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Therapy-in-the-world: a hermeneutic phenomenological study of accessible self-therapeutic modes of being
Get PDFThis qualitative study concerns four women and four men, untrained in psychotherapy, who integrated accessible, low-cost experiences into their lives in ways they described as ‘therapeutic’. These apparently simple experiences – including music, football, silence, long-distance cycling, paddleboarding, journeying, and artistic creation – existed in subtle relationships to the particular distress with which each person was living. The study asks how integrating these experiences was ‘therapeutic’ for its participants. It uses the existential idea of being-in-the-world as a lens through which to view the phenomenon of people’s self-therapeutic experiences outside formalised therapeutic or self-help practices.
The study finds that worlded self-therapy, or ‘therapy-in-the-world’, can be modelled as experiential phenomenology: a process involving a separation-from and a return-to one’s habitual modes of being. The study considers the relevance of its findings to the practice of caring professions including psychotherapy, counselling psychology, nursing, social work and teaching. It suggests educational opportunities to promote and facilitate the self-therapeutic use of accessible, worlded experiences for the wider public
A return to enquiry: creating the ‘need to know’ using initial stimulus material
No full textTremaine and Tessa argue that the current emphasis on curriculum knowledge neglects the importance of the ‘need to know’ and suggest initial stimulus material (ISM) might provide a way forward
Psychometric properties of the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the clinical impairment assessment (CIA) using a heterogenous clinical sample from Arab countries
Get PDFAs the prevalence rates of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors continue to rise worldwide, it is crucial to make psychometrically validated tools available for clinical use. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic versions of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) using a sample from the clinical population. The sixth edition of the EDE-Q and the third edition of the CIA were translated into Arabic and administered to 260 Arab participants (203 diagnosed with eating disorders and 57 from the general population) who are natives of various countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants with a 97% response rate. Participants from the non-clinical group also filled out the Arabic version of the EAT-26 questionnaire to rule out underlying disordered eating behaviors. Data was collected between June 2018 and August 2023. Internal consistency for the global scores of both the EDE-Q and CIA were high, while the coefficients for the four subscales of the EDE-Q and the three subscales of the CIA were moderate. Confirmatory factor analysis on the EDE-Q revealed a good fit for the abbreviated seven-item measurement with three factors, and the same was true for the CIA’s three-factor model. Convergent validity results showed significant correlations between the EDE-Q and the CIA with high coefficients. Known groups validity tests revealed significant differences based on eating disorder behaviors, where those who reported vomiting episodes and laxative misuse scored significantly higher on the EDE-Q than those who did not, and those who reported excessive exercising behavior scored significantly higher on the CIA than those who did not. There were no significant differences observed based on eating disorder diagnoses, nor were there differences among individuals with secondary diagnoses. Test-retest reliability and discriminant validity tests were not carried out. Strengths, limitations, and future directions are thoroughly discussed. The study investigated the reliability, validity, and factor structure of these tools. The findings corroborate previous studies’ support for the EDE-Q’s abbreviated seven-item measurement with three factors and the CIA’s three-factor model. With a comparatively modest sample size, the findings should be considered preliminary for Arabic versions of the tools using a clinical sample, and future studies with larger sample are warranted to confirm them
An orthogonal approach for analysis of underivatized steroid hormones using ultrahigh performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS).
Get PDFThe crucial role of steroid hormones in health and diseases merits their high-throughput, accurate and affordable measurements in biological specimens. Despite advances in analytical methods, sensing and quantifying steroid hormones remains challenging. Immunoassays offer excellent sensitivity but are inherently labour-intensive, costly, and prone to false positives. Mass spectrometry (MS) has been increasingly utilised, with the main hurdle being the isobaric tendencies of similar analytes, which complicates their separation and accurate quantification. This study compares ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography separation (UHPSFC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) for MS detection. It optimises the column chemistry, temperature, and pressure to provide an operational protocol for the resolution and quantification of analytes. It presents the systematic characterisation of UHPSFC-MS performance by investigating spiked blood samples using Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) and describes the matrix effects associated with MS measurements. Although both separation methods showed adequate resolution, specificity, and retention time, UHPSFC-MS was superior for five out of seven columns tested. With added high-throughput capacities, UHPSFC-MS, thus, offers an optimal solution for the analysis of steroid hormones for research, medical chemistry, and clinical diagnostics
Pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women taking oral probiotic undergoing cerclage compared to placebo: two blinded randomized controlled trial
Get PDFAim
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral probiotic effect on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women undergoing cerclage compared to placebo.
Methods
This study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial undertaken in Yasuj, Iran. 114 eligible participants who have undergone cerclage were randomly divided to either receive probiotic adjuvant or 17α-OHP (250 mg, IM) with placebo from the 16th -37th week of pregnancy by “block” randomization method. Our primary outcomes were preterm labor (PTB) (late and early) and secondary outcomes were other obstetrical and neonatal outcomes included preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM), pre-labor rupture of membranes (PROM), mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes including anthropometric characterize and Apgar score (one and fifth-minute).
Results
Results show that there are no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of PTB in < 34th (15.51% vs. 17.86%; P = 0.73) and 34-37th weeks of pregnancy (8.7% vs. 16.1%; P = 0.22), and mode of delivery (P = 0.09). PPROM (8.7% vs. 28.5%; P = 0.006) PROM (10.3% vs. 25%; P = 0.04) was significantly lower in patients receiving probiotic adjuvant compared to the control group. After delivery, the findings of the present study showed that there were no significant differences in newborn’s weight (3082.46 ± 521.8vs. 2983.89 ± 623.89), head circumstance (36.86 ± 1.53vs. 36.574 ± 1.52), height (45.4 ± 5.34 vs. 47.33 ± 4.92) and Apgar score in one (0.89 ± 0.03 vs. 0.88 ± 0.05) and five minutes (0.99 ± 0.03vs. 0.99 ± 0.03) after birth.
Conclusion
Our result has shown that the consumption of Lactofem probiotic from the 16th week until 37th of pregnancy can lead to a reduction of complications such as PPROM and PROM
Entwicklung eines zukunftsrelevanten Kompetenzmodells für die Führungsarbeit im gewerkschaftlichen Umfeld – eine qualitative, empirische Untersuchung am Beispiel der Industriegewerkschaft Metall
No full textFor many decades, trade unions have advocated for the interests of workers. Their leaders face numerous challenges in their daily operations, both within and outside their organiza-tions, as they represent their membership in various companies. This study presents a 5 x 5 competency model designed to serve as criteria for the selection and development of leaders within the Industrial Union of Metalworkers.
The focus is on the constantly evolving leadership environment and the necessary competen-cies to navigate it. These impacts are evident in changes brought about by industrial transfor-mation, the utilization of new technological developments, employee demands for more flex-ible working time models, and the balance between family and career, to name a few exam-ples. The evolution of union membership necessitates a new perspective on the competencies that future leaders must possess to effectively manage change within society, industry, and the union itself.
This study investigates the identification of essential future competencies. Based on the exist-ing competency model, a future-oriented competency model is developed. The foundation for this model includes expert interviews and discussions conducted within three focus groups, encompassing various hierarchical levels and specialties.
The findings indicate broad consensus that certain competencies play a paramount role in future leadership work. These future competencies primarily include a willingness to innovate and an understanding of transformation as an opportunity, coupled with curiosity and enjoy-ment of change. Additionally, competencies necessary to utilize new communication chan-nels, interpersonal skills, appreciation, and aspects related to employee well-being are equally important. Technical competencies, such as basic knowledge of economic indicators and mac-roeconomic contexts, play a relatively minor role but are still necessary for daily decision-making.
In summary, the development of future competencies will primarily align with the demands and needs of employees. The study clearly demonstrates that "human competencies" in lead-ers—characterized by appreciative, attentive, and cooperative behavior—will determine the success of an organization. This study highlights the critical role of human-centered leadership competencies in ensuring organizational success. Future leaders must be equipped with the skills to navigate and leverage the continuous changes in society, industry, and their unions, prioritizing innovation, communication, and employee well-being
Evaluating 48-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring effectiveness for atrial fibrillation detection against NICE's 72-hour recommendation – a service evaluation
No full textThis service evaluation assesses the effectiveness of a 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) monitoring protocol implemented at NWAFT for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). By challenging the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations of 72-hour monitoring, this study explores the potential for a more personalised approach to AECG, aimed at improving both diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes. Prior to 2022, no standardized duration for AECG monitoring was established for AF/PAF detection within the stroke pathway at NWAFT. In 2022, a 48-hour monitoring protocol was introduced.
Data were collected from Spacelabs software, spanning the years 2020 and 2022, and comprising 3047 participants. The dataset included demographic information such as gender, age, referral reason (cardiology vs. stroke), and ECG monitoring duration. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify predictors for AF/PAF detection. In 2020, results indicated that all variables, except for the referral indication, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In contrast, by 2022, only age and referral indication remained significant predictors of AF/PAF detection.
Both 2020 and 2022 data demonstrated that AF/PAF was predominantly detected within the first 24 hours of AECG monitoring, suggesting that 48 hours is sufficient for accurate detection, with no need for extending the monitoring duration. However, further analysis revealed a significant gender-based difference, with males presenting with AF/PAF more frequently than females (41 vs. 7 in 2020, respectively), despite a higher number of female participants. Additionally, females were more likely to have AF/PAF detected over longer monitoring periods.
These findings suggest that AECG monitoring durations could be tailored based on gender, considering the observed differences in AF/PAF prevalence and prognosis, particularly in relation to stroke outcomes. Future evaluations are needed to further investigate gender-specific trends and assess the broader prevalence of AF/PAF for refining the monitoring protocol
Iranian clients' aberurizi (secret-self) in the consulting room: an existential perspective using narrative and structural existential analyses
Get PDFThis study aimed to explore the existential experiences of Iranian clients and psychotherapists, focusing on aberurizi within mental health. Drawing on aberurizi literature, it examined the psychological impact of stigma, shame, and the secret self in Iranian culture and their implications for cross-cultural psychotherapy. A systematic review identified research gaps, aiming to foster cultural sensitivity, guide mental health policies, and establish a foundation for future studies.
The methodology followed the PRISMA (2020) checklist, with AMSTAR and GRADE assessments ensuring high-quality analysis from 2003 onwards. Narrative and structural existential analysis was employed, and eight Iranian clients and therapists—aged 35–63 years, UK residents for at least seven years, and recently in therapy—were engaged.
Findings highlighted how cultural norms and aberurizi influence therapy, with stigma and the secret-self shaping lived experiences. Trust emerged as essential, underscoring the role of cultural competence and the interplay between therapists’ backgrounds and trust-building in multicultural settings.
In conclusion, this research illuminates Iranian clients’ and therapists’ experiences, emphasising cultural sensitivity in mental health practices. It contributes to existential psychotherapy by addressing aberurizi in therapeutic contexts, advocating ongoing cultural competence training, and encouraging further exploration of aberurizi across diverse cultural frameworks
Investigating the effect of mutations in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (O-antigen and Core region) of Salmonella Typhimurium on the colonisation of “microgreens”
No full textIn recent years, foodborne illnesses linked to the consumption of raw leafy greens, particularly microgreens, have significantly increased. Salmonella Typhimurium, a common foodborne pathogen, has been implicated in several outbreaks, underscoring the importance of understanding its interactions with fresh produce. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mutations in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of S. Typhimurium on the colonisation of microgreens. Extracts from nine different microgreens root and leaf samples infected by S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 were plated on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar to quantify bacterial proliferation and attachment. These results demonstrated that S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 successfully colonised the roots of all nine microgreens, with higher bacterial counts observed in rhubarb chard, Swiss chard, and celery compared to other tested microgreens. LPS mutant strains (SGSC225, SGSC227, SGSC229, SGSC230, and SGSC389) were further studied using the roots of rhubarb chard, Swiss chard, and celery. O-antigen mutant strains SGSC225 and SGSC389 exhibited colonization patterns similar to the wild-type. This suggests that the O-antigen is not essential for bacterial proliferation or suppression of plant immune responses. In contrast, the SGSC230 mutant strain, which has mutations in the LPS core region, showed significantly reduced attachment after multiple washes, emphasising the importance of the LPS core in bacterial adhesion and survival on plant roots. Interestingly, this study indicates that S. Typhimurium induced an increase in root hair production on microgreens, although bacterial attachment did not directly correlate with root hair density. It is hypothesised that S. Typhimurium may synthesise plant hormones, such as auxin, to stimulate root hair production and enhance colonisation. Additionally, the findings indicate that root exudates enhance bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation through chemotactic responses to metabolites. Gene expression analyses showed differential regulation of plant defence-related genes, highlighting the complex dynamics of S. Typhimurium infection. Moreover, structural components of LPS were identified as critical for effective attachment and biofilm formation. These new insights into plant-pathogen interactions underscore the necessity for targeted food safety strategies in microgreen cultivation and handling, informing future agricultural practices aimed at mitigating the risk of Salmonella contamination