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  1. Article ; Online: A study of polarity effect for various ionization chambers in kilovoltage x-ray beams.

    Yousif, Yousif A M / Daniel, John / Healy, Brendan / Hill, Robin

    Medical physics

    2024  

    Abstract: Background: Ionization chambers play an essential role in dosimetry measurements for kilovoltage (kV) x-ray beams. Despite their widespread use, there is limited data on the absolute values for the polarity correction factors across a range of commonly ... ...

    Abstract Background: Ionization chambers play an essential role in dosimetry measurements for kilovoltage (kV) x-ray beams. Despite their widespread use, there is limited data on the absolute values for the polarity correction factors across a range of commonly employed ionization chambers.
    Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the polarity effects for five different ionization chambers in kV x-ray beams.
    Methods: Two plane-parallel chambers being the Advanced Markus and Roos and three cylindrical chambers; 3D PinPoint, Semiflex and Farmer chamber (PTW, Freiburg, Germany), were employed to measure the polarity correction factors. The kV x-ray beams were produced from an Xstrahl 300 unit (Xstrahl Ltd., UK). All measurements were acquired at 2 cm depth in a PTW-MP1 water tank for beams between 60 kVp (HVL 1.29 mm Al) and 300 kVp (HVL 3.08 mm Cu), and field sizes of 2-10 cm diameter for 30 cm focus-source distance (FSD) and 4 × 4 cm
    Results: The study revealed significant polarity effects in ionization chambers, especially in those with smaller volumes. For the plane-parallel chambers, the Advanced Markus chamber exhibited a maximum polarity effect of 2.5%, whereas the Roos chamber showed 0.3% at 150 KVp with the 10 cm circular diameter open-ended applicator. Among the cylindrical chambers at the same beam energy and applicator, the Pinpoint chamber exhibited a 3% polarity effect, followed by Semiflex with 1.7%, and Farmer with 0.4%. However, as the beam energy increased to 300 kVp, the polarity effect significantly increased reaching 8.5% for the Advanced Markus chamber and 13.5% for the PinPoint chamber at a 20 × 20 cm
    Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that ionization chambers can exhibit substantial polarity effects in kV x-ray beams, particularly for those chambers with smaller volumes. Therefore, it is important to account for polarity corrections when conducting relative dose measurements in kV x-ray beams to enhance the dosimetry accuracy and improve patient dose calculations.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-26
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 188780-4
    ISSN 2473-4209 ; 0094-2405
    ISSN (online) 2473-4209
    ISSN 0094-2405
    DOI 10.1002/mp.17096
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: The impact on midwives and their practice after caring for women who have a traumatic childbirth: A systematic review.

    Bingham, Janet / Kalu, Felicity Agwu / Healy, Maria

    Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)

    2023  Volume 50, Issue 4, Page(s) 711–734

    Abstract: Background: Women's birth experiences can range from positive and satisfying to negative and traumatizing. Midwives caring for women can also be exposed to these traumatic childbirth experiences. There is a paucity of research on the impact these ... ...

    Abstract Background: Women's birth experiences can range from positive and satisfying to negative and traumatizing. Midwives caring for women can also be exposed to these traumatic childbirth experiences. There is a paucity of research on the impact these experiences have on midwives and their practice. The PEO framework guided the research review question.
    Methods: Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. The quality of each included study was assessed using the tool appropriate to the study's methodological approach; Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) criteria and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) Version 2018. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) tool was utilized to assess reported findings. Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) was used to grade the confidence in the evidence of the qualitative research. Data were thematically analyzed to formalize the identification and development of themes.
    Results: A total of 12 studies were included. Synthesis of the evidence generated one overarching theme, "Midwives, the forgotten victims", and three themes describing the essences of midwives' experiences: "Bruised and battered but still smiling"; "Wearing armour to protect my soul"; "Members of my team are holding me up, others are pulling me down".
    Conclusions: Midwives expressed feelings of shock, fear, responsibility, and powerlessness which may contribute to some experiencing serious mental illness. They reported a shaken belief in the normal physiologic birth process which consequently led to more defensive practice. Research is needed to identify high-quality interventions to support midwives after these events. This systematic review protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; Registration CRD42021252033).
    MeSH term(s) Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Midwifery ; Qualitative Research
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-21
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Review ; Systematic Review
    ZDB-ID 604869-9
    ISSN 1523-536X ; 0730-7659
    ISSN (online) 1523-536X
    ISSN 0730-7659
    DOI 10.1111/birt.12759
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article: Asset mapping score analysis: a novel public health research methodology applied to maternal and child health resources in New Orleans.

    Healy, Jack / Ramirez, Shokufeh / Knapp, Megan / Johnson, Carolyn

    Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique

    2023  Volume 81, Issue 1, Page(s) 33

    Abstract: Background: Asset mapping is a commonly used method in public health to identify and describe the resources within a community. However, there is currently a lack of standardization in the methods used for asset mapping, which can make it difficult for ... ...

    Abstract Background: Asset mapping is a commonly used method in public health to identify and describe the resources within a community. However, there is currently a lack of standardization in the methods used for asset mapping, which can make it difficult for users to apply the method and compare results between different studies. In this article, we present a new approach called Asset Mapping Score Analysis (AMSA), which is a framework for collecting and organizing data on community assets. We provide an example of the AMSA method through its application in the evaluation of maternal and child health resources in New Orleans, Louisiana.
    Results: The AMSA approach consists of five steps and results in a data collection tool that uses a scoring system to quantify the functional and content areas defined by the users. This method is flexible, reproducible, quantitative, inexpensive, and can be adapted to fit the needs of different geographic areas and fields of study. It can also be repeated over time to monitor changes in systems. We conducted a pilot study to examine the participation of local maternal and child health organizations in four functional areas (education, direct services, policy/advocacy, and research) and 22 content areas.
    Conclusions: In addition to describing the AMSA method and providing an example of its application, we also discuss the methodological issues involved in using the AMSA approach. These include considerations related to study design, data analysis, and interpreting results. We assess the strengths, limitations, and potential future directions of the AMSA method. Finally, we present the results of our AMSA study on maternal and child health organizations in New Orleans to illustrate the utility of this approach. Our findings suggest that the AMSA method is a valuable tool for understanding and characterizing the assets and resources within a community.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-28
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1117688-x
    ISSN 2049-3258 ; 0778-7367 ; 0003-9578
    ISSN (online) 2049-3258
    ISSN 0778-7367 ; 0003-9578
    DOI 10.1186/s13690-023-01042-1
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: A true congenital pancreatic cyst in a dog.

    Healy, D M / Cassidy, J P / Martin, S A

    BMC veterinary research

    2022  Volume 18, Issue 1, Page(s) 304

    Abstract: Background: True congenital pancreatic cysts are a rare pathological process reported within feline and human literature. To date there has been no documented case of a true congenital cyst affecting a canine patient. The objective of this case report ... ...

    Abstract Background: True congenital pancreatic cysts are a rare pathological process reported within feline and human literature. To date there has been no documented case of a true congenital cyst affecting a canine patient. The objective of this case report is to document the clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, surgical treatment, histopathological diagnosis and long-term outcome of a dog with a true pancreatic cyst.
    Case presentation: A 5-month-old crossbreed dog was presented with a six-week history of abdominal pain, apparent bilateral pelvic limb weakness, reluctance to walk and intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea. An abdominal ultrasound examination performed by the dog's primary care veterinarian identified a large intra-abdominal structure of unclear origin. A computed tomographic examination identified a large ovoid structure measuring 156 mm in length, 95 mm in height and 89 mm in width and apparently originating from the left limb of the pancreas. An exploratory coeliotomy was performed and a partial pancreatectomy was performed to allow complete removal of the cystic structure. Histopathological analysis of sections of the wall of the large fluid-filled cyst identified a thick fibromuscular wall lined by a well regimented hyperplastic tall columnar epithelium with basally located round to ovoid nuclei featuring fine chromatin stippling and abundant apically located and surface mucin, concurrent with a true congenital pancreatic cyst. A long-term follow-up of twenty-nine months identified no clinical signs of recurrence.
    Conclusion: A partial pancreatectomy and en bloc excision of a true pancreatic cyst provided an excellent long-term outcome in a dog.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Cat Diseases/pathology ; Cats ; Dog Diseases/diagnostic imaging ; Dog Diseases/surgery ; Dogs ; Humans ; Pancreas/pathology ; Pancreatectomy/methods ; Pancreatectomy/veterinary ; Pancreatic Cyst/diagnostic imaging ; Pancreatic Cyst/surgery ; Pancreatic Cyst/veterinary ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/veterinary ; Ultrasonography
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-08-09
    Publishing country England
    Document type Case Reports ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2191675-5
    ISSN 1746-6148 ; 1746-6148
    ISSN (online) 1746-6148
    ISSN 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-022-03215-6
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article ; Online: Electrical Cardiometry during transition and short-term outcome in very preterm infants: a prospective observational study.

    Schwarz, C E / O'Toole, J M / Healy, D B / Panaviene, J / Livingstone, V / Dempsey, E M

    European journal of pediatrics

    2024  Volume 183, Issue 4, Page(s) 1629–1636

    Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of Electrical Cardiometry (EC)-derived cardiac output indexed to weight (CO) and its changes during the first 48 h in relation to adverse short-term outcome in very preterm infants. In this ... ...

    Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of Electrical Cardiometry (EC)-derived cardiac output indexed to weight (CO) and its changes during the first 48 h in relation to adverse short-term outcome in very preterm infants. In this prospective observational study of preterm infants < 32 weeks gestational age (GA), the combined adverse outcome was defined as mortality or abnormal cranial ultrasound (any grade intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or periventricular leukomalacia) within the first 2 weeks postnatally. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between median CO and outcome and mixed-effects models for the time trajectory of CO. In the absence of device-specific thresholds for low or high CO, no thresholds were used in our analysis. Fifty-three infants (median (IQR) GA 29.0 (25.4-30.6) weeks, birthweight 1020 (745-1505) g) were included in the analysis. Median CO was 241 (197-275) mL/kg/min for the adverse outcome and 198 (175-227) mL/kg/min for normal outcome (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (95% CI)), 1.01 (1.00 to 1.03); p = 0.028). After adjustment for GA, the difference was not significant (adjusted OR (95% CI), 1.01 (0.99 to 1.02); p = 0.373). CO trajectory did not differ by outcome (p = 0.352). A post hoc analysis revealed an association between CO time trajectory and ICH ≥ grade 2.          Conclusions: EC-derived CO estimates within 48 h postnatally were not independently associated with brain injury (any grade) or mortality in the first 14 days of life. CO time trajectory was found to be associated with ICH ≥ grade 2. What is Known: • Bioreactance-derived cardiac output indexed to bodyweight (CO) in the transitional period has been associated with adverse short-term outcome in preterm infants. What is New: • Electrical Cardiometry (EC)-derived CO measurements in very preterm infants during the transitional period are not independently associated with adverse outcome (death or ultrasound detected brain damage) within 2 weeks postnatally. • In the first 48 h EC-derived CO increases over time and is higher in extremely preterm infants compared to very preterm and differs from previously reported bioreactance-derived CO values.
    MeSH term(s) Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Birth Weight ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Gestational Age ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Infant, Premature, Diseases/diagnosis ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intracranial Hemorrhages
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-08
    Publishing country Germany
    Document type Observational Study ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 194196-3
    ISSN 1432-1076 ; 0340-6199 ; 0943-9676
    ISSN (online) 1432-1076
    ISSN 0340-6199 ; 0943-9676
    DOI 10.1007/s00431-023-05387-1
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Determining factors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

    Savage, Matthew J / Magistro, Daniele / Hennis, Philip J / Donaldson, James / Healy, Laura C / Hunter, Kirsty A / James, Ruth M

    PloS one

    2024  Volume 19, Issue 2, Page(s) e0298134

    Abstract: Introduction: Historically, university students demonstrate poor movement behaviours that could negatively impact current and future health. Recent literature has focused on identifying determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) ...

    Abstract Introduction: Historically, university students demonstrate poor movement behaviours that could negatively impact current and future health. Recent literature has focused on identifying determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in this population to inform the development of intervention strategies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic substantially restricted movement behaviours in this population, meaning findings of previous research may no longer be applicable within the current societal context. The present study explored the longitudinal relationships between pre-pandemic psychological, behavioural and anthropometric factors, and the movement behaviours of UK university students nine months following the outbreak of COVID-19.
    Methods: Mental wellbeing (MWB), perceived stress (PS), body mass index (BMI), SB, and PA were assessed using an online self-report survey in 255 students prior to (October 2019) and nine months following (October 2020) the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the UK. Path analysis was utilised to test relationships between pre-COVID mental wellbeing, perceived stress and BMI, and movement behaviours during the pandemic.
    Results: The fit of the path analysis model was good (χ2 = 0.01; CMIN = 0.10, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.00). Pre-covid MWB and PS positively influenced PA (β = 0.29; β = 0.24; P < 0.01) but not SB (β = -0.10; β = 0.00; P = 0.79) during the pandemic. Additionally, pre-pandemic SB and PA positively influenced SB and PA during the pandemic respectively (SB: β = 0.26; P < 0.01) (PA: β = 0.55; P < 0.01). Pre-pandemic BMI did not influence any measured variable during the pandemic (PA: β = 0.03 and P = 0.29; SB: β = 0.06 and P = 0.56), and there was no mediating effect of PA on SB during the pandemic (β = -0.26; P = 0.14).
    Conclusion: These findings indicate that pre-covid mental health and movement behaviours had a direct positive influence on PA during the pandemic, but not SB. This longitudinal study demonstrates the influence that prior psychological and behavioural factors have in determining university students' response to periods of elevated stress and uncertainty, furthering our understanding of determinants of health-related behaviours in students.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; Sedentary Behavior ; Universities ; Longitudinal Studies ; Exercise/psychology ; Students/psychology
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-02-23
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2267670-3
    ISSN 1932-6203 ; 1932-6203
    ISSN (online) 1932-6203
    ISSN 1932-6203
    DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0298134
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article ; Online: Selenite (IV) and selenate (VI) uptake and accumulation capacity of

    Murillo, Ana M / Kotamraju, Amulya / Mulkeen, Collette J / Healy, Mark G / Sulpice, Ronan / Lens, Piet N L

    Environmental technology

    2024  , Page(s) 1–11

    Abstract: The uptake of sodium selenite (Se(IV)) and sodium selenate (Se(VI)) from aqueous medium ... ...

    Abstract The uptake of sodium selenite (Se(IV)) and sodium selenate (Se(VI)) from aqueous medium by
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-08
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 1479-487X
    ISSN (online) 1479-487X
    DOI 10.1080/09593330.2023.2298670
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article ; Online: The role of increasing synchronous telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic on disparities in access to healthcare: A systematic review.

    Ternes, Sara / Lavin, Lauren / Vakkalanka, J Priyanka / Healy, Heather S / Merchant, Kimberly As / Ward, Marcia M / Mohr, Nicholas M

    Journal of telemedicine and telecare

    2024  , Page(s) 1357633X241245459

    Abstract: Introduction: The COVID-19 public health emergency led to an unprecedented rapid increase in telehealth use, but the role of telehealth in reducing disparities in access to care has been questioned. The objective of this study was to conduct a ... ...

    Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 public health emergency led to an unprecedented rapid increase in telehealth use, but the role of telehealth in reducing disparities in access to care has been questioned. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to summarize the available evidence on how telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with telehealth utilization for minority groups and its role in health disparities.
    Methods: We conducted a systematic review focused on health equity and access to care by searching for interventional and observational studies using the following four search domains: telehealth, COVID-19, health equity, and access to care. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, telehealth.hhs.gov, and the Rural Health Research Gateway, and included any study that reported quantitative results with a control group.
    Results: Our initial search yielded 1970 studies, and we included 48 in our final review. The most common dimensions of health equity studied were race/ethnicity, rurality, insurance status, language, and socioeconomic status, and the telehealth applications studied were diverse. Included studies had a moderate risk of bias. In aggregate, most studies reported increased telehealth use during the pandemic, with the greatest increase in non-minority populations, including White, younger, English-speaking people from urban areas.
    Discussion: We found that despite rapid adoption and increased telehealth use during the public health emergency, telehealth did not reduce existing disparities in access to care. We recommend that future work measuring the impact of telehealth focus on equity so that features of telehealth innovation can reduce disparities in health outcomes.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-22
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 1340281-x
    ISSN 1758-1109 ; 1357-633X
    ISSN (online) 1758-1109
    ISSN 1357-633X
    DOI 10.1177/1357633X241245459
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article ; Online: CRISPR-Cas9 Direct Fusions for Improved Genome Editing via Enhanced Homologous Recombination.

    Tabassum, Tahmina / Pietrogrande, Giovanni / Healy, Michael / Wolvetang, Ernst J

    International journal of molecular sciences

    2023  Volume 24, Issue 19

    Abstract: DNA repair in mammalian cells involves the coordinated action of a range of complex cellular repair machinery. Our understanding of these DNA repair processes has advanced to the extent that they can be leveraged to improve the efficacy and precision of ... ...

    Abstract DNA repair in mammalian cells involves the coordinated action of a range of complex cellular repair machinery. Our understanding of these DNA repair processes has advanced to the extent that they can be leveraged to improve the efficacy and precision of Cas9-assisted genome editing tools. Here, we review how the fusion of CRISPR-Cas9 to functional domains of proteins that directly or indirectly impact the DNA repair process can enhance genome editing. Such studies have allowed the development of diverse technologies that promote efficient gene knock-in for safer genome engineering practices.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Gene Editing ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics ; Homologous Recombination ; DNA Repair/genetics ; Genome ; Mammals
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-09-28
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2019364-6
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    ISSN (online) 1422-0067
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    DOI 10.3390/ijms241914701
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  10. Article ; Online: Experiences that influence how trained providers support women with breastfeeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence.

    Chesnel, Mary Jo / Healy, Maria / McNeill, Jenny

    PloS one

    2022  Volume 17, Issue 10, Page(s) e0275608

    Abstract: Introduction: There is a need to improve breastfeeding support interventions as although many are evidence-based, a sequential increase in breastfeeding rates is not evident. It is crucial to understand why the implementation of evidence-based ... ...

    Abstract Introduction: There is a need to improve breastfeeding support interventions as although many are evidence-based, a sequential increase in breastfeeding rates is not evident. It is crucial to understand why the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in practice does not always translate to positive experiences for women and improve breastfeeding rates. This systematic review aims to synthesise breastfeeding support experiences of trained support providers and their impact on breastfeeding support practices.
    Methods: A strategy was developed to search seven databases including Medline and CINAHL and grey literature for qualitative studies. Studies eligible for inclusion reported professional and trained peer experiences of supporting women to breastfeed. PRISMA guidelines were followed and included studies were quality appraised using the CASP Qualitative Checklist. A thematic synthesis of included studies was undertaken and confidence in the review findings was assessed using the CERQual tool. The study protocol, registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020207380, has been peer reviewed and published.
    Findings: A total of 977 records were screened, which identified 18 studies (21 papers) eligible for inclusion comprising 368 participants. Following quality appraisal, all studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. The thematic synthesis resulted in four analytical themes: 1) A personal philosophy of breastfeeding support 2) Teamwork and tensions in practice 3) Negotiating organisational constraints and 4) Encounters with breastfeeding women. Findings demonstrated that a range of experiences influence practice, and practice evolves on continued exposure to such experiences. The potential of each experience to facilitate or inhibit breastfeeding support provision is fluid and context specific.
    Conclusions: Experiences, as named above, are modifiable factors contributing to the development of a philosophy of breastfeeding support based on what the provider believes works and is valuable in practice. Further research is required into the range of factors which underpin context-specific breastfeeding support practice, to improve both women's experiences and intervention effectiveness.
    MeSH term(s) Breast Feeding ; Delivery of Health Care ; Female ; Humans ; Qualitative Research
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-14
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Systematic Review
    ZDB-ID 2267670-3
    ISSN 1932-6203 ; 1932-6203
    ISSN (online) 1932-6203
    ISSN 1932-6203
    DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0275608
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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