to face instructions, online classes, mental health aid, financial assistance and strong internet connectivity.

Passing on the Periphery: A Call for the Critical Reconsideration of Research on Identity ‘Passing’ as a Jewish Response to Persecution During the Holocaust

ABSTRACT This article calls for a revisitation and reevaluation of passing experiences in Holocaust research and remembrance. In this article, passing denotes the concealing of one’s Jewish identity by adopting a non-Jewish, non-persecuted identity in the attempt to function as Gentile, ‘Aryan,’ or as a member of another, more protected group. In recent years, passing narratives have become more visible in Holocaust canon. However, these accounts are most often integrated into frameworks of hiding, resistance, and Gentile-directed rescue, if at all, and are largely discounted in Holocaust memory. Incorporating passing experiences as a mere element in dominant commemorative narratives of evasion and defiance elides the stories and experiences of individuals who attempted to survive in plain sight. Moreover, their exclusion and minimization preclude deeper inquiry into passing as a Jewish response to persecution. The diversity of experience among passers, as well as its day-to-day nuances, provide critical insight that helps us understand and engage with more diverse survival experiences during the Holocaust and offers greater insight into both the field at large and to broader interdisciplinary arenas. This article highlights the distinctiveness of passing as a method of survival, assesses the ways in which it has been silenced in broader perspectives, and comments on its place in Holocaust memory.

Using Weighted Differences in Hazards as Effect Sizes for Survival Data

Sensitive to the change in sample sizes, traditional measures such as values of test statistics or p values can fail to quantify the difference in survival between populations for time-to-event data. We thereby propose to use effect sizes defined as the weighted differences in hazards to evaluate the survival difference between two groups. On the basis of the logrank test statistic, Gehan–Wilcoxon test statistic and Prentice–Wilcoxon test statistic, we developed three effect sizes that compare the survival experiences over the time period of investigation. Estimates of these three effect sizes were provided and their large sample behaviors were studied. In light of the Mann–Whitney parameter, we presented an effect size that compares the survival experiences over the entire possible/hypothetical time period. Two estimates of this effect size were constructed. We compared the proposed effect sizes and illuminated their use by theoretical studies, simulations and real cancer data. The effect sizes proposed in this article can help understand the survival difference in populations and are expected to have promising applications in the field of survival analysis.

On the comparison of survival curves of two groups of chronic kidney disease patients based on progressively censored data

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the progressive loss of kidney function. Prevalence of every stage of CKD is rising over the period with increasing number of diabetic, hypertensive and elderly population. It is becoming a problem of epidemic proportions in India. Objectives: Comparison of the survival function of CKD patients with different disease stages criticality grouped on the basis of gender, diabetes and hypertension. Patients and Methods: The retrospective data of 117 patients suffering from CKD during the period March 2006 to October 2016 is used. In the present study, log-rank, Gehan-Wilcoxon, Tarone-Ware, Peto-Peto, modified Peto-Peto and tests belonging to Fleming-Harrington test family with different (p, q) values are applied to test the statistical significance of the difference between two survival functions under different conditions. The parametric test has also been applied to compare the survival time distribution of two groups. Results: Kaplan-Meier method and survival comparison tests suggest no difference between survival experiences of the two groups namely female and male on the basis of grouping variable gender. However, in simulation study as we increase the sample size it is observed that it affects more women than men especially in stage 3 of CKD patients. The survival functions of two groups of CKD patients based on diabetes and hypertension differ significantly. Conclusion: The survival experiences of two groups of CKD patients based on the grouping variables diabetes and hypertension differ significantly on the basis of real data and simulation study. The grouping variable gender as a significant factor becomes evident only when large samples are generated under simulation study