The Role of Observation in Grounded Theory: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Grounded theory has become one of the most important interdisciplinary methods of research because of its attention to social interactions and investigation of hidden processes in social behaviors. This study aimed to explain observation as a tool in grounded theory and to place this data collection method parallel to interviews in terms of importance. Method: This was a narrative review of the literature. First, the available databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, and Magiran) were searched using the keywords observation, qualitative study, and grounded theory, and the indicators AND and OR. As a result, 21 books, 2 professional websites, and 38 articles in English and 18 in Farsi were retrieved. After the final revision, 6 books, and 10 articles in English and 4 in Farsi, which discussed the nature and scope of observation in qualitative studies, were included in the review. Results: Studies show that although interview is the most important and perhaps the most practical tool for collecting data in grounded theory studies, this method cannot always help the researcher to investigate a social phenomenon from different perspectives. Awareness of observation method, ability of the observer, the pros and cons of observation, ethics of observation, and applied guidelines for observation are issues which can help qualitative researchers who adopt symbolic interactionism as theoretical perspective in their qualitative inquiry. Conclusion: Conducting precise observation through which the researcher is totally immersed in the phenomenon under study with curiosity, application of scientific observation principles and methods, as well as employment of in-depth interviews can help qualitative researchers to discover social processes hidden in human interactions. Keywords: Observation, Grounded theory approach, Narrative revie

MicroRNA-129-1 acts as tumour suppressor and induces cell cycle arrest of GBM cancer cells through targeting IGF2BP3 and MAPK1

Background MicroRNA-129-1 (miR-129-1) seems to behave as a tumour suppressor since its decreased expression is associated with different tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is the most common form of brain tumours originating from glial cells. The impact of miR-129-1 downregulation on GBM pathogenesis has yet to be elucidated. Methods MiR-129-1 was overexpressed in GBM cells, and its effect on proliferation was investigated by cell cycle assay. MiR-129-1 predicted targets (CDK6, IGF1, HDAC2, IGF2BP3 and MAPK1) were also evaluated by western blot and luciferase assay. Results Restoration of miR-129-1 reduced cell proliferation and induced G1 accumulation, significantly. Several functional assays confirmed IGF2BP3, MAPK1 and CDK6 as targets of miR-129-1. Despite the fact that IGF1 expression can be suppressed by miR-129-1, through 30-untranslated region complementary sequence, we could not find any association between IGF1 expression and GBM. MiR-129-1 expression inversely correlates with CDK6, IGF2BP3 and MAPK1 in primary clinical samples. Conclusion This is the first study to propose miR129-1 as a negative regulator of IGF2BP3 and MAPK1 and also a cell cycle arrest inducer in GBM cells. Our data suggests miR-129-1 as a potential tumour suppressor and presents a rationale for the use of miR-129-1 as a novel strategy to improve treatment response in GBM

Optimization of the high-throughput synthesis of multiblock copolymer nanoparticles in aqueous media: Via polymerization-induced self-assembly

Over the past fifteen years or so, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has become widely recognized as a powerful and versatile platform technology for the synthesis of a wide range of block copolymer nanoparticles of controlled size, shape and surface chemistry. In the present study, we report that PISA formulations are sufficiently robust to enable high-throughput experiments using a commercial synthesis robot (Chemspeed Autoplant A100). More specifically, we use reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous emulsion polymerization of either n-butyl methacrylate and/or benzyl methacrylate to prepare various examples of methacrylic multiblock copolymer nanoparticles using a poly(methacrylic acid) stabilizer block. Adequate stirring is essential to generate sufficiently small monomer droplets for such heterogeneous polymerizations to proceed efficiently. Good reproducibility can be achieved under such conditions, with well-defined spherical morphologies being obtained at up to 45% w/w solids. GPC studies indicate high blocking efficiencies but relatively broad molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn= 1.36-1.85), suggesting well-defined (albeit rather polydisperse) block copolymer chains. These preliminary studies provide a sound basis for high-throughput screening of RAFT-mediated PISA formulations, which is likely to be required for commercialization of this technology. Our results indicate that methacrylic PISA formulations enable the synthesis of diblock and triblock copolymer nanoparticles in high overall yield (94-99%) within 1-3 h at 70 °C. However, tetrablocks suffer from incomplete conversions (87-96% within 5 h) and hence most likely represent the upper limit for this approach

A historical review of the concept of labor support in technocratic, humanistic and holistic paradigms of childbirth

Background: In the past century, maternal support during childbirth has been changed according to the different approaches suggested by various health care paradigms. Objective: The aim of this review was to argue the maternity supportive care paradigms of the past century and to closely analyze each paradigm. Methods: This is a historical review, in which published articles were retrieved from databases including Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar. Sage Journals and Springer’s publications were also searched due to the high citation rate of their articles. The keywords entered were "Labor support", "Normal delivery", "Birth attendance", "Supportive approaches", "Health care paradigms", and "Midwifery models of care". They were entered alone or in combinations using "AND". Also, Persian articles were searched in local databases including Irandoc, SID, IranMedex, and Magiran using the above-mentioned keywords in Persian. Sixty articles met inclusion criteria. Results: The review revealed four main themes including the definitions of continuous labor support, the technocratic paradigm, the humanistic paradigm and the naturalistic paradigm as models of labor support. According to the evidence, labor support has changed from technocratic to humanistic and holistic approaches, which in turn, caused some changes in midwifery models of care used by midwives in the practice. Conclusion: Labor support based on the holistic approaches and the naturalistic paradigms could bring about remarkable outcomes, the most important being satisfied with the birth experience, increased mother’s self- confidence, enhanced mother’s ability in childbirth and better completion of the childbirth process

Iron supplementation protocols for iron deficiency anemia: A comparative review of iron regimens in three countries of India, Iran and England

Background and aim: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world today. It affects the lives of millions of women and children through contributing to poor cognitive development, increased maternal mortality and decreased work capacity.  Because of the important role of Iron in the physical and cognitive health, and for the universal consideration of eradication of this problem, this review aimed to compare iron supplementary programs in three countries if India, Iran and England. Method: The design was a comparative review of iron supplementary programs in three countries of India, Iran and England. These countries were selected for review, as they represent the spread of iron deficiency anemia in three different level of low, medium and high. Relevant data were retrieved from databases including PubMed as well as WHO, World Bank Ranking and BMJ Center reports and then were included in comparative tables to provide the basis for detecting similarities and differences. Results: The included countries in this review were different in terms of preventive and treatment strategies to overcome iron deficiency. The reason for this difference was due to health conditions, and availability of healthy drinking water, and also prevalence of various diseases like anemia, parasitic diseases, and malaria. In Iran and India the preventive programs are confined to all groups at risk, however, in England it just encompasses the immigrants and the people who are supported by the government. Conclusion: This review showed that in low income countries, the most economic and cost-effective practice is enriching the nutritionals. Additionally, the treatment and preventive programs and policies for anemia in different countries are related to health conditions and health indicators of that country

The process of coding and identifying major categories.

<p>The process of coding and identifying major categories.</p

Characteristics of the participants.

<p>Characteristics of the participants.</p