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This Special Issue, The Enemy of Kinship & Kinship with the Enemy, examines anti-anthropocentric ideas of kinship through the lens of the “enemy.” It asks how animals conceptualized as “enemies” challenge expanded definitions of kinship. The introduction explores how figures such as parasites, pests, and invasive species disrupt ethical imperatives for kinship and compassion with nonhuman others. These beings often seek contact with humans, who frequently respond with efforts to expel or eradicate them. By rethinking kinship beyond traditional Western paradigms, the issue highlights how different models of kinship create distinct “enemies” and shape actions to counter or coexist with these “anti-social” others. Through case studies from Latin America, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Northern Europe, the issue explores the complexities of making kin with the enemy while uncovering diverse kinship systems in which such relationships unfold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The battle against invasive alien species (IAS) rages on, and is being driven by recently articulated global biodiversity agendas. While the current United Nations Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) seeks to ensure pristine, protected areas comprise 30 percent of the world's total surface area by 2030, there remains much to be done for the remaining 70 percent, areas dominated by human habitat and industrial activities. Many non-native species have partly or wholly naturalized in these mixed ecosystems, becoming entangled in people's livelihoods. We therefore argue that initiatives to not only aggressively eradicate such IAS but also to enroll the help of citizens in doing so will likely meet with resistance. Biodiversity dilemmas may arise where the cure may be worse than the disease; animal welfare standards may have to be sacrificed; and socioeconomic utility may have to be set aside. We therefore advocate the need for an alternative perspective on biodiversity justice and the proper place of IAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe factors that prevent patient safety incidents in connection with the radiological examination from the radiographer's perspective. Background: Radiology plays an important role in the care chain and involves diagnostic examinations and treatments using various radiation sources and different techniques. Risks for patient safety incidents exist in every phase of a radiological examination. Appropriate use of medical imaging requires a multidisciplinary approach involving staff of different categories to meet the medical objectives and the patient's care needs. In accordance with a Safety‐II approach, it is therefore important to understand why things go right and ensure that they do by supporting the conditions for right things to happen. Design: A qualitative study with a descriptive design. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 radiographers. The data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. Results: The analysis yielded 20 sub‐themes, which describe different success factors contributing to patient safety. Conclusion: Proactive work should focus on collaboration and sharing the necessary knowledge, internally and externally, for care in connection with the radiological examination. The radiological and peri‐radiographic knowledge should include monitoring the patient's safety needs before, during and after the radiological examination. The referring clinician has a central role in writing relevant referrals and the radiographer's competence is crucial in monitoring the patient's safety needs. A good patient safety culture is required and working with standards is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extension to the application area for discrete event simulation (DES) has been ongoing since the last decade and focused only on economic aspects to include ecologic sustainability. With this new focus, additional input parameters, such as electrical power consumption of machines, are needed. This paper aim at investigating how NC machine power consumption should be represented in simulation models of factories. The study includes data-sets from three different factories. One factory producing truck engine blocks, one producing brake disc parts for cars and one producing forklift components. The total number of data points analysed are more than 2,45,000, where of over 1,11,000 on busy state for 11 NC machines. The low variability between busy cycles indicates that statistical representations are not adding significant variability. Furthermore, results show that non-value-added activities cause a substantial amount of the total energy consumption, which can be reduced by optimising the production flow using dynamic simulations such as DES. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Currently, no available tool easily and effectively measures both the frequency, intensity and distress of symptoms among patients receiving radiotherapy. A core symptom set (fatigue, insomnia, pain, appetite loss, cognitive problems, anxiety, nausea, depression, constipation, diarrhoea and skin reaction) has been identified and assessed across oncology research to better understand the pattern of symptoms and treatment side effects. Aim: The aim was to develop a tool measuring the multiple‐symptom experience in patients undergoing radiotherapy and evaluate its psychometric properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness). Design: This study has a prospective, longitudinal and quantitative design. Methods: We developed a patient‐reported outcome questionnaire, the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale to assess the frequency, intensity and distress associated with symptoms. Patients (n = 175) with brain tumours undergoing proton beam therapy completed the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and the health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) during treatment. We assessed the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale and evaluated the validity against QLQ‐C30. Results: There were significant questionnaire–questionnaire correlations regarding selected items, primarily fatigue, insomnia and pain, indicating satisfactory criterion‐related validity. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale had fair to good retest reliability. Conclusion: The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale is a valid instrument for assessing symptom intensity and distress in patients with brain tumour undergoing PBT, with psychometric properties within the expected range. The Radiotherapy‐Related Symptoms Assessment Scale provides nurses with substantial information on symptom experience but requires little effort from the patient. Additional studies are required to further assess the psychometric properties in patients with different cancer diagnoses receiving conventional radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients diagnosed with cancer who are due to commence radiotherapy, often, despite the provision of a considerable amount of information, report a range of unmet information needs about the treatment process. Factors such as inadequate provision of information, or the stressful situation of having to deal with information about unfamiliar things, may influence the patient's ability to comprehend the information. There is a need to further advance the format in which such information is presented. The composition of information should be tailored according to the patient's individual needs and style of learning. Method and findings: The PD methodology is frequently used when a technology designed artefact is the desired result of the process. This research is descriptive of its kind and provides a transparent description of the co-design process used to develop an innovative digital information tool employing PD methodology where several stakeholders participated as co-designers. Involving different stakeholders in the process in line with recommended PD activities enabled us to develop a digital information tool that has the potential to be relevant and user-friendly for the ultimate consumer. Conclusions: Facilitating collaboration, structured PD activities can help researchers, healthcare professionals and patients to co-design patient information that meets the end users' needs. Furthermore, it can enhance the rigor of the process, ensure the relevance of the information, and finally have a potential to employ a positive effect on the reach of the related digital information tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: The overall aim of the study was to illuminate the patients' lived experiences of waiting for and undergoing an endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in a hybrid operating room (OR). Background: The hybrid OR is an example of the technological advancements within hospitals. The environmental impact on humans is well recognised but is rarely taken into account when hospitals are designed or rebuilt. The patient's experience of a hybrid OR is not earlier described. Design: A qualitative design based on hermeneutic phenomenology was implemented. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 18 patients. A thematic interpretation based on van Manen's approach was then used to analyse the findings. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) were used (Data S1). Results: The following three themes emerged from the interviews: (a) being scheduled for surgery induced both anxiety and hopefulness; (b) feeling watched over and surrendering to others in the technology intense environment and (c) feeling relief but unexpected exhaustion after surgery. In the discussion, the results were additionally reflected upon out from the four lifeworld existentials: lived body, lived space, lived time and lived others. Conclusions: The hybrid OR technology did not frighten the patients, but it was also not an environment that promoted or was conductive to having a dialogue with the staff. The disease and surgery brought feelings of anxiety, which was largely associated with the uncertainty of the situation. We suggest that continuity in contact with staff and patient‐centred information could be solutions to further calm the patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The hybrid OR environment itself did not seem to frighten the patient, but the way the high‐tech environment increased the distance between the patient and the multiple staff members needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with brain tumors constitute a vulnerable group, and it is important that they receive the highest quality of care (QoC). The study aim was to describe the perceptions of QoC and its association with health-related quality of life in brain tumor patients undergoing proton beam therapy in a newly established clinic.Method: Data were collected at the start of treatment and after 3 and 6 weeks. Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with brain tumors (n = 186) completed two self-administered questionnaires: a modified Quality from the Patients' Perspective, which measures perceived reality and subjective importance of care, and the EORTC QLQ-C30. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.Results: The perceived QoC was highest for treatment information and lowest for dietician and smoking information, whereas interaction with doctors and nurses was rated as the most important aspect of quality of care. Subjective importance ratings were significantly higher than perceived reality ratings for 60% of items. A better global health was moderately correlated with a higher perceived support for fatigue.Conclusions: A need for quality improvement was identified for several aspects of patient care. Greater symptom distress during the treatment period led to greater perceived importance of symptom support. Ensuring QoC is complex and collaboration with other health care professionals is essential.Relevance To Clinical Practice: The clinic could improve QoC regarding information about possible symptoms, adjust care according to patient perceptions of importance, and involve patients in care decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A hybrid operating room (OR) is a surgical OR with integrated imaging equipment and the possibility to serve both open surgery and image-guided interventions. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the work processes and types of collaboration in a hybrid OR during endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Methods: Data consisted of video recordings from nine procedures, with a total recording time of 48 hrs 39 mins. The procedures were divided into four episodes (Acts). A qualitative cross-case analysis was conducted, resulting in a typical case. The type of collaboration during specific tasks was discussed and determined based on Thylefors´ team typology. Results: An extensive amount of safety activities occurred in the preparation phase (Acts 1 and 2), involving a number of staff categories. After the skin incision (Act 3), the main activities were performed by fewer staff categories, while some persons had a standby position and there were persons who were not at all involved in the procedure. Discussion: The different specialist staff in the hybrid OR worked through different types of collaboration: multi-, inter- and transprofessional. The level of needed collaboration depended on the activity performed, but it was largely multiprofessional and took place largely in separate groups of specialties: anesthesiology, surgery and radiology. Waiting time and overlapping tasks indicate that the procedures could be more efficient and safe for the patient. Conclusion: This study highlights that the three expertise specialties were required for safe treatment in the hybrid OR, but the extent of interprofessional activities was limited. Our results provide a basis for the development of more effective procedures with closer and more efficient interprofessional collaboration and reduction of overlapping roles. Considerable waiting times, traffic flow and presence of people who were not involved in the patient care are areas of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The peroxisome biogenesis disorders, which are caused by mutations in any of 13 different PEX genes, include the Zellweger spectrum disorders. Severe defects in one of these PEX genes result in the absence of functional peroxisomes which is seen in classical Zellweger syndrome. These patients present with hypotonia and seizures shortly after birth. Other typical symptoms are dysmorphic features, liver disease, retinal degeneration, sensorineural deafness, polycystic kidneys, and the patient does not reach any developmental milestones.Case Presentation: We report a case of a patient with Zellweger spectrum disorder due to a novel mutation in the PEX10 gene, presenting with a mild late-onset neurological phenotype. The patient, an Assyrian girl originating from Iraq, presented with sensorineural hearing impairment at the age of 5 followed by sensorimotor polyneuropathy, cognitive delay, impaired gross and fine motor skills, and tremor and muscle weakness in her teens. Analyses of biochemical markers for peroxisomal disease suggested a mild peroxisomal defect and functional studies in fibroblasts confirmed the existence of a peroxisome biogenesis disorder. Diagnosis was confirmed by next generation sequencing analysis, which showed a novel homozygous mutation (c.530 T > G (p.Leu177Arg) (NM_153818.1)) in the PEX10 gene predicted to be pathogenic.Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of performing biochemical, functional, and genetic peroxisomal screening in patients with clinical presentations milder than those usually observed in Zellweger spectrum disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The association between cancer-related fatigue and pathological processes in the body is largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate a possible linkage between fatigue and intestinal injury during pelvic radiotherapy. Methods. Twenty-nine women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for anal or uterine cancer were prospectively followed. Fatigue and diarrhea were assessed using patient self-reported questionnaires. Plasma citrulline concentration, as a sign of intestinal injury, and C-reactive protein, orosomucoid, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, and haptoglobin, as signs of systemic inflammation, were analyzed. Results. Fatigue increased significantly (p<.001) and citrulline decreased significantly (p < .001) during treatment. A significant negative correlation (r = 0.40; p < .05) was found between fatigue and epithelial atrophy in the intestine (as assessed by plasma citrulline) after 3 weeks of treatment and a significant positive correlation (r = 0.75; p < .001) was found between fatigue and diarrhea. Signs of systemic inflammation were evident, with significant increases in serum orosomucoid, serum haptoglobin (p < .05) and serum α1-antitrypsin (p < .001) and a significant decrease in serum albumin (p < .001). Conclusion. The present study indicates a link between fatigue and intestinal injury during pelvic radiotherapy. This observation should be considered as a preliminary finding because of the small sample size but may serve as a rationale for therapeutic interventions aimed at alleviating both fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms during pelvic radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose. Elderly women with breast cancer are often not given adjuvant chemotherapy (CT). One reason for this is that older women are believed to have more problems in tolerating side-effects of CT. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of age on health related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms in postmenopausal women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant CT. Patients and methods. Eighty consecutive postmenopausal patients planned for CT were invited. Seventy-five agreed to participate (age 55-77 years). The patients completed two cancer-specific HRQoL questionnaires, The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of cancer (EORTC) EORTC-QLQ-C30, the EORTC-QLQ-BR23, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before, during, and 4 months after completion of treatment. The design was descriptional and longitudinal. Correlations were examined between age and change in HRQoL variables. Results. No significant correlations were found between age and any of the assessed HRQoL domains or symptom scales, except for dyspnoea and sexual functioning. Age was inversely correlated to change in dyspnoea from baseline through follow-up, whereas older women perceived their sexual functioning significantly lower at baseline. Conclusion: The results indicate that among postmenopausal patients in the age range 55-77 years consecutively selected for adjuvant CT age was not a predictor of decreased HRQoL. This supports the argument that age should not be used in isolation in decisions about adjuvant CT for breast cancer in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To explore the experience of participation in support groups for women recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Research Approach: Exploratory, qualitative. Setting: Oncology department in a hospital in western Sweden. Participants: 10 Swedish women, aged 42-76, who recently had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had participated in support groups. Methodologic Approach: Data were collected by semistructured interviews and analyzed using grounded theory. Main Research Variables: Ovarian cancer, support group experience. Findings: Three categories emerged from the data analysis: sharing experiences and emotions, exchanging informational support, and exchanging emotional support. The core category was the experience being in the same boat. Trust, openness, and willingness to create space for each other were experienced. Conclusions: Support groups offer an opportunity to share experiences and emotions as well as exchange information. They are also a possible source of emotional support and therefore can contribute to quality of life of patients with ovarian cancer. Interpretation: Knowing that others had similar symptoms and reactions, and that those experiences are normal, was very important support group participants. Nurses can reduce patients' fears and uncertainties by confirming normality. Oncology nurses need be aware that cancer support groups offer a unique opportunity interact with others in a similar situation. Participation in support groups can be an important source of emotional and informational support for patients. The support program in this study may be used a model when planning for extended emotional and informational support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ahlberg k., ekman t., wallgren a. & gaston-johansson f. (2004) Journal of Advanced Nursing 45(2), 205–213 Fatigue, psychological distress, coping and quality of life in patients with uterine cancer Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a subjectively experienced symptom that is multidimensional and multifactorial. Patients with cancer have identified fatigue as one of the major troubling symptoms and the primary cause of distress in their lives. The major aim of the study was to examine how patients diagnosed with uterine cancer describe their experience of fatigue, psychological distress, coping resources and quality of life. A secondary aim was to describe the relationship between selected variables. A descriptive and correlational design was used and the study was conducted at a university hospital in Sweden. The study population consisted of women, diagnosed with uterine cancer, who where scheduled to receive curative external radiation therapy. Sixty women participated in the study and data were collected through self-report instruments. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patient records. The data were collected during year 2000–2002. The Conceptual Model of Symptom Management was used as a framework to guide the study. Patients experienced a low grade of fatigue and psychological distress, but their functional status and global quality of life was high. Significant correlations were found between general fatigue and anxiety and also between general fatigue and depression. There was a significant negative correlation between general fatigue and coping resources. Depression explained 44% of the variance in general fatigue. The findings provide knowledge about predictors of CRF in women with uterine cancer, and can serve as a basis for future longitudinal studies in which different prophylactic strategies against therapy-related fatigue are prospectively studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study covered 250 subjects aged 21-60 yr subdivided into four age groups. Oral hygiene status and dental care habits were above average and the number of teeth remaining was high in all age groups (range 24.1-27.3). All subjects were radiographically examined by means of an intraoral full mouth survey. From the radiographs periapical lesions and root fillings were recorded. A total of 117 subjects (46.8%) presented with one or more periapical lesions distributed between 294 roots (2.9%) or 229 teeth (3.5%). Two-thirds of the periapical lesions were related to endodontically treated roots. Of all endodontically treated roots 28.8% were associated with a periapical lesion. Irrespective of the relative length 17.2% of the homogeneous and 37.9% of the inhomogeneous root fillings were associated with a periapical lesion. It is concluded that periapical lesions although rare in these subjects were most frequent in root filled teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on bilateral idiopathic root resorption of upper first premolars. Internal resorption is an unusual form of tooth resorption initiated within the pulp cavity. The resorption may be a slow progressive process extending over one or more years or it may develop rapidly and perforate the tooth within a matter of months. The condition is often painless and is revealed by radiographic examination as a more or less expansive, radiolucent area within the tooth, that is usually clearly delineated.

Objective: Bone sarcoma survivors face a number of physical and psychosocial challenges in relation to the late effects they experience following treatment. The present study aimed to identify and explore the different trajectories that bone sarcoma survivors might navigate during follow‐up. Methods: In‐depth and semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: When they were interviewed three to ten years after the primary diagnosis, the eighteen bone cancer survivors were found to be in three different rehabilitation phases that followed fairly distinct trajectories, namely, back to normal, a new normal and still struggling. Only three participants felt that they had returned to a life that was quite similar to the one they had lived prior to having cancer. Fifteen participants considered their lives and their bodies to be significantly altered. Conclusion: Sarcoma survivors who undergo life‐changing treatment and return to very different lives than they had before should be identified by healthcare professionals and guided through this demanding phase to better cope with their new living conditions. Information on and tailored guidance related to psychosocial challenges may be of particular importance. Active focus on reorientation, as well as possibilities for growth, seems to be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]