scholarly journals Uterus transplantation: joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman—a qualitative study regarding self-image in the 5-year period after transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1855-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stina Järvholm ◽  
Anders Enskog ◽  
Catrina Hammarling ◽  
Pernilla Dahm-Kähler ◽  
Mats Brännström
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Post Transplantation ◽  
Uterus Transplantation ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Government

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How is a women’s self-image affected by uterus transplantation (UTx)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women experienced receiving a uterus in both positive and negative ways, but in general, their self-image was positively affected; regardless of whether they have given birth to a child or not, recipients describe themselves as being ‘back to normal’ after the hysterectomy to remove the transplanted uterus. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UTx has repeatedly proved to be a successful treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. However, there has been no previous qualitative long-term research into the self-image of women undergoing UTx. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This complete, prospective cohort study included the nine recipients of the first UTxs performed in Sweden mostly in 2013. Interviews took place in the 5 years following surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Eight out of the nine recipients had congenital absence of the uterus, a characteristic of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome, and one recipient lacked a uterus after a radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. The mean age of participants was 31.5 years at inclusion and at this time they all lived in stable marital relationships. Post-transplantation, interviews were performed annually for 5 years, comprising a total of 43 interviews. The interview followed a semi-structured guide. All interviews (median duration of around 25 minutes) were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed by thematic approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The joys and frustrations of becoming a ‘complete’ woman are seen as a master theme, which influences the three underlying subthemes, a changed self-perception, a changed body and a changed sexuality. Each of these subthemes have three underlying categories. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The small sample size is a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results provide information that will be helpful in pre-operative screening procedures and in the psychological support offered both to women who experienced successful and unsuccessful outcomes following UTx. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was received from the Jane and Dan Olsson Foundation for Science; the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; an ALF grant from the Swedish state under an agreement between the government and the county councils; the Swedish Research Council; a Ferring Pharmaceuticals scholarship in memory of Robert Edwards; and the Iris Jonzén-Sandblom and Greta Jonzén Foundation. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01844362.

The categorization of expatriates and the support offered by host country nationals

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley C. Sonesh ◽  
Angelo S. DeNisi
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Expatriate Assignments ◽  
The Right ◽  
National Stereotypes

Purpose – Although several authors have suggested that host country nationals (HCNs) play an important role in the management of expatriates (e.g. Toh and DeNisi, 2003; Farh et al., 2010), research has also suggested that this relationship is not always good, and the flow of critical information to expatriates can be limited. This is especially true when HCNs categorize the expatriates as “out-group” members. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential determinants of categorization decisions as well as potential outcomes related to expatriate socialization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a dyadic survey approach to determine the antecedents to expatriate categorization and HCN socialization behaviors from the perspective of both the expatriate and HCN. Findings – The results of survey data from 65 expatriate-HCN dyads indicated that expatriate ethnocentrism and the salience of the expatriates’ nationality were important predictors of categorization, but that categorization was related to only one dimension of socialization. However, affect was found to play a role in predicting socialization behaviors. Research limitations/implications – There is potential selection bias since expatriates chose HCNs as respondents, but results suggested this was not a serious problem. Other limitations include a relatively small sample size and the fact that a number of contextual issues such as national stereotypes and MNC strategy, are not controlled for. Practical implications – Implications of these findings for the successful management of expatriate assignments include sending over expatriates with the right relational skills, and those low in ethnocentrism, rather than just the right technical skills. Originality/value – The present study was one of the first to empirically test the potential role of categorization in the process of socialization.

Forty years of rural reform in China: retrospect and future prospects

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 460-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiwen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Reform ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Government

Purpose Bottlenecked by rural underdevelopment, China’s overall development is bound to be inadequate and unbalanced. Through a brief retrospect of the reform directed against the “equalitarianism (egalitarianism)” in China’s rural areas, as well as the Chinese Government’s conceptual transformation and systemic construction and improvement thereof, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the panoramic significance of rural reform; the necessity, priority, and long-term nature of the current rural development; and the important role of public policy in doing so. It also looks ahead to consider the prospects for future rural reform. Design/methodology/approach This paper first reviews the rural reforms that were carried out in 1978. Second, it introduces the government’s conceptual change regarding rural reform and the establishment and improvement of the system that underlies it. Finally, the future of rural reform is envisaged. Findings The initial rural reforms brought extensive and profound changes to China’s rural areas. The experience of rural reform has been referred to and escalated by other fields of study. Hence, rural reforms have become something of global significance. Moreover, since the government can undertake reforms well beyond the reach of farmers, its views must be modified in a timely manner, and only then may it reasonably construct and improve the system pertaining to the “three rural issues (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers).” Originality/value This paper reviews the rural reforms carried out in 1978. It introduces the government’s change of concept with respect to rural reforms and the establishment and improvement of the system based on the “three rural issues,” thus looking forward to the future of rural reforms. The findings of this paper are of significance to the formulation of future agricultural policies.

Thought overactivation as a marker of bipolar disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s222-s223 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ferrari ◽  
P. Ossola ◽  
V. Lucarini ◽  
V. Accardi ◽  
C. De Panfilis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Bipolar Spectrum ◽  
Global Functioning ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Bipolar Patients

IntroductionRecent studies have underlined the importance of considering the form of thoughts, beyond their content, in order to achieve a better phenomenological comprehension of mental states in mood disorders. The subjective experience of thought overactivation is an important feature of mood disorders that could help in identifying, among patients with a depressive episode, those who belong to the bipolar spectrum.ObjectivesPatients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) were compared with matched healthy controls (HC) on a scale that evaluates thought overactivation.AimsValidate the Italian version of a scale for thought overactivation (i.e. STOQ) in a sample of bipolar patients.MethodsThirty euthymic BD and 30 HC completed the Subjective Thought Overactivation Questionnaire (STOQ), the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and global functioning (VGF).ResultsThe 9-items version of the STOQ has been back translated and its internal consistency in this sample was satisfactory (alpha = .91). Both the brooding subscore of RRS (b-RRS) (r = .706; P < .001) and STOQ (r = .664; P < .001) correlate significantly with depressive symptoms whereas only the first correlate with VGF (r = –.801; P < .001). The two groups did not differed in the b-RRS (HC = 8.41 vs BD = 9.72; P = .21), whereas BD where significantly higher in the STOQ total score (HC = 6.62 vs. BD = 14.9; P = .007).ConclusionOur results, although limited by the small sample size, confirm the validity of the STOQ and suggest that this scale could grasp a feature characteristic of BD, independently from their tendency to ruminate. The latter seems to impact more on global functioning.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals DAKWAH COMMUNICATION STRATEGY IN EMPOWERING THE LABOR COMMUNITY IN PANJANG DISTRICT BANDAR LAMPUNG CITY TO IMPROVE THEIR RELIGIOUS PRACTICE

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 353
Author(s):  
Aliyandi Aliyandi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Religious Practice ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Inhibiting Factor ◽  
Savings And Loan ◽  
The Government ◽  
Taking Care

This research is to explain about the role of Dakwah communication strategy in the empowerment of the labor community in Panjang Sub-District, Bandar Lampung in improving the practice of the implementation of sharia. This is descriptive qualitative research, where the data were collected throuh interviews, observation, and documentation. The data were then analyzed qualitatively using inductive thinking approach. The result of this research shows that the communication strategy used by  the preacher in Panjang Sub-district was by giving motivation through the message of dawah conveyed to the community, Providing religious guidance, including religious activities such as five-time prayer, memorizing prayers, taking care of the corps and protecting the environment, establishing good relations with  the community, either through regular recitation at the ta’lim assembly or taking the advantage of Arisan for savings and loan activities, interacting and seeing firsthand situation and conditions that exist in the community, then cooperate with the government by providing assistance in the form of funds and food. The most inhibiting factor is mad’u, especially in terms of understanding the message (somatic), closed to change (self-image), and motivation, marked by the passiveness  communicant in receiving da’wah from the preacher because the preacher can not fully know the limits of somatic knowledge from the community.

scholarly journals How are Kawaii (Cute) Fictional Characters Used in Japanese Advertising

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1 (39)) ◽  
pp. 55-78
Author(s):  
Oana-Maria BÎRLEA
Keyword(s):  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Fictional Characters ◽  
Japanese Company ◽  
The Public ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Government ◽  
Commercial Advertising

This article aims to explain the use and role of cute, adora- ble characters in Japanese advertising. Kawaii culture or the “culture of cute” has become known worldwide mainly because of Hello Kitty, the cat which led the “pink globalization”, as Yano (2013) states. In this paper we have attempted to reveal the symbolism of these apparent meaning- less cute signs and characters. Starting from Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions (2001, 2003, 2010), which shows how a society’s culture influ- ences the values of its members, we intended to show how are these kawaii characters used in Japanese advertising and how they fit cultural specif- ics. Used either in non-commercial, educational or commercial advertising, cute personae can make the target audience feel more comfortable, secure and cooperating (Murakami, 2005). In this paper we have discussed the role of three iconic characters: the emblematic Hello Kitty, Kumamon, the lovely bear created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan) and Gudetama, a lazy egg yolk produced by the Japanese company Sanrio in 2014. The selected characters reflect different types and personalities and each of them serves a specific purpose, but via the analysis conveyed we conclude that perhaps their main aim is to persuade and create a long-term relationship with the public.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Symptoms and Duration of Post Acute Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children – a Nationwide Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
School Children ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Danish Health ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).

scholarly journals Congenital Micropenis: Aetiology And Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Rita Stancampiano ◽  
Kentaro Suzuki ◽  
Stuart O’Toole ◽  
Gianni Russo ◽  
Gen Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Penile Length ◽  
Appearance Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the newborn, penile length is determined by a number of androgen dependent and independent factors. The current literature suggests that there are inter-racial differences in stretched penile length in the newborn and although congenital micropenis should be defined as a stretched penile length of less than 2.5SDS of the mean for the corresponding population and gestation, a pragmatic approach would be to evaluate all boys with a stretched penile length below 2 cm, as congenital micropenis can be a marker for a wide range of endocrine conditions. However, it remains unclear as to whether the state of micropenis, itself, is associated with any long-term consequences. There is a lack of systematic studies comparing the impact of different therapeutic options on long-term outcomes, in terms of genital appearance, quality of life and sexual satisfaction. To date, research has been hampered by a small sample size and inclusion of a wide range of heterogeneous diagnoses; for these reasons, condition specific outcomes have been difficult to compare between studies. Lastly, there is a need for a greater collaborative effort in collecting standardized data so that all real-world or experimental interventions performed at an early age can be studied systematically into adulthood.

scholarly journals Adherence Over Time: The Course of Adherence to Customized Diabetic Insoles as Objectively Assessed by a Temperature Sensor

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 695-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Ehrmann ◽  
Monika Spengler ◽  
Michael Jahn ◽  
Dea Niebuhr ◽  
Thomas Haak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Temperature Sensor ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Temperature Sensors ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Foot Problems ◽  
Mean Time

Background: Temperature sensors are an objective way to assess adherence to diabetic footwear. Good adherence is essential for the prevention of diabetic foot problems. Little is known about the long-term course of adherence in patients at risk for diabetic foot problems. Method: A temperature sensor was incorporated into the specialized footwear of patients with type 2 diabetes after their first plantar ulceration. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze when patients started to become nonadherent (not wearing the footwear for two straight weeks). Gender effects on adherence were also analyzed. Results: 26 patients with a mean observation time of 133.5 days could be analyzed. Mean wearing time of diabetic footwear was 4.2 ± 3.6 h/day (Mdn = 3.4 h/day; interquartile range = 0.5-7.0 h/day) and on 51% of the days patients did not wear their footwear at all. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the mean time of adherence was 27.5 weeks. Men achieved a mean time of adherence of 30.5 weeks, while women only achieved 14 weeks. However, due to the small sample size, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Temperature sensors revealed a low long-term adherence to diabetic footwear. Women seemed to be at a higher risk for earlier nonadherent behavior. Adherence to diabetic footwear should be closely monitored and tailored intervention strategies should be developed.

The role of polymorphisms occurring in BRCA1/2 genes in determining ovarian cancer risk.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17551-e17551
Author(s):  
Marta Castiglia ◽  
Lorena Incorvaia ◽  
Alessandro Perez ◽  
Chiara Brando ◽  
Antonio Galvano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Brca1 Gene ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Clinicopathological Features ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Risk

e17551 Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the 10th tumor occurring in women, it accounts for 30% of all malignant tumor affecting female genital tract in Italy. There are several factors that contribute to OC development; in 15-25% of cases family history of breast and ovarian cancer represent the main risk factor. It is well known that pathogenic variants (PVs) occurring in BRCA1/2 genes strongly increase the risk of developing OC, ranging from 50% in BRCA1 PVs carriers to 30% in BRCA2 PVs carriers. Recently genetic polymorphism has been shown to increase cancer risk, consequently polymorphisms in BRCA1/2 genes could represent low penetrance susceptibility alleles and contribute to determine specific clinicopathological features in OC patients harboring BRCA1/2 PVs. Methods: From 2015 to 2021, 338 patients diagnosed with epithelial OC (not mucinous, not borderline) were subjected to BRCA1/2 analysis. After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were processed for genomic DNA isolation; DNA was used for library preparation with the BRaCa Screen kit. Sequencing was performed on the IonS5 platform; variant annotation was performed with Amplicon Suite software. We collected data of both PVs and polymorphisms in BRCA1/2 genes with the aim to evaluate whether a cluster of specific polymorphisms could impact clinicopathological features in BRCA1 PVs carriers. Results: Among the 338 screened EOC, BRCA1/2 PVs were reported in 85 patients (25%). 66% of patients harbored BRCA1 PVs and 34% in BRCA2. The most frequent BRCA1 PVs were the c.4964_4982del (5083del19), c.514delC and c.181T > G; the first and the last are known for their founder effect in Italy and Eastern Europe. Looking at BRCA1 gene, in 75% of patients we identified a polymorphisms cluster (c.2082C > T, c.2311T > C, c.2612C > T, c.3113A > G, c.3548A > G, c.4308T > C, c.4837A > G). The c.514delC and c.181T > G PVs are always associated with the cluster and two additional polymorphisms, the c.2077G > A and the c.1067A > G respectively. Conversely, the cluster seems not to be associated with the PVs 5083del19. Interestingly in BRCA1-5083del19 PV carriers median age at OC diagnosis was 50 years (range 45-69). On average, these patients developed ovarian cancer 6 years earlier than other BRCA1 PV carriers (median age at diagnosis 57 years; range 30-81). Bilateral tumors were frequent and occurred in 57% of the patients versus 33% in OC patients carrying other BRCA1 PVs. Therefore, it seems that the cluster has a “protective” effect and that its absence reduces age at diagnosis. Conclusions: Despite this study has the main limitation of a small sample size, we have reported a possible association between polymorphisms cluster and clinicopathological features in BRCA1 PVs carriers. By further investigating this aspect in a larger cohort, we might be able to prove the role of this cluster in increasing or reducing OC risk and providing clinicians more information useful for patients’ stratification.

Group-Based Interventions and Test-Taking Anxiety in Male College Students of Varied Ethnicities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-27
Author(s):  
Sylvia Lindinger-Sternar ◽  
◽  
Chelsie Dollar ◽  
Sachin Jain ◽  
Jared Roberts
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Test Taking ◽  
Male College ◽  
Preliminary Study

You are here: Home › Abstracts › Abstracts – Volume 12, Number 1, May 2020 › Group-Based Interventions and Test-Taking Anxiety in Male College Students of Varied Ethnicities doi 10.9769/EPJ.2020.12.1.SLS Sylvia Lindinger-Sternart, University of Providence, Great Falls,Montana, USA Chelsie Dollar, Great Falls, Montana, USA Sachin Jain, University of Providence, Montana, USA Jared Roberts, University of Providence, Montana, USA Abstract Purpose: Panic disorder is a disabling condition associated with reduced quality of life and impaired functioning. It is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States and several European countries, and causes a significant burden of disease on impacted families. Typically, women have double the prevalence rate of anxiety-related disorders as compared to men. This preliminary study aimed to explore whether Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) offers potential as a treatment to reduce fear of future panic attacks in women who suffer from panic attacks. Eight women participated in the study. Outcomes were measured using the Subjective Units of Distress(SUD) scale and the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale(PAS). Results indicated reductions in both SUD and PAS scores at pre- and post-intervention, though not statistically significant, likely due to the small sample size. Nonetheless, the findings of this study support preliminary evidence that EFT may offer potential as a treatment for women with panic disorder. Further research to confirm statistical significance and long-term impacts of EFT needs to be conducted. Method: The current preliminary study adopted a one-group pre test, post test quasi-experimental A-B-A design, using the subjects themselves as their own control group. Results: The participants ranged from 35 to 53 years of age with a mean age of 43.75 years (SD 5.82) and median of 44 years, which is consistent with the literature that anxiety and panic encompasses all age brackets (Flint & Gagnon, 2003; Smoller et al., 2003; Yonkers, Bruce, Dyck, & Keller, 2003; Yonkers et al., 1998). Eight participants completed the demographic questionnaire, which included medications taken daily. Although all the participants were on medications, only five participants took medication for anxiety. Several different types of medicines or supplements were used by participants such as SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and magnesium, which is consistent with standards and guidelines for treating anxiety and panic disorders (Faria et al., 2012; Flint & Gagnon, 2003; Van Apeldoorn et al., 2014). Among the treatments besides medications, the most popular intervention was yoga and deep breathing. Participants reported an average caffeine intake of 1.125 cups per day (SD 1.13) with a range of 0 to 3 cups per day and median of 1 cup per day. Participants’ caffeine intake was similar to consumption patterns of the general population and can be eliminated as a variable that may influence this study’s results. This approach is consistent with the literature from the American Psychiatric Association (2013). Conclusion: To date, this is the first research study completed to determine whether EFT can assist with the reduction of fear of future panic attacks in women. The results showed a decrease in the PAS scores from the first day to the last day after four 60-minute sessions of group EFT. In addition, the SUD scores also showed a decrease not only from start of each session to end of each session but also from the first EFT session to the end of the last session, indicating the participants’ fear of having a future panic attack decreased from the first session to the last session. Statistically significant results were not obtained, however, likely due to the small sample size and high participant attrition rate. Nonetheless, this study offers preliminary support for the conducting of larger clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of EFT for treating fear of future panic attacks in women, as well as long-term impacts of EFT treatment on panic.

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