Qualitative Research on Self-Transcendence in Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

The current scoping review describes qualitative research on self-transcendence (ST) in older adults. Articles from five databases were independently screened and data were extracted from predetermined categories. Results were compared and consensus reached through discussion. The two leading theorists guiding the chosen studies were Pamela Reed and Lars Tornstam. Experiential language in the studies most often touched on intrapersonal and interpersonal ST. Two main gaps identified in the literature were: (a) limited coverage of transpersonal aspects of ST, and (b) limited inclusion of experiential language of study participants. More qualitative research, phenomenology in particular, can shed light on the topic of ST. A deeper understanding of all aspects of ST, including experiential language used to describe it, can lay a foundation for nursing to advance with theory formation, scale construction, and interventions to better promote spiritual and psychological well-being in older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(9), 43-48.].

Sub-picomolar lateral flow antigen detection with two-wavelength imaging of composite nanoparticles.

Lateral flow tests, commonly based on metal plasmonic nanoparticles, are rapid, robust, and low-cost. However, improvements in analytical sensitivity are required to allow detection of low-abundance biomarkers, for example detection of low antigen concentrations for earlier or asymptomatic diagnosis of infectious diseases. Efforts to improve sensitivity often require changes to the assay. Here, we developed optical methods to improve the sensitivity of absorption-based lateral flow tests, requiring no assay modifications to existing tests. We experimentally compared five different lock-in and subtraction-based methods, exploiting the narrow plasmonic peak of gold nanoparticles for background removal by imaging at different light wavelengths. A statistical framework and three fitting models were used to compare limits of detection, giving a 2.0-5.4-fold improvement. We then demonstrated the broad applicability of the method to an ultrasensitive assay, designing 530 nm composite nanoparticles to increase the particle volume, and therefore light absorption per particle, whilst retaining the plasmonic peak to allow background removal and without adding any assay steps. This multifaceted, modular approach gave a combined 58-fold improvement in the fundamental limit of detection using a biotin-avidin model over 50 nm gold nanoparticles with single-wavelength imaging. Applying to a sandwich assay for the detection of HIV capsid protein gave a limit of detection of 170 fM. Additionally, we developed an open-source software tool for performing the detection limit analysis used in this work.

A decade in review: use of data analytics within the biopharmaceutical sector.

There are large amounts of data generated within the biopharmaceutical sector. Traditionally, data analysis methods labelled as multivariate data analysis have been the standard statistical technique applied to interrogate these complex data sets. However, more recently there has been a surge in the utilisation of a broader set of machine learning algorithms to further exploit these data. In this article, the adoption of data analysis techniques within the biopharmaceutical sector is evaluated through a review of journal articles and patents published within the last ten years. The papers objectives are to identify the most dominant algorithms applied across different applications areas within the biopharmaceutical sector and to explore whether there is a trend between the size of the data set and the algorithm adopted.

Wu-Wei: Concept Analysis of a Conceptual Paradox.

The Taoist concept of wu-wei is explored through a concept analysis, as delineated by Walker and Avant. The paradoxical nature of wu-wei is explored through different uses, defining attributes, a model case, related and illegitimate cases, antecedents and consequences, and empirical referents. Practical applications for mental health nursing assessment and interventions are offered to show potential improved outcomes with the stance of wu-wei in practice. Wu-wei arises in the emptying of the vessel (oneself) of ego, thus allowing more skillful, adaptable, collaborative mental health nursing in the moment.

Intervention Fidelity and Facilitator Training.

Intervention fidelity is an ongoing concern for rigorous research, from the initial stages of planning and study design to the maintenance of internal validity. An added concern is the balance between fidelity and design accommodation to better suit varied populations and individuals. In this article, we describe our process for monitoring intervention fidelity during an individualized, yet standardized, strengths-based intervention with homeless youths, in which we include periodic training of our professional intervention facilitators. In our ongoing study, which is based on a Solomon four-group design with repeated measures, monitoring and training are essential to ensure intervention fidelity. Despite a rich literature about intervention fidelity, little guidance is available to help researchers and practitioners implement fidelity strategies in the real world with vulnerable populations. This article addresses this gap.

Suicidality in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

This systematic literature review addresses risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts in young men who have sex with men (YMSM). The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, PsychArticles, and PsychInfo yielded 14 articles. Risk factors included (1) not being enrolled in school, (2) earlier sexual debut, (3) substance use/abuse, (4) homelessness, (5) bullying and victimization, (6) fear of community violence, (7) and parental abuse. Protective factors included (1) positive sexual minority LGBT stereotypes, (2) family acceptance, (3) school and peer support, (4) high self-esteem, and (5) adaptive coping mechanisms.

Why the Unskilled Are Unaware: Further Explorations of (Absent) Self-Insight Among the Incompetent.

People are typically overly optimistic when evaluating the quality of their performance on social and intellectual tasks. In particular, poor performers grossly overestimate their performances because their incompetence deprives them of the skills needed to recognize their deficits. Five studies demonstrated that poor performers lack insight into their shortcomings even in real world settings and when given incentives to be accurate. An additional meta-analysis showed that it was lack of insight into their own errors (and not mistaken assessments of their peers) that led to overly optimistic estimates among poor performers. Along the way, these studies ruled out recent alternative accounts that have been proposed to explain why poor performers hold such positive impressions of their performance.