bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change leads to decreasing bird migration distances
Authors: VISSER MARCEL E. , PERDECK ALBERT C. , Van BALEN JOHAN H. , BOTH CHRISTIAAN
Published: January 2009

Global climate change has led to warmer winters in NW Europe, shortening the distance between suitable overwintering areas and the breeding areas of many bird species. Here we show that winter recovery distances have decreased over the past seven decades, for birds ringed during the breeding season in the Netherlands between 1932 and 2004. Of the 24 species included in the analysis, we found in 12 a significant decrease of the distance to the wintering site. Species from dry, open areas shortened their distance the most, species from wet, open areas the least, while woodland species fall in between the other two habitats. The decline in migration distance is likely due to climate change, as migration distances are negatively correlated with the Dutch temperatures in the winter of recovery. With a shorter migration distance, species should be better able to predict the onset of spring at their breeding sites and this could explain the stronger advancement of arrival date found in several short distance species relative to long‐distance migrants.
Heterogeneous response of circumboreal wildfire risk to climate change since the early 1900s
Authors: GIRARDIN MARTIN P. , ALI ADAM A. , CARCAILLET CHRISTOPHER , MUDELSEE MANFRED , DROBYSHEV IGOR , HÉLY CHRISTELLE , BERGERON YVES
Published: January 2009

We investigated changes in wildfire risk over the 1901−2002 (ad) period with an analysis of broad‐scale patterns of July monthly drought code (MDC) variability on 28 forested ecoregions of the North American and Eurasian continents. The MDC is an estimate of the net effect of changes in evapotranspiration and precipitation on cumulative moisture depletion in soils, and is well correlated with annual fire statistics across the circumboreal (explaining 25–61% of the variance in regional area burned). We used linear trend and regime shift analyses to investigate (multi‐) decadal changes in MDC and percentage area affected by drought, and kernel function for analysis of temporal changes in the occurrence rates of extreme drought years. Our analyses did not reveal widespread patterns of linear increases in dryness through time as a response to rising Northern Hemisphere land temperatures. Instead, we found heterogeneous patterns of drought severity changes that were inherent to the nonuniformly distributed impacts of climate change on dryness. Notably, significant trends toward increasing summer moisture in southeastern and southwestern boreal Canada were detected. The diminishing wildfire risk in these regions is coherent with widely reported decreases in area burned since about 1850, as reconstructed by dendrochronological dating of forest stands. Conversely, we found evidence for increasing percentage area affected by extreme droughts in Eurasia (+0.57% per decade;P<0.05) and occurrence rates of extreme drought years in Eurasian taiga (centered principally on the Okhotsk–Manchurian taiga,P=0.07). Although not statistically significant, temporal changes in occurrence rates are sufficiently important spatially to be paid further attention. The absence of a linear trend in MDC severity, in conjunction with the presence of an increase in the occurrence rate of extreme drought years, suggest that fire disturbance regimes in the Eurasian taiga could be shifting toward being increasingly pulse dependent.
Latitudinal patterns of magnitude and interannual variability in net ecosystem exchange regulated by biological and environmental variables
Authors: YUAN WENPING , LUO YIQI , RICHARDSON ANDREW D. , OREN RAM , LUYSSAERT SEBASTIAAN , JANSSENS IVAN A. , CEULEMANS REINHART , ZHOU XUHUI , GRÜNWALD THOMAS , AUBINET MARC , BERHOFER CHRISTIAN , BALDOCCHI DENNIS D. , CHEN JIQUAN , DUNN ALLISON L. , DEFOREST JARED L. , DRAGONI DANILO , GOLDSTEIN ALLEN H. , MOORS EDDY , WILLIAM MUNGER J. , MONSON RUSSELL K. , SUYKER ANDREW E. , STARR GREGORY , SCOTT RUSSELL L. , TENHUNEN JOHN , VERMA SHASHI B. , VESALA TIMO , WOFSY STEVEN C.
Published: January 2009

Over the last two and half decades, strong evidence showed that the terrestrial ecosystems are acting as a net sink for atmospheric carbon. However the spatial and temporal patterns of variation in the sink are not well known. In this study, we examined latitudinal patterns of interannual variability (IAV) in net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 based on 163 site‐years of eddy covariance data, from 39 northern‐hemisphere research sites located at latitudes ranging from ∼29°N to ∼64°N. We computed the standard deviation of annual NEE integrals at individual sites to represent absolute interannual variability (AIAV), and the corresponding coefficient of variation as a measure of relative interannual variability (RIAV). Our results showed decreased trends of annual NEE with increasing latitude for both deciduous broadleaf forests and evergreen needleleaf forests. Gross primary production (GPP) explained a significant proportion of the spatial variation of NEE across evergreen needleleaf forests, whereas, across deciduous broadleaf forests, it is ecosystem respiration (Re). In addition, AIAV in GPP and Re increased significantly with latitude in deciduous broadleaf forests, but AIAV in GPP decreased significantly with latitude in evergreen needleleaf forests. Furthermore, RIAV in NEE, GPP, and Re appeared to increase significantly with latitude in deciduous broadleaf forests, but not in evergreen needleleaf forests. Correlation analyses showed air temperature was the primary environmental factor that determined RIAV of NEE in deciduous broadleaf forest across the North American sites, and none of the chosen climatic factors could explain RIAV of NEE in evergreen needleleaf forests. Mean annual NEE significantly increased with latitude in grasslands. Precipitation was dominant environmental factor for the spatial variation of magnitude and IAV in GPP and Re in grasslands.
The North American Immune Tolerance Registry: contributions to the thirty‐year experience with immune tolerance therapy
Authors: DIMICHELE D.
Published: January 2009

Summary.  The North American Immune Tolerance Registry (NAITR) began in 1992 as a project of the ISTH Factor VIII/IX Subcommittee with the goal of further determining immune tolerance induction (ITI) practices in Canada and the United States. This retrospective registry study, published in 2002, was limited in its capacity to provide definitive answers to many unresolved ITI practice issues. Nonetheless, it played a role in developing guidelines for current ITI practice and in generating hypotheses that must now be examined through rigorous prospective data collection efforts. For haemophilia A, the logical next step has been the initiation of international prospective randomized studies of ITI outcome relative to factor VIII (FVIII) dose and purity for subjects with high titre inhibitors. Both trials will additionally provide platforms for translational study of the immunology of tolerance, a prelude to the next generation of safe and effective tolerizing strategies. For the less common problem of FIX inhibitor eradication, prospective randomized studies will not be a feasible way to confirm the NAITR observations. Coordinated international efforts will still be required to prospectively collect data on ITI outcome to document new potentially effective therapeutic strategies for inhibitor eradication. These registries will hopefully also serve to identify potential subjects for scientific studies of immunology of haemophilia B‐related allergic phenomena, a devastating complication of FIX antibody development.
When to treat and the benefits of treating hepatitis C in patients with haemophilia
Authors: PATEL H. , HEATHCOTE E. J.
Published: January 2009

Summary. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC), a curable infection, remains endemic worldwide. More than 90% of individuals with haemophilia have been infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) mostly caused by transfusion with non‐virucidally treated clotting factor concentrates. Relevant to haemophilics, the risk of cirrhosis with CHC infection is greatest in males, those who have been infected for a long time, consume alcohol regularly, and/or are co‐infected with HIV. The cure rate, using the current standard therapy for CHC with pegylated‐interferon‐α given weekly and ribavirin daily, ranges from 43% to 65% in those infected with genotype 1 and 50–90% with genotype 2 and 3 infections. Eradication of hepatitis C in those co‐infected with HIV is less in part because full dose therapy is poorly tolerated. Achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) prevents progression to cirrhosis and in those with established cirrhosis prevents liver failure, and reduces the risk if hepatocellular carcinoma, and the need for liver transplant. Novel treatment options now in development are predominantly focused on inhibitors of HCV‐specific enzymes. The treatment paradigm for haemophilics infected with hepatitis C is that all should be assessed for treatment once a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C is made in order to achieve the highest chance of an SVR, i.e. cure.
Staff – student relationships and their impact on nursing students’ belongingness and learning
Authors: Levett‐Jones Tracy , Lathlean Judith , Higgins Isabel , McMillan Margaret
Published: January 2009

Title.  Staff – student relationships and their impact on nursing students’ belongingness and learning.

Aim.  This paper is a report of selected findings from a study exploring the relationship between belongingness and placement experiences of preregistration nursing students.

Background.  Staff‐student relationships are an important influence on students’ experiences of belongingness and their clinical learning. The need to belong is universal and pervasive, exerting a powerful influence on thought processes, emotions, behaviour, health and happiness. People deprived of belongingness are more likely to experience diminished self‐esteem, increased stress and anxiety, depression and a decrease in general well‐being. Nursing students’ motivation and capacity to learn, self‐concept, confidence, the extent to which they are willing to question or conform to poor practice and their future career decisions are influenced by the extent to which they experience belongingness.

Method.  During 2006, 18 third year students from two Australian universities and one United Kingdom university participated in in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings.  Participants described placement experiences spanning a continuum from those promoting a high degree of belongingness to those provoking intense feelings of alienation. Staff‐student relationships (including receptiveness, inclusion/exclusion, legitimization of the student role, recognition and appreciation, challenge and support) were the most important influence on students’ sense of belonging and learning. Similarities between sites were remarkable, despite the differences in healthcare and higher education systems.

Conclusion.  Staff‐student relationships are key to students’ experience of belongingness. Understanding the types of interactions and behaviours that facilitate or impede students’ belongingness and learning are essential to the creation of positive clinical experiences.
The effect of three positioning methods on patient outcomes after cardiac catheterization
Authors: Rezaei‐Adaryani Morteza , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Mohamadi Eesa , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: January 2009

Title.  The effect of three positioning methods on patient outcomes after cardiac catheterization.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate the effect of three positioning protocols on back pain, heart rate, blood pressure and vascular complications after cardiac catheterization.

Background.  After cardiac catheterization, bed rest is prescribed in order to minimize vascular complications, but this often leads to back pain and other complications, such as hemodynamic instability.

Methods.  A three‐group quasi‐experimental design was used in this study, which was conducted in 2006. A convenience sample of 105 patients was randomly assigned to either the control or the two experimental groups (A and B). The control group received routine care. Group B was treated only with modified positioning and group A with modified positioning and a pillow under their body. Back pain, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, haematoma formation and bleeding were measured at regular time intervals.

Findings.  The control group experienced higher levels of pain after 3, 6, 8 hours and the morning after catheterization. The level of pain in group B was also higher than in group A at 3 hours after the procedure. Mean heart rate and blood pressure were lower in the experimental groups compared with the control group at 6 and 8 hours after catheterization. No statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the amounts of overall bleeding and overall haematoma formation was observed.

Conclusion.  Changing position in bed and using a supportive pillow during the early hours after cardiac catheterization can effectively minimize pain and hemodynamic instability without increasing vascular complications.
Incarceration and the tasks of grief: a narrative review
Authors: Hendry Chris
Published: January 2009

Title.  Incarceration and the tasks of grief: a narrative review.

Aim.  This study is a report of a narrative review to explore the challenges facing prisoners and the corrections system in the presence of the death of a significant person to the prisoner.

Background.  Death of a loved one is an important challenge, amplified for incarcerated men. There are unique aspects of incarceration that prevent prisoners from having access to usual ritual expressions and support structures.

Data sources.  A search of the CINAHL, ProQuest Medical, PubMed, EBSCO and COCHRANE databases was conducted for papers published from 1998–2007. The search terms were bereavement and prison nursing. A hand search of material specific to grief and incarceration was also undertaken.

Review methods.  A narrative technique involving reading, writing, thinking, interpreting, arguing and justifying was used to synthesize the material and create a convincing and cohesive story.

Results.  Limited research is available specifically addressing the grief experience of incarcerated individuals or the impact of unresolved grief on recidivism. However, a number of potential challenges to the grieving process in the prison system are identified in the literature, such as the prison culture of toughness and limited options for funeral attendance.

Conclusion.  Whilst the literature is scant, it is clear that issues of masculinity and culture have a strong impact on the ability of incarcerated men to resolve grief issues. More research is required to understand the impact of this on issues, such as recidivism. In the meantime, prison nurses have an important role to play in supporting prisoners who have lost a loved one during their incarceration.
The impact of neuropathic pain on relationships
Authors: Closs S. José , Staples Victoria , Reid Innes , Bennett Michael I. , Briggs Michelle
Published: January 2009

Title.  The impact of neuropathic pain on relationships.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the impact of neuropathic pain on family, social and working relationships among patients at a pain clinic serving a large urban area.

Background.  Neuropathic pain is a particularly distressing type of chronic pain which is extremely difficult to manage successfully. It produces a range of unpleasant symptoms and adversely affects patients’ quality of life, but little is known about its personal impact.

Method.  A descriptive and exploratory approach was used and 10 participants participated in three focus groups in 2005. Because of the low response rate of 20% from the initial sample, a second sample of 16 patients was invited to participate. However, only one person responded and therefore it was not possible to convene an additional group.

Findings.  The unpleasant and bizarre nature of neuropathic pain underpinned much of its impact in terms of respondents’ difficulties in maintaining a range of relationships. For closer relationships, key difficulties centred on the reduction in quality and/or number of personal relationships. For more distant relationships and those with professionals, frustration at the invisibility of their pain and their own failure to communicate symptoms and its consequences were central.

Conclusion.  More extensive work is needed to improve our understanding of how neuropathic pain is experienced, how it affects close and more distant kinds of relationships, and how healthcare professionals might best support people with persistent neuropathic pain to maintain personal and social relationships, and to communicate their pain effectively.
Perceived uncertainty, social support and psychological adjustment in older patients with cancer being treated with surgery
Authors: Lien Chin‐Yen , Lin Hung‐Ru , Kuo Ing‐Tiau , Chen Mei‐Ling
Published: January 2009

Aim.  The purpose of this longitudinal correlative study was to explore the degree, compare the differences and to detect the relationships of uncertainty, social support and psychological adjustment for older cancer patients who were undergoing surgery.

Background.  While the number of the older cancer patients has been increasing, there has been little research exploring their needs with respect to psychological adjustment during cancer treatment.

Design.  The study used a pre‐/postdescriptive design.

Methods.  Purposive sampling was used to recruit 43 patients aged 65–84 from six surgery wards in a medical centre in northern Taiwan from Jaunary 2005–May 2005. Participants were interviewed one to two days prior to surgery and interviewed again one to two days before hospital discharge. Demographic data, Mishel’s Uncertainty Illness Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List were used to collect data.

Results.  Uncertainty varied with cancer stage. At the time of surgery, the patients had moderate levels of uncertainty. There was a significant decrease in uncertainty at the second data collection period before hospital discharge. In these participants, anxiety was significantly associated with past medical history. The participants obtained social support from family members, physicians, nurses, relatives and other patients. Married patients had higher levels of social support than those without a spouse. Significant relationships were found among uncertainty and anxiety and depression. Interestingly, a positive relationship between anxiety and social support after surgery was also identified.

Conclusion.  Increasing levels of social support could ameliorate the degree of uncertainty, anxiety and depression in older cancer patients. Nurses should provide resources to establish an effective social network to older cancer patients who were being treated surgically.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings can assist nurses in understanding the psychological adjustment needs among older cancer patients who were undergoing surgery and provide appropriate intervention in nursing care.
Development of a simple scoring tool in the primary care setting for prediction of recurrent falls in men and women aged 65 years and over living in the community
Authors: Woo Jean , Leung Jason , Wong Samuel , Kwok Timothy , Lee Jenny , Lynn Henry
Published: January 2009

Aim.  We documented the number of falls and falls risk profile over two years to derive a falls risks prediction score.

Background.  Simple falls risk assessment tools not requiring equipment or trained personnel may be used as a first step in the primary care setting to identify older people at risk who may be referred for further falls risk assessment in special clinics.

Design.  Survey.

Method.  Men (n = 1941) and 1949 women aged 65 years and over living in the community were followed up for two years to document the number of falls. Information was collected regarding demography, socioeconomic status, medical history, functional limitations, lifestyle factors and psychosocial functioning. Measurements include body mass index, grip strength and stride length. Logistic regression was used to determine significant predictions of falls and to calculate predictive scores.

Result.  Twelve factors in men and nine factors in women were used to construct a risk score. The AUC of the receiver operating characteristic curve was >0·70 for both men and women and a cut off score of ≥8 gave sensitivity and specificity values between 60–78%. The factors included chronic disease, drugs, functional limitation, lifestyle, education and psychosocial factors. When applied to future predictions, only low energy level and clumsiness in both hands in men and feeling downhearted in women, were significant factors.

Conclusions.  A risk assessment tool with a cut off score of ≥8 developed from a two‐year prospective study of falls may be used in the community setting as an initial first step for screening out those at low risk of falls.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A simple tool may be used in the community to screen out those at risk for falls, concentrating trained healthcare professionals’ time on detailed falls assessment and intervention for those classified as being at risk.
Does nutritional intervention for patients with hip fractures reduce postoperative complications and improve rehabilitation?
Authors: Gunnarsson Anna‐Karin , Lönn Katarina , Gunningberg Lena
Published: January 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aims were to investigate whether there were any differences between patients receiving nutritional intervention preoperatively and over five days postoperatively and patients who did not, in terms of postoperative complications, rehabilitation, length of stay and food and liquid intake.

Background.  Patients with hip fractures are often malnourished at admission to hospital and they typically do not receive the energy and calories needed postoperatively.

Design.  The design was a quasi‐experimental, pre‐ and post‐test comparison group design without random group assignment.

Methods.  One hundred patients with hip fractures were consecutively included. The control group (n = 50) received regular nutritional support. The intervention group (n = 50) received nutrition according to nutritional guidelines. The outcome measures used were risk of pressure ulcer, pressure ulcers, weight, nosocomial infections, cognitive ability, walking assistance and functional ability, collected preoperatively and five days postoperatively. Each patient’s nutrient and liquid intake were assessed daily for five days postoperatively.

Results.  Significantly fewer (p = 0·043) patients in the intervention group (18%) had pressure ulcers five days postoperatively compared with the control group (36%). Nutrient and liquid intake was significantly higher (p < 0·001) in the intervention group. Median length of stay decreased from nine to seven days (p = 0·137), as did nosocomial infections, from 18–8·7% (p = 0·137).

Conclusion.  Patients with hip fractures receiving nutrition according to nutritional guidelines developed fewer pressure ulcers. This is invaluable to patients’ quality of life and a major economic saving for society.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Great benefits can be gained for the patients through modest efforts by nurses and physicians such as nutritional intervention.
An experimental study on four kinds of Chinese herbal medicines containing alkaloids using fluorescence microscope and microspectrometer
Authors: LIANG Z. , CHEN H. , ZHAO Z.
Published: January 2009

In order to find a useful method for uniting the identification and quality evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine, the techniques of fluorescence microscopy and microspectrometer were firstly applied to authenticate four kinds of herbal medicines, Caulis Sinomenii, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis and Rhizoma Menispermi, as well as to measure the distribution of alkaloids in their cross‐sections. The results showed that the fluorescence microscopic characteristics and the fluorescence emission spectra of the same tissues from the four kinds of Chinese herbal medicine were different, for example, the cortex of Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis emitted blue fluorescence instead of the yellow of Rhizoma Coptidis observed with emission filter of long‐pass 397 nm, which could be effective to identify them. Furthermore, alkaloids, as active components of the above herbal medicines, were distributed in each part of herbal tissue but their fluorescence intensities in different parts of tissue were different. The results indicated that fluorescence microscope combined with microspectrometer could be a helpful method for identification and quality evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine.
Ultramicrotomy in the ESEM, a versatile method for materials and life sciences
Authors: ZANKEL A. , KRAUS B. , POELT P. , SCHAFFER M. , INGOLIC E.
Published: January 2009

We here present the results of the first materials science analyses obtained with the prototype of a serial block‐face sectioning and imaging tool, 3View™ of Gatan, Inc (Pleasanton, CA, U.S.A.). It is a specially designed ultramicrotome operating in situ within an environmental scanning electron microscope originally developed for life science research. The microtome removes thin slices from the sample and the environmental scanning electron microscope images each new block surface of the specimen (serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy). The Schottky emitter (FEG) of the microscope delivers high spatial resolution and has the advantage of stable performance and high durability. The slice thickness can typically be selected between 50 and 100 nm. It is possible to cut hundreds of slices and simultaneously acquire images with Digital Micrograph™ Model 700 (Gatan, Inc.). This article outlines the set‐up and describes the automated process. The preparation of specimens for in situ ultramicrotomy is explained and the parameters for good image quality are discussed. In addition, special operative and analytic features of the controlling software are presented. Three different technical materials and one botanical specimen were analyzed delivering first results of this method for materials science and for botany.
Individual quality of life of people with severe mental disorders
Authors: PITKÄNEN A. , HÄTÖNEN H. , KUOSMANEN L. , VÄLIMÄKI M.
Published: January 2009

People with mental disorders have been found to suffer from impaired quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the assessment of QoL has become important in psychiatric research. This explorative study was carried out in acute psychiatric wards. Thirty‐five patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related psychosis were interviewed. QoL was rated by the Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life which is a respondent‐generated QoL measure using semi‐structured interview technique. Patients named five areas of life important to them and then rated their current status and placed relative weight on each QoL area. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. The most frequently named areas for QoL were health, family, leisure activities, work/study and social relationships, which represented 72% of all QoL areas named. Patients’ average satisfaction with these QoL areas ranged 49.0–69.1 (scale 0–100). The mean global QoL score was 61.5 (standard deviation 17.4; range 24.6–89.6; scale 0–100). Awareness of patients’ perceptions of their QoL areas can enhance our understanding of an individual patient's QoL and reveal unsatisfactory areas where QoL could be improved with individually tailored needs‐based interventions.
The convenient myth of Thomas Szasz
Authors: BUCHANAN‐BARKER P. , BARKER P.
Published: January 2009

Thomas Szasz's original critique of the concept of ‘mental illness’ is almost 50 years old. Over that half century Szasz has maintained a consistent campaign against the ‘Therapeutic State’, challenging the paternalism of coercive psychiatry and defending liberty and autonomy. Despite his widespread celebrity Szasz continues to be misread and misrepresented. In this paper we review some of Szasz's key ideas, in the light of Clarke's recent critique, setting this within the context of ‘mental health nursing’ and the problems in living affecting persons worldwide.
Nursing the disenfranchised: women who have relinquished an infant for adoption
Authors: ALOI J. A.
Published: January 2009

Grief that occurs as a result of relinquishing an infant for adoption is explored. Traditional grief models are cited as ineffectual for the satisfactory resolution of grief resulting from the relinquishment of a child for adoption. The reasons for disenfranchised grief are described and narratives of personal interviews provide insight into the grief process of birthmothers and evidence of their disenfranchisement. The role of psychiatric‐mental health nurse is discussed and interventions aimed at assisting the birthmother to grieve are suggested.
Goal‐directed fluid therapy: stroke volume optimisation and cardiac dimensions in supine healthy humans
Authors: JANS Ø. , TOLLUND C. , BUNDGAARD‐NIELSEN M. , SELMER C. , WARBERG J. , SECHER N. H.
Published: January 2009

Background: Based on maximisation of cardiac stroke volume (SV), peri‐operative individualised goal‐directed fluid therapy improves patient outcome. It remains, however, unknown how fluid therapy by this strategy relates to filling of the heart during supine rest as reference for the anaesthetised patient and whether the heart becomes distended. To answer these questions, this study related SV to the diastolic filling of the heart while varying central blood volume (CBV) between hypo‐ and hyper‐volaemia, simulating bleeding, and fluid loading, respectively, when exposing healthy human subjects to head‐up (HUT) and head‐down tilt (HDT).

Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers underwent graded tilt from 20° HDT to 30° HUT. The end‐diastolic dimensions of the heart were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography with independent evaluation of SV by Modelflow. The CBV was monitored by thoracic electrical admittance, central venous oxygenation and pressure, and arterial plasma atrial natriuretic peptide. Also, muscle and brain oxygenation were assessed by near infrared spectroscopy (n=7).

Results: The HUT reduced the mentioned indices of CBV, the end‐diastolic dimensions of the heart, and SV. Conversely, HDT‐enhanced tissue oxygenation and the diastolic filling of the heart, but not SV.

Conclusions: In healthy supine humans, the heart is provided with a volume that is sufficient to secure a maximal SV without distending the heart. The implication for individualised goal‐directed fluid therapy is that when a maximal SV is established for patients, cardiac pre‐load is comparable to that of supine healthy subjects.
Blood volume is normal after pre‐operative overnight fasting
Authors: JACOB M. , CHAPPELL D. , CONZEN P. , FINSTERER U. , REHM M.
Published: January 2009

Background: Pre‐operative fasting is assumed to cause a deficit in intravascular blood volume (BV), as a result of ongoing urine production and insensible perspiration. Standard regimes consist of volume loading prior or simultaneous to any anaesthetic procedure to minimise the risk of hypotension. However, fluid overload in the context of major abdominal surgery has been shown to deteriorate patient outcome. Our study aimed to quantify total intravascular BV after fasting by direct measurements and to compare it with calculated normal values in comparable non‐fasted patients.

Methods: After 10 h of fasting, total plasma volume (PV) and red cell volume (RCV) were measured via the double‐label technique (indocyanine green dilution and erythrocytes labelled with fluorescein, respectively) following induction of general anaesthesia in 53 gynaecological patients suffering from malignoma of the cervix. The corresponding normal values were calculated individually from age, body height and body weight.

Results: Measured BV, RCV and PV after fasting were 4123±589, 1244±196 and 2879±496 ml, respectively. The differences to the corresponding calculated normal values were not significant (3882±366, 1474±134 and 2413±232 ml, respectively). The measured haematocrit reflected a slight anaemic state (0.35±0.03).

Conclusion: Our data suggest that even after prolonged pre‐operative fasting, cardio‐pulmonary healthy patients remain intravascularly normovolaemic. Therefore, hypotension associated with induction of general or neuraxial anaesthesia should perhaps be treated with moderate doses of vasopressors rather than with undifferentiated volume loading.
No morphine sparing effect of ketamine added to morphine for patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia after uterine artery embolization
Authors: JENSEN L. L. , HANDBERG G. , HELBO‐HANSEN H. S. , SKAARUP I. , LOHSE T. , MUNK T. , LUND N.
Published: January 2009

Background: Pain following embolization of the uterine arteries (UAEs) is variable and may be very severe requiring large doses of parenteral opioids for relief. The present study tested the hypothesis that the addition of ketamine to IV patient‐controlled morphine reduces the amount of morphine required for pain‐control during the first 24 h after UAE embolization.

Methods: Fifty‐six patients undergoing UAE embolization for treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata were randomized to receive either 2 mg/ml of morphine (Control group, n=30) or 2 mg/ml of both morphine and ketamine (Ketamine group, n=26) by IV patient‐controlled analgesia (IV‐PCA). Pump settings were bolus dose 1 ml, lockout 10 min, no background infusion. In addition, all patients received diclofenac and acetaminophen for pain relief. Pain scores, morphine consumption and adverse events like nausea, vomiting, itching, visual disturbances, anxiety, dreaming and hallucinations, if any, were recorded for 24 h after embolization.

Results: The mean ± SD 24‐h consumption of patient‐controlled morphine was 38.3 ± 21.0 mg in the Ketamine group vs. 33.3 ± 18.3 mg in the Control group (NS). The difference between the means was 5.0 mg (95% confidence interval: −5.7; 15.6). One patient in the Ketamine group vs. none in the Control group experienced auditory hallucinations.

Conclusion: Studying an unselected group of patients undergoing embolization of the UAEs for treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata under conditions of basal analgesia with acetaminophen and diclofenac, we failed to demonstrate any morphine‐sparing effect of IV‐PCA ketamine and morphine compared with IV‐PCA morphine alone.
Anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy is associated with less frequent mood and anxiety disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Uguz Faruk , Akman Cemal , Kucuksarac Seher , Tufekci Osman
Published: January 2009

Aims:  The purpose of the present study was to examine the current prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders, and factors related to mood and anxiety disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method:  The study sample included 83 consecutive patients with RA who were admitted to a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were determined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐I). To assess physical disability and disease activity, the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Disease Activity Score, respectively, were used.

Results:  The prevalence of any mood or any anxiety disorder was 43.4%. The two most common psychiatric diagnoses were major depression (21.7%) and generalized anxiety disorder (16.9%). Mood and anxiety disorders were unrelated to sociodemographic features, disease‐related factors, and medications for RA except anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). These disorders, however, were identified less frequently in patients with RA receiving anti‐TNF‐α drugs compared to patients who did not receive such medications.

Conclusion:  Patients with RA frequently have mood and anxiety disorders, and anti‐TNF‐α drugs may be useful for the mental status of these patients.
Nicotine withdrawal‐induced deficits in trace fear conditioning in C57BL / 6 mice – a role for high‐affinity β2 subunit‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Raybuck J. D. , Gould T. J.
Published: January 2009

Nicotine alters cognitive processes that include working memory and long‐term memory. Trace fear conditioning may involve working memory during acquisition while also allowing the assessment of long‐term memory. The present study used trace fear conditioning in C57BL/6 mice to investigate the effects of acute nicotine, chronic nicotine and withdrawal of chronic nicotine on processes active during acquisition and recall 24 h later and to examine the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes (nAChRs) involved in withdrawal deficits in trace fear conditioning. During training, acute nicotine (0.09 mg/kg) enhanced, but chronic nicotine (6.3 mg/kg/day, 13 days) and withdrawal of chronic nicotine (6.3 mg/kg/day, 12 days) had no significant effect on, acquisition of trace conditioning. At recall, acute treatment enhanced conditioning while chronic nicotine had no effect and withdrawal of chronic nicotine resulted in deficits. Antagonist‐precipitated withdrawal was used to characterize the nAChRs involved in the withdrawal deficits. The low‐affinity nAChR antagonist MLA (1.5, 3 or 9 mg/kg) had no effect on trace fear conditioning, but the high‐affinity nAChR antagonist DHβE (3 mg/kg) precipitated deficits in trace fear conditioning if administered at training or training and testing, but not if administered at testing alone. The β2 nAChR subunit is involved in the withdrawal effects as withdrawal of chronic nicotine produced deficits in trace fear conditioning in wildtype but not in β2‐knockout mice. Thus, nicotine alters processes involved in both acquisition and long‐term memory of trace fear conditioning, and high‐affinity β2 subunit‐containing nAChRs are critically involved in the effects of nicotine withdrawal on trace fear conditioning.
Activation of suprachiasmatic nuclei and primary visual cortex depends upon time of day
Authors: Vimal Ram L. P. , Pandey‐Vimal Manju‐Uma C. , Vimal Love‐Shyam P. , Frederick Blaise B. , Stopa Edward G. , Renshaw Perry F. , Vimal Shalini P. , Harper David G.
Published: January 2009

The human suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master biological clock, is a small (∼2 mm3) and deep structure located in the anterior hypothalamus. Previous methods do not allow in vivo study of the human SCN in a non‐invasive manner. Therefore, we explored blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD)‐functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with OFF–ON–OFF block‐designed visual stimuli to record the activities in the ‘SCN and peri SCN in the anterior hypothalamus’ (SCN+) and the primary visual area V1 using a 3T Siemens scanner and six normal subjects. We found that: (i) the BOLD‐fMRI response to light and the mean of percentage activation in the SCN+ at midday was significantly less than that at night; and (ii) the number of activated voxels in most of the visual area V1 at midday was significantly higher than that at night. We conclude that BOLD‐fMRI responses to light in the SCN+ and the V1 areas vary with time of day. This conclusion is consistent with: (i) the previously measured phase–response curve to light [J. Physiol., 549.3 (2003) 945] for the SCN activity at critical intensity threshold; and (ii) the interaction of the melanopsin‐based signals with the rod‐cone signals at the ‘giant’ retinal ganglion cells [Nature, 433 (2005) 749] for the V1 activity.
Relational and non‐relational memory – electrophysiological correlates of novelty detection, repetition detection and subsequent memory
Authors: Soei Eleonore , Bellebaum Christian , Daum Irene
Published: January 2009

The dissociability of novelty detection in relational (RM) and non‐relational memory (NRM) is currently under debate. To further address the time courses and underlying brain correlates of novelty detection, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were analysed for encoding and retrieval on three memory tasks in healthy subjects. Spatial and non‐spatial RM as well as NRM were assessed separately. The ERPs related to RM and NRM were dissociable for hits and correct rejections in an early and late time window. An early old/new effect was observed for NRM. A late old/new effect replicated the frequently reported recollection‐associated old/new effect in terms of direction and amplitudes. Four different novelty types (spatial relational, non‐spatial relational, horizontal non‐relational and inverted non‐relational) were examined. The P3a related to novelty detection differed in horizontal vs. inverted distractors in NRM, but not in spatial vs. non‐spatial RM. ERPs for repetition detection (hits during retrieval) and also for subsequent hits (encoding phase) differed between RM and NRM. These findings are discussed in relation to potential brain correlates in RM and NRM during encoding and retrieval.
Involvement of Ngn2, Tbr and NeuroD proteins during postnatal olfactory bulb neurogenesis
Authors: Roybon Laurent , Deierborg Tomas , Brundin Patrik , Li Jia‐Yi
Published: January 2009

Postnatal neurogenesis takes place in two brain regions, the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). The transcriptional cascade controlling hippocampal neurogenesis has been described in detail; however, the transcriptional control of olfactory bulb neurogenesis is still not well mapped. In this study, we provide insights into the molecular events controlling postnatal olfactory bulb neurogenesis. We first show the existence of diverse neural stem cell/progenitor populations along the SVZ–rostral migratory stream (RMS) axis, focusing on those expressing the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor Mash1. We provide evidence that Mash1‐derived progenies generate oligodendrocytic and neuronal precursors through the transient expression of the bHLH transcription factors Olig2 and neurogenin2 (Ngn2), respectively. Furthermore, we reveal that Ngn2‐positive progenies express the T‐box transcription factors Tbr2 and Tbr1, which are usually present during cortical and hippocampal glutamatergic neuronal differentiation. We also highlight a cell population expressing another bHLH transcription factor, neuroD1 (ND1). The ND1‐positive cells are located in the SVZ–RMS axis and also co‐express Tbr2, Tbr1 and neuroD2. The observations that these cells incorporate bromodeoxyuridine and express both doublecortin and polysialylated form of neural cell adhesion molecule suggest that they are newborn neurons. Finally, using an in vitro assay, we demonstrate that Ngn2 and ND1 equally and exclusively direct differentiation of Mash1‐expressing precursors into calbindin‐expressing and calretinin‐expressing neurons, which are both neuronal subtypes normally found in the olfactory bulb. Taken together, our data illustrate that Ngn2, neuroD and Tbr transcription factors are involved in postnatal neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb.
Do different measures tap the same genetic influences? A multi‐method study of activity level in young twins
Authors: Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: January 2009

Activity level (AL) is a highly salient feature of child behaviour that has been linked to developmental outcome. Twin studies of parent‐rated, observer‐rated and mechanically assessed AL in childhood find that AL is genetically influenced. Few studies, however, consider whether different methods of assessing AL have a shared genetic etiology. Those that do, confound methods and situations. The present study examined whether actigraph and rater‐based (parent, observer) measures of AL tap the same genetic influences in a sample of 312 2‐year‐old twin pairs. Methods were studied within the same situation, thereby controlling for situational influences on AL. The genetic correlation between actigraph and parent‐rated AL in the home was .38, indicating modest genetic overlap between the two methods. In contrast, the correlation of genetic effects on actigraph and observer‐rated AL in the laboratory was .95, indicating that both laboratory‐based measures of AL are influenced by the same genetic effects.
Control in Pyramidal Structures
Authors: Levy Marc
Published: January 2009

Manuscript Type: Conceptual.

Research Question/Issue: Shareholding structures are sometimes so complex that it can be difficult to know who are the actual owners and controllers of a firm. In particular, in continental Europe and Asia, control tunnelling appears frequently through pyramidal structures. Different methods exist to isolate control from ownership. This paper attempts to better understand these different models and their implications.

Research Findings/Results: After describing ownership structure through a graph association, this paper analyzes the voting game at stake in the race for control. It compares existing methods and algorithms to identify the owners and controllers of a firm in a pyramidal structure without cross‐ownership. These different methods are then applied to the case of a Belgian retailer, Colruyt. The results are compared and the influence of a control threshold is analyzed. Furthermore, it shows how the ownership structure allows the Colruyt family to maintain control of the firm even if there is dissension within the family.

Theoretical Implications: This study clarifies definitions of ownership structures and provides a better understanding of models that analyze ownership structure and their implications.

Practical Implications: In practice, these models can help shareholders achieve a majority of voting rights in the general assembly by identifying who are the influential partners. Furthermore, the models provide a means for external parties to determine whether control of a firm is attainable, and if so, how. Established shareholders may also use these models to ascertain the optimal ownership structure that will preserve their control with a minimum level of investment.
Corporate Networks as Informal Governance Mechanisms: A Small Worlds Approach to Sweden
Authors: Stafsudd Anna
Published: January 2009

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: It is proposed that informal governance mechanisms such as social control, in the form of norms and corporate networks, may complement formal governance mechanisms, such as laws, in providing investor protection.

Research Findings/Results: A comparison of stock markets and investor protection for Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the UK, and US shows that the Swedish stock market is larger and more vital than would be expected from an evaluation of its formal investor protections. Subsequent analyses show that Scandinavian business standards are of the highest level, with the UK, the US, and Germany close behind, and Italy last. Comparison of owner networks using small world methodology show that whereas Germany has the most connected network, Sweden has a far tighter one than Denmark, Italy, the UK, and the US, being the least connected network of all.

Theoretical Implications: The findings suggest that social norms upheld in a close network may complement formal investor protection, but perhaps not substitute for it. Thus, more research on the importance of informal governance mechanisms is called for in addition to the study of formal ones.

Practical Implications: The results of this study strengthens the idea that there may not necessarily be one ideal corporate governance system, but that such systems develop historically according to path‐dependent antecedents, with time finding their own balance. As such, the recent diffusion of Anglo‐American corporate governance norms may prove upsetting to these systems, as their values may clash with already existing ones.