bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Island biogeography as a test of reproductive interference
Authors: Takakura Koh‐Ichi , Fujii Shinji
Published: June 2015

Theoretical studies have predicted that reproductive interference must exclude either of the interacting species, but no testing of this prediction has ever been reported for natural populations. This study surveyed the distribution patterns of herbaceous Veronica plants, including one native and three alien species, to test whether the invasion of the alien species exerting reproductive interference excluded the native species. Results showed that the native species was repeatedly excluded from islands where an alien species invaded, exerting reproductive interference, and that other alien species had no significant effect on the native population survival. This survey also demonstrated that the native species altered its habitat from the ground to stone walls on the mainland where the alien species had been predominant. In the mainland populations, the fruit morphology differed from that of the islands, and the morphology in the mainland population seemed suitable for seed dispersion by ants at a stone wall habitat. We also surveyed the genetic differentiation among populations, the results of which did not support the native species genetically differentiated between mainland and island populations before the alien species invasion. These results strongly suggest that the reproductive interference excluded the recipient species at the population level and facilitated the habitat change. Additionally, results indicated that a series of field surveys of islands close to the mainland can be a powerful tool to test the ecological importance of reproductive interference.
Recent trends in hospitalization and in-hospital mortality associated with traumatic brain injury in Canada: a nationwide, population-based study
Authors: Fu T , Jing R , McFaull S , Cusimano M
Published: June 2015

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of traumatic death and disability worldwide. We examined nationwide trends in TBI-related hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality between April 2006 and March 2010 using a population-based database that is mandatory for all hospitals in Canada. Methods: Trends in hospitalization rates were analyzed using linear regression. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were evaluated using logistic regression. Results: Hospitalization rates remained stable for children and young adults, but increased considerably among elderly adults (ages 65 and older). Falls and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) were the most common causes of TBI hospitalizations. TBIs caused by falls increased by 24% (p=0.01), while MVC-related hospitalization rates decreased by 18% (p=0.03). Elderly adults were most vulnerable to falls, and experienced the greatest increase (29%) in fall-related hospitalization rates. Young adults (ages 15-24) were most at risk for MVCs, but experienced the greatest decline (28%) in MVC-related admissions. There were significant trends towards increasing age, injury severity, comorbidity, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. However, multivariate regression showed that the odds of death decreased over time after controlling for relevant factors. Conclusions: Hospitalizations for TBI are increasing in severity and involve older populations with more complex comorbidities.
Let There Be
Authors: Sourial R , Teitelbaum J , Bouchard C , Sanchez R , Boutin-caron M , Freder J
Published: June 2015

Background: In 2014, the Montreal Neurological Hospital reorganized its stroke unit, grouping together all strokes serviced by Neurology/Neurosurgery to ensure continuity of care. This unprecedented change created a new interdisciplinary /interdepartmental team which required a new form of communication to facilitate information dissemination and patient care in a timely manner. Method: Unlike typical rounds, the purpose of the daily huddle is to briefly set the patients’ goals of the day. The huddles are attended by all interdisciplinary team members, lasting approximately 30 minutes. The Assistant Nurse Manager leads the huddle in the morning in the nursing station to discuss the main issues. The huddle outcomes were assessed by: Length of stay (LOS), turnaround time to implement discharge, patient/family and team satisfaction. Results: Length of stay decreased by 4 days, delay to application to disposition was <24 hours. Interdepartmental team stated satisfaction in sharing their expertise in their different domains. Concerns were expressed if the huddle LOS exceeded 30 minutes. Eighty (80%) percent of patients/ families experienced satisfaction that information provided was given in a caring/timely manner. Conclusion: Daily huddles improved LOS and team learning was enhanced. However, huddles need to be more concise.
Intravascular large B-Cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) presenting as lumbosacral polyradiculopathy
Authors: Peters SR , Dastani Z , Chalk CH
Published: June 2015

Background: IVLBCL is potentially treatable but difficult to diagnose. Methods: A case of progressive leg weakness and sphincter dysfunction diagnosed only at autopsy. Results: A 72 year old female presented with three weeks of increasing leg weakness and three days of urine and stool incontinence. Electrophysiological testing showed reduced tibial and peroneal CMAPs, preserved sural SNAPs, and bilateral gastrocnemius fibrillations, consistent with a pre-ganglionic lesion. Lumbosacral MRI with gadolinium showed no abnormalities. CSF was examined three times (protein 1.18-1.25, glucose 2.6-3.1, normal cell count and cytology). Whole-body FDG PET scanning showed hypermetabolic foci at the tongue base and in the mediastinum, but biopsy of both revealed no abnormality. Leg weakness progressed over three months and spread to the arms despite a course of IVIg. Four months later she died of cardiorespiratory arrest. Autopsy revealed the presence of large atypical B-cells within the lumen of small and medium sized vessels in numerous organs. There was evidence of anterior spinal artery obstruction with lymphocytes and anterior horn infarction in the lumbar cord. Conclusions: Although the literature reports that IVLBCL responds well to chemotherapy, this patient illustrates the difficulty of ante-mortem diagnosis. Nerve root biopsy may be warranted in such patients.
A prospective 1-year study of postural tachycardia and the relationship to non-postural versus orthostatic symptoms
Authors: Baker J , Palamarchuk IS , Kimpinski K
Published: June 2015

Background: Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is defined as heart rate (HR) increments ≥30 bpm on head-up tilt (HUT) associate with orthostatic symptoms (lightheadedness, dizziness, palpitations, etc.). A large proportion of asymptomatic young adults naturally express excessive HR increments on HUT, which has raised questions regarding whether revision to the diagnostic criteria for POTS in younger patient populations is needed. In addition, poor adaptation to environmental stressors may contribute to the disability experienced by POTS patients. Objectives: 1) determine whether asymptomatic patients were predisposed to developing constitutional symptoms that could result in the full syndrome of POTS, and 2) determine whether these symptoms correlated to postural HR or orthostatic symptoms. Methods: HR response to HUT and orthostatic and constitutional symptoms in 30 asymptomatic POTS patients were evaluated after 1 year. Results: HR increment at follow-up demonstrated no correlation with general fatigue (r = 0.006), body vigilance (r = 0.195), physical (r = -0.087) and mental (r = -0.137) health, or orthostatic scores (r = 0.04). Orthostatic scores significantly correlated with general fatigue (r = 0.374) and body vigilance (r = 0.392) (p<0.05). Conclusion: These data support that the majority of young individuals express benign orthostatic tachycardia and further argue for re-evaluation of the HR criteria for diagnosing POTS in younger populations.
Cryptococcoma in Idiopathic CD4 Lymphopenia
Authors: Alshimemeri S , Walker G , Mezei M , Warner S , Viana L , Barton JJ
Published: June 2015

Idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia is a rare immune disorder that renders patients vulnerable to unusual infections. A 25-year-old female had been diagnosed with idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia (CD4 count of 50/uL) at age 14 after pulmonary infection with atypical mycobacterium, but had since been asymptomatic on Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. She presented now with 5 weeks of headache, vomiting, diplopia, and vertigo. This had been diagnosed as benign positional vertigo. However, neuro-ophthalmologic exam revealed gaze-evoked nystagmus, impaired smooth pursuit, a left hypertropic skew deviation, left sensorineural hearing loss, gait ataxia and left limb dysmetria. MRI brain showed a 15 mm extra-axial enhancing mass at the left cerebellopontine angle, and chest CT showed pulmonary lesions. CSF Cryptococcal antigen was highly positive (> 1:1024) and CSF culture grew Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii. She was treated with amphotericin B 175 mg daily and 5-Flucytosine 1000 mg QID for 4 weeks, followed by Fluconazole 400 mg daily, and made an excellent recovery. Cryptococcal infection usually presents as a meningitis, but can occasionally present as a mass lesion. Cryptococcal infection is one of the most common complications in idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia. This case illustrates the importance of neurologic signs in correctly localizing the lesion and the need for high suspicion of serious pathology in patients with rare immune disorders.
Neurology (Neurocritical Care/Neuro Trauma)
Authors: Pana PM , Hornby L , Shemie S , Teitelbaum J , Dhanani S
Published: June 2015

Background: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) can reduce organ transplant waiting times. When defining death using circulatory criteria, brain function is usually not assessed. Residual brain function and the state of consciousness at the time of circulatory arrest is unknown. We have an ethical responsibility to ensure the donor is free of pain and psychological distress. Methods: We performed a scoping review of the literature to determine the time intervals associated with the loss brain function after circulatory arrest. Results: A total of 1133 articles were reviewed and 38 were included in the review. In humans, 8 studies showed loss of EEG activity under 30 seconds. Four studies revealed loss of EEG between 39.6 and 66 seconds. Clinically, loss of consciousness was shown to occur between 4 and 21 seconds. In animals, 13 studies also revealed loss of EEG under 30 seconds. In four other animal studies, EEG was lost between 37 and 120 seconds. Conclusion: The time required to lose brain function varied according to clinical context and method by which this function is measured. Existing literature is scarce and limited to observational studies and case reports.
Neurophysiology (fMRI)
Authors: Lang ST , Goodyear B , Kelly J , Federico P
Published: June 2015

Background: Resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) provides many advantages to task-based fMRI in neurosurgical populations, foremost of which is the lack of the need to perform a task. Many networks can be identified by rs-fMRI in a single period of scanning. Despite the advantages, there is a paucity of literature on rs-fMRI in neurosurgical populations. Methods: Eight patients with tumours near areas traditionally considered as eloquent cortex participated in a five minute rs-fMRI scan. Resting-state fMRI data underwent Independent Component Analysis (ICA) using the Multivariate Exploratory Linear Optimized Decomposition into Independent Components (MELODIC) toolbox in FSL. Resting state networks (RSNs) were identified on a visual basis. Results: Several RSNs, including language (N=7), sensorimotor (N=7), visual (N=7), default mode network (N=8) and frontoparietal attentional control (n=7) networks were readily identifiable using ICA of rs-fMRI data. Conclusion: These pilot data suggest that ICA applied to rs-fMRI data can be used to identify motor and language networks in patients with brain tumours. We have also shown that RSNs associated with cognitive functioning, including the default mode network and the frontoparietal attentional control network can be identified in individual subjects with brain tumours. While preliminary, this suggests that rs-fMRI may be used pre-operatively to localize areas of cortex important for higher order cognitive functioning.
Midline skull tumors
Authors: Maleki M
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Variety of tumors could involve the skull; however, very few may occur over the midline. Some may affect venous blood flow of superior sagittal sinus. Few challenging cases are presented Material: 1-Rare case of osteoblastoma over the torcula, (headache, visual symptoms, papilledema, VI nerve palsy). 2- Rare case of metastatic liposarcoma involving midsagital sinus, partially occluding it (headache and visual blurring). 3- A huge atypical (grade2) meningioma over the vertex Method: Case #1, the tumor over the venous confluences (torcula) was removed easily, without any complications. Complete resolution of symptoms Case #2, complete en-block resection of tumor, with sacrifice of mid-sagittal portion of sinus, without any neurological sequellae. Case #3, subtotal resection, followed by radiotherapy.

Discussion &Conclusion: Anterior 3rd of sagital sinus could be sacrificed (if necessary), without major consequences. However, whenever mid or posterior portion of the sinus is involved, interruption of venous flow could pose very serious complications. Occasionally, chronic compression of sinus may force increasing collateral venous return, in which case one may attempt a complete resection of the lesion, with sacrifice of part of the sinus, as in our second case. In the region of torcula, however, one should be very careful not to damage it
GLU298ASP and 4G/5G Polymorphisms and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Individuals
Authors: Esparza-García Juan Carlos , Santiago-Germán David , Guadalupe Valades-Mejía María , Hernández-Juárez Jesus , Aguilar-Sosa Eberth , Leaños-Miranda Alfredo , Alvarado-Moreno Antonio , Majluf-Cruz Abraham , Isordia-Salas Irma
Published: June 2015

Background:Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and in the plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) genes have been implicated in stroke pathogenesis but results are still controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the possible contribution of Glu298Asp in the eNOS and 4G/5G in the PAI-1polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population.Materials and Methods:In a case-control study, conducted between January 2006 and June 2010, 204 patients ≤45 years of age with ischemic stroke and 204 controls matched by age and gender, were recruited. The Glu298Asp and 4G/5G polymorphisms were determined in all participants by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results:There was a significant difference in the Glu298Asp genotype distribution (P=0.001) and allele frequency between the two groups (P=0.001). The 4G/5G genotype distribution (P=0.40) and the allele frequency was similar between groups; (P=0.13). There were independent factors for ischemic stroke: Asp carriage (GluAsp+AspAsp) (P=0.02); smoking (P=0.01); hypertension (P=0.03), and familial history of atherothrombotic disease (P=0.04).Conclusions:The Asp allele from the Gu298Asp gene represents an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in a young Mexican population. In contrast, the 4G/5G was not associated with an increased risk for this disease in the same group of patients, as previously has been demonstrated in other populations.
Early treatment of HER2-amplified brain tumours with targeted nk-92 cells and focused ultrasound improves survival
Authors: Alkins RD , Burgess A , Kerbel R , Wels WS , Hynynen K
Published: June 2015

Background: Malignant brain tumors have a dismal prognosis, with residual after surgery necessitating adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We previously demonstrated that targeted Natural Killer (NK-92) cells could be delivered to the brain using a combination of MRI-guided focused ultrasound and Definity microbubbles. Once in the CNS, they can track to malignant tissues without inflicting collateral damage. The HER2 receptor is expressed by epithelial tumours including both breast and glioblastoma; breast tumors with HER2-amplification have a higher risk of CNS metastasis, and poorer prognosis. Methods: We investigated whether multiple combined treatments of targeted NK-92 cells and focused ultrasound with microbubbles could slow tumour growth and improve survival in an orthotopic HER2-amplified rodent brain tumour model using a human breast cancer line as a prototype. Results: Early daily treatments with targeted NK-92 cells and ultrasound improved survival and decreased tumour volumes compared with bi-weekly treatments, or either treatment alone. The intensive treatment paradigm resulted in cure in 50% of subjects. Conclusions: Many tumour proteins could be exploited for targeted therapy with the NK-92 cell line, and combined with the mounting safety evidence for transcranial ultrasound, this may soon provide a non-invasive and highly targeted treatment option for patients with brain tumours.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies in childhood: case series and update from the literature
Authors: Chrestian N , Campbell C , Poulin C , McMillan H , Vajsar J
Published: June 2015

Introduction: HNPP presentation in childhood is rare and diverse and most of the published literature is based on case reports. Materials and Methods: we analyzed the data of 11 children with deletion in PMP22 gene, reviewed the published reports of HNPP in children and compared our data with the reports from the literature review. Results: Peroneal palsy was the most common presentation (50%) followed by the brachial plexus palsy in 30% of cases. The trigger of the demyelinating event was identified only in 27%. 72% of our cohort developed only one acute episode of nerve palsy. Nerve conduction studies were always suggestive of the diagnosis demonstrating 60% of cases a polyneuropathy, 50% of cases conduction block but 100% of bilateral or unilateral electrophysiologic entrapment of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of HNPP in childhood is heterogeneous and EMG findings are abnormal. Any unexplained mononeuropathy or multifocal neuropathy should lead to PMP22 gene testing to look for the deletion. Early diagnosis is important for the genetic counselling but also for the appropriate care of these patients.
Design and development of drugs for Alzheimer’s dementia as a protein misfolding disorder
Authors: Barden C , Meier-Stephenson F , Carter MD , Banfield S , Diez EC , Kelly B , Lu E , Meek A , Meier-Stephenson V , Pan L , Simms GA , Sweeting B , Wang Y , Wu F , Yadav A , Yang S , Taylor M , Reed M , Weaver DF
Published: June 2015

Background: There are no disease modifying agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pathologically, AD is associated with the misfolding of two peptides: beta-amyloid (plaques) and tau (tangles). Methods: Using large-scale computer simulations, we modelled the misfolding of both beta-amyloid and tau, identifying a common conformational motif (CCM; i.e. an abnormal peptide shape), present in both beta-amyloid and tau, that promotes their misfolding. We screened a library of 11.8 million compounds against this in silico model of protein misfolding, identifying three novel molecular classes of putative therapeutics as anti-protein misfolding agents. We synthesized approximately 400 new chemical entity drug-like molecules in each of these three classes (i.e. 1200 potential drug candidates). These were comprehensively screened in a battery of five in vitro protein oligomerization assays. Selected compounds were next evaluated in the APP/PS1 doubly transgenic mouse model of AD. Results: Two new classes of molecules were identified with the ability to block the oligomerization of both beta-amyloid and tau. These compounds are drug-like with good pharmacokinetic properties and are brain-penetrant. They exhibit excellent efficacy in transgenic mouse models. Conclusion: Computer aided drug design has enabled the discovery of novel drug-like molecules able to inhibit both tau and beta-amyloid misfolding.
SCAR open science conference 2014. Report on the session ‘Connecting the past-present-future: studies and methods in history for Antarctic research and science’
Authors: Rack Ursula , Atkin Andrew
Published: June 2015

On 26 August 2014 as part of the SCAR open science conference held in New Zealand, a panel session and discussion forum was conducted for humanities researchers, science communicators, social scientists, archivists, curators and artists with interests in interdisciplinary research. Most of the 30 attendees were members of the SCAR history expert group and the SCAR social sciences action group.
Broken Deities: The Pipe-Clay Figurines from Roman London
Authors: Fittock Matthew G.
Published: June 2015

Pipe-clay figurines are an important but under-examined category of Roman material culture in Britain. This paper presents the first typological catalogue of the 168 deity, animal and human figures imported to Roman London from Gaul during the first and second centuriesa.d. As in many other collections Venus figurines are the most common type, although there is considerable diversity in form. Comparison with continental collections highlights distinctive patterns of consumption between London, the rest of Britain and Gaul, with the city displaying relatively high numbers of exotic/unusual types, as appears to be typical ofLondiniumin general. The spatial distribution of the figurines is mapped across the settlement, while their contexts and social distribution on habitation, trade and religious sites throughout the city are explored. Whole specimens from burials and subtle patterns of fragmentation also provide a direct insight into the religious beliefs and symbolic practices of the people of Roman London.
World Heritage. From the Manuscript to the Digital Form
Authors: Vraneš Aleksandra
Published: June 2015

Nowadays it seems that the notion of cultures as petrified monoliths has largely become outdated. The boundaries between cultures are blurred and vague, due to migration, transnational communities and diaspora, education and socialization. Folk culture is often declared to be archaic, whereas high culture is declared to be universal in terms of its meanings and values; mass culture and postmodern life are based on the media and electronic communications as vectors of meaning, notions, beliefs. This paper focuses on the issues of relations between cultures that retain their uniqueness, the mutual permeation of cultures that constitute the world’s cultural heritage. It also deals with the interpretation of the widely accepted phrase ‘mythology of the open road’, which is linked to mastering information and its transformation from the manuscript through the printed to the digital format. It is an expression of recognition of broad and diverse possibilities of providing information on cultural heritage. At the same time, it represents an ironic statement, since access to knowledge is conditioned by technological, economic, ethnic, political, legal, geographical and linguistic barriers.
Information and Propaganda in Print: Leibniz’s Eastern Europe
Authors: Gángó Gábor
Published: June 2015

In Leibniz’s view, the presence of the Ottoman Empire revealed that the Turkish influence was the key to the significance of Eastern Europe. So long as Eastern Europe belonged to the Turkish sphere, it was a buffer zone of cultures, civilizations, religions, and political powers. After the departure of the Turks it was treated politically at least patronizingly if not downright conquered by aspiring European and Eurasian powers.
Is the New Paradigm in the Balkans Old Enough? An Introduction to Postpoetics, the First Step
Authors: Jerkov Aleksandar
Published: June 2015

The paper circles around difficult issues that concern the relationship between life and poetry, trying to create a new paradigm through their ultimate identification. Poetry of life might prove to be the oldest paradigm for both literature and human existence and a challenge for this millennium. As paradigmatic literary feasts from Homer’s Iliad to the love dinner in Pavić’s best-selling novel Dictionary of the Khazars show, representations of real life are not the only thing making a poetic creation ‘seem’ alive. A Homeric transgression from tragedy to the vital power of poetry, embodied in Achilles’ transformation from a hero into a poet, comes after politics and after poetics. It also appears to be necessary if we truly wish to eradicate old conflicts and prejudices that have haunted the Balkans, among other parts of the world, for too long.
The Scriptures in Hungarian in Early Modernity
Authors: Mester Béla
Published: June 2015

This paper offers an overview of the Hungarian translations of the Scriptures, printed in the sixteenth century. Both the translation of the Bible and print culture date from the fifteenth century in Hungary, but printing in Hungarian is a phenomenon of the sixteenth century. Before then, Scriptural chapters, translated by Hungarian Hussites and Minorite monks remained in manuscript, and the print of the Renaissance royal court served the needs of the humanist Latin literature. First, this paper will describe the development of the principles of translations from the cautious solutions of the Erasmian contributor of the first book printed in Hungarian, Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (Kraków, 1535), to the conceptions of the well-organized Calvinist group of scholars that edited the first complete Hungarian Bible (1590). In the analysis of the terminology this paper will focus on the expressions of the divine and earthly power, in the context of the history of political ideas of the same epoch. The history of the early printed Scriptures in Hungarian runs parallel to the gradual enlargement of the earthly power in early modern Hungarian political thought, under the conditions of the Turkish occupation, Hapsburg Catholicism, and the special status of Transylvania. In the history of religion, the dominant strain of the Hungarian Reformation turned from Luther to Calvin, with the most important Hungarian publishing house at the time being that of the Unitarians in Transylvania. This change greatly influenced the development of the Hungarian theoretical culture. For instance, the main destination of peregrinatio academica of Hungarians turned from Wittenberg to the universities of the Netherlands, and the Hungarian printers finally opted for the Humanist Antiqua instead of the German Frakturschrift. The second part of the paper will illustrate this process with examples of the typography of the sixteenth-century Hungarian Scriptures, and of their target audiences.
Music as a Form of Cultural Dialogue: The Case of Ravi Shankar
Authors: Patke Rajeev S.
Published: June 2015

The paper explores the notion of cultural dialogue in terms of a specific application: the contributions made by the sitar music of the Indian musician Ravi Shankar to the setting up of a conversation between the musical traditions of North India and their reception and partial assimilation by largely Western audiences. A survey of Shankar’s career, contextualized by a more general discussion of the problems and challenges encountered in bringing the musical conventions of one tradition into conversation with the musical expectations and assumptions of another culture leads to the conclusion that what Shankar achieved, over a lifetime of creativity and musical fusion, was a partial success: on the one hand, it disseminated the auratic aspects of this musical tradition to a wide global audience; but on the other, it did so at the cost measured by purists in terms of a simplification or dilution of the music as practised in its original cultural contexts.
Individual differences in very young children's English acquisition in China: Internal and external factors
Authors: SUN HE , STEINKRAUSS RASMUS , TENDEIRO JORGE , DE BOT KEES
Published: June 2015

This study assesses the impact of internal and external factors on very young EFL learners in an instructional setting. 71 child English learners in China (onset age: 2;0 - 5;6) were involved: their receptive vocabulary, productive vocabulary and receptive grammar were taken as outcome variables, and age of onset, short-term memory, nonverbal intelligence, English input quantity and quality, English use, and maternal English level were taken as predictive variables. Multiple regression analyses, verified by Bayes factor comparisons, revealed that the total amount of school input and home English media environment were significant predictors for all of three aspects of English proficiency, with each aspect having different additional significant predictors. Both internal factors (e.g., age of onset) and external factors (e.g., English input quantity) played an important role, but in contrast to similar studies (e.g., Paradis, 2011) focusing on a L2 naturalistic setting, external factors explained more variance of English proficiency measures.
Feeding practices in early life and later intake of fruit and vegetables among Japanese toddlers: the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Okubo Hitomi , Miyake Yoshihiro , Sasaki Satoshi , Tanaka Keiko , Hirota Yoshio
Published: June 2015

Objective

A growing body of evidence from Western countries shows that infant feeding practices are associated with later childhood dietary habits, but little is known about these relationships in non-Western countries with different food cultures. We examined the association of breast-feeding duration and age at introduction of solid foods with later intake of fruit and vegetables among Japanese toddlers.

Design

Information on breast-feeding duration, age at introduction of solid foods and child’s intake frequency of fruit and vegetables were collected with a self-administered questionnaire at 16–24 months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios of low intake (<1 time/d) of fruit or vegetables for each infant feeding practice.

Setting

Japan.

Subjects

Japanese mother–child pairs (n 763) from a prospective birth cohort study.

Results

Neither breast-feeding duration nor age at introduction of solid foods was associated with fruit intake at 16–24 months of age. Breast-feeding duration, but not age at introduction of solid foods, was associated with later intake of vegetables. When breast-feeding duration was categorized into two groups with the cut-off at 6 months, children who were breast-fed for ≥6 months had a significantly decreased risk of low intake of vegetables (OR=0·53; 95 % CI 0·34, 0·84) than those breast-fed for <6 months. This association was independent of potential confounders including maternal education and maternal vegetable intake (OR=0·59; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·97).

Conclusions

This finding suggests that ≥6 months of breast-feeding may prevent low intake of vegetables in early childhood among Japanese toddlers.
Grundlagen gesundheitsorientierten Krafttrainings im Alter: Ziele und Umsetzung
Authors: Donath Lars , Faude Oliver , Bopp Micha , Zahner Lukas
Published: June 2015

Insbesondere in westlichen Industrienationen ist eine zunehmende und anhaltende gesellschaftliche Überalterung festzustellen. Daraus resultieren immense medizinische Betreuungs- und Behandlungskosten mit hohen individuellen Gesundheitseinbussen und finanziellen Belastungen des gesamten Gesundheitssystems. Eine damit verbundene Zunahme altersspezifischer Erkrankungen und die altersbedingte Abnahme der kardiozirkulatorischen und neuromuskulären Leistungsfähigkeit werden als Hauptgründe einer erhöhten Pflegebedürftigkeit, Sturzanfälligkeit, Altersabhängigkeit und Lebensqualitätsminderung älterer Menschen diskutiert. Aus neuromuskulärer Sicht ist der natürliche Prozess des Alterns mit einem morphologischen und funktionellen Verlust der Leistungsfähigkeit der Skelettmuskeln (insbesondere der unteren Extremität) und einer damit verbundenen Verringerung der Maximal- und Schnellkraft verbunden. Dieser Kraftverlust weist eine wechselseitige Beziehung zur Muskelausdauer und Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit auf. Ältere und neuere Studien legen nahe, dass ein kombiniertes Kraft- und Gleichgewichtstraining die neuromuskuläre Leistungsfähigkeit (Maximal- und Schnellkraft) bedeutsam verbessert und das Sturzrisiko um bis zu 50 % gesenkt werden kann. Für den Erhalt der Maximalkraft und des Muskelvolumens wird ein Krafttraining bei 80 % des 1 RM (Einerwiederholungsmaximum; die Kraft, die einmal im Zyklus exzentrisch und konzentrisch überwunden werden kann) an 2 – 3 Tagen der Woche empfohlen. Jüngere Studien betonen zudem die Wichtigkeit eines Schnellkrafttrainings mit reaktiven Bewegungskomponenten und höheren Bewegungsgeschwindigkeiten bei vergleichsweise geringerer Last (20 bis 60 %, selten 75 – 80 % des 1 RM). Auch die Bedeutsamkeit von Rumpfkraft- und Rumpfstabilisationstraining wird zunehmend hervorgehoben. Der vorliegende Beitrag fast überblicksartig ausgewählte Befunde gesundheitsorientierter Krafttrainingsstudien im Seniorenalter zusammen. Daraus sollen Trainingsempfehlungen im präventiven, nicht-therapeutischen Setting für Senioren abgeleitet werden. Der Artikel zielt somit überwiegend auf Wirkungszusammenhänge verschiedener Krafttrainingsformen und den gesundheitsrelevanten Anpassungsreaktionen bei gesunden Senioren ab.
Laufsport und der Zusammenhang zwischen Training und Körperbau
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Stiefel Michael , Rosemann Thomas , Rüst Christoph , Zingg Matthias
Published: June 2015

Laufsport kann als Sprintdisziplin auf der Bahn über wenige Meter bis 10 km bis hin zu Marathon und Ultramarathons über hunderte bis tausende Laufkilometer ausgeübt werden. Die Leistung wird dabei von einer Vielzahl von Faktoren des Körperbaus sowie des Trainings beeinflusst. Morphologische Besonderheiten wie Hautfaltendicken, Körperfettanteil, Umfänge und Länge der Gliedmassen, Gewicht, Grösse und Body Mass Index (BMI) scheinen einen Einfluss auf die Laufleistung zu haben. Der Trainingsumfang (in Zeit und zurückgelegter Distanz) und die dabei im Training gelaufene Geschwindigkeit korrelieren ebenfalls mit der Leistung. Wurden jeweils alle Variablen vergleichend untersucht, so waren meist Körperfett und Laufgeschwindigkeit im Training die wichtigsten Einflussgrössen. Für längere Laufbelastungen (über 6 Stunden resp. 100 km) zeigte sich aber, dass die Aspekte Erfahrung (Anzahl erfolgreich beendete Rennen) und persönliche Bestzeit weitaus wichtiger waren als der Trainingsumfang oder morphologische Charakteristika wie etwa der Körperfettanteil. Es zeigte sich auch, dass sich Ultraläufer anders (tiefere Geschwindigkeit und höheres Laufvolumen) vorbereiten als Läufer über kürzere Strecken wie Halbmarathon und Marathon.
Blutdruckgrenzwerte – je tiefer, desto besser?
Authors: Leibundgut Gregor
Published: June 2015

Arterielle Hypertonie stellt einen weit verbreiteten Risikofaktor für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen dar. Der Nutzen einer konsequenten medikamentösen Therapie geht proportional einher mit dem Ausmaß der Blutdrucksenkung. Durch Extrapolation dieses Zusammenhangs entstand die Annahme „je niedriger, desto besser“ und wurde allgemein akzeptiert. Inzwischen haben mehrere Studien einen Anstieg der Morbidität und Mortalität bei einer übermäßigen Blutdrucksenkung (J-Kurve) gefunden. Andere wiederum fanden eine lineare Korrelation. Insgesamt bleibt ein j-förmiger Zusammenhang umstritten und gilt nicht für alle Organsysteme gleichermaßen. Das kardiale Risiko scheint als Erstes anzusteigen und nur bei noch tieferen Blutdruckwerten < 60 mmHg auch das zerebrale Risiko. Eine wichtige Rolle spielt dabei auch der diastolische Blutdruck. Gleichzeitig scheint das kardiovaskuläre Risiko durch zusätzliche Senkung des Blutdrucks von < 140 mmHg auf < 120 mmHg nicht anzusteigen. Dies hat dazu geführt, dass die neusten Richtlinien aller Gesellschaften wieder höhere Zielwerte empfehlen. Gründe für höhere Zielwerte bei der medikamentösen Therapie der arteriellen Hypertonie gibt es einige, u.A. auch vermehrte unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen oder höhere Gesundheitskosten bei gleichzeitig geringem zusätzlichen Nutzen. Die aktuellen Empfehlungen der ESH/ESC, AHA/ACC/ASH und der JNC 8 heben für einige Subgruppen die Zielwerte an, bleiben aber unter sich inkonsistent.
Pflege im Vorfeld von SwissDRG – Erfahrungen von Pflegenden mit interprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit, Führungsverhalten, Arbeitslast und Arbeitszufriedenheit
Authors: Rettke Horst , Frei Irena Anna , Horlacher Kathrin , Kleinknecht-Dolf Michael , Spichiger Elisabeth , Spirig Rebecca
Published: June 2015

Hintergrund: In der Literatur wird kritisch über die Folgen nach Einführung von Fallkostenpauschalen debattiert, die die Bedingungen für professionelles Pflegen erschwerten. Deshalb untersuchten wir die Ausprägung von Pflegekontextfaktoren (Arbeitsumgebungsbedingungen) in fünf Akutspitälern vor Einführung des neuen Vergütungssystems in der Schweiz. Ziel: Diese qualitative Teilstudie stellt Praxiserfahrungen von Pflegenden mit den Kontextfaktoren interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit, Führungsverhalten, Arbeitsbelastung und Arbeitszufriedenheit dar. Methode: 20 Fokusgruppeninterviews fanden mit insgesamt 146 Pflegefachpersonen in fünf Akutspitälern statt. Ergebnisse: Die Teilnehmenden beobachteten seit längerem eine Zunahme an Komplexität der Pflege und Invasivität von Diagnostik und Behandlung. Gleichzeitig stellten sie Verkürzungen der Aufenthaltsdauer der Patient(inn)en fest. Sie waren bestrebt, qualitativ gute Pflege anzubieten, auch in Situationen, in denen das Verhältnis von Anforderungen und Ressourcen unausgewogen war. Funktionierende interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit und unterstützendes Führungsverhalten trugen wesentlich dazu bei, die täglichen Herausforderungen zu bewältigen. Die Arbeitszufriedenheit wurde aus den Interaktionen mit Patient(inn)en genährt. Auch die Arbeitsgemeinschaft des Teams spielte hier eine nicht zu unterschätzende Rolle. Schlussfolgerungen: Aus Sicht der Teilnehmenden bergen die Kontextfaktoren großes Potenzial zum Erreichen positiver Patientenergebnisse und hoher Arbeitszufriedenheit und müssen deshalb regelmäßig monitorisiert werden.
Food Addiction
Authors: Albayrak Özgür , Kliewer Josephine , Föcker Manuel , Antel Jochen , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: June 2015

Im Spannungsfeld zwischen Psychiatrie, Neurobiologie, Ernährungswissenschaften, Innerer Medizin, Nahrungsmittelindustrie und Public Health entspinnt sich gegenwärtig eine zunehmend breiter werdende kontroverse wissenschaftliche Debatte darüber, ob einzelne Nahrungsmittelbestandteile ein körperliches Abhängigkeitssyndrom erzeugen können, ähnlich wie beispielsweise Alkohol oder Kokain, oder ob es sich bei Food Addiction primär um eine nicht stoffgebundene Verhaltenssucht handelt. Gemeinsamkeiten sowie Unterschiede stoff- und nicht stoffgebundener Süchte auf klinischer und neurobiologischer Ebene sind beschrieben worden. Bisher wurde davon ausgegangen, dass es sich bei Food Addiction primär um einen Symptomenkomplex handelt, der mit Adipositas und/oder Binge-Eating Störung (BES) assoziiert ist. Mittlerweile sprechen einige Studien jedoch dafür, dass Food Addiction unabhängig vom Gewichtsstatus oder dem Vorhandensein einer Essstörung wie BES auftreten kann. Der vorliegende Beitrag hat zum Ziel, die kontroverse Diskussion zur klinisch-phänomenologischen und neurobiologischen Einordnung von Food Addiction darzulegen.
Rückenschmerzen in der Schwangerschaft: Diagnose, Behandlungsoptionen, Outcomes
Authors: Mühlemann Daniel , Mühlemann Malin B.
Published: June 2015

Rückenschmerzen in der Schwangerschaft sind häufig und zum Grossteil durch hormonelle und biomechanische Veränderungen in der Schwangerschaft induziert. Patientinnen mit schwangerschaftsinduzierten Rückenschmerzen (SSIR) leiden oft an starken bis invalidisierenden Schmerzen, die den Alltag zum Teil erheblich beeinträchtigen. Ein «watch and wait approach» ist in diesen Fällen nicht sinnvoll. SSIR können anamnestisch und diagnostisch in die drei Subgruppen pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP), pelvic girdle pain (PGP) und die Kombination von PLBP und PGP unterteilt werden. Diese Unterteilung hat therapeutische Konsequenzen. Die therapeutischen Möglichkeiten sind vielfältig, nur wenige Optionen basieren auf genügender Evidenz. Aufklärung im Sinne einer Rückenschule, Übungs- und Trainingsprogramme, Akupunktur, Stabilisationsgurte und medikamentöse Schmerzreduktion können einen positiven Einfluss auf Schmerzen und Verlauf haben. PGP und PLBP sprechen gut und nachhaltig auf chiropraktische Interventionen an.
Diabetische Retinopathie und Neuropathie: Neuigkeiten 2015
Authors: Henzen Christoph
Published: June 2015

Im Jahr 2014 publizierte Studienresultate zu diabetischer Retinopathie und Neuropathie werden vorgestellt: (1) Der Langzeitverlauf der diabetischen Retinopathie beim Typ-1-Diabetes wird hauptsächlich vom HbA1c bestimmt und insbesondere von der Stoffwechselkontrolle während der ersten 6,5 Jahre, was eine lebenslange Risikoreduktion bezüglich der mikrovaskulären Sekundärkomplikationen verschafft. (2) Epidemiologisch hat zwar die Inzidenz der sekundären Erkrankungen bei Typ-2-Diabetes abgenommen, da sich aber die Diabetespopulation verdreifacht hat, bleibt die volkswirtschaftliche Belastung in den letzten 20 Jahren unverändert hoch. (3) Diabetiker mit peripherer Neuropathie haben eine signifikant reduzierte graue Hirnsubstanz-Masse, die klinische Relevanz ist noch nicht geklärt. (4) Bei über 80% der Diabetiker, die ihre Füsse als gesund beurteilen, finden sich Abnormitäten, die zu Ulzera und Amputation führen können.
Von der Wissenszirkulation hin zur Triple Helix: internationale Entwicklungen
Authors: de Jong Anneke
Published: June 2015

In der Praxis-Theorie-Vernetzung haben wir uns wegbewegt vom Begriff Wissenstransfer hin zur Wissenszirkulation: Wissen aus Praxis und Theorie soll geteilt werden, damit die Patientenversorgung besser wird. Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Praxis, Lehre und Forschungsinstituten (knowledge triangle) als Grundlage für effektive Problemlösung von Praxisproblemen wird angestrebt. Das Bild der Triple Helix soll die enge Verbindung dieser Partner zeigen. Dieser Umgang mit Wissen ermöglicht die Entwicklung 'neuer' Forschungsprinzipien: die Praxisorientierte Forschung.
Wissensmanagement in Demenznetzwerken
Authors: Heinrich Steffen
Published: June 2015

Demenznetzwerke als ein Zusammenschluss verschiedener, interdisziplinär zusammengesetzter Akteure aus dem Bereich der häuslichen Versorgung von Menschen mit Demenz bieten Informationen und einen Überblick über vorhandene Unterstützungsangebote zum Thema Demenz. Wissensmanagement beschreibt dabei einen Kernprozess von Netzwerkarbeit.
Zurück in die Zukunft
Authors: Murmann Dirk
Published: June 2015

Seit mehr als zehn Jahren findet am Ende der Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegeausbildung eine mündliche Prüfung zum Thema Patientenedukation statt. Der persönliche Blick zurück eröffnet Perspektiven auf zukünftige Unterrichts- und Prüfungsprozesse.
Social Media als Antwort auf den Fachkräftemangel
Authors: Haselhorst Alexander
Published: June 2015

Social Media dient heutzutage nicht mehr nur der Kommunikation und Vernetzung von Personen, es wird auch zum Anwerben neuer Mitarbeiter genutzt. Ob so auch Auszubildende für Gesundheitsberufe gewonnen werden können, sollte durch eine Befragung von Auszubildenden ermittelt werden. Die Antworten auf die Frage, ob die Auszubildenden einen Auftritt in einem sozialen Netzwerk für sinnvoll halten würden, fielen durchaus unterschiedlich aus.
„Ich will aufhören! Ich muss aufhören!“ Rauchstopp-Beratungen in der Akutklinik
Authors: Nordkämper Eva
Published: June 2015

Rauchen – ein Risikofaktor bei der Entstehung und Prognose von Herz-Kreislauf und Gefäßerkrankungen. Kann das Rauchen, als einer der wichtigsten Risikofaktoren von Herz-Kreislauf- und Gefäßerkrankungen, mit den Patienten in einer Akutklinik erfolgreich thematisiert werden? Erfahrungen aus der Praxis.
What's New in the AGU Blogosphere
Authors: O'Hanlon Larry
Published: June 2015

Two new blogs—one focused on Mars and the other on glaciers—join AGU's lineup.
A Probable Dual Mode of Action for Both L- and D-Lactate Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Castillo Ximena , Rosafio Katia , Wyss Matthias T , Drandarov Konstantin , Buck Alfred , Pellerin Luc , Weber Bruno , Hirt Lorenz
Published: June 2015

Lactate has been shown to offer neuroprotection in several pathologic conditions. This beneficial effect has been attributed to its use as an alternative energy substrate. However, recent description of the expression of the HCA1 receptor for lactate in the central nervous system calls for reassessment of the mechanism by which lactate exerts its neuroprotective effects. Here, we show that HCA1 receptor expression is enhanced 24 hours after reperfusion in an middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model, in the ischemic cortex. Interestingly, intravenous injection of L-lactate at reperfusion led to further enhancement of HCA1 receptor expression in the cortex and striatum. Using an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation model, we show that the HCA1 receptor agonist 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid reduces cell death. We also observed that D-lactate, a reputedly non-metabolizable substrate but partial HCA1 receptor agonist, also provided neuroprotection in both in vitro and in vivo ischemia models. Quite unexpectedly, we show D-lactate to be partly extracted and oxidized by the rodent brain. Finally, pyruvate offered neuroprotection in vitro whereas acetate was ineffective. Our data suggest that L- and D-lactate offer neuroprotection in ischemia most likely by acting as both an HCA1 receptor agonist for non-astrocytic (most likely neuronal) cells as well as an energy substrate.
Quantum Discord for d⊗2 Systems
Authors: Ma Zhihao , Chen Zhihua , Fanchini Felipe Fernandes , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: June 2015

We present an analytical solution for classical correlation, defined in terms of linear entropy, in an arbitrary "Equation missing" system when the second subsystem is measured. We show that the optimal measurements used in the maximization of the classical correlation in terms of linear entropy, when used to calculate the quantum discord in terms of von Neumann entropy, result in a tight upper bound for arbitrary "Equation missing" systems. This bound agrees with all known analytical results about quantum discord in terms of von Neumann entropy and, when comparing it with the numerical results for 106 two-qubit random density matrices, we obtain an average deviation of order 10−4. Furthermore, our results give a way to calculate the quantum discord for arbitrary n-qubit GHZ and W states evolving under the action of the amplitude damping noisy channel.