bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WOLF HEINRICH GRAF BAUDISSIN: AROUND AN UNPUBLISHED MOURNING LETTER
Authors: Sayer John
Published: March 2013

Wolf Baudissin's major part in the ‘Schlegel‐Tieck’ Shakespeare translation is still largely unrecognised outside scholarly circles. His prolific translating is just one part of a life at the centre of cultured society, combined with responsibility for his extended family. This last is movingly expressed in a newly discovered letter responding to condolences on the death of his wife Julia and adoptive granddaughter Maria in March 1836. Baudissin dwells on the grievous loss, and outlines immediate plans for his family. The letter is published here for the first time, with explanatory commentary relating to Baudissin's background, family and friends, and what then became three years away from the Dresden court, Tieck and translation, before his return to full activity and remarriage. The letter reflects the character of one of the finest examples of cultured nineteenth‐century landed nobility, for whom translation was a selfless service.

Wolf Baudissins wesentliche Rolle in der ‘Schlegel‐Tieck’ Shakespeare‐Übersetzung bleibt außerhalb von akademischen Kreisen weitgehend unbekannt. Seine überaus produktive Übersetzungstätigkeit bildet nur einen Teil eines Lebens, das er im Kern der kultivierten Gesellschaft verbrachte und das auch von tiefem Verantwortungsgefühl gegenüber seiner erweiterten Familie geprägt war. Ein bewegendes Beispiel dieses letzteren ist ein neu entdeckter Brief, in dem er im März 1836 nach dem Tode seiner Frau Julia und seiner Adoptivenkelin Maria auf ein Beileidsschreiben antwortet. Baudissin drückt tiefe Trauer um seinen Verlust aus und beschreibt seine Pläne für die nahe Zukunft seiner Familie. Der Brief wird hier zum ersten Mal veröffentlicht, und wird von Erläuterungen über Baudissins Hintergrund, seine Familie und seine Freunde begleitet, sowie auch über die darauffolgende Abwesenheit vom Dresdener Hof, von Tieck und der Übersetzungstätigkeit: eine Abwesenheit die bis zum Wiedereintritt in diese Lebenswelt und zu der Wiederverheiratung drei volle Jahre dauern sollte. Der Brief verkörpert den Charakter eines Menschen, der zu den feinsten Beispielen des gebildeten Landadels des 19. Jahrhunderts gehörte und für den das Übersetzen ein selbstloser Dienst war.
‘EINE BEFREIUNG AUS EINER EINENGUNG’: HELGA KÖNIGSDORF'S QUEER PROTAGONISTS, SELF‐CENSORSHIP AND SHAME IN UNGELEGENER BEFUND AND GLEICH NEBEN AFRIKA
Authors: Smith Tom
Published: March 2013

This article investigates self‐censorship in two works by Helga Königsdorf written either side of German reunification: Ungelegener Befund (1990) and Gleich neben Afrika (1992). The form of Königsdorf's texts engages with self‐censorship in and after the GDR, and the queer identities of her protagonists serve to emphasise this narrative project. Self‐censorship represents the transmission of the prohibitions and machinations of power involved in literary production into a writer's work and even identity. I argue that Königsdorf demonstrates writers’ internalisation of GDR institutions through analogy to the queer subject who has internalised society's repression in the form of shame. The manifestations of self‐censorship in Königsdorf's texts on the level of narrative form have much in common with the features of a shame experience, appearing for example as silences and evasions in the text, most clearly in Ungelegener Befund. The protagonists’ same‐sex desire is directly related to the process of writing, furthermore, so that the narrative of Gleich neben Afrika can itself be considered queer. Königsdorf's characters never fully overcome their self‐censors, but these two narratives suggest an open‐ended process of self‐reassessment which GDR writers were engaged in during and after reunification.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Selbstzensur in zwei Erzählungen von Helga Königsdorf untersucht, die vor und nach der Wende geschrieben wurden: Ungelegener Befund (1990) und Gleich neben Afrika (1992). Die Form der beiden Texte greift die Selbstzensur in und nach der DDR als erzählerisches Thema auf, was durch Königsdorfs Entscheidung für queere Protagonisten unterstrichen wird. Durch Selbstzensur wird das Werk und sogar die schriftstellerische Identität von den Verboten und Machtspielen der literarischen Produktion geprägt. Königsdorf stellt diese schriftstellerische Verinnerlichung der staatlichen Institutionen anhand eines Vergleichs von selbstzensierenden Schriftstellern und dem queeren Subjekt dar, das gesellschaftliche Unterdrückung in Form von Scham verinnerlicht hat. Die formalen und psychischen Eigenschaften der Selbstzensur weisen zahlreiche narrative Gemeinsamkeiten mit denjenigen einer Schamerfahrung auf, wie etwa die Leerstellen und Ausweichungen, die insbesondere den Text von Ungelegener Befund prägen. Königsdorf bringt das gleichgeschlechtliche Begehren ihrer Protagonisten mit dem Schreibprozess in unmittelbare Beziehung; selbst die Erzählweise von Gleich neben Afrika kann als queer betrachtet werden. Königsdorfs Figuren gelingt es nicht, ihren Selbstzensor vollständig zu überwältigen, aber die beiden Texte dokumentieren in narrativer Form einen offenen Prozess der Selbsteinschätzung, den Schriftsteller während und nach der Wiedervereinigung zu durchlaufen hatten.
Dab1‐mediated colocalization of multi‐adaptor protein CIN85 with Reelin receptors, ApoER2 and VLDLR, in neurons
Authors: Fuchigami Takahiro , Sato Yutaka , Tomita Yuya , Takano Tetsuya , Miyauchi Shin‐ya , Tsuchiya Yukinori , Saito Taro , Kubo Ken‐ichiro , Nakajima Kazunori , Fukuda Mitsunori , Hattori Mitsuharu , Hisanaga Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2013

Reelin‐Dab1 signaling is indispensable for proper positioning of neurons in mammalian brain. Reelin is a glycoprotein secreted from Cajal‐Reztuis cells in marginal zone of cerebral cortex, and its receptors are Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) or very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) expressed on migrating neurons. When Reelin binds to ApoER2 or VLDLR, an adaptor protein Dab1 bound to the receptors undergoes Tyr phosphorylation that is essential for Reelin signaling. We reported previously that Cdk5‐p35 phosphorylates Dab1 at Ser400 and Ser491 and the phosphorylation regulates its binding to CIN85, which is an SH3‐containing multiadaptor protein involved in endocytic downregulation of receptor‐tyrosine kinases. However, the interaction of CIN85 with Dab1 has not been addressed in neurons. We examined here a possibility that CIN85 has a role in Reelin signaling. We found nonpho‐sphorylated Dab1‐mediated colocalization of CIN85 with ApoER2. The colocalization of CIN85 with ApoER2 was increased in neurons stimulated with Reelin repeats 3‐6, an active Reelin fragment. The stimulation recruited CIN85 to domains in plasma membrane where it colocalized with ApoER2 and Dab1 and then to EEA1‐labeled early endosomes in the cytoplasm. In addition, Tyr phosphorylation of Dab1 strengthened the binding to CIN85. These results suggest that CIN85 participates in Reelin signaling through the binding to Dab1.
Emergency Transfer of Acute Stroke Patients within the East Saxony Telemedicine Stroke Network: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Kepplinger Jessica , Dzialowski Imanuel , Barlinn Kristian , Puetz Volker , Wojciechowski Claudia , Schneider Hauke , Gahn Georg , Back Tobias , Schackert Gabriele , Reichmann Heinz , von Kummer Ruediger , Bodechtel Ulf
Published: March 2013

Background

Telemedicine may facilitate the selection of stroke patients who require emergency transfer to a comprehensive stroke center to receive additional therapies other than intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.

Aims and/or hypothesis

We sought to analyze frequency, patient characteristics, and specific therapies among emergently transferred patients within the telemedical Stroke East Saxony Network.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive patients who were transferred emergently from remote spoke sites to hub sites. Certified stroke neurologists performed teleconsultations 24/7, with access to high-speed videoconferencing and transfer of brain images. Emergent transfers were initiated when considered necessary by the stroke neurologist.

Results

In 2009 and 2010, we conducted 1413 teleconsultations and subsequently recommended transfer in 339 (24%) patients [mean age 64 ± 14 years, 54% males, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 5 (interquartile range, IQR 12). The mean teleconsultation-to-arrival time was 1·7 ± 0·8 h (median 1·6 h). Sixty-eight (20%) transferred patients had a nonstroke diagnosis. The remaining 271 (80%) patients had stroke diagnoses [ischemic stroke, 114 (34%); transient ischemic attack, 8 (2%); and intracranial haemorrhage, 149 (44%)]. Forty (35%) ischemic stroke patients received tissue plasminogen activator at spoke sites (‘drip and ship’). Of the 240 stroke patients emergently transferred to the main hub site, 119 (49·6%) received at least one specific stroke therapy.

Conclusion

A remarkable number of stroke patients can be transferred within a telemedical network to enable the delivery of specific stroke therapies that require advanced multispecialty expertise. Whether associated logistic efforts and costs have an impact on patients' clinical outcomes needs to be evaluated.
Functional Connectivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Stroke: An Evidence-Based Clinical Review
Authors: Varsou Ourania , Macleod Mary Joan , Schwarzbauer Christian
Published: March 2013

Stroke is a common condition that may lead to various degrees of neurological deficit and long-term disability. It has become increasingly recognized that cortical reorganization of neuronal networks plays a significant role in regaining function following a focal brain injury. However, the mechanisms involved in this process are still not fully understood. Resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging is a rapidly evolving scanning technique that has the potential to shed light into this neuronal rearrangement. A better understanding of the underlying neurological pathways may contribute to the development of targeted treatment that will promote repair and reduce poststroke deficit. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the available scientific data evaluating the clinical application of functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging among stroke survivors.
Efficacy and Safety of Warfarin VS. Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure and Sinus Rhythm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liew Aaron YL. , Eikelboom John W. , Connolly Stuart J. , Donnell Martin O' , Hart Robert G.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

Heart failure is an independent risk factor for stroke. Anticoagulation is effective for prevention of cardio-embolic stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves but is of uncertain benefit in heart failure patients. We performed this meta-analysis to obtain the best estimates of the efficacy and safety of warfarin as compared with antiplatelet therapy in patients with systolic heart failure who are in sinus rhythm.

Methods and results

A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for all randomized controlled trials, which compare warfarin with antiplatelet therapy given for at least one-month in heart failure patients with sinus rhythm and report at least one of the following outcomes: ischemic stroke, death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization due to worsening heart failure, intracranial hemorrhage, and major hemorrhage. Four randomized controlled trials involving adjusted-dose warfarin (4187 subjects) were included. When compared with antiplatelet therapy, warfarin reduced ischemic stroke by 0·74% per year (RR 0·49; 95% CI: 0·32–0·73: P = 0·0006; Number needed to treat = 135) but increased major hemorrhage by 0·99% per year (RR 2·15; 95% CI: 1·55–2·99: P < 0·00001; Number needed to harm = 101). Warfarin did not significantly affect the risk of death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization due to heart failure or intracranial hemorrhage as compared with antiplatelet therapy.

Conclusion

Warfarin as compared with antiplatelet therapy reduces risk of ischemic stroke, does not significantly affect death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization due to heart failure or intracranial hemorrhage and increases major hemorrhage in heart failure patients who are in sinus rhythm.
Latin American Migration to Spain: Main Reasons and Future Perspectives
Authors: Hierro María
Published: March 2013

Over the last two decades, Spain has evolved rapidly from a classic labour exporter to a labour importer. Until the 1930s Spain's migration history was predominantly marked by emigration to the Americas, and from the end of World War II until the early 1970s by emigration to some industrialized countries in Western Europe. For the first time in modern times, Spain is now the second country in the world with large‐scale immigration. Its strategic location, a relatively permissive immigration policy and economic opportunities derived from Spain's entry into the European Community have positioned this country as a major destination for immigrants. Additionally, since the mid‐1990s international migration in Spain has dramatically changed in origin composition. Despite the common perception of Africa as the most important source of immigration, some Latin American countries, in a very short time, have become some of the major sources of immigration to Spain; indeed, the term “Latin‐Americanization” has been coined to describe this process. This being so, the aim of this article is twofold. First, we examine the main reasons behind the extremely rapid increase of Latin American migration to Spain during the last decade. Then we briefly discuss some future perspectives.
Future Plans of Iraqi Physicians in Jordan: Predictors of Migration
Authors: Malik Sana , Doocy Shannon , Burnham Gilbert
Published: March 2013

The continuing violence in Iraq has led to further damage to the health sector in a country already affected by sanctions, war and harsh rule. As a consequence some doctors have been killed and others have migrated, both within Iraq and from Iraq to neighbouring countries. In this article we report patterns of migration of Iraqi physicians, identify perceived future plans, and assess factors behind physicians' decisions. Respondent driven sampling in 2007 was used to interview 401 Iraqi medical doctors who migrated to Jordan after the 2003 invasion of Iraq The main outcome measure for this study was the future plans of physicians, which included permanently residing outside Iraq or returning to Iraq. Physicians who planned to return to Iraq differed from those who planned to reside permanently outside Iraq in the following factors: age categories (relative odds comparing age 50 plus to those under 30 = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–0.97), years spent outside of Iraq (RO = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.28–3.21), no difficulties in Jordan (RO = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31–0.93), and household members residing in Iraq (RO = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05 – 1.31). Many doctors who fled Iraq after the 2003 invasion do not plan to return, which must be considered in future training strategies for the Iraqi health sector.
Immigrant Employment Success in Canada: Examining the Rate of Obtaining a Job Match
Authors: Frank Kristyn
Published: March 2013

This study employs longitudinal data to examine the rate at which recent immigrants to Canada obtain employment matching their previous or intended occupations. Socio-demographic factors such as visible minority status and area of residence are found to influence the rate at which this cohort of immigrants obtains job matches. Human capital factors also have a significant impact. An examination of occupational characteristics reveals that immigrants who seek high-status occupations obtain job matches at slower rates than those seeking lower-status occupations.
Smuggled versus Not Smuggled across the Czech Border
Authors: Drbohlav Dušan , Štych Přemek , Dzúrová Dagmar
Published: March 2013

The main goal of this paper is to analyze the spatial behavior of unauthorized migrants in their attempts to irregularly cross the Czech state's “green” border (including walking trails) into Austria and Germany, between 2005 and 2007. It demonstrates the importance of select demographic and human characteristics of the migrants, as well as the physical features of the environment, in their crossing. Our main premise concerning the importance of smuggling and the more sophisticated means and strategies employed among migrants using smugglers’ services (vis-à-vis those without smugglers) was confirmed.
Unemployment, Labor Market Flexibility, and Absenteeism: A Pan‐European Study
Authors: Livanos Ilias , Zangelidis Alexandros
Published: March 2013

Using micro‐data from the European Union's Labour Force Survey for 28 countries this study investigates the incidence and intensity of individuals' sickness‐absence behavior, and assesses the importance of labor market characteristics like unemployment and the extent of atypical contracts and second job‐holding on individuals' sickness absence. The results identify that unemployment affects sickness absence through different pathways, exerting a negative effect on the probability of being absent and a positive effect on the duration of absence. In addition, the degree of second job‐holding and part‐time contracts in the labor market is found to be negatively related to individuals' sickness absence.
Lücken im Sozialschutz bei Gesundheit und Pflege in Europa: Werden die Älteren in den Ruin getrieben?
Authors: Scheil‐Adlung Xenia , Bonan Jacopo
Published: March 2013

Auszug

Während die Ausgaben für Gesundheit und Pflege in europäischen Ländern seit Jahren unter scharfer Beobachtung stehen, wurde den finanziellen Folgen privater Ausgaben älterer Menschen als Voraussetzung für den Zugang zu diesen Leistungen und zur Pflege wesentlich weniger Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet. Nach Auswertung repräsentativer Querschnittsdaten zur älteren Bevölkerung von elf europäischen Ländern aus dem Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) für 2004 kommen wir zu dem Ergebnis, dass Direktzahlungen von Älteren für Gesundheit und Pflege in europäischen Ländern weitverbreitet sind und beträchtliche Auswirkungen auf das verfügbare Einkommen haben: Bis zu 95 Prozent der Älteren tätigen Direktzahlungen für Gesundheit und 5 Prozent für Pflege, wodurch ihr Einkommen jeweils zwischen 5 und 10 Prozent schrumpft. 0,7 Prozent der Haushalte Älterer, die Gesundheitsversorgung in Anspruch nehmen, und 0,5 Prozent der Haushalte Älterer, die Langzeitpflege in Anspruch nehmen müssen, erleiden infolgedessen finanziellen Ruin. Zu den Betroffenen zählen insbesondere die Armen, Frauen und sehr alte Menschen.
Measuring Cardiac Health Knowledge
Authors: MÆland John G. , Havik Odd E.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT A Cardiac Knowledge Questionnaire has been developed for the purpose of measuring knowledge about (1) the cardiovascular system and the nature of coronary heart disease (the Basic Cardiac Knowledge Scale), (2) behavioural aspects of the causes and the consequences of a heart attack (the Cardiac Lifestyle Knowledge Scale), and (3) prognostical implications of a heart infarction (the Cardiac Misconceptions Scale). A validation procedure established the two former scales as measures of factual health knowledge, whereas the Cardiac Misconceptions Scale was identified as a measure of the subjective beliefs about the severity of a heart attack. A short educational course for heart patients resulted in improved average scores in all three scales. Expert panels of cardiologists and cardiac nurses rated knowledge about cigarette smoking, physical reactivation, and the relationship between angina pectoris and myocardial infarction as the most relevant topics for heart patients. The Cardiac Knowledge Questionnaire offers possibilities for a more detailed examination of cardiac patients' illness perceptions, and should also be valuable in evaluating patient education efforts.
Changes in Physical Functional Capacity from 71 to 78 Years of Age for a Population Living at Home
Authors: Ekdahl Charlotte , Dehlin Ove , Samuelsson Gillis , Sartor Ann‐Charlotte
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Retention of physical functional capacity is of great importance to the elderly for prospects of continuing life at home. Data are presented from a longitudinal population study of one whole age cohort consisting of elderly persons living at home. These people were examined at 71, 73, 76 and 78 years of age. Our intention was to elucidate changes in physical functional capacity occurring as age advanced. This capacity was evaluated according to the following parameters: primary ADL (activities of daily living), ability to use outdoor modes of transportation, mobility, balance and coordination, and walking indoors. The findings revealed generally good retained physical function in the age groups studied. Over 90% of all the elderly people in these groups could carry out primary ADL, could use some form of outside transportation, and had no problem walking indoors. By the criteria applied in this study, 23–33% of the people had impaired mobility. Legs were more troublesome than arms regarding mobility. It seems likely that living at home can provide daily exercise which is important in maintaining necessary physical function in daily life.
Work Sampling: The Way in Which Physiotherapists Utilise Their Working Hours
Authors: Bergman Birgitta
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. A time budget study was performed in order to assess how all physiotherapists working in Västerbotten County, northern Sweden, utilise their work‐time and to identify factors influencing their allocation of working hours. The study, carried out in the autumn of 1985 and spring 1986, comprised 149 subjects, requiring one week each. Their activities were recorded at randomly selected 30‐min intervals over the working week and distributed into predefined task categories. The treatment of patients took on average 33% of the physiotherapists' gross working time. Continuing education and development work on average amounted to 6% and the remaining occupational tasks to 38%. Transport, breaks and occasional days or hours off work took up 23% on average. Occupational area was the most important of the factors studied for the utilisation of working hours. Work sampling affords a better insight into the elements and structure of the professional work of physiotherapists.
The Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection in Patients Related to Type of Drainage Bag
Authors: Lanara Vassiliki , Plati Chrysanthi , Paniara Olga , Apostolopoulou Helen , Kyritsi Helen , Marvaki Christine , Kissoudi Athanasia , Antara Vassiliki
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of urinary tract infection in patients catheterised inside the hospital was studied in relation to the type of drainage bag used. Five hundred and thirty‐two adult patients of both sexes were studied in three groups consisting of (1) open drainage system with an infection incidence of 38.9%; (2) closed system with 25.1%; and (3) the closed system plus the addition of chlorhexidine with 15% infection. The overall incidence of infection was 29.8%. There was a statistically significant difference between the first and the second group (p<0.01), the first and the third group (p<0.01), but none between the second and third groups (p>0.01). The incidence was higher in women than in men (p<0.01), but only in the age group ≥60 (p<0.01). The index of medical patients was significantly higher than in urological patients (p<0.05), while there was no statistical significance between surgical and urological patients (p>0.1). The highest prevalence of infection in the three groups occurred on the seventh day. Gram‐negative bacteria were 63.3%, Gram‐positive 10.1% and fungi 26.6%.
Perceptual Function in the Elderly and after Stroke
Authors: Bernspång Birgitta , Fugl‐Meyer Axel R. , Viitanen Matti
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Perceptual function was assessed in 60 clinically healthy subjects aged about 60 (n=34) and 80 (n=26), and in stroke survivors who were assessed either early (n=109) or four to six years (n=75) after the stroke. Using two indices, one characterising low‐order perception and the other higher‐order perception, the clinically healthy subjects invariably had no impairment in the low‐order index. Slight impairments occurred in 35% of 60‐year‐old and 77% of 80‐year‐old healthy subjects. Considerably more pronounced disturbances occurred in the stroke victims, among whom about 60% had impairment or higher‐order perceptual function and about 10% had low‐order perceptual deficits. Thus as higher‐order perception is age dependent, it appears that in rehabilitation of stroke allowance should be made for predictable signs of advancing age.
Problematic and Meaningful Situations in Nursing Interpreted by Concepts from King's Nursing Theory and Four Additional Concepts
Authors: Rooke Liselotte , Norberg Astrid
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT There is an increasing interest to understand nursing. One way is through nursing theories. As a theory can be rather abstract there is a risk that the distance between theoretical nursing and nursing practice will increase. In a research project nurses decided to choose King's theory of nursing as a means to understand nursing. Descriptions of problematic and meaningful nursing situations were labelled with concepts from King's theory. King's theory of nursing seems to be a useful but not a comprehensive tool for the understanding of nursing. Additional concepts have to be used to make possible the labelling of all described situations.
Evaluation of an Activation Programme
Authors: Häggmark Caroline , Theorell Töres
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Ninety‐one relatives of cancer patients at an oncological clinic participated in a practical experiment to evaluate psychiatric reactions in an activation programme for relatives. The programme included an offer to relatives to take an increased part in the care of the patient and to receive an improved support from the ward staff. The degree of anxiety, depression and mental exhaustion was followed repeatedly by the use of interviews during the course of the disease. In addition, 49 relatives were interviewed both one and two months after the death of the patient. The activation group which had been offered the opportunity of taking part in the activity programme showed less mental exhaustion than a comparison group at the last observation preceding the patient's death (p < 0.05). The activation group also showed less mental exhaustion both one month (p < 0.05) and two months (p < 0.05) after the death. Finally, the activation group showed a more rapid decline in the degree of depression one month after the patient's death in comparison with that prior to the death (p < 0.05).
Evaluation of Care in Psychogeriatric Units: Family Support in Quality of Care
Authors: Bergman Rebecca , Gerstansky Yael
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT As institutionalised psychogeriatric patients are very vulnerable, a pilot project was undertaken to develop an instrument to evaluate the quality of their care. The proposed instrument is based on qualitative findings from observations, interviews, records and literature review. It focuses on individual patients, groups of patients, families and the unit, and includes nine items which are measured in terms of administrative, affective and instrumental aspects of care. This paper only describes the data gathered on one of these foci—the involvement of families as both providers of care and as clients requiring support. From the data it appears that the family role as a provider of care is enhanced by support received from the staff and, therefore, family support was selected as an item by which to evaluate quality of care. Material from the data was used as examples for assigning quantitative values to aspects of family involvement.
Variations Between Midwives Regarding Administration of Obstetrical Analgesia
Authors: Waldenström Ulla
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Variations among 32 midwives involved in a total of 1578 deliveries were studied regarding attitudes to and use of obstetrical analgesia. Relevant data were obtained from the register of the maternity department of a Swedish regional hospital. This was complemented with information about the midwives' attitudes to pharmacological pain relief in labour and delivery, collected by means of a mailed questionnaire. Variations between midwives (range), expressed as percentages of each midwife's total number of deliveries, were considerable: epidural block (EDA), 9–48%; Pethidine, 0–41%; Entonox (N2O/O2), 8–62%; pudendal block (PDB), 11–71%. Midwives working on night‐shift used less EDA, but more pethidine, than their day‐shift colleagues. 59% of all the midwives were critical of current levels of obstetrical use of analgesics in Sweden, while 41% felt the level to be about right. Night‐shift midwives were rather more critical than day‐shift midwives. Midwives critical of current levels of obstetric medication used EDA and PDB less often than their more enthusiastic colleagues, but the difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, critical midwives used more Pethidine (p < 0.05) and also more Entonox than their less critical colleagues, though again the difference was statistically non‐significant.
Defence Mechanisms and Some Notes on Their Relevance for the Caring Professions
Authors: Lindstrøm Torill Christine
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Freud's concept of defence mechanisms means a perceptual, emotional or cognitive distortion of the inner or outer reality. The opposite of defence mechanisms is coping mechanisms. The adaptiveness/maladaptiveness of defences are disputed. Various fields of research have given evidence to their maladaptiveness as ways of dealing with threatening stimuli. It has been found that defences can lead to insensitivity to danger signals, lowered coping capacity to life stresses with increased vulnerability to “psychosomatic diseases”, delay in seeking help for somatic symptoms, denial of death in dying patients, their relatives and medical attendants, and delayed or complicated grief reactions.
Errors of Measurement Affecting the Reliability and Validity of Data Acquired from Self‐assessed Quality of Life
Authors: Hanestad Berit Rokne
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Research often uses self‐assessed quality of life. Quality of life cannot be observed directly; other variables have to serve as its indicators. In the case of self‐assessed quality of life, the researcher has to rely upon the individual's own statement as to how she/he feels. The subjective nature of the term creates problems in the matter of reliability and validity of the data thus collected. Random and systematic errors of measurement are liable to influence the result of the investigations. The researcher must know the possible sources of error and make allowances for them if research into quality of life is to be a worthwhile contribution to a greater understanding of what is meant by having a good life, and of the means to achieve it.
Peace of Mind as an Important Aspect of Old People's Health
Authors: Nyström Anne , Andersson‐Segesten Kerstin
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to investigate what concept of health was relevant for old people. Interviews were made with men and women aged over 60, institutionalised for somatic long‐term care. Data were gathered in unstructured interviews and analysed by means of the ethnonursing method. The interviewees' descriptions of health were arranged as a concept model, consisting of three hierarchical levels. The first level dealt with the possibility of living a fairly comfortable life. The second level was concerned with positive self‐esteem and the third and most crucial one described the existence or non‐existence of a mental state of mind defined as peace of mind. The results were compared with existing health definitions and psychological/philosophical theories. The conclusion was that health definitions stressing physical, mental, and social perfection were not relevant for old people, whereas multidimensional health models such as those of Eriksson and Smith appeared to be adequate measures in planning for old people. The comparison with Homburger Erikson's theory and with existentialism revealed many corresponding traits, which might explain some of the differences between the patients and might also give the hope of a possibility of adequate nursing support. Religion was no discriminating factor in this material. As the third level was presented as the most important one and nursing support seemed possible, further investigations were suggested.
The Work of Practical Nursing Educators
Authors: Hammarberg Lena , Heyman Ingrid
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In 1987 a study was carried out at two upper secondary schools. The aim was to study the working conditions of teachers in a changing environment by interviewing different professionals in the school as well as students. In the last five years, the average age of students was found to have fallen by two to four years. Another finding was that the entrance requirements had been lowered, In the same five‐year period the drop‐out rates at one of the two schools had risen from 5/60 to 18/81. At the other school 5/30 dropped out in 1987. Many of the teachers interviewed reported their students to be open‐minded and spontaneous but at the same time too immature to work in the medicare sector, especially in the psychiatric field. A tendency appeared for teachers to take on a more curative and supportive role. The teachers maintained certain minimum standards and students who did not pass their examinations were required to withdraw.
A Review and Critique of Psychological Approaches to the Burn‐out Phenomenon
Authors: Starrin Bengt , Larsson Gerry , Styrborn Sven
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In the 70s the concept burn‐out appeared in psychological literature on the helping professions. The concept has since then been ascribed several meanings, and critical voices have been raised against the lack of clarity and consensus in the definitions. The aim of this article was to critically examine the thinking on the concept of burn‐out. The helping professionals—nurses, welfare officers, psychologists, medical doctors, etc.—have expanded rapidly since the 60s. It is stated that the issues on which burn‐out researchers focus deserve the attention of social scientists in general. The major limitation in the literature on burn‐out is that there is little analysis of the role of society and social conditions in producing the phenomenon. It is suggested that sociological analyses may have a contribution to make here.
Caring Encounters
Authors: Ford Joan S.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. This paper is based on conversations the author had with six nurses about their experiences of caring when working with cardiac patients. The text is orientated to elucidating the lived experience of caring so as to provide new possibilities for understanding, and to raising questions for the sake of opening up different perspectives on the nature of caring. Six themes emerge from the experiential descriptions: Sensing the patient's vulnerability: beyond the call of duty; being in tune with the patient's world; being attentively present; centring on the patient; and being comfortable with the patient. Pseudonyms are used so as to maintain anonymity of the nurses and their patients. The female pronoun is used throughout the paper because all the nurses interviewed were females.
ADL Performance and Dependency on Nursing Care in Patients with Hip Fractures and Acute Confusion in a Task Allocation Care System
Authors: Brännström Benny , Gustafson Yngve , Norberg Astrid , Winblad Bengt
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In a prospective study 35 patients operated on for cervical hipfractures were followed with respect to Acute Confusional State (ACS), problems of basic nursing care and dependency on care‐givers. Fifteen patients became acutely confused after the fracture. They turned out to be more dependent on help from others than the non‐confused patients were even before the fracture. They rapidly reached a significantly higher level of dependence than the non‐confused patients and remained on that level throughout the study month. Six months after the fracture the post‐operatively confused patients were still highly dependent on care‐givers, significantly more than they were before the fracture. Only three of them were not hospitalised. All the non‐confused patients lived in their own homes six months after the fracture and had regained the same level of independence as before it. These findings will be discussed in relation to the organisation of the nursing care. Task allocation nursing care was applied in the wards. A model for the development of dependency in acutely confused hip‐fracture patients will be presented and suggestions for how to reduce nurse/patient dependency induced by nursing care will be made.
Nursing Students' Attitudes towards Abortion and Family Planning in Italy and Sweden
Authors: Agostino Marianne Bengtsson , Wahlberg Vivian
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. In the last two decades family life and family planning have developed in a similar way in different European countries although legal and social background factors were very different in the past. Countries like Italy and Sweden are bipolar when compared. In this study nursing student's attitudes towards abortion and family planning in Italy and Sweden are described, to identify general characteristics of students that could be of interest to compare and to identify reasons for approval and/or disapproval of abortion. Some social characteristics of the students are similar, like fathers' profession/activity. Italian nursing students are more religious. Some factual knowledge is low in both samples. The nursing student's feelings, attitudes towards abortion are expressed differently in the countries. Many Italian students believe abortion is justified only on medical grounds, Swedish students indicate psychological effects as the most likely consequence both for woman and for man.
The Oldest Old: Patterns of Adjustment and Dependence
Authors: Carlsson Margareta , Berg Stig , Wenestam Claes‐Göran
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The aim of the present study was to investigate how dependence was experienced by 129 non‐institutionalized 85‐year‐old persons, who previously had been categorized into seven different patterns of adjustment. The participants' subjective experiences of dependence were expressed in in‐depth interviews and additionally, mobility, self‐maintenance and need of help in daily living was conventionally assessed. When the results from these two methods were compared, it was found that subjectively experienced dependence did not generally correspond with the scorings on dependence. The in‐depth interviews revealed that subjects with poorer adjustment could be most affected by minor impairments, while physical impairments were of a subordinate importance to those who were better adjusted. For appropriate caring interventions, it is therefore suggested that conventionally assessed dependence needs to be supplemented with documented subjective experiences of dependence.
Who Cares for the Caregiver?
Authors: Nygaard Harald A.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Forty‐six demented elderly and their caregivers previously studied with respect to strain on caregivers; were studied one year after the initial assessment with respect to institutionalization. Patients admitted to a nursing home, showed more pronounced mental and behavioural disturbances. Cognitive functions, gender, marital status and living conditions did not differ between the two groups. The caregivers of institutionalized demented were older, they expressed more feelings of anger and despair and more often requested the care receiver transferred to a nursing home.
Knowledge, Expectations and Experiences of Patients receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Tierney Alison J. , Taylor Jean , Closs S. José
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. The experiences of a cohort of 60 women receiving chemotherapy in treatment of breast cancer were monitored in an in‐depth prospective study. The purpose of the investigation was to identify ways in which nurses could improve the preparation and support of patients undergoing chemotherapy. It was found that patients' knowledge of chemotherapy was limited and that the side‐effects they experienced, and their reactions to these, were rather different and more diverse than had been expected. The study illustrates the value of exploring patients' perceptions of their problems and needs for information and support.
Theory and Methods for Research on Ethical Issues in Dementia Care
Authors: Nilstun Tore
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Swedish research on ethical issues in dementia care is almost exclusively done by nursing scientists. Many of these studies are rightfully acclaimed as exemplary research. But the strong focusing on the nurse and her relation to the patient tends to bias the ethical issues—the attitudes of other persons involved or affected are also in need of investigation. Further, there is a predilection for content analysis at the expense of causal analysis.

In this paper an eclectic approach to the study of ethical issues in dementia care is advocated. More interdisciplinary communication and co‐operation is also needed—especially between nursing scientists and moral philosophers. To facilitate such communication and co‐operation a model for analysis of ethical issues is presented and discussed.

To illustrate my ideas I use three articles by researchers from the department of advanced nursing in Umeå: Ekman & Norberg (1988), Norberg & Asplund (1990) and Åkerlund & Norberg (1989–90).
The Attitudes towards Menstruation among Icelandic Nursing Students — Their Relationship with Menstrual Preparation and Menstrual Characteristics
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Herdís
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes towards menstruation of Icelandic female nursing students and see if a relationship exists between the attitudes with recollection of menarche and characteristics of present menstruation. Findings show that the students (N= 178) view menstruation as natural, not very predictable or debilitating, even though they do not deny that menstruation can effect behaviour in some way. Findings also indicate that the heavier the menstrual flow, the less likely the student is to deny all affects of menstruation as well as finding menstruation more debilitating and more predictable; the longer the menstrual period the more predictable is the coming of the next menstrual period and the less likely is the student to deny all effects of menstruation. It is suggested that inconveniences brought about by menstruation influence the formation of menstrual attitudes.
Adapting Incontinent Patients Incontinence Aids to their Leakage Volumes
Authors: Hellström Lisbeth , Ekelund Peter , Larsson Mayethel , Milsom Ian
Published: March 2013

The importance of adapting incontinence aids according to the patients leakage volume and comfort was investigated in 28 urinary incontinent 85‐year‐old men and women who were living at home. The patients incontinence was quantified by a 48‐hour pad test and was graded as slight (max. leakage per pad < 5 g; total leakage/48 h <30 g), moderate (max. leakage per pad 5–15 g; total leakage/48 h 30–70 g) or severe (max. leakage per pad > 15 g; total leakage/48 h >70g). Four women had slight urinary incontinence, eight were moderately incontinent and nine were severely incontinent. The corresponding figures for the seven men were as follows: slight, one; moderate, one; severe, five. After the primary assessment, incontinence aids were prescribed based on the measured leakage volumes. The correctly selected and adapted incontinence aid brought the patient better comfort and security. The importance of careful information and instructions how to apply the pad is emphasised. There is also a need to see the patient again at intervals as leakage volumes may vary. Thus, smaller packages of pads should be supplied as the choice of pad may need to be modified. The latter is also important from a financial point of view as the expense of otherwise wasted pads would unnecessarily increase costs.
Functional Status of Stroke Patients in Long‐Term Care
Authors: Nydevik Ingegerd , Eller Berit , Larsen Laila , Milton Annbritt , Wall Barbara , Hulter‐Åsberg Kerstin
Published: March 2013

Thirty persons who had remained in long‐term care for one year or more post‐stroke were assessed with respect to motor function, cognitive, perceptual, and communication ability and ADL capacity. Before the stroke they had lived an independent life, although 40% suffered from cardiovascular disease. At the follow‐up, all patients had severe impairments due to the brain damage. None could walk or stand independently, ten could not call for help or attract attention in any way, and 13 could not take part in a conversation. Eleven patients had severe pain in spite of treatment with analgesics. Pain treatment and training methods that can reduce dependence and improve the quality of life for patients like these need to be developed. More appropriate assessment instruments for this patient group have to be constructed to make evaluation of training and care possible.
Establishing a Swedish Instrument Measuring Hope
Authors: Jakobsson Annika , Segesten Kerstin , Nordholm Lena , Öresland Stina
Published: March 2013

Hope has been identified as an important component for individuals coping with stress in life‐threatening situations. The purpose of this study was to establish a Swedish instrument measuring hope. The instrument is based on an American hope scale developed by J. F. Miller to measure hope in adults. The Miller Hope Scale (MHS) is a 40‐item 5‐point Likert‐type scale with a score range of 40–200. The MHS was translated into Swedish and examined in three stages before it was tested on a group of nursing students (n = 120). The test results in the Swedish sample were in accordance with Miller's evaluation of the psychometric properties of the MHS. The mean hope score was 170.4 (SD = 16.52) and the internal alpha coefficient was 0.88. The factor analysis on the Swedish sample resulted in the factors: I. Satisfaction with self, others and life; II. Avoidance of hope threats; III. Ability, capacity to influence the outcome in life.
Basic Accessibility in Modern Housing—A Key to the Problems of Care in the Domestic Setting
Authors: Iwarsson Susanne , Isacsson Ake
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate public grants for housing adaptation in modern housing and to explore attitudes to accessibility problems. Grants for housing adaptation in apartments in blocks of flats built during the 1980s in a Swedish urban district were investigated over a 3‐year period. Twenty‐nine apartments had been adapted, in most cases by making a few simple alterations. Interviews with key persons in the building process stated that the most common measures would have cost less if they had been planned as ‘basic accessibility’. The most important reasons why accessibility problems still persisted were building traditions, lack of knowledge about disability, and technical problems.

Occupational therapists have a wide knowledge of housing adaptation. Adding their competence to the planning process would most likely increase activity and improve quality of life for disabled individuals. This study indicates that positive effects on the public economy could be achieved by putting ‘basic accessibility’ into practice.