bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated intermittent methylenedioxymethamphetamine exposure protects against the behavioral and neurotoxic, but not hyperthermic, effects of an MDMA binge in adult rats
Authors: Piper Brian J. , Ali Syed F. , Daniels Lauren G. , Meyer Jerrold S.
Published: February 2010

We have recently shown that chronic intermittent exposure of adolescent rats to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) completely blocks the reduction in serotonin transporter (SERT) binding and the hypoactivity seen following a subsequent MDMA binge treatment. The present study determined whether a similar neuroprotective effect also occurs in rats given the same intermittent MDMA exposure in adulthood. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were given either MDMA (10 mg/kg × 2) or saline, every fifth day, from postnatal day (PD) 60 to PD 85. The MDMA‐induced latency until seminal plug production was reduced over the course of intermittent treatments. After a 1‐week wash‐out period, animals received either a low‐ or high‐dose MDMA binge (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg × 4). Core body temperature was measured during and after the binge to determine the effects of MDMA pretreatment on MDMA‐induced hyperthermia. Spontaneous motor activity was determined the next day, and cortical and hippocampal samples were collected at 1 week postbinge to measure serotonin (5‐HT) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) concentrations as well as [3H]citalopram binding to SERT. Hyperthermia occurred more rapidly and seminal discharge was more common in the MDMA‐pretreated group compared to the MDMA‐naïve group in animals given the low‐dose binge. MDMA preexposure protected animals from the reductions in cortical 5‐HT levels and SERT binding produced by the high‐dose binge and blocked the postbinge hypoactivity. These findings indicate that chronic, intermittent MDMA exposure in adulthood induces neuroprotective effects similar to those seen with adolescent treatment. However, there was also evidence for drug‐induced sensitization in adults that was not observed in adolescents. Thus, altered drug sensitivity in chronic Ecstasy users may depend not only on the frequency and pattern of use but also on the age of the user. Synapse 64:421–431, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The strength of family networks in transnational immigrant entrepreneurship
Authors: Mustafa Michael , Chen Stephen
Published: February 2010

In this article we examine how five immigrant entrepreneurs in Malaysia and Singapore have internationalized their businesses and the role of transnational family networks in this process. We show that one of the key means by which these entrepreneurs are able to access resources and make use of contacts across borders is through transnational family and kinship networks that allow them to simultaneously engage in social and business activities in both countries. We discuss the characteristics of these family networks compared with other social networks that make them of particular value in internationalization. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The success factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs: In search of a model
Authors: Chrysostome Elie
Published: February 2010

This study focuses on the success factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. It proposes a profile for the necessity immigrant entrepreneur as well as for the opportunity immigrant entrepreneur. It clarifies the concept of success for immigrant entrepreneurs and suggests that the concept of survival is more appropriate for the necessity immigrant entrepreneurs and should mainly be measured by the age of the business, while the traditional concept of success is relevant for the opportunity immigrant entrepreneur and can be measured by the usual quantitative performance indicators. Based on different existing theories, the study suggests a theoretical explanation of the survival factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. This contributed to propose a theoretical model of survival factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. This model, which represents the major contribution of this study, suggests five categories of survival factors: ethno‐cultural factors, financial factors, managerial factors, psycho‐behavioral factors, and institutional factors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivation of viscous correction terms for the isothermal quantum Euler model
Authors: Brull S. , Méhats F.
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is to compute viscous correction terms for the isothermal quantum Euler system of Degond, Gallego, and Méhats (SIAM Multiscale Model Simul., 6, 2007). We derive this model by using a Chapman‐Enskog expansion up to order 1. In a last part, we consider a situation where the flow is nearly irrotational in order to get a simplified model.
Dynamic materials with formation of clots: optimal mass transport in one spatial dimension without takeover
Authors: Lurie K.A.
Published: February 2010

The concept of dynamic materials (DM) was introduced in the earlier work [1, 2, 9] and developed there for the case of non‐colliding characteristics. The present paper extends this concept toward the case when the characteristics collide. The extension is formulated for a linear continuity equation in 1D with a no takeover condition applied to the moving masses. This implies the formation of clots with the preservation of both mass and momentum, which makes the approach resemble the method of “sticky particles” known in pressureless gas dynamics. The extension introduces non‐linearity into the transportation problem that was originally missing, thus placing it closer to a non‐linear conservation law.
Diffusion problems in fractal media defined on Cantor sets
Authors: Carpinteri A. , Sapora A.
Published: February 2010

In this paper, a fractional approach to describe the diffusion process in fractal media is put forward. After introducing anomalous diffusion quantities, the continuity and constitutive equations are derived by means of local fractional calculus, and the problem is formulated both in the steady‐state regime and in the transient regime. Eventually, a simple heat conduction problem in the steady‐state regime is solved analytically.
Pull‐in voltage analysis for an electrostatically actuated extensional microbeam with large deflection
Authors: Wang Y.‐G. , Lin W.‐H.
Published: February 2010

This paper presents an analysis of pull‐in behavior for nonlinear microelectromechanical coupled microbeams. Based on the accurate geometrically nonlinear theory of Euler‐Bernoulli beams, a distributed electromechanical model that accounts for electrostatic fringing field, finite deformation, and residual stress, is proposed. The governing differential equations, in conjunction with the corresponding boundary conditions, constitute a nonlinear two‐point boundary value problem which is solved numerically by shooting method. Taking the applied voltage as an unknown and the maximum deflection as a control parameter, the characteristic relations of applied voltage vs. deflection are successfully obtained. In order to confirm the model results, several case studies are compared with available published simulations, showing a good reliability. The influences of various parameters, such as the initial gap‐length ratio, fringing field effect, residual stress, on the pull‐in parameters have been studied with this method. Numerical results show that the proposed method is accurate and stable, which is an effective method to analyze the deformation of a microbeam.
L'histoire des mathématiques de l'antiquité
Authors: Caveing Maurice
Published: February 2010

La recherche historique dans le cours du dernier demi-siècle a amélioré notre connaissance des mathématiques de I 'Antiquité. Les textes en provenance d'Égypte et de Mésopotamie ont été mieux compris et leur interprétation a dépassé l'alternative sommaire entre empirisme et rationalisme. Le panorama offert par la science grecque s'est enrichi et diversifié: il n'est plus possible de le réduire à la seule théorie géométrique. Les principaux problèmes que posait son histoire ont été l'objet de discussions approfondies. À partir de là des questions plus générales d'ordre épistémologique et philosophique sont soulevées. Y a-t-il un sens à chercher dans un lointain passé une « origine » unique des mathématiques ? Quel rapport y at- il entre la forme des mathématiques dans une civilisation et la structure de la société? L'anthropologie culturelle peut-elle aider à interpréter la diversité et l'unité des mathématiques des divers peuples? À partir de quand et sous quelles conditions une histoire unique des mathématiques peut-elle commencer?
Histoire de la logique floue Une approche sociologique des pratiques de démonstration
Authors: Rosental Claude
Published: February 2010

Cet article aborde la question générale du développement d'une histoire sociale des mathématiques et de la logique, à partir d'un cas historique. Il vise à rendre compte de certains traits de l'histoire récente de la logique floue. À cette fin, il met en oeuvre une sociologie des pratiques de démonstration et une approche fondée sur l'analyse matérielle du travail logique, notamment de l'activité d'écriture et de lecture. Il esquisse la construction d'une histoire sociale des formes de démonstration.
The effect of zoledronate during bone healing
Authors: Matos Marcos Almeida , Tannuri Uenis , Guarniero Roberto
Published: February 2010

Background

Bisphosphonates have become the treatment of choice for a variety of bone diseases in which excessive osteoclastic activity is an important pathologic feature. However, inhibition of osteoclastic activity could lead to inhibition of remodeling during bone healing or repair. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of zoledronate (the most potent bisphosphonate) in the biological process of bone healing.

Methods

Thirty immature male rabbits were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 15 animals each. Both groups were submitted to fibular osteotomy. Only in the experimental group a single dose of zoledronate was administered. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks, animals of both groups were euthanized and the osteotomy site was histomorphometrically evaluated. The associated parameters analyzed were tissue volume (TV), fractional trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), fractional woven bone volume (WoV/TV), fractional periosteal fibrous volume (FbV/TV), and medullary fibrous volume (MaV/TV).

Results

The first week of healing was characterized by small callus area (experimental group) and less periosteal fibrosis. The second week was characterized by a large quantity of woven bone and marked decrease in periosteal fibrosis in the two groups. In the control group there was also a significant increase in trabecular bone. The fourth week was characterized by increased amount of woven bone and trabecular bone in the experimental group; there was increased medullary fibrosis in the two groups, while there continued to be significantly less periosteal fibrosis in the experimental group.

Conclusions

Zoledronate does not prevent bone healing. However, the effect of zoledronate was characterized by accentuated stimulation of primary bone production and probably inhibition of remodeling, leading to retention of trabecular bone.
Key factors in determining surgical timing of total knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritic patients: age, radiographic severity, and symptomatic severity
Authors: Chang Chong Bum , Yoo Jae Ho , Koh In Jun , Kang Yeon Gwi , Seong Sang Cheol , Kim Tae Kyun
Published: February 2010

Background

Patient age, radiographic severity of osteoarthritis (OA), and severity of symptoms are typically considered as the three key factors in selecting the osteoarthritic patients for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between the three selection criteria and the postoperative outcomes including patient satisfaction. We also attempted to determine whether the patients not fully satisfying the criteria are different from the typical candidates in postoperative outcomes.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and eighty-three uncomplicated TKAs with 1-year follow-up data were included in this study. We evaluated three preoperative factors including age, radiographic severity of OA, and WOMAC pain and function scores as proxies of preoperative level of symptoms. Evaluation of the postoperative outcomes included WOMAC pain and function scores and the level of patient satisfaction. Regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between the preoperative factors and the postoperative outcomes. Comparative analyses of the postoperative outcomes were made between the typical candidates with all selection criteria and the groups of patients who did not meet one of the selection criteria.

Results

Increasing age was associated with worse postoperative functional outcomes. Worse preoperative WOMAC pain and function scores were associated with worse postoperative WOMAC pain and function scores, and had a statistical tendency toward higher patient dissatisfaction. Compared to the typical candidates, the groups of patients who did not meet one of the selection criteria did not have worse postoperative outcomes. On the contrary, the group of younger age and the group with less severe preoperative symptoms were more likely to have better postoperative outcomes. The radiographic severity of OA had no significant associations with any of postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

This study indicates that, when considering TKA as a treatment option, orthopedic surgeons need to comprehend the selection criteria in an overall view to offer the best timing for optimal postoperative outcomes.
Ethoxy Carboxylate Extended Surfactant: Micellar, Adsorption and Adsolubilization Properties
Authors: Arpornpong Noulkamol , Charoensaeng Ampira , Sabatini David A. , Khaodhiar Sutha
Published: February 2010

The micellar, adsorption, and adsolubilization properties of a novel ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant are measured and compared to an extended sulfate surfactant. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant is measured to be 0.02 mM while it is 0.07 mM for the extended sulfate surfactant. Adsorption and adsolubilization studies are carried out on alumina oxide surfaces. The extended sulfate surfactant has a higher maximum adsorption capacity onto the aluminum than the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant (0.47 vs. 0.14 mmol/g, respectively). For adsolubilization, the extended sulfate surfactant shows a slightly higher phenanthrene adsolubilization compared to the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant (log Kadm of 6.15 vs. 5.71, respectively). In contrast, for solubilization, the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant exhibits higher phenanthrene solubilization capacities than the extended sulfate surfactant (log Kmic of 5.61 vs. 5.42, respectively). Relative to surfactant loss from the solid surface, the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant shows a higher desorption capacity as compared to the extended sulfate surfactant. From these measurements, the ethoxy carboxylate extended surfactant has better properties for micellar applications (lower CMC, higher Kmic), while the extended sulfate surfactant has better properties for admicellar applications (higher qmax and Kadm values, and less desorption).
The effect of surgical timing on operative duration and quality of reduction in Type III supracondylar humeral fractures in children
Authors: Murnaghan M. Lucas , Slobogean Bronwyn L. , Byrne Angela , Tredwell Stephen J. , Mulpuri Kishore
Published: February 2010

Purpose

To determine the influence of the time from injury to surgery of Type III supracondylar fractures on operative duration and quality of reduction.

Methods

A retrospective review of Type III supracondylar fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning over a 3-year period was performed.

Results

The subjects were divided into two groups based on the time from injury to surgery (IST): Group 1 (<8 h) 48 subjects and Group 2 (>8 h) 39 subjects. There was no difference in the mean age or gender ratio between the two groups. There were no cases of compartment syndrome or conversion to open reduction in either group. The mean IST was 669 min. The mean IST for Group 1 was 340 min and it was 1,074 min for Group 2. The operative duration for Group 1 was 32.56 min and for Group 2 it was 31.72 min ( P = 0.77). There were no significant differences in the quality of reduction.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the operative duration demonstrated between IST <8 h and IST >8 h. This failure to demonstrate a difference should not be interpreted as demonstrating equivalence. This study does not conclude that all displaced supracondylar fractures should be delayed, though it does inform the surgeon that, if compelled to delay surgery, this series did not demonstrate an increased risk of complications, nor a worsened quality of reduction.
Surgical approaches for open reduction and pinning in severely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children: A systematic review
Authors: Pretell Mazzini Juan , Rodriguez Martin Juan , Andres Esteban Eva María
Published: February 2010

Purpose

There is no clear evidence in the actual literature regarding which of the surgical approaches could bring about the best functional, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes, as well as fewer complications, when an open reduction and pinning of a severely displaced supracondylar humerus fracture is performed. We, therefore, performed a systematic review of the English literature to investigate the existing evidence regarding this issue.

Methods

A MEDLINE and EMBASE databases search was performed to identify articles that focused on the functional, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes, as well as post-surgical complications, regarding different surgical approaches used for open reduction and pinning in severely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children. One hundred and ninety-four articles were identified, of which seven were included for review. Data analysis included weighted means for all contingency tables and the Chi-square test. Standardized residues were studied when the Chi-square test was statistically significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 9.1/SE (StataCorp., College Station, TX) and P-values lower than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant for all analyses.

Results

For functional outcome, a high frequency of excellent results was found within the lateral and medial approaches, and a high frequency of good results within the anterior approach. A high frequency of poor results was found within the posterior approach. For cosmetic outcome, there was a high frequency of fair results within the posterior and lateral approaches, and a high frequency of poor results within the posterior approach. No statistically significant difference regarding time to union, as well as complications, was found.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a combined antero-medial approach could be the method which allows the achievement of better functional and cosmetic outcome according to Flynn's criteria. Time to union, as well as post-surgical complications, should not be an issue regarding surgical approaches used for open reduction and pinning in these fractures.
Effects of human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) p13 on mitochondrial K+ permeability: A new member of the viroporin family?
Authors: Silic-Benussi Micol , Marin Oriano , Biasiotto Roberta , D'Agostino Donna M. , Ciminale Vincenzo
Published: February 2010

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1) encodes a mitochondrial protein named p13. p13 mediates an inward K+ current in isolated mitochondria that leads to mitochondrial swelling, depolarization, increased respiratory chain activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These effects trigger the opening of the permeability transition pore and are dependent on the presence of K+ and on the amphipathic alpha helical domain of p13. In the context of cells, p13 acts as a sensitizer to selected apoptotic stimuli. Although it is not known whether p13 influences the activity of endogenous K+ channels or forms a channel itself, it shares some structural and functional analogies with viroporins, a class of small integral membrane proteins that form pores and alter membrane permeability.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Lim C M , Ng A , Loh K S
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and profile of patients who use complementary and alternative medicine, within a cohort of head and neck cancer patients.

Study design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Subjects and methods:

Ninety-three consecutive head and neck cancer patients being followed up at the department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery were surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results:

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use was 67.8 per cent. Patients who used complementary and alternative medicine were more likely to be female, better educated and younger, compared with non-users. A total of 82.5 per cent (52/63) perceived complementary and alternative medicine to be effective, even though they were aware of the lack of research and endorsement by their physician regarding such medicine.

Conclusion:

The use of complementary and alternative medicine by head and neck cancer patients is common, regardless of efficacy or cost. Clinicians should routinely ask patients about their use of complementary and alternative medicine, to facilitate communication and enable appropriate use of such medicine.
Sodium fluoride in otosclerosis treatment: review
Authors: Cruise A S , Singh A , Quiney R E
Published: February 2010

Objectives:

To review the current literature on the use of sodium fluoride in the treatment of otosclerosis.

Design:

A literature review was conducted, searching the Medline and PubMed database from 1966 to 2009, using the terms ‘otosclerosis’ and ‘fluoride’. Article abstracts were reviewed and relevant full articles acquired.

Results:

There has been only one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the use of sodium fluoride in otosclerosis patients, and this found a reduced incidence of deterioration in hearing after two years in the treatment group. Several case–control series have described a hearing benefit in the sodium fluoride treated group. Treatment doses vary greatly, and there is no evidence regarding the optimum duration of treatment.

Conclusions:

There is low quality evidence suggesting that sodium fluoride may be of benefit to preserve hearing and reduce vestibular symptoms in patients with otosclerosis.
Evolution of nonlinearly coupled drift wave-zonal flow system in a nonuniform magnetoplasma
Authors: JOVANOVIC D. , SHUKLA P. K. , ELIASSON B.
Published: February 2010

The amplitude modulation of a finite amplitude drift wave by zonal flows in a non-uniform magnetoplasma is considered. The evolution of a nonlinearly coupled drift wave-zonal flow (DW-ZF) system is governed by a nonlinear equation for the slowly varying envelope of the drift waves, which drives (via the Reynolds stress of the drift wave envelope) the second equation for zonal flows. The nonlinear dispersion relation for the modulational instability of a drift wave pump is derived and analyzed. In a special case, the DW-ZF system of equations reduces to the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which admits localized solutions in the form of DW envelope solitons, accompanied by a shock-like ZF structure. Numerical solutions of the nonlinearly coupled DW-ZF systems reveal that an arbitrary spatial distribution of the DW rapidly decays into an array of localized drift wave structures, propagating with different speeds, that are robust and, in many respect, behave as solitons. The corresponding ZF evolves into the sequence of shocks that produces a strong shearing, i.e. multiple plasma flows in alternating directions.
Finfish disappearances around Bohol, Philippines inferred from traditional ecological knowledge
Authors: LAVIDES MARGARITA N. , POLUNIN NICHOLAS V. C. , STEAD SELINA M. , TABARANZA DON GEOFF , COMEROS MIA THERESA , DONGALLO JESUS RAY
Published: February 2010

Little is known about local extinctions of finfish species in the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the most marine biodiverse and anthropogenically threatened region on Earth. This paper examines coral reef associated finfish species that disappeared in the catches around the island of Bohol over the period 1950 to 2007, based on the only available data, namely traditional ecological knowledge. Generalized least squares (GLS) tests showed steep declines to zero among species formerly recorded in catches. Finfish species recommended as priority for further monitoring based on life history and disappearances in fish catch are giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) and African pompano (Alectis ciliaris). Twenty out of the 21 species that disappeared from catches were moderate to very large-bodied, six were slow-growing fish and four were late-maturing fish. Species of large body size and subject to high fishing pressure may be particularly vulnerable. Traditional ecological knowledge when applied to population dynamics studies can add value to development of new monitoring methods. This knowledge can moreover inform the prioritization of species for fisheries assessment and conservation action.
Urban and rural perceptions of protected areas: a case study in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India
Authors: TRIGUERO-MAS MARGARITA , OLOMÍ-SOLÀ MARC , JHA NAVEEN , ZORONDO-RODRÍGUEZ FRANCISCO , REYES-GARCÍA VICTORIA
Published: February 2010

Researchers, governments and conservation organizations recognize that the long-term integrity of protected areas (PAs) in low-income nations depends upon the support of indigenous and rural communities that live within or around them. Thus, understanding the determinants of residents’ attitudes towards PAs might provide guidance in the design, implementation and evaluation of this strategic form of biodiversity conservation. This paper (1) compares urban and rural residents’ perceptions of the impact of a PA and (2) analyses the association between the perception of economic, social and environmental impacts, and overall attitude towards the PA. Information was collected among urban and rural residents living in the vicinity of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats (Karnataka, India). Local residents’ attitudes towards the PA were mainly positive, especially among urban residents. Multivariate analysis showed a positive association between the perception of economic benefits and individual attitudes towards the PA. There was no statistically significant association between attitudes towards the PA and perception of social and environmental impacts. Future research should address whether positive attitudes translate into more sustainable behaviours.
The extent of injection site infection in injecting drug users: findings from a national surveillance study
Authors: HOPE V. D. , MARONGIU A. , PARRY J. V. , NCUBE F.
Published: February 2010

Injection site infections in injecting drug users (IDUs) are associated with serious morbidity and healthcare costs. Factors associated with symptoms of these were examined through annual (2006–2008) unlinked-anonymous survey of IDUs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Overall 36% (1863/5209) self-reported having a symptom with no trend over time (35% 2006, 37% 2007, 34% 2008). Symptoms were less common in the North East of England; increased with years injecting; and were higher in women, those recently homeless, those recently using a needle exchange, and those injecting both opiates and stimulants. Of those injecting during the previous 4 weeks (n=3733) symptoms were associated with: injecting daily; injecting ⩾10 times a day; injecting into hands, groin, or legs; sharing filters; and reusing water to flush syringes. Symptoms of injection site infections are common in IDUs. Better-targeted preventive interventions are needed, and continued surveillance should assist with assessing the impact of new initiatives.
The experience of being next of kin to an older person in the last phase of life
Authors: Andersson Magdalena , Ekwall Anna K. , Hallberg Ingalill R. , Edberg Anna-Karin
Published: February 2010

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate the experience of being next of kin to an older person in the last phase of life as narrated after the older person's death.

Method:

Qualitative interviews were performed with the next of kin (n = 17) to people aged 75 years and older who had recently died and had received help and/or care from the municipality in the last phase of life. Eleven women and six men participated, of whom seven were spouses, nine were children, and one was a grandchild. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The experience of the next of kin could be understood asbeing a devoted companion during the transition toward the inevitable end, embracing the categories of living in the shadow of death; focusing on the needs of the dying person, making adjustments to everyday life; feeling the major responsibility; struggling with the health and social care system; and gaining strength from support.

Significance of results:

Being next of kin to an old person at the end of life means being a devoted companion during the transition toward the inevitable end, including the feeling of bearing the major responsibility and the need to be acknowledged by professionals. This study points to the importance of having access to professional care when it is needed, to complement and support the next of kin when his or her own resources and strength falter. This also includes support to enable the next of kin to remain involved in the care of his or her loved ones, thereby fulfilling their own wishes.
Art therapy with cancer patients during chemotherapy sessions: An analysis of the patients' perception of helpfulness
Authors: Forzoni Silvia , Perez Michela , Martignetti Angelo , Crispino Sergio
Published: February 2010

Objective:

Art therapy has been shown to be helpful to cancer patients at different stages in the course of their illness, especially during isolation for bone marrow transplantation, during radiotherapy treatment, and after treatment. The aim of this study is twofold: (1) to assess whether patients during chemotherapy sessions perceive art therapy as helpful and (2) to outline in which way art therapy is perceived as helpful.

Method:

157 cancer patients attending an Oncology Day Hospital (Siena, Italy) met the art therapist during their chemotherapy sessions. The art therapist used the same art therapy technique with each patient during the first encounter (“free collage”); afterward the relationship would evolve in different ways according to the patients' needs. A psychologist interviewed a randomized group of 54 patients after the chemotherapy treatment using a semistructured questionnaire.

Results:

Out of the 54 patients, 3 found art therapy “not helpful” (“childish,” “just a chat,” “not interesting”). The other 51 patients described their art therapy experience as “helpful.” From patients' statements, three main groups emerged: (1) art therapy was perceived as generally helpful (e.g., “relaxing,” “creative”; 37.3%), (2) art therapy was perceived as helpful because of the dyadic relationship (e.g., “talking about oneself and feeling listened to”; 33.3%), and (3) art therapy was perceived as helpful because of the triadic relationship, patient–image–art therapist (e.g., “expressing emotions and searching for meanings”; 29.4%).

Significance of results:

These data have clinical implications, as they show that art therapy may be useful to support patients during the stressful time of chemotherapy treatment. Different patients use it to fulfil their own different needs, whether it is a need to relax (improved mood) or to talk (self-narrative) or to visually express and elaborate emotions (discovering new meanings). Some illustrations of patients using the art therapy process to fulfill these three different needs are provided.
Health care staff's opinions about existential issues among patients with cancer
Authors: Browall Maria , Melin-Johansson Christina , Strang Susann , Danielson Ella , Henoch Ingela
Published: February 2010

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore health care staff's opinions about what existential issues are important to patients with cancer and staff's responsibility when existential issues are raised by patients.

Method:

Four focus group interviews were conducted with health care staff (N = 23) at an in-patient hospice, on an oncology ward, on a surgical ward, and with a palliative home health care team. The focus group interviews focused on two questions, first, about health care staff's opinions about patients' important existential questions and, second, about health care staff's responsibility when existential issues are raised by the patient. The interviews were taperecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by qualitative content analysis into subcategories and categories.

Results:

Four categories and 11 subcategories emerged from the first question. The first category, “life and death,” was based on joy of living and thoughts of dying. The second category “meaning,” consisted of acceptance, reevaluation, hope, and faith. The third category, “freedom of choice,” consisted of responsibility and integrity, and the fourth and last category, “relationships and solitude,” consisted of alleviation, dependency, and loss. One category emerged from the second question about the health care staff's responsibility, “to achieve an encounter,” which was based on the subcategories time and space, attitudes, and invitation and confirmation.

Significance of results:

One strength of this study was that the findings were fairly congruent in different settings and in different geographical areas. Health care staff were aware of the importance of existential issues to patients. The existential issues, mentioned by health care staff, are similar to findings from studies conducted among patients, which is another strength of the present study. Health care staff are also confident about how to act when these issues are raised by the patients. The challenge for the future is to implement the findings from this study among health care staff in different settings.
Differences in quality of life modalities give rise to needs of individual support in patients with ALS and their next of kin
Authors: Olsson Anneli G. , Markhede Inga , Strang Susann , Persson Lennart I.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL), individual QoL, anxiety and depression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their next of kin in relation to patients' physical function over time.

Methods:

35 patients and their next of kin were studied using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and patients also by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised and the Norris scale every fourth to sixth month, one to four times.

Results:

Changes were found over time in both patients and their next of kin in the SF-36 but not in the SEIQoL-DW or HADS. Patients rated worse than their next of kin in the SF-36 physical subscales and next of kin rated worse than the patients in the global QoL score in SEIQoL-DW. Health, hobbies, and total relations were important areas in the SEIQoL-DW among all participants, but some important areas also differed between the patients and their next of kin. In most important areas among the pairs, the next of kin estimated their functioning/satisfaction worse than patients estimated their functioning/satisfaction.

Significance of results:

There were few changes over time in the QoL among the participants. Although most of the estimates in patients and their next of kin were equal, there were also some differences. These results emphasize the importance of support for both patients and their next of kin and that support ought to be given on both individual bases and together in pairs. The SEIQoL-DW might give signposts in the care through the course of the disease about what should be focused on to increase satisfaction of the important areas of life and might help the person to find coping strategies to handle his or her life situation.
Reducing the potential for suffering in older adults with advanced cancer
Authors: Thompson Genevieve N. , Chochinov Harvey M.
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To deliver quality care at the end of life, understanding the impact of various changes and life transitions that occur in older age is essential. This review seeks to uncover potential sources of distress in an elder's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being to shed light on the unique challenges and needs facing this age group.

Methods:

Papers relating to older adults (aged 65 years and older or a mean age of 65 years and older) with advanced/terminal cancer receiving palliative, hospice, or end-of-life care published after 1998 were reviewed.

Results:

Older adults with advanced cancer have unique needs related to changes in their physical, psychological, social, and spirituals well-being. Changes in each of these domains offer not only the risk of causing distress but also the potential for growth and development during the final stages of advanced cancer.

Significance of results:

Being aware of the various changes that occur with aging will help health care professionals tailor interventions to promote dignity-conserving care and greatly reduce the potential for suffering at the end of life.
Bereavement Dream? Successful antidepressant treatment for bereavement-related distressing dreams in patients with major depression
Authors: Ishida Mayumi , Onishi Hideki , Wada Mei , Wada Tomomi , Wada Makoto , Uchitomi Yosuke , Nomura Shinobu
Published: February 2010

Objective:

The death of a person is a stressful event. Such stress affects the physical and psychological well-being of the bereaved. As an associated mental disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD) is common. Some dream of the deceased, and these dreams are called bereavement dreams. Some MDD patients also experience dreams. These two types of dreams are sometimes difficult to differentiate. The dream of the bereaved might be only a bereavement-related dream, yet it might be a symptom of MDD. Herein, we report one patient who had distressing dreams after the death of her mother.

Methods:

A 63-year-old woman was referred for psychiatric consultation because of generalized fatigue and insomnia. Questioning her about recent events, she said that her mother had died of colonic carcinoma 5 months previously. Two months after the death, she suddenly started dreaming of her mother, getting angry with her almost every night. Generalized fatigue, insomnia, and distressing dreams appeared simultaneously. The dream caused much distress, making her afraid to fall asleep.

Results:

Her psychiatric features fulfilled the DSM-IV-TR criteria for MDD, single episode. The death of her mother was considered to be one of the causes of MDD. She was administered 25 mg/day of sertraline hydrochloride. After that, her symptoms gradually disappeared, and the frequency of distressing dreams was reduced. Five months later, physical and psychiatric symptoms of MDD were completely resolved. Subsequently, she has not suffered from any distressing dreams of her mother.

Significance of results:

This case indicates that dreams experienced after the death of a loved one should not be regarded simply as bereavement dreams. Some of the dreams may be symptoms of MDD. If the dreams are the symptoms of MDD, antidepressant treatment as well as psychotherapy may be useful. Therefore, we should avoid regarding symptoms of MDD as reactions to bereavement.
IV-Gutachten der Jahre 2004/2005 der Medizinischen Abklärungsstation MEDAS am Universitätsspital Basel – Eine kritische Analyse
Authors: Fouradoulas  , Risi  , Gyr
Published: February 2010

Begutachtungen von IV-Antragstellern im Auftrag der Invalidenversicherung (IV) stellen eine wichtige Dienstleistung der MEDAS/asim Basel dar. Die Auswertung von 593 Gutachten der Jahre 2004/05 sollte dabei einen Einblick in die Charakteristik dieses speziellen Patientengutes vermitteln. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden retrospektiv Informationen über Soziodemographie, Diagnosen und attestierte Arbeitsfähigkeit gesammelt und evaluiert. Bei den begutachteten Personen handelte es sich mehrheitlich um Migranten (61%) aus Süd- und Südosteuropa, von denen 86% unter chronischen Schmerzsyndromen und Depressionen litten. Zum Zeitpunkt der Begutachtung waren nurmehr 101 Personen oder 17% voll oder teilzeitig arbeitstätig. Der letzte Arbeitstag in der meist unqualifizierten Arbeit lag bei 38% der Begutachteten bereits 1.5–2.5 Jahre zurück, wobei das Intervall von wenigen Monaten bis zu mehreren Jahren variierte.
Infections virales à l'origine des exacerbations de la broncho-pneumopathie chronique obstructive
Authors: Kherad  , Rutschmann
Published: February 2010

Die chronische obstruktive Bronchitis (COPD) zeichnet sich in ihrem Verlauf durch wiederholte Exazerbationen aus, welche eine nennenswerte Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität der Patienten sowie erhebliche Kosten für das Gesundheitswesen nach sich ziehen. Auch wenn bis zuletzt noch kein eindeutiger Zusammenhang nachgewiesen wurde, legen Ergebnisse systematischen Virusnachweises bei COPD-Exazerbationen mit Hilfe von RT-PCR eine virale Ursache in mehr als 50% der Fälle nahe. Hingegen erlauben weder das klinische Erscheinungsbild noch Labormarker eine eindeutige Zuordnung der Exazerbationsursache.
Von der Frau, der das Essen nicht bekam
Authors: Sahli  , Pfäffli  , Christ
Published: February 2010

Wir berichten über eine 59-jährige Patientin mit einem idiopathischen autoimmunen Insulin-Syndrom, eine seltene Ursache endogener hyperinsulinämer Hypoglykämie. Es ist charakterisiert durch extrem hohe Insulinspiegel bedingt durch positive Insulin-Antikörper. Funktionell zeigt sich frühpostprandial eine gestörte Glukosetoleranz bei verminderter Insulinwirkung aufgrund der Pufferung durch die Antikörper, spätpostprandial eine Hypoglykämie durch Freisetzung von Insulin aus der Antikörperbindung. Eine korrekte Diagnose ist wichtig, um unnötige Abklärungen und chirurgische Eingriffe bei Patienten zu vermeiden, welche mit guter Prognose durch Fraktionierung der Kohlenhydrat-Zufuhr konservativ behandelt werden können.
Direct observations of nonmigrating diurnal tides in the equatorial thermosphere
Authors: Talaat E. R. , Lieberman R. S.
Published: February 2010

We present direct observations of nonmigrating diurnal tides in the 90–270 km range inferred from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) wind imaging interferometer (WINDII). A prominent zonal wavenumber 4 appears in daytime zonal winds, extending to 180 km. We interpret this signature as an eastward‐propagating diurnal wavenumber 3 (DE3) viewed from the satellite perspective. This evidence of the extended upward propagation of DE3 demonstrates that it acts as a direct coupling agent between the troposphere and the thermosphere (and F‐region), in addition to its role in the E‐region dynamo.
Simulation of dust aerosol radiative feedback using the GMOD: 2. Dust‐climate interactions
Authors: Yue Xu , Wang Huijun , Liao Hong , Fan Ke
Published: February 2010

We examine equilibrium climate responses to the shortwave and/or longwave direct radiative effect of mineral dust aerosol using the Global transport Model of Dust (GMOD) embedded within a general circulation model (GCM). The presence of mineral dust aerosol in the atmosphere is estimated to exert global mean shortwave and longwave radiative forcings (RF) of −0.25 W m−2 and +0.27 W m−2, respectively, at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and −1.95 W m−2 and +0.61 W m−2 at the surface. Climatic effect of dust is simulated using two different approaches. In the first approach, monthly mean fields of dust simulated a priori are used in the radiative transfer module of the GCM to drive climate change, with levels of dust fixed during the climate integration (denoted as simulation FIXDST). In the second approach, dust aerosol interacts online with meteorology through the dust cycle and its direct radiative effect (denoted as simulation CPLD). With both longwave and shortwave RF of dust, predicted changes in global and annual mean surface air temperature and air temperature at 200 hPa are zero and +0.12 K, respectively, in FIXDST, and −0.06 K and +0.05 K in the CPLD simulation. The stronger cooling in CPLD than in FIXDST is a result of a 13% higher dust burden in CPLD with dust‐climate interactions. Although dust longwave radiative effect is predicted to offset a large portion of its shortwave effect on a global and annual mean basis, dust shortwave effect dominates during the daytime, and the longwave effect prevails at night, which is found to be very important for predictions of temperature. For example, over the Sahara Desert, the changes in annual mean, annual mean daytime, and annual mean nighttime surface air temperature are predicted to be +0.32 K, −0.11 K, and +0.68 K, respectively, in the FIXDST simulation. The longwave and shortwave radiative effects of dust are predicted to have different impacts on the dust cycle in CPLD simulation; the solar radiative effect reduces dust emissions by increasing surface humidity and by reducing surface wind speed, while the thermal effect increases dust uplift through opposite changes in the meteorological parameters.
Subarctic atmospheric aerosol composition: 3. Measured and modeled properties of cloud condensation nuclei
Authors: Kammermann Lukas , Gysel Martin , Weingartner Ernest , Herich Hanna , Cziczo Daniel J. , Holst Thomas , Svenningsson Birgitta , Arneth Almut , Baltensperger Urs
Published: February 2010

Aerosol particles can modify cloud properties by acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Predicting CCN properties is still a challenge and not properly incorporated in current climate models. Atmospheric particle number size distributions, hygroscopic growth factors, and polydisperse CCN number concentrations were measured at the remote subarctic Stordalen mire, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The CCN number concentration was highly variable, largely driven by variations in the total number of sufficiently large particles, though the variability of chemical composition was increasingly important for decreasing supersaturation. The hygroscopicity of particles measured by a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) was in agreement with large critical diameters observed for CCN activation (κ ≈ 0.07–0.21 for D = 50–200 nm). Size distribution and time‐ and size‐resolved HTDMA data were used to predict CCN number concentrations. Agreement of predictions with measured CCN within ±11% was achieved using parameterized Köhler theory and assuming a surface tension of pure water. The sensitivity of CCN predictions to various simplifying assumptions was further explored: We found that (1) ignoring particle mixing state did not affect CCN predictions, (2) averaging the HTDMA data in time with retaining the size dependence did not introduce a substantial bias, while individual predictions became more uncertain, and (3) predictions involving the hygroscopicity parameter recommended in literature for continental sites (κ ≈ 0.3 ± 0.1) resulted in a significant prediction bias. Future modeling studies should therefore at least aim at using averaged, size‐resolved, site‐specific hygroscopicity or chemical composition data for predictions of CCN number concentrations.