bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Position of peripheral venous cannulae and the incidence of thrombophlebitis: an observational study
Authors: Cicolini Giancarlo , Bonghi Antonia Pollidoro , Di Labio Luisa , Di Mascio Rocco
Published: April 2009

Title.  Position of peripheral venous cannulae and the incidence of thrombophlebitis: an observational study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to investigate the most suitable location of peripheral venous cannulae to reduce the incidence of thrombophlebitis.

Background.  Peripheral intravenous cannulae are used for vascular access, but the site of insertion and size of the cannula could expose patients to local and systemic infectious complications. Small cannula size is an important factor in reducing the incidence of thrombophlebitis, but cannula location has not yet been studied. Evidence‐based knowledge on how to prevent these complications is needed.

Method.  An observational survey carried out was carried out in 2007 with 427 patients in one Italian hospital. A structured observation protocol was used to survey the frequency of thrombophlebitis and the realtionship of location and size of peripheral intravenous cannulae. The variables evaluated were age, gender, cannula size and site of cannula location. Chi‐square or Student t tests were used, and the adjusted odds ratios and relative 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Results.  The frequency of peripheral intravenous cannulae thrombophlebitis was higher in females (OR:1·91;CI:1·20–3·03;P < 0·006). The highest incidence was found in patients with cannulae inserted in the dorsal side of the hand veins compared to those with cannulae inserted in cubital fossa veins (OR:3·33;CI:1·37–8·07; P < 0·001).

Conclusion.  The use of cubital fossa veins rather than forearm and hand veins should be encouraged to reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis in patients with peripheral intravenous cannulae.
A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic review
Authors: Ackerson Kelly , Preston Stephanie D.
Published: April 2009

Title.  A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review in which decision theory from economics and psychology was applied to understand why some women with access to care do not seek cancer screening.

Background.  Mammography and cervical smear testing are effective modes of cancer screening, yet many women choose not to be screened. Nurses need to understand the reasons behind women’s choices to improve adherence.

Data sources.  Research papers published between January 1994 and November 2008 were identified using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE and PsycINFO data bases. The search was performed using the following terms: cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, decision, choice, adherence and framing. Forty‐seven papers were identified and reviewed for relevance to the search criteria.

Methods.  Nineteen papers met the search criteria. For each paper, reasons for obtaining or not obtaining cancer screening were recorded, and organized into four relevant decision theory principles: emotions, Prospect Theory, optimism bias and framing.

Findings.  All women have fears and uncertainty, but the sources of their fears differ, producing two main decision scenarios. Non‐adherence results when women fear medical examinations, providers, tests and procedures, do not have/seek knowledge about risk and frame their current health as the status quo. Adherence is achieved when women fear cancer, but trust care providers, seek knowledge, understand risk and frame routine care as the status quo.

Conclusion.  Nurses need to address proactively women’s perceptions and knowledge about screening by openly and uniformly discussing the importance and benefits.
Comparison of two different oxygen delivery methods in the early postoperative period: randomized trial
Authors: Ayhan Hatice , Iyigun Emine , Tastan Sevinc , Orhan Mehmet Emin , Ozturk Erkan
Published: April 2009

Title.  Comparison of two different oxygen delivery methods in the early postoperative period: randomized trial.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare the effects of two different oxygen delivery methods on both patient peripheral oxygen saturation and patient satisfaction.

Background.  One of the most serious problems encountered in the early postoperative period is hypoxemia. Giving oxygen to patients in the perioperative period reduces the incidence of hypoxemia. Oxygen is generally delivered to patients through oxygen masks or nasal cannulae. Previous studies have shown that face masks and nasal cannulae are effective in the early postoperative period.

Method.  A randomized trial was conducted between 2007 and 2008 with patients undergoing thyroidectomy. In the early postoperative period, 5 L/minute of oxygen was given to patients via an oxygen mask (n = 53) or nasal cannulae (n = 53). Peripheral oxygen saturation were measured by pulse oxymeter every 5 minutes for a 30‐minute period. The Postoperative Nausea Vomiting Scale was used and patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 10‐point scale.

Results.  Average peripheral oxygen saturation for the nasal cannulae group was statistically significant higher than that in the mask group. This difference arose from more frequent removal of the oxygen mask than the nasal cannulae by patients and healthcare professionals. Average satisfaction scores for patients in the nasal cannulae group were statistically significantly higher than those in the mask group.

Conclusion.  During the early postoperative period, using nasal cannulae for patients undergoing thyroidectomy increases oxygenation.
Evaluation of contextual influences on the medication administration practice of paediatric nurses
Authors: Davis Leigh , Ware Robert , McCann Damhnat , Keogh Samantha , Watson Karen
Published: April 2009

Title.  Evaluation of contextual influences on the medication administration practice of paediatric nurses.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to explore the impact of preidentified contextual themes (related to work environment and socialization) on nursing medication practice.

Background.  Medication administration is a complex aspect of paediatric nursing and an important component of day‐to‐day nursing practice. Many attempts are being made to improve patient safety, but many errors remain. Identifying and understanding factors that influence medication administration errors are of utmost importance.

Method.  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 278 paediatric nurses from the emergency department, intensive care unit and medical and surgical wards of an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital in 2004. The response rate was 67%.

Result.  Contextual influences were important in determining how closely medication policy was followed. Completed questionnaires were returned by 185 nurses (67%). Younger nurses aged <34 years thought that their medication administration practice could be influenced by the person with whom they checked the drugs (P = 0·001), and that there were daily circumstances when it was acceptable not to adhere strictly to medication policy (P < 0·001), including choosing between following policy and acting in the best interests of the child (P = 0·002). Senior nurses agreed that senior staff dictate acceptable levels of medication policy adherence through role modelling (P = 0·01). Less experienced nurses reported greater confidence with computer literacy (P < 0·001).

Conclusions.  Organizations need to employ multidisciplinary education programmes to promote universal understanding of, and adherence to, medication policies. Skill mix should be closely monitored to ensure adequate support for new and junior staff.
A caring relationship with people who have cancer
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Axelsson Karin , Sävenstedt Stefan , Häggström Terttu
Published: April 2009

Title. A caring relationship with people who have cancer.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to elucidate the meaning of a caring relationship with people with cancer.

Background. A caring relationship becomes the most important focus of caregiving when treatment of the body has reached the limits where cure is no longer expected. Caring as perceived by people with cancer involves nurses having professional attitudes and skills in order to provide good care, including emotional and practical support.

Methods. A phenomenological hermeneutic approach influenced by Ricoeur was used. Eight nurses working in an oncology unit in Iran were interviewed in 2007 about their experiences of caring relationships with people who have cancer.

Findings. The findings were interpreted as getting involved in a mutual/demanding close relationship. Closeness demanded nurses to be present, to listen to patients, and to be compassionate. Closeness was also mutual and characterized both caregiving and receiving new insights into values in the nurses’ own lives. The close relationship was at times frustrating when they were faced with situations that they could not handle and were out of their control.

Conclusion. Closeness is an important foundation for caring, and acquires a special dimension in the care of people with cancer and their relatives. It derives from the personal and professional experiences of nurses in their own life stories. Nursing education should include a reflective approach in order to develop caring skills in oncology nursing that are not merely attuned to medical care.
Psychosocial health and health‐related quality of life in school pupils 11–18 years
Authors: Lauder William , Burton Catherine , Roxburgh C Michelle , Themessl‐Huber Markus , O’Neill Michelle , Abubakari Abdulrazak
Published: April 2009

Aim.  To establish levels of mental health at a community level and to model the relationship between mental health difficulty, health‐related impact and health related quality of life in school pupils aged 11–18 years old.

Background.  The issue of psychosocial and mental health in school pupils is a topic of considerable academic and public interest. The incidence of mental health problems in children 11–18 years shows marked differences between countries and within countries. Much of the epidemiological literature has focused on diagnostic categories rather than population health.

Design.  The study employed a cross‐sectional survey.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey of 1786 school children aged 11–18 years was conducted in Scotland. Participants completed the strengths and difficulties questionnaire and the SF‐10 for Children.

Results.  This group of school pupils had similar levels of mental health needs and psychosocial health status as UK and age‐related US norms. They had poorer levels of physical health status. The most important predictors of psychosocial health status were difficulty category, impact, physical health status and chronicity. The most important predictors of impact were difficulty category, chronicity and psychosocial health status.

Conclusion.  There is a need to tackle psychosocial health problems in schools. Problems are often chronic in nature and whilst still having an impact on the life of pupils may not be severe enough for a diagnosis which would trigger treatment in the conventional sense. Psychosocial health is predicted by physical health therefore nursing interventions which are focussed on both physical and psychosocial health may be needed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study suggests that in some geographical areas in UK targeting of services to ‘high‐need’ schools is not necessary and universal services are required. Problems need to be detected before they reach current treatment thresholds. Interventions should be school‐based with a focus on impact on classroom learning and family difficulties.
Nurse entrepreneurs’ well‐being at work and associated factors
Authors: Sankelo Merja , Åkerblad Leena
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives.  This study describes the well‐being at work of nurse entrepreneurs and owner‐managers of social care companies in Finland from the vantage point of health and working capacity, general coping and job satisfaction and identifies factors associated with well‐being.

Background.  In recent years, increasing numbers of nurses have been starting up in business in the social care sector. As yet, there has been only limited research into their well‐being at work.

Design.  Survey.

Method.  This study was conducted as part of a questionnaire survey among 335 social care entrepreneurs with different educational backgrounds. The sample for the study reported here consisted of those respondents who had a registered nurse degree (n = 84). The data were analysed by SPSS statistical software.

Results.  Most of the respondents rated their physical, mental, financial and social situation and working capacity as good. Less than half of the respondents had experienced stress during the past year. Over half felt their coping efficacy was better than it had been shortly after starting up in business. The respondents’ resources were consumed and strengthened by a range of different work‐related factors. The majority were satisfied with their job as an entrepreneur. Several background factors were associated with the results.

Conclusions.  Most of the nurse entrepreneurs reported being content with their well‐being at work. Nevertheless, the results also highlighted factors that could and should be addressed to improve the well‐being at work of entrepreneurs who struggle to cope.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results provide useful information for the development of entrepreneurial training for nurses, for the design and provision of occupational health care services and for the enrichment of the content of the entrepreneur’s job.
Using a synthesised technique for grounded theory in nursing research
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Yu , Boore Jennifer RP
Published: April 2009

Aims.  To introduce a synthesised technique for using grounded theory in nursing research.

Background.  Nursing increasingly uses grounded theory for a broadened perspective on nursing practice and research. Nurse researchers have choices in how to choose and use grounded theory as a research method. These choices come from a deep understanding of the different versions of grounded theory, including Glaser’s classic grounded theory and Strauss and Corbin’s later approach.

Design.  Grounded theory related literature review was conducted.

Methods.  This is a methodological review paper.

Results.  Nursing researchers intent on using a grounded theory methodology should pay attention to the theoretical discussions including theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity, constant comparative methods and asking questions, keeping memoranda diagramming, identification of a core category and a resultant explanatory theory. A synthesised approach is developed for use, based on Strauss and Corbin’s style of sampling and memoranda writing, but selecting theoretical coding families, that differ from the paradigm model of Strauss and Corbin, from the wide range suggested by Glaser. This led to the development of a multi‐step synthesised approach to grounded theory data analysis based on the works of Glaser, Charmaz and Strauss and Corbin.

Conclusions.  The use of this synthesised approach provides a true reflection of Glaser’s idea of ‘emergence of theory from the data’ and Strauss and Corbin’s style of sampling and memoranda writing is employed. This multi‐step synthesised method of data analysis maintains the philosophical perspective of grounded theory.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This method indicates how grounded theory has developed, where it might go next in nursing research and how it may continue to evolve.
Effects of patients’ anxiety, previous pain experience and non‐drug interventions on the pain experience during colonoscopy
Authors: Ylinen Eeva‐Riitta , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: April 2009

Aims.  This paper is a report of a study evaluating anxiety in patients prior to colonoscopy and identifying correlations between that anxiety, previous pain experience, non‐drug interventions and pain intensity during colonoscopy.

Background.  Waiting for forthcoming procedures, such as colonoscopy, is stressful. However, a few studies have evaluated the influence of patients’ anxiety, previous pain experience and non‐drug interventions during colonoscopy.

Design.  A quantitative cross‐sectional survey design was used. The data were collected from colonoscopy patients by using the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory and a questionnaire developed for the study.

Methods.  We assigned one hundred and thirty patients scheduled for diagnostic colonoscopy in a Finnish university hospital during 2006. Patients completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory before and a questionnaire developed for the study after colonoscopy.

Results.  Most of the patients suffered from pain but they considered it to be tolerable. Women were more anxious before colonoscopy and experienced more pain and discomfort than men. Previous pain experiences and high state anxiety level decreased patients’ perceptions of colonoscopy. Non‐drug interventions, such as peaceful talk, explanation of the reason for pain and guidance helped both anxious and non‐anxious patients to ease the pain.

Conclusion.  Awareness and understanding of previous pain experiences and anxiety levels in patients are essential and must be taken into account.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Colonoscopy patients’ clinical education should be developed so as to be more individual. Furthermore, nurses should be better aware of the positive effects of non‐drug interventions and should use them as an element of pain management for colonoscopy patients.
COPD stories of complex causal ‘truths’‘Sure I’ve smoked all my life/but I also put in 37 years at the mine’
Authors: Bailey Patricia Hill , Montgomery Phyllis , McMillan Boyles Christina
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives. Secondary analysis was conducted to interpret the causes of illness stories told by patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background. Despite the abundance of quantitative evidence regarding the causal relationship between smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is limited research that provides a contextual emic understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease aetiology.

Design. Interview data from two earlier focused ethnography studies were examined by retrospective interpretation, a type of secondary qualitative research. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causation stories were identified in both primary study data bases, but were not previously systematically examined.

Methods. The analysis was completed using an eclectic, explicit narrative approach that involved the examination of causation story elements.

Results. Participants told 104 causal stories about the development of their lung disease. They situated the aetiology of their chronic illness within a psychosocial reality.

Conclusions. The causal stories told by participants demonstrate that those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease present a broader causal explanation for their illness, an orientation not commonly presented in the literature. They demonstrate the need for further examination of the important lay accounts of causes of illness in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Relevance to clinical practice. Clinicians’ ability to hear an alternative understanding may be impeded when they only listen for what they already know, ‘facts’ concerning the relationship between smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Addressing vulnerable persons in such a manner may impede patients’ efforts to be responsible for the development of their chronic illness and individualised care.
Oral medication management in inpatient psychiatric care in Turkey
Authors: BADEMLİ K. , BULDUKOGLU K.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to describe current status of oral medication management and related situations by nurses who work on psychiatric wards in Turkey. The study was performed in 34 psychiatric wards in Turkey, and 471 nurses agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire. In our study, it was determined that one quarter of the nurses do not collect data about past medication history of the patient before giving medications, and 59.7% of the nurses checked all the patients' mouths after each pill was given. The orders are checked by 80.5% of the nurses every day. The leading patient reaction nurses face during medication administration was refusal to take the medication. The nurses stated that they first informed the physician without making any intervention on patients who did not take their pills. The nurses primarily observed the patient to evaluate the effect of a medication (84.3%) and, with a similar percent (82.8%), the side effects of a medication. In conclusion, continuing education, certification and post‐graduated courses is provided for nurses about their other roles and responsibilities as well as increasing the quality of oral medication administration which is a difficult area.
Assessing parenting capacity: are mental health nurses prepared for this role?
Authors: RUTHERFORD S. J. , KEELEY P.
Published: April 2009

Mental health nurses in the UK are involved in the assessment of the parenting capacity of mothers with a serious mental illness in psychiatric facilities. There is evidence that child and family social workers, as the frontline professionals in safeguarding children, rely heavily on the mental health parenting assessment. Parenting assessments have potentially major implications for mother and baby and can lead to the separation of mother and baby. However, there is little or no provision for mental health nurses to undertake this role. In the UK, as in many other countries, there is currently no data as to which psychiatric facilities are conducting parenting assessments nor about the quality of the assessment. There are significant tensions for mental health nurses undertaking parenting assessments and there is no specific training for the role. This paper challenges existing practice, highlights the need for an audit of the current services and recommends the development of a recognized training programme.
Touch in mental health nursing: an exploratory study of nurses' views and perceptions
Authors: GLEESON M. , HIGGINS A.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatric nurses' perceptions of physical touch with people who experience mental health problems. A descriptive exploratory qualitative research design was used. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 10 registered psychiatric nurses who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly selected to participate in the study. Burnard's 14 stage‐by‐stage process of coding and categorization was used to analyse the data. Watson distinguished between two kinds of physical touch: instrumental and expressive. The findings indicated that physical touch was used in mental health nursing; however, it was only considered to be therapeutic to clients if used judiciously, with effective interpersonal skills. The participants in this study clearly identified the need to be sensitive to both the individual client needs, and honour their personal space and cultural background. A significant issue in this study was male participants concerns that touching female clients would be misinterpreted as a sexual advance. To protect themselves, male participants used touch in a cautious and minimal manner, and only in a public space, where others could view the interaction. In the absence of research on physical touch in mental health nursing there is a need for further research to explore in detail these findings.
Balancing between mental vulnerability and strength in daily life when suffering from eating difficulties*
Authors: RØRTVEIT K. , VEVATNE K. , SEVERINSSON E.
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to explore the daily life experiences of women who suffer from eating difficulties (ED). The research question was: what mental challenges related to daily life are experienced by women who suffer from ED? ED challenge the daily lives of individuals and their families. The problem is often concealed, and the individuals concerned frequently experience guilt and shame. An explorative design was used. Five women participated in a group programme focusing on experiences of ED, guilt and shame, being a mother and self‐expression. Data were collected using focus group interviews and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. The main theme Balancing between mental vulnerability and strength comprised three themes: (1) Struggling with emotional ambivalence; (2) Being cognitively aware of limitations; and (3) Experiencing an existential sense of being lost and frozen. The mental challenges were strong and affected the participants' lives. One clinical implication for psychiatric nurses is to acknowledge the strength of emotional, cognitive and existential challenges and make it possible for patients to articulate their exhaustion in spite of their outward appearance of strength.
Equine lumican (LUM) cDNA sequence and spatio‐temporal expression in an experimental model of normal and pathological wound healing
Authors: Miragliotta Vincenzo , Raphäel Kevin , Lussier Jacques G. , Theoret Christine L.
Published: April 2009

The development of exuberant granulation tissue, a situation that in some ways resembles the human keloid, compromises both the aesthetic and functional outcomes of wound repair in horses. To help elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms the spatio‐temporal expression of lumican (LUM) mRNA and protein for their potential contributions to tissue remodelling of body and limb wounds, was examined in an established experimental model. Expression was studied in intact skin and in samples of 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐ and 6‐week‐old wounds of the body and forelimb. Temporal gene expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was mapped immunohistochemically. A significant increase in LUM mRNA expression was observed in response to wounding at both anatomical locations, and a significantly higher mRNA level was recorded in thoracic than in limb wounds at weeks 1, 3 and 6 of repair. The immunohistochemical observations partially corroborated the mRNA data. To the authors’ knowledge this study is the first to document that the cDNA for LUM is expressed over the different phases of wound repair in horses and suggests that LUM might be involved in both inflammation and remodelling in response to dermal injury. Further studies are now required to verify and quantify the temporal expression of this protein to provide the basis for targeted therapies that might prevent the development of exuberant granulation tissue in horse wound repair.
Infection of Bois‐Noir tuf‐type‐I stolbur phytoplasma in Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) larvae and influence on larval size
Authors: Kaul C. , Seitz A. , Maixner M. , Johannesen J.
Published: April 2009

Recent dramatic spread of the grapevine yellows disease Bois Noir (BN) in Germany is above all explained by highly increased abundances of the vector Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) associated to the plant Urtica dioica, the reservoir of the BN pathogen stolbur tuf‐type‐I. The vector acquires BN‐phytoplasma as larvae whilst feeding on the roots of infected U. dioica. To understand the dynamics of the Urtica‐cycle, we tested at what instar larvae become infected and whether infection affects larvae size (i.e. growth) at two sites in the Mosel Valley, Germany. Larvae were tested from infected plants and collected at instar‐stages 3, 4 and 5. Larvae at stage 3 were already infected but infection rates increased significantly between stage 3 and 5, mean infection rates: 0.12–0.62. There was no effect of infection on larval size at any instar stage.
Long‐term impact of retinal screening on significant diabetes‐related visual impairment in the working age population
Authors: Arun C. S. , Al‐Bermani A. , Stannard K. , Taylor R.
Published: April 2009

Aims  Diabetic retinopathy has long been regarded as the commonest preventable cause of blindness in the working age population. The aim was to determine if consistent annual screening for treatable retinopathy decreased the incidence of new blindness.

Methods  We collated the causes of blindness for a 5‐year period between 2001 and 2005 for the 16‐ to 64‐year age group in a district that had operated systematic retinal screening in diabetes since 1986.

Results  Diabetic retinopathy was found to be the second commonest cause of blindness, with optic atrophy being the commonest cause in Newcastle District. This differs from national data showing diabetic retinopathy to be the commonest cause. Diabetic retinopathy was also the second commonest cause of partial sightedness registrations, with stroke being the commonest cause. Overall, stroke disease accounted for 16.2% and diabetic retinopathy for 15.4% of registrations. The annual incidence of blindness was 0.22 per 1000 with diabetes and of partial sightedness 0.43 per 1000 with diabetes.

Conclusions  In a district that has operated retinal screening since 1986, diabetic retinopathy was not the commonest cause of blindness in the working age population, consistent with an effect of systematic annual screening.
WHICH ARE THE LARGEST? WHY LISTS OF MAJOR URBAN AREAS VARY SO GREATLY
Authors: FORSTALL RICHARD L. , GREENE RICHARD P. , PICK JAMES B.
Published: April 2009

Lists of the world's most populous urban areas are surprisingly inconsistent in standard reference sources. These even disagree about which area is the world's largest. We first review the differences found in lists of the 20 largest areas reported by several unofficial sources and by the United Nations. We then demonstrate that variations in the populations and rankings stem mostly from differences in concepts and geographic definitions, and identify six different types of definition in the UN's list. We also offer a set of consistently defined metropolitan areas based on stated guidelines. Case studies for Tokyo, Mexico City, Los Angeles and Beijing include maps to elucidate the administrative areas and statistical definitions in use in each of these urban areas, and illustrate how the varying definitions yield different population totals. We conclude by comparing our consistently defined metropolitan areas with the UN's list of largest urban agglomerations.
Measuring People’s Trust
Authors: Ermisch John , Gambetta Diego , Laurie Heather , Siedler Thomas , Noah Uhrig S. C.
Published: April 2009

We measure trust and trustworthiness in British society with a newly designed experiment using real monetary rewards and a sample of the British population. The study also asks the typical survey question that aims to measure trust, showing that it does not predict ‘trust’ as measured in the experiment. Overall, about 40% of people were willing to trust a stranger in our experiment, and their trust was rewarded half of the time. Analysis of variation in the trust behaviour in our survey suggests that trusting is more likely if people are older, their financial situation is either ‘comfortable’ or ‘difficult’ compared with ‘doing alright’ or ‘just getting by’, they are a homeowner or they are divorced, separated or never married compared with those who are married or cohabiting. Trustworthiness also is more likely among subjects who are divorced or separated relative to those who are married or cohabiting, and less likely among subjects who perceive their financial situation as ‘just getting by’ or ‘difficult’. We also analyse the effect of attitudes towards risks on trust.
Municipal Neoliberalism and Municipal Socialism: Urban Political Economy in Latin America
Authors: GOLDFRANK BENJAMIN , SCHRANK ANDREW
Published: April 2009

The following article identifies two different urban policy regimes in Latin America — neoliberal and socialist — and traces their origins to the distinct interests and capacities of local elites and activists in the region's cities in the mid‐to‐late twentieth century. While agricultural and commercial interests paid a high price for the growth of import‐substituting industrialization, and therefore deployed free trade zones (and similar institutions) in traditional export centers in the 1960s and 1970s, their industrial rivals bore the brunt of austerity and adjustment in the free market era, and therefore adopted compensatory measures designed to increase the ‘social wage’ in the 1980s and 1990s. Examples are drawn from municipalities in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela, and call the conventional portrait of impotent Latin American cities — and omnipotent central governments — into question.

Cet article identifie deux régimes de politique urbaine différents en Amérique latine : néolibéral et socialiste. Leurs origines tiennent aux divers intérêts et moyens des élites et militants locaux dans les grandes villes régionales au cours de la seconde moitié du vingtième siècle. Si les milieux agricoles et commerciaux ont payé le prix fort de l’essor d’une industrialisation visant à remplacer les importations, et ont donc mis en place des zones de libre échange (ou des institutions similaires) dans les pôles exportateurs traditionnels au cours des années 1960–1970, leurs rivaux industriels ont porté le poids de l’austérité et de l’ajustement à l’époque de la libéralisation des marchés, adoptant par conséquent des mesures compensatoires destinées à accroître le ‘salaire social’ au cours des années 1980–1990. Des exemples, issus de municipalités situées au Brésil, au Mexique, en République dominicaine, en Uruguay et au Venezuela, remettent en question le tableau conventionnel des villes latino‐américaines impuissantes face aux gouvernements centraux omnipotents.
Developing an integrated solid waste management system in western Greece: a dynamic location analysis
Authors: Mitropoulos Panagiotis , Giannikos Ioannis , Mitropoulos Ioannis , Adamides Emmanuel
Published: April 2009

We study the problem of the simultaneous design of a distribution network with central treatment facilities, transfer stations and landfills, and the coordination of waste flows within this network for a long‐term planning horizon. We apply these concepts in a research project for the development of a solid waste management system for a specific region in Greece. We then formulate a dynamic mixed integer programming model that minimizes the sum of costs for opening facilities and variable transportation costs related to solid waste flows. Finally, we analyze the results of the model and evaluate the various technologies that may be implemented in the treatment facilities.
Primary afferents with TRPM8 and TRPA1 profiles target distinct subpopulations of rat superficial dorsal horn neurones
Authors: Wrigley Paul J , Jeong Hyo‐Jin , Vaughan Christopher W
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, transient receptor potential melastatin‐1 (TRPM8) and transient receptor potential ankyrin‐1 (TRPA1), are expressed in subpopulations of sensory neurones and have been proposed to mediate innocuous and noxious cold sensation respectively. The aim of this study was to compare TRPM8 and TRPA1 modulation of glutamatergic afferent transmission within the spinal dorsal horn.

Experimental approach: Whole cell patch clamp recordings were made from rat spinal cord slicesin vitroto examine the effect of TRP agonists and temperature on glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs).

Key results: Icilin (3 or 100 µmol·L−1), menthol (200 µmol·L−1) and capsaicin (1 µmol·L−1) reduced the amplitude of primary afferent evoked EPSCs in subpopulations of lamina I and II neurones. In a subpopulation of superficial neurones, innocuous cold (threshold 29°C), 3 µmol·L−1icilin (EC501.5 µmol·L−1) and menthol (EC50263 µmol·L−1) increased the rate of spontaneous miniature EPSCs. In the majority of lamina I and II neurones, 100 µmol·L−1icilin (EC5079 µmol·L−1), allyl isothiocyanate (EC50226 µmol·L−1), cinnamaldehyde (EC5038 µmol·L−1) and capsaicin (1 µmol·L−1) increased miniature EPSC rate. The response to 100 µmol·L−1, but not 3 µmol·L−1icilin, was abolished by ruthenium red, while neither was affected by iodoresiniferatoxin. Responsiveness to 3 µmol·L−1, but not to 100 µmol·L−1icilin, was highly predictive of innocuous cold responsiveness. Neurones responding to 3 µmol·L−1icilin and innocuous cold were located more superficially than those responding to 100 µmol·L−1icilin.

Conclusions and implications: Activation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 presynaptically modulated glutamatergic transmission onto partially overlapping but distinct populations of superficial dorsal horn neurones. Spinal TRPM8 and TRPA1 channels may therefore provide therapeutic targets in cold hyperesthesia.
Retarded kindling progression in mice deficient in the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin‐R
Authors: Hoffmann Katrin , Sivukhina Elena , Potschka Heidrun , Schachner Melitta , Löscher Wolfgang , Dityatev Alexander
Published: April 2009

Purpose:  We investigated the role of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin‐R (TNR) in formation of a hyperexcitable network in the kindling model of epilepsy. The idea that TNR may be important for this process was suggested by previous studies showing that deficiency in TNR leads to abnormalities in synaptic plasticity, perisomatic GABAergic inhibition and more astrocytes in the hippocampus of adult mice.

Methods:  Constitutively TNR deficient (TNR−/−) mice and their wild‐type littermates received repeated electrical stimulation in the amygdala over several days until they developed fully kindled generalized seizures at which time their brains were studied immunohistochemically.

Results:  In TNR−/− mice, kindling progression was retarded compared with wild‐type littermate controls. Morphological analysis of the mice used for the kindling studies revealed that, independently of genotype, numbers of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the dentate gyrus correlated positively with afterdischarge threshold alterations in kindled mice. The kindling‐induced increase in the number of S100 expressing astrocytes in the dentate gyrus was enhanced by TNR deficiency and correlated negatively with the kindling rate.

Discussion:  Our data support the view that TNR promotes formation of a hyperexcitable network during kindling and suggest that an increase in S100‐expressing astrocytes may contribute to retarded epileptogenesis in TNR−/− mice.
Contribution of nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and peroxynitrite to activation of mitochondrial apoptotic signaling in hippocampal CA3 subfield following experimental temporal lobe status epilepticus
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chung , Chen Shang‐Der , Liou Chia‐Wei , Lin Tsu‐Kung , Chang Wen‐Neng , Chan Samuel H. H. , Chang Alice Y. W.
Published: April 2009

Purpose:  One cellular consequence of status epilepticus is apoptosis in the hippocampal CA3 subfield. We evaluated the hypothesis that the repertoire of cellular events that underlie such elicited cell death entails mitochondrial dysfunction induced by an excessive production of nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II)‐derived NO, increased superoxide anion (O2−) production, and peroxynitrite formation.

Methods:  In Sprague‐Dawley rats, kainic acid was microinjected unilaterally into the hippocampal CA3 subfield to induce bilateral seizure‐like electroencephalography (EEG) activity. The effects of pretreatments with various test agents on the induced O2− production, peroxynitrite formation, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities, cytochrome c/caspase‐3 signaling, and DNA fragmentation in bilateral CA3 subfields were examined.

Results:  Significantly and temporally correlated increase in O2− and peroxynitrite levels (3 to 24 h), depressed mitochondrial Complex I activity (3 h), enhanced translocation of cytochrome c to cytosol (day 1), and augmented activated caspase‐3 (day 7) and DNA fragmentation (day 7) were detected bilaterally in hippocampal CA3 subfields after the elicitation of sustained seizure. Pretreatment with microinjection into the bilateral hippocampal CA3 subfield of a water‐soluble formulation of coenzyme Q10; a selective NOS II inhibitor, S‐methylisothiourea; a superoxide dismutase mimetic, 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl; an active peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, 5,10, 15,20‐tetrakis‐(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)‐ porphyrinato iron (III); or a peroxynitrite scavenger, L‐cysteine significantly blunted these cellular events.

Discussion:  Prolonged seizures prompted NO‐, O2−‐, and peroxynitrite‐dependent reduction in mitochondrial respiratory enzyme Complex I activity, leading to cytochrome c/caspase‐3‐dependent apoptotic cell death in the hippocampal CA3 subfield after induction of experimental temporal lobe status epilepticus.
Wear Testing of Composite, Gold, Porcelain, and Enamel Opposing a Removable Cobalt–Chromium Partial Denture Alloy
Authors: Alarcon Johanna V. , Engelmeier Robert L. , Powers John M. , Triolo Peter T.
Published: April 2009

Purpose: Eighty percent of all removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks are fabricated from cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloys. The advantages of this material include low density and high modulus of elasticity, hardness, and strength. Hardness is of particular concern when related to excessive wear of natural teeth or restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in localized wear among enamel, composite, gold, and porcelain by a Co–Cr alloy RPD.

Materials and Methods: Thirty‐two polished specimens were prepared and positioned in an acrylic‐filled custom fixture for testing. Upon optical examination, the highly polished surfaces of the specimens were scratch‐free. They were mounted into a water bath fixture and subjected to 250,000 cycles in a wear simulator equipped with a conical Co–Cr stylus specially fabricated to produce localized wear. A posttest was generated, and the profiles were fitted and evaluated using software. The total volume loss and depth of the wear facet on each specimen were analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test.

Results: Volume loss (mm3) was as follows: composite, 0.110; gold, 0.021; enamel, 0.008; porcelain, 0.006. The maximum depths (μm) were: composite, 92; gold, 22; enamel, 13; porcelain, 17. Resin composite had significantly higher values (p < 0.0001) of volumetric loss and maximum depth than the other materials. No significant differences were detected among volumetric loss and maximum depth values for gold, enamel, and porcelain.

Conclusions: Significant differences for mean wear volume loss and maximum depth were found between composite and gold, enamel, and porcelain. Enamel proved to be wear resistant to the Co–Cr alloy. Clinical implications: porcelain and gold appear to be good options for occlusal surfaces opposing a Co–Cr alloy; however, the test composite was not found to be a recommended option.
The Prevalence of Cervical Tooth Wear in Patients with Bruxism and Other Causes of Wear
Authors: Shah Punit , Razavi Sheri , Bartlett David W.
Published: April 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cervical wear lesions in three groups of patients: bruxists, combined tooth wear, and controls. The hypothesis was that those subjects presenting with bruxism were more likely to develop cervical wear lesions.

Materials and Methods: Of 119 subjects, 31 were bruxists with a mean age 48.7 years [standard deviation (SD): 11.6]; 22 had combined wear, aged 43.5 years (14.2); and 66 controls aged 44.9 years (17.0). The clinical appearance of the tooth wear was used to recruit subjects to the bruxist and combined tooth wear groups. Control subjects were randomly selected from those attending for routine dental examination at two general dental practices. A tooth wear index (TWI) was used by two trained examiners to record the severity of wear in each group.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the controls and both the bruxist and combined tooth wear groups for wear on all surfaces (p≤ 0.001). There was no significant difference between the bruxist and the combined tooth wear group for wear on any surface. There was a statistically significant difference between the control group and both the bruxist and the combined tooth wear group for the severity of cervical wear (p≤ 0.005), but no difference between the bruxist and combined tooth wear groups. There was also no statistical difference in the number of cervical lesions between the groups.

Conclusions: In this study, the likely cause of cervical tooth wear was multifactorial.
The Effect of Polymerization Cycles on Color Stability of Microwave‐Processed Denture Base Resin
Authors: Bonatti Marília Rodrigues , Cunha Tatiana Ramirez , Regis Rômulo Rocha , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia Helena , Paranhos Helena Freitas Oliveira , De Souza Raphael Freitas
Published: April 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of different microwave polymerization cycles on the color changes of a microwave‐processed denture base resin after accelerated aging and immersion in beverages.

Materials and Methods: Specimens of light pink acrylic resin were divided into three groups according to polymerization cycle: (A) 500 W for 3 minutes, (B) 90 W for 13 minutes + 500 W for 90 seconds, and (C) 320 W for 3 minutes + 0 W for 4 minutes + 720 W for 3 minutes. Control groups were a heat‐processed acrylic resin (T) and a chemically activated denture repair resin (Q). Eight specimens per group were aged in an artificial aging chamber and evaluated at 20, 192, and 384 hours. Another series of 40 specimens per group were immersed in water, coffee, tea, cola, or red wine and evaluated at 1, 12, and 36 days. Color was measured by a spectrophotometer before and after aging or immersion. Color changes (ΔE) were analyzed by ANOVA/Bonferroni t‐test (α= 0.05).

Results: Mean ΔE (±SD) after 384 hours of accelerated aging were (A) 2.51 ± 0.50; (B) 3.16 ± 1.09; (C) 2.89 ± 1.06; (T) 2.64 ± 0.34; and (Q) 9.03 ± 0.40. Group Q had a significantly higher ΔE than the other groups. Color changes of immersed specimens were significantly influenced by solutions and time, but the five groups showed similar values. Mean ΔE at 36 days were (water) 1.4 ± 0.8; (coffee) 1.3 ± 0.6; (tea) 1.7 ± 0.5; (cola) 1.4 ± 0.7; and (red wine) 10.2 ± 2.7. Results were similar among the five test groups.

Conclusions: Color changes of the microwave‐polymerized denture base resin tested were not affected by different polymerization cycles after accelerated aging or immersion in beverages. These changes were similar to the conventional heat‐polymerized acrylic resin test, but lower than the repair resin after accelerated aging.