| 11. |
- Jägerbrand, Annika K, 1972-, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of neighboring vascular plants on the abundance of bryophytes in different vegetation types
- 2012
-
In: Polar Science. - Oxford : Elsevier BV. - 1873-9652 .- 1876-4428. ; 6:2, s. 200-208
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Due to the climate change, vegetation of tundra ecosystems is predicted to shift toward shrub and tree dominance, and this change may influence bryophytes. To estimate how changes in growing environment and the dominance of vascular plants influence bryophyte abundance, we compared the relationship of occurrence of bryophytes among other plant types in a five-year experiment of warming (T), fertilization (F) and T + F in two vegetation types, heath and meadow, in a subarctic–alpine ecosystem. We compared individual leaf area among shrub species to confirm that deciduous shrubs might cause severe shading effect. Effects of neighboring functional types on the performance of Hylocomium splendens was also analyzed. Results show that F and T + F treatments significantly influenced bryophyte abundance negatively. Under natural conditions, bryophytes in the heath site were negatively related to the abundance of shrubs and lichens and the relationship between lichens and bryophytes strengthened after the experimental period. After five years of experimental treatments in the meadow, a positive abundance relationship emerged between bryophytes and deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs and forbs. This relationship was not found in the heath site. Our study therefore shows that the abundance relationships between bryophytes and plants in two vegetation types within the same area can be different. Deciduous shrubs had larger leaf area than evergreen shrubs but did not show any shading effect on H. splendens.
|
|
| 12. |
- Elcadi, Guilherme H., 1966-, et al.
(author)
-
Oxygenation and Hemodynamics Do Not Underlie Early Muscle Fatigue for Patients with Work-Related Muscle Pain
- 2014
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : PLOS (Public library of science). - 1932-6203. ; 9:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients suffering from work-related muscle pain (WRMP) fatigue earlier during exercise than healthy controls. Inadequate oxygen consumption and/ or inadequate blood supply can influence the ability of the muscles to withstand fatigue. However, it remains unknown if oxygenation and hemodynamics are associated with early fatigue in muscles of WRMP patients. In the present study we applied near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and trapezius (TD) muscles of patients with WRMP (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 17). Our objective was to determine if there were group differences in endurance times for a low-level contraction of 15% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) -sustained for 12-13 min, and to see if these differences were associated with differences in muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics. At baseline, oxygen saturation (StO(2)%) was similar between groups for the ECR, but StO2% was significantly lower for TD for the WRMP patients (76%) compared to controls (85%) (P < 0.01). Also, baseline ECR blood flow was similar in the two groups. For both muscles there were a larger number of patients, compared to controls, that did not maintain the 15% MVC for the allotted time. Consequently, the endurance times were significantly shorter for the WRMP patients than controls (medians, ECR: 347 s vs. 582 s; TD: 430 s vs. 723 s respectively). Responses in StO(2)% during the contractions were not significantly different between groups for either muscle, i.e. no apparent difference in oxygen consumption. Overall, we interpret our findings to indicate that the early fatigue for our WRMP patients was not associated with muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics.
|
|
| 13. |
- Elcadi, Guilherme H., 1966-, et al.
(author)
-
Shoulder and forearm oxygenation and myoelectric activity in patients with work related muscle pain and healthy subjects
- 2013
-
In: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - New York : Springer. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 113:5, s. 1103-1115
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We tested hypotheses of (i) reduced oxygen usage, oxygen recovery, blood flow and oxygen consumption; and (ii) increased muscle activity for patients diagnosed with work related muscle pain in comparison to healthy controls. Oxygenation was measured with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and muscle activity with EMG for the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and trapezius descendens (TD) muscles. Eighteen patients with diffuse neck-shoulder-arm pain and seventeen controls (matched in age and sex) were equipped with NIRS and EMG probes. After determining an individual’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, short term (20 sec) isometric contractions for the ECR and TD of 10%, 30%, 50% and 70% MVC generated ∆StO2% and StO2% recovery (Rslope) from NIRS, and RMS%max from EMG signals. In addition, upper arm venous (VO) and arterial (AO) occlusions generated slopes of total hemoglobin (HbTslope) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHbslope) for the resting ECR as surrogates of blood flow and oxygen consumption, respectively. Mixed Model analyses, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney test were used to assess differences between groups. There was no significant difference in MVC between groups for either muscle. Also, ∆StO2%, Rslope for either muscle, and ECR-HbTslope were not different between groups, thus our hypotheses of reduced oxygen use, recovery, and blood flow for patients were not confirmed. However, patients had a significantly lower ECR-HHbslope confirming our hypothesis of reduced consumption. Further, there was no difference in RMS%max during contractions meaning that the hypothesis of increased activity for patients was not confirmed. When taking into account the number of NIRS variables studied, differences we found between our patient group and healthy controls (i.e. in forearm oxygen consumption and shoulder oxygen saturation level) may be considered modest. Overall our findings may have been impacted by the fact that our patients and controls were similar in muscle strength, which is in contrast to previous studies.
|
|
| 14. |
- Elcadi, Guilherme H., 1966-, et al.
(author)
-
The relationship between oxygenation and myoelectric activity in the forearm and shoulder muscles of males and females
- 2011
-
In: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - : Springer. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 111, s. 647-658
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim was to investigate the relationship between oxygen saturation (StO(2)%) measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and myoelectric activity (root mean square, RMS) for the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and trapezius muscles. In addition, gender differences were examined for submaximal (10-70% MVC) and sustained (10% MVC for 5 min) isometric contractions. Thirteen males and 15 females participated. Changes in StO(2)% (a dagger StO(2)%) and RMS, expressed as percentages of maximum, were calculated for each submaximal contraction. A good correlation between a dagger StO(2)% and RMS was seen for the ECR (r = -0.53) and a moderate correlation seen for the trapezius muscle (r = -0.44). The ANOVA showed a significant decrease in ECR-a dagger StO(2)% over force with females demonstrating a tendency for larger changes than males. ECR-RMS increased over force with no impact of gender. For the trapezius, a dagger StO(2)% decreased over force but was not gender dependent. Trapezius-RMS increased over force with females demonstrating a tendency for greater change than males. For the sustained contraction, ECR-StO(2)% changed over time but was not gender dependent. ECR-RMS increased over time with females showing a greater response than males. Trapezius-StO(2)% changed over time and differed between genders, i.e., males increased while females decreased. RMS increased over time similarly for both genders. In conclusion, our data show that the ECR and trapezius aerobic demands during isometric contractions are negatively correlated to electromyography (EMG) RMS. The present study also suggests some gender specificity for forearm and shoulder myoelectric activity and oxygenation for submaximal and sustained contractions.
|
|
| 15. |
- Eriksson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
-
Nursing under the skin : a netnographic study of metaphors and meanings in nursing tattoos.
- 2014
-
In: Nursing Inquiry. - : Wiley. - 1320-7881 .- 1440-1800. ; 21:4, s. 318-26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aims of this study were to present themes in nursing motifs as depicted in tattoos and to describe how it reflects upon nursing in popular culture as well as within professional nursing culture. An archival and cross-sectional observational study was conducted online to search for images of nursing tattoos that were freely available, by utilizing the netnographic methodology. The 400 images were analyzed in a process that consisted of four analytical steps focusing on metaphors and meanings in the tattoos. The findings present four themes: angels of mercy and domination; hegemonic nursing technology; embodying the corps; and nurses within the belly of the monster. The tattoos serve as a mirror of popular culture and the professional culture of nurses and nursing practice within the context of body art. Body art policy statements have been included in nursing personnel dress code policies. Usually these policies prohibit tattoos that are sexist, symbolize sex or could contribute and reproduce racial oppression. The results show that the tattoos can be interpreted according to several layers of meanings in relation to such policies. We therefore stress that this is an area highly relevant for further analyses in nursing research.
|
|
| 16. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, et al.
(author)
-
A passive positioning alarm used by persons with dementia and their spouses : a qualitative intervention study
- 2013
-
In: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318. ; 13:11, s. 1-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundIncreasingly, information and communication technology is being used to support persons with dementia living at home and their relatives. The aim of the present intervention study was to describe and explore the use and experiences of using a passive positioning alarm, over time, in daily life among persons with dementia and their spouses.MethodsUsing an ethnographically inspired approach, five couples, each including a person with Alzheimer's disease and his/her spouse living in their own home, were repeatedly observed and interviewed regarding their experiences of using a passive positioning alarm. Interview text transcripts and field notes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe main findings show changes over time, where testing and checking the passive positioning alarm successively led to trust in the alarm and in one own's ability to use it. These components were a prerequisite for the couples to perceive the value of the alarm.ConclusionsA passive positioning alarm for persons with dementia and their spouses needs to be packaged as a "service" with flexibility for each user and based on user needs, abilities, knowledge and skills. Using a passive positioning alarm can be a valuable support that allows persons with dementia to be alone outdoors and can increase safety and security for them and their spouses. The present study contributes to our understanding of what prerequisites need to be in place and what barriers need to be dealt with before successful implementation can occur.
|
|
| 17. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, 1960-, et al.
(author)
-
My, your and our needs for safety and security : relatives' reflections on using information and communication technology in dementia care
- 2012
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - Malden, USA : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 26:1, s. 104-112
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: The present paper reports on a study aimed at describing relatives' reflections on different kinds of information and communication technology (ICT) devices that are used or can be used in the daily care of persons with dementia.Background: Many persons with dementia continue living in their own homes, which requires the support of their relatives. One way to meet the needs of relatives and persons with dementia is to use ICT.Methods: An interview study was conducted in Sweden (2007-2008) with a purposive sample of 14 spouses of a person with dementia. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories and themes in the data.Findings: Relatives' reflections on the use of ICT were described as ICT - a support in daily life, ICT - internal and external conditions and ICT - the decision to use or not use. Based on these categories, a theme was revealed: shifting between different perspectives: my, your and our needs for safety and security.Conclusion: Relatives struggle to create a situation of safety and security in daily life for themselves and the persons with dementia. ICT devices with the right functionality and used at the right time are regarded as useful in solving everyday problems. In the decision to use or not use ICT, the opportunity to create a safe and secure environment overshadows potential ethical problems. Providing early information about ICT to persons with dementia and their relatives could facilitate joint decision-making regarding use of ICT.
|
|
| 18. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, et al.
(author)
-
Persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors : a repeated interview study
- 2013
-
In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 17:7, s. 793-800
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe how persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors. Method: Data were collected through repeated interviews with a purposive sample of 11 persons with early-stage dementia in Sweden during the period 2009-2010 and were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Informants described being outdoors as a confirmation of the self. Confirmation of their ability to maintain desired activities, despite the dementia disease, was important to the informants. However, some confirmations were not positive; the realisation that one could no longer perform certain activities could be devastating. Two sub-themes emerged: shifting between still being part of it all' and a sense of grief and loss and striving to keep on despite perceived barriers. Past, but no longer possible, outdoor activities were greatly missed and the informants longed to be able to perform these activities once again. To resolve possible difficulties associated with being outdoors, the informants used various adaptation strategies. Despite the described barriers, being outdoors was of great value to them. Conclusion: Independent outdoor activities seem to contribute to the well-being and feelings of self-worth among persons with early-stage dementia who want to be and are able to be outdoors. If a person with dementia, despite cognitive limitations, wants and is able to engage in outdoor activities, it is important for relatives and health-care staff to encourage and facilitate this, for example, by discussing adaptation strategies to deal with orientation problems.
|
|
| 19. |
- Östlund, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
-
Mental health in significant others of patients dying from lung cancer
- 2010
-
In: Psycho-Oncology. - : Wiley. - 1057-9249 .- 1099-1611. ; 19:1, s. 29-37
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Definitions and measures of significant others' mental health vary, but stress processes have been associated with caregiver outcomes of this kind. Thus, various mental health outcomes probably appear, either as specific responses to particular types of caregiver stressors, or as part of a general response resulting from an accumulation of various stressors. The present study explores the occurrence of symptoms of strain with regard to depression, exhaustion, and emotional well-being in significant others of patients dying from lung cancer, and how these symptoms coexist. Methods: Measures used were the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the OLdenburg Burnout Inventory, and the Swedish Health-Related Quality of Life Survey. Data from 84 significant others of patients dying from lung cancer were collected at a time-point during the last 4 months before the patients died and subsequently analysed. The occurrence of symptoms of strain was established by creating cut-off scores from the general population. To explore how the different symptoms coexisted, hierarchical agglomerative cluster analyses were conducted using Ward's method. Results: Approximately 40% of the significant others reported symptoms of strain for each of the three outcomes, and a coexistence was found since the significant others clustered as subgroups, ranging from 'high on all scales' to 'low on all scales'. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the significant others were thus negatively affected in terms of mental health. We conclude that being a significant other of a person dying from lung cancer most likely results in a general response to this major life event. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 20. |
- Lindahl Norberg, Annika, 1960-, et al.
(author)
-
Relationship between problems related to child late effects and parent burnout after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- 2014
-
In: Pediatric Transplantation. - : Wiley. - 1397-3142 .- 1399-3046. ; 18:3, s. 302-309
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A few studies have indicated that parents' reactions to a child's serious disease may entail long-term stress for the parents. However, further knowledge of its consequences is valuable. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of burnout in a Swedish national sample of parents of children who had undergone HSCT and survived. Burnout (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire) and estimations of the child's health status (Lansky/Karnofsky estimations and study-specific questions) were self-reported by 159 mothers and 123 fathers. In addition, physicians made estimations of the child's health status (Lansky/Karnofsky estimations). Nonparametric tests revealed that burnout symptoms occurred more often among fathers of children who had undergone transplantation within the last five yr compared to fathers of children with no history of serious disease (34.4% vs. 19.9%). Burnout among mothers and fathers was associated with the child's number and severity of health impairments up to five yr after the child underwent HSCT (Spearman's rho for mothers 0.26-0.36 and for fathers 0.36-0.61). In conclusion, chronic stress in parents after a child's HSCT seems to abate eventually. However, parents should be monitored and offered adequate support when needed. Moreover, the situation of fathers in the often mother-dominated pediatric setting should receive more attention in research as well as in the clinic.
|
|
