Integrated knowledge translation strategies that enhance the lives of persons with dementia and their family caregivers

Purpose: To understand the lived experience of persons with dementia and their family caregivers who receive home care in northern Alberta, Canada, and to reveal how integrated knowledge translation (iKT) strategies influence the uptake of best available dementia care evidence over time. Sample: Three persons living with dementia and thirteen family caregivers were interviewed at the beginning of the study, nine months after implementation of the knowledge broker (KB), and six months after termination of the KB role (total interviews = 41). Method: The PARiHS framework guided our longitudinal case study that included two rural home care centres. A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach was used. A KB was hired for 12 months to facilitate the development of different iKT strategies with staff. Site A developed two strategies: 1) a planning meeting to discuss local needs and suggestions for improving access to dementia care information and community supports; and 2) the development of an information package. Site B focused on working through modules of the U-First program that entailed dementia education and training for the home care providers (HCPs). They then used the U-First wheels with clients during their home visits. Findings: Persons living with dementia spoke of both positive and negative aspects of their dementia journey and how they attempted to manage their lives. Family caregivers struggled to find the best approaches and supports to use to enable their family member with dementia to remain at home for as long as possible. iKT strategies such as a KB, the information resource package developed by the HCPs, use of the U-First modules and wheels, and a support group were examples of effective iKT. Conclusion: iKT strategies and projects increased access to dementia care information and supports. These assisted caregivers to better care for their family member for longer periods at home. Keywords: Persons living with dementia, family caregivers, integrated knowledge translation strategies, rural, and home car

Online Graduate Student Identity and Professional Skills Development

Graduate students are assumed to develop skills in oral and written communication and collegial relationships that are complementary to formal graduate programs. However, it appears only a small number of universities provide such professional development opportunities alongside academic programs, and even fewer do so online. There appears to be an assumption in higher education that students develop professional skills by virtue of learning through required academic tasks and having proximity to other students and faculty. Skeptics of online study raise questions about whether graduate students studying online can participate fully in such graduate communities and access these informal professional skill-building opportunities. It is possible that such activities may have to be designed and delivered for online graduate students. This paper presents preliminary qualitative findings from a project that developed, offered, and evaluated such online opportunities. Findings suggest that while online graduate students can and do develop professional skills while navigating their studies, building relationships, and participating in online learning communities, they are keen to develop such professional skills in a more deliberate way.  On présume que les étudiants des cycles supérieurs acquièrent des habiletés en communication orale et écrite et vivent des relations de collaboration qui soient complémentaires aux programmes formels des études supérieures. Cependant, il semblerait que seul un petit nombre d’universités offre de telles opportunités de perfectionnement professionnel dans leurs programmes académiques, et que ce nombre est même inférieur en ce qui a trait aux formations en ligne. On suppose que les étudiants des études supérieures acquièrent des habiletés professionnelles en raison des travaux académiques de leur formation et des relations établies avec leurs professeurs et d’autres étudiants. Les sceptiques au sujet de la formation en ligne émettent des doutes quant à la possibilité, pour les étudiants diplômés qui étudient en ligne, de participer pleinement à ces communautés universitaires et d’avoir accès à ces occasions informelles d’acquérir des compétences professionnelles. Il se peut que ces activités doivent être conçues puis offertes aux étudiants de cycles supérieurs en ligne. L’étude qui suit présente les résultats préliminaires qualitatifs d’un projet qui a élaboré, offert et évalué de telles opportunités en ligne. Les résultats suggèrent que si les étudiants de cycles supérieurs en ligne sont en mesure d’acquérir des habiletés professionnelles tout en poursuivant leurs études, échafaudant des relations et participant à des communautés d’apprentissage en ligne, ils sont aussi enthousiastes de développer plus délibérément de telles habiletés professionnelles

Empirical evaluation of the accuracy of dendrometric formulas for European larch Larix decidua Mill. stems without bark

To determine the volume of felled trees, dendrometric formulas are used that are the product of a specific cross-section and the length of a dendrometric solid. In order to apply these formulas on a larger scale, it is essential to know their accuracy. Most of the research on the accuracy of dendrometric formulas has been carried out using Scots pine with other tree species, including European larch Larix decidua Mill., often being overlooked. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of eight common dendrometric formulas for stems of European larch without bark. The research material consisted of 290 larch stems from two forest districts (Pińczów and Prudnik), representing trees from age classes II to V and older. The following formulas were observed to be highly accurate: Huber’s, French, Hossfeld’s, Gieruszynski’s and the two-halfs formula. Huber’s formula provided the mean value of percentage errors closest to zero (0.8%) and was the most accurate for mula, whereas the two-halfs formula, showed the lowest variability of percentage errors (standard deviation 3.1%). However, all formulas tended to generate systematic errors with the merchant’s and two-halfs formulas underestimating the volume, while the others overestimated the volume. Most of the formulas´ accuracy was uniform across the different age classes with the exception of the Smalian’s and Rieckie- -Newton’s formulas, that were significantly less accurate when applied to the V and older age classes, and the merchant’s formula, characterized by greater accuracy in the V and older age classes. Pair-wise comparisons of the formulas´ accuracy revealed significant differences between most of the analyzed pairs of formulas though no differences were found between the French and Gieruszynski, French and Hossfeld, Gieruszynski and Hossfeld, Gieruszynski and Huber formulas as well as between the Hossfeld and Huber formulas

Variables related to the informal caregivers' burden of dependent senior citizens in Spain

The study aims at analyzing the psychosocial variables associated with the informal caregivers" burden of dependent older people. A sample of 296 dependent people and their informal caregivers (n= 153) was randomly selected among users and non-users of the Spanish public In-Home Help Service (HHS) in an autonomous Spanish region (Comunidad Valenciana). Diverse variables in reference to the care context and the caregiver as well as the care recipient show major associations with the burden: those associated to disease and the social situation of the dependent person, the greater frequency and intensity of care, and the low frequency in which the caregiver receives help from others. The obtained data makes possible to establish guidelines based on the psychological and educational interventions which relieve the informal caregivers" burden of dependent senior citizens, which must be combined with respite services, in order to promote the permanence of this population group in the community environment

Psoriasis - a review of recent progress, characteristics, diagnostic management

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with an immunological basis. It occurs in about 2% of people in Europe and North America. It is associated with an increased probability of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Objective: The purpose of this review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with psoriasis. Materials and methods: The present study was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and published between 2001 and 2022. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as: "psoriasis," "diagnosis," "treatment," "genetics," "immunology," "angiogenesis," "keratinocytes," and "incidence." State of the knowledge: In the last decade, biologic drugs targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 23, interleukin 17 and interleukin 12 have been developed and approved for the treatment of psoriasis. These drugs have revolutionized the treatment and management of psoriasis. Summary: Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in knowledge about the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Discoveries on this background, have given rise to new biological therapies. Currently in clinical trials are substances such as, Janus kinase inhibitors and tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors, which represent hope for the most affected patients. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the causes of psoriasis is still incomplete. This poses a challenge for further research and thus the creation of more therapeutic substances

Parental health limitations, caregiving and loneliness among women with widowed parents: longitudinal eveidence from France

We investigate how daughters’ feelings of loneliness are impacted when widowed parents develop health limitations, and when daughters take on personal care tasks in response. Using longitudinal data from daughters of widowed parents drawn from the French Family and Intergenerational Relationships Study (ERFI, 1485 observations nested in 557 daughters), we assess (a) whether health limitations of widowed parents are associated with daughters’ feelings of loneliness regardless of whether or not daughters provide personal care and (b) whether there is an effect of care provision on loneliness that cannot be explained by parental health limitations. Fixed effect regression analyses show that widowed parents’ health limitations were associated with raised feelings of loneliness among their daughters. No significant additional effect of providing personal care to a widowed parent was found. Prior research on the impact of health limitations of older parents on the lives of their adult–children has focused mostly on issues related to informal caregiving. Our findings suggest that more attention to the psychosocial impact of parental health limitations—net of actual caregiving—on adult children’s lives is warranted

Impact of physical activity in pregnant women on maternal health

Introduction: Pregnancy is an important period in a woman's life. One of the most essential things people can do to improve their health both physical and mental is taking regular physical exercise. Healthy people, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities as well as pregnant women benefit from regular physical activity. All pregnant women should be physically active, except in certain situations when there are medical contraindications. Objective of the study: The purpose of this study is to summarize the benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A review of the literature available on the PubMed database was carried out, the key words used were: ,,pregnancy,,, ,,physical activity,,, ,,gestational diabetes,,, ,,hypertension,,, ,,pre-eclampsia,,. Results: Physical activity increases the chance of a normal pregnancy and a successful outcome. In the absence of obstetric or medical contraindications, physical activity during pregnancy is desirable and advisable. Exercise results in fewer complications for both the pregnant woman and the newborn. Conclusions: The best results from physical activity in pregnancy are obtained when the pregnant woman exercises regularly, for example, 3 times a week for 30-60 minutes. It is advisable that for it to be regular aerobic training of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes per week

Wilms Tumor - Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Introduction: Wilms tumor is the most common occuring malignant tumor of kidney among children. Mostly appears in infants and young children. The main symptom is enlargement od the abdomen. It is often diagnosed incidentally during USG examination. Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Wilms Tumor. Methods and matherials: A review of  the literaturę available in the PubMed data base, using the following keywords: :„Wilms Tumor”,„Wilms tumor genetics” State of knowledge: Wilms tumor appears more often among people with certain genetic syndromes. There are two to treat WT depending on the world region (SIOP, COG). According to SIOP, the diagnosis is made based on imaging. This is followed by neoadiuvant chemotherapy, and then it is surgically removed. According to COG, the first stage of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, then chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, vincristine, actinomycin, doxodubicin are used in both schemes. Although both strategies differ in their pretreatment approach, they lead to similar overall survival rates. Conclusions:Despite already advanced treatment techniques for the tumor, and extensive knowledge about it, its pathogenesis still remains somewhat unknown. Increased understanding of the aberrant molecular pathways active in Wilms tumorigenesis has identified many potential targeted therapeutic approaches that could be applied in a clinical settin

Knee ligament injuries in alpine skiing - the mechanism of injury and the possibilities of using modern knowledge and technology to prevent injuries in skiing

Introduction: Over the years, advances in alpine ski equipment such as helmets, bindings, skis and boots have resulted in risk reduction, remodelling of injury patterns and mechanisms. Skiers’ injuries are currently about 1 to 5 per 1000 days spent in the snow per athlete. The most common area of the injury is the knee, especially ACL and MCL.  Purpose of the work: The purpose of the work is analysis of literature on mechanism of  knee ligaments injury and potential prevention intervention in alpine skiing.  Methods and materials: The present study was based on available data collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar database. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as: “alpine skiing”, “ski bindings”, “alpine skiing injuries”, “ACL”. Results: Taking into consideration less advanced skiers, we can distinguish three types of injury mechanism: valgus-external rotation sequence, boot-induced anterior drawer mechanism and phantom-foot mechanism. Three mechanisms have been described for professional skiers: slip-catch, landing back-weighted and dynamic snowplow. Female skiers have a higher risk of ACl injury than male skiers. Conclusion: Most of the described injury mechanisms are linked with no releasing of bindings. The future injury prevention should concentrate on injury mechanisms using electronic sensors placed at skiers equipment. New micro-electronic technologies can help create mechatronic ski bindings

Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome – problematic common disease. Current knowledge on etiology, diagnosis and treatments

Introduction: Nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a condition with an incompletely understood etiology. Chronic prostatitis is diagnosed when symptoms of prostatitis persist for more than 3 months and it is difficult to treat. The causes are not fully understood. Among the many possible causes are stress, psycho-emotional disorders, hormonal disorders and autoimmune disorders. The main symptom is pain usually felt in the perineum, at the base of the penis, in the anal area, sometimes over the pubic symphysis. This pain can radiate to the penis and scrotum.   Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.   Material and methods: Review of PubMed articles using the following keywords: “nonbacterial chronic prostatitis”, “abacterial chronic prostatitis” and “chronic pelvic pain syndrome”.   Results: Complete cure in non-bacterial chronic prostatitis is rare. Due to the lack of knowledge of the cause of chronic prostatitis, there is no effective treatment for this disease. Although the pathogen is rarely found in the patients studied, many patients show improvement after antibiotic therapy. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha blockers and neuromodulators are used. Physical therapy also has proven benefits in relieving symptoms.   Conclusion: CNP is a frustrating disease for many doctors and patients. Although it is not yet completely understood, we have made significant progress in the evaluation and treatment of this disease over the past several decades. Physicians need to move away from outdated algorithms that often result in endless courses of antibiotics and embrace multimodal therapy, which provides better results than other treatment strategies