A newly developed online peer support community for depression (Depression Connect):Qualitative study

Contains fulltext : 233420.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)Background: Internet support groups enable users to provide peer support by exchanging knowledge about and experiences in coping with their illness. Several studies exploring the benefits of internet support groups for depression have found positive effects on recovery-oriented values, including empowerment. However, to date, little attention has been paid to user narratives. Objective: This study aims to capture the user perspective on an online peer support community for depression with a focus on the modes of user engagement and the benefits users derive from participation in the forum. Methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted 15 semistructured interviews with users of Depression Connect, a newly developed online peer support community for individuals with depression. Combining a concept-driven and a data-driven approach, we aimed to gain insight into what users value in our Depression Connect platform and whether and how the platform promotes empowerment. We performed a thematic analysis to explore the merits and demerits reported by users by using theoretical concepts widely used in internet support group research. In the subsequent data-driven analysis, we sought to understand the relationship between different styles of user engagement and the participants' experiences with the use of Depression Connect. Data analysis consisted of open, axial, and selective coding. To include as diverse perspectives as possible, we opted for purposive sampling. To verify and validate the (interim) results, we included negative cases and performed member checks. Results: We found participation in Depression Connect contributes to a sense of belonging, emotional growth, self-efficacy, and empowerment. "Getting too caught up" was the most frequently reported negative aspect of using Depression Connect. The deployment and development of three participation styles (ie, reading, posting, and responding) affected the perceived benefits of Depression Connect use differentially, where the latter style was central to enhancing empowerment. "Being of value to others" boosted the users' belief in their personal strength. Finally, Depression Connect was predominantly used to supplement offline support and care for depression, and it mainly served as a safe environment where members could freely reflect on their coping mechanisms for depression and exchange and practice coping strategies. Conclusions: Our findings shed new light on user engagement processes on which internet support groups rely. The online community primarily served as a virtual meeting place to practice (social) skills for deployment in the offline world. It also allowed the members to learn from each other’s knowledge and experiences and explore newly gained insights and coping skills.18 p

Non-invasive ventilation in neuromuscular disorders: What about sleep?

In patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and thoracic wall deformities (TWD) alveolar hypoventilation can occur once the respiratory muscles become insufficient. Non-invasive ventilation can be started to reduce hypercapnia and to improve symptoms. Previous studies in patients with NMD and TWD showed an increased survival and quality of life after initiation of NIV. Although NIV is mostly applied to reduce alveolar hypoventilation during the night, only very few studies have searched for the effect of NIV on the quantity and quality of sleep. One of the most typical symptoms of alveolar hypoventilation is increased daytime sleepiness, which has a possible negative effect on physical activity. Few small studies (n<10) have found positive effects of NIV on muscle strength and the 6 minute walking distance, but no research has been done on the effect of NIV on physical activity. In a first part we will search for the effects of NIV on the quantity and quality of sleep in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A large group of ALS patients is in follow-up at the Neuromuscular Reference Centre of the University Hospitals Leuven. If alveolar hypoventilation occurs, most of these patients are sent on to our sleep lab to initiate NIV. By using polysomnography (objective measurement) and patient reported outcomes (subjective measurement) the effect on quantity and quality of sleep is measured. Further on, research will be performed to investigate the influence of NIV on the sympathicovagal balance and an attempt will be made to create an “ideal” protocol for titration of NIV. A second part will focus on theeffects of NIV on physical activity in patients with NMD and TWD. Physical activity will be objectively measured before and after initiation ofNIV by physical activity devices together with the measurements of physical capacity and the endurance and strength of peripheral and respiratory muscles.nrpages: 182status: publishe

And the Doctor Continues: "…But I Have to Choose My Gear Wisely"

status: publishe

Time to Stop Counting Sheep in the ICU

status: publishe

Pathological breathing patterns after pneumococcal rhombencephalitis

status: publishe

Non-invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is widely used to improve alveolar hypoventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Several studies indicate a better survival when NIV is used, certainly in patients with none to moderate bulbar dysfunction. Data on quality of life (QoL) are rather disputable. Overall QoL is shown to be equivalent in patients with or without NIV, although health-related QoL is shown to be increased in patients with none to moderate bulbar dysfunction. NIV improves sleep quality, although patient-ventilator asynchronies are demonstrated. FVC < 50%, seated or supine, has been widely applied as threshold to initiate NIV. Today, measurements of respiratory muscle strength, nocturnal gas exchange and symptomatic complaints are used as indicators to start NIV. Being compliant with NIV therapy increases QoL and survival. Cough augmentation has an important role in appropriate NIV. Patients have today more technical options and patients with benefit from these advances are growing in number. Tracheal ventilation needs to be discussed when NIV seems impossible or becomes insufficient.status: publishe

Requirements for 3-D magnetostriction measurement instruments

This paper concerns the requirement analysis and implementation of a measurement instrument, which can identify the 3-D magnetostriction strain. To measure magnetostriction, a high-accuracy magnetic flux density and strain measurement are required, while the mechanical stress in the sample is minimized. The full block tester is proposed as a measurement instrument. In this instrument, homogeneity of flux density within the measured sample and the strain measurement resolution are sufficient, but stress caused by magnetic forces is higher than required

Complications and survival after subcutaneous ureteral bypass device placement in 24 cats : a retrospective study (2016–2019)

Objectives The aim of this study was to document survival, complications and risk factors for the development of complications and mortality prior to discharge after placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device in cats. Methods The medical records of cats with SUB placement between January 2016 and August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The development of complications (overall, intraoperative, perioperative, short- and long-term complications) and risk factors for mortality prior to discharge were statistically assessed with univariate binary logistic regression. All variables with a P value <= 0.10 in the univariate analysis were assessed in a multivariate model. Variables were significant if P Results Twenty-four cats were included; 12 (50.0%) received a unilateral SUB, 11 (45.8%) a bilateral nephrostomy tube with single cystostomy catheter and the remaining cat (4.2%) two unilateral SUBs. Nearly 80% of the cats developed complications, ranging from mild to fatal, including (partial) SUB obstruction (33.3% of complications), lower urinary tract infection (20.8%), pyelonephritis (20.8%) and sterile cystitis (12.5%). Five cats (20.8%) died prior to discharge. Six cats (25.0%) underwent revision surgery. The overall median survival time (MST) was 274 days (range 1-311 days). Complications were most common in the long-term period (14/16 cats), followed by the short-term (9/18 cats), perioperative (10/23 cats) and intraoperative (4/24 cats) periods. Older cats had an increased risk for developing perioperative complications (P = 0.045) and were less likely to survive to discharge (P = 0.033). An increased haematocrit at presentation was a risk factor for the occurrence of short-term complications (P = 0.03). Conclusions and relevance Although complications similar to those previously described were observed, the complication rate was higher and the MST shorter than previously reported in cats undergoing SUB placement. Despite good short-term survival, the development of complications may necessitate regular and intensive control visits. Owners that consider SUB placement should be informed that follow-up can be strenuous and expensive

Optimization of the force density for medium-stroke reluctance actuators

This paper concerns the force density optimization for medium-stroke reluctance actuators applied in anti-vibration applications. The force density in a conventional E-core reluctance actuator is limited for medium strokes by the non-linear force-displacement characteristic. In this paper, different tooth topologies are analyzed to maximize the force density along the stroke using the finite element analysis. Teeth parameters are tuned in each topology to analyze the influences on the force density over a stroke of $pm$12.5 mm. An analytic thermal model is used to estimate the surface temperature and is verified with finite element simulations. The optimal topology is validated by experiments on a prototype