Use of Photovoice Methods in Research on Informal Caring: A Scoping Review of the Literature

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the use of Photovoice in caring research. The review assessed the existing literature using the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology. Database searches of relevant literature published worldwide between 1997–2019 yielded 25 articles in the English language that were included in this review. The authors summarized thematic findings. Three themes emerged from data analysis: 1) strengths of using Photovoice; 2) challenges of using Photovoice, and; 3) methodological complexities in Photovoice studies. The small number of studies included in the review (n=25) indicate the limited use of Photovoice in caring research, reflecting missed opportunities for action-oriented research. The scoping review recommends ways that researchers can better address the needs of carers using Photovoice, particularly as a tool for knowledge translation, advocacy, and empowerment.

In Vitro Cell-Based Biomarkers Study of Vital Organs: Impact of the Biofield Energy Based Test Formulation

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of Biofield Energy Treated test formulation using multiple cell-lines. The test formulation and cell media (Med) was divided into two parts; one part was untreated (UT) and other part received Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Krista Joanne Callas, USA and labeled as Biofield Energy Treated (BT) test item (TI)/Med. Based on cell viability, test formulation was found safe. Cytoprotective action of test formulation showed significant restoration of cell viability by 89.9% and 106.4% in human cardiac fibroblasts cells (HCF) cells, while improved restoration of cell viability by 77.3% and 69% in HepG2 cells compared to untreated. Cellular restoration in A549 cells was also improved by 141.2% and 157.1% compared to untreated. ALP activity was significantly increased by 118.7% and 140.7% in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + UT-TI, respectively at 0.1 µg/mL than untreated. Percent cellular protection of HCF (heart) cells (decreased of LDH activity) was significantly increased by 89.9% and 106.4% in UT-Med + BT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated. HepG2 cells protection (decreased ALT activity) was increased by 59.8% in BT-Med + BT-TI than untreated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was increased by 22.8% in BT-Med + BT-TI than untreated. Serotonin level was significantly increased by 361.7% and 197.6% in BT-Med + UT-TI and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). However, relative quantification (RQ) of vitamin D receptor (VDR) was significantly increased by 116.5%, 214.7%, and 241.5% in UT-Med + BT-TI, BT-Med + UT-TI, and BT-Med + BT-TI, respectively than untreated in MG-63 cells. Overall, data showed a significant improvement of organ-specific functional enzyme biomarkers. Thus, Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation (the Trivedi Effect®) would be useful for multiple organs health that can be beneficial against coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, osteoporosis, etc.

An Urgent Human Health Dilemma Facing Refugees and their Host Caregivers?

The continuous waves of refugees from Africa and the Middle East to Europe present major inter¬cultural challenges to European health professionals and to society at large. A recent workshop in Sicily brought together local physicians, nurses, psychologists and managers of governmental agencies, along with representatives from Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Jordan and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) to develop training programs aimed at formulating dialogue between regional professionals and refugees. A major barrier refugees face is a lack of verbal and cultural communication, which hinders their smooth absorption into the new society. Cultural mediators who speak Arabic and Italian and understand the refugees' faith, tradition and beliefs are vital to successfully build bridges of trust between caregivers and refugees. Most asylum seekers experience anxiety, fear, and depression upon arrival in Europe. To achieve trust, all workshop participants agreed to develop a palliative care model that would best suit the unique circumstances now facing some Mediterranean countries and assist in overcoming the suffering of refugees during their initial stay in Europe. Such a model would include bio-psychosocial elements, essential for a culturally sensitive approach and based on core ethical principles.