bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of hydroxyethyl starch solutions on thromboelastography in preoperative male patients
Authors: Felfernig M. , Franz A. , Bräunlich P. , Fohringer C. , Kozek‐Langenecker S. A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Hydroxyethyl starches (HES) have been shown to decrease clot strength and to increase coagulation times assessed by thromboelastography (TEG). HES with minimal anticoagulant side‐effects is beneficial for plasma volume expansion in the perioperative setting. A comparison of the in vivo effects of high, middle and low molecular weight HES solutions on TEG variables has not been performed so far.Methods: Blood was obtained before and after intravenous infusion (10 ml kg−1) of either saline, HES 70/0.5/4 (molecular weight in kDa/degree of substitution/C2:C6 ratio), HES 130/0.4/9, HES 200/0.6/9.4, or HES 450/0.7/4.6 in 50 otherwise healthy patients. Thromboelastography was performed in 360 µl of 1% celite activated citrated whole blood after recalcification.Results: HES 450/0.7/4.6 prolonged reaction time indicating impairment of the plasmatic coagulation system. TEG parameters indicative for platelet function, including angle α, maximum amplitude and coagulation time, deteriorated after infusion of HES 450/0.7/4.6 and HES 70/0.5/4. HES 200/0.6/9.4 and HES 130/0.4/9 impaired platelet contribution to hemostasis only partially, decreasing two or one TEG platelet parameters, respectively.Conclusion: Infusion of HES 450/0.7/4.6 compromises TEG parameters more than the other solutions tested, whereas HES 130/0.4/9 has the smallest effect. Further outcome‐related studies are needed in order to assess the clinical relevance of our findings.
Comparison of granisetron and granisetron plus dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Biswas B. N. , Rudra A. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are associated with an appreciably high rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of granisetron plus dexamethasone with granisetron alone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: In a randomized, double‐blind study, 120 patients of both sexes received granisetron 40 µg kg−1 alone or granisetron 40 µg kg−1 plus dexamethasone 8 mg (n=60 of each) intravenously immediately before induction of anesthesia. Perioperative anesthetic care was standardized in all patients. Patients were then observed for 24 h after administration of the study drug.Results: A complete response (defined as no PONV and no need for another rescue antiemetic) was achieved in 83% of the patients given granisetron and in 95% of the patients given granisetron plus dexamethasone (P<0.05). The overall cumulative incidences (0–24 h) of PONV were 11 (18.3%) in the granisetron and three (5%) in the combination group. No difference in adverse events were observed in any of the groups.Conclusion: The combination (granisetron plus dexamethasone) further increases the chance of complete response than granisetron alone. Therefore, the combination might be considered clinically relevant in a high risk setting.
Influence of maternal, obstetric and fetal risk factors on the prevalence of birth asphyxia at term in a Swedish urban population
Authors:   Ian Milsom, Ladfors Lars , Thiringer Klara , Niklasson Aimon , Odeback Anders , Thornberg Eva 
Published: March 2003

Background.  The influence of maternal, obstetric and fetal risk factors on the prevalence of birth asphyxia at term in a Swedish urban population.Objective.  To investigate risk factors for Apgar score‐defined birth asphyxia, birth asphyxia with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy and birth asphyxia‐related death/disability.Material and methods.  Retrospective case‐control study in term neonates with birth asphyxia defined as Apgar score < 7 at 5 min. Cases originating from nonasphyctic causes (e.g. infection, maternal sedation) were excluded. Hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy was diagnosed according to criteria by Sarnat. Maternal, obstetric and fetal risk factors were registered in 225 cases of birth asphyxia diagnosed in 42 203 live births occurring in the urban Swedish population studied. A matched control group was used for statistical evaluation.Results.  Asphyxia was associated with single civil status, OR = 7.1 (95%CI 2.0, 27.6); intrauterine meconium release, OR = 4.1 (95%CI 1.8, 9.8); operative delivery, OR = 8.7 (95%CI 3.4, 24.6); breech delivery, OR = 20.3 (95%CI 3.0, 416.5); oxytocin augmentation, OR = 2.9 (95%CI 1.4, 6.3); cord complication, OR = 15.8 (95%CI 2.1, 341.5); external compression to assist delivery OR = 6.2 (95%CI 1.3, 45.7); and cardiotocography score, OR = 0.5 (95%CI 0.4, 0.6). Normal fetal heart rate variability, OR = 0.4 (95%CI 0.2, 0.6), repeated late decelerations irrespective of amplitude or repeated variable decelerations, OR = 29.4 (95%CI 5.7, 540.8) or occasional late or variable decelerations, OR = 2.2 (95%CI 1.3, 3.8), and no accelerations, OR = 5.2 (95%CI 2.0, 16.4), were associated with asphyxia. Operative or instrumental delivery was more common in all three asphyxia groups compared with controls. Leanness was a risk factor for asphyxia and for hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Maternal age, smoking and illnesses, time of delivery (day/night, seasonal) and previous caesarean section were not associated with birth asphyxia.Conclusions.  An association between neonatal asphyxia and cardiotocography parameters, intrauterine meconium release, operative delivery, breech delivery, single civil status, oxytocin augmentation, cord complication, external compression to assist delivery and neonatal leanness was found. Abnormal fetal heart rate variability, repeated late decelerations irrespective of amplitude or repeated variable decelerations, occasional late or variable decelerations and no accelerations were associated with asphyxia.
Central corneal thickness, radius of the corneal curvature and intraocular pressure in normal subjects using non‐contact techniques: Reykjavik Eye Study
Authors: Eysteinsson Thor , Jonasson Fridbert , Sasaki Hiroshi , Arnarsson Arsaell , Sverrisson Thordur , Sasaki Kazuyuki , Stefánsson Einar ,   Reykjavik Eye Study Group
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose:  To establish a population profile of central corneal thickness (CCT), radius of the corneal curvature (CC) and intraocular pressure (IOP) and the relationships between them using non‐contact techniques.Methods
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We used a population‐based random sample of 415 male and 510 female Caucasians aged 50 years and older. CCT and the radius of CC were measured with Scheimpflug anterior segment photography. IOP was measured with air‐puff tonometry.Results
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The mean IOP of right eyes was 15.1 mmHg (SD 3.3) among men and 15.8 mmHg among women (SD 3.1), which is a statistically significant difference. The mean radius of CC for male right eyes was 7.78 (SD 0.60) and for females 7.62 (SD 0.58) which is also statistically significant. Mean CCT for male right eyes was 0.528 mm (SD 0.041) and for females 0.526 mm (SD 0.037), which is not a significant difference. Linear regression analysis shows no relationship between the radius of CC and IOP or between age and radius of CC. Linear regression analysis of the relationship between CCT and IOP suggests higher IOP measurements with thicker corneas. There was no significant correlation between age and CCT.Conclusion
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IOP was found to be independent of age and significantly higher in females than in males. Radius of CC was found to be age‐independent and significantly steeper in females than in males. CCT appears to be independent of age and gender. Greater CCT is associated with higher mean IOP.
Effect of brimonidine on patients undergoing uncontrolled IOP with beta‐blockers
Authors: Taverniti L. ,   S,   Donati, Di Staso S. , Arrico L. , Giuffrè I. , Recupero S. M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe authors evaluated the effect of the replacement of β‐blockers with brimonidine drops in patients taking β‐blockers only or with dorzolamide, having IOP > 20 mmHg. The study was divided into two sections: one group treated with brimonidine b.i.d. (23 patients) and the other group treated with brimonidine + dorzolamide b.i.d. (17 patients). The effect of the substitution showed after 90 days of treatment with a reduction of 8.59 ± 1.2 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the first group and 6.1 ± 1.7 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the second group. Three patients in the first group and four patients in the second group presented minor adverse effects which did not justify discontinuation of treatment. Brimonidine was effective treatment as a substitute for β‐blockers only when associated with dorzolamide.
Prediction of violent recidivism
Authors: Stone M. H. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To describe the changes and improvements in accuracy of the prediction of violent recidivism.Method:  The evolution of better prediction models is described by reviewing the more significant methods used and referring to the results of their application.Results:  Development of instruments such as the Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised, the Violence Risk Assessment Guide (VRAG), the HCR‐20 and the multiple‐item comprehensive questionnaire of Monahan and Steadman has substantially improved accuracy in risk assessment. The presence of full‐blown psychopathy has proven itself a better predictor of violence than has a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSW‐IV). Shortcomings to the efficacy of the current instruments stem from the difficulty in detecting violence‐proneness in persons who eventually assault or murder one or two persons (usually family members), but who have no, or a limited, record of past violence. Persons from affluent backgrounds are more adept at evading arrests or convictions than are the poor. Adolescent sons abused by parents are at risk to commit violent acts later on, but the community has little power to detect or intervene until these acts are committed.Conclusion:  Prediction of violence has significantly improved over the last 20 years, thanks to the development of objective instruments of risk assessment.
Community forensic psychiatry: restoring some sanity to forensic psychiatric rehabilitation
Authors: Skipworth J. , Humberstone V. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To review clinical and legal paradigms of community forensic mental health care, with specific focus on New Zealand, and to develop a clinically based set of guiding principles for service development in this area.Method:  The general principles of rehabilitating mentally disordered offenders, and assertive community care programmes were reviewed and applied to the law and policy in a New Zealand forensic mental health setting.Results: There is a need to develop comprehensive community treatment programmes for mentally disordered offenders. The limited available research supports assertive community treatment models, with specialist forensic input. Ten clinically based principles of care provision important to forensic mental health assertive community treatment were developed.Conclusion:  Deinstitutionalization in forensic psychiatry lags behind the rest of psychiatry, but can only occur with well‐supported systems in place to assess and manage risk in the community setting. The development of community‐based forensic rehabilitation services in conjunction with general mental health is indicated.
The quantitative risk of violent crime and criminal offending: a case‐control study among the offspring of recidivistic Finnish homicide offenders
Authors: Putkonen A. , Ryynänen O.‐P. , Eronen M. , Tiihonen J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To study if later risk of violent offending and criminality among high‐risk children can be estimated quantitatively on the basis of parental crimes.Method:  The criminal and prison records of the offspring (N=11) of homicide recidivists (N=36) were compared with data from controls (N=220) who were matched for sex, domicile of birth and date of birth and death.Results:  The risk (odds ratio) was increased up to 24‐fold for violent crimes (P=0.01), and up to 17‐fold for criminality (P=0.0008) among the offspring of homicide recidivists.Conclusion:  The quantitative risk of a child for later violent offending and criminality can be estimated on the basis of parental homicide recidivism. This kind of method could be used to choose target groups for early preventive interventions, and to study the effectiveness of prevention.
Risk//need analysis in juvenile delinquents: an integrated multiprofessional longitudinal approach – a clinical pilot project
Authors: Kristiansson M. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  A clinical pilot project with the aim of performing a risk/need analysis in juvenile delinquents is presented. The main objective of this project was to test the feasibility of performing independent risk predictions by a forensic psychiatric team.Method:  The organization, which involves a forensic psychiatric team, is described. Risk factors, risk prediction checklists and an analysis of crime characteristics and certain personality features with possible criminogenic implications are discussed.Results:  The feasibility of the project organization has been confirmed.Conclusion:  It appears to be possible for an independent forensic psychiatric team to perform risk/need analysis in juvenile delinquents. The integration of clinical factors involving collaboration with staff at the juvenile detention home and checklists for risk prediction are recommended. Long‐term follow up would make it possible to relate certain risk factors and evaluate risk management procedures to relapse in criminal behaviour and beneficial outcome, respectively.
Understanding the abnormal by studying the normal
Authors: Andershed H. , Kerr M. , Stattin H. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  In the present paper we ask whether it is meaningful to study psychopathic traits in non‐referred youths and whether this kind of research can be used to understand the development of criminal full‐blown psychopathy.Method:  We review studies that have investigated the utility of assessing psychopathic traits in non‐referred samples of youths.Results:  Research shows that psychopathic traits in non‐referred youths manifest similarly to how they are manifested among incarcerated offenders, as indicated by similarities in factor structures. Also, psychopathic traits relate similarly to frequent, violent antisocial behavior in non‐referred youths as among adult and adolescent institutionalized criminal offenders. Thus, the differences between the non‐referred conduct‐problem youths exhibiting a psychopathic personality pattern and the incarcerated, criminal youths identified as psychopathic seem to be quantitative rather than qualitative.Conclusion:  It is concluded that research on non‐referred youth samples can provide important knowledge about the processes that underlie the development of psychopathic traits and how this development can be prevented. Implications for future research and intervention and prevention are discussed.
The Brøset violence checklist (BVC)
Authors: Woods Phil , Almvik R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The Brøset violence checklist (BVC) is a short‐term violence prediction instrument assessing confusion, irritability, boisterousness, verbal threats, physical threats and attacks on objects as either present or absent. The aim of this paper is to describe the evolution and usefulness of the BVC.Method:  This paper reviews studies on the BVC and discusses implications for further research.Results:  Empirical research has shown that it has moderate sensitivity and high specificity with an adequate inter‐rater reliability.Conclusion:  The BVC is a useful instrument for predicting inpatient violence within the next 24‐h period. The psychometric properties of the instrument are satisfactory. Results from ongoing studies will give important information on cultural differences, the validity of the BVC in less well staffed wards, the clinical use of the checklist and its ability to predict violence throughout all the hospital stay.
Perception of aggression among psychiatric nurses in Switzerland
Authors: Abderhalden C. , Needham I. , Friedli T. K. , Poelmans J. , Dassen T. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To identify principal components and patterns in the perception of aggression by psychiatric nurses and to explore relationships between the perception of aggression and personal and workplace characteristics.Method:  Seven hundred and twenty‐nine nurses working in psychiatric inpatient departments of German‐speaking Switzerland completed the perception of aggression scale (POAS). Data analysis included factor analysis, group comparisons and multivariate analysis of covariance.Results:  Two plausible factors were identified, representing different dimensions in the perception of aggression and accounting for 35% of the variance. Firstly, aggression is perceived as dysfunctional/ undesirable and, secondly, aggression is perceived as a functional/ comprehensible phenomenon. Only minor differences were found in the perception of aggression with regard to personal characteristics or work environment of the nurses.Conclusion:  Nurses perceive aggression not just as a negative phenomenon. The perception of aggression as measured by POAS is independent of many characteristics expected to be related to the perception of violence, such as grade of education, work experience, etc.
A model of aggression in psychiatric hospitals
Authors: Nijman H. L. I. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  Research of the determinants of inpatient aggression indicates that certain environmental hospital variables play a role in triggering aggression in psychiatric hospitals. Yet, how patient, staff and ward variables interact in eliciting aggression is not well understood.Method:  On the basis of earlier findings, a model was proposed in which psychopathology and distorted cognitions of the patient are combined with environmental and communicational stressors that are specific for psychiatric wards.Results:  The proposed model elucidates how certain patient, staff and ward characteristics may interact in causing aggression. The model also emphasizes that repeated inpatient aggression may be the result of a vicious circle, i.e. inpatient violence is often followed by an increase in environmental and/or communication stress on the patient, thereby heightening the risk of a repeated outburst of violence.Conclusion: Although tentative, the model may shed light on the mechanisms that lead to (repeated) violence.
Violence in a general hospital: comparison of assailant and other assault‐related factors on accident and emergency and inpatient wards
Authors: Winstanley S. , Whittington R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  This study sought to compare the characteristics of aggressive incidents occurring on inpatient (medical and surgical) wards with those occurring in the accident and emergency department in terms of assailant, employee and other factors.Method:  A prospective interview‐based survey design was adopted. Forty‐eight assaulted staff were interviewed about 69 incidents within 7 days on average of the incident occurring. The presence or absence of various assailant, employee, situation, interaction and outcome factors derived from the UK Health Services Advisory Committee's model was compared between the two settings.Results:  Inpatient ward incidents were significantly more likely to have the following characteristics: female perpetrator, perpetrator aged over 70 years, daytime occurrence in a restricted area, resolved by support from other health care staff.Conclusion:  Aggression frequently occurs on inpatient (medical and surgical) wards of a general hospital. Aggression management training for staff working in both accident and emergency and inpatient settings should be cognisant of the similarities and differences within general health care specialisms.
Comparing clinical risk assessments using operationalized criteria
Authors: Brown C. S. H. , Lloyd K. R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To compare the clinical risk assessment of patients by psychiatrists working in different mental health service settings (low, medium and high security).Method:  Operationalized criteria of clinical factors recognized as indicating risk of harm to others were developed into a simple checklist with explicit item descriptions and definitions (OP‐RISK). This was used to compare risk assessments in a prospective cohort of 161 consecutive referrals to a high secure psychiatric hospital.Results:  Agreement on the risk posed by a patient between psychiatrists working outside and inside high secure services using unstructured clinical risk assessment was poor (κ=−0.006). When OP‐RISK was applied to the clinical risk assessments, agreement improved (κ=0.742).Conclusion:  Applying operationalized criteria to clinical risk assessment is useful in integrating different mental health service settings. The use of OP‐RISK may facilitate the referral process to tertiary care.
Auricular acupuncture in prison psychiatric units: a pilot study
Authors: Berman A. H. , Lundberg U. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The study explores whether auricular acupuncture can be a viable treatment form for inmates in prison psychiatric units.Method:  Inmates in a prison psychiatric unit and in a support unit for violent behavior were offered group treatment with auricular acupuncture three times a week over a period of 9 months. Another prison psychiatric unit served as a control group.Results: Twenty‐two inmates received treatment, and 11 inmates received treatment for over 8 weeks. Cortisol levels were higher for inmates in the support unit than for the other two groups. Inmates treated at least 25 times were prescribed fewer psycholeptic drugs than controls. Perceived autonomy increased for treated inmates in the psychiatric unit. Inmates treated for over 8 weeks experienced improved inner harmony and calm and better clarity over future plans.Conclusion: Acupuncture is a non‐verbal form of treatment appropriate for prison psychiatric units. The treatment facilitates contact and complements other psycho‐social treatment forms.
More than zero tolerance? Burnout and tolerance for patient aggression amongst mental health nurses in China and the UK
Authors: Whittington R. , Higgins L. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The aim of the study was to examine attitudes toward patient aggressive behaviour amongst mental health nurses in China and the UK and the relationship between these attitudes and burnout. The UK government policy of ‘zero tolerance’ of patient aggression may conflict with practitioner attitudes and could potentially increase the risk of aggression occurring.Method: Two surveys of mental health nurses were conducted, one in the People's Republic of China and one in the UK using the Perceptions of Aggression Scale (POAS). The UK sample also completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).Results:  Some nurses in both groups agreed that patient aggression could sometimes have positive benefits. A sense of personal accomplishment at work (MBI) was significantly associated with a tendency to endorse positive statements about aggression.Discussion:  Nurses seem to have a complex set of attitudes toward this issue that do not simply equate with ‘zero tolerance’.