bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palaeogene igneous rocks reveal new insights into the geodynamic evolution and petroleum potential of the Rockall Trough, NE Atlantic Margin
Authors: Archer Stuart G. , Bergman Steven C. , Iliffe James , Murphy Craig M. , Thornton Mick
Published: February 2005

Data acquired from petroleum exploration well 164/7‐1 drilled in the UK sector of the Rockall Trough have yielded fresh insights into the igneous and thermal history of this frontier region. The well targeted a large four‐way dip closed structure of presumed Mesozoic age named ‘The Dome Prospect’. The structure is now known to have a magmatic, rather than a purely structural origin, which was the preferred pre‐well interpretation. The well encountered 1.2 km of Palaeocene age basaltic lavas, overlying Late Cretaceous mudstones which were intruded by over 70 dolerite sills ranging from <1.5‐ to 152‐m thick. 40Ar/39Ar dating of the dolerite intrusions indicates an Early Palaeocene age (63–64±0.5 Ma), which are among the oldest 40Ar/39Ar dates recognised in the North Atlantic Igneous Province. Radiometric dating of the overlying basaltic lavas proved unsuccessful, because of excessive alteration. Biostratigraphic dating of underlying and overlying sedimentary strata was utilised to constrain the age of the lavas to Late Paleocene to Early Eocene age (∼55 Ma). Despite being related to two distinct events separated by ∼8 Ma, the intrusives and extrusives are compositionally similar. The basaltic rocks from well 164/7‐1 possess Sr–Nd isotopic, major and trace‐element geochemical compositions similar to other volcanic and intrusive rocks of the British Tertiary Igneous Province and represent partial melts of both lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle associated with the proto‐Icelandic mantle plume head.

Joint consideration of thermal maturity, potential fields and 3D seismic data indicate a deeper igneous body in addition to the sills encountered in well 164/7‐1. Jack‐up and arching mechanisms associated with both scales of intrusive body are believed to have developed the dome structure. The preferred interpretation is of a mafic laccolith, 17 km in diameter, ∼7 km thick, intruded at 64.5 Ma, situated ∼2.5 km below the bottom of the well. 3D thermal modelling suggests that all of Tranche 52 was thermally affected by the intrusion of the magmatic body. The thermal aureole, between 27 and 51 km in diameter, is not thought to play an important role in the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the surrounding Tranches in the NE Rockall Basin.

Results show that hydrocarbon exploration prospects that are circular in map view should be interpreted with caution on volcanic continental margins. In sedimentary basins, where salt domes and shale diapirs are absent and igneous rocks prevalent, periclinal structures such as ‘The Dome Prospect’ should undergo a thorough multi‐disciplinary risk assessment.
The influence of tectonic regime on chalk deposition: examples of the sedimentary development and 3D‐seismic stratigraphy of the Chalk Group in the Netherlands offshore area
Authors: Van Der Molen A. S. , Dudok van Heel H. W. , Wong T. E.
Published: February 2005

The sediments of the Upper Cretaceous to lower Palaeogene Chalk Group were deposited through a wide range of depositional processes. Chalk was originally formed by settlement of coccolithophorid skeletal remains from suspension in the water column, with bottom currents redistributing the sediment shortly after deposition. Locally, tilting of the sea‐floor resulted in mass‐movement of chalk at scales varying from decimetre‐thick turbidites to slumps and slide sheets that were up to hundreds of metres thick. Syn‐depositional tectonic activity, therefore, constituted an important control on chalk facies. To study this relation in more detail, a three‐dimensional (3D)‐seismic stratigraphical analysis was carried out, comparing two study areas that experienced contrasting syn‐depositional tectonic evolutions. The Vlieland offshore area, which underwent gradual subsidence and westward tilting during deposition of the Chalk Group, is characterised by parallel and continuous reflections thought to represent pelagic chalk deposits. In the Dutch Central Graben, which was tectonically inverted during the Late Cretaceous to early Palaeogene, discontinuous and irregular seismic reflections that indicate large‐scale reworking of sediment are found. The improved image quality of 3D‐ vs. 2D‐seismic data allowed us to study the detailed geometry of allochthonous chalk bodies and aided the identification and tracing of the often subtle intra‐Chalk Group unconformities, resulting in a subdivision of the Chalk Group into seven seismic sequences.
Men and health help‐seeking behaviour: literature review
Authors: Galdas Paul M. , Cheater Francine , Marshall Paul
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper reviews the key research literature regarding men's health‐related help seeking behaviour.

Background.  There is a growing body of research in the United States to suggest that men are less likely than women to seek help from health professionals for problems as diverse as depression, substance abuse, physical disabilities and stressful life events. Previous research has revealed that the principle health related issue facing men in the UK is their reluctance to seek access to health services.

Method.  The investigation of men's health‐related help seeking behaviour has great potential for improving both men and women's lives and reducing national health costs through the development of responsive and effective interventions. A search of the literature was conducted using CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library databases.

Results.  Studies comparing men and women are inadequate in explaining the processes involved in men's help seeking behaviour. However, the growing body of gender‐specific studies highlights a trend of delayed help seeking when they become ill. A prominent theme among white middle class men implicates ‘traditional masculine behaviour’ as an explanation for delays in seeking help among men who experience illness. The reasons and processes behind this issue, however, have received limited attention.

Conclusions.  Principally, the role of masculine beliefs and the similarities and differences between men of differing background requires further attention, particularly given the health inequalities that exist between men of differing socio‐economic status and ethnicity. Further research using heterogeneous samples is required in order to gain a greater understanding of the triggers and barriers associated with the decision making process of help seeking behaviour in men who experience illness.
Lessons learned and advice from Vietnam war nurses: a qualitative study
Authors: Scannell‐Desch Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to describe guidance for nurses today from the lessons learned by nurses who served in the Vietnam War.

Background.  There is little research focusing on nurses’ experiences in the Vietnam War. Lessons learned and subsequent advice from nurses who served in Vietnam may be helpful to those serving in current and future wars.

Methods.  A Husserlian phenomenological approach was taken, using interviews with a purposive sample of Registered Nurses who were female, and had served in the United States of America armed forces in Vietnam during the war.

Findings.  Seven theme clusters described the lesson learned and guidance offered by the Vietnam War nurses: advice about journaling, training, caring for yourself, use of support systems, talking about your experiences, understanding the mission, and lack of preparation for war.

Conclusions.  Much can be learned from the lessons learned and advice given by Vietnam War nurses. These lessons stress that nurses need to take a pro‐active role in preparing themselves for deployment to a war zone, and that institutional training for war needs to be intensive and realistic. The environmental, cultural, technological, clinical and psychosocial demands of war nursing need to be comprehensively addressed before nurses deploy to a war.
Healthy living interventions and schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: Bradshaw Tim , Lovell Karina , Harris Neil
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review of the published and grey literature which has investigated the efficacy of healthy living interventions for adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo‐affective disorder.

Background.  Adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo‐affective disorder have reduced life expectancy when compared with members of the general population, with approximately 59% of excess mortality resulting from natural causes.

Methods.  The review was conducted following guidelines provided by the United Kingdom National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and using the Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, National Research Register, and System for Info on Grey Literature databases.

Results.  Sixteen studies were identified, examining four types of healthy living interventions: smoking cessation (n = 7), weight management (n = 5), exercise (n = 3) and nutritional education (n = 1). The smoking cessation, weight management and exercise studies showed positive outcomes in the main. The quality of the studies, however, was generally poor. Only two had control groups, most recruited small self‐selected samples, six did not standardize for diagnosis, external validity was generally poor and no studies followed participants for longer than 6 months. The best quality evidence was produced by the smoking cessation and weight management studies, which were more methodologically robust and demonstrated promising outcomes.

Conclusions.  Further research is needed to assist the development of effective interventions to help this client group to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles. Research and practice development in this area may be an important role for nurses in both hospital and community settings.
Improving the psychosocial work environment
Authors: Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Bourbonnais Renée , Viens Chantal , Vézina Michel , Durand Pierre J. , Rochette Louis
Published: February 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of a participatory organizational intervention to improve the psychosocial work environment in one long‐term care unit.

Background.  Since the early 1990s, health care institutions in Quebec have been constantly changing in order to improve the efficiency of the health care system. These changes have affected the work environment and have contributed to higher rates of burnout and absenteeism among nurses and other health care workers.

Method.  The study participants were health care workers in a long‐term care unit (n = 60). The participatory organizational intervention was based on a contract and carried out by a work team. Work constraints were identified, and an action plan implemented, The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by pre‐ and postintervention questionnaires: the Job Content Questionnaire, Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire and Psychiatric Symptom Index.

Results.  There was a significant increase in reward (P ≤ 0·01) and a significant decrease in Effort–Reward Imbalance (P ≤ 0·01) following the intervention. Absenteeism rates decreased from 8·26% to 1·86% over the study period, but in the rest of the institution remained the same. However, there was a significant decrease in social support from supervisors (P < 0·05) at post‐test.

Conclusion.  Participation by health care workers and action plans targeting problematic aspects of the psychosocial work environment are key elements in interventions to improve their health. However, such interventions present challenges, such as the involvement of managers, involvement of all relevant participants, and re‐establishment of trust within work teams. Recognition and respect must be re‐established, and supervisors must engage with health care workers and give support at all stages of the intervention.
Glyoxal inactivates glutamate transporter‐1 in cultured rat astrocytes
Authors: Kawaguchi Motoko , Shibata Noriyuki , Horiuchi Seikoh , Kobayashi Makio
Published: February 2005

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor paralysis and selective motor neuron death. There is increasing evidence that motor neuron death in ALS is mediated by glutamate toxicity resulting from reduced activity of astrocytic glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1). Recent morphological studies have shown that Nɛ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) accumulates in reactive astrocytes of ALS spinal cords. CML is a product of post‐translational protein modification by glyoxal, a reactive aldehydic intermediate. In considering these documents, it is important to determine whether GLT‐1 protein modification by glyoxal might cause reduced GLT‐1 activity. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of glyoxal on GLT‐1 properties in cultured rat astrocytes. High performance liquid chromatography showed reduced glutamate uptake activity in the glyoxal‐exposed cells. Immunocytochemical analysis displayed CML accumulation in the cytoplasm of astrocytes by glyoxal exposure. Immunoblots of immunoprecipitated GLT‐1 disclosed GLT‐1 CML adduct formation in the glyoxal‐exposed cells. Our results indicate that glyoxal modifies GLT‐1 to form CML and simultaneously deprives its glutamate uptake activity. Thus, these toxic effects of glyoxal on astrocytes might be implicated in motor neuron death in ALS.
Increase of Cardiotrophin‐1 immunoreactivity in regenerating and overloaded but not denervated muscles of rats
Authors: Nishikawa Junji , Sakuma Kunihiro , Sorimachi Yoshihide , Yoshimoto Kanji , Yasuhara Masahiro
Published: February 2005

The original report by Pennica et al. on Cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) states that it markedly stimulates hypertrophy in cardiac myocytes both in vitro and in vivo and is predominantly expressed in the early mouse embryonic heart tube. CT‐1 is a member of the interleukin‐6 superfamily and past studies have shown that it exerts trophic effects on neurons, glial cells and their precursors, and is expressed during myogenesis. Thus CT‐1 is associated with physical and pathological changes in skeletal muscle. In this study, we examined whether CT‐1 is expressed in mechanically overloaded, regenerating, and denervated muscles of rats using immunohistochemistry. In the overloaded plantaris muscles at 1 and 3 days postsurgery, CT‐1 immunoreactivity was detected in the mononuclear cells that had infiltrated the extracellular space. CT‐1 immunoreactivity was also observed in the mononuclear cells invading the extracellular space at 2, 4, and 6 days after a bupivacaine injection and in degenerative and necrotic muscle fibers at 2 days postinjection. In the denervated muscles, the CT‐1 immunoreactivity did not change in intensity during the entire period of the denervation (2, 7, and 14 days postsurgery). The cells invading extracellular space and in necrotic muscle fibers possessing CT‐1 immunoreactivity might be muscle precursor cells (satellite cells) or migrating macrophages undergoing phagocytosis. Using double‐immunostainings for anti‐CT‐1/antic‐met, anti‐CT‐1/ anti‐M‐cadherin, and anti‐CT‐1/anti‐ED1, we found that satellite cells and macrophages exhibited CT‐1 immunoreactivity in the damaged muscles after bupivacaine injection. We therefore believe that CT‐1 plays a key role in regeneration and hypertrophy in the skeletal muscle of rats.
A novel coating biomaterial for intracranial aneurysms: Effects and safety in extra‐ and intracranial carotid artery
Authors: Yasuda Hiroshi , Kuroda Satoshi , Nanba Rina , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Shinya Noriko , Terasaka Shunsuke , Iwasaki Yoshinobu , Nagashima Kazuo
Published: February 2005

Methyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate, a widely used material for coating cerebral aneurysm, was recently withdrawn. The aim of the present study was to develop an alternative coating material for cerebral aneurysm, which is safe, effective and stable within the brain. In the first experiment, an aneurysm model of the common carotid artery was produced in a rabbit by the local application of elastase. The aneurysm produced was covered by no material (Group A), a cellulose cotton sheet and conventional methyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate (Group B), a newly produced polyglycolic acid felt and fibrin glue (Group C), or a cellulose cotton sheet and fibrin glue (Group D). Histological examination showed that the materials resulted in the formation of tight connective tissue around the artery, and that the material was completely replaced by the connective tissue after 12 weeks. This change was found exclusively in Group C, but not in Group A or the other materials, although a temporary thickening of the intima was also observed at the site of the elastase application in Group C. In Group D, a long‐term, marked thickening of the intima was observed. In the second experiment, using an intracranial internal carotid artery from a beagle, the applied polyglycolic acid felt and fibrin glue to the intracranial artery induced the formation of connective tissue around the artery that was completely absorbed 16 weeks after surgery. There were no signs of intimal thickening or of adverse reactions in nervous tissue. The present results suggest that polyglycolic acid felt and fibrin glue is a possible candidate for a safe, effective biomaterial to wrap or coat cerebral aneurysm.
Genetic pathways to glioblastomas
Authors: Ohgaki Hiroko
Published: February 2005

Glioblastomas, the most frequent and malignant human brain tumors, may develop de novo (primary glioblastoma) or by progression from low‐grade or anaplastic astrocytoma (secondary glioblastoma). These glioblastoma subtypes constitute distinct disease entities that affect patients of different ages and develop through different genetic pathways. Our recent population‐based study in the Canton of Zürich, Switzerland, shows that primary glioblastomas develop in older patients (mean age, 62 years) and typically show LOH on chromosome 10q (69%) and other genetic alterations (EGFR amplification, TP53 mutations, p16INK4a deletion, and PTEN mutations) at frequencies of 24–34%. Secondary glioblastomas develop in younger patients (mean, 45 years) and frequently show TP53 mutations (65%) and LOH 10q (63%). Common to both primary and secondary glioblastoma is LOH on 10q, distal to the PTEN locus; a putative suppressor gene at 10q25‐qter may be responsible for the glioblastoma phenotype. Of the TP53 point mutations in secondary glioblastomas, 57% were located in hotspot codons 248 and 273, while in primary glioblastomas, mutations were more widely distributed. Furthermore, G:C→A:T mutations at CpG sites were more frequent in secondary than in primary glioblastomas (56% vs 30%). These data suggest that the TP53 mutations in these glioblastoma subtypes arise through different mechanisms. There is evidence that G:C→A:T transition mutations at CpG sites in the TP53 gene are significantly more frequent in low‐grade astrocytomas with promoter methylation of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene than in those without methylation. This suggests that, in addition to deamination of 5‐methylcytosine (the best known mechanism of formation of  G:C→A:T  transitions  at  CpG  sites),  involvement of alkylating agents that produce O6‐methylguanine or related adducts recognized by MGMT cannot be excluded in the pathway leading to secondary glioblastomas.
Mechanisms of face perception in humans: A magneto‐ and electro‐encephalographic study
Authors: Watanabe Shoko , Miki Kensaku , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: February 2005

We have been studying the underlying mechanisms of face perception in humans using magneto‐ (MEG) and electro‐encephalography (EEG) including (1) perception by viewing the static face, (2) differences in perception by viewing the eyes and whole face, (3) the face inversion effect, (4) the effect of gaze direction, (5) perception of eye motion, (6) perception of mouth motion, and (7) the interaction between auditory and visual stimuli related to the vowel sounds. In this review article, we mainly summarize our results obtained on 3, 5, and 6 above.

With the presentation of both upright and inverted unfamiliar faces, the inferior temporal cortex (IT) centered on the fusiform gyrus, and the lateral temporal cortex (LT) near the superior temporal sulcus were activated simultaneously, but independently, between 140 and 200 ms post‐stimulus. The right hemisphere IT and LT were both active in all subjects, and those in the left hemisphere in half of the subjects. Latencies with inverted faces relative to those with upright faces were longer in the right hemisphere, and shorter in the left hemisphere. Since the activated regions under upright and those under inverted face stimuli did not show a significant difference, we consider that differences in processing upright versus inverted faces are attributable to temporal processing differences rather than to processing of information by different brain regions.

When viewing the motion of the mouth and eyes, a large clear MEG component, 1M (mean peak latency of approximately 160 ms), was elicited to both mouth and eye movement, and was generated mainly in the occipito‐temporal border, at human MT/V5. The 1M to mouth movement and the 1M to eye movement showed no significant difference in amplitude or generator location. Therefore, our results indicate that human MT/V5 is active in the perception of both mouth and eye motion, and that the perception of movement of facial parts is probably processed similarly.
Double insertions of extraocular rectus muscles in humans and the pulley theory
Authors: Ruskell Gordon L. , Kjellevold Haugen Inga‐Britt , Bruenech Jan Richard , Van Der Werf Frans
Published: February 2005

Recent studies have promoted the concept that rectus muscles pass through connective tissue pulleys located near the equator of the eye and act, in effect, as the muscle origins. Orbital muscle fibres (facing bone) terminate in pulleys, permitting adjustment of their position independent of the global fibres responsible for rotating the eye. The structure of pulleys (or muscle sleeves) and the passage taken by their muscle fibre insertions are unclear, and a detailed description is presented here together with a review of the active pulley hypothesis. Segments including the full width of single muscles were removed from the full orbital contents of dissection room cadavers and fresh perfusion‐fixed rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys and prepared for light microscopy. Thin longitudinal sections were cut as facets from resin‐embedded tissue blocks and montages assembled. Interrupted serial sections of selected regions of both species and ultrathin sections of monkey material were prepared for light and electron microscopy, respectively. Slender tendons leave the orbital surface of rectus muscles at intervals, aggregating and entering sleeves in humans and monkey; less frequently, tendons pass from the global surface to sleeves or insert directly in the posterior fascia bulbi. The orbital sides of sleeve rings are continuous with the fascial canopy of the globe and are 5–6 times as thick as the global sides; sleeve structure differs in the four recti. Medial rectus sleeves are the thickest, and contain smooth muscle, whereas little or none is present in the other rectus sleeves. Superior rectus sleeves are variable in structure and relatively insubstantial. A narrow interval separates muscles from the surrounding connective tissue equatorially in some preparations, consistent with a capacity to slide, but the tissues are contiguous in others, especially in monkey material. The structural organization of sleeves and their tendons, together with other presented factors, is inconsistent with a facility for the separate adjustment of sleeve position. The results favour the theory that sleeve tendons have just one role, to counter the viscoelastic resistance of global fascia – ocular and sleeve muscle fibres acting in unison. Whether the fragile sleeve structure can meet the physical demands of pulleys is questionable; but otherwise the veracity of the pulley hypothesis cannot be assessed from the structural relations of muscles and fascia bulbi reported.
The role of eye‐associated lymphoid tissue in corneal immune protection
Authors: Knop Erich , Knop Nadja
Published: February 2005

Because the cornea is optimized for refraction, it relies on supporting tissues for moistening and nutrition and in particular for immune protection. Its main support tissue is the conjunctiva, in addition to the lacrimal gland, the latter which provides soluble mediators via the tear film. The cornea and conjunctiva constitute a moist mucosal surface and there is increasing evidence that apart from innate defence mechanisms, also lymphoid cells contribute to the normal homeostasis of the corneal surface. AMedline‐based literature search was performed in order to review the existing literature on the existence, composition and functions of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) at the ocular surface for corneal protection. The existence of lymphoid cells at the ocular surface and appendage has been known for many years, but for a long time they were believed erroneously to be inflammatory cells. More recent research has shown that in addition to the known presence of lymphoid cells in the lacrimal gland, they also form MALT in the conjunctiva as conjunctiva‐associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) and in the lacrimal drainage system as lacrimal drainage‐associated lymphoid tissue (LDALT). Together this constitutes an eye‐associated lymphoid tissue (EALT), which is a new component of the mucosal immune system of the body. When the topographical distribution of CALT is projected onto the ocular surface, it overlies the cornea during eye closure and is hence in a suitable position to assist the corneal immune protection during blinking and overnight. It can detect corneal antigens and prime respective effector cells, or distribute protective factors as secretory IgA.
Fruit and fibre (Pajala porridge) in the prevention of constipation
Authors: Wisten Aase , Messner Torbjörn
Published: February 2005

Background and Aims:  Constipation is a common problem in geriatric wards and in the elderly population. Although high‐fibre diets can help relieve constipation non‐pharmacologically in many patients, traditional laxatives still remain the standard treatment. A fibre supplement in the form of raw bran is not always well tolerated. We wanted to study the effects of a daily consumption of a fruit‐ and fibre‐rich porridge on stool frequency, perceived well‐being and the costs for laxatives, when compared with traditional treatment with laxatives, in geriatric patients.

Methods:  Twenty patients in secondary geriatric wards (hospital rehabilitation wards) were randomized into an intervention group (porridge group) and a control group (standard diet without porridge) for a 1‐week run‐in and 2‐week study, with registration of clinical data, e.g. medical treatment, laxative consumption, stool frequency and perceived well‐being.

Results:  The patients in the porridge group had a daily defaecation without laxatives on average 76% of the time (10.7/14 days) compared with 23% of the time (3.3/14 days) in the non‐porridge group (p = 0.003). The discomfort was less in the porridge group (2.5 vs. 6.5 on a 10‐degree visual analogue scale, p = 0.008) when compared with the control group. The cost for laxatives was 93% lower in the intervention group (2.5€ vs. 37.5€) for the 2‐week study.

Conclusions:  A fibre‐rich porridge was effective, well liked and tolerated and reduced the need for laxatives in geriatric patients. We conclude that a daily fibre‐rich meal ought to be included in the treatment strategies of constipation in hospital wards.
Empowerment in people with a mental illness: reliability and validity of the Swedish version of an empowerment scale
Authors: Hansson Lars , Björkman Tommy
Published: February 2005

Empowerment has become a widespread concept in various social policy contexts referring to different marginalized groups. Empowerment has also been focused within the mental health field although little empirical research exists. The aim of the present study was to investigate internal consistency and construct validity of the Swedish version of an empowerment scale developed for people with a mental illness, Making Decisions. Ninety‐two persons were subject to an interview also comprising assessments of quality of life, needs for care, psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, aspects of the social network, rejection experiences and attitudes of devaluation/discrimination towards people with mental illness. The results showed that the overall scale and the subscales had a good internal consistency, except for the subscale power–powerlessness. A factor analysis revealed two superordinate factors, self‐esteem and activism and community and power, with a satisfactory internal consistency. These two factors showed a good construct validity with expected associations to validation measures. Stigma was most markedly associated with self‐esteem and activism, and a higher level of education was most strongly associated with community and power. In conclusion, the Swedish version Making Decisions may well be used in further studies of empowerment among people with a mental illness.
The intimate mediator: a carer's experience of Alzheimer's
Authors: Galvin Kathleen , Todres Les , Richardson Mervyn
Published: February 2005

This research arose out of a collaboration between a service user (M) and two researchers. Following M's invitation to us to explore issues surrounding a carer's experience of Alzheimer's, we jointly agreed a research strategy in which we would engage in a series of interviews with M, with the aim of developing insight into how the intimate carer's complex journey can support and benefit other family caregivers faced with similar challenges. Using a broadly hermeneutic‐phenomenological method, three essential themes emerged to describe the carer's journey: (i) something is wrong; (ii) the challenging shared journey: being the carer; (iii) coping through meaning‐making: advocacy. We arrive at a position which considers the unique role of an intimate carer as a ‘liminal’ figure between the private world of an Alzheimer's sufferer and the public world of health and social care systems. The paper concludes with a consideration of how the unique role of the intimate carer as mediator could be more respectfully involved as an ongoing knowledge source for care planning and treatment decisions. Specific areas of consideration in this regard include mechanisms for such user involvement in policy making, day‐to‐day care delivery, and developments in the support of other carers. We hope to highlight the ‘intimacy’ of this position and the distinctive benefits and challenges of such intimacy in providing a crucial level of user knowledge and ‘evidence’ for ongoing treatment decisions. We also hope to highlight the value and power of single‐case study in generating useful insights for practice.
Qualities clients wish for in their therapists
Authors: Littauer Henrik , Sexton Hal , Wynn Rolf
Published: February 2005

In this qualitative and phenomenological study we interviewed 36 clients following the second session of psychotherapy. We asked the clients about which therapist qualities they felt were important with regard to the therapist–client alliance. A possible change of therapist was also discussed. Behaving in a confidence‐inspiring and calm manner were seen as good therapist qualities that could promote the client–therapist alliance. It was seen as important that the therapist was prepared and had a plan for therapy. The clients felt it was vital that therapists were accepting and understanding. The clients also emphasized the importance of the therapist balancing attentive listening with questioning and commenting. Many clients needed two sessions before a good connection was established. A smaller group felt that they achieved a good or very good connection with their therapists immediately, while a minority of patients had not obtained a good connection with their therapists after two sessions. None of the clients wished to change therapist, and clients had few negative comments about the therapists. The findings underline the importance of the nonspecific and interpersonal aspects of therapists’ behaviour in the alliance‐building process.
Long‐term stress, burnout and patient–nurse relations: qualitative interview study about nurses’ experiences
Authors: Billeter‐Koponen Sirkka , Fredén Lars
Published: February 2005

The purpose of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of how nurses experience long lasting stress and burnout. Of central interest were professionalism and especially patient–nurse relations. Open interviews were analysed according to the Grounded Theory methodology. Participants were 10 nurses (age 30–61) from different care institutions. They had experienced long lasting stress and burnout, which led to absence from work for two or more months.

The main core emerging from the data was the powerlessness in influencing the valuation of the work of nurses. It reflects the process of decision‐making, in particular in the context of reorganizations that often occur without considering the knowledge and experience of nurses, although decisions are affecting their daily work in a significant way.

The patient–nurse relationship was experienced by the participants as an important part of care. The importance given by nurses to their relationship with patients was not diminished by tiredness, but they did not to have the power to meet patients and secure quality of care. The solution to this situation was to go off sick and leave the work place.
Women's experiences of childlessness 2 years after the end ofin vitrofertilization treatment
Authors: Johansson Marianne , Berg Marie
Published: February 2005

Approximately 15% of all couples in the reproductive age are involuntarily childless. Many of these couples consult medical experts for diagnosis and treatment but not all of them achieve the results. This paper describes a study of women's experiences of childlessness 2 years after the end ofin vitrofertilization (IVF) treatment, which represents the end of infertility treatment in Swedish society. Giorgi's method, based on Husserl's phenomenology with the lifeworld theory, was used. The participants were eight women treated at the Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Data were generated from transcriptions of taped interviews. Five constituents emerged from the analysis: (i) childlessness is a central issue in life, (ii) IVF is a positive and important part of life, (iii) contact with other people is not an important issue, (iv) the hope of achieving pregnancy still exists and (v) attempts to identify other central issues in life. The essence of all constituents is ‘life‐grief’ and expresses the grief of being childless, of not reproducing, and being unable to confirm one's relationship through parenthood. The result is important in professional caring and presents a challenge to all midwives, nurses, physicians and other staff who are involved in the care of involuntarily childless women.
Population‐based case–control study of oral ketoconazole treatment for birth outcomes
Authors: Kazy Zoltán , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT  The objective of the study presented here was to check the effect of oral ketoconazole treatment on fetal development. Ketoconazole has been given a teratogenic classification of C by the US Food and Drug Administration, but human controlled epidemiological studies of the treatment's effects have not been reported. The occurrence of ketoconazole use in the second to third months of gestation was compared between cases with congenital abnormalities and their matched controls in the large population‐based data set of the Hungarian Case–Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–1996. Birth weight and gestational age were evaluated in control newborn infants born to mothers with or without ketoconazole treatment. The case group comprised 22 843 cases with congenital abnormalities, while the control group contained 38 151 newborn infants without any defects. Six infants (0.03%) and 12 controls (0.03%) had mothers who had received oral ketoconazole treatment (prevalence odds ratio: with 95% confidence interval: 0.8, 0.3–2.2). No group of infants with congenital abnormalities had mothers with a higher incidence of use of the drug. The mean gestational age was somewhat longer while birth weight was somewhat larger in controls with ketoconazole treated mothers. Our study failed to demonstrate a higher rate of congenital abnormalities in infants with mothers who had received oral ketoconazole treatment during pregnancy.
Experimental cortical dysplasia following ibotenate administration in hamsters: Pathogenesis of microgyria and associated gray matter heterotopia
Authors: Takano Tomoyuki , Sawai Chihiro , Sakaue Yuko , Takikita Shoichi , Takeuchi Yoshihiro
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT The study presented here investigated the pathogenetic relationship among different types of neuronal migration disorders occurring simultaneously in the brain using an experimental model induced by ibotenate in hamsters. In the cerebral cortex, abnormal neuronal arrangement was induced 1 day after ibotenate injection. This brain lesion resulted in microgyria in the rostral portion, focal subcortical heterotopia in the mid‐portion, and focal subependymal heterotopia in the caudal portion in the same specimen. Vimentin‐immunoreactive radial glial fibers were lacking in the area of disorganized neuronal arrangement, but were detected around the microgyria and the intermediate zone surrounding focal subcortical heterotopia. The focal subependymal heterotopia did not include radial glial elements. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive glial reaction was weak in these cortical lesions. We suggest that the occurrence of each type of migration disorder depends on the depth of the cortical lesion, that is, the production of microgyria, focal subcortical heterotopia and focal subependymal heterotopia are closely related to the lesions including the cortical plate, subplate and ventricular zone, respectively.
Neuropathological examination of fetal rat brain in the 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐induced neurodevelopmental disorder model
Authors: Ogawa Tetsuo , Kuwagata Makiko , Muneoka Katsumasa T. , Shioda Seiji
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT  The majority of prior developmental neurotoxicity studies focused on postnatal subjects rather than on the fetus. In the present paper, we demonstrate the use of histological examination of fetal rat (embryonic day 16.5) brain serial sections, employing Nissl staining and microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry, in evaluating a chemical‐induced neurodevelopmental disorder. Since prenatal treatment with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) is known to induce behavioral abnormalities such as locomotor hyperactivity in offspring, pregnant rats were administered 50 mg/kg on gestation days 9.5 through 15.5. The fetal brains at embryonic day 16.5 were collected and processed for neuropathological study. Cell death, including DNA strand breaks, was observed in specific areas of the fetal brain such as the neuroepithelium, intermediate zone and/or differentiating zones (e.g. neocortex and striatum) in exposed fetuses. In addition, the neocortex had an abnormal appearance cortical plate, which was also detected by MAP2 immunohistochemistry. The abnormal cortical plate was observed consistently, while the grade of cell death was generally very mild and variable. No significant alteration was detected in the brainstem. The present study reveals that histological observation of the fetal brain includes sensitive endpoints in developmental neurotoxicity, and that BrdU, at a dose generally administered to label proliferating cells, affects the development of the fetal neocortex.
Basic investigation of the lectin method for separation and recovery of nucleated red blood cells in maternal blood, and a study into the frequency of nucleated red blood cells in fetomaternal disorders
Authors: Ikeya Miki , Shinya Masaru , Kitagawa Michihiro
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT  We previously reported the separation and recovery of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in maternal blood using the lectin method. In the present study, we verified the lectin method and investigated the appearance of NRBCs during pregnancy. For the concentration of lectin soy bean agglutinin, 7 mL of maternal peripheral blood was collected from 20 subjects, and the relative fluorescence intensity was measured using flowcytometry; 50 mg/mL, used in previous studies, was the optimal concentration. The number of cells recovered at each step of the lectin method was also investigated by FACS using fluorescence‐labeled CD11a and CD33, and the results showed the usefulness of the method. Next, 7 mL of maternal peripheral blood was collected from 292 women with a normal single pregnancy (389 specimens), and NRBCs were separated and recovered using the lectin method. NRBCs slightly increased over the course of pregnancy (y = 4.29x +  5.03, r2 = 0.11). When blood was collected multiple times in the same subjects, NRBCs increased in 63 of 77 subjects (83.1%, percent change: 2.4 ± 19.0). No NRBCs were recovered in 17 subjects (4.7%). Regarding the relationship between fetomaternal disorders and the frequency of NRBCs, 89.4 ± 92.6 cells appeared per 10 mL of maternal blood in the normal group, but NRBCs increased in patients with 18 trisomy, placenta previa, pre‐eclampsia, intrauterine fetal death, and 21 trisomy. NRBC examination may play an assisting role not only in fetal diagnosis but also in fetomaternal diagnosis.
Improved technique for fetal heart examination in developmental toxicity studies in rats
Authors: Kanamori Hiroo , Seki Nobuyuki , Sugimoto Takeshi , Ooshima Yojiro
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT  Bouin's or a 10% formalin solution has been used to fixate internal fetal observations for developmental toxicity studies in rats. However, these fixatives are known to cause contraction of the ventricle of the heart and arteries, which makes dissection and observation more difficult. Fetuses on day 20 of gestation from pregnant Crj:CD(SD)IGS rats were injected with 10 w/v% magnesium chloride/10 vol% neutral buffered formalin solution into the thoracic cavity, and then fixed in 10 vol% neutral buffered formalin. After fixation, the heart was dissected using a modified Staples technique. In treated fetuses, the membranous region of the ventricular septum and the valves were clearly observed in an expanded state. We conclude that this method increases the ability to detect heart anomalies and decreases the chance of a false‐positive finding.
Deletion involving the TWIST locus and the HOXA cluster: A contiguous gene syndrome on 7p?
Authors: Kosaki Rika , Higuchi Masataka , Mitsui Norimasa , Matsushima Kazushige , Ohashi Hirofumi , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT  Deletion of TWIST on 7p21 leads to Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, whereas deletion of the HOXA cluster on 7p15.2 leads to hand–foot–genital syndrome. We report here a patient with 46,XY,del(7)(p15.2p21) who had craniosynostosis, maxillary hypoplasia, prominent ear crus, rectoperineal fistula, and hypoplastic fifth fingers. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrated the deletion to encompass the TWIST locus and the HOXA cluster. We suggest that many, if not all, of the features of this patient could be accounted for by combined haploinsufficiency of the TWIST and HOXA cluster. Hence, the patient's phenotype may define a new contiguous gene syndrome on 7p.
DETERMINATION OF VARIABLE DIFFUSION OF SODIUM DURING DEBITTERING OF GREEN OLIVES
Authors: MALDONADO MARIELA BEATRIZ , ZURITZ CARLOS ALBERTO
Published: February 2005

Time‐variable average effective diffusion coefficients of sodium in the skin and flesh were determined using Macroscopic Mass Balances from experimental data obtained during debittering of green olives, variety Arauco at temperatures of 15, 20 and 25C and lye concentrations of 1.50, 2.25 and 3.00% of NaOH. The effective diffusion coefficient of sodium increased with treatment time at both surfaces of the skin, while it varied very little within the flesh, and in many cases, remained almost constant during the debittering process. In general, the diffusion coefficients determined in the present study were within an order of magnitude of 10−10 m2/s for the flesh during most of the treatment time, while for the skin, they were of the order of 10−12 m2/s for the initial treatment times. Macroscopic mass balances are a simple mathematical method that can be used in lieu of more common numerical techniques, to evaluate variable diffusion coefficients providing accuracy and greater detail of the whole phenomena.
HIGH‐PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY (DSC): EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE VALIDATION USING WATER–ICE PHASE‐TRANSITION DATA
Authors: ZHU S. , BULUT S. , LE BAIL A. , RAMASWAMY H.S.
Published: February 2005

Understanding phase transition during high‐pressure (HP) processing of foods is important both with respect to optimizing the process and improvement of product quality, but scientific information available in this area is very limited. In this study, the phase‐transition behavior of water was evaluated using a HP differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Tests were carried out under both isothermal pressure‐scan (P‐scan) and isobaric temperature‐scan (T‐scan) modes with distilled water prefrozen in the sample cell. P‐scan was carried out at 0.3 MPa/min at two temperatures, −10 and −20C, and T‐scan was carried out at 0.15C/min at two pressures, 0.1 and 115 MPa. The pressure‐induced  phase  transition  of  water  was  accurately  reproduced  by the P‐scan test. Ice melting latent heat during P‐scan showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) from the available reference data in literature. The relationship between P‐scan tested (Lm) and reference latent heat was Lm = 0.987 L (R2 = 0.99, n = 6) suggesting a mean error less than 2%. T‐scan mode was less appropriate and did not yield promising result. Measured values were less accurate than P‐scan probably because of the influence of large heat capacity of sample cell. However, reliable and reproducible results obtained under P‐scan mode suggested that the HP DSC can be used for the calorimetric determination of pressure‐dependent water‐phase transition in real food systems during HP freezing/thawing operations.
THE ROLE OF AUDITORY CUES IN MODULATING THE PERCEIVED CRISPNESS AND STALENESS OF POTATO CHIPS
Authors: ZAMPINI MASSIMILIANO , SPENCE CHARLES
Published: February 2005

We investigated whether the perception of the crispness and staleness of potato chips can be affected by modifying the sounds produced during the biting action. Participants in our study bit into potato chips with their front teeth while rating either their crispness or freshness using a computer‐based visual analog scale. The results demonstrate that the perception of both the crispness and staleness was systematically altered by varying the loudness and/or frequency composition of the auditory feedback elicited during the biting action. The potato chips were perceived as being both crisper and fresher when either the overall sound level was increased, or when just the high frequency sounds (in the range of 2 kHz−20 kHz) were selectively amplified. These results highlight the significant role that auditory cues can play in modulating the perception and evaluation of foodstuffs (despite the fact that consumers are often unaware of the influence of such auditory cues). The paradigm reported here also provides a novel empiric methodology for assessing such multisensory contributions to food perception.