Effective nursing interventions in ADL care affecting independence and comfort - a systematic review.

Despite its frequent provision, evidence of nursing interventions in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) remains unclear. Hence, we addressed the research question: What are the effects of ADL nursing interventions on independence and comfort in adults across all care settings? We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies described in systematic reviews. In three databases, we searched for systematic reviews that we used as a portal to select (quasi) experimental studies. After narratively summarizing the studies on characteristics, effects, and interventions, we assessed the risk of bias. Among the 31 included studies, 14 studies evaluated independence, 14 studies measured comfort, and three studies assessed both outcomes. Seven interventions significantly improved independence and seven interventions significantly improved comfort. The studies varied highly in intervention components, outcome measures, and quality. Evidence on ADL nursing interventions affecting independence and comfort remains fragmented and inconclusive, limiting guidance for nursing professionals.

Magnetic resonance imaging study of the in vivo position of the extraglottic airway devices i-gel™ and LMA-Supreme™ in anaesthetized human volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Exact information on the anatomical in situ position of extraglottic airway (EGA) devices is lacking. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the positions of the i-gel™ and the LMA-Supreme™ (LMA-S) relative to skeletal and soft-tissue structures. METHODS: Twelve volunteers participated in this randomized, prospective, cross-over study. Native MRI scans were performed before induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced, and the two EGAs were inserted in a randomized sequence. Their positions were assessed functionally, optically by fibrescope, and with MRI scans of the head and neck. RESULTS: The LMA-S protruded deeper into the upper oesophageal sphincter than the i-gel™ (P<0.001). Both devices reduced the area of the glottic aperture (P<0.001), and the LMA-S had the largest effect (P=0.049). The i-gel™ significantly compressed the tongue (P<0.001). Both devices displaced the hyoid bone ventrally (P<0.001); the i-gel™ to a greater degree (P=0.029). The fibreoptically determined position of the bowl of the devices was identical. CONCLUSIONS: The LMA-S and i-gel™ differ significantly with regard to in situ position and spatial relationship with adjacent structures assessed by MRI, despite similar clinical and fibreoptical findings. This could be relevant with regard to risk of aspiration, glottic narrowing, and airway resistance and soft-tissue morbidity.

Social influence on age and reproduction: reduced lifespan and fecundity in multi-queen ant colonies.

Evolutionary theories of ageing predict that life span increases with decreasing extrinsic mortality, and life span variation among queens in ant species seems to corroborate this prediction: queens, which are the only reproductive in a colony, live much longer than queens in multi-queen colonies. The latter often inhabit ephemeral nest sites and accordingly are assumed to experience a higher mortality risk. Yet, all prior studies compared queens from different single- and multi-queen species. Here, we demonstrate an effect of queen number on longevity and fecundity within a single, socially plastic species, where queens experience the similar level of extrinsic mortality. Queens from single- and two-queen colonies had significantly longer lifespan and higher fecundity than queens living in associations of eight queens. As queens also differ neither in morphology nor the mode of colony foundation, our study shows that the social environment itself strongly affects ageing rate.

A controlled rapid-sequence induction technique for infants may reduce unsafe actions and stress.

BACKGROUND: Classic rapid-sequence induction of anaesthesia (RSI-classic) in infants and small children presents a time-critical procedure, regularly associated with hypoxia. This results in high stress levels for the provider and may trigger unsafe actions. Hence, a controlled induction technique (RSI-controlled) that involves gentle mask ventilation until full non-depolarizing muscular blockade has become increasingly popular. Clinical observation suggests that RSI-controlled may reduce the adverse effects noted above. We aimed to evaluate both techniques with respect to unsafe actions and stress. METHODS: In this controlled, randomized simulator-based study, 30 male trainees and specialists in anaesthesiology performed a simulated anaesthesia induction in a 4-week-old infant with pyloric stenosis. Two different RSI techniques, classic and controlled, were applied to 15 candidates each. We recorded the incidence of hypoxaemia, forced mask ventilation, and intubation difficulties. In addition, we measured individual stress levels by ergospirometry, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase, as well as a post-trial questionnaire. RESULTS: Hypoxaemia always occurred in RSI-classic but not in RSI-controlled, repeatedly resulting in unsafe actions. Subjective stress perception and some objective stress levels were lower in the volunteers performing RSI-controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that RSI-controlled, as compared with RSI-classic, leads to fewer unsafe actions and may reduce individual stress levels.

Urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Higher concentrations of circulating serotonin have been reported in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) compared to other dog breeds. The CKCS is also a breed highly predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The aim of this study was to determine urine concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the major metabolite and excretion product of serotonin, in a population of CKCS with preclinical MMVD, and to evaluate whether urine 5-HIAA concentrations were associated with MMVD severity, dog characteristics, setting for urine sampling, platelet count, and serotonin concentration in serum and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The study population consisted of 40 privately-owned CKCS (23 females; 17 males) with and without preclinical MMVD as follows: American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) group A (n = 11), ACVIM group B1 (n = 21) and ACVIM group B2 (n = 8). Urine 5-HIAA concentrations were not significantly associated with preclinical MMVD disease, platelet count or circulating concentrations of serotonin (in serum and PPP; P > 0.05). Females had higher 5-HIAA concentrations than males in morning urine collected at home (females, 3.1 [2.9-3.7] µmol/mmol creatinine [median and quartiles]; males, 1.7 [1.2-2.2] µmol/mmol creatinine; P = 0.0002) and urine collected at the clinic (females, 3.5 [3.1-3.9] µmol/mmol creatinine; males, 1.6 [1.3-2.1] µmol/mmol creatinine; P < 0.0001). Five-HIAA concentrations in urine collected at home and at the clinic were significantly associated (P = 0.0004; r = 0.73), and higher concentrations were found in urine collected at the clinic (P = 0.013). Urine 5-HIAA concentration was influenced by sex and setting of urine sampling. Urine 5-HIAA concentration was not associated with MMVD severity or circulating concentrations of serotonin in CKCS with preclinical disease.

[Laryngeal mask LMA Supreme. Application by medical personnel inexperienced in airway management]. / Larynxmaske LMA Supremetrade mark. Anwendung durch im Airwaymanagement unerfahrenes medizinisches Personal.

BACKGROUND: The Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme (LMA-S) is a new disposable airway device that combines features of the LMA ProSeal (PLMA, gastric access) and LMA Fastrach (curved shaft to ease insertion) and has been available since April 2007. METHODS: In a prospective study, 10 final year medical students or first year anesthesia residents, all with limited experience in LMA anesthesia, were requested to manage the airway of anesthetized female patients with the LMA-S size 4, who seemed normal on routine airway examination. Data collection included the success rates and duration for insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressures (OLP), fiber optic position and airway morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Insertion of the LMA-S was possible in 27 (90%) patients at the first attempt and in 3 (10%) at the second attempt. Ventilation was established in 18.3 s (range 10-30 s, standard deviation +/-4.2 s). Insertion of a gastric tube was possible in all patients at the first attempt. Mean OLP at the level of 60 cmH2O cuff pressure was 29.1 cmH2O (range 21-35 cmH2O, standard deviation +/-4.8 cmH2O). Laryngeal fit evaluated by fiber optic control was rated as optimal in all patients both immediately after insertion of the LMA-S and after end of surgery. Three patients (10%) complained of mild sore throat. No patient reported dysphagia or dysphonia. CONCLUSION: Insertion of the LMA-S was successful and possible in all patients in < or = 30 s with an optimal laryngeal fit, high OLPs and low airway morbidity. The LMA-S seems to be a device suitable for use in routine anesthesia and which can be safely used by medical personnel with limited clinical experience.

Alpha-smooth muscle actin and serotonin receptors 2A and 2B in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Canine Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is an age-related disease. Serotonin (5-HT) is implicated in the pathogenesis as locally-produced or platelet-derived. Involvement of the 5-HT2A receptor (R) and 5-HT2BR in the induction of myxomatous-mediating valvular myofibroblasts (MF) has been suggested. In an age-matched population of dogs with non-clinical and clinical MMVD, the objectives were to investigate (1) gene expression of 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2BR, (2) protein expression and spatial relationship of 5-HT2AR, 5-HT2BR and MF in the mitral valve (MV) and the cardiac anterior papillary muscle (AP) and (3) serum 5-HT concentrations. Gene expression of 5-HT2BR was significantly higher in MV and AP among dogs with clinical MMVD. This was not found for 5-HT2BR protein expression, though association of 5-HT2BR with myxomatous pathology and co-localization of 5-HT2BR and MF in MV and AP support a functional relationship, perhaps perpetuation of clinical MMVD. 5-HT2AR-expression and serum 5-HT showed no differences between groups.

Serotonin markers show altered transcription levels in an experimental pig model of mitral regurgitation.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signalling is implicated in the pathogenesis of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) through 5-HT1B receptor (R), 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2BR-induced myxomatous pathology. Based on increased tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) and decreased serotonin re-uptake transporter (SERT) in MMVD-affected valves, increased valvular 5-HT synthesis and decreased clearance have been suggested. It remains unknown how haemodynamic changes associated with mitral regurgitation (MR) affect 5-HT markers in the mitral valve, myocardium and circulation. Twenty-eight pigs underwent surgically induced MR or sham-operation, resulting in three MR groups: control (CON, n = 12), mild MR (mMR, n = 10) and severe MR (sMR, n = 6). The gene expression levels of 5-HT1BR, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT2BR, SERT and TPH-1 were analysed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the mitral valve (MV), anterior papillary muscle (AP) and left ventricle (LV). MV 5-HT2BR was also analysed with immunohistochemistry (IHC) in relation to histological lesions and valvular myofibroblasts. All 5-HTR mRNAs were up-regulated in MV compared to AP and LV (P <0.01). In contrast, SERT and TPH-1 were up-regulated in AP and LV compared to MV (P <0.05). In MV, mRNA levels were increased for 5-HT2BR (P = 0.02) and decreased for SERT (P = 0.03) in sMR vs. CON. There were no group differences in 5-HT2BR staining (IHC) but co-localisation was found with α-SMA-positive cells in 91% of all valves and with 33% of histological lesions. In LV, 5-HT1BR mRNA levels were increased in sMR vs. CON (P = 0.01). In conclusion, these data suggest that MR may affect mRNA expression of valvular 5-HT2BR and SERT, and left ventricular 5-HT1BR in some pigs.

Hydroxyamphetamine mydriasis in normal subjects.

Hydroxyamphetamine eyedrops are used to help localize the lesion in Horner's syndrome. Because normal variability in the response to the eyedrops may influence the interpretation of test results in patients with Horner's syndrome, we studied both the interocular variability of the drug's mydriatic effect within each normal subject and the variation between individuals. We used photographs to document the variability among 26 normal subjects. Hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide 1% eyedrops (Paredrine) were placed in both eyes of normal subjects in the same way that patients with Horner's syndrome are tested. The drug produced a mean increase in pupil size of 1.96 mm (+/- 0.61 S.D.) in the 52 eyes tested. In normal subjects, the mydriatic effect of hydroxyamphetamine was symmetric in each pair of eyes. The mean interocular asymmetry of mydriasis as measured by the difference in dilation (right eye dilation minus left eye dilation) was -0.087 mm (+/- 0.29 S.D.). Thus, the variability of hydroxyamphetamine mydriasis from one eye to the other in a single subject was much lower than the variability between subjects.

Hydroxyamphetamine mydriasis in Horner's syndrome.

We studied hydroxyamphetamine hydrobromide 1% (Paredrine) mydriasis in 54 patients with Horner's syndrome to determine its effectiveness in distinguishing preganglionic lesions from postganglionic lesions. The difference in pupillary dilation between the unaffected and affected sides was used as a measure of the hydroxyamphetamine effect. We found that patients who had clinical evidence of damage to the postganglionic neuron of the oculosympathetic pathway had less pupillary dilation on the affected side. In contrast, almost all patients judged to have clinical evidence of preganglionic lesions dilated more on the affected side. We determined the probability that a given difference in pupillary dilation between the involved and uninvolved side is the result of a postganglionic lesion.

Esophageal bezoar resulting from enteral feedings.

Esophageal bezoars are rare but are known to occur in patients with structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus. Additionally, sucralfate and casein containing enteral feeding formulas have been implicated in the formation of esophageal bezoars, particularly in the setting of decreased esophageal pH. We present a case in which a patient with functional impairment of the esophagus related to myasthenia gravis developed an esophageal bezoar. Gastroesophageal reflux, altered esophageal pH, and direct instillation of feeding formula through a rent in the feeding tube were additional factors likely leading to bezoar formation in this patient. Endoscopic examination revealed puttylike material consistent with coagulated enteral feeding formula. An esophagram demonstrated a large bezoar filling the middle and distal thirds of the esophagus. The conditions predisposing to bezoar formation and the proposed mechanisms are discussed. We also summarize the reported cases of esophageal bezoars related to enteral feeding formula, sucralfate, or both.

Detectability of simulated brain activation using dual radioisotope SPECT based on size and intensity of the focal hyperactivity.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) neuroimaging with both technetium-99m (99mTc) hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) and iodine-123 (123I) N-isopropyl-iodoamphetamine is a recently introduced method with potential for assessing activation phenomena in the brain. However, there is limited information on the accuracy of the technique for detecting focal cortical sites of neuroactivation. We determined, in vitro, what levels of activation could be detected as a function of the size of the activated region. METHODS: A Lucite brain phantom was filled with both 123I and 99mTc so as to simulate both a nonactivated state (123I) along with focal sites of activation (99mTc). Simulated activations ranged from 0 to 18% in volumes of 7, 14, 20, and 27 cm3. Imaging was performed with a triple-detector gamma camera using a 10% symmetric window at 140 keV and 10% asymmetric window around 159 keV. No correction was made for gamma cross-talk. To determine whether a simulated activation was "detected," the 99mTc: 123I count ratios in the activated regions were compared by t test with ratios in nonactivated regions of similar volume. Detection sensitivities also were calculated as the fraction of the activated 99mTc: 123I ratios that were greater than the mean + 2 standard deviations of the corresponding nonactivated ratios. RESULTS: All sites of simulated activations of 10% or greater were detected. The detection sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval, 90-100%) for the two largest chambers with simulated activations of 13-18%. Activations in the 3-6% range, in the same-sized chambers, were detected with a limited sensitivity (67% with a confidence interval of 45-84%). In the 14-cm3 chamber, simulated activations in the 13-18% range were detected with 90% sensitivity (confidence interval, 74-98%). In general, the detection sensitivity was greater for larger chambers and higher levels of simulated activation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the dual-radioisotope technique using triple-detector SPECT systems and low-energy all-purpose (LEAP) collimators should be highly reliable for identifying focal brain activations above 13% that cover at least 14 cm3 of brain cortex. Smaller, less intense sites of activation will be detected with reduced frequency. These conclusions are based on our assessment of only the physical parameters involved in this methodology and other factors (e.g., the possibility that the relation between cerebral radiotracer concentration and regional cerebral blood flow) may affect the results obtained with patients.

[Effect of different single agent antihypertensive therapies on peri-foveal microcirculation in patients with arterial hypertension]. / Einfluss unterschiedlicher antihypertensiver Monotherapien auf die perifoveale Mikrozirkulation bei Patienten mit arterieller Hypertonie.

PURPOSE: Arterial hypertension is known to be an important risk factor for cerebral and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated alterations in the perifoveal microcirculation in patients with essential hypertension. During follow-up a progression of these alterations has been reported. In the present study we quantified the retinal microcirculation of patients with hypertension under different systemic antihypertensive medication. METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups according to their medication. Group 1 was treated with beta-blocker (n = 17), group 2 with ACE inhibitors (n = 10), and group 3 with calcium channel blockers (n = 11). All patients underwent fluorescein angiographic studies with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Perifoveal intercapillary areas (PIA) and the mean perifoveal capillary velocity were quantified from the angiograms. RESULTS: Compared with reference values, all three groups of patients with essential hypertension showed significantly increased PIA and significantly decreased capillary velocity. No difference could be detected between the three groups of patients treated with beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker. CONCLUSION: Alterations of the perifoveal network are found in patients with arterial hypertension. These alterations are similar under antihypertensive monotherapy using beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker.

Serotonin concentrations in platelets, plasma, mitral valve leaflet, and left ventricular myocardial tissue in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Altered serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) signaling is postulated in development and progression of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Little is known regarding platelet, plasma, valvular, or myocardial 5HT concentration ([5HT]) in affected dogs. We quantified [5HT] in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), mitral valve leaflets (MV), and left ventricular myocardium (LV). ANIMALS: Forty-five dogs comprised 4 plasma groups of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) or non-CKCS, either healthy (CON) or MMVD affected: CKCS CON (n = 12); non-CKCS CON (n = 8); CKCS MMVD (n = 14); non-CKCS MMVD (n = 11). Twenty-four dogs comprised 3 tissue groups: MMVD (n = 8); other-HD (heart disease) (n = 7); non-HD, extracardiac disease (n = 9). METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography measured PRP, PPP, MV, and LV [5HT]. RESULTS: Platelet-rich plasma platelet [5HT] was greater in CKCS CON (1.83 femtograms/platelet [fg/plt]; range, 0.20-4.76; P = .002), CKCS MMVD (1.58 fg/plt; range, 0.70-4.03; P = .005), and non-CKCS MMVD (1.72 fg/plt; range, 0.85-4.44; P = .003) versus non-CKCS CON (0.92 fg/plt; range, 0.63-1.30). There was no group difference in PPP [5HT]. MV [5HT] was significantly higher in MMVD (32.4 ng/mg; range, 8.4-106.7) versus non-HD (3.6 ng/mg; range, 0-28.3; P = .01) and LV [5HT] was significantly higher in MMVD (11.9 ng/mg; range, 4.0-104.8) versus other-HD (0.9 ng/mg; range, 0-10.1; P = .011) and non-HD (2.5 ng/mg; range, 0-6.9; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Platelet [5HT] was highest in healthy CKCS and both MMVD groups, but plasma [5HT] showed no group differences. Tissue [5HT] was highest in MV and LV of MMVD-affected dogs, suggesting altered 5HT signaling as a potential feature of MMVD. Interactions of platelet, valvular, and myocardial 5HT signaling warrant further investigation.

The demonstration of human papillomavirus 16 genomes in the nuclei of genital cancers using two different methods of in situ hybridization.

Biopsy specimens of 16 invasive genital cancers (two vulval carcinomas, two carcinomas of the vagina, and 12 cervix carcinomas) were examined for the presence and distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA by in situ hybridization with 3H-labeled and biotinylated DNA probes of HPV 6, HPV 11, and HPV 16. None of the tumors reacted with HPV 6 or HPV 11. Using in situ hybridization with 3H-labeled DNA probes nine of the 16 cancers gave positive results with HPV 16. Only three of the nine were positive for HPV 16 by in situ hybridization with biotinylated probes. Currently, the method of in situ hybridization with commercial biotinylated probes is less sensitive than in situ hybridization with 3H-labeled HPV DNA.

Restriction enzymes permit quantitative determination of defined chromatin structures within the chromosome.

Open chromatin structures, operationally defined as nuclease-hypersensitive sites, are frequently found spanning the controlling regions of genes and they may ensure that trans-acting factors have ready access to their genomic substrates. The rapidity and extent of induction of a gene may be dependent on the probability that its promoter is folded into an open structure. We show that restriction enzymes can be used to estimate the probability that a given promoter region is contained within a defined structure in the chromosome. In the case of the Drosophila major heat-shock-protein gene, we show that an individual promoter element is folded in an accessible form in at least 75% of embryonic chromosomes. This efficient maintenance of the hypersensitive region may be a necessary precondition for a rapid heat-shock response.

[Verbal interaction of schizophrenic patients and their conversational partners]. / Verbale interaktion von Schizophrenen und ihren Gesprächspartnern.

Verbal interactive behavior of 10 male patients diagnosed as schizophrenic, but not acutely psychotic, and of their non-schizophrenic ('normal') and non-informed dialogue-partners are studied in dialogical conversations about political problems. A control group of ten dyads of 'normal' dialogue partners is used for comparisons. Quantitative text-properties (number of words, pauses) as well as a reconstructive hermeneutic analysis of the dialogues reveal a lack of dialogical balance, less task-oriented productivity, and markedly more strained conversation in dyads with a schizophrenic conversand as compared to those of the control group. The schizophrenic conversands we have studied manifest various interactive strategies of withdrawing from active participation in the conversational task, delegating it instead to their respective 'normal' partners who in turn attempt to stimulate more active participation of them. Furthermore, occasional strange utterances occur in nearly all dyads with a schizophrenic and lead to disturbances in the flow of the conversation. We interpret these findings as manifestations of object-relations disturbances and of corresponding deviant modes of regulating personal distance in schizophrenics.