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"Rodriguez, Alison"
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Phenomenology as a healthcare research method
2018
In Husserl’s approach to phenomenology, now labelled descriptive phenomenology, experiences are described and researcher perceptions are set aside or ‘bracketed’ in order to enter into the life world of the research participant without any presuppositions.1 Experience is recognised to involve perception, thought, memory, imagination and emotion, each involving ‘intentionality’, as the individual focuses their gaze on a specific ‘thing’ or event.1 Martin Heidegger (1889–1976), a student of Husserl, rejected the theory of knowledge or ‘epistemology’ that influenced Husserl’s work, and instead adopted ‘ontology’, the science of being. The researcher uses a broad range of data collection methods that are appropriate to participants and the phenomena of interest. Evidence suggests that caregiving demands can have a significant impact on parents’ physical, emotional and social well-being.4 While both qualitative and quantitative research designs can be useful to explore the quality of life for parents living with a child with a life-limiting conditions, a phenomenological approach offers a way to begin to understand the range of factors that can effect parents, from their perspective and experience, revealing meanings that can be ‘hidden’, rather than making inferences. van Manen’s approach was chosen because the associated methods do not ‘break down’ the experience being studied into disconnected parts, but provides rich narrative descriptions and interpretations that describe what it means to be a person in their particular life-world. [...]van Manen’s approach was chosen because it offers a flexibility to data collection, where there is more of an emphasis on the facilitation of participants to share their views in a non-coercive way and the production of meaning between the researcher and researched compared to other phenomenological approaches (table 2).
Journal Article
Centrosomal protein of 192 kDa (Cep192) promotes centrosome-driven spindle assembly by engaging in organelle-specific Aurora A activation
by
Walter, Johannes C.
,
De Nicolo, Arcangela
,
Livingston, David M.
in
Animals
,
Antibodies
,
Aurora Kinases
2010
Centrosomes are primary microtubule (MT)-organizing centers (MTOCs). During mitosis, they dramatically increase their size and MT-nucleating activity and participate in spindle assembly from spindle poles. These events require the serine/threonine kinase, Aurora A (AurA), and the centrosomal protein of 192 kDa (Cep192)/spindle defective 2 (Spd-2), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We have found that Cep192, unlike targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2), a known MT-localizing AurA activator, is an AurA cofactor in centrosome-driven spindle assembly. Cep192, through a direct interaction, targets AurA to mitotic centrosomes where the locally accumulating AurA forms homodimers or oligomers. The dimerization of endogenous AurA, in the presence of bound Cep192, triggers potent kinase activation that, in turn, drives MT assembly. Depletion of Cep192 or specific interference with AurA-Cep192 binding did not prevent AurA oligomerization on MTs but abrogated AurA recruitment to centrosomes and its activation by either sperm nuclei or anti-AurA antibody (αAurA)-induced dimerization. In these settings, MT assembly by both centrosomes and αAurA-coated beads was also abolished or severely compromised. Hence, Cep192 activates AurA by a mechanism different from that previously described for TPX2. The Cep192-mediated mechanism maximizes AurA activity at centrosomes and appears essential for the function of these organelles as MTOCs.
Journal Article
Green Infrastructure and the Growth of Ecotourism at the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site, Urubamba Province, Peru, 2024
by
Ruiz Reyes, Rosa
,
Alfaro Aucca, Crayla
,
Rodriguez Chumpitaz, Alison Narumi
in
Analysis
,
Ancient civilizations
,
Animals
2025
The lack of cultural spaces and the inadequate preservation of architectural heritage hinder the development of ecotourism in Ollantaytambo. This research aims to propose an architectural design for green infrastructure that supports the growth of ecotourism at the Ollantaytambo archeological site, located in the Urubamba Province, Peru. The study consists of three main phases: a literature review; a site analysis focusing on climate, flora, and fauna; and the development of a comprehensive architectural proposal. The process is supported by digital tools, including Google Earth Pro 2024, OpenStreetMap 2024, SketchUp 2024, Lumion 2024, Photoshop 2024, and 3D Sun-Path 2024. The resulting design includes the implementation of a sustainable cultural center, conceived to ensure seasonal thermal comfort through the use of green roofs and walls, efficient irrigation systems, and native vegetation. The proposal incorporates elements of Cusco’s vernacular architecture by combining traditional earth-based construction techniques, such as rammed earth, adobe, and quincha, with contemporary materials, such as bamboo and timber, in order to improve the energy and environmental performance of the built environment. Furthermore, the project integrates a rainwater-harvesting system and a photovoltaic lighting system. It includes 30 solar-powered luminaires with an estimated monthly output of 72 kWh, and 135 photovoltaic panels capable of generating approximately 2673 kWh per month. In conclusion, the proposed design blends naturally with the local environment and culture. It adheres to principles of sustainability and energy efficiency and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, 7, 11, and 15 by promoting heritage conservation, environmental regeneration, and responsible ecotourism.
Journal Article
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, case report
2025
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, and self-limiting condition characterized by subacute necrotizing cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnosed through excisional lymph node biopsy, KFD predominantly affects young adults, especially females, with a higher incidence in Asian populations. The case discussed involves a 17-year-old male from Nayarit, Mexico, presenting with recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy unresponsive to antibiotics. Physical examination and imaging suggested lymphoproliferative disease, while biopsy confirmed histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD68 positivity. KFD’s aetiology is unclear, with infectious and autoimmune theories proposed. The disease commonly resolves within 4 to 6 months with symptomatic management, including antipyretics and analgesics. This case is notable due to the patient’s young age, large lesion size, and male gender, diverging from the typical presentation, underscoring the importance of considering KFD as a differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.
Journal Article
DigiBete, a Novel Chatbot to Support Transition to Adult Care of Young People/Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Outcomes From a Prospective, Multimethod, Nonrandomized Feasibility and Acceptability Study
by
Branchflower, Jacob
,
Soni, Astha
,
Horsman, Janet
in
Apps, Mobile, Wearables for Diabetes
,
Chatbots
,
Chatbots and Conversational Agents
2025
Transition to adult health care for young people and young adults (YP/YA) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) starts around 11 years of age, but transition services may not meet their needs. A combination of self-management support digital health technologies exists, but no supportive chatbots with components to help YP/YA with T1DM were identified.
The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the novel DigiBete Chatbot, the first user-led, developmentally appropriate, clinically approved transition chatbot for YP/YA with T1DM from four English diabetes services and (2) assess the feasibility of a future trial of the chatbot.
In a prospective, multimethod, nonrandomized feasibility and acceptability study in the UK National Health Service, YP/YA with T1DM from 4 hospital diabetes clinics (2 pretransition and 2 posttransition) were enrolled in a 6-week study to test the DigiBete Chatbot. During the study, YP/YA completed web-based, validated, and standardized questionnaires at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks to evaluate quality of life and anxiety and depression, along with chatbot usability and acceptability. Qualitative interviews involving YP/YA, parents, and health care professionals explored their views on the chatbot. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and framework analysis.
Eighteen YP/YA were enrolled. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 4 parents, 24 health care professionals, and 12 YP/YA. Questionnaire outputs and the emergent qualitative themes (living with T1DM, using the chatbot, and refining the chatbot) indicated that the measures are feasible to use and the chatbot is acceptable and functional. In addition, responses indicated that, with refinements that incorporate the feasibility results, the chatbot could beneficially support YP/YA during transition. Users scored the chatbot as \"good\" to \"excellent\" for being engaging, informative, and aesthetically pleasing, and they stated that they would use it again. The results suggest that, with some adaptations based on user feedback, the chatbot was feasible and acceptable among the YP/YA who enjoyed using it. Our reactive conversational agent offers content (messaging and additional multimedia resources) that is relevant for the target population and clinically approved. The DigiBete Chatbot addresses the identified lack of personalized and supported self-management tools available for 11-24 year olds with T1DM and other chronic conditions.
These results warrant chatbot refinement and further investigation in a full trial to augment it prior to its wider clinical use. Our research design and methodology could also be transferred to using chatbots for other long-term conditions. On the premise of this feasibility study, the plan is to rebuild the DigiBete Chatbot to meet identified user needs and preferences and progress to a national cohort study to assess the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of a modified chatbot, with a view to proceeding to rollout for national and international use on the established DigiBete platform.
Journal Article
Professionals need to discuss more effectively the holistic needs of their patients regarding palliative care
2018
Where it is appropriate to have open conversations about death and dying, this can be worthwhile for patients to encourage uptake of palliative care services and end-of-life care planning. Context A key element of good end-of-life care is effective communication.1 However, there is a hesitance among professionals to use the term ‘palliative care’ and to discuss related issues, not least because it is assumed that patients will become distressed and lose hope. An exploratory qualitative design was used, interviewing 30 patients with cancer, recruited from inpatient and outpatient services of oncology, haematology and palliative care.
Journal Article
Researching sensitive topics in healthcare
by
Pinto, Alexandra
,
Rodriguez, Alison
,
Smith, Joanna
in
Data collection
,
Delivery of Health Care
,
evidence-based nursing
2022
Research about sensitive topics in healthcare is crucial because it is essential to give voice to the under-represented in research.1 If research is not undertaken on sensitive topics or with marginalised populations, our evidence base will be limited, lack significant knowledge or understanding of the individuals and community groups we support, with the potential for some areas and systems of care/interventions to lack an evidence-based, be ineffective or not inclusive. [...]researchers exploring topics deemed as sensitive appear to be faced with a range of barriers and challenges when embarking on these types of studies. Exploring experiences of receiving bad news, death and dying in a contemporary but death denying culture.2 Involving children and young people in research where society deems by proxy consent and opinion for most areas of their lives, especially where the child is sick or disabled.3 Involving people with mental decline—stigma of mental illness and compromised capacity.4 Involving hard to reach populations—unveiling the political, illuminating issues of poverty and societal decline over advancement.5 Offenders.6 Sexuality or sex.7 The research process Research into sensitive topics has implications for individuals and the wider society, and can be controversial or distressing for not only the participants but also the researcher. [...]as with all studies, there must be an explicitly outlined research protocol and robust processes when considering researching sensitive topics. Consideration needs to be given to the design, sampling and participant recruitment, data collection and storage, data analysis and finally dissemination of the results.8 Researchers need to be transparent not only when obtaining ethical approval but also with participants from the inception of the research.
Journal Article
There will be times when nurses can respond
2017
The spiritual or existential side of palliative care is recognised as one of the most important and least understood aspects (Baird 2016) of this type of care. It is also regarded as one of the most difficult areas to communicate about (Hexem et al 2011).
Journal Article